Advent of AI in Stroke care revolutionising the treatment and quality of life

By: Dr. Vipul Gupta, Group Director and Head of the Department of Neurointervention at Paras Hospital, Gurugram

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Rapid diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for improving outcomes, as every second counts when it comes to saving brain tissue. Traditionally, stroke management has been reliant on clinical expertise and imaging technologies such as CT and MRI scans. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), stroke care is undergoing a paradigm shift, offering faster, more precise, and highly efficient diagnosis and treatment planning.

AI in Stroke Diagnosis: Enhancing Speed and Accuracy

One of the most critical aspects of stroke management is early and accurate detection. AI-powered tools are transforming stroke diagnosis by analyzing brain scans in real-time, significantly reducing the time required for interpretation. AI algorithms, trained on vast datasets of imaging studies, can swiftly differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes—two distinct types that require vastly different treatment approaches.

AI-driven imaging platforms assist radiologists and neurologists by automatically identifying occluded arteries, detecting hemorrhages, and even assessing the extent of brain damage. This allows healthcare professionals to make quicker, more informed decisions, expediting the administration of life-saving treatments such as thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy.

AI in Treatment Planning and Decision Support

Beyond diagnosis, AI is playing a vital role in personalized treatment strategies. AI models can predict patient outcomes based on historical data, helping doctors determine the best course of action. Machine learning algorithms assess factors like age, medical history, stroke severity, and comorbidities to recommend tailored treatment plans.

For ischemic strokes, where blood clots obstruct blood flow to the brain, AI can rapidly identify suitable candidates for thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs) or mechanical thrombectomy (clot removal). Similarly, in hemorrhagic strokes, AI can predict bleeding patterns and recommend optimal surgical interventions. Such precision minimizes the risk of complications and improves overall patient prognosis.

Remote Stroke Care and AI-Driven Telemedicine

In rural and underserved regions where access to stroke specialists is limited, AI-driven telemedicine is bridging the gap. AI-enabled mobile applications and cloud-based platforms facilitate real-time consultations between emergency physicians and stroke experts, ensuring that patients receive timely interventions even in remote settings.

For instance, AI-based stroke triage systems help paramedics assess stroke symptoms on-site, transmitting critical data to hospitals before the patient arrives. This allows stroke teams to prepare for immediate intervention, drastically reducing door-to-needle time—a key factor in stroke survival and recovery.

AI in Rehabilitation and Recovery Monitoring

Stroke rehabilitation is a long and complex process, requiring continuous monitoring and personalized therapy. AI-driven rehabilitation tools are transforming post-stroke care by enabling real-time tracking of a patient’s recovery progress. Wearable devices equipped with AI analyze movement patterns, detect muscle activity, and provide personalized feedback to optimize rehabilitation exercises.

AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots offer cognitive and speech therapy to stroke survivors, helping them regain lost functions. Additionally, AI-driven predictive analytics help doctors anticipate potential complications such as recurrent strokes or post-stroke depression, allowing for proactive intervention.

The Future of AI in Stroke Care

As AI technology continues to evolve, its applications in stroke management will become even more sophisticated. Researchers are developing AI models that integrate genetic and biomarker data to predict stroke risk with greater accuracy. Furthermore, AI-driven robotic-assisted surgery is emerging as a promising tool for complex neurovascular procedures, enhancing precision and minimizing invasiveness.

However, the integration of AI in stroke care also presents challenges, including data privacy concerns, the need for robust validation of AI models, and ensuring equitable access to AI-driven technologies across all healthcare settings. Addressing these challenges will be crucial in realizing the full potential of AI in stroke management.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing stroke management by improving diagnosis, accelerating treatment, enabling remote care, and enhancing rehabilitation. With its ability to process vast amounts of data and provide real-time insights, AI is not only saving lives but also improving the quality of life for stroke survivors. As the healthcare industry continues to embrace AI-driven innovations, the dream of reducing stroke-related mortality and disability is becoming a reality.

By integrating AI into every stage of stroke care, from emergency response to long-term recovery, we are moving towards a future where stroke outcomes are no longer dictated by time and geography but by the power of intelligent technology.

Agrizy Expands R&D Capabilities with State-of-the-Art Facility in Bengaluru

14th February 2025: Agrizy, a B2B platform connecting agri-food processing units to large brands, has strengthened its innovation capability with the launch of its new cutting-edge Research and Development (R&D) lab in HSR Layout, Bengaluru. Emphasizing advancing nutraceutical and cosmetic formulations, this research facility will set new benchmarks in efficacy, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

The lab is designed to spearhead pioneering advancements in herbal extracts, clean-label ingredients, and functional formulations. With a keen emphasis on research-backed product development, the unit will cater to the evolving demands of health-conscious consumers and the burgeoning nutraceuticals and clean beauty segment.

Collaboration with leading scientists, universities, and industry experts will be a key aspect of this research centre. This facility will also serve as a hub for co-development opportunities, offering formulation expertise, pilot-scale production, and clinical validation support for emerging and established brands.

Vicky Dodani, Co-Founder & CEO, Agrizy said, “This new R&D unit represents Agrizy’s dedication to bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and real-world application, ensuring that our formulations meet the highest standards of efficacy and safety. By integrating advanced research, sustainable sourcing, and regulatory expertise, we aim to redefine innovation in nutraceuticals and cosmetics products. Our goal is to pioneer next-generation solutions that not only enhance consumer well-being but also contribute to the evolution of a more responsible and sustainable industry.”

The launch of Agrizy’s research facility comes at a pivotal moment when the Indian nutraceutical market is expected to become a sector worth $18 billion by 2026. This growth is fueled by rising health awareness and demand for natural, scientifically validated products. The cosmetic sector is also experiencing exponential growth, driven by the increasing consumer preference for clean and efficacious beauty solutions. By 2026, the industry is expected to reach the $7.2 billion mark.

Looking ahead, Agrizy plans to extend its research focus into clinical studies and personalized formulations, reinforcing its mission to deliver science-driven, high-quality solutions that redefine wellness and personal care.

Women Leading the Charge: Breaking (Fire)Walls and Glass Ceilings in the Digital and Cybersecurity World

Cyber security is at the heart of today’s digital revolution, yet it remains one of the most male-dominated sectors in science and technologyData from Zippia shows that while women hold 48% of roles in the broader workforce, they represent only 24% of the cyber security workforce.In leadership, the numbers are more or less similar —just 16% of cyber security industry vice presidents are women, yet some companies, like Check Point, have exceeded this by reaching 20% female VPs globally​.

This disparity isn’t just a pipeline problem—it’s also a perception problem. Girls and young women often don’t see cyber security as an accessible career path due to a lack of representation, industry stereotypes, and systemic barriers. But breaking into cyber security isn’t just about numbers; it’s about reshaping the future of digital defense with diverse perspectives, innovative problem-solving, and inclusive leadership.

Cyber Security’s Talent Shortage: A Missed Opportunity

The cyber security industry faces a critical talent shortage, with an estimated 4 million unfilled cyber security jobs worldwide according to a recent World Economic Forum report​. Australia’s Cyber Security Sector Competitiveness Plan 2019 noted the country had a ‘severe shortage’ of job ready security workers, with 17,000 more needed by 2026. Addressing this gap requires tapping into all available talent pools—and that means actively attracting and retaining women in cyber security.

Nataly Kremer, Chief Product Officer & Head of Research & Development at Check Point, underscores this urgency:

“Cyber security is an ultra-dynamic field where creativity and innovation are crucial. Fresh perspectives are essential to staying ahead of cyber adversaries. By attracting more women to cyber security, we not only address the talent gap but also enhance problem-solving and security outcomes.”​

The Women Defending the Digital Frontlines

Despite the challenges, many women have risen to leadership positions in cyber security, proving that they are just as capable—if not more so—than their male counterparts.

At Check Point, women hold 44% of top leadership positions, overseeing 78% of employees. This is a testament to the company’s commitment to mentorship, leadership programs, and inclusive hiring.

One example is Maya Horowitz, VP of Research at Check Point, who leads global efforts in threat intelligence and cyber defense. She emphasizes that cyber security needs more female leaders to drive innovation and stronger business outcomes:

“Closing the gender gap in cyber security is not just a matter of equality. We need to ensure cyber security careers are accessible and attractive to women. This includes education, professional development, inclusive recruitment measures, and mentorship programs.”​

Women leaders like Horowitz are paving the way for the next generation, proving that diversity strengthens cyber security by bringing in different problem-solving approaches and perspectives.

Cyber Security Needs More Women—But Where Are They?

If cyber security desperately needs talent, and women are proving their ability to lead, why aren’t more women entering the field? The barriers are deep-rooted and multifaceted.

1. Lack of Early Exposure & STEM Education Gaps

Despite progress, women remain a minority in STEM fields like computer science, engineering, and IT. A UNESCO science report “To be Smart, the Digital Revolution will need to be Inclusive” found that even though women make up 44% of PhD holders, only 33% of them stay in research roles​.

To combat this, Check Point has launched several initiatives to introduce young girls to cyber security early, including:

  • SecureAcademy Program – Integrating cyber security into university curricula.
  • Graduate & Mentorship Programs – Offering training, networking, and career development for young women entering the field​.

Building the Future: How to Get More Women into Cyber security 

  1. Industry Support & Inclusive Hiring

Companies need to go beyond hiring quotas and create genuine opportunities for women to thrive. At Check Point, 41% of new hires in the EMEA region are women, a step toward balancing representation​.

  1. Stronger Mentorship & Leadership Development
  • Check Point’s FIRE (Females in Roles Everywhere) initiative is dedicated to fostering a strong network of women in cyber security.
  • Formal mentoring programs help women navigate career challenges, gain confidence, and access leadership roles​.
  1. Changing the Narrative2. Perception & Confidence Barriers

Many young women still do not see cyber security as a viable career path. The industry’s hacker culture and male-dominated image can be intimidating, deterring women before they even start.

Nataly Kremer points out, “You can’t be what you can’t see. Seeing women succeed in cyber security sets a powerful example for the next generation.”​

  1. Career Progression Challenges

Even when women enter cyber security, they face challenges moving up the ranks. Women are less likely to be promoted to senior positions, despite being equally productive. Studies show that:

  • Women receive 25% less research funding than men according to a ​recent A UNESCO science report “To be Smart, the Digital Revolution will need to be Inclusive”.
  • According to the UNESCO report, in New Zealand, a man’s odds of being ranked professor were more than double that of a woman with similar qualifications​.

This is why mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership training programs are critical to helping women advance in cyber security.

Cyber security isn’t just about hacking and coding—it’s about problem-solving, risk management, and protecting digital communities. Encouraging women to explore diverse roles in cyber security, from AI-driven security to cyber law, can expand interest and participation.

A Call to Action

As we celebrate International Day of Women & Girls in Science, it’s clear that cyber security needs more women—not just to close the talent gap, but to create stronger, smarter, and more inclusive digital defenses.

  • If you’re a woman considering a career in cyber security, seek out training programs, mentorships, and networking opportunities.
  • If you’re a cyber security professional, advocate for more inclusive hiring and leadership opportunities.
  • If you’re a business leader, invest in diversity programs—because a more inclusive cyber security industry is a stronger one.

The future of cyber security depends on breaking both (fire)walls and glass ceilings. We can each do much more to ensure the next generation of cyber defenders sees women leading the way.

RED Digital Cinema Launches V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X Z Mount Cameras

New Delhi, 14th February 2025 – Today, RED Digital Cinema, Inc. (hereinafter “RED”), a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, is pleased to announce the release of the V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount and KOMODO-X Z Mount digital cinema cameras, integrating the Nikon Z mount to the already impressive RED cameras and providing filmmakers and content creators with ultimate flexibility in lens choice.

The Z CINEMA series

The V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount and KOMODO-X Z Mount are the first entries into the all-new Z CINEMA series; a new product line of co-developed solutions from Nikon and RED. The Z CINEMA series is targeted at providing high-quality solutions for the cinema, high-end production and creator market.

It marks the initial stage of integrating Nikon’s rich history and powerful technology and RED’s cutting-edge cinema solutions, to create products designed for filmmakers and content creators operating at the highest level across the globe.

Ultimate lens flexibility

The new V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount and KOMODO-X Z Mount digital cinema cameras support the Nikon Z mount, with its large diameter and short flange distance, while retaining cinematic picture quality utilising RED’s colour science. Users can also take advantage of the high performance unlocked by RED’s exclusive image compression and other technologies. Filmmakers and content creators now have greater flexibility in image expression with an unprecedented range of lens options. By using the NIKKOR Z lenses on these RED cameras, users can faithfully render subjects with superior sharpness and minimal aberration. Users also have the option to use the diverse lineup of NIKKOR F lenses from the AI Nikkor series onward, including popular vintage lenses, by pairing them with the Mount Adapter FTZ II. In addition, both products support the power zoom control of the new NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ and provide improved autofocus performance on both the V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount and KOMODO-X Z Mount cameras.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture that includes the video domain, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression. Filmmakers and content creators can expect great things from this new synergy between Nikon and RED.

The V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount and KOMODO-X Z Mount will be available from RED Digital Cinema, Inc. and RED authorised dealers. Visit RED’s official website for product details, as well as for information on release dates and sales regions.

The V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount

RED’s groundbreaking flagship camera, the V-RAPTOR [X], recognised for its unmatched low-light performance, dynamic range, resolution, high frame rates, and industry-leading 8K VV global shutter large-format sensor is now available with a Z mount. Featuring RED’s Global Vision, a suite of tools powered by the global shutter sensor and designed to capture organic and natural imagery, the V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount achieves a dynamic range of up to 20+ stops in Extended Highlights mode for more efficient capture of colours and details in highlights. This realises smoother, more delicate tones, even under difficult lighting and environmental conditions.

The KOMODO-X Z Mount

The KOMODO-X, which packs a 6K Super 35 global shutter sensor with a wide dynamic range and high-speed performance in a compact form factor, is now available with a Z mount. The KOMODO-X Z Mount supports 6K recording at up to 80 fps and 4K at up to 120 fps, as well as RED’s custom colour science, which is built on 20 years of experience in the filmmaking market and delivers beautiful, cinema-quality imaging. The R3D Redcode RAW format, RED’s proprietary video data format, is very efficient and easy to manage when editing and offers superior grading flexibility.

The RED Z to PL Adapter Pack mount adapters

The RED Z to PL Adapter Pack and RED Z to PL with Electronic ND Adapter Pack are optional mount adapters that enable the use of PL-mount lenses with the V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount and KOMODO-X Z Mount cameras.*

*These mount adapters cannot be used with Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.

Trade names (companies, products, services, etc.) are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Urban Square Mall Brings ‘Be Our Valentine’ – A Special Shopping Extravaganza This Valentine’s Day

14th February 2025-Urban Square Mall, Rajasthan’s largest mall, is set to redefine the shopping experience with its exclusive Valentine’s campaign, “Be Our Valentine,” running from February 14 to February 28, 2025. This unique initiative brings together all retailers under one roof to offer an array of exciting freebies and special surprises for shoppers, making this Valentine’s season truly memorable.

Speaking on the occasion, Uddhav Poddar, CMD, Bhumika Group, said:
“At Urban Square Mall, we are committed to enhancing customer experiences and making shopping more exciting. Over time, we have organized several engaging campaigns that bring together our retailers and shoppers, creating a dynamic and interactive shopping environment. ‘Be Our Valentine’ is another step in this direction – a celebration of love, joy, and retail therapy, where every shopper will be treated to something special. We are thrilled to have all our retailers on board for this one-of-a-kind campaign, and we look forward to hosting many more such engaging initiatives in the future.”

Siddharth Katyal, CEO, Bhumika Group, added:
“This initiative reflects our strong collaboration with retail partners and our dedication to providing unparalleled shopping experiences. With exclusive offers and exciting freebies, ‘Be Our Valentine’ is set to create a festive atmosphere that shoppers will truly enjoy.”

Shoppers can look forward to a series of special giveaways, discounts, and exclusive brand offerings throughout the campaign period. Stay tuned for more details on how you can be a part of this exciting Valentine’s celebration!

Indriya Celebrates Love with Immersive Gul Posh Loveboards Installation

14th February, 2025: This Valentine’s season, Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, is celebrating the enduring love women have for their jewellery with “Gul Posh,” an innovative and interactive installation. Developed in partnership with Ogilvy India, Gul Posh uses sound activation, love for jewellery and the social behaviour of serenading the love of your life with love songs to create an immersive experience.

Measuring 10X10 ft, the installation is a stunning larger-than-life recreation of Indriya’s magnificent necklace Gul Posh, which is made of 1500 gemstones including a sparkling rose shaped pendant made of rubies at its centre. Fitted with gears, cranks, levers, circuits and sound sensors, it is beautifully designed to respond to Indriya’s love song, ” Dil Abhi Bhara Nahin” to express women’s endless love for jewellery.

The team partnered with famed artist and sculptor Shreehari Bhosle, who has several projects to his credit, in India and across the world. The much-acclaimed Black Horse installation in South Mumbai’s iconic art district Kala Ghoda, life-size portraitures for Disney mall installations, murals in a Dubai restaurant, and a sculpture in U.S.A. are only a few of his acclaimed works of art in a career spanning almost 25 years.

In the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, the Gul Posh was installed in the Vegas Mall in Delhi, marking the Gul Posh as the perfect Forever Valentine for women in endless love with jewellery. It is slated to travel to multiple cities over the next few months.

Participants who sang this song to the installation were rewarded with a dazzling display of lights as the necklace came to life. The experience was captured on video and shared with participants, providing them with a personal memento of their interaction with Gul Posh and Indriya’s stunning jewellery.

Shantiswarup Panda, Chief Marketing Officer, Indriya, shared, “Gul Posh is one of Indriya’s finest creation show casing one of the most intricate design and refined craftsmanship. Our brand celebrates woman’s deep love for jewellery and that inspired us to create a larger-than-life Gul Posh which goes a step beyond of making her heart fall in love and responds back to woman’s expression of love by coming to life through beautiful lighting and motion. It is a surreal experience which is made possible through integration of imagination, artistry, engineering and above all deep passion for jewellery.

Tanuja Bhat & Komal Bedi Sohal, Senior ECDs & Creative Heads, Beauty & Luxury Collective, Ogilvy West, shared, “Valentine’s Day is usually all about human romance. We wanted to elevate the common notions of love by creating a new, Forever Valentine – jewellery that evokes endless love in a woman’s heart. The moment we saw Gul Posh, a stunning Indriya necklace, we knew it was important to design an experience that’s as mesmerising as the piece itself. Partnering with Team Indriya and the accomplished and versatile sculptor and artist Shreehari Bhosle, it took us months of craft and love to bring it alive. We hope it gets the love it has been created with.”

ToneTag Lands USD 78 Million in Investment to Transform Payment and Commerce Worldwide

Mumbai, 14th February 2025: Naffa Innovations Pvt. Ltd. (ToneTag), India’s leading voice-based payment and commerce solutions provider, has attracted an investment of INR 674 crores in its Series B2 funding round. The funding is a combination of primary and secondary capital and is led by ValueQuest S.C.A.L.E. Fund and its co-investors who have committed over 50% of the round, Iron Pillar, Elevate Inflection Capital LLC. Existing investor Elevate Innovation Partners LLC are also participating in this round. This investment will enable ToneTag to revamp customers payment experiences and accelerate its global expansion.

With over 30 million interactions per day, ToneTag is leveraging its patented soundwave protocol to deliver a seamless solution to its customers. Its stability at this scale highlights India’s prowess in creating globally competitive product companies. ToneTag counts global tech giants and leading Indian Banks amongst its customers in a B2B SaaS offering.

The company’s commitment to innovation has earned the trust of leading investors and partners. The funds raised will be directed toward scaling operations, advancing R&D efforts, recruiting quality talent, and enhancing marketing initiatives. ToneTag is also setting its sights on new markets in Asia, South America and the Middle East to bring its transformative solutions to a wider audience.

Pushkar Jauhari, MD & Head of Private Equity at ValueQuest commented, “India’s digital payment landscape has been growing rapidly, and we are excited to partner with ToneTag. ToneTag’s innovative voice-based technology coupled with regulatory and customer validation positions it well to capture market opportunity. At ValueQuest, we like backing companies that leverage new technology and commercialize offerings to address real world challenges.” 

Adding to this, Ashok Ananthakrishnan, Partner of Iron Pillar said, “We have been tracking ToneTag since 2017 and are excited to see the progress made by the company in terms of its marquee customer base, growth and profitability of the business. We are delighted to partner ToneTag in its next phase of growth in the payment infrastructure ecosystem. We believe ToneTag can play a crucial role in deepening and widening the UPI user base in both feature and non-feature phones in India.  Iron Pillar is also keen on partnering ToneTag in its foray into newer markets such as GCC, SouthEast Asia and South America”

Sridhar Chityala of Elevate Inflection Capital LLC and Elevate Innovation Partners LLC said, “ToneTag by Naffa innovations represents one of the most revolutionary and innovative transformation programs in the payments industry. Powered by patented Soundwave communication protocols for device-to-device engagement operating on Mobile infrastructure, democratization of payments is now a reality.  ToneTag service is unique that it operates both under digital and analog protocols. Thanks to India for the UPI payment protocol that it has dedicated to the industry, digitiazation of payments is skyrocketing in India. An outstanding team, client base, and well backed investor base, we are proud to be a part of this company since 2017”

Kumar Abhishek, Founder and CEO of ToneTag, said, “This funding round is a testament to the trust our investors have in our vision and technology prowess. With their support, we are ready to take the next big leap of bringing awe-inspiring experiences in the hands of consumers and expanding our solutions globally. This is not just a milestone for ToneTag but for India’s product innovation landscape.”

Prime Video’s ultimate Valentine’s Day guide to romantic movies

14th February 2025: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we know that everyone will be streaming classic titles like The Notebook, Titanic, Love Jones, or Notting Hill all weekend long. While Prime Video has plenty of fan favorites for customers to enjoy, what about the unconventional love stories that steal your heart?

Prime Video, India’s most-loved entertainment destination, has something for everyone beyond just the typical rom-com, from the hilarious wedding chaos of the new Amazon Original You’re Cordially Invited to a modern-day love story Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, and experiencing 6 unique but universal anthologies about different forms of love in Modern Love Mumbai. With beloved classics to hidden gems that are perfect for the occasion, the streaming service has a curated sampling of unexpected romance titles.

Unexpectedly Romantic Movies & TV Shows

  •  Red, White & Royal Blue (Amazon Original)
  •  You’re Cordially Invited (Amazon Original)
  •  Silver Linings Playbook (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  When Harry Met Sally (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Melting Me Softly (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  The Big Sick (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  The Covenant (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Call Me Bae (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Bandish Bandits (Season 1 & 2) (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Made In Heaven (Season 1 & 2) (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Mast Mein Rehne Ka (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 1 & 2) (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Modern Love Mumbai (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Love Storiyaan (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Rainbow Rishta (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Dil Dosti Dilemma (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  My Fault [Culpa Mia] (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  Your Fault [Culpa Tuya] (Included with a Prime membership)
  •  (500) days of summer (Available to rent)
  •  10 Things I Hate About You (Available to rent)
  •  Brokeback Mountain (Available to rent)
  •  Crazy, Stupid, Love (Available to rent)
  •  The Princess Bride (Available to rent)
  •  The Proposal (Available to rent)
  •  You’ve Got Mail (Available to rent)

Orchid Pharma Sustains Growth, Strengthens Market Position

New Delhi, 14 February 2025: Orchid Pharma Ltd., a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company spanning the entire pharmaceutical value chain from discovery to delivery has announced its Q3 financial results for FY 2024-25, reporting a 26% year-on-year increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) in YoY-9 month.

This steady trajectory reflects the company’s strategic execution and ongoing expansion efforts, particularly in the Anti-Microbial Stewardship (AMS) division, which is poised to drive sustained momentum.

The Orchid AMS division is a key pillar of Orchid Pharma’s long-term strategy and has contributed significantly to the company’s performance. As the division continues to gain traction, it is laying a strong foundation for future scalability in the critical fight against anti-microbial resistance.

Commenting on the results, Manish Dhanuka, Managing Director, Orchid Pharma said, “We believe that our commitment to innovation and operational excellence will yield positive results. The AMS division is progressing as expected, and we are confident in its potential to drive future growth. Our focus remains on developing specialized solutions, such as our novel drug Enmetazobactam, and enhancing market reach with ORBLICEF, launched in partnership with Cipla. With a robust product pipeline and strategic R&D investments, we are well-positioned to accelerate growth in the coming quarters.”

Orchid Pharma remains dedicated to addressing global healthcare challenges through innovation, with a strong emphasis on sustainable expansion and enhanced global presence. With a pipeline of promising developments and continued operational enhancements, the company is poised for strong performance in the next phase of its growth journey.

UC and Gough Family Foundation renew MBA Leaders Scholarship

National, Feb 2025: UC and the Gough Family Foundation have renewed their MBA Leaders Scholarship, enhancing its uniqueness with international opportunities and leadership growth.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) has announced the renewal of its longstanding partnership with the Gough Family Foundation, extending the Gough Family Foundation MBA Leaders Scholarship for a further four years, taking it through to 2030. This strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering emerging leaders to make a meaningful impact in Waitaha Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand, and beyond.

Ben Gough, founder of the Gough Family Foundation, emphasised the importance of this partnership in building leadership capacity that benefits both the commercial and community sectors.

“Playing to the strengths and relationships of both UC and the Gough Family Foundation has enabled scholars to learn at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, and gain access to some of the best business minds in New Zealand,” Gough said. “The outcomes of this opportunity, provide positive impact to all areas of their lives, personally, professionally and to their communities through giving back, which is a key area we look for in applicants.”

The renewed programme has been refined to align even more closely with UC and the Gough Family Foundation’s shared vision, and to further enhance the offering, feedback from previous scholars has also been incorporated.

The scholarship now offers expanded access to international opportunities, providing scholars with global perspectives on leadership and innovation. Scholars will have the chance to partner with prestigious institutions such as Stanford University in the United States and Aalto University in Finland. This includes opportunities to undertake study like Stanford’s renowned Design Thinking paper, fostering international networks, knowledge exchange, and leadership skills. This aligns with the scholarship’s vision of “taking the best of Waitaha Canterbury to the world and bringing the best of the world to Aotearoa, New Zealand”.

Another highlight of the programme is the bespoke Courage in Leadership course, offered in partnership with Outward Bound. Refined based on previous scholar experiences, this experiential leadership course combines practical challenges with reflection, creating a transformative learning journey.

The scholarship package includes:

  • The provision of a large portion of the UC MBA course fees
  • An international experience grant for global learning opportunities
  • An experiential Outward Bound Courage in Leadership course
  • One-on-one mentoring with a successful New Zealand business leader

Scholarship recipients pursue their globally recognised MBA degree at the triple-crown-accredited Te Kura Umanga | UC Business School, placing them among a select group of leaders equipped to address complex challenges and create lasting impact.

As the scholarship cohort and mentor network expand, the programme’s impact continues to grow. This dynamic community of scholars and mentors offers opportunities for collaboration, guidance, and idea-sharing, with the potential to drive meaningful change in business, governance, public service, and not-for-profits.

UC’s Tumu Whakarae | Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey expressed her gratitude for the Gough Family Foundation’s continued support.

“This renewed partnership highlights our shared vision to develop leaders who excel and uplift communities. The enhanced scholarship programme equips scholars with the skills and global perspectives needed for modern leadership,” Professor De la Rey said.

Launched in 2021, the Gough Family Foundation MBA Leaders Scholarship has supported outstanding individuals to develop their leadership potential, accelerate their professional and personal growth, and contribute to the betterment of businesses, organisations, and communities. Through this programme, the Gough Family Foundation and UC aim to empower scholars to transform their visionary ideas into reality, delivering tangible outcomes that uplift individuals, businesses, and communities.

Each year, three scholarships are awarded to exceptional candidates enrolled in UC’s MBA programme at Te Kura Umanga | UC Business School. Recipients are selected based on their leadership potential, character, commercial capability, and commitment to creating a positive impact.