20th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India Antara Senior Care, an integrated eco-system provider for lifestyle and lifecare solutions for seniors, and a part of the $4 bn Max Group, is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with Dr. Lal PathLabs, one of India’s most trusted names in diagnostic services. Through this partnership, the two organizations will jointly offer diagnostic services to senior customers, strengthening their commitment to providing accessible, accurate, and timely healthcare solutions across the country.

The partnership will also facilitate greater access to cutting-edge diagnostic technology, with Dr. Lal PathLabs’s state-of-the-art laboratories ensuring accurate test results and fast turnaround times. Antara’s wide network of healthcare professionals and service points will help streamline the sample collection process, ensuring convenience and efficiency for users. With special diagnostic packages designed to address various specific needs of seniors, the collaboration will be a step closer to ensuring timely and early diagnosis and discovery in case of any health challenges. This curated geriatric care package – Varishtha Aarogya Vardaan — includes a comprehensive range of essential blood tests specifically curated for seniors. These tests are designed to address critical health parameters and ensure a thorough assessment of overall wellbeing.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Ishaan Khanna, CEO, Antara Assisted Care Services, said, “We are very happy to partner with Dr. Lal PathLabs to bring high-quality diagnostic services closer to our seniors. This collaboration will enhance our ability to provide better geriatric care and ensure seamless experience for our elderly customers, from sample collection to result delivery.”

Mr. Shankha Banerjee, CEO, Dr. Lal PathLabs, expressed, “Our partnership with Antara is an important step forward in our mission to improve healthcare services for elderly patients. By combining Antara’s extensive network in senior care and our expertise in testing, we will ensure that seniors receive accurate and timely results, which are critical for effective healthcare management, particularly in geriatric care.”

With this collaboration, both Antara Senior Care and Dr. Lal PathLabs are reaffirming their commitment to setting new standards in healthcare services and improving the overall health outcomes for millions of patients across India.

20th December 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Sachit Shastri, a DP1 student from Oakridge International School Bengaluru represented the school at the prestigious Nord Anglia Education (NAE) STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) Week at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Along with 65 peers from NAE schools worldwide, Sachit had the opportunity to engage with MIT professors, graduate, and undergraduate students in hands-on research activities.

During his time at MIT, Sachit collaborated with a diverse group of students on an innovative camera mount project designed for studying the northern lights in extreme and cold environments. The project provided a unique platform for Sachit to learn from some of the brightest minds in STEAM.

Reflecting on his experience, Sachit shared, “The group project, in particular, was an incredible experience where I worked with students from around the world. We designed a camera mount that could survive in harsh conditions-a truly exciting challenge.” Sachit returned to Oakridge with invaluable learning experiences, which he eagerly shared with fellow students during Science Week at the school.

The MIT-Nord Anglia STEAM Programme enables students to experience a university-inspired approach to learn STEAM subjects. Students learn from MIT researchers, scientists and experts at the forefront of these fields, as well as taking a hands-on approach to problem solving through

20th December 2024  Goa, India  Lone Wolf, the trailblazing premium brand by Onkara Beverages and Hospitality, proudly steps into the spotlight as the pouring partner for the prestigious Serendipity Arts Festival 2024. Held in the vibrant city of Panjim, Goa, from December 15 to December 22. This iconic festival is a melting pot of artistic brilliance, celebrated for its interdisciplinary showcase of visual, performing, and culinary arts that captivate audiences from across the globe.

This collaboration solidifies Lone Wolf as a champion of cultural dialogue and a proud patron of the arts. Serendipity Arts Festival, one of South Asia’s largest and most influential cultural events, provides the perfect platform for Lone Wolf to amplify its mission of fostering creativity, building community, and elevating the artistic experience.

With three pouring points – Nagali Hills, Accounts Building, and GMC – Lone Wolf is at the epicenter of the festival’s energy. These key locations serve as gathering spots for art lovers, performers, and culinary enthusiasts to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the fusion of art, food, and conversation over Lone Wolf’s signature brews.

“Being a part of the Serendipity Arts Festival is more than just a partnership for us,” said Atul Kumar Singh, Co-founder of Lone Wolf. “It’s a declaration of our commitment to the arts and to creating moments where bold flavors and groundbreaking creativity intersect. We’re proud to support an event that so deeply resonates with our values of innovation and community.”

As the festival transforms Panjim into a thriving cultural haven, Lone Wolf adds its own unique flavor to the experience, elevating the art of connection. From live performances to curated exhibitions, Serendipity Arts Festival stands as a testament to the power of the arts, and Lone Wolf is proud to be an integral part of this journey.

This December, come and join Lone Wolf at Nagali Hills, Accounts Building, and GMC, and raise a toast to a week of creativity, culture, and community. Lone Wolf as a brand aims to inspire conversations, spark ideas, and shape the future of arts and culture in India.

Chandigarh, 20th December 2024  Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, today announced the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with OGQ- Foundation for Promotion of Sports and Games (FPSG) and Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) under its Corporate Social Responsibility mandate. The two partnerships aim to support the present generation of Indian athletes competing at the highest level of their sport and nurture the next generation of young Indian athletes. With these partnerships, Axis Bank is supporting the Sports theme under CSR for the first time, underscoring its commitment to contributing to the development of the sports ecosystem in India.

The Bank’s partnership with OGQ-FPSG Program will support 150 athletes and para-athletes over four years across 10 individual Olympic sports including Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Wrestling, Athletics, Swimming, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Squash and 8 Paralympic Sports Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Shooting, Powerlifting, Table Tennis, Canoe, Blind Judo, ensuring they have access to world-class equipment, expert coaching, nutritional guidance, mental conditioning, and injury rehabilitation programs, to be able to bring laurels for the country at the Olympics and other international sporting events.

In collaboration with IIS, the Bank is launching the Axis Bank Judo Development Program in the state of Manipur which is considered to be the hot-bed of Judo talent in India. Over three years, the Program aims to support the grassroots development of young Judokas from the State, as well as from other parts of North-eastern India, improving the young athletes’ access to better coaching and training facilities, and creating a cohort of world-class judo talent for the region and the country. The Program will support 90 athletes overall, including 50 young judokas from Manipur who will receive grassroots coaching and training in Manipur, and 40 female judokas from across India who will receive a full scholarship to study and train at the state-of-the-art IIS campus in Vijayanagar, Karnataka.

Speaking at the event, Vijay Mulbagal, Group Executive for Strategic Programs & Sustainability – Axis Bank, said, “Axis Bank is pleased to partner with the OGQ Program and the Inspire Institute of Sport towards supporting the vibrant sports eco-system in India. Through our partnerships for these two world-class programs, we intend to help discover and nurture the inherent sporting talent that exists in the country so they can not only succeed at the highest levels in their sporting disciplines but also grow into responsible, confident individuals.”

Viren Rasquinha, MD & CEO, OGQ- Foundation for Promotion of Sports and Games commented, “We are very happy that Axis Bank is joining the family of OGQ supporters, helping Indian athletes win Olympic and Paralympic Gold medals. Axis Bank’s commitment to OGQ strengthens our efforts as we work in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and National Sports Federations (NSFs) to strive for sporting excellence as a Nation.”

Manisha Malhotra, President, Inspire Institute of Sport said, “The support of corporate India is vital to helping the Indian sporting ecosystem harness its true potential, and we are really glad to have Axis Bank joining our growing list of donors at IIS. We have a talented young bunch of Judokas at Vijayanagar and in Manipur, and Axis Bank’s support of our Judo Programme will go a long way in helping them get the right exposure and training needed to compete at the highest level.”

Mumbai,20th December 2024  : Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant and Hon’ble Minister for Tourism; Information Technology Electronics & Communications; Printing & Stationery, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, launched a series of transformative digital and tourism initiatives today at a ceremony held at Mantralaya, Porvorim. These initiatives, by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications and the Department of Tourism, mark a significant step towards enhancing digital infrastructure and strengthening Goa’s position as a progressive tourism destination.

The newly launched initiatives include the rollout of Free Public WiFi Hotspots at 75 locations, ensuring seamless digital connectivity for residents across the state. Additionally, the installation of 11 4G BSNL towers will significantly enhance mobile network coverage, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening communication infrastructure. The introduction of the Let’s Goa platform offers an innovative and user-friendly solution for tourists to explore Goa effortlessly. Furthermore, the launch of One Map Goa GIS (Geographic Information System) portal, will facilitate efficient spatial planning, infrastructure development, and governance in the state.

The launch was attended by esteem dignitaries including Chief Secretary, Dr. V Candavelou, IAS; Director of Tourism and Managing Director of GTDC Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS; Shri Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director for IT; Officer on Special Duty for Minister (IT) Neville Noronha, Officer on Special Duty for Minister (Tourism) Shri Shawn Mendes; Smt. Revati Kumar, MD of Goa Electronic Limited (GEL); Shri Sanjay Kumar Chaudhari Deputy Director General, Department of Telecom; Shri L. B. Lal General Manager of BSNL along with senior officials and dignitaries.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized the importance of these initiatives in driving digital inclusion, promoting smart governance, and creating a modern tourism ecosystem. He stated, “Guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision, Goa is moving confidently into the future with Digital Goa. With this launch, Goa is taking a significant step forward in the Digital Kranti. This bold initiative is about leveraging technology to empower every citizen and unlock new opportunities. From free WiFi hotspots, particularly benefiting students, and 4G towers ensuring seamless connectivity across the state, to the GIS Portal transforming governance and the Let’s Goa platform boosting tourism and local businesses, we are building a digitally inclusive and innovative Goa.”

Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte while outlining the significance of the four initiatives, stated, “We are delivering on our promises to the people of Goa by empowering every Goan through the transformative potential of connectivity, innovation, and opportunity. To achieve Atmanirbhar Bharat, digitalization and connectivity, driven by WiFi hotspots and 4G towers, play a crucial role in bridging gaps and fostering progress. The GIS Portal represents a revolutionary leap toward e-Governance, providing seamless access to geospatial data and enhancing transparency and efficiency. Meanwhile, the Let’s Goa tourism experience platform serves as a comprehensive guide to Goa’s services, integrating tourism, technology, and local businesses. Together, these initiatives are shaping a future where every Goan can thrive, setting benchmarks for growth, inclusivity, and sustainability that resonate across India.”

Director Tourism while talking about the Let’s Goa portal highlighted, Lets Goa is more than is a transformative leap for Goa’s tourism industry. Connecting local service providers, tourists, and officials, it promotes innovation, growth, and excellence. With 100+ hotels, 50+ activity providers, and GTDC residencies onboard, the platform streamlines bookings, inventory management, and showcases Goa’s heritage and culture. Let’s Goa empowers local businesses while advancing wellness, adventure, and hinterland tourism under visionary leadership.

The launch of these initiatives marks a milestone in Goa’s journey towards becoming a digitally connected, tourism-driven state, further strengthening its appeal as a destination that seamlessly blends tradition with technology.

By Quasar Elizundia, Expert Research Strategist – Pepperstone

One year into Javier Milei’s administration, the Argentine economy presents a complex outlook, marked by significant progress on some fronts but also by the persistence of structural challenges that require continuous attention. The recent release of data by INDEC provides a nuanced view of the current situation.

The third quarter of 2024 showed a seasonally adjusted GDP growth of 3.9% compared to the previous quarter, driven mainly by fixed capital investment (with a seasonally adjusted increase of 12%) and a strong performance in real exports, which saw a remarkable 20.1% year-on-year increase. This surge in exports, with a 31.6% rise in November, reaching USD 6.479 billion, reflects the competitiveness of key sectors such as agriculture, agribusiness, and manufactured goods.

The robust growth in exports is an encouraging sign of the country’s productive capacity and its integration into international markets. This export dynamism, along with a 4.3% contraction in imports, has resulted in a trade surplus of USD 1.234 billion in November, reversing last year’s deficit and marking the twelfth consecutive month of a positive trade balance. This improvement in the trade balance is crucial for strengthening the country’s reserves and stabilizing the economy.

However, the 2.1% year-on-year contraction in GDP highlights the challenges that persist in the real economy. Sectors such as construction and wholesale and retail trade experienced significant declines of 14.9% and 6.1%, respectively, indicating weakness in domestic demand, partly attributable to the reduction in public spending. Private consumption, while showing a seasonally adjusted increase of 4.6%, also contracted 3.2% year-on-year. Gross fixed capital formation, critical for long-term growth, also fell 16.8% year-on-year, with sharp declines in construction and machinery and equipment. While the quarterly rebound is positive, the year-on-year GDP decline and weak investment suggest that the path to sustained recovery remains challenging.

On the labor front, the unemployment rate stood at 6.9% in the third quarter, its lowest level since Q4 2023, thanks to the strong performance of the agricultural sector. However, the 11.4% underemployment rate raises questions about job quality and the persistence of social difficulties. While the reduction in unemployment is progress, the high underemployment rate calls for policies that promote the creation of formal and quality employment.

The Milei administration faces the challenge of balancing necessary structural reforms with promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth. While the optimism of international investors and the improvement in some indicators are positive signs, the sustainability of this progress will depend on the government’s ability to address macroeconomic imbalances, strengthen trade ties, and generate growth that benefits all sectors of society. Argentina’s economic future depends on the government’s ability to transform recent progress into a solid foundation for sustained and equitable growth.”

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19th December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Lord’s Mark Industries Ltd., a diversified business group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sanjeev S Gupta & Associates. They are among top 25 audit firms in our country as per sources.

Founded in 1998, Sanjeev S Gupta & Associates is a renowned partnership firm specializing in audit, taxation consultancy, project finance, and assurance services. With over 24 years of experience, the firm has built an impressive portfolio, serving Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), government organizations, and leading private enterprises. Their notable clients include SJVN Limited, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), UCO Bank, Indian Bank, and Power Finance Corporation.

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Sachidanand Upadhyay, Managing Director, Lord’s Mark Industries Ltd., said, “The appointment of Sanjeev S Gupta & Associates as our peer auditor marks a pivotal step in our journey towards achieving impeccable financial governance. With their extensive expertise and industry credibility, we are confident that this partnership will not only strengthen our compliance framework but also instill greater trust among our stakeholders as we continue to scale new heights of success.’’

This strategic partnership underscores Lord’s Mark Industries’ commitment to adhering to the highest standards of financial transparency, integrity, and compliance. The expertise of Sanjeev S Gupta & Associates will bolster the company’s financial reporting framework and ensure alignment with global best practices.

19th December 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Nurse Maria Victoria Juan from Philippines, a Consultant at Philippines Army Health Services and Colonel, Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has been announced as the winner of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024 and awarded with INR 2 Crore at a prestigious award ceremony held in Bengaluru, India. The winner was announced by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, and presented by Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka alongside Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre, Shri U. T. Khader, Hon’ble Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director – Aster DM Healthcare India and T J Wilson, Executive Director and Group Head – Governance & Corporate Affairs, Aster DM Healthcare.

The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was launched by Aster DM Healthcare in 2021, with an aim to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of nurses to patients across the world. The 2024 edition of the awards saw an overwhelming participation from 78,000 nurses from 202 countries, marking 50% growth in applications received in 2023.

The event also featured a special message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, who congratulated the finalists and acknowledged Aster DM Healthcare’s ongoing efforts to spotlight the critical role of nurses in healthcare.

Commenting on the win, Nurse Maria Victoria Juan said, “As a military nurse from the Philippines, my journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to service-whether caring in combat zones, disaster-stricken areas, or underserved communities, and championing advocacies on every platform to create positive change. This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but also the courage and honor of the soldiers I proudly serve alongside and the resilience of the Filipino people that inspire me daily.

It is also a tribute to the nurses I represent-tireless, selfless, extremely courageous individuals in the military and civilian sectors who put themselves in harm’s way to save lives and protect others. This honor acknowledges the sacrifices of those who serve under the most challenging conditions and highlights the boundless potential and dedication of our noble profession.”

Maria Victoria Juan, currently a consultant at Philippine Army Health Services, served as the Chief Nurse of the Philippines Army, she was responsible for initiating the first aeromedical evacuation system in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This system has greatly improved survival rates by enabling rapid evacuation and early treatment of casualties, especially in conflict areas. At the age of 54 years, she joined an intensive 9-month long aeromedical evacuation training program while working full-time as a chief nurse. As a leader who believes in leading from the front, she completed 200-hours of emergency ambulance conduction, 100 hours of clinical duty, 1-mile ocean swim, 3-day jungle survival, helicopter underwater escape and flight medical runs, while having a fear of flying and deepwater swimming. Maria also pioneered environmental health initiatives, integrating vetiver grass technology to combat soil erosion and water pollution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria organized the Endurun Mega Swabbing Center, training troops as medical swabbers and coordinating healthcare professionals. The center conducted nearly 500,000 tests, significantly contributing to the country’s pandemic response.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare said, “Maria Victoria Juan represents the highest standards of nursing excellence and serves as an inspiration to the entire global healthcare community. At Aster, we believe that nurses are the backbone of healthcare, who not only provide care with compassion but play an exemplary role in the whole healthcare system. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Awards were established to honour the often-overlooked contributions of nurses worldwide who go above and beyond to impact lives. Each of the top 10 finalists, and the 78,000 applications we received this year have showcased outstanding contributions to their patients and the nursing community in their countries. We are proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of these healthcare heroes.”

Ms. Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare India said, “Nurses are the quiet forces of healing, often working tirelessly and without fanfare to make a real difference in people’s lives. With the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Awards, our goal is to bring their remarkable stories to the forefront and give them the recognition they truly deserve. Maria Victoria Juan is a shining example of courage, skill, and compassion – qualities that elevate healthcare and inspire us all. Celebrating their achievements is a reminder of the immense impact nurses have on individuals, families, and communities everywhere.”

The rest of the 9 finalists, Archimedes Motari from Kenya, Johnsy Inni from Papua New Guinea, Laarni Conlu Florencio from USA, Lilian Nuwabaine from Uganda, Nelson Bautista from UAE, Nilima Pradeepkumar Rane from India, Martin Schiavenato from USA, Hoi Shu Yin from Singapore and Sylvia May Hampton from England were also awarded with a monetary prize for their contributions in nursing.

19th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  The rapid pace of urbanization and increasing household incomes are paving the way for significant opportunities in the home products sector, including home appliances, electrical systems, lighting solutions, modular kitchens, and paints. In light of this promising landscape, Metrix Research & Analytics, a frontrunner in retail analytics and insights, is set to host a National Industry Conclave on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. This meeting will see industry leaders share strategic insights and explore avenues for growth under the theme “Identifying Growth Opportunities for Home Products”.

The Home Products industry is actively exploring growth opportunities and ways of adapting to evolving market trends and consumer behavior. With India’s average per capita disposable income growing by 13% in FY23, even more consumers are now doing up their home interiors and purchasing high-quality appliances. Ejaz Hoda, Director & CEO of Metrix Research & Analytics, highlighted the importance of industry collaboration, saying, “Today’s Home Products market is at a crucial juncture. The sector is ripe for continued growth, but to fully realize its potential, it’s vital for key players to recognize paradigm shifts and adapt to emerging market realities.”

With the emergence of significant trends related to increasing proportion of working couples, food delivery and spread of quick commerce, higher consciousness about sustainability and widespread adoption of technology are transforming the expectation from home products. This industry is poised for even higher levels of innovation and growth. Metrix Research & Analytics is playing a critical role in this transformation by equipping businesses with knowledge of consumer trends and data-driven solutions that enable smarter decision-making and sustained growth. Dinesh Aggarwal, an industry veteran and formerly CEO, RR Kabel Ltd and erstwhile Joint Managing Director, Panasonic Life Solutions, said, “Metrix Research & Analytics is a reliable partner for businesses and has been offering a deep understanding of retail markets and access to proprietary datasets for 20 years. It empowers companies to navigate complexities and seize opportunities with confidence.”

Highlighting the industry’s evolution, Biswabaran Chakrabarti, President, Business Operations & Advisory at Metrix Research & Analytics, said, “We stand at a critical moment where technology and sustainability intersect. We see this as an exceptional opportunity to discuss with industry players, address challenges, and deliberate on solutions that align with the values of today’s eco-conscious consumers.”

The Industry Conclave promises an engaging lineup of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, featuring prominent thought leaders and experts from the home products domain. These discussions aim to equip attendees with actionable insights to address industry challenges and leverage emerging opportunities.

Positioned as a landmark event for home products, the conclave is designed to foster collaboration, encourage knowledge sharing, and inspire stakeholders to explore forward-thinking business models and strategies for a sustainable and dynamic future.

19th December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  As wedding season approaches, Lotus Arts de Vivre, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision, showcases a curated collection of luxurious gifts that are perfect for newlyweds. Combining timeless design, cultural heritage, and functional elegance, these pieces are sure to become cherished additions to any home.

Known for its dedication to preserving the rich artistry of Asia, Lotus Arts de Vivre’s each piece tells us a unique story, making them not just gifts, but lasting symbols of beauty, meaning, and connection.

Among the standout offerings is the Cinnamon Bowl with Sterling Silver Cheetah, a stunning creation made from aromatic cinnamon wood and featuring a hand-carved silver Cheetah. Symbolizing prosperity and harmony, this elegant bowl is both a work of art and a functional piece, complete with a glass base and cinnamon oil to preserve its rich fragrance.

For those looking to add a little joy and serenity to their home, the Happy Monks sculpture offers a playful yet meaningful touch. These hand-carved figures, representing peace and happiness, make for a delightful and thoughtful gift that brings positive energy to any space.

For a more bold and contemporary statement, the Brown Leather Bulldog Stool combines modern design with symbolic significance. Made from premium leather, this versatile piece adds character and charm, perfect for couples who appreciate both style and function.

For those who prefer a blend of artistry and everyday practicality, the Wooden Tissue Box with Sterling Silver Rooster & Hen and Carved Leaf Teak Bowl with Scarab Frog are stunning options. The tissue box, crafted from fine wood, elevates any room with its sophisticated design, while the teak bowl adorned with intricately carved Scarab frogs symbolizes transformation and renewal, making it a beautiful reflection of the journey ahead in married life.

Each of these pieces is handcrafted by skilled artisans, offering not only luxury but also a meaningful, enduring gift that will be treasured for generations. Whether adding a touch of elegance to the home or embodying a cultural legacy, Lotus Arts de Vivre’s creations are the perfect way to celebrate the start of a couple’s new life together.