•    The campaign seeks to raise awareness about hypertension while emphasising the significance of managing blood pressure for a healthier lifestyle

 •    Through its collaboration with Sunil Gavaskar, Dr. Reddy’s reinforces its purpose of Good Health Can’t Wait

 •    Dr. Reddy’s has 30-years of legacy in serving patients with hypertension 

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited, a leading global pharmaceutical company, has announced the appointment of cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar as the brand ambassador for its #TensionMatLo campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness about hypertension, its symptoms, causes, and advocate the need for effectively managing blood pressure for a healthier life. Leveraging its three decades of expertise in hypertension management, this collaboration of Dr. Reddy’s aims to change opinion regarding blood pressure control, benefiting both individuals currently affected by hypertension and those at risk. 

#TensionMatLo campaign employs a unique and imaginative approach, prompting the audience to pause, contemplate, and question the significance of managing blood pressure. By addressing the underlying causes of hypertension and emphasising the importance of regular blood pressure checks, the campaign aims to have a lasting influence on individuals' health decisions.

With over 75% of Indians having uncontrolled blood pressure and being unaware of the hike in blood pressure, the Government of India launched the Indian Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) to fast-track access to treatment services for over 220 million people in India. Only about 12% of people with hypertension in India have their blood pressure under control. Uncontrolled blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart attacks and stroke and are responsible for one-third of total deaths in India. India has set a target of a 25% relative reduction in the prevalence of hypertension (raised blood pressure) by 2025.

“I am happy to be associated with the #TensionMatLo campaign of Dr. Reddy’s. As a sportsperson, I understand the significance of maintaining good health for optimal performance. I am excited to contribute to the purpose of increasing awareness about this critical medical issue because I believe that uncontrolled blood pressure levels pave the way for many complications, some of which are life-threatening,” said brand ambassador and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar.

M.V. Ramana, CEO – Branded Markets (India & Emerging Markets), Dr. Reddy’s, said: “Hypertension has been an important focus area for us. For over 30 years, we have served patients in this area through our robust portfolio. With this campaign and our partnership with Sunil Gavaskar, we aim to build further awareness and send out strong messages on the alarming spike in hypertension cases in India and the need to control it. Sunil Gavaskar represents the values we stand for. We are certain that his collaboration will help us reach a larger audience and educate them on hypertension control and management, thereby, meeting our patient-centric goals of accelerating accessibility to affordable and innovative medicines.”

As Dr. Reddy's continues its unwavering commitment to public health, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in raising awareness about hypertension and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. With Sunil Gavaskar's influential presence, the #TensionMatLo Campaign is set to make a lasting impact on the global fight against hypertension.

SMILE: Pioneering Vision Correction Technology Experiencing Rapid Adoption in India

~India's Path to Improved Vision through State-of-the-Art Technology~

ZEISS Medical Technology, which remains committed to driving progress, efficiency, and access to healthcare technology, supporting doctors to improve their patients' quality of life, has seen a significant rise in the adoption of SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) technology in India. As a groundbreaking and minimally invasive vision correction procedure, ZEISS SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedures have experienced fast growth in the Indian market, revolutionizing the way people address refractive errors and achieve clearer vision.

ZEISS SMILE represents a paradigm shift in laser eye surgery, providing patients with a reliable and precise solution to common vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Since its introduction to the Indian market in 2008, ZEISS SMILE has garnered widespread attention and acceptance from both eye care professionals and patients due to its unique advantages and transformative benefits. In the past 10 years, 200,000+ eyes have been successfully treated by ZEISS SMILE procedures in India. Globally, ZEISS has facilitated 8 million + SMILE procedures.

Key features and benefits of ZEISS SMILE technology include:

·         Minimally Invasive Procedure: ZEISS SMILE requires only a tiny incision, typically around 2mm, making it a minimally-invasive and flapless laser eye surgery. This helps to reduce the risk of complications and contributes to a quicker recovery for patients.

·         Enhanced Safety: The procedure involves the use of femtosecond laser technology, which allows for precise and gentle treatment. With its high level of safety, ZEISS SMILE has been widely recognized as a well-suited option for a broad range of patients across all professions and lifestyles, particularly for defense and military personnel, athletes of all levels, people in the fashion industry, university students and prospective brides to name a few. Faster Recovery: Patients can experience faster visual recovery with ZEISS SMILE compared to traditional LASIK procedures. Many individuals report improved vision almost immediately after the surgery.

·         High Precision: ZEISS SMILE employs cutting-edge laser technology, enabling eye care professionals to achieve an exceptionally accurate and predictable outcome in vision correction.

·         Reduced Dry Eye Incidence: As ZEISS SMILE does not require the creation of a corneal flap, it may lead to a reduced occurrence of dry eye symptoms, offering a more comfortable post-operative experience for patients.

“Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE has emerged as a game changer for individuals seeking a spectacle-free life. It is not just a procedure; it empowers individuals to see the world with newfound sharpness and freedom. I recommend this Lenticule Extraction procedure to eligible patients currently wearing minus-powered glasses, be it for sphere or cylinder correction, or astigmatism. In my point of view, the unparalleled precision offered by ZEISS SMILE is a hallmark of this cutting-edge refractive technology. With very accurate correction, patients experience clear vision. The procedure involves only a very small incision, leading to a smaller wound and allowing for an early recovery. This aspect is particularly noteworthy, as patients can quickly resume their daily activities with minimal downtime.

Moreover, Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE has been proven to provide long-term stability, and complications are remarkably infrequent, making it a safe and reliable option for vision correction. As an ophthalmologist, witnessing the life-changing results that ZEISS SMILE offers to patients is truly gratifying. I firmly believe that ZEISS SMILE represents the future of modern refractive technology. The shift towards lenticule-based procedures is inevitable. I foresee other refractive technologies across the globe adopting this revolutionary approach” said Dr Sonu Goel, Phaco Refractive Surgeon, Director, Anand Eye Hospital

“I believe, Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE is one of the paths to a sharp vision. With over a decade of outstanding experience, our Center proudly endorses ZEISS SMILE as a solution for laser refractive correction. Our patients consistently report great visual outcomes and long-term stability without unwanted after-effects such as residual dry eye. SMILE stands out as the preferred choice, empowering individuals to swiftly resume their regular lifestyle merely days after the procedure. I wholeheartedly recommend SMILE to every eligible individual seeking freedom from glasses.” said  Dr. Aadithreya Varman, Director, Uma Eye Clinic

“Within the realm of ophthalmology, the SMILE procedure stands as a remarkable testament to the blend of innovation and best patient outcome. I believe as surgeons our commitment extends beyond just correcting refractive errors; it is about creating a brighter world for each individual who entrusts us. Through surgical precision, SMILE is carving pathways to clearer sight and enhanced quality of life. I recommend SMILE to those who are eligible for Refractive Surgery, especially for athletes and sports enthusiasts as it avoids flap-related complications and ensures fast recovery. It is a minimally invasive, painless and flapless technique for the Myopic population as well as for individuals with milder forms of Astigmatism. SMILE has been delivering a good experience for me and my patients. I feel this technique is the future of Refractive Surgery.”  said Dr Ramya Sampath, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Dr. Agarwal Eye Clinic

As ZEISS SMILE continues to gain popularity, it represents a significant advancement in the field of vision correction. Its precision, safety, and quick recovery times make it a compelling choice for both eye care professionals and patients who are seeking a reliable and effective solution for their refractive errors. With its ongoing growth and adoption in India and around the world, ZEISS SMILE is reshaping the way people achieve a clearer vision and improving the quality of life for countless individuals.

ZEISS Medical Technology division is committed to working closely with Indian eye care professionals to expand access to ZEISS SMILE technology and ensure the best possible patient outcomes in the region.  

By collaborating with leading eye care professionals, reputable clinics and eye centers, ZEISS aims to ensure that more individuals can benefit from this cutting-edge procedure for vision correction.

NeoGrowth delivers on six United Nations Social Development Goals (UNSDGs)

Women-run small and medium enterprise (MSME) customers availed INR 430 crore worth of loans accounting for a significant portion (24%) of overall loans (total disbursals of close to INR 1,900 Cr. in FY 2023) disbursed to MSMEs, according to the NeoGrowth Impact Report 2023. The report stated that more than 2600+ women-owned MSMEs availed business loans in the last fiscal year. NeoGrowth is an MSME-focused digital lender in India, leveraging the digital ecosystem.

Released annually, the 9^th edition of the NeoGrowth Impact Report showcases the transformative influence of the Company’s loans on the lives of MSME borrowers, alongside its commitment to sustainable business practices, digital integration, and fostering an inclusive credit ecosystem while maintaining the highest level of governance. The data covered in the report pertains to FY 2022-23.

Achieving UN’s Social Development Goals

NeoGrowth’s approach to lending is centred on creating a positive impact by setting a distinctive standard for financial inclusion in India. Importantly, NeoGrowth’s business activities are aligned to 6 out of 17 United Nations SDGs and it is constantly working towards holistically contributing towards them. NeoGrowth has delivered on key UN SDGs including Good Health and Well-being; Gender Equality; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Decent Work and Economic Growth in terms of value and volume.

The 17 social development goals are the key objectives set by the United Nations in 2015 towards sustainable development and were created to serve as a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet now and into the future”.  

The company disbursed close to INR 500 Crore to MSMEs in Tier-II cities. Almost 50% of the total loans were advanced to emerging small businesses that have been in operation for less than or equal to 5 years.

Based on an impact survey conducted with over 250 NeoGrowth customers across 7 cities, 84% of respondents were self-starters, who were the first in their families to establish a business. The interviewed MSME owners witnessed an 18% increase in female employees post availing a business loan from NeoGrowth. Almost 1/4^th of the MSMEs expanded their business with the loan.

“At NeoGrowth, we are not only building a sustainable, inclusive and purposeful ecosystem for MSMEs in India to bridge the credit gap but also achieving six important social development goals set by the United Nations, thereby contributing towards holistic growth.  All our customers come with unique business stories, and we are proud to be associated with small business owners from over 75 industry segments.  It is our unwavering commitment to empower first-generation entrepreneurs, support women-run businesses, and promote financial inclusion, thereby contributing to a thriving and inclusive economy. MSMEs are driving the growth of India’s economy and will continue to spearhead the realisation of India’s USD 5 trillion economy vision,” said Arun Nayyar, Managing Director & CEO of NeoGrowth.

The loans extended by NeoGrowth also have a snowball effect on MSMEs, which includes job creation, improvement in credit score, female entrepreneurship, and digitalisation of MSMEs, among others.

The Company crossed the INR 2,000 Crore Assets Under Management (AUM) mark as on June 30, 2023, at the end of the first quarter of FY 2023-24. Present in 25+ cities and catering to 75+ MSME industry segments, NeoGrowth has disbursed over USD 1 Billion since its inception.

Read the complete report here: https://www.neogrowth.in/social-impact/

●     Becomes one of the youngest Chief Gaming Officer in the country

●     Set to earn INR 10 lakhs and work with top gamers across India

Shwetank Pandey, a 23-year-old from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has been chosen as iQOO’s first ever Chief Gaming Officer after a 3-month long nationwide hunt. Shwetank was the last man standing amongst 60,000+ applicants, who applied to become one of India’s youngest Chief Gaming Officers with iQOO, the high performance smartphone brand. Shwetank was appointed after an exhilarating selection process that spanned across criterions of Gameplay, Gaming Knowledge, and Personality & Communication skills.

Shwetank is a police officer’s son from small town Kanpur. An avid gamer, Shwetank was always inclined toward gaming and esports. In a fascinating turn of events earlier in his career, he committed himself to a year-long job solely to save up for a new phone, for playing his favourite game, BGMI. Once he cleared all his EMIs, he fearlessly left the job, even when a promotion with thrice his current salary was offered to him. Not stopping there, he even walked away from his MBA studies, prioritising his passion above all else to choose gaming as a career.

Expressing his joy over becoming iQOO’s first ever Chief Gaming Officer, Shwetank said, “I feel on top of the world right now. When I initially filled out the form, I was reluctant and hoped to be among the finalists. Little did I know that it would lead me this far and eventually result in becoming iQOO’s first ever CGO. The finalists I met in Mumbai were all good gamers and great individuals. I am grateful to be chosen amongst them and thankful to iQOO and the jury for providing aspiring gamers like me with such a big platform.”

Welcoming iQOO’s Chief Gaming Officer, Nipun Marya, CEO, iQOO said, “This is an iconic moment in the Indian Smartphone industry and we are over the moon to have found the person who embodies our vision for this role. The DNA of iQOO is to bring in ‘I Quest On and On’ and Shwetank was never short of his peak performance across all rounds of the hunt. With him joining us, we intend to drive a more dynamic and fresher perspective to our products and initiatives for the younger gaming enthusiasts in the country. All of us at iQOO are excited to have him on board, and we are confident that he will excel in fulfilling the duties aligned for him.”

In addition to the Chief Gaming Officer role, iQOO has also appointed 2 zonal CGOs to the dynamic team. Aojesh Shrivastava from Delhi and Battu Nikhil Reddy (Shoutout YT), Hyderabad. They will be working directly with Shwetank, CGO, iQOO to align strategies, enhance community engagement, and ensure that the gaming experience for iQOO users continues to be exceptional. They will earn a compensation of INR 2.5 lakh each for their pivotal roles.

Aojesh Shrivastava, who hails from Delhi, has a deep understanding of the gaming landscape in the region. His experience and passion for gaming make him an ideal choice to foster connections and create enriching experiences for gamers within the capital city and its surroundings. Battu Nikhil Reddy, widely recognized as Shoutout YT in the gaming community, brings his extensive knowledge and influence to the role of Zonal CGO for Hyderabad. With a strong online presence and an engaged audience, Nikhil will be instrumental in amplifying iQOO's engagement and initiatives within the gaming community of Hyderabad.

The main objective behind the CGO role is to assure that iQOO is providing seamless and top-notch experiences to its valued consumers across all aspects. With a strong focus on user satisfaction, iQOO continues to look for innovative ways to enhance customer experiences. In the future, the brand is committed to introducing similar initiatives to engage with its users and to better understand their needs.  

• 50 kW DC Charger – 80% in 36 mins.
• 11 kW AC Charger – 80% in 2 hours 30 minutes.
• 2.3 kW AC Charger– 80% in 9 hours 43 minutes.

Augments existing community initiatives by the bank and DBS Foundation;

first SGD 100 million to be deployed with effect from 2024

***

Bank’s employees will contribute over 1.5 million employee volunteer hours

DBS today announced it will commit up to SGD 1 billion over the next 10 years to improve the lives and livelihoods of the low-income and underserved and foster a more inclusive society. The bank will deploy SGD 100 million each year in Singapore and its other key markets with effect from 2024. This commitment augments existing community initiatives by the bank and the DBS Foundation.

The funds will primarily go towards programmes that aim to support the more vulnerable segments in the community by:

• Helping them cope with immediate daily needs, such as food and housing; 
• Giving them the opportunity to break out of the poverty cycle through education;
• Equipping them with important life skills such as digital and financial literacy; and
• Strengthening their emotional and mental resilience

In addition, the bank’s 36,000-strong workforce will commit over 1.5 million volunteer hours over the next decade to give back to society. Over the next few months, the bank will be identifying key organisations and programmes to partner and support.

Said Surojit Shome, Managing Director and CEO of DBS Bank India: “A combination of extreme climate events, an ongoing post-pandemic recovery and external economic headwinds have exacerbated the issues faced by the most vulnerable across Asia. DBS is a purpose-driven bank and the collective pledge of SGD1 billion over the next 10 years, as well as the increased volunteering commitment from our employees, underlines our intention to help mitigate some of these challenges and be a force for good.

With its roots as the Development Bank of Singapore, the purpose has always been at the heart of DBS’ DNA. In India specifically, the bank has recently set up a multi-state financial literacy & social entitlements programme, supported by the DBS Foundation, that aims to touch 200,000+ lives from underserved communities, 70% of which will be women. Another 100,000+ women, children and youth will be impacted through a livelihoods, education and future forward skills programme through initiatives that will be launched later in 2023.

In 2014, the bank established the SGD 50 million DBS Foundation to support social entrepreneurship. Since then, it has supported more than 800 Businesses for Impact across Asia and impacted over 800,000 lives by enabling access to healthcare, education, and employment. In line with this, DBS Bank India has also provided support through grants, accelerator partnerships and mentoring to over 40 local social enterprises across the country that provide market-based solutions to environmental and social needs.

During the pandemic, the bank created an SGD 10.5 million “Stronger Together Fund” to support those impacted by Covid-19. In 2022, DBS committed an additional SGD 100 million to deepen its ability to create impact beyond banking. The increased funding is helping to finance DBS Foundation's expanded scope, including its new Community Impact Chapter and other philanthropic and relief efforts. To date, the DBS Foundation has rolled out 10 community programmes in the areas of digital and financial literacy across the region, with a collective target of impacting 6.9 million lives over three years.