1,000 Transcranial Doppler Procedures Strengthen Stroke Diagnosis At Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road

· This non-invasive neurovascular test strengthens acute stroke diagnosis and monitoring

· Also supports rare disease detection and organ donation pathways

Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta, a leading multi speciality hospital in the region, announced the completion of 1,000 Transcranial Doppler (TCD) procedures, marking a significant milestone in strengthening real-time stroke diagnosis and neurocritical care monitoring. The achievement highlights the hospital’s growing role in using advanced, non-invasive neurovascular technologies to enable faster treatment decisions for patients with complex brain and stroke-related conditions.

Dr. Vijay Sharma, Senior Consultant, Division of Neurology, National University Hospital, Singapore, joined virtually during the event and spoke about the evolving role of TCD in neurocritical care and its relevance in improving outcomes in time-sensitive neurological conditions.

Over the course of these 1,000 procedures, TCD has supported routine and advanced stroke evaluation at the hospital, including monitoring over 350 patients with acute stroke. The technology enabled rapid identification of intracranial arterial stenosis, occlusions and flow asymmetries, helping clinicians make time-sensitive treatment decisions and guide secondary stroke prevention. It also helped identify collateral circulation in Moyamoya disease and supported dynamic diagnosis of vascular conditions such as subclavian steal phenomenon

Speaking on the significance of the milestone, Dr (Prof) Suryanarayana Sharma P M, Consultant Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta said “TCD is often described as the neurologist’s stethoscope to the brain because it allows us to assess cerebral blood flow dynamically at the bedside. Unlike conventional imaging, it provides real-time insights into how blood is actually flowing through the brain’s arteries, which can be crucial in stroke evaluation and neurocritical care monitoring. Reaching the milestone of 1,000 procedures reflects how this technology has become an essential part of our comprehensive stroke care and helps us make faster and more informed treatment decisions for patients.”

Dr. Suryanarayana Sharma has also contributed to advancing the use of TCD in stroke prevention in India, having conducted and published the first pilot project focused on tribal children with sickle cell disease. The initiative has since been expanded across multiple states with the support of government agencies and several NGOs. He further noted that vasomotor reactivity assessment is emerging as an important area of interest in stroke prevention, particularly among individuals with established vascular risk factors.

Dr. Gurucharan Adoor, Consultant Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta, added “Beyond stroke diagnosis, TCD has proven valuable across several complex neurological conditions. It has helped us monitor intracranial vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and tubercular meningitis. It has also helped us detect conditions that may be missed on conventional tests. Using bubble TCD, we identified 32 patients with patent foramen ovale, several previously missed on echocardiography.”

In addition to diagnostic applications, TCD supported 30 brain death evaluations, where characteristic patterns of cerebral circulatory arrest provided confirmatory evidence in time-sensitive clinical situations. As a repeatable bedside modality, it helped support ethical clinical decision-making and facilitated organ donation pathways.

Looking ahead, the hospital plans to integrate Transcranial Doppler into dedicated Stroke Prevention Clinics to strengthen early detection and secondary prevention strategies. Routine use of TCD for embolic signal monitoring, cerebral flow pattern analysis and post-intervention follow-up is expected to enable more personalised stroke risk assessment and optimisation of medical therapy.

RMZ Foundation To Host Opening Night Of Bengaluru Art Weekend On 28th March At RMZ Ecoworld In Bellandur

* Bringing Together Artists, Patrons, And Contemporary Practice

Bengaluru Art Weekend — a 9-day city-wide celebration of art, culture, and creative dialogue — announces its partnership with RMZ Foundation for the opening night of this year's edition. On Saturday, 28 March, RMZ Ecoworld in Bellandur will open its doors to an evening of conversation, encounter, and exchange centred on where contemporary Indian art stands today.

Presented by Svasa Life and Usual Suspects, BAW 2026 and its opening night reflect the Foundation's enduring commitment to placing art at the centre of the spaces where people work, gather, and connect.

The collaboration brings together two platforms united by a conviction that art belongs beyond the gallery — in workspaces, public squares, and everyday life. RMZ Foundation shares Bengaluru Art Weekend's longstanding commitment to independent artists and to audiences who are curious, engaged, and eager for cultural dialogue: that art, made open and woven into public life, has the power to enrich the city and shape a more inclusive future.

At the heart of the evening is a commitment to placing emerging voices — practitioners redefining what Indian artistic practice looks and feels like — in direct conversation with collectors, cultural practitioners, and audiences who may be encountering their work for the first time.

The evening will unfold across three distinct moments, each designed to draw audiences deeper into the work and the discourse surrounding it. It will begin with an intimate, guided walkthrough of RMZ Foundation’s art collection at Ecoworld 30, led by the curatorial team. Conceived as a slow, conversational journey, the walkthrough invites guests to engage directly with the materials, processes, and ideas shaping each artist’s practice, creating space for reflection and exchange.

This will be followed by a panel discussion titled “Where Contemporary Art Happens Now”, featuring eminent voices such as Rakhee Shenoy (Textile Artist), Devika Sundar (Art Psychotherapist), Nidhi Mariam Jacob (Artist & Muralist), Sandilya Theurkauf, and Vivek Radhakrishnan (Sculpture & Relief Artist). The conversation will explore what it means to practice, present, and sustain art in India today. The evening will conclude with a creatives’ mixer where artists, collectors, cultural practitioners, and guests will come together in a more informal setting. Extending conversations beyond the gallery, it offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, build new connections, and engage with the city’s creative community.

MAHE Achieves Landmark Certification Of BSL-3 Laboratory, Strengthening India’s High-Containment Research Capacity

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, proudly announces the successful certification of its Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) Laboratory by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, marking a significant milestone in the MAHE’s sustained commitment to excellence in biomedical research, infectious disease preparedness, and global health security. This achievement substantially enhances MAHE's research, diagnostic, and training capabilities. The certification underscores MAHE’s adherence to internationally accepted biosafety and biosecurity standards and reflects its unwavering commitment to the highest levels of laboratory safety and scientific integrity. With this milestone, MAHE further consolidates its position as a leading centre for advanced research, diagnostics, and capacity building in infectious diseases.

The newly certified facility is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced biosafety engineering. It features specialised containment architecture, negative pressure environments with directional airflow, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems, secure access controls, and stringent operational protocols. The certification process involved a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation encompassing laboratory design, engineering controls, biosafety management systems, standard operating procedures, personnel training and competency, and emergency preparedness.

The establishment and certification of this advanced facility were accomplished under the leadership of Dr Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay, Director, Manipal Institute of Virology (MIV), Manipal, with strong collaborative support from Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS), and Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal. The facility will serve as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary collaboration among microbiologists, virologists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts. In addition to enabling cutting-edge research, it will play a vital role in strengthening national and regional preparedness by offering specialised training in biosafety practices, high-containment laboratory operations, and outbreak response strategies.

Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The certification of the BSL-3 laboratory is a proud and defining moment for MAHE. It reflects our unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and public health. Notably, this is among the first stand-alone, state-of-the-art BSL-3 facilities within a premier private university in India, poised to serve the nation at a broader level and contribute to the national BSL-3 consortium in the future.”

Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, VSM (Retd.) MAHE stated, “This advanced facility will empower our researchers to undertake critical studies on airborne and high-risk pathogens and to conduct critical work such as pathogen isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular diagnostics, vaccine and drug development, host–pathogen interaction studies, aerosol transmission research, and evaluation of biosafety protocols. It reinforces MAHE’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and public health, while strengthening India’s biomedical research ecosystem and contributing to global infectious disease preparedness.”

Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, added, “This facility will foster high-quality, multi-institutional and multidisciplinary research, and is poised to emerge as a centre of excellence for advanced infectious disease research in southern India.”

With this achievement, MAHE joins a select group of institutions in India equipped with certified BSL-3 laboratories, further reinforcing its leadership in biomedical innovation, infectious disease research, and global health security.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Mourya Concepts Celebrates 20 Years With Employee-Centric Initiatives; 135 Two-Wheelers Distributed Across India

Mourya Concepts marked its 20th anniversary with a significant employee welfare initiative, distributing 135 two-wheelers to its workforce across India, reinforcing its strong people-first philosophy.

With an expanding national presence comprising 45 branches and a team of over 330 employees, the company continues to grow, driven by a focused commitment to employment generation and workforce empowerment.

Further strengthening its progressive outlook, Mourya Concepts recently gifted six Mahindra BE6 electric vehicles worth ₹1.5 crore, reflecting its emphasis on sustainability and forward-looking practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Founder Vaynugopal said, “Our employees are the backbone of our organisation. This initiative underscores our commitment to enhancing their mobility, improving productivity, and supporting their overall growth.”

Over the past two decades, Mourya Concepts has built a strong reputation across sectors, including valuation, chartered engineering, and real estate services. Its journey continues to be anchored in trust, expansion, and meaningful job creation across India.   

LGE India Manufacturing Plants Accelerate Transition To Renewable Energy With Solar PPAs With Hinduja Renewables And Sunsure Energy

The initiative will generate over 3.2 crore units of clean electricity annually, equivalent to powering up to 50,000 Indian households each year

As part of its commitment to expand clean energy adoption across its manufacturing operations, LGE India, one of India’s leading consumer electronics brands, has signed long-term solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Hinduja Renewables Energy Private Limited (HREPL) and Sunsure Energy. LGE India will source solar power for its Greater Noida and Pune manufacturing facilities, thereby reducing its carbon footprint while strengthening its transition towards sustainable manufacturing.

As part of these tie-ups, LGE India has signed a 9.80 megawatt peak (MWp) solar PPA with HREPL for its Pune manufacturing facility and an 11 MWp solar PPA with Sunsure Energy for its Greater Noida facility. LGE India will source approximately 3.21 crore units of renewable energy annually for both facilities, collectively offsetting around 0.61 million metric tonnes of CO2e over the project lifetime.

“This project represents a defining milestone for LGE India, marking our first captive renewable energy project in the country and reinforcing our decisive shift towards sustainable manufacturing,” said Mr. Hong Ju Jeon, Managing Director and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, LGE India. “It strongly aligns with LG’s global sustainability commitments, including our transition towards achieving 100% renewable energy under the RE100 initiative. Beyond powering our operations, these collaborations also strengthen our contribution to meeting India’s net-zero ambitions for 2070 and accelerate our journey towards responsible manufacturing. By integrating clean energy with our production ecosystem, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also enhancing the global competitiveness of LGE India’s products.”

HREPL will supply 1.61 crore units of clean power annually from its 27.7 MWp solar plant in Nanded, Maharashtra, helping meet 40% of the Pune facility’s energy needs and offset 0.31 million metric tonnes of CO2e over the project lifetime. Similarly, Sunsure Energy will supply approximately 1.6 crore units of renewable electricity annually from its 82.5 MWp solar plant in Erach, Uttar Pradesh, enabling LGE India to meet around 30% of its Greater Noida facility’s energy requirement and increase total renewable energy consumption at the plant to approximately 50%, while offsetting 0.30 million metric tonnes of CO2e over the project lifetime.

Mr. Deepak Thakur, MD & CEO, HREPL said, “We are pleased to be a part of LGE India’s sustainability journey. This milestone underscores LGE India’s long-term commitment to renewable energy adoption and will help accelerate its transition to a clean manufacturing to achieve carbon neutrality and propel it towards a more sustainable future. This project reflects HREPL’s commitment to delivering reliable green power solutions that help organisations reduce their carbon footprint.”

Highlighting the tie-up, Mr. Shashank Sharma, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Sunsure Energy said, “Sunsure Energy is at the forefront of driving India’s industrial decarbonisation across sectors and geographies and is proud to advance the clean energy transition of LG Electronics in India. This collaboration goes beyond a power purchase agreement - it marks the beginning of a long-term relationship with LG Electronics India, a company known for its quality, engineering excellence, and consistency - values that strongly resonate with us at Sunsure. Through this collaboration, LGE India’s products manufactured in India will be powered by clean energy, enabling consumers to make more sustainable choices.”

Both the agreements are for a period of 25 years and will officially begin in the second quarter of CY2026. These agreements mark LGE India’s first strategic equity investment in an Indian special purpose vehicle (SPV) for power generation.

About LG Electronics India Ltd

LG Electronics India Limited (LGEIL) was established in January 1997 in India. It is focused on various consumer electronics and B2B businesses, from home appliances and media entertainment to HVAC and commercial displays. LGEIL's manufacturing units at Greater Noida and Ranjangaon, Pune has the capacity to manufacture LED TVs, air conditioners, commercial air conditioning systems, washing machines, refrigerators, and monitors.

KFC Introduces Shawarma With A Twist: Presenting The All New Crispy Shawowrma Wrap

* Priced starting at just ₹169, KFC’s Crispy ShaWOWrma Wrap is a WOW twist to the familiar favourite

Shawarma lovers across India are about to be WOW-ed, with the launch of KFC India’s all new Crispy ShaWOWrma Wrap.

The all-new menu item is KFC’s twist on the familiar favourite. The KFC Crispy ShaWOWrma Wrap comes with a deliciously toasted tortilla wrap, loaded with KFC’s iconic crispy Peri-Peri chicken strips, creamy shawarma mayo, fresh lettuce & tangy pickled Mediterranean veggies.

Priced starting at just ₹169, the all-new Crispy ShaWOWrma Wrap is available across all 1300+ KFC restaurants in India for dine-in & takeaway, as well as via the KFC app, website (https://online.kfc.co.in/) or via leading food delivery apps.

So shawarma fans, what are you waiting for? It’s time for the all-new Crispy ShaWOWrma Wrap.

About KFC

KFC, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM.), is a global chicken restaurant brand with a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. It all started with one cook, Colonel Harland Sanders, who created a finger lickin’ good recipe more than 80 years ago, a list of secret herbs and spices scratched out on the back of the door to his kitchen. Today we still follow his formula for success, with real cooks breading and freshly preparing our delicious chicken by hand in more than 26,000 restaurants in over 145 countries and territories around the world.

For more information, visit https://online.kfc.co.in/

OPPO India Expands Service Center 3.0 Prorollout To 150+ Locations In 2026

OPPO India today announced the expansion of its Service Center 3.0 Pro network to over 150 locations across India in 2026, up from its earlier direction of 110 centers, with 50+ of these centers expected to be operational by June 2026. This expansion reinforces the brand’s commitment to transparent, accessible, and high-quality after-sales service.

As smartphones continue to power everyday experiences, from communication and work to digital payments and entertainment, OPPO India continues to strengthen its after-sales service ecosystem. With this accelerated expansion, OPPO is doubling down on after-sales as a key pillar of brand experience, aligning with its long-term focus on user satisfaction and service-led differentiation.

Service Center 3.0 Pro is designed to meet the expectations of modern users. The centers integrate digital check-ins, real-time queue updates, and dynamic digital signage, keeping customers informed throughout their visit. Face-to-face repair and servicing enhance clarity and trust, while refreshed layouts, dedicated product experience zones, and comfortable lounges provide a streamlined and welcoming environment.

OPPO also focuses on building staff expertise, multilingual communication channels, and speed of first response, with many customers receiving assistance within minutes of arrival.

Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications, OPPO India said, “Customer expectations continue to shape our service strategy at OPPO India. With Service Center 3.0 Pro, we are delivering transparent, efficient, and consistent experiences across touchpoints. Building on strong user adoption, we are accelerating our expansion to 150+ locations. As per OPPO India internal research, over 90% of our customers already value our 1-hour turnaround time, and we are committed to grow value for our users with an agile, adaptive, and accessible after-sales ecosystem.”

Industry insights highlight repair transparency as a key driver of user trust. As per Counterpoint Research benchmarking insights*, OPPO ranked the highest in the repair process being transparent and clear, enabling users to gain greater confidence in how their devices are handled.

The brand continues to reinforce its commitment to customer support through a service network spanning 580+ service centers across more than 500 cities in India, with assistance available in 19 languages. The brand also offers free pick-up and drop for repairs and aims to deliver 24-hour turnaround for most service requests. Thus, helping minimize downtime and ensuring a smooth and dependable ownership experience for customers nationwide.

About OPPO India

Founded in 2014, OPPO Mobiles India Pvt Ltd (OPPO India) is a leading technology company in India, renowned for its innovative and diverse portfolio, including the Find, Reno, F, K, and A series smartphones, as well as IoT devices. The company is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana.

OPPO has been at the forefront of technological innovation, particularly in imaging technology, device durability, and battery health optimisation. Guided by the philosophy ‘Make Your Moment’, OPPO empowers users to create and embrace the beauty of life through advanced technology, fostering freedom and fulfillment in everyday experiences.

Spanning over 110 acres, the company operates one of India’s largest mobile manufacturing facilities in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. With multiple production lines, assembly stations and testing stations, the plant is capable of dispatching hundreds of micro parts to produce approximately 200 smartphones in under 10 minutes. As a socially responsible organization, OPPO India actively engages in initiatives focused on skill development and e-waste awareness among the country’s youth.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - "Smiley Face" - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

*Counterpoint Research 2024-2025.