Meril Life Sciences Launches Indigenously R&D Thin-Strut Bioresorbable Scaffold, MeRes100 - BRS, In India

 * Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality and have an earlier onset in India. Bioresorbable stents (scaffolds) offer an alternative treatment option in addition to metallic stent implants.

* Meril Life Sciences is committed to introduce BRS therapy via a sequential roll out in line with best clinical practices and protocols to continue the development of clinical research and long-term evidence.   

Meril Life Sciences today announced the launch of its indigenously researched and developed bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) MeRes100 in India. Bioresorbable scaffolds are non-metallic, non-permanent mesh tubes, similar to stents, that dissolve over time after ensuring the previously blocked artery is opened via a routine angioplasty procedure. This novel therapy option, which can meaningfully treat an identified subset of the patient population, will be launched in a phased, sequential manner to ensure adherence to best clinical practices and continued development of clinical research and long-term evidence.

Currently, MeRes100 is being launched in 16 cities across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Mohali, Jaipur, Kochi and Eddakad (in Kerala), Nagpur and Bhubaneswar.

Sanjeev Bhatt, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Meril Life Sciences, commented, “We are committed to introduce MeRes100 BRS in India and ensure it is delivered to the right patients in line with the right indication. We will ensure sequential hospital roll-out to facilitate best clinical practices, appoint a team of trained clinical specialists to assist cases and conduct doctor education on protocols for successful bioresorbable stent implantation. Through these measures, we aim to facilitate the best outcomes for patients.”

He continued, “Moreover, in support of long-term research on BRS therapy, we will facilitate a multi-national, multi-centre, randomized clinical trial, MeRethon RCT, comparing MeRes100 to conventional drug eluting stents. Approximately 2,000 patients will undergo clinical, angiographic and OCT imaging follow-ups over five years, to establish long term clinical evidence of BRS therapy and its benefits. Meril Life Sciences will also convene a BRS clinical forum with national and international experts to continuously update each other on best practices for optimal patient outcomes.”

MeRes100 is the first-ever 100 micron thin-strut BRS developed to treat people with coronary artery disease. Till date, it has been granted a total of 12 patents from USA, Japan, Australia, Russia, Europe, Korea, China, Brazil and India. Backed by multi-year safety and efficacy data from Indian and international trials, MeRes100 has received DCGI approval as well as European CE approval. These trials include MeRes-1, led by principal investigator Dr. Ashok Seth, leading Indian interventional cardiologist and Chairman, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, which validated the benefits of using next-generation thin-strut technology.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as coronary heart disease are the leading cause of mortality in India. The prevalence rate of coronary heart disease in young Indian men is twice that of those in western nations.[1] Further, there is evidence to suggest CVDs begin to affect Indians at least a decade earlier than Europeans.[2]

Dr. C.N. Manjunath, Director, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bangalore, commented, “Medical technologies need to evolve in line with disease incidence and unmet patient needs. In India, we diagnose younger patients, even less than 35-year-olds, with coronary artery disease, often caused by unhealthy or stressful lifestyles. The older cohort with cardiac disease also present unique problems, as they may have recurrent lesions in the same arterial location. Bioresorbable scaffolds differ from permanent metallic stents in that they provide only temporary scaffolding and release the drug at the required site to facilitate healing, after which the scaffold naturally resorbs in the artery. With appropriate patient and lesion selection, bioresorbable or dissolvable stent technology can bridge the gap between the temporary horizon required for healing a blockage and the permanent nature of a metallic stent implant.”

About MeRes100 BRS

MeRes100 BRS, a product indigenously designed and manufactured in India by Meril Life Sciences, is a bioresorbable vascular scaffold system that fully resorbs naturally in the artery within a period of 2-3 years, thus leaving the vessel in its true form. This next generation bioresorbable technology with low strut thickness of 100 microns leads to lower crossing profile for ease of delivery, helps to minimise vascular injury and ensures early endothelialisation.[3] 

MeRes100 BRS is the product of an extended research and development process conducted at Meril Life Sciences’ state-of-the-art R&D facilities. Data from the clinical trials MeRes-1, conducted in India, and MeRes-1 Extend, a trial conducted in Brazil, Europe and Asia has indicated the long-term positive safety and sustained efficacy outcomes of the therapy option for patients with coronary artery disease. Further, both trials validated the benefits of using next generation thin-strut technology, with multiple safety and efficacy parameters met.

About Meril Life Sciences

Founded in 2007, Meril Life Sciences is a global medical device company that is dedicated to innovate, design and develop novel, clinically relevant and state-of-the-art devices to alleviate human suffering and improve quality of life. Headquartered in India with more than 1,000 employees, Meril currently conducts business in more than 100 countries with subsidiaries in India, USA, Germany, Brazil, China, Russia, Bangladesh, Australia and Turkey. Meril manufactures a wide array of medical solutions from vascular intervention devices, orthopaedic implants, in-vitro diagnostics, endo-surgery and ENT products. Meril’s recent launches include India’s first fully automated knee replacement surgery robot within its robotics portfolio. Meril is also the first Indian company to indigenously develop the Transcatheter Aortic Heart Valve Replacement Therapy, Myval.

Eleven Students From Aakash Institute In Bengaluru Secured 99 Percentile And above In February Session Of JEE Mains 2021

Eleven students of Aakash Institute from Bengaluru have made the state and the institute proud by scoring an impressive 99 percentile and above in the February session of JEE Mains 2021 Examination. Notable students among them are Shiva Sudhan Rajamani securing 99.73 percentile, Sn Sooraj Skanda securing 99.7 percentile, Ankita Harsha Murthy securing 99.6 percentile, Akash Sinha securing 99.4 percentile and Praveen K securing 99.2 percentile. 

The results were announced by the National Testing a short while ago. This was the first out of four Joint entrance exam for Engineering scheduled to be held this year. 

Other achievers who have scored above 99 percentile includes Vignesh Pai scored 99.91, Yukta Rajapur 99.49, Bharath N Gowda 99.34, Chinmaya Sahu 99.18, Anirudh Rao 99.1 and Karthikeyan Jaganathan 99.04.  

Congratulating the students on the impressive feat, Mr. Aakash Chaudhry, Managing Director, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) said, “It is a matter of great pride for us that our 11 students from Bengaluru have excelled in the first session of JEE Mains 2021 entrance exam. The credit goes to the hard work of our students, the support of their parents and instructors who have guided the students throughout their journey. Our quality test preparation is renowned in the industry for preparing students to excel in medical and engineering entrance exams. I wish them the best for future endeavours.” 

The students credited their outstanding performance to hard work and the excellent coaching provided by Aakash IIT-JEE instructors for the examination, which is considered among the toughest in the world. The JEE Mains Exam is applicable for admission to NITs, IIITs and CFTIs. 

This is an impressive feat considering that more than 6.5 lakh students have registered for JEE Mains from across the country. 

About Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) 

Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) provides comprehensive test preparation services for students preparing for Medical and Engineering Entrance Examinations, School/Board Exams and Competitive Exams such as NTSE, KVPY, and Olympiads.  AESL believes that the “Aakash” brand is associated with quality coaching and a proven student selection track record in various Medical and Engineering Entrance Examinations, Scholarship exams & Olympiads. 

With over 33 years of operational experience in the test preparation industry, the company has a large number of selections in Medical & Engineering Entrance Exams and several Foundation level Scholarship exams/Olympiads, a pan India network of 200+ Aakash Centres (including franchisee), and a student count of more than 250,000.

Tata Motors Launches The New Forever Range Of Passenger Vehicles In Nepal

 

Key highlights:

* Powered by BS6-compliant engines and design aesthetics aligning with the ‘Impact 2.0’ design language

* All new product range of five trusted and popular models, the Tata Tiago, Tigor, Nexon, Altroz and H5 amongst the offerings

* Tata Nexon was one of the earliest Indian cars to garner a 5-star GNCAP safety rating. Tata Altroz is the only hatchback in its category to secure a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, while Tigor and Tiago both boast of a 4-star GNCAP safety rating

Tata Motors, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, has launched its New Forever range of passenger vehicles in Nepal at a blockbuster event, in association with its sole authorised distributor for the country, Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd. With this launch, Tata Motors brings to the customers of Nepal fully refreshed versions of its passenger vehicles, including the Tiago, Tigor, Nexon, Altroz and the H5, becoming the first company to launch five BS6 models in one go.

The new generation of Tata Motors’ passenger vehicles come with BS6-compliant engines, and superior design under the ‘Impact 2.0’ design language. Redesigned to suit its times, this range promises better performance, refreshed and robust exteriors, enhanced safety and utmost driving comfort to its customers.

On the occasion, Mr. Mayank Baldi, Head – International Business, Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors, said, “Tata Motors’ diverse range of offerings in passenger vehicles has been consistently well-received by the people of Nepal and we are delighted to bring our newest generation of passenger cars to our customers. Tata Motors vehicles are engineered on three main pillars – design, safety and driving pleasure, and the all-new BS6 range featuring the Impact 2.0 design language, showcases a bouquet of best-in-class features, best-in-class safety and great driving pleasure to delight the customers. The Nexon has been one of India’s earliest 5-star GNCAP rated cars, while the Altroz is the only hatchback with a 5-star GNCAP safety rating in its category. The Tiago and the Tigor, too, are committed towards the safety of its passengers with a 4-star GNCAP rating. We remain certain of the commitment and passion with which Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd. will conduct sales and services for the all-new range, in continuation of the support they have extended to us for many decades. Taking a definitive stride towards our larger goals of staying abreast of contemporary needs, we are elated to bring our newest offerings to the customers of Nepal and are excited to see it succeed.”

Mr. Rajan Babu Shrestha, CEO, Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd., said, “As a renowned driving brand within Nepal, we have always endeavoured to bring world-class products for our customers. Our partnership with Tata Motors has been especially fruitful in this regard, enabling us to offer a range of excellent vehicles in the past few decades. Carefully designed to incorporate latest innovations in technology, the New Forever range showcases some of Tata Motors’ most popular vehicles in refreshed personas, offering better driving dynamics and superior comfort. As a trusted brand in Nepal, we firmly believe this range will be very successful amongst customers.” 

The New Forever range comes with five offerings:

Tata Tiago

Equipped with the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine, the new Tiago features manual and AMT options with advanced dual-path suspension system. Similarly, it boasts of best possible safety and comfort, sporty design and infotainment features like Android Auto and Apple Car play connectivity. It is available in six colours – Victory Yellow, Flame Red, Pearlescent White, Pure Silver, Daytona Grey and Tectonic Blue, along with a dual-tone option with all the colours, with a starting price of NPR 28.00 lakh.

Tata Tigor

The new Tigor also comes with a 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine in a poised, understated and executive-oriented design. The sleek headlamps and a premium Piano Black finish for the grille enhances the already confident stance of the Tigor. It also offers superior safety, regal comfort and advanced infotainment. It is available in in five colours – Deep Red, Pearlescent White, Pure Silver, Daytona Grey and Arizona Blue, with the starting price at NPR 32.50 lakh.

Tata Nexon

The new Nexon, with a 1.2L petrol engine developing 120PS of power, features an electric sunroof, electronic stability program and connected car technology. The Nexon’s robust platform makes it suitable for a variety of road conditions, and its state-of-the-art technological offerings equip it with enhanced comfort and safety. The Nexon is available in six exciting colours – Foliage Green, Flame Red, Tectonic Blue, Pure Silver, Daytona Grey and Calgary White, along with dual-tone roof options for all the colour options, at a starting price of NPR 39.95 lakh.

Tata Altroz

The all-new Altroz, available in 1.2L BS6 petrol engine, is built on the new ALFA ARC architecture, which is versatile and robust. It is the safest car in its segment, with a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. The Altroz BS6 is available in the XM+ variant, priced at NPR 35.50 lakh.

Tata H5

The latest version of H5 features the next-generation Kryotec 170 BS6 diesel engine, offering 170PS power and 350Nm of torque, and is now available in automatic transmission. Built on the OMEGA ARC architecture derived from Land Rover’s legendary D8 platform, the SUV offers a perfect combination of design and performance. It also has exciting new features like a panoramic sunroof and 6-way powered driver seat with adjustable lumbar support. It is available in five colours – Calypso Red, Orcus White, Atlas Black, Telesto Grey and Camo Green, at a starting price of NPR 84.99 lakh.

About Tata Motors

Tata Motors Limited (NYSE: TTM; BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks and buses. Part of the USD 110 billion Tata group, Tata Motors is India’s largest and the only OEM offering extensive range of integrated, smart and e-mobility solutions. It has operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa, and Indonesia through a strong global network of 134 subsidiaries, associate companies and joint ventures, including Jaguar Land Rover in the UK and Tata Daewoo in South Korea.

With a focus on engineering and tech enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and amongst the top four in the passenger vehicles market. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, the company’s innovation efforts are focused to develop pioneering technologies that are sustainable as well as suited to evolving aspirations of the market and the customers. Tata Motors strives to bring new products that fire the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state of the art design and R&D centres located in India, UK, US, Italy and South Korea. Internationally, Tata commercial and passenger vehicles are marketed in countries, spread across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, South America, Australia, CIS, and Russia.

About Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd.

Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd. is a major player in automotive and allied business and is one of the largest and most driving brands in Nepal. 38 years down the line, Sipradi has exceeded USD 350 million annual revenue and continue to grow rapidly in automotive, lubricant, financial service and equipment business sectors. It has more than 750 employees and over 650 support staff working to accomplish a shared objective – To deliver quality products and services while adding synergy to the growth of overall brand value.

Sipradi Trading Private Ltd (STPL) has been the sole distributor of Tata Motors Ltd. India vehicles, for Nepal since 1982 and is certified with ISO 9001:2015. The company provides sales, services and spare parts, facility for the full range of Tata Motors’ commercial as well as passenger vehicles. The company has immense networks throughout Nepal with 32 sales network offices and 33 service centres dedicated to commercial and Passenger vehicles.

Financial Services Sector Displays High Discrepancy Percentage In Background Screening – 16.9% In Q4-20

* Sectors like Banking, BPO, E-commerce & Logistics, Engineering & infra, FMCG, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Pharma, Retail and Telecom, have displayed high discrepancy percentages as compared to the industry average

* Highest number of discrepancies among the candidates has been detected in the age bracket of 22 to 40 years

* Employment component has witnessed high discrepancy percentages in most of the industrial sectors - especially in traditional sectors like Banking, Financial Services, FMCG, Healthcare, Retail & Telecom to name a few

* 37 out of every 100 candidates screened in theTelecom sector were discrepant which is in linewith the usual high discrepancy trending of theTelecom sector

* Overall discrepancy in 2020 averaged at 8.9 percent versus 9.1 percent in 2019.

Cases of discrepancies in the Financial Services industry surprisingly showed a higher discrepancy percentage of 16.9 percent in Q4-2020, way above the industry average of 11.9 percent in the previous quarter, as per the Q4 Trends Report released by First Advantage – a leading background screening company in India.Sectors like Banking, BPO, E-commerce & Logistics, Engineering & infra, FMCG, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Pharma, Retail and Telecom, have displayed higher discrepancy percentages against the industry average of 8.6 percent in Q4-20.

The Employment component depicts that many sectors individually like E-Commerce & Logistics, Engineering & Infra, Healthcare, Hospitality, Insurance, Manufacturing, Pharma and Retail to name few - have shown higher inclination towards alternate modes of verification in these challenging times. 

“’Essentials’ have assumed a new meaning today. In the corporate world, Background Verification (BGV) is that ‘essential’ ingredient which has deep roots in business risk, compliance and data security too. With our digital initiatives driven by modern technology and alternate screening solutions we at First Advantage have transformed our processes to adapt with the changing environmental and economic conditions.”said Amit Singh, Head - Commercial, First Advantage India. 

The year end quarter has shown some very positive trends and very clear indications of Organizations– coping, adapting and coming out to a world with Covid-19, fiercely fighting back for survival.Sectors like Consulting, Healthcare, Insurance, IT andManufacturingclearly depicts that the markets have bottomed out. Some of these sectors have shown much higher volumes in the fourth quarter as compared to the first quarter of 2020.

“As we continue our journey towards a product company,we are achieving success through innovative product developments and digital screening solutions.”adds Singh.

About First Advantage:

First Advantage is a winning combination of searches and service that provides insights to reduce risk while improving the quality of the talent and the reliability of the renters, standing out in the tech industry as a whole. First Advantage achieves success through innovation – whether that means innovative product development or enhancement to the candidate experience. Powering this through agile transformation, robotic process automation, artificial intelligence, block chain, products for the next generation employees – monitoring, fraud, facial recognition, and many others.

As a trusted partner to over 35,000 organizations, First Advantage has offices in 26 locations across 14 countries and conducts 75 million international background screens.

Chalet Hotels Announces Vaccination Cover For Its Employees, Across Its Hotels

* Joins major corporates, by becoming one of the first Indian hospitality companies to announce vaccination cover for its people

As India’s vaccination drive continues to gather momentum, the country’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sector is optimistic about the future. Chalet Hotels Ltd., owner, developer, and asset manager of high-end hotels in key metro cities of India, announces complete vaccination cover for all its employees, across the country. This makes it one of the first hospitality companies in India to take this step, joining other leading people-centric organizations from other industries.

As a part of this program, Chalet Hotels Ltd. will cover the vaccination costs for all its employees across its hotels and corporate offices. While the choice to get vaccinated is left to the individual, in the interest of safety and convenience, the Company has provisioned for employees to get vaccinated at any centre of their choice.

Speaking about this initiative, Mr. Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO, Chalet Hotels Ltd said, “We are in a people-driven industry and our ‘people’ are our biggest asset. As we march into the new normal, our emphasis on the health and safety of our employees is of highest priority. Their wellbeing is going to be a key enabler in helping us continue to fulfil our commitment of an exceptional hospitality experience.”

Chalet Hotels Ltd. has been recognized in India’s Great Mid-Size Workplaces’ by the Great Place to Work® Institute India- 2020-21. It is also amongst India’s 100 Best Workspaces for Women 2020. The Company has consistently addressed employee wellbeing, and firmly believes that it is crucial to address the safety needs of employees, to build a productive workplace.

About Chalet Hotels Limited:

Chalet Hotels Limited (CHL), is an owner, developer and asset manager of high-end hotels in key metro cities in India. CHL’s hotel platform comprises seven operating hotels, including a hotel with a co-located serviced residence, located across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune. CHL’s hotels are branded with globally recognized hospitality brands – the Marriott Group and the Accor Group. The hotel platform emphasizes on strategic locations, efficient design and development, appropriate positioning in hotel segments, together with branding and operational tie-ups with leading hospitality companies. CHL uses its experience to actively manage the hotel assets to drive performance.

In addition, CHL has developed commercial and retail spaces, in close proximity to its existing hotels. CHL has developed hotels at strategic locations generally with high barriers-to-entry and in high density business districts. The Company generally develops its hotels on large land parcels, allowing them to situate a greater number of rooms, as well as provide a wide range of amenities, such as, fine dining and specialty restaurants, large banquet and outdoor spaces. CHL endeavors to build hotels of superior standards targeting the luxury, upper upscale, and upscale hotel segments at an efficient gross built up area and development cost per key.

mPokket To Provide Scholarships To 4000-Plus College Students Across India

* Initiative to financially empower college students across the nation

* The beneficiaries have already started witnessing the impact of the initiative, with more than 40 students having successfully received scholarships since February.

Continuing with its vision to empower youth, mPokket has announced the launch of a special scholarship initiative for college students.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has severely hit many people pan-India, the initiative aims to help students manage financial challenges during these troubled times. More than 40 students have already benefitted from the program, with the aim to reach out to thousands more.

Founded in 2016 by Gaurav Jalan, mPokket has launched the scholarship to bridge the financial gap for many students in meeting academic or related expenses. The Company announced its CSR initiative as part of the campaign to boost financial inclusion. mPokket’s mission is to improve the lives of underserved new-to-credit individuals who lack access to credit from traditional financial institutions, providing instant access to cash for urgent requirements.

Discussing the initiative, Gaurav Jalan, CEO & Founder – mPokket, said: “At mPokket, we have always believed in empowering the youth. Towards this end, the scholarship will help students in India defray some of their educational expenses. Education enables the youth to build a better tomorrow. Hopefully, the initiative will help them continue their studies in these tumultuous times.”

Being a completely digital offering, students don’t need to submit any hard copies of documents. They simply have to upload proofs pertaining to their financial status, academic scores, and faculty recommendation onto the mPokket mobile app.

About mPokket

mPokket is an Instant Loan App providing loans to eligible college students and young working

professionals. Founded by Gaurav Jalan in 2016, the Company has grown today to serve more than 1.4 million borrowers.  

Borrowers can avail loans ranging from Rs500 to Rs20,000. After an initial KYC process, the approved amount is instantly credited either to their bank account within minutes. mPokket’s business model is similar to credit card lending but focuses on individuals that are ineligible to borrow from traditional lenders yet need loans to meet urgent needs. The mobile application seamlessly delivers credit anytime anywhere.

OkCredit Launches #OutoftheShadows Campaign; Appeals Women To Come Out Of Obscurity

In lieu of International Women’s Day, OkCredit launches the # Out of the Shadows campaign video, urging women to come out of the male pronounced guardianship. Launched under the theme ‘No more in his name’, the video calls for women to come out of obscurity and take credit for their accomplishments.

Aimed at encouraging the inherent entrepreneurial spirit of women, the campaign video features the real-life story of Rashmi Apte - an exemplary woman on the OkCredit platform. Rashmi has built a business of homemade snacks, all on her own, and uses the OkCredit application to record credit transactions. During Diwali, Rashmi managed to sell 70-80 kg of savories per day from her home kitchen!

Rashmi came out of the shadows- the shadow of a male member deciding the fate of women, be it business, career or ambitions.  The company believes that every woman should, and that's why the campaign this year is an appeal to women to come out of this wardship. 

Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, Amit Nayak, Head, Growth and Marketing, OkCredit said, “Women are born entrepreneurs. Management comes naturally to them, given that they can handle multiple tasks at the same time. Technology could be the fuel to push this innate entrepreneurial energy to a more productive role in the society and economy. Conceptualized by OkCredit, # Out of the Shadows is our small effort to encourage women to build their own identity without the crutches of men in their life.”

According to the Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls in the Economy (IWWAGE) report, only seven in 100 enterprises in India are run by women. This is even thoughfemale entrepreneurship can potentially generate millions of jobs and pull more women into the employment stream.

“As a startup working with millions of small entrepreneurs across India, we understand the importance of women being "Atma Nirbhar". We are committed to fostering women’s entrepreneurship through our suite of applications and in the process distribute fruits of digitisation evenly. Currently, about 15% of users on our platform are women and our goal is to grow this number multifold in the next few years”, said Harsh Pokharna, Co-founder and CEO, OkCredit.

The company is playing an important role in correcting this skewed ratio by empowering entrepreneurs, irrespective of gender, through its digital business tools that help entrepreneurs to create an online storefront, manage staff digitally and make the book-keeping task simpler, digitized, and secure for small businesses. With easy-to-use technology that brings down barriers for women to start up, OkCredit has seen higher participation of women from small towns.