DigitSec, UST Announce Partnership To Offer Continuous Application Security Testing For Salesforce DevSecOps

DigitSec, provider of the most comprehensive AppSec testing platform purpose-built for Salesforce, and UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, today announced a partnership to provide full-spectrum application security testing as part of a comprehensive Salesforce portfolio for enterprise customers.

* UST will offer its clients the DigitSec SaaS Security Scanner™- S4 for Salesforce™ as part of its plan to deliver more secure and resilient solutions for testing and remediation.

* DigitSec and UST experts will discuss Salesforce security and threat environment and tactics for identifying potential issues during development effectively in a webinar at 09:00 AM PST on September 16, 2021. Speaker and registration info are available here.

DigitSec S4 is a continuous application security testing platform for Salesforce DevSecOps that integrates multiple security tools, empowering developers and administrators to accurately identify security issues faster and with far fewer false positives than traditional AppSec testing solutions. It offers an automated penetration testing solution combining static source code analysis (SAST), interactive runtime testing (IAST), software composition analysis (SCA), and cloud security configuration review for a truly comprehensive Salesforce security assessment.

* Commenting on the partnership, Prasan Vyas, General Manager and Global Head of SFDC Practice, UST said, “At UST, we are constantly improving our value proposition for our Global 2000 and Fortune 500 customers by leveraging our platform expertise and working together with best-of-breed partners to help build secure and robust solutions. For our Salesforce customers, DigitSec presents a digital-age tool to secure applications against potential security threats early on in the build process. The partnership underwrites UST’s deep commitment to the Salesforce platform and helping our customers identify and remediate security risks in their Salesforce orgs.”

* “Given the mission-critical and sensitive nature of customer personally identifiable information (PII) and other data, it’s critical that developers consider security first in their Salesforce projects. Our S4 platform provides a continuous and automated 360-degree view of potential threats and now is available to UST clients as they create and update their Salesforce applications,” said DigitSec CEO Waqas Nazir.    

* S4 for Salesforce can quickly and accurately identify thousands of potential security vulnerabilities with the lowest rate of false positives in the industry.  The DigitSec platform also supports compliance framework requirements including GDPR, HIPAA, ISO-27001, SOX, PCI DSS, CCPA, and APPI.

About DigitSec

DigitSec provides the most comprehensive application security testing platform purpose-built for Salesforce, including automated penetration testing. Its patented SaaS Security Scanner, S4, quickly assesses Salesforce security posture, allowing developers to easily identify potential issues before deployment while supporting compliance requirements. More info can be found at https://www.digitsec.com.

About UST

For more than 20 years, UST has worked side by side with the world’s best companies to make a real impact through transformation.  Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients’ organizations—delivering measurable value and lasting change across industries and around the world. Together, with over 26,000 employees in 25 countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at ust.com.

All brands and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Salesforce, Force.com and the Salesforce logo are registered trademarks of Salesforce.com, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. Salesforce.com, Inc., or any other companies mentioned does not sponsor or endorse UST.

Jana Small Finance Bank Becomes A Banker To Co-Operative Banks

* Partners with HCBL Co-operative Bank and Mysore Merchants Co-operative Bank to offer digital infrastructure and payment services 

Jana Small Finance Bank, a Bengaluru-based small finance bank, signed an MOU with HCBL Co-operative Bank, Lucknow and Mysore Merchants Co-operative Bank, Mysore to provide digital infrastructure and payments services to the respective banks under the bank sponsorship programme of RBI. This alliance will help customers of the co-operative banks enjoy digital transactions powered by Jana SFB.

HCBL co-operative bank in association with Jana Small Finance Bank, can now extend ATM, POS and e-commerce services to its customers. Also this is for the first time that Jana Small Finance Bank has tied-up with a co-operative bank to provide IMPS services thus imparting seamless payment options to its customers.

Under the arrangement with Mysore Merchants Co-operative Bank, Jana SFB branded debit cards will be issued to their customers. Additionally, services like ATM, POS and e-commerce services are also extended to them.

These associations will boost digital transactions enabling more rural customers to come under the gamut of financial inclusion in true sense. Jana Small Finance Bank’s digital capability will now be available to all its partner banks.

Speaking on the association, Ajay Kanwal, MD and CEO of Jana Small Finance Bank said, “It’s wonderful joining hands with HCBL Co-operative Bank and Mysore Merchants Co-operative Bank. Our endeavour is to build an ecosystem by providing smarter and simpler banking solutions for the underserved so that the benefits of digital banking can reach the masses. This partnership is yet another effort to grow our sponsor bank network to make banking products easily accessible to all. ”

Commenting on the partnership, A.K Srivastava, CEO, HCBL co-operative bank, said, “We are delighted to be associated with Jana Small Finance Bank to provide ‘Rupay Debit Card’ facility to our customers. We are also working towards plans to introduce IMPS and e-commerce transactions that can truly help cater to our customers’ needs. These services will bring in the convenience and hassle free money transfers for all our customers working in various segments.”

About Jana Small Finance Bank

Jana Small Finance Bank Limited (Jana Small Finance Bank) is one of the leading Small Finance Banks of India in terms of assets under management and deposit size as at March 31, 2020, as per the report titled ‘Overview of Banking Sector in India’ dated March 12, 2021, issued by IRR Advisory (“IRR Report”). Jana Small Finance Bank has the second most geographically diversified portfolio with a pan-India presence among all Small Finance Banks in India as at March 31, 2020 (Source: IRR Report). As at February 28, 2021, Jana Small Finance Bank had 611 Branches, including 166 Branches in Unbanked Rural Centres, and 134 ATMs located in 229 districts in 20 states and three union territories. Jana Small Finance Bank has served over 8.00 million customers since 2008, including approximately 3.05 million active customers.

Jana Small Finance Bank Limited (the “Bank”) is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a draft red herring prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The DRHP shall be available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of the Stock Exchanges i.e. BSE and NSE at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com, respectively, and is available on the websites of the BRLMs i.e. Axis Capital Limited, ICICI Securities Limited and SBI Capital Markets Limited at www.axiscapital.co.in, www.icicisecurities.com and www.sbicaps.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risk, see "Risk Factors" of the RHP, when available. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision.

This announcement has been prepared for publication in India and may not be released in the United States. This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in any jurisdiction, including the United States, and any securities described in this announcement may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the Bank and that will contain detailed information about the Bank and management, as well as financial statements. However, no public offering of securities is being made in the United States.

nurture.farm To Aid Farmers With Free PUSA Spraying Services To End Stubble Burning Practices

●        Over 25,000 farmers in Punjab and Haryana, covering more than 5,00,000 acres, have enrolled in nurture.farm’s program and committed to not burn stubble this year

●        nurture.farm will provide farmers with free spraying services to encourage this sustainable practice.

●        nurture.farm has partnered with IARI & IIM Rohtak for developing and scaling the solution under Phase I of the initiative

nurture.farm, an integrated technology-led solutions provider for sustainable agriculture globally and a part of the OpenAg™ network of UPL, announced their program to end stubble burning practices in the states of Punjab and Haryana by replacing the matchstick with a spray service for the PUSA decomposer, a bioenzyme developed by the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI). It decomposes the stubble within 20-25 days after spraying and turns it into manure, further improving the soil quality. The company has signed up over 5,00,000 acres in this program and onboarded more than 25,000 farmers who will be availing this sustainable agriculture practice free of cost.

This comes as a great relief to farmers, citizens, and policymakers alike. Every year, the deliberate burning of 5.7 million acres of rice paddy stubble contributes to polluting the air with toxins, making it unbreathable for people in the nearby cities. The stubble burning impacts the soil quality while nutrients and microbes die and so does any other flora and fauna that comes in the fire’s way. However, the lack of any other viable choice pushes the farmers to burn the crops, as burning is cheaper, faster and clears the land in time for the next cropping cycle.

Commenting on the initiative, Jai Shroff, Global CEO, UPL Ltd., said, “We are excited about the initiative, and we believe this will go a long way in benefiting both the farmers and society-at-large. Our commitment to sustainability remains unparalleled. Through OpenAg™, UPL is creating a network that changes the way a whole industry thinks and works and will help make the agricultural process more sustainable.”

Commenting on the initiative, Dhruv Sawhney, COO and Business Head, nurture.farm said: “75% of Indian farmers are owners of land which span a hectare or less. For them, time and resources are limited, and so they are risk-averse to try new things. They are aware of the negative implications of crop burning, but lack of access to the latest technology and farm mechanisation pushes them to burn the crop. Any delay in handling leftover stubble directly affects their next cropping cycle, which has a domino effect on their yield and ultimately their income."

“This is where nurture.farm steps in and acts as the facilitator of PUSA, a bio-decomposer developed by IARI. Partnering with IIM Rohtak, we have developed an entire ecosystem where the farmers can register for the service via our nurture.farm app and avail our large spraying machines to decompose their stubble. Offering the service free of cost incentivises the farmers to adopt practices that ensure sustainable outcomes, which is the core of all our services at nurture.farm. We are excited about this initiative because this will have a direct benefit on the farm’s sustainability as well as the environment and public health," he further added.

The protocol verification and oversight of the project have been developed in collaboration with IIM-Rohtak. Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director, IIM Rohtak said:

“We are glad to be a part of this great initiative by nurture.farm where we can create a direct impact by piloting a sustainable agricultural model at this unprecedented scale and proportion. Stubble burning is a major cause of environmental and economic concern. By devising a framework to produce, procure, and make the PUSA spray available at the grassroots level, we are confident about putting an end to this unhealthy practice. We are excited to embark on this journey of sustainability and to track its impact on the environment, health, and the farm.”

The highlight of the initiative is that it ensures a win-win for all the stakeholders involved. For farmers, stubble decomposition leads to increased organic carbon and soil health and a significant cost reduction in fertilisers for the next cropping cycle. Being a sustainable agriculture practice, the initiative also ensures a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases and a reduction in toxins and soot that gets released into the air. When practised for a while, it considerably increases the soil’s nutrient health and microbial activity, ensuring better yield at reduced input costs for the farmers and organic produce for the consumers. nurture.farm plans to scale up the operations to end stubble burning in the states of Punjab and Haryana in the next three years.

About nurture.farm

nurture.farm is an open, digital platform for sustainable agriculture. nurture.farm offers complete integrated solutions to secure sustainable outcomes for the agricultural ecosystem. nurture.farm's solutions reach across the food system, expanding choice-making access transparent, affordable and convenient for all. nurture.farm is part of the OpenAg™ network, embodies the spirit and purpose of OpenAg™, and will push the frontiers in leveling up sustainable outcomes for emerging markets by helping farmers increase their farm productivity and have a positive impact on the planet. 

About UPL

UPL Ltd. (NSE: UPL & BSE: 512070) is a global provider of sustainable agriculture products & solutions, with annual revenue exceeding $5 billion. We are a purpose-led company. Through OpenAg™, UPL is focused on facilitating progress for the entire agricultural value chain. We are building a network that redefines the way an entire industry thinks and works – open to fresh ideas, innovative ways and new answers as we strive towards our mission to make every single food product more sustainable.

As one of the largest agriculture solutions companies worldwide, our robust portfolio consists of biologicals and traditional crop protection solutions with more than 13,600 registrations. We are present in more than 130 countries, represented by more than 10,000 colleagues globally. For more information about our integrated portfolio of solutions across the food value chain including seeds, post-harvest, as well as physical and digital services. 

About OpenAg™

OpenAg™ is an open network to create sustainable growth for all – no limits, no borders. Together we are reimagining sustainability, bringing all of the different players across the food system – from farmers to food producers to consumers - in the spirit of collaboration to change how the whole industry thinks, works and evolves. Through agility, creativity, and cooperation, and from new technologies, seeds, and biological solutions, to digital platforms, training programmes, and partnerships, OpenAg™ is an open door, an open heart, and an open invitation to work together to build sustainable, resilient, beneficial food systems.

Indus Valley Launches Bio Organic DIY Product Line In India

Expands product portfolio with over 26 DIY combo kits, empowering customers to take control of their beauty regime

Bengaluru , August 26, 2021:  Indus Valley Bio Organic, under the aegis of Indus Valley Cosmeceuticals, has launched twenty-six DIY combo Kits that are 100% Organic with a price range from Rs.250 to Rs. 400. The launch is a step forward in their ongoing mission of “Making beauty safe and chemical-free”, by rolling out an economical, DIY product line for customers.

Key Highlights 

·        Indus Valley Bio Organic, has launched its twenty-six DIY combo Kits that are 100% Organic with a price range from Rs.250 to Rs. 400.

·        DIY combo Kits,  packed with all-natural and organic ingredients,  promises healthier skin and repaired hair

·        Very economical, customers can explore and experiment with different kits for different damage solutions.

·        Each kit also offers multiple applications, 3 to 10

·        The product will be available on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, 1mg, Flipkart, Nykaa, Snapdeal, Paytm Mall and Myntra.

·        The recipe book inside helps you to make multiple products using separate ingredients of the combo.

·        Most ingredients have been awarded the ECOCERT Organic Certification, USDA Organic Certification, Not Tested on Animals Certification, Vegan Ingredients Certification

Hair care combo kits

1.        Hair Strengthening Mask/Pack

2.        Hair Revitalising Mask/Pack

3.        Anti hairfall kit

4.        Hair conditioning Mask /Pack

5.        Hair Nourishing Mask /Pack

6.        Dry hair conditioning mask/Pack

7.        Dandruff Clarifying Hair mask/Pack

8.        Scalp Rejuvenating mask/Pack

9.        Hair Revival kit

10.      Hair softener mask/Pack/Mask

11.      Dirt free scalp conditioner

12.      Hair regrowth mask/Pack

Skin care combo kits

1.        Facepack/Mask for Brighten Complexion

2.        Anti Bacterial Face Mask/Pack

3.        Skin Glowing Facepack /Mask

4.        Acne Control face mask/Pack

5.        Skin/Face Detoxifying Scrub

6.        Body Polishing & Scrubbing Kit

7.        Natural Bleaching Face Mask /Pack

8.        PH balancing Face mask/Pack

9.        natural oil removal Face Mask /Pack

10.      Rejuvenating ubtan face pack/Mask

11.      Muscle relaxation mask/Pack

12.      Foot Relaxation kit

13.      Skin moisturizing serum

14.      stress reliever massage gel

Commenting on the launch Mr. Shyam Arya, CEO and Founder of Indus Valley Cosmeceuticals said, “Even with everything operating from home, the stress and anxiety have had their fair share of ill effects on both our skin and hair. This makes it all the way more important to take proper care of our skin and hair. But with a market filled with chemical-laced products that do more harm than benefit, one has many thoughts before applying anything on their body. To ease our customers of this problem, we launched these DIY kits, which can start that repair action right away, sitting in the comfort of your house, with nothing but only selected ingredients directly from nature’s lap.”

The combos will have compact packing and will be offered at a very reasonable price. The launch is specially made for those who want to explore the effect of all-natural personal care products and beauty regimes for themselves. Since they are very economical, customers can explore and experiment with different kits for different damage solutions. Each combo also offers multiple applications (3 to 10) which help get better and consecutive results. It’s a perfect gifting option for youngsters who can start or maintain their skin and hair care with organic products. The product will be available on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, 1mg, Flipkart, Nykaa, Snapdeal, Paytm Mall, and Myntra.

The combo contains packs of each individual ingredient separately which are to be mixed by the consumer. Proper measurement details are given which helps the user to know exact quantities of usage. The recipe book inside helps you to make multiple products using separate ingredients of the combo. Most ingredients have been awarded the ECOCERT Organic Certification, USDA Organic Certification, Not Tested on Animals Certification, Vegan Ingredients Certification.

About Indus Valley

A homegrown brand of hair colors,  that aims to popularise Safe and Chemical Free beauty care using the wisdom from India's age-old tradition, that is free from all commonly used chemicals like ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, paraphenylenediamine, barium, and other heavy metals that cause irreparable harm to hair strands, the organically natural hair dye comes as a fresh breather against all the harmful chemical dyes is currently available. After successfully creating its place globally for 25 years, the brand introduces itself in India with a campaign ‘India Against Grey’ which aims at addressing permanent greying of hair, damaging melanin, growth of new grey hair, dryness, breakage, and several issues that are the result of hair coloring. It is a cosmetic brand with a range of natural Organic Certified and Halal Certified hair dyes, organic hair, and skin care products. Their factory is situated in Lower Himalayas in the eco-friendly surrounding to produce high-quality natural cosmetics. The products are free of artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals and are also cruelty-free.

Six Reasons To YAY For Digital Tuition Across The Indian Market

Digital tuition is the best way of learning tough subjects in an easy way. Endless features are at your disposal when you switch online. If you are a shy kid and resist from asking doubts during physical classes, digital tuition is the way to go. If you think that you get less attention while studying with all your classmates, digital tuition enables you for one-to-one monitoring. If you are often tired after school but want to perform at your best, digital tuitions can help. If you tend to forget important concepts before exam and want a quick revision from your teacher, digital tuitions can help. If you want to SFA (Study from Anywhere) study at your convenient time and place, digital tuition is the key.

# 1 - Revise key concepts anytime anywhere! Get doubts cleared!

When we learn a new concept, questions tend to pop up inside our heads. But, because of some of the other reason we tend to resist asking doubts from teachers in offline mode. You often feel that you want to quickly revise the concepts taught but your tuition class is already over. These two situations among many can be solved using digital tuition classes. What if you get recorded videos of important concepts that you can view as many times as you want? What if you can ask end number of doubts at any time of the day? Cool, right. Digital tuition brings you all these among other. Why wait? Switch to a digital tuition now.

#2 - Feeling embarrassed to ask a doubt? Not anymore.

Peer pressure is one of the most pivotal points that prevent students from performing their best. How so? Because they don’t ask doubts. Teachers often ask their students to clear doubts frequently but in a class with all your friends, it is sometimes difficult. We understand you. Digital tuition can get you an exclusive window to your teacher where you can ask all your silly or important doubts freely and worry-free. Anytime, anywhere, you just need an internet connection.

#3 - Travel to the playground not tuition…

As if going to and coming back from school wasn’t enough, that now you have to cycle/travel to tuition almost every day. Want to save time and the extra hustle? Worry no more! Get yourself a digital tutor and study from a place most convenient to you. You can cuddle up in a blanket and just click play to absorb all the SMARTAINMENT! The fun doesn’t get over. You can absorb better with animated visuals like the ones provided by 90+ My Tuition App. Do not believe it? Try it yourself.

#4 - Fed up of 6 to 7 pm slot, fret no more. 

After spending long hours and slogging at school, students often get tired and want some rest. But, their 6pm tuition is knocking the door. Want to get out of this misery? Fret no more. Enroll for a digital tuition that gives you access to quality content from anywhere and anytime. You can also download the lectures and watch it multiple times to solidify important concepts.

#5 - Test your knowledge every day.

Do you often forget important concepts before a full syllabus test? Do you doubt your answers during exams? If so, Digital tuitions have got your back! Learn and test your knowledge every day. Trivia tests at the end of every video not only reinforces knowledge but also ignites interest. Now, objective type questions can be on your fingertips.

#6 – High Quality, Affordable prices: Switch to digital tuitions

In offline classes, you generally hire different tutors for different subject and end up paying more every month for not so amazing quality of tutoring. Digital tuitions come in class based packages which have all the essential subjects costing lower. The best teachers in the country ensures high quality content.

HDFC Multi-Asset Fund – Get The Advantage Of Investing In 3 Asset Classes Through 1 Fund With Our Model Driven Approach

* As of 31‐Jul‐2021, HDFC Multi‐Asset Fund (“the Scheme”) has delivered 1 year return of 29.38% vs 25.02% for its Benchmark (90% NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 65:35 Index + 10% Domestic Price of Gold. ## NIFTY 50 (Total Returns Index).

Each asset class behaves differently across different economic cycles. Out of 23 fiscal years since FY99, Equity has been the best performing asset class in 12 years, while Debt and Gold have been best performing asset class in 5 and 6 years respectively.

As asset class winners keep changing, asset allocation is critical for wealth creation. HDFC Multi‐Asset Fund, which invests in 3 asset classes viz. Equity, Debt and Gold, aims to meet asset allocation needs of investors. Equity aims to provide capital appreciation, Debt aims to provide stability to the portfolio and Gold is a potential safe haven asset class, which also provides hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

The Scheme adopts a model driven approach for asset allocation.

* The model indicates percentage of unhedged equity allocation by considering 4 valuation driven factors. Unhedged Equity allocation range indicated by the model is between 40% ‐ 80%. If markets are expensive as compared to history, model will indicate lower unhedged equity allocation and vice versa.

* As of July 31, 2021, portfolio had unhedged equity exposure of ~53.8% of Total Assets. Further, hedged equity exposure was ~11.7% of Total Assets. The total equity exposure (both hedged and unhedged) is maintained above 65% so as to retain the equity taxation benefit.

The Scheme invests between 10% to 30% of total assets in Debt instruments & 10% to 30% of Total Assets in Gold related instruments. As of July 31, 2021, Exposure to Gold ETF and Debt (including cash/cash equivalents and Net Current Assets) was ~10% and ~21% of Total Assets respectively.

The Scheme currently has a large cap bias, with 70% of its unhedged equity assets being invested in Large Caps as of July 31, 2021.

In terms of sector allocation, the Scheme has overweight position in Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples and Industrials; and underweight position in Financials and Energy.

Mr. Amit Ganatra, Senior Fund Manager of HDFC Asset Management Company Limited (HDFC AMC) said, “Global as well as domestic growth prospects have been buoyed by accommodative monetary and fiscal policies, pent up demand recovery, vaccination drive and turnaround in corporate profitability. In India – corporate earnings cycle has turned around post Covid‐19 and a strong earnings cycle creates opportunities for investors to participate in equity as an asset class. However, there are also uncertainties around possible 3rd Covid‐19 wave, sustainability of recovery, potentially higher inflation and higher valuations post strong market rally. In this kind of an environment, Investors should consider asset allocation strategies as they not only ensure equity participation, but also aim to protect downside by exposure to other asset classes namely debt and gold.

HDFC Multi‐Asset Fund is a suitable investment avenue for investors, who are looking for a single product to provide exposure to 3 asset classes – namely equity, debt and gold, with a long term investment horizon.

Past performance may or may not be sustained in future. The current investment strategy is subject to change. HDFC MF/AMC is not guaranteeing/offering/communicating any indicative yield or guaranteed returns made in this scheme. The product positioning is based on current view and is subject to change. For complete portfolio details refer www.hdfcfund.com 

Views expressed herein are as of 17 Aug 2021 involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. HDFC Mutual Fund/AMC is not indicating or guaranteeing returns on any investments. Readers should seek professional advice before taking any investment related decisions and alone shall be responsible.

MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY.

Online Classes And Increased Screen Time Leading To Myopia In Kids

* Long-term use of digital screens can cause dryness of eyes, near-sightedness, squint and allergies 

* More and more children are now presenting themselves with symptoms and eye conditions which used to be largely seen in adults  

Amid increased screen time in the ongoing pandemic due to online classes, the onset and progression of myopia (‘near-sightedness’) and ‘squint eye’ among school-going children has seen a two-fold increase, if the numbers at the paediatrics department of the nationwide eye hospital chain, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, are any indication. 

Said Dr. Rakesh Seenappa, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Bengaluru: “We have seen almost doubling of cases of myopia among children of 8-16 years of age compared to pre-pandemic times There is also a significant rise in squint-eye cases among kids due to excessive use of digital screens for near-work activities like online classes, watching videos or playing video games on small screen. Long-term use of digital screens can cause dryness of eyes, near-sightedness, squint and allergies. It promotes faster tear evaporation, which leads to dryness in eyes, making patients rub them constantly. This causes changes in the corneal curvature and, in a few months, an increase in glass power. Dryness can also trigger eye allergies, which makes children rub their eyes even more. This is a downward spiral that leads to a myopic shift in the eyes as the child grows, leading to high myopia at an early age.” 

He added: “Over the last one year, we have seen lot of school-going children and college teens coming to us with complaints of burning sensation in the eyes, blurring of vision and, sometimes, double vision and headaches. We have also found a few patients as young as 6 years suffering from myopia. This is mainly due to prevalence of online classes. Children who are in the front of a bright screen for more than four hours per day are most at risk of myopia and squint eye, especially those who don’t take frequent breaks. Risk factors are increased duration of screen time, playing video games on small screens and parents having myopia.” 

According to the doctor, more and more children are presenting themselves with symptoms and eye conditions which used to be largely seen in adults till now. This is all a result of their adaption to the pandemic times. Said Dr. Rakesh Seenappa: “The ocular conditions we are seeing during the pandemics times in children include the dry eyes syndrome, allergic and infective conjunctivitis (pink eyes), styes (a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid) and stress headaches. The severity varies from mild to severe, depending on whether the parents recognize the symptoms at earlier stages or not.” 

Myopia as a condition, though not reversible, is curable with prescription glasses. “We do have treatment options to prevent excessive progression of myopia. Squint is curable with glasses as well as through surgery. Sometimes it can be reversed through appropriate exercises and prescription glasses,” Dr. Rakesh Seenappa said. 

To prevent the onset of eye conditions among children, one needs to limit their screen exposure time, encourage them to do more outdoor activities, take them for regular screening with an ophthalmologist, and discourage them from rubbing eyes frequently, the doctor added.  

Near work refers to activities such as reading and writing with the distance between the object of focus (books, for instance) and eyes being less than 33 cm. During the lockdown period, near-work involves computers, laptops, mobile phones and tablets, taken up without frequent breaks and increased screen time for academic or other purposes. This visual stress could lead to squinting and has an accelerating effect on myopia progression. Myopia is an emerging public health problem in both urban and rural school-going children in India, requiring urgent efforts. 

About Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospitals: 

Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital a comprehensive eye hospital offering a one-stop solution for eye ailments; was started in the year 1957. Now the hospital is in its 61st year of offering quality services in eye care. It has 80+ hospitals across India. With a visible footprint in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andaman, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. A tertiary eye care centre at Mauritius marks its first step towards establishing an international presence extended up to 13 branches covering the Indian Ocean region, African countries and East Asia.