Shaping India's Future: Zee National Achievers Awards 2023 To Felicitate Inspirational Change Makers On July 28, 2023

* This star-studded event looks forward to providing national recognition for the exceptional contribution in their respective fields

Despite the numerous challenges, lack of resources and hurdles in life, champions and go-getters have achieved great heights in their respective domains. This has been the result of sheer resilience and a never-give-up attitude. To honour their dedication towards excelling in different fields.

IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited (formerly known as Zee Digital) is all set for the Season 2 of Zee National Achievers Awards 2023, the event is an exclusive platform that aims to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of individuals, groups, and organizations who have made significant contributions over the past year. This grand star-studded event will be graced by Chief Guest- Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, (Chief Minister of Delhi), Indian playback singer - Kumar Sanu and a special appearance of Bollywood celebrity - Nushrratt Bharuccha. The event will also be attended by Industry stalwarts across different sectors.

The game changers of India will be rewarded awards under various categories spread across auto, retail, estates, health, e-commerce, FMCG, hospitality, start-ups, fashion, jewellery etc. The nomination entries will be reviewed by industry experts. Season 2 of Zee National Achievers Awards 2023 will provide national recognition to the potential entrepreneurs and indomitable leaders who have created a better tomorrow through their intelligence, diligence and path-breaking performance.

Speaking about the relevance of the upcoming awards ceremony, Mr. Shridhar Mishra, CRO – Digital, IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited. says, “We, at IDPL acknowledge the fact that achievements of today are the stepping stones towards a brighter future. Through the National Achievers Awards 2023, we have been felicitating & honouring visionaries for their outstanding contributions to Brand India and society, at large.”

Mr. Anindya Khare, Marketing Head of Zee Media Corporation Limited, further highlighted, “It is a moment of great pride for the entire nation to celebrate the achievements of game changers. After the success of the inaugural edition of the National Achievers Awards, Zee Media is excited to roll out the second season with the sole purpose of applauding the great work done by solopreneurs, individuals and leaders across different sectors. We hope that this platform will ensure maximum stakeholder engagement in understanding and expanding the business vision of Zee Media.”

About IndiaDotcom Digital Pvt Ltd: IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited (formerly Zee Digital) is one of India’s leading media technology companies with strong presence in the news, information and entertainment genres. It is India's second largest Digital Entity touching more than 350 million monthly users and owns 30 plus digital properties including India.com, Zee news, Zee Business, Zee Hindustan, WION news, Bollywoodlife.com and more.

Driving Enhancements In Safety And Success Rates In IVF Through Innovation

By Dr Satish Kumar Adiga, Head, Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal *

Procreation is a vital event in the life of every individual, especially married couples. However, in one in six couples, procreation is not easily fulfilled due to some factors impairing fertility. Generally, infertility is when a sexually active couple does not achieve pregnancy despite having unprotected sex and desiring to become pregnant for at least twelve months.

A recent estimate by WHO shows similar prevalence of infertility between regions -- including in India -- indicating that this is a major health challenge globally. Lifetime prevalence was 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low and middle-income countries.

The birth of the world’s first IVF baby on 25 July 1978 earned its reputation as one of the major medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) or IVF technology has since become a beacon of hope for millions of couples struggling with infertility. Over the years, significant advancements in IVF technology have steadily increased its success rate by placing a strong emphasis on safety for both patients and children born through the technology. This has paved the way for countless success stories, dispelling misconceptions and offering new possibilities for hopeful parents worldwide.

Safety in IVF: A Top Priority

With IVF's increasing popularity, more and more ethical concerns are being raised about the wellbeing of children conceived through the technology. Generally, ART procedures are considered safe and most children born through these techniques are healthy. With millions of successful births through IVF procedures conducted globally, the safety of the process has been continuously improved through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, stringent protocols, and extensive research. Clinics and fertility centres around the world adhere to rigorous standards set by respected medical organisations and governing bodies to ensure the well-being of their patients.

The most common technique used in IVF is intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) where a single sperm cell is directly injected into an egg. Embryologists generally perform ICSIs when the male partner’s ejaculate has very few quality sperm or in situations where sperm needs to be taken directly from testicles. Though this sounds like bypassing all natural processes involved in procreation, the incidence of malformations in babies born through ICSI are similarly low to those conceived naturally. Interestingly, a recent European study showed that the psychosocial health and quality of life was slightly better in ICSI adolescents than in their naturally conceived counterparts.

Other than ICSI, cryopreservation is another routinely used method for short and long-term storage of eggs, sperm, and embryos.  Improvements in cryopreservation techniques have minimised the necessity for multiple fresh embryo transfers and eventual complications such as multiple gestation, preterm birth and associated problems. Though social egg freezing in India is not as popular as it is in the West, by cryopreserving eggs or embryos for future transfers, patients can space out the procedures, allowing their bodies to recover and reduce the risks associated with multiple IVF cycles. The egg or embryo cryopreservation technique involves freezing them at very low temperatures for storage and is generally considered safe and has been a standard practice in IVF treatment for several decades. The eggs or embryos are placed in a solution to prevent ice crystal formation and then cooled rapidly to very low temperatures, around -196 degrees Celsius using liquid nitrogen. There is the concern that the eggs or embryos’ exposure to supraphysiological conditions and years-long storage at low temperature could impact offspring’s health.  Medical research has so far, however, failed to show any conclusive evidence of negative impacts of egg or embryo storage on the health of IVF-born children. Instead, the use of high-quality equipment by experienced and skilled embryologists, and proper handling of embryos are crucial to ensure their overall health and safety.

One of the major safety enhancements in IVF is the utilisation of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) techniques. PGT allows the screening of embryos for genetic abnormalities before they are transferred to the uterus, thereby significantly reducing the chances of implanting embryos with chromosomal issues. The recent introduction of non-invasive genetic testing helps avoid embryo biopsy altogether, thereby further reducing the risk of damage to embryos. This advancement has not only increased the success rate of IVF but has also led to a decrease in the occurrence of certain genetic disorders and malformations in children.

New innovations to be used with caution

Apart from the techniques discussed earlier, there are recent breakthroughs useful in preventing the inheritance of mitochondrial diseases in children. This story is the beginning of a new treatment with massive potential for good. Exemplifiably, the birth of a three-parental baby derived from the DNA of three parents raises questions about the long-term health risks involved. Rightfully, rigorous regulation and checks on the unknowns of this new and controversial technology are needed.

Patient education and informed consent

Ensuring the safety of IVF also involves comprehensive patient education and informed consent. Fertility specialists diligently inform patients about the potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure, helping them make well-informed decisions about their treatment options.

Conclusion

As IVF technology continues to evolve, it is clear that safety remains a paramount concern for both patients and fertility experts. Through innovative techniques, personalized treatments, and comprehensive patient education, IVF is not only achieving remarkable success rates but also offering couples the reassurance they need while embarking on their journey to parenthood. As research continues and technology advances, the future of IVF looks even more promising, providing hope and happiness to countless individuals and families worldwide.

*The author is a recipient of the ICMR Subhash Mukherjee National Award for his contributions to the IVF field.

Scammers Love Barbie! India Amongst Top 3 Countries Witnessing Malware: McAfee Research

* Free Downloads And Ticketing Scams Leading To Theft Of Personal Data And Financial Information

Researchers from McAfee, an online protection company, have discovered a slew of new online scams as cybercriminals look to cash in on the mega blockbuster. Following a record-breaking opening weekend, McAfee is encouraging caution as consumers search ‘Barbie’-related items online and may be more vulnerable to falling for a scam.

As Barbie makes her debut on the big screen, scammers are aiming to cash in on the blockbuster. A rash of scams have cropped up online, including bogus dubbed downloads of the film that install malware, Barbie-related viruses, and fake videos that point people to free tickets—but lead to links that steal personal info with spyware instead. India was also found to be amongst the top 3 countries facing such scams.

"Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for opportunities to make phishing and other scams more attractive and believable," said Steve Grobman, Chief Technology Officer at online protection company, McAfee, "They often leverage popular and well-publicized events such as movie premieres, concerts, or sporting events to trick users into clicking on malicious links."

Fans lining up to see “Barbie” can steer clear of these attacks if they know what to look for. Here are a few examples of what McAfee researchers have discovered.

Examples of the Barbie fake download scam

In India, McAfee has seen several examples of malicious campaigns that attempt to trick victims into downloading the “Barbie” movie in different languages. By clicking the link, it prompts victims to download a .zip file, which is packed with malware.  

Hitachi Payment Services To Acquire Writer Corporation's Cash Management Business

Hitachi Payment Services, India’s leading integrated payment solutions provider, has entered into an agreement to acquire the Cash Management Business of Writer Corporation, a multi-business enterprise.  

In the Cash Management industry, Writer Safeguard - the Cash Management Business of Writer Corporation, has been providing comprehensive cash services including ATM cash replenishment and retail cash pick-up services to corporate clients in India since 2001. Writer Safeguard has a network of close to 40,000 touchpoints including ATMs and Retail spanning 25 states across 1,500 locations serviced by a workforce of over 10,000 people.

The acquisition will transform Hitachi Payments’ market standing by integrating the cash management business into its overall service offerings, positioning it as a one-stop payments and commerce solutions provider. It will enable Hitachi Payments to provide comprehensive ATM services to financial institutions, while on the merchant side it would complement Hitachi Payments’ digital offerings.  By offering a unified and single platform for all merchant related payment and commerce needs, the acquisition will further strengthen Hitachi Payments’ value proposition to merchants and serve as a catalyst in accelerating digital adoption.

Tatsuro Ueda, Vice President and Executive Officer, CEO of Financial Institutions Business Unit, Hitachi, Ltd. said “As the movement of digitalization accelerates globally, Hitachi is committed to provide future-ready solutions that effectively meet the varied needs of our customers especially in India, where digitalization is progressing rapidly in rural areas. This acquisition will enable us to expand our service offerings and further strengthen our position in the Indian market. Specifically for the merchant ecosystem, we will be able to provide a distinctive value proposition and further drive digital acceptance by becoming a one-stop solution provider, catering to the diverse needs of merchants.”  

Sumil Vikamsey, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer – Cash Business, Hitachi Payment Services, said “The acquisition of the Cash Management Business of Writer Corporation will complement Hitachi Payments’ vision of becoming a leading payments and commerce solutions provider, offering holistic, reliable and cost-effective solutions across the payments value chain. In line with our overall strategy, the deal creates opportunities for us to broaden our service offerings and provides us a unique position to drive growth and innovation in the Indian payments landscape.”

Dayle de Souza, Managing Director, Writer Business Services, said “Over the last two decades, Writer Corporation has created a rich legacy in the Cash Management Business through pioneering technologies, operational efficiencies and superior risk management practices. As one of the founding members of the Cash Logistics Association, the company has played a pivotal role in bringing global standards to the Cash Management industry in India. We are confident that the transfer to Hitachi Payments will bring new possibilities for this business. We will continue to retain and grow the ATM Managed Services business as a part of the overall service portfolio to our corporate clients.”

Hitachi Payments is a pioneer in the payment industry in India, offering a comprehensive range of payment solutions including ATM Services, Cash Recycling Machines, White Label ATMs, POS Solutions, Toll & Transit Solutions, Payment Gateway Solutions and innovative offerings such as SoftPOS, POS Value Added Services and next-gen mobile based merchant platform enabling end-to-end services. The company is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving financial inclusion across India.

Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.

About Hitachi Payment Services Pvt. Ltd.

A 100% subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Payments is an integrated payment solutions provider empowering financial institutions, payment aggregators and fintechs with a comprehensive array of end-to-end payment solutions focused on security, reliability and innovation. A pioneer in the Indian payments space, it has over 66,000 ATMs (including 27,500 Cash Recycling Machines) and 9,300 White Label ATMs under management. In addition, it caters to over 3 Mn merchant touch points and processes over 7 Mn digital transactions daily.

For more information on Hitachi Payments, visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi-payments.com

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of "Digital Systems & Services" - supporting our customers' digital transformation; "Green Energy & Mobility" - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and "Connective Industries" - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totalled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide.

For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com

About Writer Group

Writer Corporation is a multi-business enterprise operating in Global Relocations, Information Management, ATM & Cash Management, Hospitality, Lifestyle and Premium Real Estate. It was founded in the year 1953. It has its presence in India, Middle-East, UK, Africa and Singapore. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Writer Group employs 15,000+ people globally, operating with a single goal to consistently meet and exceed our customers’ expectations through premium quality services. Imagination and innovation have been the hallmark of Writer, which has helped align its service capabilities with the evolving needs of corporates and individuals across the world. The organization has established a reputation of superior quality within Relocations, Information Management, Cash Management, Lifestyle and Premium Real Estate.

For more information on Writer Corporation, visit the company website at https://www.writercorporation.com

Ashok Leyland Embarks On ‘Manzil ka Safar’ Stallion Drive From Kanyakumari To Leh To Commemorate Its 75th Year Anniversary

Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer today commenced the ‘Manzil ka Safar’ Stallion Drive from Kanyakumari to Leh. This drive, started on the Kargil Vijay Diwas is a part of the celebrations to mark the momentous occasion of the company’s 75th year anniversary.

‘Manzil ka Safar’, a tribute to Ashok Leyland's iconic Stallion range of vehicles and its association with the Indian armed forces, kicked off from the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari. The expedition will traverse through diverse terrains, challenging mountain passes, and breathtaking landscapes, culminating in the arduous region of Leh. The journey, will cover 4000 kilometers and will represent the endurance, power, and reliability that have become synonymous with Ashok Leyland vehicles.

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD and CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “As we commemorate our 75th anniversary, we set out on this journey in honor of the long-standing association with the Indian Armed Forces. The Stallion Drive from Kanyakumari to Leh embodies our commitment to the Indian army. We are proud of our association and we will continue to be relentless in our efforts to break barriers, overcome obstacles and be a trusted partner."

Mr. Amandeep Singh, President LCV, International Operations, Defense & Power Solutions, Ashok Leyland said, “The drive from Kanyakumari to Leh is a symbolic journey of resilience, strength, and unshakable commitment. As Ashok Leyland embarks on the 'Manzil ka Safar' Stallion Drive, commemorating 75 years of excellence and our long association with the Indian Army, we forge ahead, embodying the spirit of progress and nation-building. This drive sums up our shared legacy, where the road signifies both, the path we travel and the unity that propels us forward. Let this journey stand as a testament to our firm dedication to serving the Indian Armed Forces.”

Over the years, Ashok Leyland has played a crucial role in meeting the mobility requirements of the Indian Army, providing them with reliable vehicles for various operations. The company's unwavering commitment to supporting the defence forces is evident through its development of specialized vehicles tailored to meet the army's unique demands.

Ashok Leyland and the Indian Army share a deep-rooted and enduring association that reflects a strong commitment on both sides. This association is built on Ashok Leyland's steadfast dedication to meeting the mobility requirements of the Indian Army and exemplifies the company's steadfast dedication to serving the nation's defence needs.

During the drive, Ashok Leyland will engage with army veterans, automotive enthusiasts, the general public, and other stakeholders sharing stories of resilience, innovation, and the successful partnership with the Indian Army.

The Stallion Drive promises to be an unforgettable experience, encapsulating the spirit of Ashok Leyland's journey.

The three Stallion trucks display the three terrains that the Stallion has championed for the Indian Army—forests, deserts, and mountains—as they travel over Indian roadways. The first truck will highlight the long-standing relationship of Ashok Leyland with the Indian Army over the years, while the second truck will pay tribute and salute the Kargil veterans, the third truck will salute the army’s brave hearts and showcase prestigious honors bestowed upon Indian Army personnel to recognize acts of exceptional bravery, valor, and sacrifice.

The Stallion forms the logistical backbone of the Indian Armed Forces, with over 75,000 Stallions used by the Indian Army. In the Kargil War of 1999, Stallion played a crucial role, by carrying battalions of troops to the frontline reliably. Furthermore, it transported the frontline with the essential supplies of ammunition and food.

To stay updated on ‘Manzil ka Safar’ and join the conversation, follow Ashok Leyland's social media handles or visit the company’s website: www.ashokleyland.com. 

Photo caption: (From L to R): Major General V.D.I. Devavaram; Hony. Captain Shri Yogendra Singh Yadav, Param Vir Chakra; Mr. Amandeep Singh, President – President LCV, International Operations, Defense & Power Solutions, Ashok Leyland; and Col Rajneesh Kacker, SM - Head Defence Sales Marketing, Ashok Leyland flagging off the ‘Manzil ka Safar’ Stallion Drive from Kanyakumari to Leh to Commemorate Ashok Leyland’s 75th Year Anniversary.

ONGC Takes Lead In Implementing Government’s Vivad Se Vishwas-2 Scheme To Fast-Track Contractual Dispute Resolution

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), has taken the lead in implementing Government’s one-time settlement scheme ‘Vivad se Vishwas – 2’, to fast-track resolution of contractual disputes. ONGC has constituted an internal task force to settle such issues.

The settlement criteria under the scheme is defined as 85% of net amount to be awarded where court order is passed on or before 30 April 2023; 65% of the net amount to be awarded where arbitral award is passed on or before 31 January 2023.

Vivad se Vishwas - 2 is a one-time settlement scheme announced by the government to settle pending contractual disputes. Application for settlement are to be made by the contractors through the GeM portal. The Scheme is valid during 15 July to 31 October 2023.

Energy major ONGC has taken many pioneering initiatives to forge strong and transparent relations with its business partners. ONGC was the first in India to adopt the Integrity Pact (IP) by Transparency International in 2005. Recently, ONGC has become the first PSU in India to get certified for Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) by M/s InterCert, USA.

Indira IVF Pledges Training 300 Embryologists & 350 Fertility Specialists On World IVF Day

Indira IVF, India’s largest chain of infertility treatments hospitals, pledges to train 300 and 350 embryologists and fertility specialists, respectively, needed by 2028. This initiative has been taken up to match the demand and supply gap for such professionals in the future, owing to the increase in the requirement of assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in the next five years.

At present, India has roughly 1,350 trained embryologists whereas the demand was for 2,800 in FY23 as per estimates considering 1 embryologist per 100 cycles. In terms of fertility specialists, India has 1,950 gynaecologists that perform IVF treatment whereas the industry will need an approximate 3000 in the coming years. Estimates suggest that there are 40,000 gynaecologists in India in 2023.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr Nitiz Murdia – Managing Director and Co-Founder of Indira IVF said, “The infertility treatment sector in India is currently on a growth path. In India alone, an estimated 280,000 IVF cycles have been performed in FY23; this number is expected to notch as high as 5,20,000 IVF cycles in FY28. This calls for a clear demand for trained professionals – both embryologists and fertility specialists – who can ensure patient satisfaction with the best possible outcomes. We would need approximately 6,250 embryologists and 3000 gynaecologists performing IVF by 2028 to meet the increasing demand, which is 4-5x and 1.5-2x respectively of the current demand.”

Dr Kshitiz Murdia – CEO & Co-Founder of Indira IVF added, “The Indian infertility treatment industry can strategically match the demand of embryologists and fertility specialists through effective targeting and training. For instance, India currently has over 35,000 gynaecologists who can be trained to become specialists while leveraging post-graduate students in life sciences and clinical embryology to become expert embryologists.”

“Thus far, we have already trained 150+ andrology technicians, 200+ embryologists and 350+ fertility specialists at our state-of-the-art training centre in Udaipur, Indira Fertility Academy. The Academy has access to world-renowned scholars and educators from the fertility treatment world and beyond, bringing together inspiring faculties from across the globe to train learners in IVF. The laboratory is equipped with cloud-based simulator that takes the learner through 1,500 modules and varied scenarios, equipping them to navigate real-life scenarios just like an expert with 10 years of experience would," Dr Kshitiz Murdia added.

Indira Fertility Academy (IFA) is the academic wing of Indira IVF, set up with a vision to develop and groom talent for infertility treatment. The Academy is based in Udaipur, Rajasthan and is recognised by Merck Foundation and British Fertility Society. In addition to training talent from India, students from countries in Africa, from Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other South-East Asian countries, gain knowledge and experience with the Academy’s hands-on training approach.

About Indira IVF

Indira IVF is India’s largest infertility speciality clinics chain with 116 centres across the country, supported by a passionate workforce of over 2,400 people. Indira IVF has performed about 40,000+ IVF procedures in a year – the highest number in the country.

As a responsible leader, Indira IVF constantly strives to dispel the stigma, taboo, myths and misinformation about infertility. Indira IVF is also committed to developing and grooming talent for fertility treatments. Through the Indira Fertility Academy it collaborates with like-minded organisations and institutions to further this cause. Having perceived the potential of Indira IVF in the sector, TA Associates, a leading global equity firm from the U.S., invested in the organisation in 2019.

Indira IVF was founded in the year 2011 in Udaipur, Rajasthan by Dr Ajay Murdia.

For more information log onto https://www.indiraivf.com/