Medtronic Launches Advanced NeuroSmartTM Portable MER Navigation System In India To Manage Parkinson’s

* Neurology team at Fortis Hospital Bengaluru becomes the first to use this technology for DBS therapy in Parkinson’s patients.

India Medtronic Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), today announced the launch of India’s first NeuroSmartTM Portable Micro Electrode Recording (MER) Navigation system for Parkinson’s treatment.  Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment for symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors, stiffness, and difficulty walking. DBS is a therapy in which a small pacemaker-like device sends electrical signals through very thin wires, known as ‘leads’, to a targeted area in the brain related to the symptoms. Advanced DBS implants are designed to capture brain signals using the implanted DBS system. The NeuroSmartTM Portable MER Navigation system revolutionizes DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) therapy by enhancing precision during surgery. 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that eventually causes severe disability due to the increasing severity of both treatment-resistant motor problems and non-motor symptoms. In 2016, it was estimated that 6.1 million people worldwide had Parkinson’s disease. The prevalence in India was estimated to be 10% of the global burden, that is, 5.8 lakhs.1

Medtronic has been at the forefront of DBS therapy since 1987, with over 185,000 DBS devices implanted worldwide. The NeuroSmartTM Portable MER Navigation system, developed by Alpha Omega Engineering, is a groundbreaking treatment for neurological and psychiatric diseases. Featuring advanced neurophysiological navigation mapping, it enables accurate electrode placement while recording neural activity. Its advanced capabilities for enhanced target localization, based on HaGuide automatic navigation, help identify the most effective target for the patient, ensuring optimum symptom relief. 

The Neurology team at Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru, comprising of Dr. Raghuram G, Additional Director Neurosurgery and Dr. Guruprasad Hosurkar, Additional Director Neurology, became the first to use this technology for Parkinson’s patients. The case in point was a 68-year-old patient who had been suffering from Parkinson’s for over a decade. The condition led to restrictions in movement, causing challenges in performing daily chores. It also became challenging for the patient’s family to take care of him. While initially medications provided relief, over time these became ineffective, calling for alternative management options. With the implications of new advancement in NeuroSmartTM, doctors were able to identify the right target that was stimulated to manage this patients’ uncontrolled symptoms with minimal side effects.

Dr. Raghuram G, said, “This technology is a game-changer. AI and real-time feedback mean that the new MER Navigation system has revolutionized our approach to targeting brain structures during DBS procedures. This advancement significantly elevates our precision, enabling us to tailor treatments with unprecedented accuracy. Ultimately, this precision optimization translated directly into improved patient outcomes, offering newfound hope and efficacy in our efforts to manage Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions.”

Dr. Guruprasad Hosurkar, said, “DBS therapy is a transformative intervention, enabling enhanced motor function and granting patients newfound independence. Through the precision of the new and advanced AI enabled MER Navigation system, electrode placement is meticulously optimized, offering profound relief from debilitating symptoms such as tremors and stiffness.”

“Aimed at enhancing patient and clinician experiences, Medtronic's legacy of innovation in DBS spans over two decades. Our advanced DBS systems foster confidence in the operating room by empowering healthcare professionals with precise data for procedural planning and verification. The NeuroSmartTM MER Navigation system integrates seamlessly, providing real-time feedback to ensure accuracy and reliability throughout the DBS procedure,” said Prateek Tiwari, Senior Director, Neuroscience & Specialty Therapies, Medtronic India

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow @Medtronic on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Explore The Fossil Spring 2024 Collection For Fresh Fashion Upgrades With Kriti Sanon And Varun Dhawan

~Dive into Elegance and reinvent your style with exceptional Timepieces and Accessories~

Get ready to step into the spring season with the Fossil Spring 2024 collection, inspired by the effortless elegance of Kriti Sanon and Varun Dhawan. With a range of classic timepieces, timeless accessories, and leather goods, each piece is designed to elevate your look and ignite your springtime spirit. Whether you're exploring the blooming outdoors or enjoying cozy indoor moments, these captivating accessories are your perfect companions on every journey, effortlessly infusing sophistication and craftsmanship into your ensemble.

FOR HER

Sharing her thoughts on the Fossil Spring 2024 Collection, Kriti Sanon, brand ambassador for Fossil India, stated, “The latest collection from Fossil is truly a dream for every woman." She further expresses, "With accessories ranging from style-forward to timelessly classic, there's something to suit every personal style. Each piece in the collection, be it the iconic timepieces, the innovative watch rings, or the wear-everywhere bags, exudes charm and confidence, making it the perfect companion for the modern woman.”

Timepieces

Introducing our versatile Carlie collection, perfect for any occasion, blending casual flair with a touch of elegance. Boasting a revamped '90s-inspired T-bar and a captivating bracelet design, this watchpiece showcases a sleek 28MM stainless steel case complemented by a silver sunray dial adorned with luminous hands, Roman numeral, and stick indices. Priced at INR 11,995, it's the epitome of affordable luxury and features in gold, rose-gold and silver tones.

Telling time has never been more stylish—or more giftable, introducing the Raquel Watch Ring. These statement-making trendsetters are coveted for their compact size and unique design, making them an instant favorite. Available in rose gold, silver, and gold tones, the Raquel Watch Ring features a rectangular shape, metallic sunray watch face and a flexible band to fit any finger, each adding a touch of glamor to your daily OOTDs. We assure you that these delightful treasures of timeless joy are sure to leave a lasting smile on your face

Accessories

Our Jessie Bucket Bag is every woman's delight, combining space, versatility, and luxury in one elegant package. Crafted from quality rich brown & black leather that softens with time, this modern take on the iconic silhouette exudes sophistication. Enhanced with Fossil's signature Knurling and an engravable Legacy Charm, it comes in two versatile sizes. Priced at INR 19,995, it represents a timeless investment in both style and quality.

Our woven neutral Jessie Bucket Bag , priced at INR 21,995, is an ideal choice for those inclined towards understated luxury. Featuring a central zipper compartment and a detachable shoulder strap, it seamlessly blends practicality with refined elegance, catering perfectly to the needs of the modern woman on the go.

This Jessie Bucket Bag is our reinterpretation of the iconic silhouette, crafted in captivating woven neutrals and adorned with distinctive Fossil design elements including our Signature Knurling and customizable Legacy Charm.

FOR HIM

"When it comes to choosing accessories like watches, I prioritize designs that seamlessly blend functionality and versatility with effortless style, which is why Fossil stands out as the perfect brand for me and every modern man," shares Varun Dhawan, Fossil India brand ambassador. "As someone who enjoys reinventing his personal style and experimenting with new looks, I find the distinctive, well-crafted watches of the Fossil Spring 2024 Collection to be the perfect companions for all occasions."

Timepieces

Rev up your style and make a bold statement with Fossil Sport Tourer watches, where functionality meets the adrenaline rush of racing. These refined timepieces are more than just accessories, they're an ode to the spirit of automotive culture. With a Japanese center second chronograph movement, high-performance tachymeter bezel, and lume hour markers, each watch in this collection is engineered for the road ahead. Can't decide? Take a cue from Varun's favorites—the rugged brown leather strapped timepiece with an off-white sunray dial, or the sleek silver stainless steel watch boasting a bold black sunray dial. Join the race and let your wrist be the ultimate statement of speed and style

So, what accessories and classic timepieces are you bringing home this Spring season?

Available at select online and offline stores

ABOUT FOSSIL

Fossil is a leading global lifestyle accessories brand inspired by creativity and ingenuity, dedicated to connecting people to what matters most: time. Fossil takes pride in creating timeless and exceptionally crafted watches, leather goods and jewelry—designed to accompany you on every journey life presents. As a trailblazer in the industry, Fossil brings innovation and style to its accessories, while also working diligently to Make Time For Good™, a platform created to enact positive change for the brand’s people and communities.

Bank of Baroda Teams Up With Kunaal Roy Kapur For PehchaanCon 3.0 Campaign To Spread Awareness On New-Age Financial Frauds

* Releases two new ad films to inform and educate people on emerging threats in the digital age and how one can protect themselves

Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, today announced the release of its #PehchaanCon 3.0 Banking Fraud Awareness campaign. Building upon the success of the earlier two editions, the latest campaign seeks to raise awareness about new-age financial frauds such as Artificial Intelligence-generated Deepfake scams that can succeed in duping even the most vigilant customers.

In Phase 3 of the #PehchaanCon campaign, the Bank has released two new ad films featuring actor Kunaal Roy Kapur. Combining the use of humour with informative content, these videos illustrate how anyone – even the smartest and strongest amongst us – can end up getting conned. Using the latest deepfake tech to deceive individuals by masquerading as a family member/a close acquaintance or targeting online shoppers by posing as a delivery agent asking for an OTP, which is then used to hack into one’s personal data, fraudsters are using a range of methods to try and dupe people.

The ads showcase how anyone is vulnerable to falling prey to such an attack. Kunaal Roy Kapur plays the role of the quiet and compassionate doctor to whom his patients pour their hearts out to, while also contemplating how to protect themselves from such kinds of frauds in future. The ads emphasise that by being alert, watchful and being able to recognise a fraud/fraudster or Con, customers can protect themselves and their confidential financial information and enjoy a safe and secure online banking and shopping experience.

Shri Lal Singh, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “Online frauds aimed at defrauding people have become more common nowadays and are an ever-present threat. Further, with the advent of new technologies, the modus operandi of financial cons also keeps evolving rapidly. Hence, all of us need to be extremely alert and learn to identify a potential fraud/scam. Bank of Baroda's PehchaanCon campaign emphasises the importance of self-vigilance to customers so that they can ensure the safety of their hard-earned money from the threats presented by cybercriminals.”

In essence, the campaign aims to amplify the message: Stay informed and stay alert. Watch the videos here:  PehchaanCon Film #1 and PehchaanCon Film #2. 

A multi-channel campaign, the #PehchaanCon 3.0 campaign will play across television, radio, digital and outdoor platforms.

Indus Appstore Launches The Voice Search Feature In 10 Indian Languages

-          Users can now discover and engage with apps by using voice search in native languages

PhonePe’s Indus Appstore, India’s homegrown app marketplace, today announced the launch of its Voice Search feature available in 10 Indian languages in addition to English.

This innovative feature transforms the user experience, enabling users to discover apps through voice search in their preferred language. The Voice Search technology is powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, ensuring accuracy and precision in understanding diverse accents and speech patterns offering relevant search results.

Vernacular language speakers account for approximately 75% of India’s Internet user base underscoring the need to bridge the linguistic barriers that come with discovering and engaging with apps. Traditional text-based search in regional languages pose numerous challenges, including the need for specialized keyboards and complex character compositions. These hurdles hinder seamless communication.

Indus Appstore’s Voice Search technology elevates user experience by allowing users to freely express themselves in their local language with just a tap of the voice search button. This aligns with Indus Appstore’s mission to empower users with inclusive and accessible features, catering to varying levels of literacy and linguistic preferences. Additionally, this new feature is a positive development for app developers as it is proven to boost app installs.

Speaking on the launch, Akash Dongre, Co-founder and CPO, Indus Appstore said, “The new Voice Search feature is our effort towards creating an inclusive and accessible app store. With 82% of smartphone users engaging in voice-activated technology, integration of Indian languages has been the strongest growth driver for tech across the six-to-sixty age spectrum. The user-centric feature positions Indus Appstore at the forefront of transformative Voice Technology that is the need of the decade."

About Indus Appstore

Indus Appstore is a native Android-based mobile app store, designed to fulfill the localized and cultural needs of Indian consumers. With an extensive array of categories it seeks to provide users a localized, contextual and a personalized experience. Indus Appstore is available in English and 12 Indian languages, which allows users to explore the ap p store in their preferred language.

For developers, Indus Appstore provides a fair and level playing field to list, distribute & promote their products in the Indian app ecosystem. It provides a self-publishing platform, localization services, multiple tools to monitor and grow their apps along with a dedicated 24×7 customer support.

For more details: media@indusappstore.com

Dale Carnegie Recognized Among The Top Training Companies Of 2024 For Leadership Training By Training Industry

Training Industry, Inc. has announced its prestigious selection of Dale Carnegie as one of the top companies in the Leadership Training sector for 2024. This recognition underscores Dale Carnegie's exceptional contributions and innovative approach within the corporate learning and development (L&D) market.

Selection to the 2024 Training Industry Top Leadership Training Companies lists was based on a comprehensive evaluation of various criteria. This included assessing the breadth and quality of program and service offerings provided by each company, examining their industry visibility, innovation, and impact within the leadership training market, analysing the representation of clients and customers served by these companies, and evaluating their business performance and growth metrics. Each criterion was meticulously considered to identify the most outstanding and impactful leaders in the field of leadership training, ensuring that the selected companies excel not only in delivering effective programs but also in making significant contributions to the evolution and enhancement of leadership development practices across industries.

Pallavi Jha, Chairperson and Managing Director of Dale Carnegie India, shared her perspective on this achievement, stating, "We are honoured to be recognized by Training Industry, Inc. as a top provider of leadership training. At Dale Carnegie, we are committed to empowering leaders with the skills and confidence they need to drive meaningful change and success within their organizations."

The company's innovative methodologies and dedication to excellence have earned it widespread acclaim and trust among leading organizations across sectors. This recognition underscores Dale Carnegie unwavering commitment to elevating leadership standards and driving organizational growth here in India as well, empowering leaders to navigate complex challenges and achieve lasting success in their professional journeys.

Dale Carnegie India 

Dale Carnegie Training India is part of an over 100-year experienced brand and has been operating for the past 20 years in the Indian market, where we have successfully partnered with over 8500 clients and have trained more than 700,000 candidates across Industries to produce measurable business results by improving people performance. We have helped organizations meet their goals using Dale Carnegie’s proven methodology and unique content. Our programs for these have seen outstanding business results. DCTI works with companies using the unique iMAP process wherein we customize our solutions so that they dramatically impact results for a company, department or team. Our numerous testimonials from leading organizations are proof of our empirical approach to problem-solving- that can link our solutions directly to performance enhancement at work and the desired business outcome. 

Drone Destination Appoints Dentsu Creative As Its PR Agency

* Dentsu Creative to handle the PR & Investors Relations mandate of Drone Destination

* Drone Destination is India’s largest DGCA-authorized Remote Pilot Training Organization and a leading Drone as a-service player

* The company is now expanding its presence across the entire spectrum of the drone ecosystem in India

Drone Destination, a leading name in the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) industry and listed on the National Stock Exchange (Stock Code - DRONE) announced its association with Dentsu Creative PR as its official public relations & investor relations agency. Dentsu Creative PR will leverage its PR expertise to formulate & execute communication strategies for Drone Destination, as well as manage media relations from its Gurugram office.

Drone Destination is undertaking one of the biggest expansions in the Drone industry in India by growing its presence across the entire ecosystem of drones - from Drones & Drone Components to after-sales support,  ‘Drone as a Service’ for various applications, Drone Education and Drone Sports.      

Commenting on the association, Alok Sharma, Chairman of Drone Destination said, “As we undertake steps to do our bit towards the Hon’ble PM's vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, it gives me pleasure to partner with one of the most experienced and respected agencies in the country – Dentsu Creative PR. Communication and stakeholder engagement is extremely critical in business,  especially in a sunrise industry like Drones. Their understanding of our business and strategic insight-led engagement will certainly strengthen and reinforce our market positioning while benefiting the industry as well. We look forward to working on a wide range of initiatives having multiple ramifications to transform the current scheme of things across businesses and governance.”

Dwelling upon the importance of this partnership for the development of a healthy drone ecosystem in the country, Chirag Sharma, MD & CEO of Drone Destination said, “Drone Destination has embarked upon an ambitious journey to make India self-reliant in each and every aspect of drone technology. Our offerings and quality of products and services are finding resonance with industry stakeholders including the country’s financial markets. We are confident that this association will help the audiences take notice of the impact, efficiency and transparency that drones can bring in every sector ranging from Agriculture, Manufacturing, BFSI, Energy, Railways, Retail etc. With their strategic clarity and class-leading professional acumen, we are sure that team Denstu Creative PR will help us to lead the way for Drones in India.”

Sanjeev Anand, President, Dentsu Creative PR added, “We are excited to announce our partnership with Drone Destination. As we embark on this exciting chapter alongside Drone Destination, we are poised to set a new standard of collaboration that stands as a testament to creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of shared success. This strategic collaboration will allow us to service the company with our strategies and innovative ideas that resonate with Drone Destination’s vision and objectives.”

About Drone Destination:

Drone Destination leads India's Drone industry, providing comprehensive services from certified drone pilot training to state-of-the-art Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions. Headquartered in New Delhi, Drone Destination pioneers commercial drone operations and training across diverse sectors like agriculture and infrastructure. Notably, as the first listed Drone Company on the NSE Emerge platform, Drone Destination holds a prestigious position in the industry. The training programs set the standard, equipping aspiring pilots with safety and efficiency skills, covering regulatory compliance to advanced maneuvers.

Simultaneously, Drone Destination focuses on DaaS, delivering tailor-made solutions for agriculture spray, aerial surveying, and asset inspection services. Committed to innovation, Drone Destination empowers individuals and industries through training and DaaS offerings, shaping the future of drone technology

please visit https://www.thedronedestination.com/

SBI Card Launches “SBI Card MILES” For Travel Enthusiasts

~First travel-centric core card in SBI Card portfolio; offers power of travel rewards redemption, accelerated rewards, complimentary airport lounge access, and much more~

SBI Card, India’s largest pure-play credit card issuer, has launched three variants of its first travel-focused core credit card “SBI Card MILES”. The card is aimed at bringing holistic travel benefits to travellers of all kinds – travel aspirers to frequent fliers to travel aficionados. SBI Card MILES offers compelling features that include conversion of Travel Credits to Air Miles and Hotel Points, accelerated rewards on EVERY travel booking, and airport lounge access among others. Empowering cardholders with absolute choice of redemption, the card partners over 20 airline and hotel brands including Air Vistara, Air India, Spicejet, Air France-KLM, Etihad Airways, Air Canada, Thai Airways, Qantas Airways, ITC Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Accor among others.

According to Mr. Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India, “The strong economic growth and robust consumption landscape has accentuated India’s position in the world. Even in travel sector, today, India is considered amongst the key source markets for outbound travel in many countries including those in Asia and Europe. I congratulate SBI Card on the launch of SBI Card MILES, a strong product that will redefine the travel experiences for Indian consumers.”

It is evident that Indians are increasingly becoming open to more and varied travel experiences. The three variants, SBI Card MILES ELITE, SBI Card MILES PRIME, and SBI Card MILES, have been designed to elevate these experiences through curated travel benefits. Cardholders can earn up to 6 Travel Credits on every INR 200 travel spend and up to 2 Travel Credits on spending INR 200 on other categories. The offerings under ‘SBI Card MILES’ bouquet enable cardholders to carry out an easy and seamless Travel Credits redemption across multiple renowned flights and hotel partners. One can convert these Travel Credits into Air Miles/Hotel Points of respective partners or directly use them to book air tickets and hotel accommodations by visiting SBI Card mobile app or website https://www.sbicard.com/. Alternatively, one can redeem them on SBI Card’s Rewards Catalogue as well.

Speaking at the launch Mr. Abhijit Chakravorty, MD & CEO, SBI Card said, “Our customer-centric approach has always driven us to design innovative products, solutions, and services that address the evolving and diverse lifestyle needs and offer customers an extremely rewarding experience. Indian travellers are large global spenders and naturally, with increased and more robust travel plans, consumers are looking for curated benefits to enhance their travel experiences. SBI Card MILES is our endeavour to offer our customers the best of all the travel benefits. The card has been designed to become one true travel partner for the cardholders. We are sure that our cardholders will enjoy the exclusive benefits offered by our travel-centric core card.”

SBI Card MILES ELITE comes with multiple and varied spends milestone benefits. These include up to 5000 Travel Credits on reaching spends of INR 1 lakh in 60 days of enrollment; up to 20,000 Travel Credits on spends milestone of INR 12 lakh; and spends-based fee reversal on reaching spends milestone of INR 15 lakh.

With airport lounge access being an important part of the overall travel experience, SBI Card MILES ELITE offers Priority Pass membership. Using the card, cardholders will be able to enjoy up to 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits and up to 6 international airport lounge visits in a year. What’s more, the card also enables users to earn additional domestic lounge access. Every time a cardholder achieves the cumulative spends of INR 1 lakh, cardholders will receive 1 gift voucher for lounge access that can be used by either the cardholder or the guest.

Importantly, SBI Card MILES ELITE cardholders will also enjoy a low foreign transaction mark up of 1.99% and travel insurance cover. The card will be available on Mastercard and RuPay network. The joining and annual fees of SBI Card MILES ELITE is INR 4,999 plus applicable taxes while SBI Card MILES PRIME and SBI Card MILES have a fee of INR 2,999 and INR 1,499 plus applicable taxes respectively.