Glenmark And IADVL Undertake Awareness Campaign Supporting Vitiligo Patients In India

·         Glenmark released Picture Post Cards in collaboration with the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) Supporting Vitiligo Patients in India on World Vitiligo Day.

·         The picture postcards & Calendar featured the winning artworks from dermatologists from across the country.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Glenmark), a research-led, integrated, global pharmaceutical company, has joined forces with The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL), to unveil postcards & Calendars aimed at raising awareness, showing empathy and support for individuals living with vitiligo, a skin disorder that affects pigmentation.

In an effort to combat misinformation and promote acceptance, Glenmark and IADVL conducted a unique painting competition named “Empathy in Every Stroke” on World Vitiligo Day, June 25, 2024. The competition aimed to spotlight the significance of awareness, understanding, and treatment for vitiligo patients. Dermatologists from across the country participated, submitting over 150+ entries that creatively portrayed patients' journey with vitiligo and advocated for the importance of embracing diversity.

A panel of judges, including renowned creative maestro, gold medallist from Sir JJ School of Arts, Mr Uday Parkar & famous contemporary Indian artist, Ms Arpa Mukhopadhyay, meticulously reviewed the submissions to select the winning artworks.

22 winning paintings by the dermatologists from across India were selected in the process, 12 of which will be part of the IADVL calendar for the year 2025. 10 of these paintings have been transformed into captivating postcards that will serve as a constant reminder of the significance of empathy, acceptance, and respect for those affected by vitiligo.

Speaking on the occasion, Alok Malik, President and Business Head, India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. said, “We are proud to support our collaboration again with the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) in raising awareness for vitiligo. This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusivity and making a positive impact. Our painting competition inspired over 150+ entries from dermatologists, now featured on postcards & calendar. These cards symbolize our dedication to empathy, acceptance, and respect for those affected by vitiligo. We aim to challenge misconceptions and foster a more inclusive society, making a meaningful difference in the lives of vitiligo patients.”

Dr Manjunath Shenoy, President, IADVL said, "India has the highest prevalence of vitiligo in the world, and patients often face stigmatization and social isolation. We believe in the power of collective efforts to create awareness and acceptance for the same. These postcards & calendars are small but impactful steps towards supporting vitiligo patients and promoting a more inclusive society."

About vitiligo:

Vitiligo is a condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation due to the malfunction or destruction of melanin-producing cells, and impacts not only physical appearance but also psychological well-being. The latest data from the Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022 indicates that the prevalence of Vitiligo ranges from 0.5 to 1 % Worldwide with a high prevalence of 8.8% in India.i Despite its prevalence and impact, vitiligo often remains misunderstood, leading to societal stigmatization and prejudice. India is home to the highest rate of vitiligo cases globally, with one in ten individuals being affected by the condition.

About Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (BSE: 532296 | NSE: GLENMARK) is a research?led, global pharmaceutical company, having a presence across Branded, Generics, and OTC segments; with a focus on therapeutic areas of respiratory, dermatology and oncology. The company has 11 world-class manufacturing facilities spread across 4 continents, and operations in over 80 countries. In Vivo/Scrip 100 positions Glenmark amongst the Top 100 Companies Ranked by R&D and Pharmaceutical Sales, 2022; while Generics Bulletin/In Vivo places it in the Top 50 Generics and Biosimilars Companies Ranked by Sales, 2022. Glenmark’s Green House Gas (GHG) emission reduction targets have been approved in 2023 by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), making it only the second pharmaceutical company in India to achieve this. The organization has impacted more than 3 million lives over the last decade through its CSR interventions. For more information, visit www.glenmarkpharma.com. You can follow us on LinkedIn (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals) and Instagram (glenmark_pharma).

About IADVL:

The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), the largest representing official society of Indian Dermatologists was established in its present form on 28th January, 1973. IADVL also happens to be the world’s 2nd largest Association of Dermatologists behind the American Academy of Dermatology. It is the national association of Indian medical specialists who manage patients with skin disorders, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or leprosy. The current member strength of the association is 17,000+ members.

Sound Healing Workshop For Madikeri Inmates By Dr. Sham Rock Foundation

In an initiative to promote wellbeing and inner peace, Dr. Sham Rock Foundation, held a sound healing workshop for inmates at the Madikeri District Jail in Karnataka, 2024 under the theme Sonic Solace 5.0.

The workshop, titled "Find Harmony Within: Sound Healing to Empower, Nurture, Heal the Mind, Body & Soul," was led by Dr. Sham Rock, founder and managing trustee of the foundation, and Ms. Shilpi Das, founder of Charista Foundation. Both are renowned sound healers and inspirational figures.

The event was inaugurated by A.S. Ponnanna MLA, Virajpet ( Kodagu) along with Shri. Pramod Ganapathi, Panchayat President of Gonikoppal, Madikeri, and presided over by Shri. Sanjay Jatti, Assistant Superintendent of Prison. Over 160 inmates participated in the session, experiencing the benefits of sound healing which included detoxification, stress reduction, and emotional regulation.

Mr. Sanjay Jatti commended the foundation's efforts, highlighting the positive impact the workshop had on the inmates. Dr. Sham Rock  said  that criminal behaviour is often rooted in circumstance, not inherent traits. This session aims to equip participants with tools to manage their emotions and avoid making impulsive choices. Dr. Sham  also expressed his intention to reach out to the Karnataka Home Minister to conduct similar programs at Parappana Agrahara Jail in Bengaluru.

Dr. Sham Rock Foundation's mission extends beyond this workshop. They aim to empower aspiring artists from rural areas by providing training and opportunities to pursue music as a profession. They also conduct sound healing sessions and interactive drumming circles for various groups, including cancer patients, government schools, and senior citizen homes, believing in the power of music to promote healing, creativity, peace and a sense of community, music and sound healing also helps patients with Parkinson disease, dyslexia and other issues. 

Arohan Financial Services Disbursed Its First Arohan Privilege Loan In South India

Arohan Financial Services, a leading NBFC MFI, regulated by RBI, recently expanded its business operation in south India by establishing a Zonal office in Bengaluru. The Company disbursed its first ArohanPrivilege loan of INR 59,000.00 to a customer based out of Mysore. This is the Company’s first-in-the-industry proposition for gold standard microfinance customers.

ArohanPrivilege Digital Lending stands as a testament to Arohan's commitment to innovation and its ambitious Vision of impacting 28 million lives by the year 2028. Tailored as an alternative channel, this service caters specifically to customers with a proven track record of timely repayments, empowering them with swift and convenient access to financial assistance. ArohanPrivilege recorded its 1st ever disbursement of ArohanPrivilege loan in southern India, with a disbursement of INR 59,000 at the Company’s Mysore branch.

""Our nation is full of hardworking entrepreneurs from rural and semi-urban geographies, including those in the South, who contribute immensely to the nation-building. We believe we can play a crucial role in supporting them in their journey of success, a vision of Viksit Bharat’ fostering inclusive economic participation among all citizens”, said Mr. Manoj Nambiar, Managing Director, Arohan Financial Services Limited

The company strives to provide effective and customer-focused solutions by optimizing workflows and utilizing cutting-edge methodologies and technology. The first-ever end-to-end digital lending service in the microfinance sector, ArohanPrivilege, was launched by Arohan Financial Services in the year 2022, for all gold standard microfinance customers. By giving people and businesses access to financing, the company hopes to promote sustainable development and open doors for economic growth and advancement for the people representing the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid.

Meta AI Arrives In India: Leading AI Assistant Now At Your Fingertip

Takeaways:

*    Meta AI, one of the world’s leading AI assistants, now arrives in India on WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and meta.ai. And it's built with Meta Llama 3 – our most advanced LLM to date.

*    You can use Meta AI in feed, chats and more across our apps to get things done, create content, and deep dive on topics, without having to leave the app you’re using.

*    When you’re trying to get things done at your computer, visit meta.ai. Need advice on a math problem, help making an email sound more professional, Meta AI can help here too.

Built with Meta Llama 3, Meta AI is one of the world’s leading AI assistants, already on your phone, in your pocket for free across more than a dozen countries. And it’s starting to roll out in India in English. You can use Meta AI on WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram to get things done, learn, create and connect with the things that matter to you. We first announced Meta AI at last year’s Connect, and since April, we’ve been bringing the latest version of Meta AI built with Llama 3 to people around the world.

Thanks to Meta Llama 3, Meta AI is smarter, faster and more fun than ever before.

Make Meta AI Work for You

Planning a night out with friends? Ask Meta AI in your WhatsApp group chat to recommend restaurants with great views and vegan options for you and your friends to consider. Organizing a weekend getaway? Ask Meta AI to give you ideas of places to stop on a road trip. Cramming for a test? Ask Meta AI on the web to create you a multiple choice test. Moving into your first apartment? Ask Meta AI to “imagine” the aesthetic you want so that you can create a mood board of AI-generated images for inspiration on your furniture shopping.

Meta AI in Feed

You can also access Meta AI when you’re scrolling through your Facebook Feed. Come across a post you’re interested in? You can ask Meta AI for more info right from the post. So if you see a photo of the northern lights in Iceland, you can ask Meta AI what time of year is best to check out the aurora borealis.

Spark Your Creativity With Meta AI’s Imagine Feature

Using the word imagine while interacting with Meta AI directly or in a group chat, you can create and share images. Imagine is our text-to-image generation capability that will let you spark your creativity - you can create a customized fun invite for your kid’s birthday party or riff with your friends to create fun images.  And it doesn’t stop there. Found an image you love? Ask Meta AI to animate it or iterate on the image with friends by asking Meta AI to change the prompt.

With our most powerful large language model under the hood, Meta AI is better than ever. We’re excited to share our next-generation assistant with even more people and can’t wait to see how it enhances people’s lives.

Tata Motors Partners With Bajaj Finance For Seamless Commercial Vehicle Financing

Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bajaj Finance Ltd., part of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., one of the country’s largest financial services groups. Bajaj Finance will offer financing solutions across the entire commercial vehicle portfolio, and customers will benefit from the company’s wide reach, competitive interest rates, flexi loan and digitally-enabled loan processing.

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, "We are delighted to partner with Bajaj Finance, a company that shares our vision of providing top-notch solutions for customer delight. We are confident that their inaugural venture into commercial vehicle financing will allow them to tap the immense potential that the transportation sector brings in, and this partnership will benefit entrepreneurs across the country. With Bajaj Finance’s wide network in rural and urban areas, customers will have easy access to financing solutions as per their requirements. We look forward to providing enhanced convenience to our valued customers.”

Speaking on the development, Anup Saha, Deputy Managing Director, Bajaj Finance, “At Bajaj Finance, customer centricity is ingrained in our business ethos. We provide customers with convenient financing solutions that elevate their overall ownership experience. Our partnership with Tata Motors exemplifies this commitment. With our best-in-class process by using India stack, we aim to make the process of purchasing a commercial vehicle accessible and hassle-free. We are confident that the partnership will empower more commercial vehicle owners with financing solutions.”

Tata Motors offers an extensive range of sub 1-tonne to 55-tonne cargo vehicles and 10-seater to 51-seater mass mobility solutions, ranging in small commercial vehicles and pickups, trucks and buses segments to address the evolving needs of logistics and mass mobility segments. The company ensures unparalleled quality and service commitment through its extensive network of 2500+ touchpoints, manned by trained specialists and backed by easy access to Tata Genuine Parts.

Bajaj Finance is one of the most diversified NBFCs in India with presence across lending, deposits and payments, serving over 83.64 million customers. As of March 31, 2024, the company’s assets under management stood at ?3,30,615 crore.

About Tata Motors:

Part of the USD 150 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (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, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2024, Tata Motors’ operations include 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Prices of Under-Construction Projects Increase 15.2% QoQ Across Top 13 Cities: Magicbricks Propindex Report (April-June 2024)

* Supply of Under construction properties increased 11.72% QoQ

* Aggregate residential demand increased 4.6% QoQ, supply increased 3.5% QoQ and prices increased 4% QoQ across the 13 cities

Between April and June 2024, residential supply witnessed the highest growth rate in the last 24 months, driven by the increasing availability of under-construction properties, shared the recently published PropIndex Report (April-June 2024) by Magicbricks, India’s leading real estate platform.

According to the report, the supply of under-construction properties has increased by 11.7% QoQ, while prices have risen by 15.2% QoQ between April-June 2024. This surge has resulted in prices of under-construction properties surpassing those of ready-to-move properties in several cities such as Gurugram, Mumbai, Noida and Thane.

Explaining the trends, Abhishek Bhadra, Head of Research, Magicbricks shared "As we navigate through 2024, the Indian real estate market has entered its third year of a robust bull run. With a projected steady increase in supply and a more measured pace of demand growth, we expect the market to progress towards an equilibrium. Furthermore, continued customer confidence in under-construction properties is suggesting a promising outlook for the residential real estate market in the long run.”

Further, based on the preferences of over 2 crore customers on Magicbricks platform, the report highlighted a continued uptick in aggregate residential demand across the top 13 cities during this period, registering a robust growth of 4.6% QoQ. Northern cities of Gurugram (19.6% QoQ), Delhi (17% QoQ), and Noida (16.4% QoQ) experienced the highest increase.

“Despite higher interest rates, residential demand remains strong, buoyed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) keeping the Repo Rate unchanged for the eighth consecutive time. Should key economic indicators improve and inflation fall within a comfortable range, the RBI may consider reducing the Repo Rate, potentially further stimulating demand and benefiting end-users seeking affordable housing.” shared Abhishek Bhadra, Head of Research, Magicbricks

Moreover, after a period of relatively subdued supply, there has been a promising growth of 3.5% QoQ, especially in Thane (15% QoQ), Greater Noida (13.8% QoQ), and Noida (7.3% QoQ). With demand still outpacing supply, the report noted that residential prices continued to rise, increasing by 4% QoQ, with Noida (7% QoQ), Gurugram (6.8% QoQ), and Mumbai (6.5% QoQ) experiencing the highest increases.

Commonwealth Secretariat, Indian High CommissionAnd Heartfulness Worldwide Celebrate “10th International Day Of Yoga” In London

The Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Indian High Commission in the UK and Heartfulness Worldwide held a special yoga session at Marlborough House to celebrate the “10th International Day of Yoga”.

The event, which was attended by members of the diplomatic community is a part of the global Yoga 4 Unity initiative, which highlights the benefits of yoga in promoting physical and mental well-being.

In 2014, the United Nations declared June 21 as the annual International Day of Yoga. The well-known benefits of yoga align with the Commonwealth Secretariat's ongoing efforts to enhance health throughout the Commonwealth and combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through lifestyle adjustments and physical activity.

Acknowledging the challenges faced in today's world, Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC said in her video message, “"Our work is full of challenges, and none of us can pour from an empty cup. Yoga offers us a special avenue for self-examination and the pursuit of a healthier, more balanced life. This ancient tradition serves as a profound tool for enhancing mental and physical health for people all over the world, which is vital for our ongoing efforts to combat non-communicable diseases."

The opening session of today’s event featured a video message from the Hon Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India in which he said, “The world is looking at Yoga as a powerful agent of global good. Yoga helps us realise that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us.”

HE Mr Vikram K Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India, reiterated the global importance of yoga in his remarks, “Yoga fosters physical and mental well-being holistically, transcending boundaries and uniting people worldwide. The theme for this 10th edition of International Yoga Day is “Yoga for self and society”, which underscores the importance of yoga in promoting global health and universal harmony. Through yoga, we can jointly contribute to a more peaceful, connected and sustainable world.”

Following the opening session, attendees participated in a yoga and meditation session, guided by experienced instructors. Attendees also had the opportunity to view an exhibition titled "A History of Yoga and its Benefits," which showcased the rich heritage of yoga.

HE Ms. Linda Scott, High Commissioner of Namibia to the UK said of the event, “Yoga, which has its origins in India more than 5000 years ago, is today being shared with the Commonwealth family as a great health practice to incorporate into all our daily lives. If you are not a regular yoga practitioner, I hope today’s event kindles your interest.”

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness Worldwide & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, “Yoga is more than an exercise; it is a complete science that transforms us and gives us confidence, clarity of mind, and happiness. I am very happy to know that all of you have gathered at the Commonwealth Headquarters, Marlborough House, to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga, the first time this has been celebrated with the Commonwealth.”

The Commonwealth Secretariat's recent report, 'Addressing the Rising Burden of Non-communicable Diseases in the Commonwealth', highlights the disproportionate impact of NCDs within the Commonwealth.

NCDs are collectively responsible for the deaths of 41 million people per year, with nearly 50 per cent of these deaths occurring in Commonwealth countries. The burden of NCDs is particularly severe in the Commonwealth’s 25 small island developing states (SIDS). These nations face alarmingly high rates of diabetes and obesity, which significantly elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The report underscores that physical activity, including yoga, can enhance thinking, learning, and judgment skills. This is crucial for reducing the risk of NCDs, which are a major threat to economic prosperity and sustainable development in the Commonwealth.

The 10th International Day of Yoga coincides with the Commonwealth Year of Youth emphasising the importance of health and development in young people. By promoting practices like yoga, the Commonwealth Secretariat aims to foster resilience, reduce anxiety, and support the overall well-being of more than 1.5 billion youth across our member states.

As the Commonwealth prepares for the upcoming Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Paris this July, today’s event along with initiatives like the Commonwealth Moves programme underscores its dedication to advancing sports and physical activities as crucial elements of well-being. By encouraging healthier lifestyles, the Commonwealth aims to foster harmonious and resilient communities.

Photo Caption:  A group of international practitioners seen practising yoga at the tenth International Day of Yoga celebrations organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat, Indian High Commission in the UK and Heartfulness Worldwide at Marlborough House, London (UK).