Bengaluru Hosts The Historic Joy WPA World Junior HEYBALL Championship 2024

History is being made in Bengaluru as the city proudly hosts the inaugural Joy WPA World Junior HEYBALL Championship 2024, introducing the electrifying sport of HEYBALL to India for the very first time. This landmark event is a celebration of youth, talent, and the global evolution of cue sports, establishing a significant milestone for India on the international sporting stage.

The championship, held at the prestigious Karnataka State Billiards Association (KSBA), features 53 under-19 players from 25+ countries, including a talented Indian team of four players:

Junior Players Boys:

            •          Mayank Karthik (Karnataka)

            •          Laxminarayanan (Tamil Nadu)

Junior Players Girls:

            •          Natasha Chethan (Karnataka)

            •          Shruthi L (Tamil Nadu)

These young athletes, representing India, are poised to compete with determination and skill, making the nation proud. Further details on their performances will be shared in the coming days.

An Inspiring Opening Ceremony

The championship began with a grand opening ceremony today at 9:30 AM, attended by over 100 dignitaries, players, and enthusiasts. The symbolic first break was performed by:

            •          Mr. Kurt Jorgen Sandman, General Secretary of the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)

            •          Mr. Pranit Ramchandani, HEYBALL Brand Ambassador for India

            •          Mr. I.H. Manudev, Karnataka’s celebrated snooker player

            •          Mr. Bhaskar, India’s world billiard champion

            •          Mr. Upendra Thapa Singh, Indian HEYBALL player and Managing Partner of Lux Billiards

            •          Mr. M. Mani, co-founder of KSBA and passionate cue sports advocate

            •          Mr. M.C. Manoj, former President of the Tamil Nadu Billiards and Snooker Association

The ceremony brought together legends, rising stars, and supporters, symbolizing the unity and excitement surrounding the championship.

Exciting Competition Format

The tournament employs a round-robin format, with matches divided into four daily sessions starting at 10 AM, each lasting 90 minutes, and a race to 7. With 40 boys and 13 girls competing, the event highlights HEYBALL’s universal appeal and its growing presence among youth.

HEYBALL’s Grand Introduction to India

This championship marks the official debut of HEYBALL in India, a dynamic sport innovatively developed by Joy Billiards, the pioneers who transformed Chinese 8-Ball into an international sensation. By hosting this event, India establishes itself as a critical part of HEYBALL’s global journey, inspiring the next generation of cue sports enthusiasts.

“HEYBALL is not just a game—it’s a movement,” said Mr. Pranit Ramchandani, India’s HEYBALL Brand Ambassador. “This championship symbolizes the aspirations of youth across the globe, and India is proud to be at the forefront of this revolution.”

An Open Invitation to Experience History

The Joy WPA World Junior HEYBALL Championship 2024 is open to all enthusiasts. Come witness the talent, energy, and determination of these young champions as they shape the future of cue sports.

Edu-Con 2024: Lighting The Path To The Future Of Education From Nov 28-29, 2024 At Lisieux MHSS, Coimbatore

The Lisieux Group of Institutions, a beacon of educational excellence for over half a century, is excited to announce the second edition of its annual education conclave, Edu-Con 2024: ENLIGHTENED: NURTURING FOR TOMORROW. This two-day event, scheduled for November 28th and 29th, 2024, at Lisieux MHSS, Coimbatore, will bring together a diverse community of educators, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the future of education. As India's education system continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing societal needs, Edu-Con 2024 aims to address the critical challenges and opportunities facing educators today. The conclave will feature a series of engaging keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, covering a wide range of topics, including: 

• The Impact of AI on Education: Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize teaching and learning. 

• Future-Ready Skills: Developing the skills and competencies needed to thrive in the 21st century. 

• Inclusive Education: Creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. 

• The Role of Technology in Education: Leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. 

A key highlight of Edu-Con 2024 is the Lisieux Acharya Award, which recognizes and honors outstanding contributions to the field of education. This award celebrates the dedicated educators who inspire and empower students to reach their full potential. Join us at Edu-Con 2024 to connect with like-minded individuals, gain new insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions to shape the future of education.  

CureBay's Tech-Powered Network Revolutionizing Rural Healthcare Posts 8x Growth,First Circle Hits Profitability

CureBay, a hybrid healthcare platform transforming last-mile access to affordable, high-quality healthcare in underserved areas of India, has recorded an impressive 8x growth in GMV during H1 FY25 compared to H1 FY24. The company has reached an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of INR 1,284 million and is on track to achieve INR 2,000 million by March 2025, driving meaningful impact in India’s $45 billion rural healthcare market. Committed to making quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all, CureBay operates over 150 eClinics and collaborates with 1,500 Digital Franchisees (Swasthya Mitras). Leveraging technology, the platform offers full-stack healthcare services—from consultations and diagnostics to tertiary care—bridging critical care gaps and ensuring holistic patient management in the most remote and underserved areas.

"What we're witnessing is not just growth in numbers, but a fundamental transformation in rural healthcare delivery," said Priyadarshi Mohapatra, Founder and CEO of CureBay. "Our network of world-class e-Clinics, powered by an intelligent tech platform and operated by trained, certified health workers, has profiled over 1.4 million patients, with a 20% conversion rate into active users. Additionally, 14% of these users have adopted preventive care memberships, reflecting the strong trust and engagement we’ve built in these communities. Achieving operational profitability in the Puri Circle of Odisha affirms our vision of delivering quality healthcare to every village, demonstrating that rural India is prepared to embrace technology-driven healthcare solutions."

CureBay continues to grow steadily, serving approximately 55,000 patients each quarter and enrolling 18,000 members in its subscription-based healthcare plans. Currently reaching over 18 million people across Odisha and Chhattisgarh, the company aims to extend its services to 100 million rural residents across 16 regions in six states: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. To support this vision, CureBay is developing one of India’s largest rural health databases, leveraging AI and data monetization strategies, attracting interest from global healthcare platforms for data-sharing collaborations.

Through a hybrid healthcare model integrating micro-satellite centres, Swasthya Mitras, and a network of skilled providers, CureBay ensures that even remote communities can access timely medical services. The company's eClinics serve as strategically positioned hubs, equipped to offer basic check-ups, first aid, health education, diagnostics, and referrals. Trained local health workers, known as Swasthya Mitras, connect residents with medical consultations, diagnostics, and pharmacy services while creating economic opportunities for themselves.

CureBay's impact at the grassroots level is already evident in the Puri Circle of Odisha, where it covers 13% of the catchment population. The company's entry into new states, such as Chhattisgarh, reaffirms its commitment to delivering affordable and high-quality healthcare to traditionally underserved areas. Through CureBay Quantum—its AI-powered healthcare ecosystem—CureBay provides deep insights into rural health trends, facilitating targeted outreach and personalised care. By integrating cohort analysis with disease demographics, CureBay’s advanced technology platform fine-tunes healthcare interventions, improving health outcomes while enhancing operational efficiency. This approach also drives high GMV per employee, highlighting the scalability and sustainability of CureBay's business model as it pioneers accessible healthcare solutions for rural India.

About CureBay:

Founded in 2021 by Priyadarshi Mohapatra, Shobhan Mahapatra, and Sanjay Swain, and led by industry veterans like President Vasant Nangia, CureBay is a trailblazing hybrid healthcare platform transforming last-mile access to affordable, high-quality healthcare in India’s underserved regions. CureBay offers a full spectrum of services, including doctor consultations, medication delivery, diagnostic tests, surgery facilitation, annual health memberships, and a concierge service that supports patients throughout their healthcare journey—from admission to discharge.

Leveraging their proprietary platform, CureBay connects patients with affordable and quality healthcare services, regardless of their location, income, or insurance status. The company's innovative hybrid online and physical healthcare and fulfilment model has been successfully implemented across more than 32 districts in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with a network of over 150 eClinics and collaborations with over  300 service providers.

Since its inception, CureBay has served more than 3,84,000 patients across Odisha and Chattisgarh, demonstrating its commitment to making healthcare more equitable for the underserved.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Celebrates 1 Lakh Urban Cruiser Hyryder On Indian Road

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced that the Urban Cruiser Hyryder has surpassed the remarkable milestone of 1,00,000-unit sales in India. This achievement underscores the B-SUV’s strong market acceptance and Indian customers growing acceptance of hybrid technology.

Launched in July 2022, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder seamlessly combines Toyota’s world-class hybrid technology with dynamic design, premium comfort, and exceptional performance. It is available in three powertrains- Self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric [SHEV], Neo Drive and CNG powertrains.

At the heart of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is its 1.5-litre Engine with THS (Toyota Hybrid System) & e-drive transmission, delivering combined power output of 85 kW. Hyryder ’s hybrid system eliminates the need for external charging, ensuring convenience for customers at all times. Its cutting-edge hybrid system offers a seamless and silent drive, complemented by instant power delivery. This, combined with its responsive performance and quieter operation, provides an environmentally conscious yet dynamic driving experience. Additionally, Customers seeking versatility and power have also embraced the Neo Drive powertrain, which comes with an optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system—offering a superior driving experience for both urban commutes and challenging terrains.

The Urban Cruiser Hyryder is designed to deliver exceptional value, seamlessly combining advanced convenience and performance features with outstanding fuel efficiency. Reflecting TKM’s commitment to sustainable mobility, the SUV offers class-leading mileage: up to 27.97 km/l* in the Self Charging Hybrid Electric Vehicle variant, 21.12 km/l* in the NeoDrive (MT), and 26.6 km/kg* in CNG mode.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “The positive response to the Urban Cruiser Hyryder reflects our commitment to delivering innovative mobility solutions tailored to the evolving preferences of Indian customers. This milestone is not just a number; it signifies the beginning of a new era in SUV technology that prioritizes sustainability, performance, and customer satisfaction. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder continues to uphold Toyota’s legacy of driving change through innovation and environmental consciousness, and we are deeply grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers who have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”

The success and market acceptance of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is further complemented with Toyota’s exceptional and industry-leading service benefits to the customers.  TKM provides a comprehensive range of services under the umbrella “T CARE” that demonstrates the company’s dedication to enriching customer delight and fostering long-term relationships. Covering everything from presales to aftersales and repurchases, T CARE integrates these offerings under one unified brand that includes a wide array of offerings such as T DELIVER, T GLOSS, T ASSIST, T SAATH, T SECURE, T CHOICE, T INSPECT, T SMILE and more.

Recently, Toyota Kirloskar Motor also celebrated the remarkable milestone of 1,00,000 units sold for the Innova HyCross, underscoring the immense trust Indian customers have placed in the brand. As TKM celebrates this new milestone of the Hyryder, the company remains committed to redefining sustainable mobility in India with innovative and reliable products that align with the aspirations of dynamic Indian customers.

Unnati Coffee Partners With Tribal Communities In Odisha To Promote Sustainable Agriculture And Ecotourism

In the heart of Odisha’s Koraput district, a pioneering initiative is changing the lives of tribal communities of village Padalput by integrating sustainable coffee farming with ecotourism. Project Unnati Coffee, a partnership between ISWAR (Integrated Social Welfare and Research Centre) and Coca-Cola India is helping the tribal village of Punjishil, 500 km from Bhubaneshwar, home to 45 families of the Paroja tribe, build a sustainable source of income while preserving its rich biodiversity. This innovative approach is improving livelihoods and creating a new model of economic growth that is rooted in environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

Recognizing opportunities, ISWAR started working with the Paroja tribe, integrating sustainable coffee farming with ecotourism. We provided training and resources to help villagers cultivate coffee sustainably on the biodiverse land surrounding their village. Young tribals were trained as guides and are now leading treks through the coffee plantations and forest trails, offering travelers insights into coffee cultivation. The tribal families opened their homes to visitors, offering traditional meals and overnight stays, creating a bridge between cultures while providing a stable income for the village.

Piyush Ranjan Mishra, CEO, ISWAR, said: "Project Unnati Coffee has not only improved livelihoods but also inspired the community to embrace sustainable practices. By integrating coffee farming with ecotourism, we’ve seen a transformation in Punjishil. This initiative is enhancing productivity and quality, strengthening the Farmers Producer Organization, and creating strong market linkages. Together we are building a model that benefits not just farmers but the local economy at large.”

What sets Project Unnati Coffee apart is its focus on empowering women and promoting community-driven leadership. Women in Punjishil have are managing key roles in coffee production, food services, and tourism operations. Through cooperatives, they’ve been able to generate a stable income, leading to better health, nutrition, and education within the village. Children who had to drop out of school to help their families are now attending school regularly, with a hope of having a brighter future.

"After a lot of hard work and setbacks, we struggled to get fruit from our coffee plants in the last few years. But after the training, the yield has been much better, and we’re hopeful for a good income this season. Given the success, we plan to plant coffee across all the hillocks next season." – Tulabati Badanayak, a tribal farmer from Koraput.

Project Unnati Coffee exemplifies how sustainable development can positively impact both local communities and the environment. By combining agriculture with tourism, this initiative offers a model for other tribal communities across India to thrive while preserving their natural resources.

About ISWAR:

Integrated Social Welfare and Research Centre (ISWAR) a Non-profit Organization, registered under Societies Registration Act, is established in the year 1994. ISWAR has the prime focus to work in the direction of improving the inclusive quality of lives of the resource poor families. It is involved in a wide thematic spread ranging from Climate Action, Reduction of Carbon Footprints, Natural Resource Management, Livelihood Promotion, Value Chain Development, Health, Education and Gender Mainstreaming.

About Project Unnati:

The project is part of Coca-Cola India’s Fruit Circular Economy initiative, which is a key pillar of the Company’s ESG priorities – Sustainable Agriculture. Project Unnati aims to support the Indian agri-ecosystem by enhancing farming efficiency, strengthening forward linkages, and building food-processing capacity in the country. Over more than a decade, Project Unnati has helped empower and enable over lakhs of farmers across 13 states and Union Territories in India. Focused on seven crop varieties Mango, Apple, Orange, Grapes, Litchi, Coffee, and sugarcane, the program is aimed at propelling the horticulture supply chain and building agriculture production capacities across the country.

Medtronic Launches The FDA Approved InterStim X™ Sacral Nerve Stimulation Therapy For Bladder Control And Bowel Control In India

* The new InterStim X™ Sacral neuromodulation system is a minimally invasive advanced therapy for managing urge urinary incontinence, urinary retention and fecal incontinence. The InterStim X system provides 10 to 15  years of battery life without the need to recharge.

Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, announced the India launch of the InterStim X™ Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) system for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), chronic fecal incontinence (FI), and non-obstructive urinary retention. The InterStim X™ system offers personalized sacral nerve stimulation therapy.

Sacral neuromodulation is an advanced therapy for people with bladder and bowel control issues that are not responding to other non-invasive therapies. The system works by targeting nerve signals that regulate bladder functions, which may reduce symptoms of incontinence – such as frequent trips to the bathroom and accidents. Patients can try the InterStim™ X system with an evaluation phase before they decide to have the system implanted, and it's reversible if they change their Sacral neuromodulation procedure is performed in two stages. During the first stage, the lead is implanted and connected to an external stimulator to check therapeutic response for a period of 3-5 days. In stage II, the lead is connected to a subcutaneous implantable pulse generator (IPG) which is like a pacemaker. The IPG sends electrical signals via the lead which then signals the brain for voiding and control. 

The InterStim™ X device and systems features: 

·       Proprietary 5th generation battery that offers more than 10 years of battery life without the need to recharge. With low energy settings, the device can last up to 15 years. 

·       The smart programmer is a device that resembles a common smartphone and has the capability of allowing patients to discreetly and independently adjust their choice of 11 therapy settings at home or on-the-go. 

·       SureScan™ technology that enables full body 1.5T and 3T MRI scans under certain conditions, which means that the latest imaging techniques can be availed when needed to diagnose disease, plan treatment, and monitor treatment progress. The MRI mode can be easily activated or deactivated by the patient using the smart programmer under the guidance of their physician.

“Medtronic is committed to advancing the standard of care of bladder and bowel control treatment and improving patient outcomes,” said Prateek Tiwari, Sr Director - Neuroscience & Specialty Therapies, Medtronic India. “With the introduction of the new recharge-free InterStim X, patients can get a decade or more of treatment for their bladder or bowel control issues from the only SNM system to be backed by over 90 clinical studies and over 1,000 clinical articles. It has been our endeavor to expand access to proven nerve stimulation therapies for the benefit of Indian patients with bladder and bowel control issues.”

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, 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, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn.

Molbio Diagnostics Strengthens Leadership, Welcomes Distinguished Public Health Advocates To Its Board

~ Strategic appointments reinforce Molbio's commitment to advancing diagnostics and bridging healthcare gaps globally ~

Molbio Diagnostics, a pioneer in global healthcare based in Goa, is proud to announce the appointment of two new Independent Directors to its board, Professor (Dr.) Balram Bhargava and Dr. Arun Kumar Jha. These appointments come as the company continues to strengthen its Leadership and make significant strides in healthcare accessibility with its innovative solutions that cater to the remotest regions globally.

Professor (Dr.) Balram Bhargava is a leader in the public health sector with over 35 years of experience in medical research and health system strengthening. His previous roles include Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research and Secretary of India’s Department of Health Research, being at the forefront of managing several public health crises in India. Dr. Bhargava’s ongoing work in pandemic preparedness and health policy has been instrumental in promoting affordable healthcare innovations. His leadership at the National Academy of Sciences and numerous other institutions showcases his commitment to enhancing health outcomes worldwide.

"I am honoured to join the board of Molbio Diagnostics, a company that is at the forefront of diagnostic innovation and global health impact. The opportunity to contribute to Molbio’s mission aligns perfectly with my lifelong commitment to enhancing health through affordable and accessible healthcare solutions. I look forward to bringing my experience in medical research and health policy to further Molbio's efforts in revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics and advancing global healthcare standards," said Professor (Dr.) Bhargava.

Dr. Arun Kumar Jha brings a wealth of experience in public health and policy, including his role as an Adviser in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and as an Economic Adviser in the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. He is currently working as the Hon'ble Chancellor of the National Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (NIAMT) and Senior Adviser in John Snow India Pvt. Ltd. With his active involvement with the Government of India in schemes and programs that focus on tuberculosis elimination in the country, Dr. Jha has recently signed up an assignment with the Stop TB Partnership and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), positioning him as an invaluable asset in advancing Molbio’s mission to support global health initiatives.

"Joining Molbio Diagnostics as an Independent Director is a significant step in my continued advocacy for public health and policy reform. With Molbio’s innovative Truenat® platform, I see a tremendous potential to bridge healthcare gaps and improve disease management worldwide,” Dr. Jha expressed his enthusiasm. “Looking forward to being part of this transformative journey and supporting Molbio’s strategic vision in making a lasting impact on global health, particularly in underserved regions

"These appointments reflect Molbio Diagnostics’ commitment to bringing on board leaders who are at the forefront of healthcare innovation and public health policy," said Mr. Sriram Natarajan, Director and CEO of Molbio Diagnostics. "Dr. Jha and Dr. Bhargava’s impressive backgrounds and shared dedication to improving healthcare access aligns perfectly with our vision of transforming global health landscapes."

Molbio Diagnostics remains dedicated to its mission of enhancing healthcare accessibility through innovative diagnostics solutions. The inclusion of Dr. Jha and Dr. Bhargava on the board is expected to further strengthen the company’s impact on global health.

About Molbio Diagnostics:

Molbio Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. is a leader in revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics globally. With a commitment to providing rapid, reliable, and robust diagnostic solutions, Molbio brings advanced healthcare technologies to the last mile. The company's flagship Truenat®? real-time PCR platform is globally recognized and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), enhancing infectious disease management worldwide. Molbio is dedicated to improving healthcare accessibility and quality with innovative diagnostics that meet global standards. For more information about Molbio Diagnostics and its initiatives, visit https://www.molbiodiagnostics.com/