Only 3% Of Hepatitis B Patients In India Know They Are Infected; Less Than 1% Receive Treatment

Health Experts Call for Urgent Action to Eliminate Hepatitis by 2030 at ‘Illness to Wellness’ Conference

Only 3% of hepatitis B patients in India are aware of their condition, and less than 1% of eligible individuals are receiving antiviral treatment. These are not just statistics, they reflect a silent public health crisis that demands immediate, coordinated action,” said Mr. Rajesh Bhushan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and Chairperson, Illness to Wellness Foundation, during his keynote address at the ‘Illness to Wellness’ Awareness Conference held in World Hepatitis Day.

The Illness to Wellness Foundation organised the conference in New Delhi today, to mark World Hepatitis Day, centred around the theme “Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment for Hepatitis.” The event brought together leading medical experts, policymakers, and public health advocates to highlight the urgency of tackling India’s growing hepatitis burden through policy reform, improved access, and greater public awareness.

Speaking to the gathering, Mr. Bhushan underscored the need for bold, systemic efforts. He identified five urgent priorities to address the increasing hepatitis cases - expanded screening and surveillance, ensuring timely birth-dose vaccination, decentralisation of treatment access, driving community-level awareness, and using real-time data for action. He also stressed the need for robust partnerships and said, “Strategic interventions must be driven not only by the government but also through collaboration with civil society, the private sector, public health professionals, and the medical community”.

In his welcome address, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, said, “Under the visionary leadership of our Honourable Prime Minister, the government has launched several impactful initiatives that are combating diseases like Hepatitis. Programs such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Har Ghar Jal Yojana, and Eat Right India are playing a transformative role in improving hygiene, ensuring clean drinking water, and promoting safe food practices, each critical in preventing hepatitis. This year’s World Hepatitis Day theme, ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,’ is a powerful reminder that the fight against hepatitis requires a holistic, multi-dimensional approach that addresses the social, economic, and systemic roots of the disease. Our Foundation is committed to complementing the efforts of the government and further strengthening preventive health awareness across the country.”

During the session, health experts highlighted alarming global data that only 45% of new-borns receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, which is a critical gap in prevention. They also emphasised that WHO’s 2030 target to eliminate hepatitis, which calls for a 90% reduction in new infections and 80% treatment coverage, hinges on several key strategies: universal vaccination, timely diagnosis, people-centred care, and widespread public awareness to combat stigma.

Giving the concluding remarks, Padma Shri Dr. (Prof.) D S Rana, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Sir Gangaram Hospital & Member, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, said, “I want to thank everyone for attending today’s important event. As we heard from the experts, liver failure has no full treatment except liver transplant, and even partial treatments are extremely expensive and inaccessible for most. The reality is that hepatitis is a preventable disease, and prevention is our strongest alternative. Over the past 75 years, medical science has made remarkable progress in understanding such diseases, but the key lies in public awareness and early action. I would like to congratulate the Illness to Wellness Foundation for their continued good work in driving preventive health efforts across the country.”

The conference concluded with a call to action: to break the silence, scale the response, and build a hepatitis-free Bharat by 2030.

“Kaam Sahi. Daam Sahi.”: Greenply Launches Humorous New Campaign On Smarter Furniture Protection

~ A slice-of-life narrative spotlights Ecotec’s value-for-money choice, mixing humour with a strong quality promise.

For generations, Indian households have turned to age-old rituals to protect what matters, especially when it comes to new homes and interiors. Whether it’s lemons and chilies or evil-eye charms, these beliefs reflect a deeper emotional instinct, the need to guard our spaces from harm. 

Greenply’s latest campaign for Ecotec taps into this very reflex and flips it with a punchline: superstition may not save your furniture, but Ecotec will. Centered on the budget-friendly yet value-for-money plywood range, the TVC stays true to the range’s core promise, “Kaam Sahi. Daam Sahi” 

Built on the slice-of-life insight that Indian consumers are both emotionally rooted and value-conscious, the film delivers its message through a light-hearted, humorous exchange between Bhola Bhai, a superstitious homeowner, and Uttam Bhai, a practical contractor. While Bhola Bhai decorates his home with chillies and lemons to ward off the evil eye, Uttam Bhai highlights the real protection that matters — a 10-point quality check, moisture resistance, and termite-proofing — all assured by Ecotec from Greenply. Through this humorous narrative drawn from everyday life, the film reinforces the brand’s promise of dependable quality, backed by certifications, not superstitions. 

“This campaign lets us connect with the value-conscious Indian buyer in a tone that’s relatable and fun,” said Mr. Sanidhya Mittal, Joint Managing Director, Greenply Industries Ltd. “They deserve dependable, high-quality products without overpaying. Through this campaign, we’ve woven together slice-of-life humour, and Ecotec’s benefits to remind viewers that ‘Kaam Sahi. Daam Sahi’ isn’t just a tagline — it’s the value-for-money choice that makes it right for their furniture.” 

On-ground, the campaign is being activated through strong in-store visibility at dealer outlets, with Ecotec posters and danglers designed to engage walk-in customers and drive recall at the point of sale. Adding a cultural and quirky twist, a specially curated dealer announcement kit got distributed featuring a symbolic “Kajal Box” and a “Nimbu-Mirchi” keychain, a playful nod to the Indian tradition of warding off the evil eye, reinforcing the “Nazar Na Lagey” message at the heart of the campaign. 

From mass media to hyperlocal engagement, the campaign is crafted to leave a strong impression and spark relevant conversations across diverse audiences. The campaign is spearheaded by a 35-second TVC that is being run across a 360-degree media mix, including Television, Cinema, Print, Radio, Outdoor, and Digital platforms, ensuring high-impact visibility across leading news channels, transit media, and social platforms.

Link to the film: https://youtu.be/tKHEzxuXVAA?si=Ce0x3Va2fjc7S0iy

Managing Life with High LDL Cholesterol: What You Need to Know

When 38-year-old Rajiv Mehta walked into his physician’s office for a routine checkup, he didn’t expect the results to change the way he lived his life. He had no symptoms, no discomfort, and no warning signs. It was surprising when the reports indicated that he had high LDL cholesterol. 

This story is common among patients due to misconceptions such as cholesterol issues being something older people deal with, or it’s only related to lifestyle factors. An increase in prevalence reflects the lack of awareness, especially among younger people. A recent study highlighted that a significant 31% of people in India have high cholesterol.[1]

 

High LDLC doesn’t show any symptoms; it starts accumulating in the arteries, creating blockages, leading to serious heart conditions. Even a few months’ delay can lead to risks that can never be fully treated by later intensifying the therapy.[2] Elevated LDLC can accelerate plaque formation, especially in high-risk individuals, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, or a smoking history.

“One of the hardest things for me to grasp,” Rajiv shares, “was that I didn’t feel sick. I thought cholesterol issues were something older people or people who were visibly unhealthy dealt with. I had no idea I could have heart disease developing silently.”

 

Dr. Rajpal Singh, Director and Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore, “Awareness about cholesterol has grown in recent years, but actual preventive behavior also must keep pace. Along with knowing high LDL is dangerous, yet most don’t prioritize screening unless they already have symptoms or a cardiac history in the family. The patients who come with LDLC complaints are generally between the ages of 30 to 50. The decision to treat should be guided by risk assessment.  A trial of lifestyle and dietary changes is mandatory prior to starting drug therapy. It shouldn’t be delayed in younger, asymptomatic patients. Therapy has to start early and has to be followed as per the doctor's instructions. Replacing therapy with lifestyle modifications isn’t fruitful. Lifestyle modifications should continue in parallel to therapy.”

 

There are more advanced therapies available when the traditional options aren’t giving the required results. Targeted treatments, such as PCSK9 therapy, siRNA therapy, or Inclisiran, show promise in helping patients reach target LDLC levels when standard options fall short.

 

Improving HDL cholesterol, known as good cholesterol, can be focused on simultaneously as it flushes excessive LDLC from the bloodstream.[3] This requires several lifestyle changes, such as quitting a sedentary lifestyle and adopting mindful eating. It’s also important to note that having a healthy lifestyle isn’t a replacement for treatment. 

 

Rajiv Mehta recalls, “I wanted to try everything naturally first.” “I thought, if I eat right, exercise more, maybe I can avoid taking pills.” While his efforts improved his overall fitness, his LDLC barely budged.

 

Lifestyle changes need to be coupled with therapy when managing LDLC to the target range. High LDL cholesterol can be effectively managed when all aspects are taken into account. Regular check-ups every 3–6 months are needed, depending on how the numbers are faring. Therapies don’t cure high cholesterol; they are used to control it. Therefore, they must be adhered to consistently, as pausing the medication can put you back to your older levels.[4]

 

Rajiv Mehta “Eventually, I accepted that I needed medication. And within three months of taking them, my LDLC dropped significantly. That’s when I truly saw the value of medical therapy.

EUME Opens Its First Premium Flagship Store In Bengaluru, Bringing World-Class Travel Gear Retail To India

Redefining the way India experiences premium travel gear—timeless design, bold aesthetics, and purposeful functionality come together in a first-of-its-kind retail space.

EUME, India’s boldest and most design-forward travel gear brand, has launched its flagship retail experience at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru. The opening marks a defining chapter in the brand’s journey from digital-first disruptor to immersive lifestyle destination.

More than a store, this space brings to life what has long been missing in the travel gear category in India a premium, high-design experience that blends iconic silhouettes with meaningful utility. Every inch of the space from product displays to the walls is laced with EUME’s visual identity, including its monogram imprint, setting the tone for a new era of retail sophistication in the category.

“We built this store to give our community a space where they could feel the EUME philosophy come alive,” said Naina Parekh, Co-Founder, EUME. “This isn’t just a place to shop it’s a place to feel, explore, and experience travel gear through a bold, elevated lens.”

A City on the Move, A Brand That Moves With It

Bengaluru, with its vibrant and future-forward culture, was the natural first choice for EUME’s offline debut. The city has been one of the brand’s most engaged markets; its audiences resonate deeply with EUME’s signature mix of global-inspired design and everyday functionality.

To build anticipation for the launch, EUME rolled out a transparent mobile showroom and attention-grabbing truck gallery featuring the brand’s standout collections. Driving through hubs like Bellandur, Manyata Tech Park, EGL, and CV Raman Nagar, the installation turned heads and drew a crowd, offering a rare, on-the-go preview of the brand’s bold personality and product craftsmanship.

Elevated Interiors. Embossed Identity.

The store interior captures EUME’s design philosophy clean, powerful, and immersive. A predominantly white canvas, fluid metallic curves, and a statement EUME monogram that runs through the store’s architecture create an atmosphere of understated boldness. From the monograms etched onto walls to the sleek product display islands, every corner expresses the brand’s unapologetic commitment to detail.

This is not a transactional space. It’s a world built for discovery one that invites customers to linger, engage, and connect with the essence of #makingmoves.

Classic Design. Built to Last. Made to Move.

At the heart of the store is EUME’s complete design-driven product range, bestselling backpacks, trolleys, laptop bags, and the now-iconic EUME Trunk. The collection also features India’s first zipperless 100% aluminium cabin luggage, reinforcing EUME’s position as the first mover in this high-luxury segment long popular internationally, but rarely done with this level of boldness by an Indian startup.

Each piece is crafted with timeless silhouettes, striking proportions, and well-defined interiors built for maximum utility. These aren’t seasonal accessories, they are enduring companions made to travel with confidence and style.

“We’re not about being the first,” said Parekh. “We’re about being the only Indian startup bold enough to take on trunks and aluminium luggage at a luxury level. That’s what defines us.”

A Global Standard of Experience—Now in India

With this launch, EUME redefines premium luggage retail in India. As part of the opening celebration on July 26th, the brand hosted a fashion-forward ramp show right inside Phoenix Mall of Asia. Models strutted down the runway with EUME trunks, trolleys, and backpacks offering a first-of-its-kind fashion-meets-luggage showcase that turned travel gear into a bold style statement.

This isn’t just the first time a luggage brand did something this immersive; it's the first time a premium Indian brand made travel gear feel aspirational, experiential, and culture-worthy. The attention it garnered from audiences and social media was immediate and electric.

The Bengaluru flagship is only the beginning. With launches planned in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and curated pop-ups across cultural festivals and lifestyle destinations, EUME is expanding its world of design and functionality across India.

The EUME Way: #makingmoves

EUME’s DNA is clear, bold design, expressive form, and function that goes the distance. Each collection makes a statement without shouting. It’s for those who don’t follow trends—they travel through them.

“This store is just the start,” Parekh concludes. “We’re not just building a brand. We’re building a movement #makingmoves, with confidence, with clarity, and always, with purpose.”

IIHMR Bangalore Celebrates 14th Convocation: Launching A New Era Of Healthcare Leadership And Innovation

The Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), Bangalore, marked a proud milestone with the celebration of its 14th Convocation Ceremony at its Electronic City campus, honouring the graduating PGDM batch of 2023–25 (AICTE Approved). The event showcased the institute’s enduring commitment to shaping visionary leaders in hospital management, health IT, pharmaceutical management, and public health.

Presided over by Dr. S D Gupta, President, Management Board–IIHMR, the ceremony brought together prominent dignitaries:

·        Chief Guest: Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director and Senior Professor, NIMHANS

·        Guest of Honour: Dr. Avinash Menon Rajendran, IAS, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Govt. of Karnataka

·        Keynote Speaker: Dr. B S Ajaikumar, Founder & Chairman, Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd

The ceremony opened with traditional lamp lighting, a welcome address by Dr. R. Sarala, and an institutional report presented by Dr. Usha Manjunath, Director, IIHMR Bangalore. Highlights included:

·        Presidential Remarks by Dr. S D Gupta

·        Inspirational speeches on leadership, innovation, and healthcare transformation

·        Conferral of diplomas and medals, including the prestigious Shri V.P. Agarwal and Shri M.L. Mehta Gold Medals

·        Release of Book-Dissertation Abstracts

·        Management Oath administration by Dr. R. Sarala, Dean

·        Heartfelt valedictory speeches, alumni reflections, and closing celebrations  

Key Announcements Made During the Convocation:

1.     Highest placement package recorded was ₹ 24 LPA, with 100% of the graduating batch placed at leading organizations, reflecting the industry’s strong demand for IIHMR-trained professionals.

2.     The institute is set to become fully residential, with the upcoming launch of a new hostel block to accommodate students on campus.

3.     Achievements of the in-house innovation lab ADMIRE - Centre for Advancing Digital Health were showcased, including:

o   PRAYOJN and Pratikriya – cutting-edge AI-powered hospital management software gaining traction across healthcare institutions

o   IIHMR Bangalore is awaiting its first ever patent for IoT-enabled smart soles designed to detect and manage diabetic foot ulcers

4.     The impact of flagship student-driven healthcare events like PRAYOJN and Pratikriya was also spotlighted as key platforms for healthcare transformation.

5.     The launch of a first-of-its-kind Gen AI for Doctors training programme, aimed at developing crucial skills in doctors.

Dr. Usha Manjunath, Director of IIHMR Bangalore, shared:

“This convocation marks not just the culmination of academic effort but the emergence of the next generation of competent, ethical, and innovative healthcare leaders. We are excited to see our students contribute meaningfully to global healthcare systems.”

With faculty tributes, an emotional alumni video montage, and a warm reception that brought together students, educators, and industry leaders, the convocation exemplified IIHMR Bangalore’s mission to lead with knowledge, ethics, and innovation.

Raga By Titan Unveils Cocktails, A Dazzling New Collection For The Bold, Magnetic And Effortlessly Chic

Alia Bhatt fronts the campaign as the face of unapologetic elegance; Anaita Shroff Adajania brings glamour and style at an unforgettable soirée in Mumbai

The night lights dim but you don’t. This is not about fitting in, it is about showing up, shining through and standing tall.  Titan Raga, a brand synonymous with exquisite timepieces designed for contemporary women captures this rush and cases it in its timepiece with the launch of its latest collection, Raga Cocktails. With Alia Bhatt as the face of the campaign, Raga by Titan brings together effortless elegance and refined style championing women who own their space, their choices and their sparkle.

 

A bold new chapter in the Raga legacy, Cocktails features five stunning timepieces, each a conversation starter, striking a medley of glamour and intent. With gracefully contoured forms, luminous sunray dials and crystal studded accents, the collection shines in glistening gold, eclectic blue and pretty pink, dazzling from every angle glimmering with every gesture. What’s more, the collection lends effortlessly to fashion’s favorite power move- stacking, keeping you on trend and amplifying your personal style.

 

“With Cocktails, we wanted to create something that’s not just elegant, but evocative,” said Ranjani Krishnaswamy, CMO, Titan Watches. “This collection celebrates the fierce individuality of the modern Indian woman, who makes striking sartorial choices, is confident in her being, and is unafraid to be seen. Today, we see a lot of us beautifully carry this paradox of softness and strength. Alia Bhatt dons this duality with grace & tenacity as a person and as an actress, making her an ideal muse for the collection".

To celebrate the launch, Raga hosted an exclusive yet electric evening at Mirage, Mumbai, a glowing tribute to style, sparkle, and sisterhood. Guests were invited to bring a woman who defines strength to them — a friend, sister, or mentor, making the night not just about glamour, but gratitude. The evening’s highlight, The Style Mixer, was a live fashion showcase curated by fashion powerhouse Anaita Shroff Adajania, where the timepieces were styled across moods, from power-brunch polish to after-dark drama. Each ensemble was elevated by the beautifully crafted watches that brought a dose of refined glamour to the room. Celebrity mixologist Amy Shroff kept spirits high with specially curated cocktails inspired by the collection where each drink was crafted to reflect its mood: complex in flavour, creative in presentation, and unforgettable in experience.

Anaita Shroff Adajania, Fashion Stylist & Creative Director, commented, "We are seeing a resurgence in bold accessorising, women today are not afraid to shine brighter, layer more and express themselves freely. The Raga Cocktails collection is fierce, feminine and versatile, making it a joy to style these timepieces across moods and moments.”

Step into the world of Raga Cocktails and stir up the night! Priced between ₹42,495 and ₹49,995, the collection is now available at Titan outlets and online at www.titan.co.in.

IN-SPACe Commences Short Term Skill Development Course On Space Technology In Agriculture

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), in collaboration with ISRO, NCVET and  Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, commenced a short-term skill development course titled "Essentials of Space Technology in Agriculture Sector", on 27th July 2025 aimed at introducing non-governmental entities and academia to the applications of space technology in agriculture.

The course was inaugurated at Amity University, with former Member of Parliament Shri Rajendra Agarwal gracing the occasion as Chief Guest. Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate at IN-SPACe, was present for the opening and spoke about the relevance of such academic-industry collaborations in creating awareness around satellite-based tools for modern agriculture. He noted that the program is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of how space-based applications can support farming.

In his keynote address, Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe, stated, “Space applications have a growing role to play in strengthening India’s agricultural capabilities and resilience. With the help of these applications and geospatial data, farmers can monitor crop health, optimize the use of fertilizers and irrigation, detect pest infestations early, manage fields with precision using GPS-guided machinery, better respond to weather risks and natural disasters, and improve overall farm productivity and decision-making. Through these academic collaborations, we aim to build awareness, share technical know-how, and create a pool of professionals who can apply space-based tools to real-world challenges. These courses are designed to bridge knowledge gaps and encourage deeper engagement from academia and young professionals in space applications across critical sectors.”

The course is part of IN-SPACe’s broader mission to support capacity-building and sector-wide participation, expanding the role of space applications in everyday economic activity. The week-long course, running from July 27 to August 1, 2025, will cover topics ranging from remote sensing and satellite data analysis to their direct application in crop monitoring and resource management.