Wednesday, March 11, 2026

World Kidney Day 2026: Experts Urge Early Screening As Chronic Kidney Disease Affects 1 In 10 People Globally


On the occasion of World Kidney Day, Mankind Pharma, in association with leading healthcare experts, is calling for greater awareness around kidney health, highlighting that chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects nearly 10% of the global population and is often detected only at advanced stages due to the absence of early warning signs.

Kidneys play a vital role in maintaining overall health by filtering waste, balancing fluids, regulating blood pressure and supporting several metabolic functions in the body. However, one of the biggest challenges with kidney disease is that it often develops silently. Medical experts warn that an individual can lose up to 90% of kidney function without noticeable symptoms, making early screening and preventive care critical.

As part of its World Kidney Day initiative, Mankind Pharma is promoting awareness around kidney health and the importance of early detection through educational outreach and expert-led discussions. The initiative also focuses on encouraging individuals to proactively monitor key health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar and kidney function through simple diagnostic tests.

India is currently facing a growing kidney health crisis. According to global health studies, nearly 138 million people in India are living with chronic kidney disease, making it the second-highest burden of CKD globally. Research also suggests that 13–17% of adults in the country may be living with some stage of kidney disease, many of whom remain undiagnosed until the condition has significantly progressed.

The treatment burden is equally concerning. Experts estimate that India requires nearly 200,000 kidney transplants every year, but only about 13,500 transplants are performed, meeting less than 6% of the actual demand. The shortage of organ donors continues to be a major challenge, with India’s organ donation rate remaining below one donor per million population, far lower than many developed nations. In India, the rising prevalence of diabetes and hypertension continues to drive the growing burden of chronic kidney disease. Lifestyle factors such as high-salt diets, unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles further increase the risk. With India often referred to as the diabetes capital of the world, experts emphasise that individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or a family history of kidney disease must be particularly vigilant about regular health check-ups.

Dr. Anant Kumar, Chairman – Urology, Renal Transplant and Robotics, Max Saket Complex and Uro-Oncology, MSSH Saket, said, “Chronic kidney disease often progresses silently and remains undetected until it reaches advanced stages. Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or a family history of kidney disease should undergo regular screening through simple tests such as blood creatinine, urine analysis and blood pressure monitoring. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in slowing the progression of the disease and improving patient outcomes.”

Arjun Juneja, COO, Mankind Pharma said, “World Kidney Day serves as an important reminder that prevention and early detection are key to tackling the growing burden of kidney disease. By encouraging regular health screenings, promoting healthier lifestyle choices and raising awareness about kidney health, we aim to empower individuals to take proactive steps toward protecting their long-term health.”

As part of the awareness campaign, the company is also highlighting the importance of following simple preventive practices for kidney health. These include staying physically active, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, regularly monitoring blood pressure, following a balanced diet with controlled salt intake, staying well hydrated, avoiding the unnecessary use of painkillers and undergoing routine kidney function tests, particularly for individuals at higher risk.

Experts stress that timely screening, better lifestyle choices and increased public awareness can play a critical role in preventing kidney disease and slowing its progression. With the burden of CKD continuing to rise globally and in India, World Kidney Day serves as an important opportunity to encourage individuals to prioritise kidney health and adopt preventive healthcare practices.

Sources

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01853-7/fulltext

https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Fin%20-%20CKD%20guidelines.pdf

Chronic Kidney Disease Prevalence in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis From Community-Based Representative Evidence Between 2011 to 2023 - PubMed

https://notto.mohfw.gov.in/WriteReadData/Portal/News/924_1_2013_to_2024.pdf

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01853-7/fulltext

https://www.financialexpress.com/life/health/138-million-indians-living-with-kidney-disease-second-only-to-china-lancet-study/4036457/

About Mankind Pharma

Mankind Pharma (BSE: 543904 | NSE: MANKIND) is one of the largest pharmaceutical company in India, which focuses on the domestic market with its Pan India presence. Mankind operates at the intersection of the Indian pharmaceutical formulations and consumer healthcare sectors with the aim of providing quality products at affordable prices. The company is a leading player in the domestic pharmaceuticals business present across acute and chronic therapeutic areas including anti-infectives, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, antidiabetic, neuro/CNS, gynecology, VMN and respiratory, among others with a strategy to increase chronic presence going ahead. In the consumer healthcare business, the company operates in condoms, pregnancy detection, emergency contraceptives, antacid powders, vitamin and mineral supplements and anti-acne preparations categories, among others, with several category-leading brands. Following the acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited, Mankind Pharma has further strengthened its leadership in the domestic women’s health segment. Mankind's distribution network includes a robust field force of 17,700+ professionals, and a reach extending to over five lakh doctors across urban and rural markets. The company has 32 manufacturing facilities manufacturing a wide range of dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, syrups, vials, ampoules, blow fill seal, soft and hard gels, eye drops, creams, contraceptives and other over-the-counter products. Mankind has a consistent track record of product innovation through 6 dedicated R&D facilities backed by more than 730 scientists.

Samarth E-Mobility Unveils 100% Indigenous Full-Stack EV Technology Platform Built In India


Indigenously engineered platform integrates key EV components including battery pack, BMS, motor and power electronics and will power the company’s upcoming electric motorcycle

Marking a significant milestone in India’s electric mobility journey, Samarth E-Mobility Pvt. Ltd., a technology-first, innovation-led electric mobility company, today announced the development and manufacturing of its 100% indigenous full-stack electric vehicle technology platform. Developed entirely in India under a strong Make in India vision, the platform integrates several critical EV components engineered and manufactured in-house, including the battery pack, battery management system (BMS), motor, motor controller, power control module (PCM), DC-DC converter, AI-controlled onboard fast charger delivering ~1500W charging capacity, instrument cluster and a proprietary operating system. Demonstrating the strength of its engineering capabilities, Samarth E-Mobility has achieved key homologation milestones, with its battery pack tested and homologated by NATRAX in record time and its in-house developed BMS successfully tested and validated by ICAT. The indigenous platform will power the company’s upcoming electric mobility solutions and reflects its commitment to building domestic EV intellectual property while reducing import dependency in the value chain.

Built on the philosophy of ‘Advanced Technology. Simplified Design. Premium Experience.’, Samarth E-Mobility has spent the past three years developing its EV technology stack at its R&D facility in Kalol, Gujarat. Through deep engineering, extensive testing and continuous validation, the company has focused on building in-house capabilities that enable seamless hardware-software integration, improved system efficiency and enhanced safety for electric two-wheelers designed specifically for Indian riding conditions.

Commenting on this momentous occasion, Mr. Priyank Rakholiya, Co-founder, Samarth E-Mobility, said, “India’s EV transition demands more than assembly-driven solutions. It requires deep engineering, indigenous innovation and products designed ground-up for Indian riders. At Samarth E-Mobility, we have spent the last three years building our entire technology stack in-house from battery systems and software architecture to motor and power electronics. Our endeavour is to enter the electric motorcycle segment, backed by validated technology, patented designs, and a clear vision to deliver reliable, high-performance electric mobility solutions. We will soon launch our brand in the premium aspirational space, reinforcing our commitment to building a truly self-reliant EV ecosystem in India.”

Samarth E-Mobility’s technology has undergone rigorous validation, including over 51,000 km of real-world riding, more than 3,400 km of torture testing and extensive dynamometer testing, ensuring reliability across diverse Indian terrains and climatic conditions. Backed by deep-tech research and development, the company’s 100+ member engineering team is driving this innovation, including the development of a rare-earth-free motor technology and a proprietary battery management system (BMS). Supporting this technology ecosystem is Samarth E-Mobility’s 1,50,000+ sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Chhatral, Gujarat, enabling a monthly production capacity of over 45,000 electric two-wheelers and an annual capacity of more than 5 lakh units, positioning the company for scalable growth.

With its full-stack engineering foundation, strong R&D infrastructure and focus on safety, performance and reliability, Samarth E-Mobility is set to make a significant impact in India’s fast-evolving electric two-wheeler market. Samarth plans to introduce its first brand & electric motorcycle this year, ushering in a new benchmark for technology-led, indigenous electric mobility solutions in the country.

About Samarth E-Mobility:

Samarth E-Mobility Pvt. Ltd. is a technology-first, innovation-led electric mobility company focused on accelerating the adoption of electric two-wheelers through reliable, intuitive and user-centric products. Guided by a strong Make in India ethos, the company is building a 100% indigenous electric mobility portfolio designed specifically for Indian riding conditions and consumer expectations.

Over the past three years, Samarth E-Mobility’s 100+ member team has been developing, engineering and rigorously testing its entire technology stack at its dedicated R&D facility in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The company has developed more than nine critical in-house components, including a patented and homologated battery management system (BMS) and battery pack, motor, motor controller, power control module, DC-DC converter, an industry-first onboard fast charger, display system and a proprietary operating system.

Built on a foundation of uncompromising quality and performance, Samarth E-Mobility is preparing to enter the Indian market this year, targeting the underserved 125cc–200cc ICE motorcycle alternative segment with electric motorcycles, and aligning with India’s clean mobility and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Yamaha Unveils Ugadi Special Offers On R15, FZ-S Fi Hybrid RayZR & Fascino Across Karnataka

On the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, India Yamaha Motor is delighted to announce a range of special festive offers across its popular scooter and motorcycle lineup, making it easier for customers to bring home their favourite Yamaha this festive season.

Ugadi Special Offers in Karnataka:

Discount Offer on Yamaha R15 Series: Mark the festive occasion with the 70th Anniversary Special Price, with savings of Rs. 6,000 on the on-road price, making the iconic supersport even more rewarding to own.

Special Offer on Yamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid: Celebrate the season with the 70th Anniversary Special Price, offering savings of up to Rs. 7,000, bringing together sporty design and exceptional value.

Ugadi Offer on Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid: Enjoy attractive festive benefits with down payment starting at just Rs. 4,999*, making Yamaha’s stylish and fuel-efficient scooter even more accessible this season.

Yamaha FZ-S Fi Hybrid low EMI scheme: Ride home Yamaha’s advanced hybrid motorcycle with down payment starting at Rs. 7,999*, combining performance, efficiency, and festive affordability.

These exclusive Ugadi offers are available for a limited time only, making this the perfect moment for customers to align festive prosperity with Yamaha’s performance, innovation, and riding excitement.

Yamaha’s diverse product portfolio includes premium motorcycles such as YZF-R15M (155cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc), MT-15 V2 (155cc), Yamaha XSR155 (155cc) and the FZ series that comprises of FZ-S Fi Hybrid (149cc), FZ-S Fi (149cc), and FZ-X (149cc). Additionally, Yamaha offers a range of scooters including Aerox 155 version S (155cc), Aerox 155 (155cc), Fascino S 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), and RayZR Street Rally 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc).

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

A First For Hospitality Loyalty In India: Marriott Bonvoy And Swiggy Turn Every Order Into A Reward


* The strategic partnership enhances member engagement by extending Marriott Bonvoy benefits into everyday moments through Swiggy’s many offerings

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, and Swiggy, India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, have come together to bring Marriott Bonvoy’s benefits into the everyday lives of Indian consumers. The strategic partnership unites two trusted brands in India’s hospitality and on-demand convenience, enabling members from both brands to earn Marriott Bonvoy points across Swiggy’s diverse offerings, from food delivery to quick commerce and dining out, seamlessly extending the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy beyond travel.

The collaboration bridges daily life and unique travel-related experiences, enabling members with linked accounts to earn points on everyday transactions and enjoy access to a host of enhanced benefits and awards across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotels and experiences worldwide.

Through this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members can now earn five points for every ₹500 spent across Swiggy’s offerings like Food Delivery, Instamart, and Dineout. This allows members to earn and accumulate points not just when travelling, but when ordering dinner, making a restaurant reservation, hosting friends over dinner, or stocking up on groceries and other needs. By turning everyday transactions into point-earning opportunities, Marriott Bonvoy continues to extend its presence on consumer touchpoints, adding greater value to members’ lifestyle choices.

As an added exclusive benefit, Marriott Bonvoy Elite members across tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium & Ambassador) will enjoy a complimentary Swiggy One membership, the country’s only membership program with benefits across food delivery, quick commerce and dining out with access to free deliveries, exclusive discounts.

Hospitality-led loyalty has been centred around moments of travel, with engagement peaking around stays and journeys. Marriott Bonvoy is revolutionising this traditional approach by integrating loyalty benefits into everyday life in India, spanning a co-branded credit card (Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card), e-commerce (Flipkart), culture and sports (ICC), and now everyday convenience through Swiggy. Swiggy has also extended its own rewards program with travel benefits (Indigo) and now hospitality (Marriott Bonvoy). Together, these initiatives mark a shift from occasional travel-led engagement to more frequent, always-on connections in a mobile-first market, with India playing an important role in the evolution of Marriott Bonvoy’s loyalty approach across the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region.

“Marriott Bonvoy has always been about creating meaningful connections with our members. With Swiggy, we are bringing loyalty into everyday life, turning daily spend into future travel. This strategic partnership allows us to meet members where they are, making Marriott Bonoy more immediate, relevant and just a tap away. It is an important milestone reflecting our growth in India and a clear step toward the future of loyalty, beyond the stay,” said John Toomey, Chief Commercial Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

Phani Kishan Addepalli, Chief Growth Officer and Co-Founder, Swiggy said, “Everyday convenience is where Swiggy shows up for consumers, whether it’s through food, quick commerce, or unique experiences. With Marriott Bonvoy, we’re turning these everyday moments into something more rewarding by letting users earn global travel benefits and stay with Marriott.”

Goldmedal Wins Prestigious iF Design Award 2026 For Innovative Lighting System


Goldmedal Electricals Pvt. Ltd. has been honoured with the prestigious iF Design Award 2026 in the Professional Concepts – Lighting Fixture Design category for its innovative ROOTS Modular Lighting System.

The iF Design Award, established in 1954, is one of the world’s most respected design awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in creativity, innovation, and excellence. This year’s edition received over 10,000 submissions from 68 countries, with winners selected by an independent jury comprising 129 international experts in design and sustainability.

Inspired by the organic cycle of growth and the vital role roots play in sustaining life, the ROOTS Lighting System reimagines the connection between light, nature, and human spaces. Its modular design extends like an intricate root network, enabling each installation to adapt seamlessly to different environments and create unique, harmonious lighting arrangements that complement and engage with their surroundings.

What truly sets ROOTS apart is its ground-breaking interactivity. The system dynamically responds to indoor air quality, rising gracefully as air quality improves, symbolising vitality and renewal, and subtly contracting when levels decline. This transforms the lighting from a static fixture into a living, responsive installation that not only illuminates a space but also provides continuous ambient awareness of the surrounding environment, encouraging healthier and more responsive spaces.

"We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from iF Design Award," said Kishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals Pvt. Ltd. "The ROOTS Modular Lighting System embodies our commitment to blending innovative technology with nature-inspired design, pushing the boundaries of how lighting can enhance and interact with everyday life."

This achievement reflects Goldmedal’s core strength as India’s leading brand in wiring devices, LED lighting, electrical appliances, and home automation. With a legacy since 1979 and a strong Make in India ethos, Goldmedal consistently pioneers user-centric innovation—delivering feather-touch and gesture-controlled switches, intelligent home automation, flame-retardant safety wires, energy-efficient BLDC fans, and smart IoT solutions. Backed by over 10,000 SKUs, an uncompromising focus on safety, sustainability, and contemporary design, plus recent international recognitions including Red Dot and iF Design awards, the brand transforms everyday electrical products into seamless, healthier, and smarter living experiences.

For more details on the winning project, visit: https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/roots-lighting-system/757294

Residential Demand Holds Strong In East Bengaluru as Fortune Primero Sells 172 Homes In 48 Hours Of Prelaunch For ‘Seven Sarjapur’


Reflecting sustained demand for well-planned housing in Bengaluru’s eastern corridor, Fortune Primero, a Bengaluru-based real estate developer with over three decades of experience in premium commercial real estate, has recorded ₹215 crore in pre-launch sales, with 172 homes booked within 48 hours for its residential development, ‘Seven Sarjapur’.

The project recently received RERA approval and saw strong early buyer interest, registering over 400+ enquiries and 300+ walk-ins during the initial access phase. The response highlights continued momentum in Bengaluru’s residential market, particularly in emerging micro-markets such as Sarjapur.

Bengaluru continues to remain one of India’s most resilient housing markets, supported by steady employment growth in the technology and services sectors, rising end-user demand, and expanding urban infrastructure.

According to industry estimates, the city has consistently ranked among the top three residential markets in the country by annual home sales, with strong absorption in mid-to-premium housing categories. Micro-markets along the eastern corridor including Sarjapur, have witnessed growing buyer interest due to their proximity to major IT clusters, educational institutions, and improving connectivity.

Spread across 15 acres, Seven Sarjapur has been planned with 85% open spaces, combining expansive landscaped areas with high-rise residential living. The development will feature residential towers set within an integrated master plan, alongside a dedicated commercial and retail zone spanning four acres, aimed at creating a self-sustained community ecosystem.

Commenting on the milestone, Raahil Reddy, Director - Residential Projects, Fortune Primero, said: “Achieving ₹215 crore in sales within the first 48 hours reflects the strong trust homebuyers place in well-planned developments. What we are increasingly seeing in Bengaluru is a clear shift in buyer priorities - from transactional purchases to thoughtfully designed communities that offer long-term liveability and quality of life. Developments that combine efficient layouts, open spaces, and integrated community planning are resonating strongly with buyers, and we believe this approach will shape the next phase of housing demand in the city.”

Elevating Modern Urban Living

Comprising of four high-rise towers, Seven Sarjapur is part of a 15-acre development offering over 750 premium residences. The project combines contemporary architecture with thoughtfully designed living spaces, complemented by landscaped open areas and lifestyle amenities that support modern urban living. Strategically located in Sarjapur, one of Bengaluru’s fastest-growing residential corridors, the development offers seamless connectivity to major IT hubs, reputed educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and key infrastructure, positioning it as a strong residential offering in the city’s evolving housing market.

Coffee As The New Language Of Gifting Among Gen Z Across India

Gifting for loved ones is evolving. For Gen Z, it’s no longer about last-minute sweet gestures. It’s about thoughtful, personality-led choices that feel intentional. And increasingly, coffee is becoming the new trend.

This generation doesn’t do “regular.” They look for meaning in the everyday and their gifting reflects that. Coffee is immersive. It fuels conversations, creative brainstorming sessions, catch-ups that stretch for hours, and slow weekend mornings. It isn’t just consumed, it’s experienced.

Coffee becomes part of a shared routine. Brewing a cup together, experimenting with new blends, recreating café-style drinks at home, these small rituals feel more lasting and personal. For Gen Z, gifting isn’t about excess, it’s about creating moments.

Coffee also signals individuality. Strong, smooth, bold, balanced, every cup reflects a mood and personality. Choosing coffee as a gift feels curated rather than conventional.

A thoughtfully assembled coffee hamper featuring premium blends and stylish mugs becomes more than a present. It becomes an invitation to pause, connect, and build shared habits that extend beyond a single occasion.

With its rich aroma and smooth flavour, Tata Coffee Grand fits seamlessly into these evolving expressions of care. It isn’t just another beverage on the shelf, it’s #NotJustYourRegularCoffee.

Because for a generation that doesn’t choose regular lives or regular conversations, regular gifting simply doesn’t cut it anymore.

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