DMI Finance Private Limited (“DMI”) today announced that it has acquired a controlling interest in Prepaid Payment Instruments (“PPI”) license holder, Appnit Technologies Private Limited (“Appnit”). Appnit will become a subsidiary of DMI Finance.
Appnit’s customer-facing brand Oxymoney provides services including various wallet services, money transfers, AePS, utility bill payments, and micro ATMs, through its distribution network across India. Oxymoney will be rolling out new wallet based pre-paid products including pre-paid cards and will be expanding its distribution network. Appnit holds a PPI license from the Reserve Bank of India.
Commenting on the acquisition, Shivashish Chatterjee, Co-founder and Joint MD, DMI Finance, said, “We are excited by the acquisition of Appnit. It provides us with a platform through which we can broaden both our customer base and product suite. A dedicated payments team allows us to continue to deliver innovative credit products in our quest to drive financial inclusion at scale across India.”
Adding further, Nitin Kapoor Co-Founder & CEO of Appnit said, “We are delighted to be part of the DMI Finance family – the strategic synergies are a significant boost to our journey to make cutting-edge financial products and services accessible to a wider customer base.”
In the last two decades, the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson’s in India has increased to more than 300-400 people per lakh population More and more younger people in India are attending specialized movement disorders clinics
BENGALURU / April 9, 2022: The burden of Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonism disorders is rapidly rising in India. Not long ago, Parkinson’s was considered a disease prominent only in Western countries. However, in the last two decades, its incidence and prevalence in India has increased to 300-400 people per lakh population. The WHO has predicted that India would see a massive 200-300% increase in Parkinson’s disease over the next two to three decades. This was said by Dr. Prashanth LK, Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Specialist at the Center for Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, ahead of the World Parkinson’s Day.
Dr. Prashanth LK, considered Bengaluru’s foremost expert on Parkinson’s disease, said: “Bengaluru has seen a major increase in the number of movement disorders patients in recent years, especially Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism disorders, at the specialized Movement Disorders Clinics in the city. According to recently published research covering three major movement disorders clinics at Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata, it was discovered that 65% of total patients coming to these clinics had Parkinsonian disorders. ”
The research revealed some interesting findings about Indian people. Some of the neurodegenerative diseases were found to be common or limited only to India. For example, the SCA-12 (Spinocerebellar ataxia-12) is almost exclusive to the Aggarwal community. Wilson’s disease, a rare but treatable disorder affecting liver and brain, is actually quite common in India. Several different types of Parkinsonism disorders have also been noticed in the Indian population. These atypical parkinsonian disorders account for about a quarter of the movement disorders patients seen at specialized movement disorders clinics, indicating the burden and requirement for more research in these fields, according to Dr. Prashanth LK.
He added: “Another important aspect in India is the changing pattern of Parkinson’s patients at various specialized movement disorders clinics. More and more younger people of less than 40 years of age are attending these clinics now. The reason could include genetics, stress, poor quality of life, etc. This changing age profile is of concern as these people are the breadwinners of the family and at the prime of their professional life. An ongoing study on young onset of Parkinson’s disease has revealed interesting genetic findings regarding the Indian population.”
The amount of research output in India about Parkinson’s disease is limited due to funding constraints. The funding agencies in India are predominantly government bodies, which spread the research funds across entire spectrum of healthcare, rather than providing in-depth funding to age-related diseases. Said Dr. Prashanth LK: “We require dedicated funding for specific disorders to conduct meaningful research that can impact the outcome of care for Parkinson’s patients. In the West, a significant amount of funding comes from private philanthropic agencies and trusts, which exclusively fund research into these disorders. Similar type of funding support from Indian philanthropic groups and trusts would generate dramatic research outcomes from Indian researchers. Indian population has probably different genetic and demographic aspects. With such a great talent pool of researchers catering to this huge population, right funding would help in getting several “Eureka” moments for global science.”
Talking about upcoming therapies on treatment for Parkinson’s patients, Dr. Prashanth LK said: “Work is going on regarding both therapeutic outcomes and understanding the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s. Insights from genetic research have given us hope for specific gene-based therapies for certain subsets of Parkinson’s disease patients. Early trials are going on for possible disease modification and cure-based approaches. We may possibly have dramatic disease modifying therapies over the next couple of decades for Parkinson’s disease.”
The focus of the government in India has usually been on treatable and preventable disorders such as nutritional and infectious diseases. Funding for ageing-related disorders is slowly being increased now, as it is now being appreciated that age-related disorders would constitute major healthcare burden in a few decades in India. “The Government should encourage private funding agencies, philanthropic organizations and CSR initiatives of corporates to be channelled towards improving the care and support system of Parkinson’s disease and other aging disorders. A good government policy impetus can give a boost to research in this field,” said Dr. Prashanth LK.
About 10-15 years back, there used to only 5-10 exclusive Parkinson’s disease specialists in India. In the last 10 years, there has been a sudden increase in the number of neurologists who exclusively specialize in Parkinson’s Disease (called Movement Disorders Specialists). India now has an exclusive society for movement disorders, called Movement Disorders Society of India, which is making impact globally. During the last 10 years, exclusive research groups working for Parkinson’s disease have also been formed, like the Parkinson Research Alliance of India (PRAI), to collaborate, understand and possible get breakthroughs for movement disorders.
One of its kind stores is designed by renowned designer Sandeep Khosla and is o step forward towards becoming a global brand
Bengaluru April, 2022 : Jaipur Rugs, The largest manufacturer of Handmade Rugs in India brings true craftsmanship and timeless designs to Bengaluru with the launch of its retsil store in Indira Nagar. The store is designed by well-known architects Sandeep Khosia and Amaresh Anand of Khosla Associates.
On display are handmade rugs by international and Indian designers including the much acclaimed “Manchaha Collection” from the rural belts of Rajasthan that blur the definitions of form and redefine what art should be. Through its carpets Jaipur Rugs alms to add art into everyday life.
“This is the First Mano brand store of Jaipur Rugs in the state of Karnataka after stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Milan. We have always admired the cosmopolitan culture of Bengaluru and were anxiously waiting for the opportunity to showcase our world class collection to the people Chaudhary, Director Jaipur Rugs. this great city, Says Yogesh
The common factor that Jaipur Rugs and the city of gardens is that both Jaipur Rugs and people of Bengaluru believes in the spirit of living life to ts fullest and we hope that they can relate with our artists who despite all the hardships are a true example of grit and determination”he further adds.
The store showcases the process of making and tell the story of a sustainable brand, conscious of social impact through their support of 40,000+ artisans across 600 villages in india. Aloom is placed at the foyer of, the store to show the process of weaving, as well as display hand tools used in the weaving and finishing of the rugs Storyboards of the legacy of the brand and the processes of making were also highlighted on feature walls.
Nearly 85% of Jaipur Rugs weavers are women who take pride in working from their own homes. From the tribal belts of Gujarat to diverse communities in five states of India, these women represent what the company calls the ‘Creative Caste. They have not had a fair share of opportunities but now have found their voices and dignity within their communities.
Sustainability goals and Manchaha Collection: The rug industry globally is losing billions of dollars in wasted yarn. Surplus yarn is either incinerated or goes straight to landfil. An initiative by Jaipur Rugs called Manchaha – is a step towards reusing the millions of sq meters of waste into a fun product.
Rugs in the one-of-a-kind Manchaha collection are made using hand-spun leftover yarn batches. These batches are basically waste left after the weaving is done, The yarn is in such small quantities that it cannot be reused as part of another regular rug. These small unusable batches of yarn are packed in sacks and sent to weavers for them to pick whatever they like for their Manchaha rugs.
This helps reduces wastage that had no solution and makes the colour palette of these rugs as unique as their design. It is a remarkable example of sustainable production -reusing and revival from waste, the problem becoming its own solution.
The Manchaha project is also a great tool against patriarchy as it puts regular and sustainable income directly into the hands of the women (over 80% of artisans working with Jaipur Rugs are women). Additionally, women weavers are getting a lot of recognition on the world stage uplifting their social status in their communities.
As the women become earning members of the family they slowly, but surely rise in status and get a voice that they can use for their own transformation. The exposure that some women are gaining by winning awards and travelling across the world to receive them is transforming their lives, And creating aspirations in a other weavers to follow in their footsteps.
Authored by: Dr. Seshachalam Nitin MBBS, MS Cataract & Lasik Surgeon, Maxi Vision Eye Hospital Hyderabad
Allergies can affect different parts of the body like the respiratory system and the skin. However the eyes also are commonly affected by allergies which could lead to a myriad variety of symptoms: red, burning, and itchy eyes watering of eyes ropy or clear discharge excessive eye watering foreign body sensation (feeling of sand in the eye) puffiness of eyelids These eye symptoms could also be accompanied by respiratory symptoms like frequent sneezing, colds, runny nose, wheezing and breathing difficulty in asthmatics and also skin rashes in some cases. The main reason behind the increase in allergies is increased Pollen in the air in summer. Pollen are microscopic particles naturally released from plants and trees during this season. Some people are hypersensitive to this pollen, which when inhaled by them, causes their immune system to trigger a defensive response in the form of antibodies and chemicals like histamine that triggers the typical symptoms described above.
* LIMIT ALLERGEN EXPOSURE Pollen, dust mites, mold, etc are the common allergens encountered in our environment.
* The use of sunglasses outdoors and masks (thank you covid protocols) can go a long way in reducing exposure to these.
* Pollen levels are highest in the mornings and evenings and movement outdoors can be prevented at these times if possible.
* Also staying away from pollutants like automobile exhausts, cigarette smoke, etc. helps to prevent triggering symptoms.
* Frequent vacuuming, changing bed linen more frequently, use of HEPA filters or air conditioning with proper air filtration can limit our exposure to the triggers Indoors.
* People with pets have to be extra careful in this regard.
* Contact lens users have to be extra careful as the surface of the lens can attract and accumulate allergens making your symptoms worse.
Ideally, avoid the use of lenses and switch over to glasses. If unavoidable, try to use daily disposable lenses. NO EYE RUBBING This is very important as rubbing our eyes causes the release of histamine, which in turn causes more itching and thus becomes a vicious cycle. The easiest way is to use an ice pack over the eyes whenever they feel itchy. Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and place it over closed eyelids for at least 5 mins. This goes a long way in reducing redness and itchiness. Another issue with eye rubbing is that it introduces allergens around the eye and nose and therefore has to be avoided.
The Group undertakes a pan-India initiative to distribute over 5,000 indigenous and highly oxygenating saplings to Cancer patients on the occasion
Bangalore, April 07, 2022: This World Health Day, Apollo Cancer Centres, which ranks among the world’s best cancer hospitals, undertook a pan-India initiative to celebrate World Health Day thus working towards creating a green and healthy planet. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the focus on how the health of individuals is directly related to and dependent on the environment and the ecosystem we live in.
Apollo Cancer Centres across 13 Indian cities have stepped up to co-create a greener environment for a healthy self. In an effort to give a fillip to India’s potters who have been affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Apollo Cancer Centres, have procured mud pots from them to distribute high oxygen generating indigenous plants to patients. Over 5,000 saplings will be gifted to patients who will be discharged on and from April 7, 2022, onwards.
In line with the initiative, Apollo Cancer Centres, Bangalore, and cancer patients took a pledge to co-create a healthy planet on this World Health Day. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. A N Yellappa Reddy, a renewed environmentalist, along with Mr. Davison P K, CEO, Karnataka region, Apollo Hospitals.
Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (AHEL), said, “It is imperative that individuals collectively work together towards a healthy future & co-create a better planet. Environmental hazards such as air and water pollution, negative impacts of climate change are the most prominent causes of health threats, globally. In line with our vision to create a healthy world, Apollo Cancer Centres and patients have taken a pledge to make a healthier planet.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dinesh Madhavan, President–Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited (AHEL), said, “Apollo Cancer Centres is in the forefront in the battle against cancer, the first step in this direction is to ensure that we live in a healthier planet. In this endeavor, we have taken a pledge with our patients to take care of another life by planting indigenous saplings that highly oxygenate. This small step by us and our patients will go a long way in creating an environment which is less toxic, improves quality of life and create a better planet for the future generation, thus providing a better chance to win over cancer.”
On the occasion, Dr. A N Yellappa Reddy, Environmentalist, said, “It is a moment of pride to be associated with Apollo Cancer Centre for their splendid initiatives this World Health Day. Covid-19 has made us understand the need for preserving nature and following healthy practices to lead a better life. The various initiatives helped us educate ourselves and the people around us about clean- holistic living. I am honored to be associated with ACC, in strengthening the future and encouraging each one of us to build a better world.”
Apollo Cancer Centre is focused on channeling its efforts towards the health of individuals and the planet at the center of its plans and actions. This initiative will foster a healthy environment to create individuals and societies focused on holistic well-being.
City Today News 
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