Bengaluru: Transgender rights activist Dr. Akkai Padmashali has announced her resignation from the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), stepping down from her roles as State General Secretary and Vice President.
In a statement, Dr. Padmashali expressed gratitude to the Indian National Congress for inducting her into the party on September 20, 2020, and recalled the support extended by leaders including the late Smt. Indira Gandhi, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, the late Dr. Manmohan Singh, the late Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Shri Rahul Gandhi, the late Shri Oscar Fernandes, Shri Siddaramaiah, Dr. G. Parameshwar, Shri Veerappa Moily, Shri Shashi Tharoor, Shri B.K. Hariprasad, and Shri U.T. Khader.
Highlighting ongoing socio-economic, political, educational, and legal challenges faced by transgender, intersex, and sexual minority communities, Dr. Padmashali said systemic marginalisation and exclusion from policy and justice mechanisms remain pressing concerns. She stated that working independently is now necessary to strengthen the movement and ensure constitutional rights for these communities at both the State and National levels.
Wishing success to the government’s vision of “Sarva Janangada Shantiya Totada Sarkara” (a government for the peace of all communities), Dr. Padmashali called for continued advocacy for social justice and equality.
SJ Chander: CEO of FSHI Neelanjana: Consumer Voice Lead Health New Delhi Dr Manoj : Assistant Professor Department of Chemistry, Christ University Dr.Anitha Vergis: Head of the Department Chemistry, Christ University at press meet held at press club of Bengaluru
Bengaluru, India — Public health specialists, environmental advocates, and consumer rights groups have issued a strong call for the complete phase-out of mercury-based thermometers and sphygmomanometers in India, citing serious health and environmental hazards. The appeal came during a panel discussion hosted by Consumer VOICE and the Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI) at Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru.
Experts cautioned that while mercury devices are safe when intact, broken or improperly disposed of instruments release toxic vapours that can harm the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system, and contaminate the environment. Drawing lessons from the mercury contamination incident in Kodaikanal, Dr. Dennis Xavier, Professor and Head of Pharmacology at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, stressed the dangers of mercury exposure and the importance of safe handling and disposal.
India, a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, is working with the Ministries of Health and Environment and WHO India to eliminate mercury-based medical devices and promote digital and aneroid alternatives. The World Health Organization ranks mercury among the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern, especially dangerous for children, unborn babies, and nursing infants.
A 2011 Toxics Link report estimated that around eight tonnes of mercury are released in India each year from medical measuring devices—69% from blood pressure monitors and the rest from thermometers—largely due to unsafe disposal.
Dr. Lalitha of M.S. Ramaiah Medical College warned that mercury exposure during pregnancy or lactation poses serious risks to future generations. Former Karnataka State Pollution Control Board officer Dr. B. Nagappa urged all healthcare facilities to strictly follow mercury spill protocols, train staff, and adopt safer alternatives.
Environmental activist Akshay Heblikar and Consumer VOICE’s Nilanjana Bose highlighted the need for households to follow the healthcare sector’s lead in switching to mercury-free devices, which are now accurate, affordable, and widely available.
“This movement empowers people to safeguard both public health and the environment,” said S.J. Chander, CEO of FSHI.
Understanding Mercury: Protecting Our Health and Environment Date: 12th August, 2025 Venue: CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Room no. 529, 5th floor, R and D block, Bangalore Central Campus
Registration& Tea ; 10.00 am to 10.15 am Inaugural Session: 10.15 am to 11. 00 am Invocation: Watering the plants : Dignitaries Welcome Address: Dr. Anitha Varghese, HoD, Dept. of Chemistry, Christ (Deemed to be University) Opening Remaks: Ms Anu Agarawal Consultant WHO India (tbc) Setting the Tone: India’s Commitment to the Minamata Convention : Ms Nilanjana Bose, Consumer Voice Key note Address: Dr. Dennis Xavier, Prof. & HoD, Dept. of Pharmacology, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences Presidential Address: Dr. Anil Joseph Pinto, Registrar, Christ (Deemed be University) Vote of Thanks: Panel Discussion 11:15 – 12:30 PM Moderator: Dr. Manoj, Asst Prof. Dept of Chemistry, Christ (Deemed to be University) Panellists Public Health Challenges of Mercury Dr Lalitha K. Prof and HoD. Dept of Community Medicine M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences
Environmental Impact of Mercury and its prevention & mitigation Mr. Akshay Heblikar, Director, Eco Watch
Challenges in disposal of Mercury Dr. B. Nagappa, Former Senior Scientific Officer, KSPCB
Social Mobilization for Prevention S. J. Chander, CEO, Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI)
Q&A Session Concluding Remarks by Moderator Pledge: Commitment to Use Mercury-Safe Products All Participants
Bengaluru — Under the blessings and guidance of His Holiness Sri Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji, the Jayanagar 5th Block branch of Rayara Mata hosted special rituals on August 9 to commemorate the Aradhana Mahotsava of Guru Raghavendra Swamy. The event was organized under the leadership of the Mata’s senior administrator, Sri R.K. Vadindra Acharya.
As part of the evening’s cultural programme, acclaimed young vocalist Sri Jayateerth Tasgaonkar presented a soul-stirring Dasavani concert from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. He was accompanied by Sri Vignesh Bhagavat on harmonium,Sri Akshay Joshi and Sri Santosh Hoogar on tabla, and Sri Rajesh Kulkarni on taal.
Devotees applauded warmly, appreciating the artistry and devotional fervour of the performers. Speaking on the occasion, Sri Nandakishore Acharya expressed gratitude to the artists and the audience for making the event memorable.
Bengaluru, Aug. 9 — The HR Forum of the School of Social Work, St. Joseph’s University, organised an interactive, hands-on workshop on Power BI on Saturday, aimed at helping students gain practical skills in data visualisation and business intelligence.
The session was conducted by Mr. Surya Prakash, Associate Business Analyst, who introduced participants to Power BI’s core functions for converting raw data into meaningful insights. Using a sample dataset, he guided attendees through the process of creating interactive dashboards and reports, allowing them to practise the steps in real time. His clear explanations and structured approach made the learning both accessible and practical.
The event began at 11:00 a.m. in the AV Room, PG Block, with Aditi Anil of II MSW as the emcee. A prayer was led by Trisha, Rita and Nelisha, followed by a welcome address by Kavitha. The guest was honoured with a shawl and a potted plant as tokens of appreciation.
In her feedback, Sharanya commended the resource person’s engaging teaching style and hands-on guidance. Lakshmita delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the speaker, faculty, and participants.
Faculty coordinators Dr. Premajyothi D and Fr. Francis Pinto SJ played a key role in organising the event, with additional support from Fr. Simon Paul D’Souza. Student coordinators Mr. Amalan Jerome and Ancita Krasta ensured smooth execution.
The workshop concluded at 1:00 p.m., leaving participants equipped with valuable Power BI skills for academic and professional use.
Immuneel Therapeutics’ Varnimcabtagene autoleucel (IMN-003A) sets new survival benchmark for aggressive B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Bengaluru, August 9, 2025 — In a breakthrough for Indian oncology, Immuneel Therapeutics has reported the country’s first known long-term remission in patients treated with a homegrown CAR T-cell therapy. Seven patients with aggressive blood cancers have crossed the two-year progression-free survival (PFS) milestone — a first for India.
The therapy, Varnimcabtagene autoleucel (IMN-003A), was evaluated in the IMAGINE Phase 2 trial for adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL), one of the most aggressive blood cancers with limited response to standard treatment.
CAR T-cell therapy, globally considered a game-changer, has been out of reach for most Indian patients due to high costs and complex logistics. Immuneel’s success demonstrates that advanced, next-generation treatments can be developed and scaled within India while achieving globally comparable outcomes.
Key Clinical Results
First Long-Term Survivors in India: Seven trial participants have surpassed two years without disease progression, showing durable remission.
Strong Response Rates: IMN-003A achieved an 83% overall response rate (ORR) at Day 90, 50% ORR at Day 365, and an 83% complete response rate, setting new benchmarks for Indian CAR T trials.
National Scale-Up: More than 50 patients across leading hospitals have now been treated, with consistent outcomes and a favourable safety profile.
Government-Backed Research: Supported by a BIRAC grant under the Department of Biotechnology’s BIPP scheme, the trial reflects strong national endorsement.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Co-Founder & Board Director, Immuneel Therapeutics, said: “This achievement validates our mission to make world-class cancer therapies accessible and affordable. Long-term survivors from a Made-in-India CAR T therapy prove the transformative power of local innovation.”
Amit Mookim, CEO & Board Director, Immuneel Therapeutics, added:“Crossing the two-year survival milestone highlights India’s capability to deliver durable, next-generation treatments. Our priority remains expanding access and impact.”
With sustained results in over 50 patients, Immuneel’s work signals a new era for Indian cancer care — one where high-impact therapies are developed in India, for both domestic and global needs.
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