Mature Cataract Cases Spike as Elderly Ignore Eye Problems due to Covid Fear

Navi Mumbai, 26^th February 2021: The ongoing pandemic has led to increased severity and morbidity in eye conditions of people due to delayed treatment and lifestyle changes enforced by the lockdown. The elderly population has been especially impacted, with cases of mature cataracts shooting up five times in recent months due to patients above 65 staying away from hospitals out of Covid fear, senior ophthalmologists of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital have said. According to them, the number of people coming to eye hospitals with serious complications including vision loss has increased manifold in the last six months.

 

Said Dr. Vandana Jain, Regional Medical Director – Maharashtra, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Navi Mumbai: “In the last three months of 2019, before the pandemic had hit fully, just 10 percent of all cataract patients coming to our hospital were suffering from mature cataract. In the last three months, this figure has jumped to 50%, a five-fold increase. The reason is that during the last one year, patients have been worried about contracting coronavirus if they visit a hospital. We have not seen such cases of hyper-mature cataracts before the pandemic.”

 

Dr. Vandana Jain added: “Most people with pre-existing eye problems neglected follow-ups with doctors during the pandemic, leading to aggravation of their condition. Others with newly developed eye conditions also waited to consult the doctors, which led to serious consequences, including loss of vision. Though patient footfalls are increasing, they are still nowhere the pre-Covid levels. The fear of the virus is putting us behind several years.”

 

The impact was not limited to cataracts and elderly population alone, according to doctors. Said Dr. Vandana Jain: “Cases of severe dry eyes due to digital eye strain jumped from 10% before the pandemic to 30% now, as people working from home got habituated to looking at digital screens for a long time. We also noticed worsening of existing cases of glaucoma in patients as they did not come for regular follow-ups. People with diabetes ignored their eye check-ups, leading to severe complications in their retina. Pandemic has had a huge socio-economic impact too, with many eye patients struggling financially to meet the surgery expenses. Many cataract patients coming to us are opting to get operated in only one eye to save money.”

 

Doctors of Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital have advised people not to neglect their eye problems in pandemic times. Tele-consult is a good option and, in many cases, is enough to get the right advice. Sometimes the

 

doctor will advise to consult in person. That is the time when not doing anything can aggravate a minor eye problem to a more serious one. Rather than delaying treatment, patients should choose an eye hospital where all safety precautions are being implemented, the doctors said.

 

Dr. Vandana Jain added: “Diabetic patients above 50 years of age need to get their eyes screened at least once a year, as 30 percent of them go on to develop some form of diabetic eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy. Any delay can create more severe complications, including loss of vision. This is true for Glaucoma patients too. If their condition is unstable or they develop unusual symptoms such as eye pain or changes in vision, they should see the doctor immediately.”

Acer India opens its biggest Flagship Experience Store in Bengaluru

The brand strengthens its offline retail strategy with the new Flagship Experience Store at the heart of the city

 

Bengaluru, February 26, 2021:  Acer India today launched India’s biggest swanky new Flagship Acer Mall experience store in Koramangala, Bengaluru. The store is part of the brand’s retail strategy to allow its customers to experience the entire array of product portfolios with dedicated gaming, lifestyle and all other product segments. Store also features the extraordinary Predator Thronos gaming cave for the ultimate immersive gaming experience.  

 

The store offers premium retail experience as well as exceptional service to its customers with complete demo zones and dedicated gaming experience center. The world class Acer Mall experience center offers consumers the option to interact and get a firsthand feel of some of the most advanced PC and lifestyle products ranging from laptops to air-purifiers.  

 

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Sudhir Goel, Chief Business Officer, Acer India said, “The launch of the Flagship Acer Experience Store is a step towards our long-term commitment to the Indian market where we offer our consumers an opportunity to physically experience our products and make an informed purchase decision. With this our retail expansion journey will be propelled with an endeavour to bring in the best-in-class products to our customers and grow Acer community across India through our retail presence.” 

 

Acer is planning to open over 200 stores in India by this year with product experience zones, highly trained staff and multiple ownership schemes like No Cost EMI, long-term warranty and accidental damage protection along with a range of exciting offers. As a brand Acer is moving towards a lifestyle technology company offering a range of products which helps consumers live a healthier, smarter and more connected life.

 

The store was inaugurated by Mr. Sudhir Goel, Chief Business Officer, Acer India, Mr. Jeganath, Chief Sales Officer, and Mr. Alok Dubey, Chief Finance Officer, Acer India and Mr. Sanjeev Mehtani, Country Manager, Sales, Acer India.

BoroPlus gets Ayushmann Khurrana on board as the Brand Ambassador for it’s Soaps & Hand Washes

Enriched with natural goodness of Neem, Tulsi, Aloe Vera, Eucalyptus, Honey – BoroPlus Soap Bars and Hand Washes offer

3-in-1 benefits of Antiseptic + Moisturization + Ayurvedic.

 

Mumbai, 25 February 2021: It’s a Shubh Mangal moment that calls for a Badhai Ho! The Kolkata based Indian FMCG major Emami Limited begins 2021 with a significant endorsement deal as it signs on National Award winning Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana for its new launches BoroPlus Soaps and Hand Washes.

BoroPlus, India’s No.1 Antiseptic Cream Brand, has launched soaps & hand washes under its Hygiene portfolio last year. Enriched with natural antiseptic herbs and clinically tested to kill 99.99% germs and viruses, BoroPlus Soaps and Hand Washes are ayurvedic and free from harmful chemicals like parabens, silicones and artificial colours, making the products safe for the entire family and suitable for frequent everyday use. BoroPlus Soaps and Hand Washes are available in two variants – one with Neem, Tulsi & Aloe Vera and the other with Neem, Eucalyptus & Honey.

 

Speaking on the new endorsement association with Ayushmann Khurrana, Ms. Priti A. Sureka, Director, Emami Limited, said, “With the onset of COVID -19 pandemic, awareness about personal hygiene is something which has become significantly critical today. Soaps and hand washes have been found to be highly penetrated hygiene products that are essential for everyone. BoroPlus, leveraging its ayurvedic, antiseptic and healing equity entered this category last year to offer consumers a hygiene solution which will not only keep them germ-free but will also take care of their skin through adequate moisturization. To create better consumer awareness about these two focus categories of BoroPlus, we feel happy to associate with Ayushmann Khurrana. Named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020 by Time Magazine, Ayushmann not only enjoys a wide mass appeal across age and gender but is also known for delivering credible, authentic and good content for audience.  We believe that his personality will complement BoroPlus, a brand which is synonymous with trust and care.”

 

“Though personal hygiene is an integral part of one’s wellbeing, but in today’s context, it is something which is even more critical. Regular germ-kill soaps and hand washes could be harsh on

 

the skin & are made from chemicals, which make the skin very dry. It is essential to have a bathing solution which provides skin care (moisturisation) along with germ protection. BoroPlus soaps and hand washes, enriched with natural ayurvedic herbs, are effective in protecting us against germs and viruses and also have moisturizing properties to make one’s skin soft and smooth. They make the perfect solution for my personal hygiene necessities,” said Ayushmann Khurrana.

Available as wrapped opaque white bars BoroPlus Soap is available in 50g, 75g and 125 g sizes worth at Rs. 10, Rs. 25 and Rs. 45 respectively while BoroPlus Hand Washes are available in Pump Packs [Bottles] at Rs. 85 + Refills at SKU sizes of 190ml [Pack of 2] & 750ml Rs.85 & Rs.99 respectively.

Max Life Insurance achieves Claims Paid Ratio of 99.22% during FY 2019-20

. Paid 15,342 death claims during the financial year 2019-20*

• Digital forensic controls and predictive analytics underwriting models decrease repudiation ratio to 0.78%

 

New Delhi, 25 February 2021: Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. (“Max Life” / “Company”), in line with its continued promise of trust to its customers, announced that it has paid off 15,342* claims received in FY 2019-20, thereby settling INR 562.54 crores* worth of individual claims received in FY 2019-20. The Company has achieved high claims paid ratio of 99.22%* – in comparison with the company’s last five-year performance.

With consistent investment in fraud detection and mitigation at the issuance stage through robust predictive analytical based underwriting models, Max Life has demonstrated steady improvement of 226 bps in claims paid ratio over the last five years from 96.95%** in FY 2015-16 to its current figure of 99.22% in FY 19-20*. During FY 2019-20, out of total death claims received, only 120 were rejected and 1 case was pending for closure at the end of the financial year. The company’s repudiation ratio has fallen to 0.78% at the back of best-in-class digital forensic controls.

Since its inception till March 2020, Max Life has paid INR 3801 crores towards 128,288 policies for individual death claims.

Commenting on the accomplishment, Mr. Manu Lavanya, Director and Chief Operations Officer, Max Life said, “Over the years, we have remained steadfast in our commitment towards our customers by working towards improving our claims paid ratio - the ultimate moment of truth that defines a life insurer’s relationship with its customers. Our consistent performance in achieving 99.22% claims paid ratio in FY 19-20 bears testament to the devotion we have towards our customers. We are committed to further enhancing our investments in the areas of improved underwriting capabilities, technological interventions, and an overall robust claims ecosystem to ensure that we scale newer heights when it comes to settling claims in a timely and efficient manner.”

Given the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Max Life has digitized its claims management process to ensure that all support documents are accepted online, and customers can submit claims on time through WhatsApp, email or by using self-service options - website, digital bots, and AI-driven interactive voice response.

*Basis IRDAI Annual Report 2019-20

**Basis IRDAI Annual Report 2015-16

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Max Life Insurance (www.maxlifeinsurance.com) 

 

Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (“Max Life”) is a joint venture between Max Financial Services Ltd. and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd. Max Financial Services Ltd. is a part of the Max group, an Indian multi business corporation, while Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance is a member of MS&AD Insurance group.

 

Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-Term savings life insurance solutions, through its multichannel distribution including agency and third distribution partners. Max Life has built its operations over almost two decades through need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital.  

 

As per public disclosures, during the financial year 2019-20, Max Life achieved gross written premium of Rs. 16,184 crore. As on 31st March 2020, the Company had Rs. 68,471 crore of assets under management (AUM) and a Sum Assured in Force of Rs. 913,660 crore. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.maxlifeinsurance.com

 

Walmart expands Vriddhi program to Uttar Pradesh to help MSMEs access domestic and global customers

Walmart and Flipkart continue to create growth opportunities for small businesses across India

BANGALORE and AGRA, Feb. 25, 2021 – Walmart today launched a new Vriddhi e-Institute in Agra to provide small businesses in Uttar Pradesh access to skills and competencies to grow in a post-pandemic environment through online and offline channels such as Flipkart’s marketplace and Walmart’s international supply chain.

 

With the new e-Institute, Walmart is expanding its Vriddhi Supplier Development Program towards empowering 50,000 MSMEs across India for growth. The program provides MSMEs with specific training to leverage modern commerce and get ready for opportunities in Flipkart’s eCommerce marketplace, the supply chain of Flipkart Wholesale and Walmart’s global sourcing operations, as well as the open marketplace. 

 

The Vriddhi e-Institute in Agra will partner with MSMEs from Uttar Pradesh through interactive learning and advanced competency-based training, with personalized feedback and advice. The curriculum is tailored for the unique challenges and opportunities of local businesses and is offered in Hindi and English. In particular, the e-Institute will focus on empowering skilled artisans and entrepreneurs to expand markets for Agra’s prominent footwear manufacturing and stone carving sectors.

 

Vriddhi works with MSME entrepreneurs wherever they are in their business journey. Uttar Pradesh-based businesses can join the Vriddhi training program to pursue opportunities to sell on Flipkart’s online consumer marketplace and through the nationwide Flipkart Wholesale ecosystem. As Walmart triples its exports from India to $10 billion annually by 2027, businesses with export ambitions can learn how to qualify as a Walmart Global Sourcing supplier, taking “Make in India” products to the world. 

 

Sidharth Nath Singh, Cabinet Minister for MSME, Investment & Export, Textile, NRI, Khadi and Gram Udyog, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said: “We welcome Walmart’s initiative to expand the Vriddhi program to Agra and Uttar Pradesh. MSMEs from our state are recognized for their skilled craftsmanship, and for the variety of high-quality goods they offer in India and internationally. This program will not only boost the Make-in-India effort, it will also provide further impetus to our ODOP (One District One Product) program and MSMEs in growing their business aspirations and reach, including export-readiness, through digital pathways.”

 

The first Vriddhi e-Institute, opened in Haryana in October 2020, serves MSMEs from the Panipat-Sonipat-Kundli region. Entrepreneurs there are now working through the multi-level training program, with some already onboarded to Flipkart to expand their digital capabilities and sell across India via Flipkart marketplace.

 

     Leigh Hopkins, Executive Vice President, International Strategy, Development and Asia Region, Walmart International, said: “We’ve had encouraging results from our first e-Institute and strong interest from MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh. Walmart and Flipkart are helping artisans and entrepreneurs augment their Indian ingenuity with merchandising and logistics expertise and access to eCommerce customers across India and abroad. Growing MSME businesses creates employment opportunities in local communities and puts them at the heart of Make in India and Digital India programs.”

 

     Adarsh Menon, Senior Vice President and Head, Flipkart Wholesale, said: “Flipkart is focused on enabling businesses to prosper by helping them sell their products across India. Through Walmart Vriddhi we will now enhance those efforts, as MSMEs and artisans get access to a world-class training that can empower them to meet their aspirations."

 

Developed by Walmart and Flipkart in partnership with Vriddhi knowledge manager Swasti, the Vriddhi training program is designed for MSMEs operating in a post-pandemic world of mobile-first digital commerce. It includes training and advice on key aspects of business management, commercial growth, customer-centric services, manufacturing best practices, responsible sourcing and more. Interactive virtual training experiences, one-on-one advisory sessions and other resources are accessed through a mobile app available on iOS and Android, in Hindi and English. 

 

Vriddhi will accelerate the rollout of e-Institutes to other cities in India this year, providing tailored training, mentoring and ecosystem support to help local MSMEs prepare for growth as part of the supply chains of Flipkart and Walmart or other channels.

 

At the same time, Flipkart and Walmart will continue to partner with Indian MSMEs, both through the Flipkart marketplace and Flipkart Wholesale ecosystem and through Walmart’s global sourcing operations. Flipkart also supports artisans and weavers through its Samarth program, with 750,000 skilled craftspeople now selling authentic arts and crafts online to a customer base of more than 300 million people.

 

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About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 230 million customers and members visit approximately 10,800 stores and clubs under 51 banners in 25 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.

 

About Flipkart Group

The Flipkart Group is one of India's leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, and Flipkart Wholesale. Started in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of consumers, sellers, merchants, and small businesses to be a part of India's e-commerce revolution, with a registered customer base of over 300 million, offering over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Our efforts to democratise e-commerce in India, drive access and affordability, delight customers, create lakhs of jobs in the ecosystem and empower generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs have inspired us to innovate on many industry firsts. The recent launch of Flipkart Wholesale, our new digital marketplace, is a testament to our commitment to accelerate the growth of kiranas and MSMEs in India. Flipkart is known for pioneering services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI and easy returns – customer-centric innovations that have made online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians. Together with Myntra, which holds a prominent position in the online fashion market, and now Flipkart Wholesale, the Flipkart Group will continue to steer the transformation of commerce in India through technology.

HUMANZ & BOSS ENTERTAINMENT PARTNER TO REVOLUTIONIZE INDIAN INFLUENCER MARKETING

The Humanz platform empowers marketers with AI and machine learning to find the most relevant influencers, making influencer marketing safer, more scalable, and more predictable

 

National, Feb 25, 2021 -  Humanz, an AI-powered platform for influencer campaigns of all levels, partners with Boss Entertainment, a creative marketing firm that is popularly known as India’s largest youth activation company, to bring the Humanz platform to India and bridge the gap between local marketers and influencers. Through the partnership, the Humanz platform will optimize collaborations between local marketers and influencers across India, thereby ensuring the sustainable growth of the country’s influencer marketing sector.

 

The Humanz Platform serves as a tool for discovery and direct influencer engagement—thereby fixing the broken elements of influencer marketing, including the lack of transparency, lack of audience demographics, and fraud. The platform allows marketers to make data-driven decisions based on influencer specifications tailored to marketing needs, including gender, age, interests, demographics, previous content shared, and quality of followers. Influencers can access parts of their own data, meet other creators, and participate in paid campaigns—all by simply registering. The engagement and collaborations between marketers and influencers on the platform is done in a smart, safe, efficient, and measurable manner.

 

Boss Entertainment is known for creating intellectual properties to excite and inspire India’s youth. The company focuses on independent technology driven ventures with shared visions and values. Operating under the guidance of serial entrepreneur Shailendra Singh, who launched 23 successful startups in 23 years. Each of his companies set new benchmarks across the entertainment, media and communications space.

 

“In India, local influencers inspire young adults to make decisions at rates far greater than celebrities,” says Liav Chen, Co-Founder and CEO of Humanz. “The influencer marketing arena is growing rapidly in the region, and it is crucial for collaborations between marketers and influencers to be as optimal and impactful as possible. Our values align with that of Boss Entertainment, and we’re excited to see what unfolds.”

 

“The tech venture with Humanz in India is a massive opportunity for us to unlock the positive power that our influencers possess to strengthen a brand's reputation, improve audience engagement, and increase conversions,” says Shailendra Singh. “It is high time marketers and business owners in India recognize the importance of influencer marketing and use it to their advantage.”

 

About Humanz:

Founded by five veterans of the elite Intelligence Corps Unit 8200 of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Humanz is an AI-powered platform that makes influencer marketing accessible, reliable and trustworthy for marketers and influencers. The solution addresses the major pain point of marketers being able to identify, in large scale, relevant and authenticated content creators; and to thereafter manage an entire campaign process from influencer selection, content approval, payment and ROI analytics on a single platform. Leading global multinational clients have chosen to use Humanz, including McDonalds, Kimberly-Clark, Zara, L’Oréal, Nestlé, Unilever, Group M, Omnicom and Universal McCann. Humanz has expanded rapidly across territories to satisfy customer demand, with operations in Israel, South Africa, Turkey, Nigeria, Brazil, India and the UK- with U.S operations set to launch in the near future.

 

About Boss Entertainment:

Founded in 2016 by Shailendra Singh with the aim of curating unique and entertaining experiences for the youth of India. In 2017, Boss Entertainment became India’s largest youth Activation company with the Guestlist4Good festival organised with Hardwell, the worlds no. 1 Dj. Through Guestlist4Good, Boss India Entertainment has educated over 120,000 children through the magic bus foundation. Boss India Entertainment from there diversified into digital and sports marketing being partners for football clubs like Watford FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers and many more for starters.

Boss India Entertainment takes pride in being India’s largest youth activation company from concerts to digital marketing and sports business and now Humanz.

Boss India truly believes that Technology can be used to bridge the gaps that will empower and entertain the youth and allow them to maximise their potential!

 

Saregama brings to the Gujarati music lovers yet another hit - Malish Re Shamsaan Ma by Rakesh Barot!

Ready to captivate the audience, Saregama has launched yet another Gujarati track sung by Rakesh Barot – Malish Re Shamsaan Ma, to capture and conquer the charts and hearts of the Gujarati audience. The song brings together two of the biggest Gujarati musical maestros – Rakesh Barot who lends his voice to this track,  and music by Mayur Nadia. Depicting a tale of betrayal, this song is sure to keep you engaged till the very end.

The video of the song takes you through an emotional journey of a man who goes through a heartbreak when he realizes that his significant other has strayed from their relationship, and has fallen in love with someone else. However, is there a happy ending to this tale? Showcasing dynamic chemistry between Rakesh Barot and Neha Suthar, this song consists of a beautiful storyline coupled with hard-hitting lyrics!

Commenting on the launch, Rakesh said, “We had a lovely time shooting for this song and the storyline is a great mix of drama and emotion. This is a gift for all my fans as we near the end of the Valentine’s month and I hope they shower me with love and support like always”.  

Catch this all-new track only on Saregama’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/2MqsVzC