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As a part of XLRI’s 75th anniversary celebrations, the XLRI Alumni Association is thrilled to introduce the ‘Metamorphose 2024 Summit,’ a landmark event dedicated to shaping the future of human resource management and leadership. This summit represents a major milestone in XLRI Alumni Association’s commitment to advancing the field amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Metamorphose 2024 Summit  will unite India’s top 100 Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) in an unparalleled forum dedicated to HR transformation. The summit aims to facilitate deep dialogue, spur discovery, and foster the creation of intellectual capital around essential imperatives such as emerging stronger, sustaining growth, and leading with purpose and resilience. This pioneering event is poised to ignite new ideas and set the stage for the future of HR both in India and globally.

Prof. Fr. (Dr.) K S Casimir, Director, XLRI Delhi-NCR expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Metamorphose 2024 Summit and said, “In our quest to redefine the future of work, the Metamorphose 2024 summit organized by the XLRI Alumni Association, represents a crucial platform for learning and growth. By bringing together leading CHROs and emerging leaders, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation of HR professionals with the insights and tools they need to lead with excellence and empathy. This summit, including the Metamorphose Minis series, is designed to inspire and equip the next generation of HR professionals with critical insights and tools for effective and empathetic leadership. As leaders, we are called to not only adapt to change but to be the catalysts of it, ensuring that our organizations thrive in a world of uncertainty.”

Prof. Fr. (Dr.) S George, S J, Director, XLRI Jamshedpur commented saying, “As XLRI celebrates its Platinum Jubilee, it is also time for us to look at the institute’s rich legacy in Human Resource Management. At XLRI, we are always on a constant quest to contribute to nation-building and continue to excel for the greater good! One such initiative is the Metamorphose 2024 Summit organized by the XLRI Alumni Association as a testament to continuing our tradition of excellence and forward-thinking in HR. This Summit provides a unique platform for the CHROs to explore, engage and lead change with purpose and integrity. The Metamorphose Minis webinars aim to foster transformative leadership and ignite new ideas. Through this event, XLRI reflects its commitment to continue fostering leadership and innovation in the field of Human Resource Management. .”

In the lead-up to this landmark summit, XLRI Alumni Association  is excited to present ‘Metamorphose Minis’ – a series of eight sector-specific webinars scheduled from August 29 to September 18, 2024. These engaging sessions will feature prominent CHROs from leading organizations, who will share cutting-edge insights and explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies poised to revolutionize productivity and well-being in the workplace.

Participation in the Metamorphose Minis webinars is free of charge, and attendees will receive a certificate upon completion. To ensure a highly interactive experience, each session will be limited to 1000 participants. Registration details will be shared soon, and interested individuals are encouraged to email us to secure their spots in this transformative series.

In its continued commitment to delivering an enhanced ownership experience, Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive manufacturer, today announced the commencement of a nationwide Monsoon Check-Up Camp for its customers. Spread across 500 cities and supported by over 1,090 authorized workshops, this extensive service initiative will run from June 6 to June 20, 2025.

With the onset of the monsoon season, the initiative is aimed at ensuring optimal vehicle performance and safety during wet and challenging driving conditions. Customers can avail a free comprehensive vehicle health check-up, which includes over thirty critical inspection points covering essential systems along with EV-specific diagnostics. The camp also offers a car top wash and exclusive discounts on original spare parts, engine oil, accessories, extended warranty, and labour charges.

To add further value, customers can benefit from attractive exchange offers on new Tata cars, including a free evaluation of their existing vehicles.

Tata Motors continues to reinforce its customer-first approach by delivering value-driven service experiences that prioritise safety, trust, and convenience. Customers are encouraged to visit their nearest authorized Tata Motors workshop to make the most of the Monsoon Check-Up Camp.

Wafer cake sweet roll cheesecake ice cream gingerbread sweet. Wafer gingerbread apple pie cotton candy jelly. Toffee oat cake oat cake toffee tootsie roll muffin sugar plum.

Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.

Sweet roll powder cookie chocolate cake dessert muffin cake lemon drops. Soufflé halvah fruitcake sweet roll muffin. Wafer danish cupcake jelly cookie. Jelly-o marshmallow oat cake brownie.

Caramels muffin chupa chups. Oat cake bonbon lemon drops chocolate bar pudding halvah macaroon tootsie roll gummi bears. Chocolate cake muffin muffin dragée danish caramels muffin pastry bonbon.

Wafer cake sweet roll cheesecake ice cream gingerbread sweet. Wafer gingerbread apple pie cotton candy jelly. Toffee oat cake oat cake toffee tootsie roll muffin sugar plum.

Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.bonbon.Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.

Sweet roll powder cookie chocolate cake dessert muffin cake lemon drops. Soufflé halvah fruitcake sweet roll muffin. Wafer danish cupcake jelly cookie. Jelly-o marshmallow oat cake brownie.

Caramels muffin chupa chups. Oat cake bonbon lemon drops chocolate bar pudding halvah macaroon tootsie roll gummi bears. Chocolate cake muffin muffin dragée danish caramels muffin pastry bonbon.Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.Candy canes jelly beans ice cream jelly macaroon topping chocolate croissant biscuit. Chupa chups marshmallow oat cake croissant bonbon. Biscuit macaroon halvah soufflé marzipan. Macaroon icing oat cake sesame snaps carrot cake jelly-o.

To mark the Global Day of Action to Destigmatise Abortion (28th March), SHE & Rights (Sexual Health with Equity & Rights) initiative calls for stronger effort to challenge harmful narratives, dismantle barriers, and demand stigma-free access to safe abortion everywhere in a rights-based manner. SHE & Rights is hosted by Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media), Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for Women (ARROW), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), and CNS.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines unsafe abortion as a procedure for terminating a pregnancy performed by persons lacking the necessary information or skills or in an environment not in conformity with minimal medical standards, or both. The persons, skills and medical standards considered safe in the provision of abortion are different for medical and surgical abortion and by pregnancy duration.

Even though right to abortion is part of promises made by our governments by endorsing Beijing Declaration 1995 and critical to deliver on UN Sustainable Development Goal-5 for gender equality and human rights, progress is not satisfactory.

“We are not on track to realise the right to health and gender equality. Despite committing to Agenda 2030 with a common vision and work plan, we are not doing well on delivering on the promises of UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health.

“All people, including women and girls and gender diverse peoples, have a right to bodily autonomy- that is the right to make free and informed decisions about one’s own body, without coercion or violence. We see violations of bodily autonomy when a lack of choice and decision-making leads to unplanned pregnancy, or to unsafe abortion that is a leading yet totally preventable cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Globally, six out of 10 unplanned pregnancies end in induced abortion, and around 45% of these abortions are unsafe,” said Shobha Shukla, coordinator of SHE & Rights initiative.

“Abortion is our human right. Abortion is healthcare. Abortion is a normal and valid decision. Yet, abortion stigma—rooted in patriarchy, misinformation, and control – continues to restrict access, fuel legal persecution, and force people into unsafe conditions in several countries. This Global Day of Action to Destigmatise Abortion, calls for an end to criminalisation, medical gatekeeping, and harmful cultural narratives that shame and silence people who have abortions,” added Shobha Shukla.

Induced abortion is in fact very common – it is estimated that 73 million induced abortions occur worldwide annually. Around 61% (or 1 in 6) unintended pregnancies end in induced abortion – so these are pregnancies that were not planned – and 29% (or 3 in 10) of all pregnancies end in abortion globally. So, quite a significant number of both- unintended and intended pregnancies- end in abortion around the world.

But what is most troubling is that globally 45% of induced abortions are unsafe. It is estimated that every year 29,000 pregnant people, women and girls die from unsafe abortion and 7 million are injured or disabled due to unsafe abortion worldwide. Unsafe abortion also leads to social and financial burdens for women, communities and health systems.

More than half of all unsafe abortions occur in Asia, most of them in south and central Asia. In Latin America and Africa, the majority (approximately 3 out of 4) of all abortions are unsafe. In Africa, nearly half of all abortions occurred under the least safe circumstances.

But what is perhaps most devastating is that deaths due to unsafe abortion are entirely preventable. It is lack of access to safe, timely, affordable and respectful abortion care that leads to these preventable maternal deaths.

Certainly. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Deepali Jogi and Dr. Aayusha Jogi, along with Dr. Vipul Kanani, the Samarpan Ayurvedic Clinic has emerged as a distinguished healthcare institution.

This establishment, with its co-founders’ expertise in Ayurveda and specialization in psoriasis, has become a hub for holistic healing, integrating Ayurvedic principles, Panchkarma therapies, and physiotherapy services.

At the heart of the clinic’s therapeutic approach is Panchkarma, a Sanshodhan detox treatment deeply rooted in Ayurvedic tradition.

Driven by the goal to balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, Panchkarma extends beyond disease treatment to offer essential detoxification for maintaining overall health.

The clinic employs a meticulous application of the main Panchkarma procedures: Vaman, Virechan, Basti, Nasya, and Rakta Mokshan.

The two-fold process of Panchkarma involves Purva Karma and Pradhan Karma. Purva Karma comprises Snehanam (consumption of clarified butter or oil), Abhyangam (comprehensive or partial body massage), and Swedanam (body heating through various methods).

Pradhan Karma includes Vaman (cleansing for Kapha dosha), Virechan (cleansing for Pitta dosha), Basti (cleansing for Vata dosha), Nasya (administration of medicated substances through the nose), and Rakta Mokshan (blood-letting treatment).

Dr. Aayusha Jogi, a co-founder and physiotherapist at Samarpan Ayurvedic Clinic, has played a pivotal role in its success.

Focusing on musculoskeletal issues like frozen shoulder, knee osteoarthritis, and mechanical back pain, her integrated approach combining Panchkarma and physiotherapy has yielded remarkable results.

She  emphasizes the significance of fitness and health as proactive measures against various conditions. Her belief in the preventive role of exercise is exemplified by practices such as preventing knee osteoarthritis through consistent gym routines.

Patients initially advised surgery by orthopedic specialists have experienced significant benefits, avoiding the need for invasive procedures.

This philosophy resonates with the clinic’s overarching commitment to promoting well-rounded fitness, not only as a means of recovery but also as a preventative strategy against a spectrum of health issues.

In summary, Samarpan Ayurvedic Clinic stands as a beacon of holistic healthcare, seamlessly blending ancient Ayurvedic traditions with modern physiotherapy techniques.

The clinic’s comprehensive approach offers effective solutions for a diverse range of health concerns, embodying the essence of holistic well-being and preventive care.

Courtesy : In Conversation with Dr.Deepali Jogi (9819874294) and Dr.Aayusha Jogi (8779849663) along with Dr.Vipul Kanani @ Samarpan Ayurvedic Clinic, Mumbai.

A honeymoon is unlike any other travel experience — it marks a couple’s first trip together as newlyweds, making it a deeply personal and memorable milestone. Newlyweds don’t just seek a vacation; they want to create unique, meaningful experiences that will create lasting memories. Whether relaxing on exotic beaches or exploring serene hill stations, Indian honeymooners’ preferences are as diverse as the regions they come from.

But where exactly are Indian couples headed for their honeymoons, and what are the experiences they are seeking? MakeMyTrip’s latest report, ‘How India Travels for Honeymoon’, analyses booking data from October 2023 to September 2024, compared to the same period in the preceding year, offering interesting insights into the evolving travel preferences, trends, and behaviours of couples embarking on this special journey.

Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, said “As the wedding season in India approaches, the spotlight turns to honeymoon travel—where couples look to craft a truly special, once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the first time, we are sharing unique insights into the distinct booking patterns that set honeymoon travel apart from leisure trips. Our aim is to provide a deeper understanding that will allow us—and the broader travel and wedding ecosystem—to create experiences that are not only romantic and memorable but also aligned with the evolving preferences of today’s honeymooners. As couples increasingly seek personalized experiences, luxury, and unexplored destinations, we remain dedicated to delivering a variety of choices and travel planning experience for honeymooners.”

Beach Destinations Reign Supreme for Honeymooners

On the international front, Thailand tops the list of favourite honeymoon destinations for Indian couples, recording the highest share of honeymoon package bookings in 2023-24 on MakeMyTrip. Thailand increased its booking share by an impressive 5.2% year-on-year (YoY), surpassing Maldives, which led the rankings last year. Maldives saw a 16.2% YoY decline in honeymoon package bookings while all other top five international destinations – Indonesia, Mauritius, and Vietnam – gained share this year.

On the domestic front, the Andamans replaced Kerala as the most booked honeymoon destination, increasing its share of honeymoon package bookings by 6.9% YoY. Kashmir, which gained 3.6% in bookings, moved to third place. The number of bookings for Goa remained the same as last year while Himachal Pradesh saw a decline of 4% in honeymoon package bookings. The North-East, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra also drew attention from Indian couples seeking domestic honeymoon destinations.

Indian Couples Travelling Far and Wide to Make Their First Trip Together Special

There is an increasing appeal for new and diverse destinations among Indian honeymooners. While international destinations such as Bhutan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles have seen a significant YoY growth in honeymoon package bookings, this trend was not just limited to short haul destinations. Long-haul destinations also featured prominently in the honeymoon travel plans of Indian couples. Easy visa destination Japan witnessed the highest YoY growth of 388% in honeymoon package bookings. Other long-haul destinations that have seen maximum growth for honeymoon package bookings include Scandinavia, the United States, South Africa, and Australia and New Zealand.

Honeymooners increasingly opt for Longer, Luxurious and Multi-City Adventures

Couples are willing to spend extra for luxury and indulgence during their honeymoon. The average spending per couple has increased by 13% YoY. Notably, 68% of newlyweds chose 4-star or 5-star properties for their stay. 1 in every 5 honeymoon package bookings were for a 5-star property between 2023-24, reflecting a 10% YoY growth.

There is also a growing trend of couples exploring multiple destinations within the same trip. On the domestic front, the share of couples visiting four or more cities increased from 35% in 2022-23 to 39% in 2023-24. Internationally, while more than half of honeymooners still prefer single-city itineraries, the share of couples opting for two or more cities rose from 32% to 47%.

In terms of travel duration, 78% of domestic honeymooners booked packages for up to 5 days in 2023-24, in line with the booking trends for the previous year. However, for international travellers, the percentage of couples booking a honeymoon package of more than 5 days increased from 34% in 2022-23 to 42% in 2023-24, reflecting a trend toward longer honeymoons. This shift also aligns with the increase in preference among couples to travel to multiple cities.

Kidney cancer, commonly known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is a health risk affecting thousands worldwide. Some significant causes that lead to kidney cancer include high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, family history of the disease, and specific genetic conditions. The symptoms of this type of disease are blood in the urine, persistent back pain just below the ribs, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and a lump or mass in the abdomen. It is essential to know that these symptoms might indicate other health conditions. Fortunately, advances in surgical procedures have revolutionised the treatment of kidney cancer, leading to better results for patients. In recent past, the emphasis has switched towards minimally invasive methods, such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted operations, which offer significant advantages over traditional open surgery.

• Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is growing popular as a minimally invasive way to treat kidney cancer. Small incisions in the belly are made through which specialised equipment and a camera (laparoscope) are placed. The surgery is carried out as the surgeon watches a magnified picture of the surgical area on a monitor. This procedure has various advantages over open surgery, including less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and better cosmetic results.

The tumour is removed during a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy while the remaining healthy kidney tissue is retained. This method is especially beneficial for individuals with tiny tumours or those who are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease. When the tumour is bigger or more aggressive, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy involves removing the entire affected kidney and surrounding tissues. However, both procedures provide effective cancer control while preserving kidney function.

• Robotic Surgery: Enhancing Precision and Dexterity

Robotic-assisted surgery is significantly a minimally invasive technique in treating kidney cancer. The most commonly used robotic platform, ‘The da Vinci Surgical System’, provides increased precision, dexterity, and three-dimensional visualisation. The surgeon directs robotic arms with small devices that accurately replicate their actions.

Compared to traditional laparoscopy, the robotic approach has significant benefits such as a secure camera platform, reduced tremor, and greater tool articulation that helps the surgeon identify and treat better. It also helps in precisely identifying and binding in complicated anatomical areas. Furthermore, 3D visualisation improves depth perception, allowing for more exact tumour identification and assuring optimal surgical results.

The Impact on Patient Care

Minimally invasive treatments, such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, have revolutionised the treatment of kidney cancer. These methods offer patients various advantages, including fewer side effects, scarring, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and a faster return to everyday activities. Maintaining the kidney’s health is crucial, especially for individuals with pre-existing kidney diseases or at risk of developing kidney damage.Furthermore, the benefits of minimally invasive methods go beyond patient comfort and recovery. Reduced blood loss during surgery results in lesser transplants, reduced risks, and greater overall outcomes.

When choosing the best surgical method, factors such as tumour size, location, and individual patient characteristics should be carefully considered. Lastly, with the development of minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery, surgical approaches for kidney cancer have seen great progress. These innovative approaches have transformed how kidney cancer is treated, bringing several advantages.