Knee pain is more than just discomfort-it can slowly rob individuals of their freedom, confidence, and joy in everyday movement. For countless patients suffering from severe osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery has long offered a second chance at a pain-free life. Now, with the arrival of robotic-assisted technology, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is entering a new era-one marked by precision, personalization, and faster recovery.

Dr. Bharani Kumar Dayanandam, Senior Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedics (Knee and Shoulder Specialist), Apollo Speciality Hospital, Vanagaram

Understanding Robotic Knee Replacement

Robotic TKR is not a surgery performed by a robot-it is a surgeon-led procedure enhanced by robotic assistance. The process begins with a CT scan or 3D mapping of the patient’s knee, helping the system create a virtual model. During surgery, the robot guides the surgeon to execute the plan with millimetric precision. It ensures accurate bone cuts, optimal implant positioning, and alignment tailored to the individual’s anatomy.

This high degree of accuracy is difficult to achieve with traditional methods and can significantly impact the success of the procedure.

Dr. Bharani Kumar Dayanandam, Senior Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedics (Knee and Shoulder Specialist), says, “Arthritis affects people across all ages, not just the elderly, and it can have a profound impact on daily life. By focusing on prevention, early intervention, and modern surgical innovations, we empower patients to regain mobility and live pain-free. Robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques are transforming knee replacement surgeries, ensuring quicker recovery times, less pain, and a better overall experience for patients.”

Advantages That Matter to Patients

What makes robotic TKR a breakthrough is not just the technology, but its direct benefits to patients:

• Better implant alignment: Precision placement means better joint movement and less wear over time.

• Less post-operative pain: Smaller incisions and minimal soft tissue disruption help in reducing pain and inflammation.

• Faster recovery: Many patients are able to begin walking within a day or two and resume normal activities more confidently.

• Longevity of the implant: Correct positioning reduces the chances of early implant failure, making the knee joint last longer.

“Robotic technology brings a level of customization and accuracy that is unmatched. Every knee is different, and robotic assistance allows us to cater to that uniqueness-especially important for Indian patients who often suffer from advanced arthritis by the time they seek help.” says a Senior Orthopedic Surgeon

He adds that this technology is especially valuable in cases where traditional techniques might leave room for error due to complex anatomy or bone deformities.

Why It’s Relevant in India

In India, over 15 crore people are estimated to suffer from knee problems, with women disproportionately affected. Late diagnosis, social stigma, and fear of surgery often delay treatment. However, the minimally invasive and patient-friendly nature of robotic TKR is helping change this narrative.

Hospitals across the country are now offering robotic-assisted joint replacement as a safer and smarter choice, helping patients overcome fear and return to their routines faster than before.

In Conclusion

Robotic Total Knee Replacement is not just a technological advancement-it is a step forward in restoring movement, dignity, and independence. As awareness grows and more hospitals adopt this innovative solution, patients can look forward to knee surgeries that are less invasive, more accurate, and lead to better long-term outcomes.

If you or a loved one is struggling with persistent knee pain, consult your orthopedic specialist and ask if robotic-assisted knee replacement could be the right choice for you.

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, has launched a comprehensive financial awareness drive aimed at empowering diverse communities across India.

Sachet Kumar, LTFs fraud awareness mascot, provides essential fraud prevention tips

The initiative will deliver vital information to a wide spectrum of target groups, ensuring that diverse populations have the knowledge and tools to navigate financial decisions confidently and securely. LTF will specifically focus on reaching and benefiting rural women, senior citizens, both rural and urban youth, self-employed individuals, salaried professionals, and students with this initiative.

The campaign will address a broad range of essential financial topics, providing practical guidance and promoting responsible financial behaviour. Key themes include RBI-mandated customer rights, account operation guidelines, and loan management education amongst others. Furthermore, the Company will promote essential aspects such as safeguarding digital banking and online transactions, especially in rural communities, and combating digital fraud.

Mr. Raju Dodti, Chief Operating Officer at LTF, said, “At L&T Finance Ltd., we recognise the critical importance of financial literacy in empowering individuals and building a financially secure society. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing accessible and practical knowledge across diverse communities, enabling them to navigate the evolving financial landscape with confidence and resilience. By leveraging a multi-channel approach and engaging content, we aim to reach out to about 6.5 Crore individuals so they can make informed decisions and protect themselves from frauds.”

To maximise the reach and effectiveness of the initiative, LTF will employ a strategic multi-channel approach, integrating owned and digital platforms with community engagement. This will involve establishing a dedicated online page for financial literacy on the corporate website, deploying timely awareness campaigns through push and in-app notifications, engaging diverse audiences through targeted and interactive social media content, delivering concise and actionable information directly to customers via SMS and WhatsApp messaging, and expanding reach and impact through on-the-ground activations facilitated by the Digital Sakhi program, ensuring information reaches even the most remote communities.

In addition, the Company will effectively utiliseLTF’s established risk awareness mascot, ‘Sachet Kumar,’ and its widely recognised campaign tagline, ‘Jaankar Baniye Savdhaan Rahiye,’ to deliver crucial messages on financial fraud prevention in a memorable and impactful way. LTF will also employ visually engaging comic strips to illustrate complex fraud scenarios and prevention techniques in an easy-to-understand format; publishing informative articles that provide detailed explanations of specific financial topics, offering valuable resources for those seeking deeper knowledge; and developing dynamic and informative videos to enhance understanding of complex financial concepts through clear visuals and concise explanations.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) ( www.LTFINANCE.com ) formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd., (LTFH) is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’ – the highest credit rating for NBFCs – by four leading rating agencies. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project – “Digital Sakhi”- which focuses on womens empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap – Lakshya 2026. The Company has around 2.6 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lntfinance/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance
X: https://x.com/LnTFinance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LnTFS

Fortis Hospital in Kalyan today announced a clinician-led Quick Response Training (QRT) program, titled ‘Code QRT,‘ aimed at equipping young first-line practitioners with vital diagnostic and clinical assessment skills. The 15-day training program was launched on Doctors Day, July 1st 2025, marking a significant step toward empowering first-line practitioners. Code-QRT will be led by Dr. Jumana Haji, Program Director- ECMO, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai (Program Convener), Dr Manjeet Singh, First Aid and BLS & CPR Trainer, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai, Dr Sudhir Gore, HOD-Emergency Medicine, and Dr Manoj Kumar, Consultant-Emergency Medicine, Fortis Hospital Kalyan. The program highlighted Fortis Kalyan’s commitment to empowering primary caregivers through upskilling, enabling them to better address the healthcare needs of patients in the region.

(L-R) Dr Vivek Mahajan, Dr Swapnil Keny, Dr Sudhir Gore, Dr Manoj Kumar & Dr Manjeet Singh at CODE-QRT inauguration at Fortis Hospital Kalyan on Doctors’ Day 2025

Recognizing that many critically ill patients from Kalyan, Dombivali, and surrounding areas are transferred to tertiary centers in Mumbai at advanced stages, clinicians at Fortis Hospital Kalyan developed a training program to equip first-line practitioners, from the immediate periphery, with the essential knowledge and skills to provide effective care from the very first point of contact. The program offers education on essential aspects of patient care and resuscitation in a variety of emergency scenarios. It includes a combination of didactic lectures and hands-on training focused on patient history taking and physical examination, emergency imaging, ECG interpretation, effective communication during critical situations, interpretation of blood work and other investigations, and the use of simple decision-making tools to support timely and appropriate escalation of care.

(C) Dr Jumana Haji and (R) Dr Manjeet Singh training the healthcare providers at CODE-QRT program, launched by Fortis Hospital Kalyan on the occasion of Doctors’ Day

The pilot batch focuses on the Kalyan-Dombivali geography, and has seen overwhelming interest, with over 90 registrations; 75 first-line practitioners are expected to actively participate in this first cohort.

Speaking about the initiative, Hon. Abhinav Goel, as the Municipal Commissioner of Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC), said, “Programs like Fortis’ Code-QRT are more than just training-they’re about building trust, skills, and stronger connections between hospitals and the caregivers who serve our communities every day. This initiative gives frontline providers the tools and confidence they need to assess, stabilize, and support patients in those critical first moments of care. By sharing knowledge and working together, we’re making sure that quality healthcare truly begins where it’s needed most-right in the heart of our communities.”

Speaking about the program, Dr Ashutosh Pandey, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, who conceptualized the initiative, said, “At Fortis Hospital Kalyan, we believe that healthcare starts with the community. Many patients initially seek help at local clinics or nursing homes, and in those critical first moments, accurate diagnosis and appropriate escalation can make all the difference. Through Code-QRT we are investing in the clinicians who serve as the first point of contact in our healthcare ecosystem. Our goal is to ensure that every patient, regardless of where they live or whom they first consult, receives timely, appropriate primary care. This program is our way of strengthening the chain of care from the very start, and we’re proud to walk hand-in-hand with community practitioners to make that possible.”

Talking about what drove Fortis Hospital Kalyan to organize this training program, Dr Jumana Haji, Director – ECMO Program, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai & Code-QRT Program Convener, said, “Many patients are decompensated by the time they reach higher centers. This delay often stems from limited diagnostic awareness at the first point of care; through Code-QRT, we want to bridge that gap. Our only goal is to ensure timely, appropriate care for patients. We see immense faith placed in community-level practitioners. If we can empower them to identify red flags early, we can save more lives.”

With plans already in motion to expand across Mumbai-and eventually to other parts of the country-Code-QRT is helping build a stronger, more connected healthcare system that truly begins with the people who serve our communities every day.

About Fortis Healthcare Limited
Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities, ~4,750 operational beds (including O&M facilities), and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with a global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs over 23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.

Avirata Defence Systems (ADS) and AFL are pleased to announce the official launch of their joint venture in India, A2CS (AVIRATA AFL Connectivity Systems Limited), marking a significant milestone in their long-standing partnership. This strategic collaboration combines ADS’s deep execution capabilities and localization expertise with AFL’s global leadership in fiber optic connectivity and structured cabling technologies to address the fast-evolving needs of the data centre industry.

AVIRATA AFL Connectivity Systems Limited JV signing

Headquartered in Bangalore, the joint venture is focused on delivering high-performance, scalable, and sustainable connectivity infrastructure for hyperscalers, enterprise customers, and colocation providers. With an integrated manufacturing facility, engineering expertise, and a customer-centric delivery model, the JV is well-positioned to serve not only the Indian market but also support global customers and opportunities.

“This partnership is a natural extension of the trust and synergies built over the years,” said Tony Dunstan, President Australia & New Zealand, AFL. “India is a strategic market, and with this JV, we are well-positioned to address the surging demand for future-ready data centre infrastructure. We are confident that JV will provide excellent value proposition not only in India but also can be leveraged for global requirements.”

“The launch of this JV represents a bold step forward in our growth journey,” said H.G.Chandrashekar, Chairman & Managing Director, ADS. “Together with AFL, we are not only expanding capacity – we are building a platform that integrates world-class technology with deep localization. ADS brings the ability to execute at scale, leveraging our experience in local manufacturing, supply chain agility, and regulatory alignment. This collaboration uniquely positions us to serve the growing needs of the Indian market and create meaningful impact for global customers and opportunities.”

The launch event, held at the A2CS’ state-of-the-art facility in Bangalore, was attended by senior leadership from both companies, along with key customers, partners, and industry stakeholders.

About Avirata Defence Systems (ADS)
Avirata Defence Systems (ADS), a SASMOS company, is a leading provider of advanced engineering and manufacturing solutions for mission-critical systems across aerospace, defence, and industrial sectors. With a strong focus on innovation, localization, and global quality standards, ADS is committed to enabling world-class manufacturing capabilities from India to the world.

About AFL
AFL, a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan, is an international leader in providing end-to-end solutions in fiber optic products, engineering, and services for communications networks. Headquartered in Duncan, South Carolina (USA), AFL’s solutions span across data centres, enterprise networks, electric utilities, OEMs, and more – delivering innovation that connects and empowers.

In a landscape overrun with visual noise and fleeting attention, Sting Energy is flipping the script – using sound as a shortcut to belonging, buzz, and F1 fandom. With the latest chapter of its Sound of Sting campaign, PepsiCo India’s high-voltage brand is amplifying a bold cultural frequency – not just creating a campaign, but igniting a movement.

Sting launches a contest – spot the sound of ‘stinggg’ and comment for a chance to win Grand Prix tickets

Timing That Hits the Apex

Launched at a moment when Formula 1 is dominating national conversation – fuelled by the growing pop-culture buzz around racing – Stings campaign lands at cultural peak velocity. With fan anticipation building ahead of every key moment, Sting is strategically tapping into the surge – embedding itself in moments that matter most. The brand isn’t just catching attention – it’s riding the wave of a cultural crescendo.

Link to view the video: www.instagram.com/reel/DLcrmLGzqlL/igsh=MTBha3BoamRuY3Ixeg==

Sonic-first. Fan-focused. Culture-fuelled.

With its landmark partnership with Formula 1, Sting is dialling up fan engagement through immersive, audio-first storytelling and community-driven activation. The Sound of Sting is not just a catchy motif – it’s a sonic identity built from the roar of a real F1 engine. A sharp, high-frequency signal that now functions as both an ad trigger and a cultural cue.

“This isn’t just another campaign with a soundtrack,” said Vandita Pandey, Vice President, Marketing, International Beverages – Hydration and Energy, PepsiCo. “Sound is identity. It’s how today’s youth connect, react, and belong. By transforming the emotional jolt of an F1 engine into a signature Sting cue, we’re not just marketing – we’re engineering experience.”

Spot the Sound, Win the Ride

In one of the campaign’s most thrilling fan activations to date, Sting is offering fans a chance to turn up the volume – literally. The promo is simple: hear the “stinggg” sound anywhere, tag the brand sharing where you heard the Sound of Sting, and stand a chance to win tickets* to a Formula 1 Grand Prix. (*T&Cs apply.)

What makes it disruptive is this: Sting isn’t just broadcasting sound, it’s getting fans to seek it out. The brand has seeded the sound across unexpected touchpoints – reels, influencer content, online and in-theatre advertising – and invited fans to go from passive listeners to sonic explorers.

Brilliant by Design: Discovery as the New Distribution

This leg takes the story further – from controlled brand placements to fan-driven discovery. The campaign thrives because users carry it forward, seeking it, reacting to it, and expanding its reach.

Today, culture demands participation. Sting’s new playbook reflects this shift – moving beyond simply placing a logo on a moment to creating moments that live within culture. The brand is crafting experiences that are unexpected, interactive, and designed to travel across audiences. By tapping into youth instincts like curiosity, sharing, and play, the campaign plugs into moments that matter. Sound becomes a Trojan horse, enabling Sting to enter conversations organically rather than interrupt them. This isn’t just about partnering with F1 – it’s about amplifying a cultural pulse that fans are eager to follow.

The campaign is also being amplified through a partnership with BookMyShow, reinforcing Sting’s presence at the intersection of entertainment and energy.

Hijacking Attention: From Sonic Drops to Social Sparks

From influencer activations to Easter-egg audio placements, The Sound of Sting is showing up in unexpected places – a creative entry into Indias soundscape. Whether it’s a creator remixing the Sting into content or fans stumbling onto it mid-scroll, the campaign is thriving on discovery.

What makes it brilliant marketing is that the audience doesn’t just consume the content – they chase it, remix it, and build on it. That’s how The Sound of Sting is transforming from a brand asset to a shared cultural signal.

Already, reactions have poured in: creators like Nayandeep Rakshit,Arjun Madan and Shiv Khandelvwal and more, urging followers to “listen up,” fan edits turning the sound into memes, and Sting content lighting up reels with F1 flair.

The sound is no longer just heard – it’s shared.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

Upekkha, the India-US accelerator that has backed over 100 SaaS and AI startups, has announced VIBE 2025 (Vertical Intelligence & BEyond), the world’s first summit dedicated exclusively to vertical AI. Scheduled for 10-11 July 2025 at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, and co-hosted with SaaSBoomi, this two-day flagship event will showcase how AI can move from concept to real-world deployment within just 48 hours.

VIBE 2025 in Bengaluru will unite 200+ AI startups and 100+ CXOs to deliver live 48-hour AI pilots, driving real-world impact across manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and more

“Walk in with a problem statement, walk out with a working AI pilot in 48 hours.” This bold promise underpins VIBE 2025’s mission – to convert AI ambition into actionable outcomes.

“AI hype is cheap. Outcomes are priceless. At VIBE, a banker, a healthcare firm, or a manufacturer can frame a real problem on Day 1 and see a functional AI first pilot in forty eight hours,” said Prasanna Krishnamoorthy, Convener, VIBE & Partner, Upekkha.

VIBE 2025 features VIBE Pilots, the worlds first AI pilot festival. This 24-hour innovation sprint invites enterprise leaders to present live challenges from their strategic priorities. Pre-selected AI startups will build working prototypes to solve these challenges, with CXOs providing immediate feedback. From fraud detection in finance to inventory management in retail, these pilots are designed to lead directly to partnerships and deployments.

“AI destroyed the junior developer market and built one of the fastest categories in history, from nothing to $1.6B in ARR in AI coding in under a year. It is coming for verticals next. We are bringing 200 startups and 100 CxOs to VIBE Summit to shape how to navigate this,” said Thiyagarajan Maruthavanan, Convener, VIBE & Partner, Upekkha.

VIBE 2025 will feature headline voices such as Shekhar Kirani (Accel) and Pratik Pal (Tata Group) on India’s $50 billion AI opportunity, and Shankar Maruwada (EkStep, Aadhaar) on the country as the AI use-case capital. Leaders from Renault Nissan, ABB, Airbus, and Accenture will cover AI in manufacturing. Banking, consumer-tech, healthcare, and insurance insights will come from Muthoot, Ujjivan Bank, Citi, Tata Digital, Sarvam.AI, Narayana Health, Dozee, HDFC Securities, HDFC Life, and MediAssist.

The summit opens with a keynote and masterclass by Simon Wardley on navigating AI’s platform shift, and closes Day 1 with Prof. Saras Sarasvathy urging enterprises and entrepreneurs to co-create in uncertainty.

VIBE 2025 promises over 20 sessions featuring 50 speakers, with participation from 200 AI-native startups and more than 100 CXOs and investors. The event will include VIBE Pilots, sector-specific sessions across banking, insurance, manufacturing, health, energy, space, and consumer-tech, as well as the VIBE Awards, which will spotlight AI deployments already generating real revenue and impact. Closed-door CXO dinners and boardroom workshops will enable deep dives into data governance, regulation, and AI strategy.

“Satya Nadella recently called India ‘the AI use-case capital of the world.’ VIBE 2025 turns that headline into a market by matching domain pain-points with AI talent and capital in real time. We don’t need another 10-year transformation roadmap. We need an AI pilot that proves itself in 10 hours. VIBE is where we’re making it happen,” said Avinash Raghava, CEO, SaaSBoomi.

Unlike traditional AI conferences that focus on horizontal Gen-AI trends with slide decks and vendor booths, VIBE 2025 will deliver live 24-hour build sprints with pre-matched startups and CXOs, producing ready-to-deploy pilots and curated enterprise-startup partnerships. The summit focuses on delivering vertical AI solutions tailored for specific industries.

For agenda, tickets, and further information, visit thevibesummit.com. The detailed schedule is available at vibesummit2025.sched.com.

About Upekkha

Upekkha is an AI Accelerator for global Indian founders. The company partners with founders building next-generation AI software companies. Established in 2017, Upekkha has become a powerful force in reshaping the Indian startup ecosystem.

About SaaSBoomi

SaaSBoomi is a community-led platform that brings together SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) founders, builders, and enthusiasts to share knowledge, collaborate, and accelerate the growth of SaaS businesses, primarily in India. Founded in 2015 as an informal network of SaaS founders eager to learn from one another, SaaSBoomi has grown into a vibrant community representing over 1,500 companies.