Gaurs Group, a leading real estate developer in India, has been assigned a CRISIL A- rating with a stable outlook for its long-term instruments, while its short-term instruments have been rated CRISIL A2+. The ratings highlight the company’s strong financial position, disciplined debt management, and sustained market presence, reinforcing confidence among investors and stakeholders.

The CRISIL A- rating for long-term instruments reflects Gaurs Group’s robust financial profile, supported by a diversified portfolio spanning residential, commercial, and retail segments. The rating applies to Gaurs group flagship company, Gaursons India Private Limited.

CRISIL noted that Gaurs Group will continue to benefit from its established market position in Delhi-NCR, strong operational linkages, and robust sold receivables, which enhance financial stability. The company’s measured approach to leverage and prudent capital allocation are expected to support its expansion strategy and project execution capabilities. The Group currently has a net debt of Rs. 1050 crores, with the LRD debt amounting to approximately Rs. 900 crores. Further, the group has robust committed receivables of close to Rs. 5000 crores.

Gaurs Group Secures CRISIL A-/A2+ Ratings, Underscoring Financial Strength and Market Position

Manoj Gaur, CMD, Gaurs Group, stated, “Achieving this CRISIL rating is a testament to our strategic foresight and the trust that homebuyers and financial institutions place in us. At a time when financial prudence is critical in the real estate sector, this rating underscores our ability to maintain stability while expanding our footprint. Our disciplined approach to financial management has led to our consistent rating upgrades. At Gaurs, we believe in delivering not just homes but confidence and security to our customers. Our commitment to timely project execution and financial stability ensures that buyers invest with peace of mind, knowing that they are part of a brand built on credibility and trust.”

Sarthak Gaur, Director, Gaurs Group, added, “This rating reaffirms our financial strength and operational resilience, positioning us as a trusted player in the real estate sector. It is immensely fulfilling to see that people believe in us and the quality we deliver. The recognition from CRISIL is a major boost, and we are excited about our next phase of growth, as we continue to expand with new launches and strategic land acquisitions. This will allow us to further scale operations and uphold our position as a leader in the real estate sector.“

With 30 years of expertise under its belt, Gaurs Group, also known as Gaursons Group, has developed over 70 million sq ft in almost 75,000+ successfully delivered property units. The Group has been showing excellent results since 2022, with its last 5 projects within this period getting well received by buyers and getting sold out within 24 hours of their launch. The Group has achieved tremendous numbers by clocking a sales value of close to Rs 4500 crores in this financial year. It has also diversified into retail, hospitality, education, and renewable energy, with upcoming project launches expected to further consolidate its market position.

Sapna Sharma, Director – Chief Technology Officer at Korecent Solutions Pvt. Ltd., has been honoured with the “ET Most Inspiring Woman Leader” award at the ET Women Conclave 2025, hosted by The Times of India. She received this distinguished recognition from celebrated actress and industry icon Sonali Bendre at an exclusive ceremony at Hyatt Gurgaon.

Sapna Sharma recognized as “Most Inspiring Woman Leader” at ET Women Conclave 2025

A visionary in enterprise technology and digital transformation, Sapna has been pivotal in driving innovation, modernizing open-source ERP solutions, and optimizing industry automation. As a client-focused leader, she identifies business challenges and architect-tailored solutions and ensures seamless project execution with rapid turnaround times. Under her leadership, Korecent has strengthened its presence as a trusted consulting partner across the U.S. and European ERP markets.

A Leader, Mentor, and Advocate for Business Transformation

Beyond her extensive technical expertise, Sapna Sharma is a leader with a deep commitment to fostering client success, mentoring future innovators, and driving business transformation through technology. She is recognized for her expertise in bridging the gap between complex technological innovations and real-world business needs, ensuring organizations thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Her leadership at Korecent is rooted in a people-first philosophy-where empowering her team, guiding clients through digital transformation, and championing inclusive innovation in enterprise technology is at the core of her approach. She believes that true success in transformation goes beyond simply implementing advanced solutions. it requires a strategic vision, a profound understanding of client challenges, and a collaborative mindset that drives sustainable growth and enables businesses to scale effectively.

As a mentor, Sapna is passionate about knowledge-sharing and professional development within the tech industry. She actively supports young professionals, particularly women in technology, by offering guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to grow in leadership roles. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the tech space reflects her belief that innovation flourishes in environments that embrace varied perspectives and experiences.

Reflecting on the Honor, Sapna Sharma, Director – Chief Technology Officer, Korecent Solutions Pvt. Ltd. shared,“Leadership is about more than just words-its about embodying the values we preach and inspiring others to rise alongside us. I am truly honoured to receive the ET Most Inspiring Woman Leader award from the inspiring Sonali Bendre. This recognition is a testament not just to my journey, but to the passion, resilience, and innovation that my team and I bring to empowering businesses across the globe. It strengthens my unwavering commitment to continuous transformation, fostering client success, and mentoring the next wave of technology leaders.”

Redefining Business Success through Technology

Under Sapna’s leadership, Korecent is at the forefront of digital transformation, offering businesses customized ERP solutions that drive efficiency, agility, and long-term growth. By championing a consultative approach, she ensures that technology is not just a tool but a strategic enabler that aligns with business goals, fosters operational excellence, and creates tangible impact.

The ET Women Conclave 2025 serves as a premier platform celebrating exceptional women leaders who are reshaping industries and redefining leadership. Sapna Sharma’s recognition at the event underscores her exceptional contributions to the technology sector, her unwavering commitment to client success, and her role in shaping the future of enterprise solutions.

This accolade further cements her status as an inspiring figure in the tech world, demonstrating that technology leadership is not just about expertise but about vision, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

About Korecent
Headquartered in U.S with an offshore delivery centre in Chandigarh Tri-city, Korecent is a bespoke ERP Solution provider and digital transformation company that empowers enterprises by implementing cutting-edge solutions. It is a leading provider of custom business solutions, specializing in ERP implementation, and enterprise consulting. As a trusted Frappe ERPNext partner and Oracle NetSuite, Korecent delivers innovative, scalable, and efficient solutions that drive operational success for businesses worldwide.

For more information, please visit korecent.com.

Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. (MFL), the flagship company of the 138-year-old Muthoot Pappachan Group also known as Muthoot Blue, has been honored with the prestigious Superbrand 2025 title. This highly sought-after award, considered as the ‘Gold Standard of Branding,‘ is given to brands that have shown outstanding consumer trust, goodwill, and leadership in their respective industries.

Muthoot FinCorp wins Superbrand 2025 title

Purely based on consumer choice, Muthoot FinCorp is the first Company to receive the award in a gold loan NBFC category, further reaffirming its position as a trusted financial partner for millions of Indians. Superbrands are selected through an independent process that includes voting by consumers and professionals, evaluated on their experience, knowledge and perception of the brands. Muthoot FinCorp’s selection is a testament to its strong brand equity, enduring customer relationships, and impactful presence in both urban and rural markets.

On being awarded the Superbrand status, Thomas John Muthoot, Chairman of Muthoot FinCorp Limited (MFL), said, “We are truly honored to receive the Superbrand recognition for 2025. This prestigious acknowledgment is a reflection of Muthoot FinCorp’s unwavering commitment to customer-centricity, innovation, and ethical business practices. At the heart of our journey lies our Purpose: to transform the life of the common man by improving their financial wellbeing. This recognition reaffirms our resolve to stay true to that mission. The award also comes at a significant time for us-as we accelerate our digital transformation journey, invest in cutting-edge fintech solutions, and expand our customer reach through the Muthoot FinCorp ONE platform. We are focused on building a resilient and inclusive ecosystem that serves the evolving financial needs of India’s aspiring population.”

Mr Shaji Varghese, CEO of Muthoot FinCorp, said, “Being a Superbrand is a validation of the faith our customers have in us. At Muthoot FinCorp, we have always been committed to providing financial solutions that are simple, transparent, and impactful. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to being the trusted financial services provider, fulfilling our promise of empowering lives with accessible credit at the doorstep of the common man. Going forward, we will continue to keep innovating and serving our customers with integrity and excellence.”

With over 3700 branches across India, Muthoot FinCorp has grown beyond its gold loan heritage to become a one-stop destination for a wide array of financial services-including small business loans, vehicle finance, money transfer, and more. Backed by the legacy of the Muthoot Pappachan Group, the Company combines over a century of trust with forward-looking innovation in digital finance while expanding its presence across the country.

With its unrelenting commitment to consumer centricity, innovation, and financial empowerment, the Company continues to be dedicated to transforming Indias financial landscape. This award only reinforces Muthoot FinCorps commitment to continuing to offer best-in-class financial solutions and adhering to its fundamental values of trust, simplicity, and accessibility.

About Muthoot FinCorp
Muthoot FinCorp Limited, the flagship company of 138-year-old business conglomerate Muthoot Pappachan Group, is India’s leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) with an aim to transform the lives of common man by ensuring their financial wellbeing through an array of varied products and services. The Company today offers more than two dozen products and services through its 3700+ branches across India and aims to serve the underbanked, to be their most trusted financial partner, and ensure financial inclusion of every household in India. Muthoot FinCorp’s long-standing experience, expertise and stronghold in the semi urban and rural areas has enabled the company to provide quick & customized finance options to the masses.

About Muthoot Pappachan Group
Founded in 1887, Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG) is a significant entity in the Indian business landscape with nationwide presence and tailor-made products and services for its customers. The Group which planted its roots in retail trading, later diversified into various sectors including Financial Services, Hospitality, Automotive, Realty, IT Services, Precious Metals, and Alternate Energy. With Muthoot FinCorp Limited as its flagship company and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador, Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG) today stands as a formidable presence in India. With over 47000 Muthootians and a vast network of over 5200 branches across the country, the Group is deeply committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) excellence aiming to create a long-term value for its stakeholders while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. Muthoot Pappachan Foundation, the CSR arm of the group facilitates the CSR activities for the entire Group companies focusing on Health, Education, Environment and Livelihood (HEEL).

• Zupee’s ‘Extra Winnings’ campaign makes IPL 2025 more interactive and rewarding than ever

• Zupee ludo turns every six on the field into a thrilling, rewarding experience in Ludo

• Cricket legends Harbhajan Singh, K. Srikanth, and Jatin Sapru bring the campaign to life through humorous and relatable ad films

Zupee, India’s leading online skill-based gaming platform, is elevating the excitement of IPL 2025 with its ‘Extra Winnings’ campaign, featuring the ‘Laga Chakka Toh Inaam Pakka’offer for sports fans across the country. In both cricket and Ludo, a six is a game-changer – fueling excitement and triumph, Zupee Ludo is owning the ‘Super 6’ moment in IPL, making every six a rewarding opportunity on the Zupee Ludo app.

Zupee

As an Associate Sponsor of IPL on Star Sports, this is Zupee’s innovative approach to fan engagement, where media, creative strategy, and product innovation seamlessly integrate to create a truly immersive experience. During every live IPL match, each six hit on the cricket ground will trigger a virtual cricket ball on the Zupee app, allowing users to unlock exciting rewards, exclusive bonuses, and special prizes in real time. By owning the ‘Super 6’ moment in IPL, Zupee is strategically leveraging contextual messaging, real-time in-app rewards, and high-impact brand visibility to maximize engagement and recall.

To amplify the campaign’s impact, Zupee has teamed up with cricketing legends Harbhajan Singh, K. Srikanth and renowned sports presenter Jatin Sapru to engage & entertain fans through a series of relatable and humorous ad films that celebrate the spirit of cricket. The videos draw a clever parallel between the defining moments of cricket and the excitement of playing online ludo, cementing Zupee as the ultimate destination for fans who live and breathe the game. Whether a fan is celebrating a six, holding breath before a toss, or missing the action on a rainy day, they can keep the excitement alive by playing on Zupee.

Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) have emerged as a cornerstone for reliable investment strategies. These are official documents issued by banks or financial institutions when customers open fixed deposit accounts. The FDR contains essential details such as the principal amount deposited, the interest rate applicable, the tenure of the deposit, and the maturity date. This document serves as legal proof of ownership and is crucial for various transactions related to the deposit.

Fixed Deposit Receipts

On opening an FD account with Shriram Finance, a very reputed NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) in the market, customers will promptly receive an FDR containing important pieces of information about their FD investment.

Key Features of FDRs
Here are a few key features of FDRs that investors must understand for smart management of their investments:

• Proof of Investment: FDRs serve as legal documentation confirming the deposit amount, interest rate, and tenure, providing clarity to the investor.

• Interest Rate Specification: The receipt clearly states the applicable interest rate for the deposit, ensuring that the investor is aware of their earnings throughout the tenure.

• Maturity Date: FDRs include the maturity date, which is essential for financial planning and helps investors know when they can access their funds.

• Nomination Facility: Many FDRs offer a nomination feature, allowing depositors to designate a nominee who will receive the funds in case of the depositors demise.

• Type of Deposit: The receipt specifies whether the deposit is cumulative (interest is reinvested) or non-cumulative (interest is paid out periodically), catering to different financial needs.

• Maturity Amount: FDRs indicate the total maturity amount, which includes both the principal and the interest earned, providing transparency on what will be received at maturity.

• Account Holder Details: The receipt includes personal information such as the account holders name, customer ID, and bank account number, ensuring accurate identification.

• Renewal Options: The receipt also includes information about auto-renewal options, allowing investors to easily reinvest their funds upon maturity without additional paperwork.

• Financial Flexibility: FDRs can often be used as collateral for loans, providing a way for investors to access funds without liquidating their deposits.

Benefits of Investing in Shriram Unnati Fixed Deposit
Some of the major advantages of investing in Shriram Unnati Fixed Deposit, besides receiving a comprehensive FDR seamlessly are:

• Competitive Interest Rates: Customers can enjoy high interest rates on their FD with Shriram Finance, up to 9.40%* p.a. (including 0.50%* p.a. for senior citizens and 0.10%* p.a. for women depositors).

• High Credit Rating: FD from Shriram Finance is rated “[ICRA]AA+ (Stable)” by ICRA and “IND AA+/Stable” by India Ratings and Research, making it a reliable choice for investment.

• Flexible Term: With Shriram Unnati Fixed Deposit, investors can choose from a range of tenure options, starting from 12 months and going up to 60 months, allowing them to tailor their investments to their specific financial goals.

• Diverse Interest Payout Options: Shriram Unnati Fixed Deposit offers multiple interest payout options-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly, and on-maturity-making it is a great choice for those looking for steady returns and flow of income, based on their financial goals.

• Intuitive Digital Platform: Shriram Finance offers a smooth customer experience, with its seamless and intuitive digital platform. Customers can manage their FDs without a hassle on this trusted NBFC’s website.

Conclusion
Understanding the importance of Fixed Deposit Receipts is essential for anyone looking to invest wisely in todays financial landscape. They offer transparency and convenience in managing investments effectively and act as legal proof of your investment. With Shriram Unnati Fixed Deposit, customers can enjoy these benefits while building their financial future with confidence. By choosing Shriram FD, you are not just making an investment; you are taking a significant step towards achieving your financial goals with peace of mind.

About Shriram Finance
Shriram Finance is a leading diversified financial services company in India, offering a wide range of financial products and services across consumer, wholesale, and business finance segments. The company has a strong presence pan India with a network of 3,196 branches and an employee strength of 79,405 with an AUM of Rs. 254,469 crores. With a focus on financial inclusion and customer-centricity, Shriram Finance continues to empower individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals.

Disclaimer

With regards to deposit-taking activity of Shriram Finance Limited (‘SFL’), viewers may refer to detailed information and T&C provided in our application form available at www.shriramfinance.in/downloads. The Company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated 31st January 2023 issued by the Bank under section 45-IA of the RBI Act. However, the Reserve Bank of India does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

As the nation gears up for an electrifying cricketing season, Signify, the world leader in lighting, has announced the partnership of Ecolink with Punjab Kings for the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This collaboration brings together two entities driven by a shared commitment to performance, innovation, and delivering exceptional experiences to the customers and fans.

Ecolink associates with Punjab Kings as ‘Official Partner’

With the onset of the Indian summer, this partnership perfectly aligns with Ecolinks upcoming lineup of innovative fan launches. Just as Punjab Kings strives for excellence on the cricket field, Ecolink is determined to breeze into the lives of millions of Indian families through its wide range of reliable and efficient products. This synergy makes the partnership a natural fit. Throughout the IPL 2025 season, Ecolink will enjoy prominent visibility through Punjab Kings’ promotional campaigns, digital activations, and strategic brand placements, apart from being displayed on the back of the players’ helmet and cap.

Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India, said, “Cricket is more than a sport in India; its a unifying force. We are thrilled to partner with Punjab Kings and connect with millions of passionate fans. This collaboration provides Ecolink with a powerful platform to strengthen our presence in the Indian market. We look forward to supporting the team and creating unforgettable experiences for fans, both on and off the field. Through this partnership, we aim to enrich homes and the cricketing world, demonstrating our shared commitment to excellence”.

Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon said, “We are delighted to welcome Ecolink as our official partner for IPL 2025. This partnership reflects our shared pursuit of excellence and innovation, both on and off the field. We are confident that this collaboration will add immense value to the Punjab Kings family, while enhancing the experience for our passionate fans.”

Ecolink has built a strong reputation for providing durable, efficient, and high-performance lighting solutions, earning the trust and loyalty of its customers across 20+ countries in the world. Similarly, Punjab Kings has cultivated a passionate fan base that stands by the team through every match. This shared legacy of trust and commitment to delivering value forms the foundation of this partnership, celebrating innovation, performance, and the unifying spirit of cricket.

Punjab Kings enters IPL 2025 with a strengthened squad, featuring World Cup-winning former Australian captain Ricky Ponting as head coach, Shreyas Iyer as the new captain, and a lineup of renowned cricketers including the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell.

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers, and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2023, we had sales of EUR 6.7 billion, approximately 32,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for seven consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for four consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

About Punjab Kings

One of the eight inaugural franchises of the Indian Premier League, Punjab Kings (previously Kings XI Punjab) is owned by a consortium of prominent industry figures like Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, Preity G Zinta, and Karan Paul. Based in Chandigarh, Punjab Kings thrive on their fighting spirit, coupled with the wholeheartedness and positive outlook that represents Punjab. The brands infectious personality has built a strong affinity with the fans as a team that strives to provide a global platform for local and upcoming talent.

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, announced the launch of the ‘LTF Pearl Anniversary Challenge,’ a hackathon focused on developing innovative models to enhance credit assessments for farmers across India. The challenge aims to leverage data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to better predict farmer incomes, enabling fairer and more accessible lending practices.

LTF invites AI and data science professionals or students to participate in the LTF Pearl Anniversary Challenge

The challenge invites AI and data science professionals or students to create models using a rich dataset encompassing weather monitoring, soil quality data, crop yield information, commodity price dynamics, land records, and other relevant information. The initiative’s mission is to drive innovation in LTFs credit assessment by building upon the existing advanced statistical, machine learning, and Generative AI techniques, ultimately empowering the farming community.

Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO at LTF, said, “We are committed to broadening financial inclusion, especially for the underserved farming population of the country. Farmers often face challenges in accessing credit at fair prices due to limited credit tracks, making them vulnerable to predatory lending. As a leading tractor financier in the country, LTF employs state-of-the-art models that leverage statistical and machine learning models to assess the creditworthiness of our farmers. However, we believe that with significant technological advancements taking place across the world, there’s always room for more enhancements. The ‘LTF Pearl Anniversary Challenge,’ which was unveiled at RAISE’ 24, a premier AI event in the BFSI sector, is a call to the data science community to take up an interesting challenge of unlocking the full potential of our data assets and developing cutting-edge solutions that open doors of credit for deserving farmers across the country. We encourage participants to explore and integrate alternative public or private data sources to further enhance their models.”

Dr. Debarag Banerjee, Chief AI and Data Officer at LTF, said, “Through the LTF Pearl Anniversary Challenge, we are inviting the brightest minds to collaborate on a real-world use case to develop practical and impactful innovative models that will bring tangible social impact to the farmer community at large. This is a rare opportunity for AI and data science professionals or students to actively shape the future of farmer finance by working alongside LTF to make a real difference.”

LTF is seeking innovative economic models to transform farmer credit scoring. The Company is providing access to its data and is encouraging the use of alternative data sources to eliminate unwarranted loan rejections for deserving farmers.

The winning solution will be evaluated based on the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of predicted farmer income on unseen data. The top performing teams and individuals will be awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals, along with cash prizes, details of which are available on the Pearl Challenge website.

In addition to monetary prizes, winners may also be offered job opportunities at LTF and will have the chance to contribute to impactful financial solutions within the agricultural sector. Participants can form teams to collaborate on their submissions. There is no fee to enter the competition.

Team registration closes on April 14, 2025, followed by the solution submission deadline on May 14, 2025. The winners will be announced on August 1, 2025.

Register now at: www.ltfraise.com/PearlChallenge

For queries, please contact: pearlchallenge@ltfs.com

About L&T Finance Ltd (LTF)

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (https://www.ltfs.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 2.5 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

For more information: X,Facebook, Linkedin, Youtube.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma affects approximately 80 million people worldwide, with 11.2 million people at risk of losing their vision. In India, the prevalence of glaucoma is estimated to be around 3.8% in the population above 40 years. The incidence of glaucoma is expected to rise due to the increasing ageing population and other risk factors.

Glaucoma Prevalence in Asia on the Rise – Medical Community Advocates for Early Screening

The number of people with glaucoma worldwide will increase to 111.8 million in 2040, disproportionately affecting people residing in Asia (1). The gradual increase by 2040 shows the importance of knowing about and controlling this by making people achieve prevention better than cure through early and prompt recognition.

Glaucoma Week (9th March to 15th March)

Glaucoma Week is observed annually to raise awareness about glaucoma, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection. The week-long campaign aims to educate people about the silent nature of glaucoma and the need for regular eye check-ups to prevent vision loss. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent killer of vision” because it can cause vision loss without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Knowing the clinical features, risk factors, and importance of early detection is essential to prevent irreversible vision loss. It can be either an acute presentation or a chronic one.

What is Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterised by the loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons, leading to optic nerve damage due to a rise in intraocular pressure, i.e. pressure inside the eyeball. The most common form of glaucoma is Primary Open-angle Glaucoma (POAG), which accounts for approximately 80% of all glaucoma cases. Let us observe Glaucoma Week by spreading awareness and encouraging people to prioritise their eye health.

Early-Stage Clinical Features

1. Gradual and Painless Loss of Vision: Often starts from the periphery and progresses slowly.

2. Raised Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Elevated IOP is a hallmark of glaucoma, but it may not always be present.

3. Optic Disc Cupping: Enlargement of the optic disc cup, which can be detected during a fundoscopic examination.

4. Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thinning: Thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer, which can be detected using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

5. Visual Field Defects: Loss of peripheral vision, which can be detected using visual field testing.

Advanced-Stage Clinical Features

1. Severe Vision Loss: Significant vision loss can progress to blindness if left untreated.

2. Optic Disc Pallor: Pallor of the optic disc, which can indicate advanced glaucoma.

3. Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Loss: Significant loss of the retinal nerve fibre layer can be detected using OCT.

4. Visual Field Loss: Significant loss of visual field, which can be detected using visual field testing.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Clinical Features

1. Sudden, Severe Eye Pain: Acute onset of severe eye pain, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

2. Blurred Vision: Sudden loss of vision, often accompanied by halos around lights.

3. Redness and Swelling: Redness and swelling of the eye, often accompanied by a cloudy cornea.

4. Increased IOP: Markedly elevated IOP, often above 40 mmHg.

These clinical features can vary depending on the glaucoma type and the disease stage. A comprehensive eye examination is necessary to diagnose glaucoma and monitor its progression.

Importance of Early Detection

Glaucoma is a treatable condition. Hence, early detection of glaucoma is crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma can be treated with medications, laser surgery, or incisional surgery to reduce IOP and slow disease progression. However, once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.

Risk Factors

Glaucoma risk factors can be classified into modifiable and non-modifiable categories:

Modifiable Risk Factors

1. Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Elevated IOP is the most significant risk factor for glaucoma.

2. Systemic Hypertension: High blood pressure can increase the risk of glaucoma.

3. Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes can increase the risk of glaucoma, particularly in people with a family history.

4. Obesity: Obesity can increase the risk of glaucoma, particularly in people with a family history.

5. Sedentary Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of glaucoma.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

1. Age: Glaucoma risk increases with age, especially after 40 years.

2. Family History: A family history of glaucoma increases the risk, especially if a first-degree relative has glaucoma.

3. Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.

4. Myopia: High myopia (nearsightedness) can increase the risk of glaucoma.

Identifying Glaucoma as an Emergency

Glaucoma is considered an emergency if there is a sudden increase in IOP, severe eye pain, blurred vision, or nausea and vomiting. In such cases, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing glaucoma involves a comprehensive eye examination, including:

1. Visual Acuity Test

2. Tonometry (IOP measurement)

3. Ophthalmoscopy (examination of the optic disc and retina)

4. Visual Field Testing

5. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging

Treatment Options for Glaucoma include:

1. Medications (eye drops or oral medications) to reduce IOP

2. Laser surgery (trabeculoplasty or iridotomy) to improve drainage or reduce IOP

3. Incisional surgery (trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage devices) to create a new drainage pathway

References:

1. Global Prevalence of Glaucoma and Projections of Glaucoma Burden through 2040 Tham, Yih-Chung et al. Ophthalmology, Volume 121, Issue 11, 2081 – 2090

2. https://www.worldglaucomaweek.org

ACE Group stands as one of the leading real estate developers in the NCR, with a legacy that spans over a decade. The group has earned a reputation for delivering some of the most iconic residential and commercial projects, gaining the trust and confidence of its customers. To date, ACE Group has successfully delivered approximately 16.5 million square feet of space, with an impressive 25.5 million square feet currently under construction.

Pictorial view of Fountain

Yamuna Expressway is standing out as one of the most promising investment corridors in the real estate sector. The future of real estate is being shaped here by all kinds of infrastructure – roads, bridges, utilities, and so on-that are needed when a community comes together. The future high-speed railway line to Chandigarh, which is part of the series of “game-changing” development initiatives announced by the state government (along with Jewar Airport), is just one example of what you can expect.

Ace Group establishes an unprecedented benchmark in township living with its upcoming development Ace Acreville. It extends a breathtakingly beautiful township living experience concealed within a 100-acre township, which once again flaunts nature, design, and modernity in equal measure across space and time. Following landmark projects that achieved astounding success, Ace Group has drawn upon whats best in the industry.

Reflecting on the vision shaping Ace Acreville, Mr. Ajay Chaudhary, CMD of Ace Group shared, “Ace Acreville will mark a new chapter in township living, where modern design meets nature’s essence. This mega township on the Yamuna Expressway embodies our vision of creating sustainable and vibrant communities that offer an unparalleled living experience. At Ace Group, we have always focused on delivering excellence, and Ace Acreville stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality, and thoughtful urban planning.”

At Ace Acreville, design fluidity ensures that the air exchanges in every atmosphere – tree-lined avenues, shimmering water bodies, and, most importantly, charming landscapes that connect nature with architecture as no other so-called smart project does. This township, if you will, is more than a canvas of curated living; it is an urban promise, where every plot holds the potential for sustainability at its most transformative.

While the Ace Group constructs works that define the skyline as its own, Ace Acreville will become a testament to the groups commitment to building extraordinary communities where it is good to live, a commitment that seems almost quaint in our contemporary moment. Established on a blend of clever design and architectural brilliance, Ace Acreville encourages you to join its tale – its a tale of sophistication, ingenuity, and a tomorrow thats all about separates and superlatives.

Webiste: www.acegroupindia.com.