Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has announced that it has been awarded the prestigious Editorial Award for Best Airline Cabin Crew at the Business Traveler U.S. Awards 2024, held in Miami, USA. This is the first time this award is being given, making the recognition even more significant. It highlights the exceptional hospitality and service delivered by our dedicated cabin crew, placing Saudia ahead of the industry in terms of cabin service excellence.

Saudia Receives Best Airline Cabin Crew at Business Traveler U.S. Awards 2024

Mr. Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said, “This award is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of our cabin crew in delivering world-class service. Saudias cabin crew exemplify the essence of Saudi hospitality and culture, embodying the warmth, generosity, and respect that are ingrained to the Kingdom. And this award does not only highlight our commitment to excellence but also aligns with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, as we continue to bring the world to the Kingdom.”

The Business Traveler U.S. Awards recognize industry excellence, determined by a combination of editorial insights, industry benchmarks, and reader input. It is widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in airlines, hotels, travel destinations, and related innovations.

Saudia is dedicated to continuous innovation and service enhancement, aiming to double its fleet of 144 aircraft to connect the Kingdom with over 100 global destinations. The national flag carrier offers exceptional air services, blending warm Saudi hospitality with diverse, multilingual in-flight entertainment to suit all guest preferences.

About Saudia

Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle Easts largest airlines.

Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet, with 144 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.

A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012.

Saudia was recently awarded the “World Class Airline 2025” for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium.

For more information on Saudia, please visit www.saudia.com.

Commemorating its 15th anniversary, The Hans Foundation (THF) has unveiled the Swasthya Cities initiative, a transformative programme aimed at addressing urban challenges in healthcare, education, and livelihoods. This milestone initiative underscores THF’s journey of empowering vulnerable populations, as it strives to improve the lives of over 13 crore urban residents across 20 cities by 2030.

The Hans Foundation Launches Swasthya Cities Initiative

The Swasthya Cities initiative celebrates 15 years of The Hans Foundation’s dedication to reducing inequalities and fostering sustainable development. The programme adopts a multi-dimensional approach, integrating healthcare, education, disability inclusion, and livelihood generation to build inclusive, self-reliant, and sustainable urban ecosystems.

Over the past 15 years, The Hans Foundation has impacted 40 million lives across 20,000 villages and 20 cities, addressing critical challenges in health, education, disability inclusion, and livelihoods. From funding life-saving surgeries for children to empowering individuals with disabilities, THF has been at the forefront of creating equity and opportunity for India’s most vulnerable. The Swasthya Cities initiative is a natural progression of this journey, tackling the unique challenges of urbanization.

Under the initiative, each Swasthya City will house 50 Hans Wellness Centres, seamlessly blending mental and physical health support for underprivileged students. The program will also feature 10 inclusive schools fostering a disability-friendly environment along with multiple child development centres for early disability detection, and about 40 Mobile Therapy Buses delivering doorstep services for persons with disabilities to urban slums.

Moreover, the program also aims two build two schools in each city that will offer non-formal education focusing on mainstreaming of children in formal schools and also strengthen quality of education in formal schools that have resource constraints to hire expert teaches for academic excellence and sports activities. Furthermore, partnering with hospitals, THF’s Paediatric Programs would be offered to children who are born deaf, children with congenital heart diseases, children requiring other paediatric services including bone marrow transplant and epilepsy treatment.

“Swasthya Cities reflects our vision to enhance urban life comprehensively,” said Ms. Shweta Rawat, Chairperson, The Hans Foundation. “We are committed to addressing the multifaceted challenges of urbanisation through innovative, community-driven approaches that promote dignity and opportunity for all. This initiative reaffirms our dedication to improving the quality of life in cities across India by not only expanding access to essential healthcare and education but also fostering resilience and empowerment within communities. Through these targeted efforts, we aim to build sustainable urban ecosystems where every individual, regardless of their background, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”

These Swasthya cities will spread across 12 States / UTs, include Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Ghaziabad, Delhi, Faridabad, Greater Noida / Noida, Gurugram, Howrah, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Nagpur, Surat, Puducherry, Pune, Raipur, Mumbai, Thane. These cities have a cumulative population of around 13 Crore of which, the Swasthya City program would impact around 2 Crore population by 2030.

Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen Gurmit Singh PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), also lauded the initiative, adding: “The Hans Foundation has been a beacon of hope for millions over the last 15 years of its operations. I am confident that Swasthya Cities will continue to build on the Foundation’s vision of reducing inequalities and fostering sustainable development. It is an honour to witness this transformational journey.”

This landmark initiative celebrates 15 years of The Hans Foundation’s mission to serve India’s most vulnerable populations. Building on its track record of transformative impact, the Swasthya Cities initiative sets a new benchmark for sustainable, inclusive urban development in India.

Galgotias University hosted an international conference on “Reshaping Teaching and Learning Paradigms,” bringing together thought leaders, educators, and innovators to explore the future of education. The event marked a significant milestone as the university also inaugurated its newly constructed active learning building, designed to foster collaborative and interactive learning experiences.

Mr. Suneel Galgotia Chancellor Galgotias University Felicitates Dr. Ashwin Fernandis Director-QS Asia and Middle East

The chief guest from QS Quacquarelli Symonds Dr. Ashwin Fernandes Director Asia and Middle East- QS praised Galgotias University as one of the leading and youngest institutions focusing on innovation in teaching and learning, aligning its educational practices with the evolving demands of the global educational landscape. The new active learning building is dedicated to enhancing collaborative learning and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to integrate technology and human interaction seamlessly within classroom environments.

The conference featured a keynote address by Mr. Ritin Malhotra of Times Higher Education Rankings, who explored transformative approaches to teaching and learning in the 21st century. He highlighted the significance of active learning ecosystems, interdisciplinary education, and the integration of technology in pedagogy to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.

Distinguished delegates from inspire @ Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, also shared their valuable insights on the global future of education. Prof. Gan Chee Lip, from Nanyang technological university, delivered a keynote on the universitys remarkable transformation, offering a blueprint for others to emulate.

Shri Suneel Galgotia, Chancellor of Galgotias University, emphasized the universitys ongoing efforts to align its educational framework with global standards and best practices. He reiterated the importance of preparing students for a rapidly changing world through innovative and forward-thinking approaches to teaching.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, noted that the conference represents a significant step in the university’s mission to redefine the academic experience. “We are bridging the gap between traditional learning models and the demands of the modern world,” he said.

The conference reaffirmed Galgotias University’s position as a hub for global academic dialogue, driving meaningful change in education and setting a new benchmark for institutional excellence.

Octanom Tech Pvt Ltd, in a significant recognition of its innovative technological solutions and market impact, Octanom Tech has been named among Forbes Indias prestigious “Select 200 Companies with large global business potential” at DGEMS 2024. This exclusive list celebrates organizations poised to make substantial global impact through their groundbreaking solutions and scalable business models.

The Founder and CEO of Octanom Tech, Rahul Ghose (Left) and CTO of Octanom Tech, Shiv Kumar Puppala (right)

This prestigious recognition solidifies Octanom Techs position as a key player in the global financial technology sector. The announcement was made on the Forbes India website and across its social media platforms, highlighting Octanom Techs trailblazing efforts in empowering traders and reducing investment losses worldwide.

About Octanom Tech

Founded by visionary financial expert Rahul Ghose, Octanom Tech is on a mission to revolutionize investment risk management. “This recognition from Forbes India validates our vision of building technology solutions that transcend geographical boundaries,” says Rahul Ghose, the Founder & CEO of Octanom Tech. “Our focus has always been on developing scalable, innovative solutions that address global challenges while maintaining the agility of a technology-first company,” said Rahul Ghose.“The company aims to reduce global investment losses by $100 billion, one hedge at a time.”

Octanom Techs flagship platform is Hedged.in, stands as Indias first “Hedged Style” trading and investment solution, focusing uniquely on mitigating losses rather than merely maximizing profits. “Hedged” has been designed to empower both retail traders and HNI’s with innovative structured products to minimize risks through market downturns and market volatility, positioning it as a standout in the crowded financial services market.

The Hedged platform today not only creates low risk structured products, but also marks one of India’s finest order execution engines that the company has proprietarily built from scratch. “We wanted to protect our users in the execution stage as well and not only with our innovative finance products,” said Rahul Ghose of Octanom.

As the only platform that prioritizes loss reduction over profit generation, Octanom Techs pioneering approach marks a 180-degree shift from conventional financial strategies.

Future Outlook

As part of the Select 200 cohort, Octanom Tech joins a distinguished group of companies that represent Indias next wave of global business leaders. The recognition is expected to accelerate the companys international growth plans and foster new partnerships across global markets. The formal announcement was made at the prestigious DGEMS 2024 summit held at Taj Palace, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in Octanom Techs journey toward global leadership in technology innovation.

Honble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel, felicitated Galgotias University at Raj Bhavan, Lucknow, for its exceptional performance in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025. Ranked 187 in Southern Asia and 621-640 across Asia, Galgotias University has once again raised the bar for academic excellence and global recognition in such a short time.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia felicitated by Governor of Uttar Pradesh

The Honble Governor felicitated Galgotias universities from the state of Uttar Pradesh, for its remarkable performance in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025, celebrating Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to higher education on the global stage. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with elite institutions such as IIT Kanpur, IIT Varanasi, MNIT Allahabad, IIIT Allahabad, and Banaras Hindu University, Galgotias University reaffirmed its position as a leader in Placements, innovation-driven and quality-focused education.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, graciously accepted the award on behalf of the institution, attributing this landmark achievement to a steadfast commitment to innovation and quality education. With a visionary outlook that resonates deeply, Dr. Galgotia remarked, “Galgotias university feels truly honoured by this recognition and soon we will be among the top 100 universities of the world” encapsulating the universitys ethos. Under his stewardship, Galgotias University has blossomed into a crucible of innovation, sustainability, and research, equipping its students to outshine the competition and lead with confidence on the world stage. As he aptly noted, “Galgotias University is not just raising the bar for education in India but breaking new ground globally. Through strategic partnerships and a forward-thinking approach, we’re fostering an ecosystem that champions both academic brilliance and cultural refinement.”

Galgotias Universitys Pro-Vice Chancellor, spotlighted the university’s ever-expanding global footprint, emphasized how the university is evolving from a national leader to a prominent name on the international stage. . He acknowledged the unwavering efforts of faculty, students, and stakeholders, whose dedication has been the bedrock of this extraordinary ascent. Their collective belief in the institution’s vision has continually spurred achievements that redefine educational benchmarks and set new precedents.

Not resting on its laurels, Galgotias University has also earned distinction in the THE World University Rankings 2025, clinching the 45th position among Indian universities-both government and private-and marking its global debut in the 1001-1200 band. The institution further solidified its standing with a prestigious QS Rating of 5 stars, excelling across Teaching, Academic Development, Innovation, Employability, and Facilities. Adding another feather to its cap, Galgotias University ranked within the 401-500 band worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025.

The felicitation by Honble Governor Smt. Anandiben Patel serves as testament for the excellence Galgotias university is achieveing in placements,academics and research and now Galgotias has even greater aspirations to be one of the top 100 Universities of the world. Galgotias University, with its eyes set firmly on the horizon, remains committed to rewriting the rules of higher education by bringing Active learning in India through its consultancy support and mentorship by inspire at Nanyang technological university, Singapore.

NoBroker, India’s first proptech unicorn, is bringing an exciting opportunity for homebuyers with the launch of its much-anticipated NoBroker Property Carnival. The event will be held on November 23 and 24, 2024, in Chennai’ Hyatt Regency, Annasalai, offering an exclusive platform for potential homeowners to explore a wide range of top-selling and newly launched properties from some of the citys most prominent developers.

Over 15 Top Developers Showcase RERA-Approved Projects with Exclusive Offers

With over 15 leading developers participating, the event promises a one-stop shop for homebuyers looking to make informed decisions about their next home. Attendees can expect to see the latest projects from reputed names like Pacifica, VGN, Purvankara, Purva Land, Elephantine, LML, BSCPL, Shriram Properties, KG Builders, DRA, Casagrand, Urbanrise, Adroit, Sameera, VR Foundation, Radiance, and Marutham Group, among others.

End-to-End Home Buying Experience:

NoBroker is committed to providing homebuyers with a seamless and stress-free journey, offering cutting-edge technology solutions at every stage of the home-buying process, from property selection to booking. Attendees can take advantage of the NoBroker Property Carnival’s unique on-the-spot offers, including attractive discounts, customized payment plans, and home loan assistance, all under one roof.

Exclusive Offers for Homebuyers:

Buyers attending the carnival will enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including:

• Up to Rs 2 Lakh in savings on select RERA-approved projects

• Tailor-made payment plans with flexible options

• 20:80 Payment Plans for easy financing

• Subvention offers of up to 6 months

• Zero floor rise charges

• Free gold coins to home buyers

• Discounts upto INR 10 lacs on specific properties, and many more spot offers

• Attractive offers from financing partners for home loans

Saurabh Garg, Co-founder and CEO of NoBroker, said, “The demand for homes in Chennai has never been higher, and homebuyers are more discerning and proactive than ever before. At NoBroker, we understand the importance of helping them find their dream homes. That’s why we’ve partnered with over 15 of Chennai’s top developers to bring a wide variety of options under one roof. Whether youre looking for a new launch or a ready-to-move-in property, the Property Carnival offers something for everyone, making this an event unmissable for homebuyers.”

Convenience and Technology-Driven Solutions

The NoBroker Property Carnival isn’t just about great deals; it’s also about leveraging technology to simplify the homebuying process. From browsing projects to booking a property, NoBrokers innovative digital solutions will ensure that homebuyers have the information and support they need every step of the way.

All of this makes it the perfect opportunity for homebuyers to explore the latest trends in the real estate market and make well-informed investment decisions. Whether youre a first-time homebuyer or an investor looking for good returns from real estate, the NoBroker Property Carnival in Chennai has you covered.

About NoBroker

NoBroker.com, India’s first proptech unicorn, is a tech-driven, brokerage-free real estate platform that streamlines real estate transactions. A comprehensive solution for all property-related needs, it reduces information asymmetry in India’s real estate sector with cutting-edge technology. It supports users through their entire journey, from property search to packers & movers, home loans, painting, cleaning services, legal support, and rent payments. With over 3.5 crore registered users across Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi-NCR, NoBroker.com is the world’s largest P2P real estate platform. Founded by Akhil Gupta (IIT Bombay), Amit Kumar Agarwal (IIT Kanpur, IIM Ahmedabad), and Saurabh Garg (IIT Bombay, IIM Ahmedabad), NoBroker is committed to organising India’s largely unorganised real estate market. The platform has raised $366 million from marquee investors, including General Atlantic, Tiger Global, Google, Elevation Capital, Moore Capital, Beenext, and KTB Ventures. Vijay Shekhar Sharma and Anand Chandrasekaran are angel investors in the company.

In a remarkable achievement, Manthan School has been ranked 3rd in Telangana and Hyderabad, and 16th in India in the Education World India School Rankings (EWISR) 2024-25. The announcement places the school among the top educational institutions in the country, earning recognition for its holistic approach to education and excellence across various parameters.

Mr. Surjeet Singh, Principal and Ms. Ruchika Upadhyay, Vice-Principal of Manthan School at EWISR event

The Education World India School Rankings, launched in 2007, is a highly-regarded survey that evaluates schools based on feedback from over 8,700 respondents, including parents, educators, and education professionals. The survey ranked the top 4,000 schools in the country across multiple categories and 23 sub-categories.

Expressing his joy over the achievement, Mr. Surjeet Singh, Principal of Manthan School, said, “This is a proud moment for all of us at Manthan. Being ranked 3rd in Telangana and Hyderabad, and 16th in India, reflects the collective efforts of our students, teachers, and parent community. This year’s ranking reaffirms Manthan’s position among the top 20 schools in India and maintains its standing as 3rd in Telangana and Hyderabad for the third consecutive year. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing a holistic education that nurtures young minds for the future. I wholeheartedly congratulate everyone who contributed to this milestone.”

Unlike rankings that focus solely on academics, EWISR uses a comprehensive methodology that assesses schools across a range of parameters. These include academic reputation, leadership quality, faculty competence, co-curricular education, sports, community service, parental involvement, infrastructure, and mental and emotional well-being services.

Ms. Ruchika Upadhyay, Vice Principal of Manthan School, also shared her thoughts, saying, “This ranking reflects the hard work, dedication, and shared vision of our entire Manthan family. It inspires us to continue raising the bar in delivering quality education and creating an environment where every student can thrive. A big thank you to our students, teachers, and parents for their unwavering support.”

Manthan School’s leadership and faculty have attributed this success to their focus on academic excellence, student well-being, and an engaging co-curricular program that ensures well-rounded development.

To know more about Manthan School, Hyderabad please visit to www.manthanschool.org

Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd., a leader in solar EPC solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jaspal Singh as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With over two decades of experience in solar energy, project management, and renewable technologies, Mr. Singh brings a wealth of expertise, having previously led design and engineering projects for various countries in NTPC’s international business division. His appointment is set to drive Solidus’s technological vision and innovation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in the renewable energy sector.

Mr. Jaspal Singh – CTO, Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Singh joins Solidus with an impressive background, having led major solar projects at NTPC, including the Project Management and execution of a 56 MW/80 MWp solar plant in Surat, spearheading India’s first floating solar PV projects by NTPC and feasibility studies,due diligence & engineering for international solar PV projects. His expertise spans ground-mounted and rooftop solar PV systems, hybrid solar solutions, and innovative energy storage technologies.

Holding an MBA in Operations from S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, and a B.Tech in Electronics & Instrumentation from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Mr. Singh brings a strategic mindset to Solidus. His achievements include the development of robotic dry cleaning systems for solar panels, contributing to India’s first solar-wind hybrid solutions, and publishing research papers on energy storage and microgrids.

A Vision for Growth and Innovation

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Jaspal Singh said, “I am excited to join Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. as the CTO during this pivotal phase of growth. My focus will be on advancing our technological capabilities and driving innovative solar solutions to help Solidus achieve its ambitious target of becoming a 1,000 MWp solar leader by 2028.“

Under his leadership, Solidus is set to scale new heights, with 350 MWp projects currently under execution and a goal to expand into high-potential solar markets across India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab. His appointment aligns with Solidus’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and supporting India’s renewable energy goals.

Mr. Harvinder Singh, Managing Director of Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd., shared his enthusiasm for the new appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Jaspal to our leadership team. His extensive experience in solar technologies and his proven track record in delivering high-impact projects will be invaluable as we accelerate our growth and innovation efforts.“

About Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd.

Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. is a premier solar EPC company dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable solar power solutions. With a strong focus on advanced technologies and strategic partnerships, Solidus aims to deliver high-efficiency solar projects that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

At Lord’s Mark Industries Limited, led by Sachidanand Upadhyay, we are committed to fostering positive change within the industries we operate in and actively contributing to the advancement of society as a whole. A dynamic and rapidly growing conglomerate with business units in Solar, Diagnostics and MedTech sectors, the group strives to drive innovation, quality and excellence in everything they do.

Sachidanand H Upadhyay, Managing Director, Lords Mark Industries Ltd.

Sachidanand H Upadhyay is the key promoter of Lords Mark Industries Ltd. A technocrat with a keen vision for growth, he leads the group from the front. Born on December 3, 1977, his educational foundation was laid at Vidya Mandir School in Dahisar. However his entrepreneurial aspirations were ignited by the likes of Shri. Ratan Tata.

Commencing his professional journey with M/s Ion Exchange (I) Ltd, Upadhyay garnered extensive experience through pivotal roles in renowned corporations such as Nutrients Confectionery, Hindustan Lever Ltd. and Blue Dart, before he ventured out on his own in 1998 with Lords Mark Industries. Leveraging his expertise in the paper industry to find a firm footing in the business firmament, he has since then diversified into Solar/LED industry, Healthcare, Automotive and Pharmaceutical sectors.

With a legacy spanning 25 years, the group has now established itself as a prominent player in the market. As part of their growth strategy, they have expanded their presence with subsidiaries in upcoming and growing sectors of the Indian market like EV, insurance, defence, biotech and MedTech. They are also actively exploring opportunities for expansion into the global market.

Under Upadhyay’s leadership, Lords Mark Industries has grown exponentially in the past decade. Realizing the importance of technology and the need to keep abreast with the evolving needs of the consumers, he has developed an ecosystem that is always tuned in to the environment. This thinking is the core of the DNA of the group. Keeping value creation at the heart of every decision, the company has prudently spread itself across four business units including paper, renewable energy, healthcare, and diagnostic and EV infrastructure technologies. In the future, it plans a big foray into the Automotive, Insurance and Organic space. Its vision is to deliver value to all stakeholders and partners by creating sustainable businesses and becoming a globally recognized brand in conglomerate industries.

With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation, and social responsibility, Upadhyay is an excellent example of a leader who has worked continuously in the direction of fulfilling the company’s vision of delivering value to each stakeholder and partner by creating sustainable businesses.

Under Upadhyay, Lord’s and its subsidiaries have made a mark in Electric Vehicle, Genome Testing, Vitamin Industry and Healthcare. Growth through diversification has become the norm for them, emerging as the cornerstone of their success.

The Lords Group has been engaged by the Government of India for its Smart City projects to provide solar lighting systems. The company has tied up with the world’s largest electronics conglomerate Philips, to provide solar lighting in Bihar, installing the smart solar street light system based on RMS (Remote Monitoring System).

Lord’s has also joined hands with the Government of India in “SAUBHAGYA” to provide lights to every home in a village – UPNEDA-UP, APDCL-Assam.

Sachidanand Upadhyay certainly is lighting up a bright future for the country.

Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers globally, with approximately 2.2 million new cases diagnosed annually, contributing to 18% of all cancer-related deaths, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In India, it continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. However, advancements in early detection and new treatment options, particularly genetic profiling, are improving survival rates. These innovations are part of precision oncology, a rapidly growing field that customizes treatments based on a patient’s unique genetic makeup, enabling personalized care.

Molecular Genomics Study highlights the role of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in lung cancer treatment

In observance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, Metropolis Healthcare, one of India’s leading and most reputed diagnostic chains, conducted a landmark seven-year research study (2015-2021) to examine the clinicopathological features and molecular changes in lung cancer patients. The study analyzed data from over 3,200 individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, focusing on genetic alterations in key genes such as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK), and c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1). These genes play a pivotal role in the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Molecular markers like these are essential for guiding targeted therapies, which are revolutionizing lung cancer care by tailoring treatment to each patient’s genetic profile.

Key Findings of the Study:

• More than 3,200 lung cancer tissue samples were analyzed, with 83% diagnosed as adenocarcinoma (a common type of NSCLC) and 17% as squamous cell carcinoma (a subtype affecting the lung’s airways). Both types were most common in patients over 60 years.

• Genomic Alterations: The most common genetic alterations found were:

• EGFR mutations (29.1%) – Mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene, which are common in lung cancer and make the patient a candidate for targeted treatment.

• ALK rearrangements (7.8%) – Changes in the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) gene are also a target for treatment.

• ROS1 rearrangements (3.5%) – Alterations in the ROS1 gene, which, like ALK, can also fuel cancer progression & are amenable to targeted therapy.

• EGFR Mutation Locations: EGFR mutations were most commonly found in exon 19 (65.6%) and exon 21 (32.1%). These are specific regions of the EGFR gene where changes can affect its function, often leading to uncontrolled cell growth.

• Higher rates of EGFR mutations were observed in younger patients, and they were more frequent in female patients.

• ALK positivity was more frequently detected in younger patients, with a balanced gender distribution.

Impact:

• Molecular markers like EGFR mutations, ALK, and ROS1 rearrangements are key targets for treatment in NSCLC, with approved drugs available for these alterations.

• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) helps identify more lung cancer cases and uncover additional molecular targets, leading to more treatment options.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer & Senior Oncopathologist, Metropolis Healthcare, said, “Studying genetic mutations and alterations in cancer-related genes is essential for guiding clinicians in selecting the most suitable treatment-whether it involves surgery, medications, or chemotherapy. This detailed molecular analysis forms the foundation of personalized and precision medicine, allowing doctors to adjust therapies based on a patient’s unique genetic profile and likely response. By tailoring treatments in this way, clinicians can significantly improve the effectiveness of NSCLC cancer care, offering patients treatment approaches best aligned with their individual needs.“

The study underscores the importance of molecular profiling in NSCLC, as identifying these genetic alterations can guide targeted therapy, potentially improving patient outcomes. Advances in molecular diagnostics, particularly Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), have revolutionized the field of oncology. NGS allows for the simultaneous sequencing of multiple genes, providing comprehensive insights into the genetic makeup of tumors. This technology enables the identification of actionable mutations, helping oncologists tailor treatments to individual patients.

The 2017 NCCN guidelines highlighted the importance of genetic profiling in NSCLC, focusing on key mutations in ALK, ROS1, and EGFR. Building on this, the 2023 ESMO guidelines for metastatic NSCLC emphasized a broader set of biomarkers, including BRAF, RET, MET, NTRK, HER2, and KRAS G12C, using advanced DNA and RNA panels. This underscores the critical role of molecular diagnostics in decoding lung cancers genetic landscape to enable personalized treatment strategies. Metropolis Healthcare remains committed to advancing this research by expanding mutation detection capabilities through comprehensive 50-gene panels in alignment with evolving global standards.

About Metropolis Healthcare Limited

Established in 1981, Metropolis Healthcare Limited is the leading diagnostics company in India, with a widespread presence in 22 states, 3 Union Territories and over 700 towns. Metropolis touches millions of lives each year by providing actionable health insights to patients and doctors. Metropolis offers a comprehensive range of more than 4,000 plus tests and profiles, including advanced tests for the diagnosis of cancer, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and various genetic abnormalities. The company is empowered with a robust network of 202 labs, 4,336 service centers and over 10,000 touch points. Metropolis’ commitment to quality and accuracy in each test is reinforced by its consistent CAP proficiency score of more than 98% over the past decade, placing it among the top 1% laboratories worldwide for quality assurance. The Metropolis philosophy rests on the pillars of technological superiority, a warm, patient centric approach and reliable diagnostic reports.

For more information, please visit www.metropolisindia.com or click on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn