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India Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
MNRE launches Rs 2.3 crore start-up challenge
New Delhi [India], June 21 (ANI): The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar (RTS) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Technologies, during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi. This unique national innovation challenge aims to identify and support breakthrough solutions for India's rooftop solar and distributed energy ecosystem, the statement from the Ministry said. It is being implemented under the aegis of MNRE with support from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and in coordination with StartUp India, DPIIT. Further, as per the statement, the Start-Up Challenge seeks applications from innovators and startups in India, focusing on four key categories to boost renewable energy adoption: Affordability - Making rooftop solar affordable for low- and middle-income households using innovative financing, modular systems, and circular economy strategies. Resilience - Enhancing climate resilience, grid stability, and cybersecurity in solar infrastructure, especially for vulnerable and remote areas. Inclusivity - Expanding access to underserved communities through community solar, virtual net metering, and inclusive financing models. Environmental Sustainability - Promoting eco-friendly technologies such as solar panel recycling, land-neutral solar deployment, and hybrid clean energy models. The challenge welcomes a wide range of startups in green tech, IoT, AI, blockchain, construction, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management. The selected innovators will compete for a total prize pool of Rs 2.3 crore, including Rs one crore for 1st Prize, Rs 50 lakh for 2nd Prize, Rs 30 lakh for the third Prize, and 10 Consolation Prizes of Rs five lakh each. Winners will also gain incubation support, pilot implementation opportunities, and mentorship from domain experts and investors, facilitated by MNRE and NISE. The last date for applications is August 20, 2025, and the result will be announced on September 10, 2025. Applications can be submitted through Startup India's website. (ANI)
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Prostate cancer diagnosis felt like a black hole'
A man diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer said the news felt like falling into a "black hole", as he urged others to check for signs of the disease. Danny Burkey, from Ossett, was diagnosed in 2021, and was told his condition was incurable after a bone scan. The 59-year-old spoke as Prostate Cancer UK launched a campaign urging men to visit their GP with prostate concerns, in the hope of an early diagnosis. Mr Burkey told BBC Radio Leeds: "You think it is always going to happen to somebody else; you just cannot believe it is you." Mr Burkey sought a diagnosis after experiencing symptoms related to prostate cancer. According to the NHS, symptoms can include: Having a sudden urge to urinate Getting up often in the night to urinate Blood in your urine Erectile dysfunction. "I had a blood test, an MRI and a biopsy," Mr Burkey said. Recalling being told his illness was incurable, he said: "You are almost standing next to yourself thinking, I do not know what to do with this. "You just cannot process it." According to Prostate Cancer UK, one in eight men will get prostate cancer. It is now England's most common cancer. Despite the prevalence, the charity's research suggests six in 10 men are concerned about having a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). Of those, over a third would not speak to a GP about prostate worries because they feared the DRE exam. Mr Burkey urged men to seek a diagnosis despite barriers, saying: "You do not need to have a DRE now. "You can ask your GP for a simple blood test and that gets the ball rolling, it is as simple as that." Earlier this week, the British Association of Urological Surgeons urged GPs to stop using the "outdated" and "inaccurate" DRE as a standard test. They labelled it a "poor test" that deterred men from coming forward. Men are encouraged to use Prostate Cancer UK's 30-second online risk checker and to talk to their GP about the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. A high level of PSA in the blood can indicate prostate cancer. Research led by Prostate Cancer UK shows that the way prostate cancer is diagnosed - with a PSA blood test followed by an MRI scan - reduces potential harms to men by 79%. Among those to catch the disease early was actor Colin McFarlane. McFarlane, who has appeared in The Dark Knight and Doctor Who, announced he had prostate cancer on the BBC Breakfast sofa in June 2023. He said: "I'm really lucky I caught it early, so I thought if I'm lucky and I know so much about this, I need to try and share this knowledge." McFarlane's friend, theatre director Femi Elufowoju Jr said hearing his story encouraged him to get checked, which led him to also being diagnosed. He thanked McFarlane for saving his life. Despite treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Mr Burkey's body has stopped responding to advanced hormone therapy. He said: "Inevitably your body becomes resistant, the cancer becomes resistant to them. "You are constantly having your PSA levels monitored to see how treatments are working. "You are constantly sort of on your toes thinking where am I up to now? "What have I still got left that can be used? "It is a very anxious time. "I do not want another man to be in the position I am in." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. 'Colin McFarlane saved my life', says director 'Going from cancer doctor to patient was bizarrely reassuring' NHS Prostate Cancer UK
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'You don't need a finger exam to test for prostate cancer' - North East men told
A simple blood test -not a rectal exam - is now the first step in checking for prostate cancer, men across the North East have been told. Men across the region are uniting during Men's Health Week to promote this message and encourage more men to assess their risk and speak to their GP about testing. Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in England, with one in eight men diagnosed in their lifetime, but unlike other major cancers, there is still no national screening programme. Dean Walker (Image: Supplied) Dean Walker, 63, from Newcastle, said: "When you hear the words 'you have prostate cancer' as I did in December 2022 it fills you with shock and fear as well. "Shock at the news and then fear of what the future holds. "I'm so lucky and grateful that me and my wife watched Kenny and Gabby Logan on BBC Breakfast that morning. "Kenny had no symptoms at all and was urging men to talk to their GP about a PSA blood test. "It was my wife that convinced me to go and see my GP and I'm so glad I did. "That TV feature changed my life and I'm keen to help others the way they helped me." He added: "Prostate cancer is far more treatable if caught early, so it's so important that men are aware of their risk. "Right now, it's up to us to know that and to speak to our doctors about the PSA blood test. "So many men are put off by worrying about 'the finger', which is why it's so important for men to know you don't need that anymore to check for prostate cancer. "I really hope by sharing my story and that message we'll get thousands more men at risk to come forward and chat to their GP." His call comes as top surgeons and the men's health charity Prostate Cancer UK have called for the end of the digital rectal exam (DRE) as a routine test, describing it as outdated and unnecessary. In a joint statement, Prostate Cancer UK and the British Association of Urological Surgeons said: "The digital rectal exam is a poor test for prostate cancer. "The way that prostate cancer is diagnosed has improved vastly in recent years with the introduction of MRI scans and new biopsy techniques. "A clinician using their finger to feel the prostate is a legacy of the historic pathway; it does not add clinical value but can be a major deterrent to men coming forward for checks. "In a cash-strapped, time-poor NHS, it makes no sense to do a test unless it could change clinical decision making. "Our message to men is: understand your risk of prostate cancer by doing Prostate Cancer UK's online risk checker, and if you decide to talk to your GP about testing, know that you can ask to have just a blood test. "You don't need a finger up the bum to test for prostate cancer." Despite this, a recent survey of men who used Prostate Cancer UK's Risk Checker found that a third were still being offered a rectal exam, and three per cent were offered the exam instead of a PSA blood test. Nick Lambert (Image: Supplied) Nick Lambert, 73, from Jesmond, was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer in 2020. Mr Lambert said: "Being diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer was a real shock to me. "It took quite some time to get my head round it and I'm so grateful to the advice from a friend, who suggested I go on the Prostate Cancer UK risk checker. "I'm so glad I did. "Both my father and uncle had the disease, but I felt fit and well, was very active and had absolutely no symptoms at all. "That's why it's so important that men are aware of their risk of this disease, that being your age, if you are Black or if you have a family history." He added: 'Since the news in 2020, my treatment continues to contain the disease. "And it has only reinforced my determination to enjoy every day as it comes, and so far as possible only to do enjoyable things. I have always had a very positive outlook on life, but now I have become conscious that nothing lasts forever." Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer may contact Prostate Cancer UK's Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or online via the Live Chat instant messaging service:
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Blood sugar to prostate cancer: Doctor shares 12 health screenings that men should prioritise
The month of June is observed as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. However, for many men, physical health often takes a backseat. Consumed by responsibilities and daily demands, they frequently overlook the importance of prioritising their overall well-being. Also read | Cardiologist shares how to protect your heart at every age: Smart habits to build in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Nishith Chandra, principal director, interventional cardiology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi said, 'Detecting diseases early, when they're most treatable, can make a significant difference in health outcomes and quality of life.' Here are 12 health screenings that men should do regularly: Begin annual checks from age 18. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can silently damage the heart, kidneys, and brain. Start testing at age 35, or earlier with risk factors like smoking or diabetes. Abnormal cholesterol is a major contributor to heart disease. Screen every 3 years from age 35, and annually if overweight or with a family history. Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common and often undetected. Begin at age 45. A colonoscopy every 10 years, or stool-based tests more frequently, can detect precancerous polyps early. Men over 50—or 45 with family history—should discuss PSA testing and digital rectal exam (DRE) with their physician to assess need. Annual measurements help monitor obesity risk, linked to diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Also read | Essential health checks every woman should know Important for men with alcohol use, fatty liver, or viral exposure risks. Early intervention prevents liver damage. Check every 5 years after 35, or earlier if symptoms like fatigue or weight gain arise. Recommended after 70, or sooner in men with low testosterone, fractures, or long-term steroid use. Annual dermatologist visits help detect skin cancers early, particularly in sun-exposed individuals. Eye exams every 2 years after 40; hearing assessment after 50, or sooner if symptoms occur. Depression and anxiety often go unrecognised. An annual mental health check should be as routine as a blood test. Also read | 8 reasons why you should opt for prompt health check-ups without any delay Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
LivaNova completes epilepsy treatment study of VNS Therapy
LivaNova has completed the CORE-VNS study, assessing outcomes via real-world evidence on the use of the VNS Therapy device in over 800 individuals with epilepsy. The study's final 36-month data confirms the therapy's effectiveness on severe focal seizures in paediatric and adult patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), showing early and sustained benefits. This open-label, long-term study enrolled participants from 61 sites around the world. The majority of the subjects, across all age groups, reported focal onset seizures with impaired awareness (FIA) as their most disabling seizure type. According to the study's data, for children aged four to 18, there was an 87% median reduction in FIA motor seizures at 36 months. Inclusive of adults, 34% of subjects with FIA motor seizures achieved 100% seizure minimisation, with an overall median decrease of 80%. Similarly, focal to bilateral tonic-clonic (FBTC) seizures saw a median reduction of 100% in children, and 49% of all participants with FBTC seizures reported complete seizure minimisation at their three-year study visit. VNS Therapy's effectiveness was observed as early as three months post-implantation, with further substantial decreases in both FIA and FBTC seizures observed at subsequent 12-, 24-, and 36-month visits. Notably, the CORE-VNS study claimed to have a high patient retention rate of 82% over the three-year follow-up period. LivaNova noted that VNS Therapy is an add-on treatment designed to decrease the seizure frequency in individuals aged four and above with DRE and partial-onset seizures. Involving an outpatient procedure, the implantation of this therapy does not involve skull penetration. The outcomes of the 36-month CORE-VNS study are set to be published later in the year. LivaNova Global Medical Affairs vice-president Kathryn Nichol said: 'LivaNova is deeply committed to advancing epilepsy research and in every study of VNS Therapy to date, we continue to see that effectiveness can be achieved early and continue to improve month by month and visit by visit. This remained true over the course of three years in CORE-VNS.' Last year, the company reported positive predictive outcomes from the OSPREY study of the aura6000 hypoglossal nerve stimulator system for treating obstructive sleep apnoea. "LivaNova completes epilepsy treatment study of VNS Therapy" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
