Unlock the opportunities in these Domain Skills that are in demand for freshers across industries

 Universal Newsline lists some of the top professional skills that could be in huge demand across the cities and industries. 

In recent times, a palpable shift has emerged in the hiring landscape of India, signaling a positive change in the fresher hiring sentiment among employers. This transformation is attributed to several factors that collectively contribute to a more optimistic outlook for entry-level professionals in India, seeking employment. Among the plethora of skills sought after by employers, certain domains stand out as particularly crucial for freshers aiming to kickstart their careers. TeamLease EdTech, with its vision of ‘Making India Employable’, has come out with a forecast report to track the dynamics of the job market for freshers. Here is a rundown of the top 10 domain skills which are in demand for freshers according to the report - 

Data Science - Data Science has become an essential skill across various industries, transforming how organizations leverage data for valuable insights. By employing sophisticated statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization methods, Data Scientists reveal insights that inform strategic decisions and foster innovation. Whether predicting customer trends, streamlining operations, or guiding product enhancements, Data Science empowers businesses to remain competitive in the data-centric era

Blockchain - Blockchain has emerged as a revolutionary skill set, reshaping transactional processes and record-keeping practices across diverse sectors. Through its decentralized and transparent ledger system, Blockchain safeguards data integrity and security, minimizing the likelihood of fraudulent activities and unauthorized alterations. Beyond its association with cryptocurrencies, Blockchain finds applications in fields such as supply chain management, healthcare, finance, and electoral systems. 

Content Creation - In today's digital era, content creation has become an essential skill, driving engagement, brand recognition, and customer allegiance across multiple platforms. Whether through compelling blog entries, social media posts, captivating videos, or podcasts, content creators construct narratives that resonate with their intended audiences. Employing strategic storytelling, creative visuals, and effective communication, they convey brand messages, educate consumers, and prompt desired actions. Proficiency in content creation entails mastering diverse mediums, understanding audience preferences, and staying attuned to shifting trends to consistently deliver valuable and captivating content.

Metaverse -  Becoming adept in navigating the Metaverse is about grasping the intricate digital landscape of interconnected virtual worlds. With the rise of the Metaverse concept, individuals skilled in this area can engage in, explore, and shape immersive virtual environments across different platforms. Mastery of the Metaverse encompasses proficiency in various technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain-driven virtual realms. This includes skills such as 3D modeling, animation, game development, and digital asset creation. Additionally, understanding the social dynamics, economic impacts, and ethical considerations of the Metaverse is essential for utilizing its potential in gaming, entertainment, education, commerce, and social networking. 

Natural Processing Language - Proficiency in Natural Language Processing (NLP) is an essential skill set that lies at the intersection of linguistics, artificial intelligence, and computer science. Those skilled in NLP can comprehend, analyze, and generate human language data, extracting valuable insights from extensive textual resources. NLP applications span from sentiment analysis and language translation to chatbots and virtual assistants, enhancing communication, automation, and decision-making processes across various sectors. Becoming proficient in NLP necessitates mastery of machine learning algorithms, text mining techniques, and linguistic analysis, alongside familiarity with NLP libraries and tools such as NLTK, spaCy, and TensorFlow. 

Full Stack development  - Full Stack development is a versatile skill encompassing both front-end and back-end web development. Those proficient in Full Stack development can create entire web applications independently, covering tasks from user interface design to server-side logic and database management. Mastery in Full Stack development requires expertise in languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React, Angular, Node.js, and Django. With the ability to handle all aspects of web development, Full Stack developers are highly valuable for organizations aiming to build dynamic, responsive, and scalable web applications. 

Robotic Process Automation - Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a crucial expertise area centered on automating repetitive and rule-based tasks through software robots or "bots." Proficiency in RPA entails designing, developing, and deploying these bots to streamline business processes, boost efficiency, and minimize human errors. RPA developers utilize tools like UiPath, Automation Anywhere, and Blue Prism to craft workflows that replicate human actions, including data entry, extraction, and report generation. By eradicating manual involvement in mundane tasks, RPA empowers organizations to optimize resources, elevate productivity, and expedite digital transformation endeavors. Mastery in RPA also encompasses understanding business workflows, pinpointing automation potentials, and perpetually refining bot performance for optimal outcomes. 

Mobile App Development - Mobile app development is a fundamental expertise domain that covers the entire process of crafting, building, and launching applications tailored for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Proficiency in mobile app development requires adeptness in programming languages like Java, Kotlin (for Android), or Swift (for iOS), coupled with familiarity with frameworks like React Native or Flutter for cross-platform development. Mobile app developers utilize their skills to design intuitive user interfaces, integrate functionalities, and enhance performance across different platforms. Given the escalating reliance on mobile devices for communication, entertainment, commerce, and productivity, mastering mobile app development is imperative for meeting user demands and maintaining competitiveness in the contemporary digital environment

UI/UX Design - UI/UX Design stands as a crucial expertise domain concentrating on crafting user-friendly and captivating interfaces (UI) and experiences (UX) for digital products and services. Proficiency in UI/UX design entails grasping user needs, behaviors, and preferences to develop interfaces that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and efficient. UI designers employ tools like Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma to create layouts, typography, and visual components, while UX designers concentrate on wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to refine the overall user journey and interaction flow. 

Internet of Things - The Internet of Things (IoT) is a crucial skill domain centered on linking physical devices and sensors to the internet for data gathering, monitoring, and management purposes. Proficiency in IoT entails designing, developing, and deploying interconnected systems that facilitate communication and interaction among devices, enabling automation, optimization, and insights across various fields. IoT developers utilize hardware platforms, communication protocols, and programming languages like C, Python, or JavaScript to construct IoT solutions tailored to specific applications such as smart homes, industrial automation, healthcare monitoring, and environmental sensing. By harnessing IoT technology, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, elevate decision-making processes, and introduce innovative products and services that generate value for both businesses and society.

Want to know how to Buy Goods from Customs Auction?

Goods once brought through Customs auction cannot be returned. Though this process has turned out lucrative for many buyers, this is the only drawback as the goods are on as is where is basis. Further one does get a chance to physically inspect the lot. 

 

 

While seized goods by customs authorities may be sold at cheap rates, there are neither any warranties nor any option to return the goods. 

 

There are various customs departments located in India in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Bengaluru and Chennai. Customs are also operational in various other smaller cities. With significant movement of goods inside the country and across the borders, a number of items are regularly seized by customs authorities. Seizure of goods can happen due to various reasons such as inadequate paperwork, evasion of duty and false declaration. 

 

 

Some of the most common items seized by customs authorities include imported cars and bikes, computers, laptops, electronic items and electronics accessories. Owners of these goods are provided adequate time to respond. If they want, they have the option to pay the fine and claim the goods. But if there is no response, such seized goods are put up for customs auctions. 

 

 

How to buy goods from a customs auction?

To streamline the process and improve transparency, customs auctions have been centralized. Customs auction is conducted via a single online platform, available at www.mstcecommerce.com. MSTC Limited is a central government Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). It operates an online auction of customs goods as well as various other items. On the MSTC website, there is a separate section for customs auctions. Here is a step-by-step procedure of how to buy goods from a customs auction.

 

 

Register on www.mstcecommerce.com - On the home page, you have to select eAuction and then Indian Customs Auction. You will have to register as a bidder, providing all the details such as your name, bank account number, PAN details, address, etc. Once you have provided the information, you will be asked to pay the registration charges. If you plan to bid for only customs goods, the registration fee is Rs 5,000 + service tax and educational cess. You will also be required to submit all the documents in physical format at any of the MSTC offices. Once the paperwork is done, you will be assigned a photo identity card. You then become eligible to buy goods from customs auction. 

 

 

Physical inspection - You will be notified in advance when a customs auction will take place. You will be invited to carry out a physical inspection of the goods. This is an important step, as it will determine how much money you are planning to put into the bidding process. You will not be able to return any goods purchased, which is why the inspection process is very important. 

 

 

Online bidding - After physical inspection by prospective buyers, the next step is the online bidding process. Customs goods have a reserve price and you need to bid above that price. You can see the last few bids and accordingly raise your bid amount. Autobid option is also available, where the system automatically increases your bid, relative to the other nearest bidder. You can put an upper limit to your bid in the autobid system. 

 

Successful bid - If your bid is successful, you will be notified via email/SMS. You will have to make the required payment along with applicable taxes and other charges. Once the paperwork is complete, you can collect your customs goods from the notified office. If you fail to make the payment after a successful bid, you will be barred from customs auctions for a minimum period of 6 months. Your registration fees will also be forfeited. 

 

 

While buying goods from a customs auction could be profitable, there can be quality issues. It is important that you place your bids carefully. Also, consider factors such as taxes and charges and transportation costs (if any) before placing your bids.

By - Pankaj Bansal, Founder at NewsPatrolling.com

Film stars lend star power to Indian Street Premier League - ISPL

Inaugural Season of Indian Street Premier League - ISPL

Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Ram Charan and other Bollywood and celebrities of the Corporate World  are backing the Indian Street Premier League which had a crackling Inaugural season that has ignited the #STREET2STADIUM revolution. 

The concept of #Street2Stadium has transcended mere imagination with the inaugural Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). The tournament, heralded as India’s pioneering tennis ball T10 cricket extravaganza played inside a stadium, was masterfully orchestrated by a distinguished Core Committee comprising legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ashish Shelar, Amol Kale, and Suraj Samat. The air crackled with anticipation as the ISPL unfolded its maiden spectacle, held amidst the pulsating ambiance of the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane. Under the floodlights, cricket aficionados converged to witness the fusion of raw talent and electrifying passion.

Six formidable teams—Majhi Mumbai, KVN Bangalore Strikers, Srinagar Ke Veer, Chennai Singams, Falcon Risers Hyderabad, and Tiigers of Kolkata—battled fiercely for supremacy in the gripping 10-day showdown. The arena became a cauldron of unbridled excitement, with the very essence of the tennis ball cricket ecosystem pulsating through every moment.

The ISPL cast its enchanting spell, captivating the hearts of millions. Sony Pictures Network, the league’s official broadcasters, witnessed an unprecedented surge in viewership, with its overall reach (including TV and digital) soaring to a whopping *11 million. Meanwhile, the stands reverberated with the cheers of nearly 5 lakh fervent fans, igniting an atmosphere of pure cricketing euphoria.

Reflecting on the success, Suraj Samat, League Commissioner, ISPL, said, “The overwhelming response to the ISPL underscores the deep-rooted passion for our beloved gully cricket in our country. We are immensely proud to have provided a platform for street cricketers to showcase their talent and for fans to enjoy a new era of sport entertainment.”

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer - Distribution & International Business and Head - Sports Business, SPNI, official broadcasters of the Indian Street Premier League, said, “The inaugural edition of the Indian Street Premier League highlights the immense talent pool for cricket in India. It has also showcased the passion for gully cricket in our country. Sony Sports Network is   proud of its  association with ISPL and looks forward to exploring new avenues to engage with sports fans in India”. 

The Indian Street Premier League, an unprecedented blend of cricketing prowess and star-studded entertainment, has set a new benchmark in sporting extravagance. With Bollywood celebrities taking the helm as team owners, the league radiated an irresistible charm, adding the much-needed glitz and glamour from the heart of B-Town and the celebrity sphere. Legends such as Amitabh Bachchan (Majhi Mumbai, co-owned by Neeti Agrawal’s PATH India Ltd.), Akshay Kumar (Srinagar Ke Veer), Hrithik Roshan (KVN Bangalore Strikers, co-owned by Venkat K Narayana’s KVN Enterprises LLP), Saif Ali and Kareena Kapoor Khan (Tiigers of Kolkata, co-owned by Aksha Kamboj’s Aspect Global Ventures Pvt. Ltd), Ram Charan (Falcon Riders Hyderabad, co-owned by Irfan Razack’s INR Holdings) and Suriya Sivakumar (Chennai Singams, co-owned by Rajdipkumar and Sandipkumar Gupta), lent their star power, ensuring the ISPL captured the imagination of diverse audience segments and demographics.

Enhancing its allure, the ISPL unveiled a spectacular opportunity: 101 scholarships unveiled by Amitabh Bachchan, each worth INR 1 lakh, empowering recipients to fuel their holistic growth and development. Adding to the excitement, every registered ISPL participant was gifted a digitally signed cricket bat bearing the legendary signature of Master Sachin Tendulkar himself. This gesture not only bolstered camaraderie within the community but also bestowed upon each member an ISPL family card, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and privilege for grassroots cricketers. Such initiatives have forged an elite fraternity, previously uncharted in the realm of cricket.

The ISPL’s magnificence was evident from its dazzling opening ceremony, which featured a riveting Exhibition Match between Masters’ XI led by ‘Bharat Ratna’ Sachin Tendulkar and Khiladi XI captained by Akshay Kumar. A galaxy of influential celebrities donned their cricketing attire, sharing the field with cricketing icons to create an unforgettable spectacle. The first ball of the tournament featured a heartwarming moment which saw Jammu and Kashmir para cricketer Amir Hussain Lone don Tendulkar’s jersey to get things underway.

On the field, the action lived up to its billing, with nail-biting encounters captivating audiences from all walks of life. Innovative features such as the ‘Tip Top’ toss, the 50/50 challenge, ‘Tape Ball Over’, and ‘9 Street Runs’ added an extra layer of excitement, enhancing the appeal of the tournament. Beyond the boundary, electrifying performances by artists like MC Stan, Honey Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, and many others kept viewers and fans enthralled throughout the tournament.

The grand finale and closing ceremony were nothing short of spectacular. Kiku Sharda and Krushna Abhishek’s uproarious comedy set the tone for the evening, while superstar DJ Chetas’ mesmerizing Xylo Band Show, a spectacle previously reserved for global acts like Coldplay, illuminated the packed stadium with its lights and sounds. It was the perfect culmination, leaving fans yearning for more. Dipak Chauhan’s role as President of Operations shone brightly as the seasoned professional leveraged his extensive expertise in tennis ball cricket, resulting in the seamless execution of the tournament.

As the inaugural season of ISPL draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of entertaining cricket and enduring camaraderie, epitomizing the spirit of the game and the allure of stardom ingrained in India’s cultural fabric.

The registration portal for Season 2, slated to kick off from January 31 to February 9, 2025, is now open, providing budding cricketers with a platform to shine on the big stage. Buoyed by the resounding success of its debut season in India, the ISPL is set to expand its horizons to the Middle East in November 2024.

Venture Cap Funds to bolster India's Sports and Tech Industry

Universal Newsline outlines some of the Venture Capital Funds that are focused to transform the Indian Sports and Technology industry. A dynamic fusion of sports and technology introduces a diverse range of innovations aimed at improving performance, interaction, and overall enjoyment in sports. From wearable devices tracking vital advanced analytics to platforms revolutionizing player assessments, the field is experiencing rapid evolution and creativity.  

 

Investing in the sports-tech sector presents an enticing prospect where technology and sports intersect, promising substantial returns and societal influence. Opportunities abound, whether in supporting startups creating innovative fitness monitoring devices or backing enterprises reshaping fan interaction with virtual reality innovations. Across the sports tech spectrum, avenues for investment diversification are plentiful, offering potential for financial growth alongside contributions to the evolution of sports and entertainment experiences. 

Centre Court Capital - Centre Court Capital is a Venture Capital fund that has set its sights on bolstering India’s sports tech and gaming ecosystem. It will invest in sports tech, an evolving space that is bringing to life data that arms the sporting ecosystem with deeper and smarter insights - empowering athletes, engaging fans, and providing immersive viewership experiences that transform entertainment in sport. It looks to invest in the gaming and eSports space where innovations in technology are lowering the entry barriers to game development and making content more accessible globally. With a new age of entrepreneurs from India building in the space, Centre Court Capital looks to back game developers, creators, and game tech infrastructure companies. Centre Court Capital merges a rare combination of deep operating and investing experience for its sectors, enabling it to bring a level of depth and understanding that is unparalleled in the market.

Kalaari Capital - Kalaari is a $160 million venture capital fund with a strong advisory team in Bangalore investing in early-stage, technology-oriented companies in India. It is an early-stage, technology-focused venture capital firm. They invest across Seed and Series A startups and empower visionary entrepreneurs to build unique solutions that reshape the way Indians live, work, consume and transact. Kalaari Capital invests in the unknown Indian entrepreneur who is poised to become tomorrow’s global leader. They are India’s leading investor in early-stage businesses, nurturing them through every aspect of growth on the transformative journey toward success. 

Kae Capital -  Kae Capital is an early-stage venture capital fund that invests in technology startups across various sectors, including sports tech. They have backed companies such as Dream11, a fantasy sports platform, which has become one of India's most successful sports tech startups. Kae Capital is a pioneer of early-stage investing in India, focused on tech startups, and has been investing in India for 10+ years. Founded in 2012, and based out of Mumbai and Bengaluru, Kae is a sector-agnostic fund that invests in pre-seed to pre-series A stages. Kae partners with passionate founders and teams, building for Indian and global markets. Kae aims to be an all-weather partner to its portfolio founders, enabling them to build enduring companies.

SucSEED Indovation - SucSEED Indovation supports early-stage deep tech & tech driven startups providing solutions to the large scale needs of India and with potential to serve global emerging market needs too. With decades of experience building the venture capital ecosystem, they leverage their wide network to grow companies, build a solid foundation and help them with funding, strategic and operating support, providing critical connections, and securing growth. SucSEED Indovation offers access to capital for deep tech startups to scale and grow. SucSEED supports early-stage deep tech and tech-driven startups providing solutions to the large-scale needs of India and with the potential to serve global emerging market needs too.

Blume Ventures - Blume Ventures provides pre-series A and early stage funding to tech-focused/tech-enabled ventures. They are typically the first institutional investors in their portfolio companies and invest for about 8-10 years. They are proponents of a collaborative approach and like to co-invest with like-minded angels and seed funds. They then provide follow-on investments to their stellar portfolio companies. They partner with the founders at a very early stage, helping them achieve product-market fit and power through the first point of scale. Apart from bringing in capital and counsel, their strength is their conviction. 

Bal Raksha Bharat's remarkable achievement in prioritizing health, cultivating culture fostering well-being of children

Bal Raksha Bharat, a child welfare organization working across 15 states and three Union Territories

Positive results are visible in the efforts of Bal Raksha Bharat, a comprehensive child welfare organization in the fields of education, health, protection, and humanitarian needs of most deprived and marginalized children as efficiency of Nutrition cases surges to 98.11% in Uttar Pradesh’s Shravasti Dist. 

Bal Raksha Bharat in a concerted effort to enhance maternal and child health services, trained over 167 Anganwadi Workers, Asha Sanginis, and ANMs on the usage of Poshan Tracker, E-Kawach Application and documentation and Reporting of Triple Burden Cases. As a result of these capacity-building efforts, there has been a remarkable improvement in the measurement efficiency of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) cases. The efficiency rate surged from 92.77% in June 2023 to an impressive 98.11% by January 2024. Notably, 95 out of 177 Anganwadi Centers have achieved a commendable 100% measurement efficiency, reflecting the tangible impact of targeted training initiatives on healthcare service delivery.

The successful implementation of the 'Strengthening Aspirational Block Program' by Bal Raksha Bharat has directly benefited over 28,000 children. The project aims to extend access to government services and further improve nutritional outcomes in Jamunaha (NITI Aayog aspirational block) of Shravasti (Aspirational District) in Uttar Pradesh.

Congratulating on the impact made, Smt. Sarneet Kaur Broca, IAS, Director ICDS, Uttar Pradesh said, ‘In order to promote nutrition and healthy choices amongst children, we need to adopt a strategic approach. This involves educating and empowering women through informative videos that underscore the crucial role of overall child well-being. Instigating meaningful change begins with prioritizing health and cultivating a culture that fosters well-being. Bal Raksha Bharat has displayed remarkable dedication and effectiveness in driving and bringing this change, and by associating with them, we have witnessed a significant surge in measurement efficiency.’

Sudarshan Suchi, CEO, Bal Raksha Bharat added, “Our mission with the ‘Strengthening Aspirational Block Program’ is to ensure that every child in the Jamunaha Block has access to adequate nutrition for a healthy and sustainable life. This initiative aims to streamline data management and ensure efficient monitoring of nutritional interventions. Furthermore, the frontline healthcare providers have also received training on documentation and reporting procedures for cases burdened by triple health challenges.”

He further said, “Strengthening Aspirational Block Program for Improved Nutritional Outcomes aligns with Bal Raksha Bharat's broader goal of ensuring that no child dies of preventable causes before their fifth birthday. Key achievements of the project include capacitating 167 Anganwadi Workers, Asha Sanginis, and ANMs on the usage of Poshan Tracker and E-Kawach Application, as well as documentation and reporting of triple burden cases.”

Bal Raksha Bharat aims in fostering the Government’s mission to strengthen the health & nutrition, and well-being of marginalised children and families. With the focus on this project, the organisation has addressed various factors contributing to illnesses and under nutrition among infants and young children. Through data-driven interventions and community engagement, the organization aims to continue to make strides toward achieving its vision of a future where every child can thrive.

Bal Raksha Bharat works across 15 states and three Union Territories of India on issues related to education, health, protection, and humanitarian/DRR needs of children, especially for those who are the most deprived and marginalized. 

For more information, visit www.balrakshabharat.org

Facial Care during summer - Slugging: Understanding the science behind the overnight skincare trend

Understanding the science behind the overnight skincare trend

Recommended by experts, Slugging is safe, affordable and effective method to restore skin moisture since it helps prevent water loss that is ideal for those with dry skin. However it may not be suitable for naturally oily, acne-prone skin as occlusives may clog the pores, leading to irritation and increased risk of breakout writes Priyanki Mehrotra.

Social media platforms are inundated with lifestyle and beauty advice. Now and then, a new trend emerges and takes the platform by storm. Slugging is one of those beauty trends that first emerged on some social media platforms and instantly became a part of many people’s nightly skincare routines.

Though the trend has gained immense traction in recent years, thanks to social media, the practice of slugging is not new. It is obvious to question the effectiveness since it is popularised through social media platforms, but the process of slugging does work for some. 

The viral trend, which comes from the South Korean beauty world, involves slathering the face with a thin layer of rich ointments like Vaseline or Aquaphor at the end of the nightly skincare routine. These occlusive products prevent water loss, thereby imparting a ‘slug-like’ sheen to the skin. It makes the face look dewy, plump and hydrated.

The skin generally appears dull or dry when its top layer, also called the skin barrier, lacks the balance of keratinocytes (skin cells) and lipids. When the skin barrier gets damaged due to sun exposure, pollution, over-exfoliation and other factors, the lipids or the glue that keeps the outer layer intact starts depleting. This leads to water loss, leaving the skin dry and flaky.

Occlusives, used for slugging, rest on the surface of the skin, acting as a shield to prevent trans-epidermal water loss. They eventually make the skin look fresh and hydrated. Occlusives have nothing to do with moisturising, as the skin cannot absorb petroleum. They simply lock in the water, helping the skin retain moisture. Considering the process helps prevent water loss, slugging is ideal for those with dry skin. But it may not be suitable for naturally oily or, acne-prone skin, as occlusives may clog the pores, leading to irritation and increased risk of breakout. This night time routine is extremely beneficial for older people as the problem of water loss spikes with age.

However, one must not overdo it and should listen to the skin when including this routine in their daily skincare regime. In winter months, the frequency can be increased as the skin loses water easily due to dry and harsh weather. In the summer and rainy months, the process should be limited to once or twice in a week. This is because in the hotter months, the skin naturally produces more oil, and the rainy season is often accompanied by extreme humidity, causing the skin to produce excessive oil.  

Above all, it should be done correctly for maximum effectiveness and to reduce the chances of any side-effects. The skin works harder at night time to repair itself, so slugging at night is the best way to get maximum output. One must start by cleaning the skin properly to avoid any dust or germs getting trapped in the outer layer. After that comes moisturising, followed by applying a thin layer of Vaseline or an occlusive of your choice. In the morning, cleanse the skin to remove any excess product and carry on with the normal daytime skincare routine.  Without proper moisturisation, slugging won’t be effective. In the case of sensitive skin, avoid slugging with retinoids as it may lead to irritation.

Slugging is safe and has been recommended by experts for decades. It is an affordable and effective method to restore skin moisture. The only thing one must consider is the type of occlusives used for slugging.

The author of this article is Priyanki Mehrotra, Deputy General Manager, Consumer Products Division, Ginni Filaments Ltd.

Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship awarded to New Delhi Student Sumaira Khan

Sumaira Khan awarded with Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship

The scholarship that is awarded to aspiring female researchers from India - Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship was today presented to a New Delhi student with a passion to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities, to study in Australia.

La Trobe University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell presented Sumaira Khan in Delhi with the 2024 Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, valued at more than $225,000 (AUD).

Sumaira was selected from a competitive field of applicants from across India for the four-year scholarship, which recognises the humanitarian and social justice achievements of Shah Rukh Khan (SRK). The PhD scholarship was made possible through La Trobe’s long-standing partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.

Designed to support aspiring female Indian researchers who want to make a meaningful impact in the world, the scholarship enables Sumaira to undertake research at La Trobe’s state-of-the-art facilities in Melbourne, Australia.

Sumaira will work with medical anthropologists Dr Tarryn Phillips and Dr Catherine Trundle to identify ways to improve healthcare for South Asian migrant women in Australia with an elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study seeks to understand the factors that shape and constrain the ability to practice self-care, and inform improved healthcare design, access and equity for healthcare programs in Australia and India.

“I’m very grateful to receive the Shah Rukh Khan scholarship. It’s life-changing for me and my family, and I’m excited to interact with La Trobe’s global community of researchers. It really is my proudest achievement,” Sumaira said.

Shah Rukh Khan said he was delighted to support the development of Indian women to pursue solutions to challenges affecting not just Indian communities, but global issues.

“Sumaira’s passion to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities is inspiring, and her journey is a wonderful lesson to other Indian women who want to improve lives through scientific study,” Khan said.

“I am pleased to be able to support Sumaira’s ongoing development and education with this scholarship at La Trobe University in Melbourne.”

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell, said the University was proud to continue the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship to a student, whose goal is to support some of the most vulnerable in our community.

“This ongoing scholarship is testament to the strong relationship and shared vision La Trobe has with Mr Khan to inspire positive change through education and find solutions for some of the most challenging issues facing the world,” said Professor Farrell.