Global News
- Rare Twin Pregnancy with Eight Umbilical Cord Knots Successfully Managed at Rainbow Hospital, HRBR...
BENGALURU, India, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rainbow Hospital, HRBR, has successfully managed one of the rare and complex forms of twin pregnancy—Monochorionic Monoamniotic (MCMA) twins—resulting in the safe delivery and recovery of two healthy baby girls. The case involved a 37-year-old woman with a history of primary infertility, who sought fertility treatment after several years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. Following a comprehensive fertility evaluation and an individualised treatment plan, she successfully conceived MCMA twins under the care of Dr. Manju B Nair, Clinical Director – Fertility Services.Monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twin pregnancies are among the rarest and most complex forms of twin gestation, accounting for approximately 1% of all twin pregnancies. They carry a particularly high risk of complications because both fetuses share a single placenta and a single amniotic sac. Reported overall perinatal mortality rates in MCMA pregnancies have historically been as high as 70–80%, although outcomes have improved considerably with advances in antenatal surveillance and neonatal care. Complications can include umbilical cord entanglement, fetal growth restriction and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).MCMA pregnancy is a rare form of identical twin pregnancy in which both babies share a single placenta and a single amniotic sac. Such pregnancies carry significant risks, including umbilical cord entanglement, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), fetal growth restriction, congenital anomalies and sudden fetal compromise.Recognising the high-risk nature of the pregnancy, antenatal care was provided under Dr. Manjula Deepak, Lead Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology, with early involvement of Dr. Kavyashree, Fetal Medicine Specialist. A comprehensive fetal surveillance protocol was initiated, including detailed ultrasound examinations every two weeks from 16 weeks of gestation. The team closely monitored fetal growth, amniotic fluid, Doppler parameters and umbilical cord status.With meticulous surveillance and coordinated multidisciplinary care, the pregnancy progressed to 32 weeks of gestation, when the mother presented with premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Considering the high-risk nature of the pregnancy, the obstetric team, supported by the anaesthesiology team led by Dr. Marian Kevin Manoj, Consultant Anaesthesiologist, promptly performed an emergency Caesarean section.During the procedure, the team encountered extensive umbilical cord entanglement with approximately eight knots, highlighting the complexity and potential risks associated withMCMA pregnancies. Despite this, the team successfully delivered two premature baby girls weighing 1.52 kg and 1.437 kg.Following delivery, both babies were admitted to the NICU under the care of Dr. Sujith K R and Dr. Prashanth Shetty, Consultants – Pediatrics & Neonatology, and the dedicated NICU team. The twins required specialised neonatal management, including respiratory support, nutritional optimisation, establishment of feeds, infection prevention, growth monitoring and management of acute issues including respiratory distress and cardiac concerns.With comprehensive neonatal care and continuous monitoring, both babies made steady progress, established full feeds and demonstrated consistent weight gain. They were subsequently discharged home in stable condition.Today, both girls are healthy, thriving and achieving age-appropriate growth and developmental milestones, bringing immense joy to their family.Dr. Manjula Deepak, Lead Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rainbow Hospital, HRBR, said "Managing a monochorionic monoamniotic twin pregnancy requires constant vigilance, specialised fetal surveillance and timely decision-making because of the significant risk of umbilical cord entanglement and sudden fetal compromise. In this case, meticulous monitoring throughout the pregnancy allowed us to closely assess the babies and respond promptly when the mother developed premature rupture of membranes at 32 weeks. The discovery of extensive cord entanglement, with approximately eight knots, highlighted the complexity of the pregnancy. Through coordinated multidisciplinary care, timely delivery and expert neonatal management, both babies were able to overcome the challenges associated with prematurity and are now growing and developing well. This outcome reflects the importance of specialised expertise, teamwork and compassionate care in managing complex high-risk pregnancies."The successful outcome was made possible through the coordinated efforts of Dr. Manju B Nair, Clinical Director – Fertility Services; Dr. Manjula Deepak, Lead Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology; Dr. Kavyashree, Fetal Medicine Specialist; Dr. Marian Kevin Manoj, Consultant Anaesthesiologist; Dr. Sujith K R and Dr. Prashanth Shetty, Consultants – Pediatrics & Neonatology, along with the operating theatre staff, nursing personnel and NICU team at Rainbow Hospital, HRBR.The case highlights the importance of specialised fertility care, expert fetal medicine, intensive antenatal surveillance, timely obstetric intervention and advanced neonatal care in achieving favourable outcomes in complex high-risk pregnancies.About Rainbow Children's HospitalRainbow network comprises 24 hospitals and 6 clinics across 9 cities, with a total bed capacity of ~2,435 beds. Our Pediatric services under "Rainbow Children's Hospital" include newborn and pediatric intensive care, pediatric multi-specialty services, pediatric quaternary care (including organ transplantation); whereas our women care services under "Birthright by Rainbow Hospital" offers perinatal care services which includes normal and complex obstetric care, multi-disciplinary foetal care, perinatal genetic and fertility care along with gynecology services.Rainbow Children's hospital built on strong fundamentals of multidisciplinary approach with a full-time consultant-led clinical service along with 24/7 commitment in a child centric environment. The company follows a hub-and-spoke operating model where the hub hospital provides comprehensive outpatient, inpatient care, with a focus on tertiary and quaternary services and the spokes provide primary, secondary and emergency care in pediatrics and obstetrics, large outpatient services and comprehensive obstetrics, pediatric and level 3 NICU services. This model is successfully operational at Hyderabad and is gaining traction in Bengaluru. The endeavor is to replicate this approach in Chennai and across the National Capital Region. Subsequently Rainbow intends to expand into tier-2 cities of Southern India.Rainbow embraces a unique doctor engagement model, where doctors work exclusively on a full-time, retainer basis. The doctors work in teams and have 24/7 commitment, which is particularly important for children's emergency, neonatal, pediatric intensive care services and support pediatric retrieval services. The Company also operates the country's largest pediatric DNB training program in private healthcare, offering post graduate residential DNB and fellowship program.Please visit www.rainbowhospitals.in for more information. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/rare-twin-pregnancy-with-eight-umbilical-cord-knots-successfully-managed-at-rainbow-hospital-hrbr-layout-bangalore-302879312.html
- ROYAL CARIBBEAN NAMES RETIRED U.S. AIR FORCE GEN. LORI J. ROBINSON GODMOTHER OF LEGEND OF THE SEAS
The trailblazing leader will celebrate the U.S. arrival of the vacation brand's newest Icon Class vacation this November during a Veterans Day naming ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, FloridaMIAMI, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of the boldest family vacation's arrival to Fort Lauderdale, Royal Caribbean has named retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson as the official godmother of Legend of the Seas. A pioneering leader, role model for women in service, and dedicated advocate for individuals and families balancing their careers and homes, Gen. Robinson has spent her career breaking barriers as the nation's first female combatant commander and former leader of NORAD and NORTHCOM, inspiring generations through her example. As godmother, she will join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping upon the ship, its crew and the millions of vacationers who will make memories on Legend for years to come. Following its debut summer in Europe, Legend of the Seas will arrive in Fort Lauderdale this November, where Royal Caribbean will officially welcome the ship to the U.S. during a Veterans Day naming ceremony with Gen. Robinson, the vacation brand's leaders, crew and vacationers. The celebration on Nov. 11 will mark the ship's next chapter of delivering the world's best family vacation while recognizing Gen. Robinson's groundbreaking leadership and the service of veterans, active-duty service members and military families."I am deeply honored to be named godmother of Legend of the Seas and take part in such a special tradition for Royal Caribbean alongside my family," said Gen. Lori J. Robinson, godmother of Legend of the Seas. "Throughout my career, I have seen the importance of bringing people together in pursuit of a shared purpose, and Legend creates those same connections for families and loved ones. Having the ship's naming ceremony on Veterans Day makes this especially meaningful to me, and I look forward to recognizing the generations of men and women who have served."Built for every type of family and adventurer, Legend delivers the ultimate family vacation with a lineup of unrivaled experiences across thrills, relaxation, dining and entertainment. Vacationers of all ages can experience the most dining at sea with 28 options, including the immersive Royal Railway – Legend Station and multi-course Hollywoodland Supper Club; seven pools; thrills like Crown's Edge – part skywalk, part zip line 154 feet above the ocean – unparalleled entertainment, including America's Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas and Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and more."Gen. Lori J. Robinson embodies courage, determination and a spirit of service that make her a legend in her own right and a remarkable godmother for Legend of the Seas," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. "We are honored to celebrate her incredible legacy as a 37-year Air Force commander who has defied all limits, along with the countless stories of military service across our Royal Caribbean family, from the crew who create unforgettable vacations to the guests who sail with us from around the world."From Fort Lauderdale, Legend will deliver 6-night Western Caribbean getaways and 8-night Southern Caribbean vacations to the beaches of Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curacao. Plus, every vacation on Legend will visit Royal Caribbean's top-rated Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas, featuring crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, a thrilling waterpark, pools, swim-up bars and more.Vacations on Legend are open to book on Royal Caribbean's website.About Royal CaribbeanRoyal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line's game-changing ships and signature destinations revolutionize vacations with industry-leading innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills and ways to chill, to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 23 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas and Royal Beach Clubs in Paradise Island and Santorini, plus Royal Beach Club Lelepa coming soon.Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com, call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/royal-caribbean-names-retired-us-air-force-gen-lori-j-robinson-godmother-of-legend-of-the-seas-302879204.html
- Manulife appoints Sarah Chapman as Global Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer, joining...
TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife has appointed Sarah Chapman as Global Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer, effective January 1, 2027, reporting to Phil Witherington, President and Chief Executive Officer, and joining Manulife's Executive Leadership Team. Chapman will lead Manulife's Global Marketing organization, with responsibility for the company's brand, marketing and enterprise customer experience strategies."Sarah is a proven global leader with deep knowledge of our business, customers and enterprise strategy," said Phil Witherington, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife. "Her appointment reflects the strength of our internal talent pipeline and is the result of thoughtful succession planning. I'm confident her strategic perspective, creativity and strong track record of leading transformation will help us build on our momentum, deepen our customer focus and advance Manulife's ambition to be the number one choice for customers."Chapman currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife Canada and leads the company's global Digital, Customer Centricity and Sustainability agendas. She previously served as Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife Wealth and Asset Management. Her leadership experience spans marketing strategy, brand, digital, analytics, customer experience and sustainability."I'm honoured to take on this role and am excited to help make lives better for more than 37 million customers around the world," said Chapman. "Manulife has an exceptional Global Marketing team, a trusted brand, and a clear commitment to innovation. I look forward to building on our strong foundation and working with colleagues across the company to deliver meaningful experiences and impact for our customers."Chapman succeeds Karen Leggett, who will retire from Manulife at the end of this year, providing for a smooth leadership transition.About ManulifeManulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping customers make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across Canada, Asia and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we serve individuals, institutions and retirement-plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 39,000 employees, over 109,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving more than 36 million customers. We trade as MFC on the Toronto, New York and Philippine stock exchanges and under 945 on the Hong Kong stock exchange.Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.Media ContactBrittany StraughnGlobal Chief Communications OfficerBrittany_Straughn@jhancock.com978-621-9116
- Aokah Strengthens Advisory Board with Appointment of Alpa Inamdar
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aokah, an AI-powered transformation and execution intelligence company helping enterprises build, transform and scale Global Capability Centers (GCCs), today announced the appointment of Alpa Inamdar to its Advisory Board. Alpa brings more than 25 years of global leadership experience across financial services, technology, risk and enterprise operations. Her career spans M&A and post-merger integration, IPOs, divestitures, operating-model transformation, technology modernization and revenue growth, with senior leadership roles at AIG, BNY Mellon and Goldman Sachs.She has led complex enterprise initiatives across finance, investments, insurance, technology and global operations, helping organizations integrate, transform, scale and unlock growth. Her experience navigating both strategic transactions and large-scale transformation gives her a distinctive perspective on how companies can translate business strategy into execution and measurable outcomes.Alpa brings particular expertise at the intersection of business strategy, technology, AI/ML and operating-model transformation. She currently advises organizations including Graphite GTC and Black Kite, providing strategic perspectives on transformation, operational resilience and AI-led growth."Alpa brings a rare combination of strategic vision, transformation expertise and deep financial services experience," said Atul Vashistha, Chairman and CEO of Aokah. "As enterprises rethink how work is organized and delivered, her perspective on AI, global talent and operating-model transformation will be invaluable as we scale Aokah and advance our vision to Globalize Work with Confidence™.""Alpa's transformation leadership and deep understanding of enterprise operations will bring significant value to the Advisory Board," said Steve Rudderham, Chair of the Aokah Advisory Board. "Her experience will strengthen our ability to help enterprises navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, global talent and GCC transformation.""I am delighted to join Aokah's Advisory Board," said Alpa Inamdar. "Enterprises have an unprecedented opportunity to rethink how they organize, execute and scale work globally. The convergence of AI, global talent and new operating models is creating a significant opportunity for GCCs and enterprise transformation. I look forward to working with Atul, the leadership team and fellow advisors as Aokah continues to grow."Beyond her executive leadership, Alpa is a strong advocate for advancing women in leadership. She is the President and creator of Women Helping Women, a mentorship program supporting women in financial services, and is a member of the Forbes Finance Council.Alpa joins Aokah's Advisory Board alongside senior leaders from Ecolab, Rolls-Royce, Brompton Bicycle, Carrier and the Business Board Network, adding further depth across global business services, enterprise transformation and AI-enabled operating models.Together, the Advisory Board provides strategic guidance as Aokah advances its Globalize Work with Confidence™ vision and helps enterprises build, transform and scale high-performing, AI-enabled Global Capability Centers.About AokahAokah helps enterprises Globalize Work with Confidence™, transforming how Global Capability Centers are designed, built, run and optimized. Powered by AI driven decision intelligence, trusted data and expert led guidance, Aokah enables faster, better informed decisions across the entire GCC lifecycle: strategy, location, talent, operations, governance and optimization. The result is reduced risk, accelerated outcomes and high performing GCCs that deliver sustained enterprise value.To know more: www.aokah.comLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/3008948/Aokah_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aokah-strengthens-advisory-board-with-appointment-of-alpa-inamdar-302871231.html
- De Beers Group's 'Love, From Bestie' Turns Friendship Day into a Lasting Ritual with Natural...
MUMBAI, India, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Not every milestone comes with a date on the calendar, some come with a best friend by your side. The people we choose to grow with, celebrate with and turn to through every version of life are increasingly becoming relationships worth marking. Recognising this shift, De Beers Group's 'Love, From Bestie' brings natural diamonds into a new kind of celebration, one centred on the friendships that are rare, enduring and entirely your own. Over the Friendship Day weekend on 1st and 2nd August 2026, 'Love, From Bestie' came to life across natural diamond retail partner stores in India through a series of thoughtful, friendship focused experiences. Besties could capture their bond through professionally shot portraits, beautifully framed to take home, while personalised nail art, custom bag charms and playful 'BFF Contracts' added a creative touch to the celebration.The experiences gave friends a chance to celebrate their bond in ways that felt personal and memorable, drawing more than 2,000 visitors and a conversion rate of 15% across 60 participating natural diamond retail stores nationwide over the weekend.At the heart of the campaign is the Bestie Bracelet Collection, created around a simple but meaningful idea: one for you, one for your bestie. Each bracelet becomes a personal expression of the friendship it represents, capturing the rare, enduring bond between two best friends.Bringing the idea to life are some of India's much loved celebrity bestie duos, Sara Tendulkar & Banita Sandhu, Mallika Dua & Shweta Tripathi, as well as Sanaya Irani & Drashti Dhami. Across a series of social content, the duos opened up about their friendships, sharing hilarious insider moments, personal milestones and the unwavering support that keeps their bonds strong.Commenting on the campaign, Ms. Toranj Mehta, Country Head – Category Marketing, De Beers Group India, said, "We often think of natural diamonds in the context of traditional milestones, but the way people celebrate important relationships is changing. What makes a natural diamond special is its rarity, individuality and the fact that it is created over billions of years. There is a beautiful parallel with friendship. The strongest ones are built over time, shaped by shared memories and are unlike any other relationship. 'Love, From Bestie' is about recognising that connection and celebrating this ritual beyond of a single day, with something that is equally unique and lasting."The conversation extended beyond celebrity friendships through a candid Friendship Day podcast hosted by the new age portal, Tweak, bringing together young changemakers including Ida Ali, Anshita Mehrotra, Khanak Gupta and Suramya Jain. The panel explored how Gen Z is redefining friendship, from navigating career ambitions and major life changes to finding a support system in the people closest to them. The podcast is available on YouTube.Through collaborations with leading lifestyle publications, the campaign explored the unique strength of 'corporate bestie' bonds, reframing natural diamond bracelets as the definitive modern friendship band. These features celebrated the professional allies who have transitioned from office companions to the most essential pillars of our personal lives.The campaign found its way into homes and feeds nationwide through digital, social, television, print and out of home.Supporting the campaign across markets was the Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance (INDRA), developed by De Beers alongside the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Through INDRA's digital network, participating stores accessed localised digital assets, customisable event creatives and targeted outreach tools, helping bring the campaign to life across markets.By bringing together real-life friendships, celebrity besties, conversations around modern relationships and engaging retail experiences, Love, From Bestie puts natural diamonds at the heart of a celebration that honours the friends who make life brighter, better and a lot more fun.For more information visit Heera Hai Sada Ke Liye or www.adiamondisforever.comAbout De Beers GroupEstablished in 1888, De Beers Group is the world's leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world's largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group's strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to 'Building Forever,' a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/de-beers-groups-love-from-bestie-turns-friendship-day-into-a-lasting-ritual-with-natural-diamonds-302866224.html