Author: Neel Achary

Nawgati as the Title Sponsor for the Petrol Dealers Association Pune (PDAP) AGM 2026

Centre For Sight, Kankarbagh Patna Strengthens Comprehensive Eye Care with Launch of Oculoplasty Services

Patna, March 18, 2026: Centre For Sight, one of India’s leading eye care hospital networks, has announced the launch of its specialised Oculoplasty services at its Kankarbagh centre in Patna. The services will be available throughout the week and will be led by Dr. Pushkar (MBBS, DO, DNB), a specialist in Cataract and Oculoplasty.

Oculoplasty is a subspecialty of ophthalmology that focuses on medical and surgical management of conditions affecting the eyelids, tear ducts, orbit, and surrounding facial structures. With the introduction of this service, patients in Patna and nearby regions will now have access to advanced treatment options for eyelid disorders, tear duct blockages, orbital diseases, and related conditions under expert care.

The initiative reflects Prof. Dr. Mahipal S Sachdev, Chairman & Medical Director – Centre For Sight continued commitment to expanding specialised eye care services and improving access to advanced ophthalmic treatments in the region. The launch marks another step in strengthening comprehensive eye care delivery at the Kankarbagh centre.

Centre For Sight offers a comprehensive range of ophthalmic services including Cataract, Retina, Cornea, Glaucoma, Refractive Surgery (LASIK), Paediatric Ophthalmology, and now Oculoplasty. With advanced diagnostic technology and experienced specialists across subspecialties, the network is committed to delivering high-quality and accessible eye care to patients across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pushkar stated that the addition of Oculoplasty services will further enhance the centre’s ability to address complex eye conditions with precision, safety, and modern surgical techniques. They further added, “Don’t compromise on your vision – Trust the experts in eye care.”

From Sun to Grid: India’s Renewable Energy Expansion Enters Fast Lane

India’s renewable energy sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, signaling a transformative shift in the country’s power landscape. As demand for electricity rises, data centres expand, and decarbonisation commitments strengthen, renewable energy is emerging as the cornerstone of India’s sustainable future.

Pic Credit: Pexel

At the forefront of this transition is solar energy, which forms the backbone of India’s 272 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity. This financial year alone, approximately 35 GW of renewable capacity has been added, marking a record pace of expansion. These gains reflect strategic planning in solar deployment, manufacturing priorities, and grid integration.

Solar Power: Driving India’s Energy Transformation

Solar energy has moved from the periphery to the center of India’s energy agenda. “The scale at which solar is growing reflects a structural shift in how we think about power generation,” says an industry expert. The surge includes utility-scale solar farms, rooftop installations, and hybrid energy projects, all contributing to a cleaner grid and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

Strengthening the Grid

Integrating this rapid capacity growth presents challenges. The intermittent nature of solar requires advanced grid management, energy storage solutions, and smart transmission systems to ensure stable supply. Operators are increasingly deploying forecasting tools and storage technologies to maintain reliability as more renewable power comes online.

Data Centres and Renewable Demand

The expansion of India’s data centre industry is another major driver. As cloud computing, AI, and digital services proliferate, these centres are becoming significant energy consumers. Many are now sourcing electricity directly from renewable projects or through green energy certificates, aligning business growth with sustainability commitments.

The Road to 500 GW

India has set an ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, and the current trajectory shows strong momentum. Solar energy is expected to remain the dominant contributor, complemented by wind, bio-energy, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen. Achieving these targets will not only advance India’s climate commitments but also stimulate employment, industrial development, and energy security.

Economic Opportunities in Renewables

Beyond environmental benefits, the renewable sector is a growing economic engine. Investments in panel manufacturing, storage solutions, and project development are creating high-skill jobs and boosting regional economies. Analysts note, “Renewable energy is becoming as much an economic opportunity as an environmental necessity.”

Looking Ahead

India’s green energy journey is a story of ambition, innovation, and resilience. With solar leading the way, the country is charting a path toward a sustainable, inclusive, and economically vibrant energy future. By 2030, India aims to not only meet its renewable targets but also emerge as a global leader in clean energy deployment.

5 Healthcare Roles Which Offer Women High Growth

 By Dr Nipun Sharma, CEO, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship 

India’s healthcare sector is evolving rapidly with the expansion of digital health, diagnostics, clinical research, and telemedicine. Alongside doctors and nurses, a range of emerging roles are supporting healthcare delivery through data, technology, and operational coordination. These roles are creating new career opportunities that combine healthcare knowledge with practical, industry-relevant skills.

Apprenticeship-led training is increasingly helping women access these opportunities by providing structured, hands-on exposure within hospitals, research centres, and health-tech platforms.

1. Clinical Trial Support Associate

Clinical trial support associates assist research teams in managing the operational aspects of clinical trials conducted by hospitals, research centres, and pharmaceutical companies. They help coordinate patient visits, maintain trial documentation, track study schedules, and support investigators with data recording.

Core skill requirements: clinical documentation, coordination skills, patient communication, basic understanding of research protocols, and record management.

How this role supports women’s career growth:
This role provides an entry point into India’s expanding clinical research ecosystem. With hands-on industry exposure, professionals can gradually move into specialised roles in clinical operations, research management, or regulatory coordination.

2. Healthcare Data Analyst

With the rapid digitisation of healthcare systems, hospitals and health-tech platforms are generating vast volumes of clinical and operational data. Healthcare data analysts interpret this information to improve patient outcomes, optimize hospital operations, and support medical research.

Core skill requirements: data analysis tools, healthcare informatics, electronic health records (EHR), statistical interpretation, and reporting.

How this role supports women’s career growth:
This role bridges healthcare and technology, allowing women to build careers in health analytics, population health management, and digital health strategy. Apprenticeships help build practical experience in handling real-world healthcare datasets.

3. Health Information Management Associate

Health information management associates help organise and manage digital patient records across hospital information systems and electronic health record platforms. They ensure accurate record maintenance, assist with data entry, and support hospital teams in maintaining compliant and organised patient data systems.

Core skill requirements: health record systems, data entry accuracy, medical terminology familiarity, digital documentation, and compliance awareness.

How this role supports women’s career growth:
As hospitals increasingly adopt digital health systems, roles in health information management are becoming critical. Professionals in this field can grow into healthcare data management, hospital administration, and digital health operations roles.

4. Telehealth Coordinator

Telemedicine has become an essential component of modern healthcare delivery, especially in improving access across semi-urban and rural regions. Telehealth coordinators manage virtual consultations, patient scheduling, digital records, and coordination between patients and doctors.

Core skill requirements: digital health platforms, patient communication, scheduling systems, telemedicine protocols, and basic healthcare administration.

How this role supports women’s career growth:
Telehealth roles provide flexible career opportunities, particularly suited for women seeking technology-enabled healthcare careers. As telemedicine adoption grows, professionals can advance into telehealth program management, digital health operations, or patient engagement leadership roles.

5. Diagnostic Imaging Support Technician

Diagnostic imaging support technicians assist radiology departments in managing routine imaging workflows such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic scans. They help prepare patients for scans, manage appointment schedules, maintain imaging records, and support technicians in handling basic equipment preparation.

Core skill requirements: patient coordination, basic understanding of imaging procedures, record management, equipment handling support, and hospital workflow familiarity.

How this role supports women’s career growth:

With diagnostic imaging becoming a core component of modern healthcare, support roles in radiology departments are expanding across hospitals and diagnostic centres. Apprenticeships in this field provide practical exposure to diagnostic operations and can help professionals move into specialised imaging support, diagnostic centre management, or healthcare operations roles.

Conclusion:

As healthcare becomes more technology-driven and data-oriented, several specialised support roles are emerging with strong career potential. Increasing women’s participation in these roles will be key to strengthening India’s healthcare workforce.

Apprenticeships can play a critical role by providing practical skills, industry exposure, and clear career pathways for women entering this rapidly evolving sector.

Sweet Success: India’s Sugar Production Hits 26.21 Million Tonne in 2025-26, Surpassing Last Year’s Output

India’s sugar industry is on a sweet high this year. According to the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), sugar production in the ongoing 2025-26 marketing year (October–September) has already reached 26.21 million tonne, a 10.5% increase compared with the same period last year. Remarkably, this already exceeds the total net production of 26.12 million tonne recorded during the entire 2024-25 marketing year.

Pic Credit: Pexel

This growth underscores the resilience of India’s sugar mills and the increasing efficiency of sugarcane farming across the country. Analysts point to favorable weather conditions, improved crop yields, and strategic operations by mills as key drivers of this impressive output.

Sugar Mills in Motion

As of March 15, 157 sugar mills were actively crushing sugarcane, while 379 mills remained closed, following seasonal patterns and regional availability of raw materials. This selective operation allows mills to manage production efficiently and balance supply with market demand.

Last year, production during this same period was 23.72 million tonne, highlighting a strong year-on-year growth of over 2.5 million tonne. “This is a testament to better agronomy practices, mechanization in cane harvesting, and timely processing at the mills,” said an industry insider.

Approaching the Season’s Finale

The sugar crushing season is now entering its penultimate phase, with mills striving to maximize output before the harvest concludes. With production already surpassing last year’s full-year figure, the industry faces a strategic challenge: maintaining profitability in the face of rising input costs and price pressures.

One key demand from the sector is the early upward revision of the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). An MSP adjustment would not only secure fair returns for mills but also protect the interests of millions of sugarcane farmers who rely on timely payments for their livelihoods.

Regional Powerhouses

India’s sugar production continues to be dominated by traditional cane-growing states. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu remain the pillars of output, with Uttar Pradesh leading the way. Maharashtra, which struggled last year due to drought conditions, has bounced back, contributing to the national surge in production.

If current trends hold, experts project India’s sugar production could reach 34–35 million tonne by the end of the 2025-26 season, marking one of the largest harvests in recent years.

Market Dynamics and Global Context

The robust output comes at a time when domestic sugar demand remains steady, and export opportunities are emerging. India, already one of the world’s largest sugar producers, is exploring global markets to balance domestic surplus and stabilize prices.

Government policies, particularly regarding MSP, export subsidies, and ethanol blending mandates, will play a crucial role in sustaining the sector’s growth. A well-calibrated policy framework could make India’s sugar industry more competitive internationally, while ensuring the long-term viability of mills and farmer incomes.

Sweet Prospects Ahead

India’s sugar sector is not just about production—it’s about livelihoods, rural economy, and energy. With bio-energy generation increasingly integrated into sugar mills’ operations, the industry is contributing to sustainable growth beyond the sweetness of sugar itself.

As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes are on MSP decisions and market demand. For now, the numbers speak for themselves: India’s sugar production is surging, the mills are humming, and the nation is poised for a season of record-breaking sweetness.

Audi strengthens Q range in India, launches the performance-focused Audi SQ8

Mumbai, Mar 18: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, has launched the new Audi SQ8 in India, strengthening its high-performance SUV portfolio with a model that blends power, precision engineering, and everyday practicality.

 Priced at an introductory INR 1,77,72,000 (ex-showroom), the Audi SQ8 comes with a 10-year complimentary Roadside Assistance package, along with comprehensive maintenance and service offerings.

Power Meets Performance
At the heart of the Audi SQ8 is a 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine delivering 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.

The vehicle features Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, adaptive air suspension sport, and all-wheel steering, ensuring enhanced agility, stability, and driving dynamics.

Commenting on the launch, Balbir Singh Dhillon, Brand Director, Audi India, said:

“The Audi SQ8 strengthens our high-performance SUV line-up in India by offering a compelling balance of power, everyday usability and genuine, visceral performance. It is designed for customers who seek versatility without compromising on excitement.”

Striking Design and Advanced Features
The Audi SQ8 boasts a bold exterior with:

• HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi Laser Light

• Frameless doors and panoramic sunroof

• Optional 22-inch alloy wheels and carbon styling packages

• S-specific design elements and illuminated door sill trims

Inside, the SUV offers a premium and technology-rich cabin featuring:

• Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus and MMI Navigation

• Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System

• Sport seats with premium upholstery and massage function (optional)

• Ambient lighting with 30 colour options

Comfort, Connectivity & Safety
Designed for everyday luxury, the SQ8 includes:

• 4-zone automatic climate control

• 360-degree camera with park assist

• Wireless charging with Audi Phone Box

• Power latching doors and advanced convenience features

Safety is reinforced with eight airbags, Audi Pre Sense Basic, cruise control with speed limiter, and optional advanced driver assistance features such as night vision assist and lane departure warning.

A Statement in the Performance SUV Segment
With a wide range of exterior colour options and premium interior finishes, the Audi SQ8 stands as a versatile luxury SUV tailored for India’s growing base of performance-focused customers.

Saviynt Appoints Alex Lei to Drive Identity Security Growth Across Asia Pacific and Japan

Bangalore, Mar 18: Saviynt, a leading provider of identity security and governance solutions, announced the appointment of Alex Lei as Senior Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ). Based in Singapore, Lei will lead the company’s regional sales organisation as enterprises across APJ accelerate investments in identity security to support cloud adoption, AI initiatives, and increasingly complex digital environments.

In his role, Lei will oversee customer acquisition, partner strategy and go-to-market execution across APJ. He will work closely with customers and partners to support organisations navigating rapid cloud adoption, the rise of AI-driven applications, and evolving cybersecurity risks. He will focus on expanding Saviynt’s regional footprint while strengthening engagement with enterprises seeking to modernise identity security.

“APJ is one of the fastest-growing regions for identity security as organisations modernise their digital infrastructure and adopt AI at scale,” said Todd Rotger, Chief Revenue Officer at Saviynt. “Alex has deep regional experience and a strong track record of building high-performing enterprise sales teams. His leadership will help us expand our presence and support customers navigating complex identity challenges.”

“I am excited to join Saviynt at a time when organisations are rethinking how identity underpins security and digital transformation,” said Alex Lei as Senior Vice President of Sales. “We are at the nexus of the digital revolution, where digital identity, identity security, and AI agents are becoming fundamental to enterprise resilience. Saviynt’s platform and vision position us strongly to support organisations across the fast-growing APJ market.”

Lei joins Saviynt with extensive experience leading enterprise technology and cybersecurity sales organisations across the region. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific and Japan at Ivanti, where he was responsible for regional sales growth and enterprise adoption of security and IT solutions. Prior to Ivanti, he held senior leadership roles at Proofpoint and Dell EMC, working closely with large organisations across the region on cybersecurity and digital infrastructure transformation.