Edge Announces Edge Elevate, Establishing Company as Unified Talent Network

New cohesive talent experience enables long-term workforce reliability and scale to address the rapidly escalating administrative capacity crisis

 SAN FRANCISCO – Feb. 19 –Edge announced Edge Elevate, a significant evolution of its talent experience designed to support scalable growth across roles, markets, and categories globally. Employers are shifting from hiring for isolated roles to building ongoing, distributed workforces. This platform-level evolution addresses that shift, establishing Edge as a unified talent network built for scale and empowering customers with long-term workforce durability.

 Most workforce platforms are based on transactional hiring models, which rely on static resumes, one-off applications, and opaque advancement paths. This clearly isn’t working, as the administrative capacity crisis is rising faster than organizations can adapt. More than three-fourths (75.5%) of healthcare leaders we recently surveyed reported that workload has increased over the last 12 months, and 56.3% are facing weekly or daily administrative backlogs.

 Edge Elevate replaces this fragmented, suboptimal approach with a cohesive talent experience based on single, enduring talent profiles, standardized roles, structured development, and transparent progression.

 “Fragmented hiring experiences no longer support the reliability or scale modern businesses require,” said Edge CEO Iffi Wahla. “As roles become more specialized and teams more global, companies need talent models that prioritize consistency, transparency, and long-term development. Edge is answering the call with a durable platform experience.”

 Key elements of Edge’s unified talent network include:

• Talent Application 2.0 – Serving as a single, enduring talent profile that captures experience, feedback, certifications, and readiness
• Standardized role catalog – Clearly defining the roles supported by the platform
• Edge Edu integration – Tying Edge certifications directly to advancement

“Talent Application 2.0 is the anchor for our platform evolution,” explained Ghazanfar Idrees, Edge chief product officer. “Giving talent a persistent profile and clear visibility into roles, feedback, and growth creates better experiences for workers and a higher-quality network for Edge customers – empowering these organizations to conquer the administrative capacity crisis, effectively scale their operations, and grow stronger.”

Talent benefits from:

• Having one profile that carries forward, instead of having to reapply for jobs repeatedly
• Gaining clearer visibility into roles, expectations, and growth paths
• Accessing structured development tied directly to advancement

Customers benefit from:

• More consistent quality and role clarity
• Talent who are developed and progressed against defined standards
• Reduced variability as Edge scales across roles and markets

 “After five years of rapid expansion, Edge is entering our next phase of growth,” said Wahla. “Far beyond job-by-job hiring, Edge Elevate reflects our deliberate shift toward a unified talent network, built to scale with clarity, consistency, and long-term development at its core.”

Hyderabad Emerges as Eco-Friendly Packaging Capital Ahead of ICCA Global Summit 2027 in January 2027

Mr Sanjay Kumar seen being presented a photo frame made out of corrugated boards

Hyderabad, Feb 18: Sanjay Kumar, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, graced the curtain raiser programme of the forthcoming global event, the ICCA Global Summit 2027, held at Hitex on Wednesday evening.

Addressing the gathering, he said it was a matter of great pride that the ICCA Global Summit 2027 would be held in Hyderabad for the first time in the 64-year history of the global corrugated packaging body. He noted that this milestone would place Telangana firmly on the global industrial map and reflect Hyderabad’s rising stature as an international industrial hub.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Kumar said he was amazed to learn about the versatility of corrugated packaging material, including its use in making makeshift hospital beds capable of supporting multiple adults. He referred to the innovative use of corrugated cardboard beds at the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, where athletes were accommodated on sturdy corrugated cardboard frames at the Olympic Village. He also expressed surprise at seeing artefacts such as a statue of Mahatma Gandhi crafted entirely from corrugated packaging material.

Mahatma Gandhi made from Corrugated Packaging Material

“Corrugated packaging is not just a box — it is the backbone of modern supply chains. From farm produce and pharmaceuticals to e-commerce and electronics, corrugated packaging ensures products reach consumers safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Its strength-to-weight ratio, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness make it indispensable in today’s fast-moving economy,” he said. Emphasising sustainability, he added that corrugated packaging is biodegradable, largely made from renewable resources, and highly recyclable. “Every used carton can be converted back into paper and reintroduced into the value chain. That is true environmental responsibility in action,” he remarked.

He further stated that the corrugated packaging sector supports thousands of MSMEs, generates significant employment, and drives innovation in automation and design. As global trade expands and e-commerce accelerates, he observed, the importance of corrugated packaging will continue to grow. “It is not merely a packaging material — it is a strategic industry that powers economic growth while protecting the planet.” He assured full support from the Telangana Government and said the state would look forward to tangible outcomes from the summit, including new industrial investments.

ML Agarwal, Chairman of Central India Packaging and Chairman of the ICCA Board of Directors — the first Indian to hold this prestigious position in ICCA’s 64-year history — said corrugated packaging offers endless possibilities for innovation, sustainability, and growth. He noted that Hyderabad hosting the summit was the result of collective efforts by industry leadership.



Ankit Agarwal, Managing Director of Central India Packaging, India Director on the ICCA Board, and President-Elect of FCBM, said their coordinated efforts had been instrumental in securing Hyderabad as the host city for the ICCA Global Summit 2027, scheduled to be held from January 11 to 13, 2027.

Eleni Despotou, Chief Executive Officer of the International Corrugated Case Association (ICCA), said that whenever sustainability is discussed, corrugated packaging is the first material that comes to mind. She highlighted that corrugated packaging is approximately 95 percent recyclable and among the most recyclable packaging materials globally. Describing her visit as her second to India and first to Hyderabad, she said she was delighted to be in the country and impressed by its industry growth.

The speakers announced that Hyderabad will host three major corrugated packaging industry events in January 2027: the ICCA Global Summit 2027, the FCBM CorruPack Summit 2027 representing over 3,000 manufacturers with industry sales exceeding US$ 8.9 billion, and the CorruPack International Expo 2027, a global exhibition expected to feature more than 250 exhibitors, 1,500 delegates, and 300 international industry leaders. These events will position Hyderabad as a global hub for eco-friendly packaging innovation.

India’s corrugated packaging industry, currently valued at approximately ₹90,000 crore, is among the fastest-growing in the world. The global corrugated packaging market, valued at USD 170.96 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 179.5 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.1 percent through 2030. India is expected to be a key growth driver, with the domestic market projected to expand from USD 7.8 billion to USD 18.6 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 9.6 percent, driven by e-commerce, FMCG, food, pharmaceutical, electronics, and organised retail sectors.

Over 250 industry veterans attended the curtain raiser event. The organisers showcased artefacts made from corrugated packaging material, including the podium used for the function and a specially designed photo frame presented to the Chief Guest, demonstrating the creativity and strength of corrugated board applications.

A Maldives Mushroom on a Mission

Mo is a mushroom on a mission. As the latest in a long line of Planetary Wellbeing pioneers at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives he is – in his own words – “tired of being kept in the dark.”

“We’re the evolution of two decades of earth-friendly initiatives here at Four Seasons Maldives, yet these Four Seasons people hardly ever talk about us, they just get on with it,” bemoans the outspoken oyster mushroom. “That’s why I’m taking a stand as Official Spokesmushroom.”

By “us,” Mo is referring to his fellow 150-strong United Featheration of chickens, ducks and quail; the 100-variety Garden Gang of herbs, vegetables and fruits; the 8,000 or so Orchid Crew and many more unsung island-based heroes.

Every day, some five kilograms (11 pounds) of Mo’s mushroom brethren, along with huge quantities of Garden Gang colleagues, put themselves forward as Zero-Mile Champions. They travel 200 to 400 metres (650-1,300 feet) by bicycle across sandy terrain to numerous on-site restaurants (within the Resort). Once there, they take star turns in a wide range of soups, salads, mains, desserts and drinks.

“It’s a tough job – we don’t ever get to see those who volunteer,” says Mo. “Unlike the lazy show-off orchids – there are 8,000 of those working here yet only 500 of them are ever on duty for a month at a time before taking a six-month break to revitalise; it’s a scandal.”

In the Blu Beach Club kitchen, Mo passes the time between arrival and evening service by chatting with his fellow Zero Mile volunteers. “There’re quite a bit of manhandling and hanging around,” he says, “but you could say it’s our life’s work so we don’t mind.”

Dinner is a taste explosion of signature dishes, packed with island-fresh flavours: Landaa Happy Egg served with local pumpkin cream, seeds and seaweed; White Snapper Carpaccio with Kulafilha leaf, melon and passion fruit; Slow-Cooked Rainbow Runner with cauliflower, dill and roasted lemon.

After dinner, Mo is unavailable for comment. But back in the Mushroom House, his son is not concerned: “If he’s not still in the kitchen he will have gone to the Compost Club to rest and regenerate. We honestly give our all; Four Seasons really should give us more credit.” 

Watch this space for more on-the-ground updates from the Resorts’ Planetary Wellbeing pioneers as they reveal how Four Seasons is doing things differently in the Maldives.

Cars24 Launches India’s First Lifetime Warranty on Cars

Gurugram, Feb 18: Cars24, marking a significant shift in how long-term ownership protection is offered in the car market.

While most used car warranties in India are limited to short durations, leaving buyers exposed to major mechanical costs over time, Cars24’s Lifetime Warranty introduces long-term protection for critical powertrain components, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, for up to 12 years from the date of vehicle registration or 1.5 lakh kilometers, whichever comes earlier. These are the systems that keep the car running and are also the most expensive to fix or replace when things go wrong.

Built for long-term ownership, the programme extends protection well beyond standard warranty periods, covering the kind of mechanical failures that usually show up only after years of use.

The Lifetime Warranty is available exclusively on Cars24 Certified vehicles and offers cashless repairs at Cars24-certified workshops across India, supported by a fully digital claim process, including vehicle pick-up and drop-off. To maintain coverage, vehicles must undergo periodic servicing at Cars24-certified workshops as per prescribed service intervals.

“At Cars24, we are deeply confident about the quality of the cars we sell,” said Himansu Ratnoo, CEO India, Cars24. “That confidence is what allows us to offer a Lifetime Warranty and stand by the most critical systems of the car for a much longer part of the ownership journey.”

“The intent is to remove long-term uncertainty for customers who plan to keep their cars for years, while taking responsibility for what truly matters in vehicle ownership,” he added.

Lifetime Warranty can be opted for at the time of purchase, giving customers added confidence from day one. The programme is now live pan-India, ensuring long-term peace of mind and ownership assurance wherever you are.

With this launch, Cars24 becomes the first platform in the Indian used car market to introduce a Lifetime Warranty programme focused on long-term mechanical protection.

Sightsavers India and Roche Launch Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic in Bhopal

Bhopal, Feb 17th: Sightsavers India, in partnership with Roche, has launched a dedicated Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) Clinic in Bhopal under the Amrita Drishti – Urban Eye Health Programme. This initiative aims to enhance early detection and management of retinal conditions among underserved urban populations in Madhya Pradesh, with a special focus on women, children and the elderly within marginalised communities.

Diabetic retinopathy remains a significant cause of avoidable blindness. As diabetes prevalence increases, many patients remain unaware of retinal damage until vision loss becomes severe. Early screening and timely referral are essential to reducing long-term complications.

The initiative establishes a dedicated DR clinic at Jai Prakash District Hospital, Bhopal, supported by the installation of a fundus camera to enable early and accurate retinal screening. Patients diagnosed with diabetes are referred for screening at this facility, and those requiring further diagnosis or treatment are directed to Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, ensuring a streamlined pathway from primary screening to tertiary care.

In addition, Sightsavers India will strengthen referral systems, provide technical support, conduct outreach and awareness activities, and collaborate closely with government stakeholders to ensure sustainability within the urban health system.

The launch event was attended by Dr. Anshul Upadhyay – SPO, NPCBVI Madhya Pradesh; Dr. Vivek Som – Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal; Dr. Manish Khichi, Lead – Market Access, Roche Products; Ms. Tasha Mahanta, State Programme Lead – Bhopal, Sightsavers India; and Mr. Mayur Verma, Deputy Manager – DSTG, Sightsavers India, among others.

Dr Monika Puri, Chief Commercial Officer at Roche, said: “Diabetic retinopathy is a silent threat that can steal vision even before symptoms appear. Through Amrita Drishti – a dedicated retina clinic at JP Hospital, Bhopal, we aim to ensure timely screening, early diagnosis, and access to treatment for every person living with retinal diseases. Protecting sight is not a luxury, it is essential to living with dignity and independence.”

RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, added: “This initiative under our Amrita Drishti – Urban Eye Health Programme is designed to strengthen and complement the government’s efforts to address non-communicable diseases and prevent avoidable blindness. We are working closely with public health institutions to enhance screening systems, build clinical capacity, and establish clear referral pathways for timely treatment. We sincerely thank Roche for partnering with us to advance equitable and accessible retinal care for underserved communities.”

Through this collaboration, Sightsavers India and Roche reaffirm their shared commitment to reducing preventable blindness and expanding access to quality retinal care for vulnerable populations.

Designing Responsibility: How Artisan Rug Brands Are Building Sustainable Global Relationships

Jaipur : In today’s global design economy, sustainability is often spoken about in terms of materials, certifications, and metrics. Yet for  rug manufacturers, its true impact is felt elsewhere. In the way partnerships are built. In how trust is earned. And in the longevity of relationships that extend far beyond a single season or shipment.

As international buyers become more discerning, sustainability is no longer a marketing claim. It has become a shared language between maker and market, shaping expectations on both sides.

Moving Beyond Surface-Level Narratives

European and global design partners are increasingly looking past slogans and labels. They want to understand process, people, and purpose. How artisans are engaged. How responsibly materials are sourced. How consistency and accountability are maintained over time.

This shift has redefined what credibility looks like. Brands are no longer evaluated only on aesthetic excellence, but on the integrity of their operations and the transparency of their decisions.

Craft, Continuity, and Care

For Man Made Rugs, sustainability has always been rooted in continuity rather than promotion. Working closely with artisan communities, the brand prioritizes stable livelihoods, controlled production practices, and a design process that respects both heritage and modern use.

“Sustainability is not something you announce. It is something you practice quietly, every day,” says Nirmit Khanna, Founder of Man Made Rugs. “When partners see that consistency over time, relationships naturally become stronger and more collaborative.”

Relationships Built on Transparency

As global trade frameworks and buyer expectations evolve, transparency has become central to long-term partnerships. Documentation, traceability, and ethical clarity are no longer compliance tools alone. They are signals of respect between collaborators.

For artisan rug brands, this means opening up their processes and inviting dialogue. It also means listening carefully to global partners and adapting without compromising the core values of craft.

The Future of Sustainable Partnerships

As sustainability continues to mature within the design industry, its role is becoming clearer. It is less about visibility and more about reliability. Less about performance and more about partnership.

For artisan rug brands, the future lies in designing responsibility as thoughtfully as they design their collections. In doing so, they are not only meeting global expectations, but redefining how meaningful, long-lasting relationships are built across borders.

From Jaipur to the world, sustainability is no longer just a value. It is a way of working together.

Cotiviti India Expands Footprint with Fifth Office in Uppal

Company to hire hundreds of new employees across healthcare and technology operations

HYDERABAD, India, Feb 16 – Cotiviti India Pvt Ltd (Cotiviti India), a subsidiary of U.S.-based Cotiviti, Inc., a leader in data-driven healthcare solutions, is significantly expanding its presence in India with a new office located in Uppal. The new office will represent Cotiviti’s fifth location in India and feature 900 workstations.

“This state-of-the-art office represents Cotiviti’s continued commitment to expanding in India with employee-centric offices,” said Peter Csapo, chief international and business services officer for Cotiviti. “After expanding several existing offices within the past year, we look forward to extending our presence in the Hyderabad metro area and hiring new team members to fill positions across healthcare, technology, and more.” 

The new Uppal office complements Cotiviti’s long-standing office in the Hi-Tech area of Hyderabad, which currently employs 2,200 Cotiviti team members. The Uppal office will primarily support continued expansion of healthcare payment integrity operations, medical coding, retail operations, software development, global IT support, and clinical policy content development and deployment.

In May 2024, Cotiviti introduced Cotiviti Prosperiti, a broad-based ownership program to ensure that every team member has a stake in the organization’s collective success, creating a work environment where everyone is motivated to contribute their best. All full-time employees are eligible to participate across all Cotiviti India locations.

In addition to the two Hyderabad offices, Cotiviti India operates in Pune, Mohali, and Coimbatore. Applicants are welcome to learn more about Cotiviti’s culture and benefits and apply for openings at www.cotiviti.com/careers.

Dassani Brothers Launches ‘Eternal Love’ A Valentine’s Day Collection Celebrating Affordable Solitaires and Yellow Diamonds

Mumbai, Feb 14: Marking the season of love, Dassani Brothers unveils ‘Eternal Love’, a specially curated Valentine’s Day jewellery collection that reimagines the classic solitaire with a modern and accessible approach. The collection seamlessly blends yellow diamonds, traditional solitaire diamonds, and innovative pie-cut setting diamonds to create pieces that are timeless, radiant, and thoughtfully priced.

At the heart of Eternal Love lies a celebration of enduring commitment. The collection showcases luminous yellow diamonds symbolising warmth, optimism, and joy, qualities synonymous with meaningful relationships. Alongside these are classic solitaires that reflect sophistication and everlasting elegance.

A standout feature of the collection is the use of pie-cut setting diamonds, a refined technique designed to create the visual appeal of a solitaire while offering a more accessible price point. The precision of the pie-cut arrangement enhances brilliance and surface reflection, delivering the grandeur of a solitaire look with greater affordability. This innovation allows customers to experience the essence of a solitaire without compromising on impact or craftsmanship.

“Valentine’s Day is about celebrating meaningful connections with jewellery that carries emotion and value,” said Sumit Dassani, Partner, Dassani Brothers. “With Eternal Love, we have focused on offering affordable solitaires through our pie-cut setting diamonds, while also introducing the warmth of yellow diamonds. The idea was to create a collection that feels luxurious, timeless, and within reach.”

The collection features rings, pendants, earrings, and versatile statement pieces crafted in fine gold settings that enhance the brilliance of both white and yellow diamonds. Each design reflects Dassani Brothers’ legacy of precision craftsmanship and fine jewellery excellence, tailored for modern gifting.

NBCC Preparing to build RERA approved Projects in J&K, says its Chairman

New Delhi, Feb 14: Shri Satish Chandra, IAS (Retd.), RERA Chairman, J&K on Friday disclosed that National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) is most likely undertake housing and real estate projects in the UT of J&K.

Addressing a Panel Discussion on RERA Reforms in Housing Sector under the aegis of National Urban and Real Estate Development Conclave-2026 here Mr. Chandra added that RERA of J&K is in talks with its multiple agencies to effectively undertake approvals for a few real estate projects both in Jammu and Sri Nagar region for which parcels of land are being identified.

He, however, added that the NBCC is planning to effectively take part in constructing such housing projects after the details are worked out without disclosing much of details on this front.

Mr. Chandra has also added that RERA has been allotted office space both in Sri Nagar and Jammu to approve real estate projects in the two regions which currently number in five and lot of enthusiasm is being seen to construct such projects under the eyes of RERA regulations.

Parkinson’s Disease Triggers a Hidden Shift in How the Body Produces Energy

Researchers reveal that weight loss in Parkinson’s disease reflects a metabolic shift from carbohydrates to fat-based energy

Weight loss is common in Parkinson’s disease, but its biological basis has been unclear. Researchers at Fujita Health University show that this loss reflects reduced body fat, not muscle, along with a shift in energy metabolism. Patients exhibited impaired carbohydrate metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased fat breakdown with ketone body production. These changes were most pronounced in thinner patients and those with more advanced disease, revealing a hidden energy crisis in Parkinson’s disease.

Weight loss is a well-recognized but poorly understood non-motor feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Many patients progressively lose weight as the disease advances, often alongside worsening motor symptoms and quality of life. Until now, it was unclear whether this reflected muscle loss, poor nutrition, or deeper metabolic changes. New research shows that PD-related weight loss is driven mainly by a selective loss of body fat, while muscle mass is largely preserved, and is accompanied by a fundamental shift in how the body produces energy.

Although PD is classically viewed as a neurological disorder, increasing evidence points to widespread metabolic dysfunction. Patients often experience fatigue and nutritional decline, yet dietary advice has largely focused on boosting calories. The new findings challenge this conventional view, showing that weight loss in PD reflects a failure of the body’s standard energy-producing pathways rather than reduced food intake alone. The findings were published on November 30, 2025, in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

The study was led by Professor Hirohisa Watanabe from the Department of Neurology at Fujita Health University, School of Medicine, Japan, along with Dr. Atsuhiro Higashi and Dr. Yasuaki Mizutani from Fujita Health University. The team aimed to clarify what exactly is lost when patients with PD lose weight and why the body is forced to change its energy strategy.

The researchers enrolled 91 patients with PD and 47 healthy controls and conducted a detailed analysis of body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis. This allowed them to separately measure fat mass, muscle mass, and other body components. In parallel, they performed comprehensive plasma metabolomic profiling using mass spectrometry to evaluate glycolysis, the Krebs (TCA) cycle, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and ketone body production.

The results revealed a clear and striking pattern. Compared with healthy controls, patients with PD had lower body weight and body mass index, driven almost entirely by a reduction in body fat. Muscle mass was largely preserved in the early-to-mid stages of disease, and the prevalence of sarcopenia was comparable to that seen in the general aging population. “We clarified that it is not the muscle that is decreasing, but the fat,” says Prof. Watanabe. “This changes how we should think about weight loss in Parkinson’s disease.”

Crucially, the study revealed that this fat loss is a consequence of a deeper metabolic failure. Key metabolites, such as lactic acid and succinic acid were significantly reduced, indicating impaired glycolysis and dysfunction of the TCA cycle—the body’s primary ‘’main engine’’ for adenosine triphosphate production. This failure means that glucose can no longer be efficiently converted into usable energy.

As a result, the body activates an alternative survival mechanism. Markers of ketone bodies, including acetoacetic acid, were elevated, along with metabolites associated with amino acid catabolism, demonstrating activation of an “emergency engine” that relies on fat and protein breakdown to sustain energy production. In other words, when carbohydrate metabolism fails, the body is forced to burn fat to survive.

Importantly, this metabolic shift was not uniform across patients. Ketone body levels were highest in thinner patients and those with more advanced disease severity. This suggests that as PD progresses, the body increasingly relies on fat breakdown to compensate for impaired carbohydrate metabolism. “Being thin may signal an invisible energy crisis occurring inside the patient’s body,” Dr. Higashi explains. “The body is forced to burn fat to survive.”

Beyond explaining weight loss, the findings have important implications for future care. Simply increasing calorie intake may be insufficient if the body’s main glucose-based energy engine is not functioning properly. The study suggests a need to rethink nutritional and therapeutic strategies for PD. Interventions that stabilize glycolysis, improve mitochondrial function, or prevent excessive reliance on fat-derived ketone bodies may represent entirely new treatment approaches, distinct from conventional dopamine replacement therapy.

Together, the results highlight PD as a disorder of both the brain and the body, driven by hidden metabolic dysfunction. By showing that weight loss reflects selective fat depletion due to impaired carbohydrate-based energy production, not muscle loss, the study offers a new framework for identifying high-risk patients and intervening earlier. Recognizing “thinness” as a biological warning sign could enable more proactive, personalized care to prevent disease-related energy collapse.