Category Archives: Business

Fibe appoints Vivek Sapre as Chief Human Resources Officer

Pune, Oct 05: Digital lending platform, Fibe, has appointed Vivek Sapre as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). In his new role, Vivek will lead Fibe’s people and culture agenda, focusing on strengthening leadership, developing talent and building a high-performance culture to support the company’s growth.

Vivek brings diverse experience across human resources, consulting, strategy, product management and business leadership.

He joins Fibe from Veranda Learning Solutions, where he served as Group CHRO, leading people strategy and HR initiatives across the group. Previously, he was Head – HR & Corporate Affairs at NeoGrowth Credit, overseeing human resources, learning and development, administration and corporate affairs.

Akshay Mehrotra, Managing Director & Group CEO, Fibe, stated, “Building a company that puts people first means giving employees the opportunity and support to grow as the business evolves. As AI becomes a greater part of how we work, we need to invest equally in upskilling our teams, helping them use technology with confidence and exercise sound judgement. Vivek’s experience across people leadership, strategy and financial services brings a valuable perspective to this effort. We believe that he will help us develop leaders from within, make continuous learning part of everyday work and create a culture where employees can take on greater responsibility and shape Fibe’s future.”

Vivek Sapre, Chief Human Resources Officer, Fibe, said, “What drew me to Fibe is the opportunity to help employees build lasting careers in a sector where the skills needed for success are changing rapidly. My priority will be to attract the right talent, develop leaders who set the tone through their actions and create clear opportunities for career growth. Strengthening learning and development will be central to this, helping employees build new skills and adapt as technology reshapes how we work. I want every individual to feel valued, take ownership and see how their contribution supports Fibe’s larger goals.”

An alumnus of XLRI Jamshedpur, Vivek has also worked with EY, L&T Finance, Tata-Hitachi, Mu Sigma and Infosys. His career spans financial services advisory, product and strategy management, analytics, marketing and technology, bringing a broad business perspective to his people leadership role.

RBI May Hold Repo Rate in October, Rate Hikes Could Start in December: BoB

New Delhi, Oct 5: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent in its October monetary policy meeting, while a rate-hike cycle could begin from December, according to an assessment by Bank of Baroda.

The bank expects the RBI to maintain its neutral policy stance in October as it continues to monitor inflation, economic growth, crude oil prices and global financial conditions.

Bank of Baroda expects the RBI to raise the repo rate by a total of 50-75 basis points in the next tightening cycle, starting in December. However, the timing and pace of any future rate changes will depend on how inflation and other economic indicators develop.

India’s economy continues to show strong growth, giving the central bank some room to assess the situation before making a change in interest rates. Bank of Baroda expects India’s GDP growth to remain around 7-7.2 per cent in FY27.

Inflation is also an important factor for the RBI. Retail inflation has moved higher in recent months, mainly due to food prices, while core inflation has remained relatively moderate.

The banking system is also seeing surplus liquidity, while credit growth remains healthy across several sectors. These factors could influence the RBI’s approach to monetary policy in the coming months.

Global developments will remain another key factor. Changes in crude oil prices, movements in global interest rates and foreign investment flows can affect India’s inflation outlook, the rupee and bond yields.

If the RBI keeps the repo rate unchanged in October, it would give policymakers more time to assess these developments before considering a possible rate increase later in the year.

For borrowers, businesses and financial markets, the October policy decision and the RBI’s guidance will be closely watched for signals on the future direction of interest rates.

Gold Slides Nearly 1% While Silver Gains Amid Global Uncertainty

Mumbai, Oct. 5: Gold prices declined nearly 1 per cent in domestic futures trading on Monday, while silver moved higher as bullion markets reacted to movements in the US dollar and continuing geopolitical uncertainty.

 Representational Image 

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), December gold futures were trading at ₹1,49,184 per 10 grams around 10 am, down ₹1,206, or 0.8 per cent, from the previous close.

Gold had earlier slipped as much as 1.02 per cent to ₹1,48,850. The contract touched an intraday high of ₹1,51,197 before easing.

Silver Moves Higher

Silver futures bucked the trend, with the December contract gaining as much as 0.49 per cent to reach an intraday high of ₹2,26,999 per kg.

The white metal was later trading at around ₹2,26,340 per kg, up ₹463, or 0.2 per cent, from the previous close. Silver had opened at ₹2,25,900, while gold began the session at ₹1,51,197.

Gold Faces Key Resistance

Commodity analysts said gold’s fall below the ₹1.50 lakh level has turned the mark into an immediate resistance zone.

Resistance is seen around ₹1,51,000-₹1,51,600, followed by ₹1,52,500-₹1,53,000. On the downside, support is expected around ₹1,48,000-₹1,47,300, followed by ₹1,46,000-₹1,45,300.

Analysts said the technical outlook remains cautious, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 43 and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator in negative territory.

A sustained move above ₹1.50 lakh could help stabilise gold, while a break below ₹1,48,000 may expose the contract to further downside towards ₹1,46,000.

Silver Outperforms Gold

Silver has continued to show relative strength, holding above the ₹2,24,000 support zone.

Analysts have placed immediate resistance at ₹2,27,000-₹2,28,000, followed by ₹2,31,000-₹2,32,000. A sustained rise above ₹2,28,000 could support further recovery, while a fall below ₹2,24,000 may pull prices towards ₹2,20,000.

The contrasting movement in domestic prices reflects a similar trend in international bullion markets, where silver has recently outperformed gold.

Geopolitical Developments in Focus

Global geopolitical developments remain an important driver for precious-metal prices.

US President Donald Trump recently said Washington faced a choice between further military action against Iran and reaching an agreement with Tehran, adding another layer of uncertainty for global markets.

Investors are therefore closely tracking currency movements and geopolitical developments for further direction in bullion prices.

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank expands footprint in East India; opens Retail Asset Centre in Siliguri, West Bengal

Siliguri, Oct 05: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan SFB) today announced the opening of its Retail Asset Centre (RAC) at Siliguri marking a significant step in expanding its presence across East India. The new centre will provide a comprehensive range of credit solutions including affordable housing loans, micro mortgages, and vehicle loans to individuals and micro and small enterprises (MSEs) across Siliguri.

The RAC is designed to streamline the application, processing, and management of retail credit products, enabling faster turnaround times and efficient service delivery for customers in the region.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Umesh Arora, Head – Emerging Business, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, said, “The opening of our Retail Asset Centre in Siliguri reflects our commitment to serving the financial needs of customers in East India. WB has shown encouraging economic activity, with individuals and small businesses seeking access to formal credit for housing, transportation, and business expansion. Through this RAC, we aim to provide quick and reliable financing solutions that support asset creation and economic progress in the region. This expansion is aligned with our strategy to deepen our reach in underserved markets and contribute to inclusive growth.”

Ujjivan SFB’s customer base of ~99.6 lakh includes 3.8 lakh asset-only customers, 52 lakh liability-only customers, and 43.7 lakh customers with both asset and liability, reflecting its balanced and inclusive growth strategy. The bank continues to provide a comprehensive suite of financial products and services, including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits, demat and insurance services, as well as loans spanning microfinance, housing, MSME, agriculture, vehicle, and gold segments.

To address diverse credit needs, Ujjivan SFB offers Business Loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹10 crore, Affordable Housing Loans between ₹5 lakh and ₹75 lakh, Micro-Mortgage Loans from ₹3 lakh to ₹15 lakh, Gold Loans from ₹25,000 to ₹25 lakh, and Vehicle Loans from ₹26,000 to ₹5 lakh. On the deposit side, the bank offers competitive interest rates with savings accounts earning up to 7.25% per annum and fixed deposits offering up to 7.95% per annum for senior citizens.

The bank has been steadily enhancing its digital footprint through platforms such as Ujjivan EZY for mobile and internet banking, and Hello Ujjivan, the bank’s vernacular, visual, and voice-based app designed for easy accessibility. Other digital offerings include video banking, UPI-based payments, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS facilities, ensuring seamless and secure transactions for customers across segments.

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank reported robust performance in the December 2025 quarter, total deposits rising 22.4% year-on-year to ₹42,223 crore and CASA grew 33.2% to ₹11,535 crore taking the CASA ratio to 27.3%. The gross loan book expanded 21.6% year-on-year to ₹37,057 crore, driven by strategic diversification with the secured loan share increasing to 48.1%.

The quarter also saw the bank’s highest-ever disbursement of ₹8,293 crore. Asset quality improved further, with Portfolio at Risk (PAR) declining to 3.98%, while GNPA stood at 2.39%. In line with the FY26 plan, during the quarter bank also opened 11 new branches and has applied to the RBI for a Universal Banking License and awaits a decision. 

India’s infrastructure challenge shifts from raising capital to making projects investable: Deloitte

New Delhi, Oct 05, 2026: Infrastructure leaders across the Asia Pacific are signalling a fundamental shift in how infrastructure will be financed, delivered and operated over the next decade. New findings from Deloitte‘s Future of infrastructure survey 2026 reveal that the future of infrastructure will be defined by the ability to connect capital, policy, technology and delivery across interconnected infrastructure systems.

For India, the findings suggest that the challenge extends beyond mobilising capital to making projects more investable and execution ready. 38 percent of Indian respondents cite lack of private-sector participation as a key challenge, while 42 percent point to complex policies, regulations and permitting processes as barriers to infrastructure delivery. In addition, 38 percent cite budgetary constraints as a key impediment to project execution. Together, these findings underscore the need for stronger project preparation, clearer revenue models and financing structures that allocate risk to stakeholders best placed to manage it.

“India’s infrastructure opportunity is multi-decadal, but seasoned investors view it as two distinct tranches separated by risk. The public sector has helped reduce risk and attract private investment in greenfield sectors such as renewables and highways. However, similar mechanisms are yet to emerge at scale in urban infrastructure. At the same time, private capital is increasingly participating in brownfield assets through asset recycling, M&A, InvITs and listings. The monetisation of de-risked assets is a sign of the Indian market’s growing maturity, helping recycle capital into new infrastructure development. M&A is playing a key role in this process, connecting brownfield monetisation with new greenfield development and helping sustain India’s investment cycle. As deal sizes expand, supported by deeper capital pools and relaxation of acquisition financing norms, investors will need to focus on unlocking embedded value and generating alpha post-acquisition,” said Manish Aggarwal, National Leader – Infrastructure & Capital Projects, Deloitte South Asia.

India’s HAM demonstrates how targeted government support and risk-sharing can improve project bankability and attract private capital. By balancing risks between the public and private sectors and funding 40 percent of construction costs, the model has helped create more investable infrastructure opportunities. Risk-sharing can help unlock private capital.

The survey highlights that APAC is emerging as a global infrastructure innovation hub, with 80 percent of respondents expecting greater integration of digital technologies across public and social infrastructure and 86 percent identifying data infrastructure as a priority investment area.

India’s priorities mirror these trends while displaying even stronger conviction in select areas. 93 percent of Indian respondents expect increased investment in cybersecurity, while 80 percent expect an increase in public Wi-Fi infrastructure investment. At the same time, 77 percent expect growth in alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal, while 82 percent anticipate increased investment in freight rail and mass transit systems.

The survey also underscores India’s strong focus on digital transformation. 71 percent of Indian respondents agree that the public sector needs to modernise infrastructure and integrate digital engineering technologies to meet evolving needs, compared with 36 percent across APAC. Additionally, 83 percent believe that public and critical infrastructure requires stronger protection from cyberattacks, compared with 63 percent across APAC.

Technology, AI and government modernisation

The findings point to growing momentum around AI-enabled infrastructure planning, delivery and operations. 91 percent of Indian respondents expect adoption of advanced technologies such as GenAI, digital twins and predictive analytics to significantly impact infrastructure and transportation operations, compared with 57 percent across APAC. Meanwhile, 50 percent of Indian respondents agree that AI technologies will revolutionise infrastructure planning and operations, and 50 percent believe that integrating digital twins and real-time analytics is essential to improving asset performance and enabling predictive maintenance.

“Technology is becoming the connective tissue across infrastructure systems. Indian leaders are moving beyond viewing AI as a standalone technology and are beginning to see it as an operating layer for infrastructure planning, financing, delivery and operations. Governments will need to combine AI, digital twins, cybersecurity and real-time analytics to improve project delivery, strengthen resilience and make more informed investment decisions. The next generation of infrastructure will be defined by physical assets and the intelligence embedded within them,” said NSN Murty, Government & Public Services Consulting Leader, Deloitte South Asia.

Organisations are already preparing for this shift. 79 percent of Indian respondents report that they are developing AI training and development programmes, 62 percent are building AI vision and implementation roadmaps, and 54 percent are taking actions to strengthen data quality for effective AI adoption. Infrastructure organisations are deploying AI for predictive maintenance, cyber and physical security, energy demand forecasting and real-time asset monitoring.

As India seeks to accelerate infrastructure development and attract greater institutional capital, the ability to build investable project pipelines, adopt fit-for-purpose financing models and leverage technology to improve delivery outcomes will become important to sustaining long-term growth.

Successful partnership between TÜV SÜD and BRE

“Implementing sustainability in a way that is measurable, comparable, and economically successful”

Munich. With over a million certifications in more than 80 countries, BREEAM is one of the leading global sustainability standards for property. As National Scheme Operator (NSO), TÜV SÜD has been responsible for the national adaptation, quality assurance, training and market development of BREEAM in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the past ten years.

BREEAM has become a crucial tool for the sustainable transformation of buildings. As National Scheme Operator (NSO), TÜV SÜD consistently aligns the national adaptation and further
development of the system with the needs of building owners, investors, asset managers, and occupants. The development of independent DACH adaptations, the introduction of new
system versions, and the continuous expansion of the network of auditors and experts have contributed significantly to establishing BREEAM in the DACH region as a recognized standard
for the assessment and continuous improvement of existing real estate.

As real estate markets become increasingly globalized, the comparability of sustainability performance is gaining in importance; transparent assessments based on internationally recognized standards are becoming a key success factor for institutional investors, international users, and global capital markets. “Against this backdrop, our task is not only to adapt the BREEAM standard to national requirements, but above all to strengthen the DACH region in international competition,” says Alexander Rüb, Head of the BREEAM National System Representation at TÜV SÜD. “Our goal is to combine global requirements and best practices with the high-quality standards and unique characteristics of the German-speaking markets.”

Trends in recent years show that the sustainable development of the real estate portfolio is becoming increasingly important. While new construction activity is slowing in many markets, issues such as decarbonization, ESG compliance, taxonomy compliance, and the long-term preservation of value in existing properties are gaining in significance. BREEAM offers a holistic framework that takes environmental, social, and economic aspects into account and covers the entire life cycle of a property.

An important strategic decision

The tenth anniversary of the National System Representation for BREEAM in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland also highlights an important strategic decision: As early as September
2025, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) – as the developer and standard-setter for BREEAM – and TÜV SÜD had agreed to extend their successful partnership, thereby laying
the foundation for the next phase of the sustainability standard in the DACH region. “The contract extension was a clear signal for the future of sustainable construction in Europe,” emphasizes Rüb. “Ten years after assuming the role of National Standards Organization  (NSO), we can see how our shared vision has proven itself in practice. BREEAM has become established as a key tool for the sustainable transformation of real estate, particularly in the existing building stock, and significantly contributes to greater transparency, comparability, and quality in the market.”

BRE and TÜV SÜD will continue to consistently drive the further development of BREEAM in Europe, strengthen the transfer of knowledge between national and international markets, and
further expand the training of professionals. “Together, we are pursuing the goal of providing owners, investors, and project developers with practical tools that enable them to implement
sustainability in a way that is measurable, comparable, and economically successful,” emphasizes Rüb. “At the same time, we want to help ensure that the high quality and innovative strength of our construction and real estate industry remain visible and recognized in the face of international competition.”

TÜV SÜD Is the NSO for BREEAM in the DACH Region

Since 2016, TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH has been the exclusive National Scheme Operator (NSO) for BREEAM in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In this role, TÜV SÜD
develops and operates national BREEAM systems, is responsible for the training and licensing of experts, and oversees quality assurance and project certification in the DACH region. With
over one million certifications in more than 80 countries, BREEAM is one of the world’s leading sustainability standards for the entire life cycle of real estate.

For more information on BREEAM services offered by TÜV SÜD, visit us October 5–7, 2026,  at EXPO REAL in Munich (Hall B1, Booth B1.532) or go totuvsud.com/en/services/management-system-certification/breeam-certification-for-green-
buildings.

Get Ready for the Festive Season at The Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Weeks before the festive season tends to move fast, filled with plans, celebrations and preparations. The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai offers a reason to pause, if only for a few hours, and be looked after before the season begins. This October, the Spa introduces a seasonal experience built around exactly that idea: a chance to feel refreshed and step into the festivities at your best. 

The Festival Rejuvenation Journey takes its cue from the energy of Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali. The 180-minute experience includes a Rubis Anti-Ageing Salt Scrub, Rejuvenating Serenity Massage and Hydrating Facial, with the treatments focused on relieving festive fatigue, releasing muscle tension and restoring the skin. 

“Festive season is such a special time of year, but it can also be one of the busiest. We wanted to create experiences that give our guests a little time away from the preparations to relax, feel refreshed and enjoy being looked after before the celebrations begin. That sense of care is at the heart of the generous hospitality we offer at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai” says Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai.

Being festive-ready is about more than what you wear. It is about walking into the season feeling good, looking rested and ready for every celebration ahead. At The Spa, that starts with a little time set aside for yourself, delivered with the elegance that defines the experience. 

Timing: 10am -10 pm, all 7 days

Shoppers Stop Brings Its Dasara Collection to Life at a Special Fashion Showcase in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, 05 October 2026: Shoppers Stop, India’s premium fashion, beauty and gifting destination, brought the festive spirit of Dasara to life with a special fashion showcase at Sarath City Mall, Hyderabad. The showcase celebrated the season through a curated presentation of festive fashion, bringing together the richness of Indian traditions with contemporary style. Adding star power to the evening, actor Nidhhi Agerwal walked the runway as the showstopper, showcasing the festive spirit of the collection.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours and celebratory spirit of Dasara, the collection features rich hues, elegant silhouettes, intricate detailing and statement accents across a carefully curated selection of looks. The showcase brought together four distinct fashion stories inspired by the festive spirit of the season. The Dasara Pooja Look opened the showcase with festive floral prints and elegant ethnic wear, followed by the Navratri Golu Edit, which brought a contemporary, Indo-western perspective to festive dressing. The Vijayadashami Look embraced the grandeur of the occasion through vibrant, polished and statement-making heavy ethnic wear, while The Party Edit brought the evening to life with versatile, fashion-first western styles. Together, the looks captured the many moods of festive dressing; from traditional celebrations to contemporary gatherings and festive nights out.

The collection reflects Shoppers Stop’s approach to premiumisation through curation, bringing together the right brands, fashion and lifestyle categories under one roof while offering customers a more elevated and personalised shopping experience. From timeless Indian ensembles to contemporary festive styles, customers can discover fashion from leading Indian and international brands, complemented by premium watches, handbags, fragrances, beauty and accessories to complete the occasion.

Mr. Jiten Mahendra, Customer Care Associate & CMO, Shoppers Stop, said, “Dasara represents celebration, togetherness and new beginnings, and fashion is an integral part of how we experience these moments. Through our Dasara fashion showcase, we wanted to bring together the beauty of Indian festive dressing with contemporary styles that reflect how our customers dress and celebrate today. Having Nidhhi Agerwal bring the collection to life on the runway added another dimension to the celebration, showcasing how festive fashion can be expressive, versatile and deeply personal. At Shoppers Stop, our focus is on helping customers discover the right look for every celebration while bringing together fashion, beauty and lifestyle in one curated experience.”

The Dasara Collection is available across Shoppers Stop stores and online, with customers able to explore a curated selection of festive fashion, accessories and beauty to complete their celebration-ready looks. customers discover, style and personalise their festive wardrobe for every celebration.

With Personal Shopper services and exclusive First Citizen Club privileges, and a portfolio of 500+ premium brands, Shoppers Stop goes beyond simply offering festive fashion but creates a complete premium experience.

MGM Healthcare Takes Advanced Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgical Techniques to Iraq

Chennai, October 05, 2026: A team of doctors from MGM Healthcare travelled to Iraq to perform minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery on two patients with life-threatening conditions, introducing the advanced technique to local medical professionals and providing an opportunity for knowledge-sharing and clinical learning.

The team, comprising 10 doctors, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, ICU nurses, and scrub nurses, stayed in Karbala in central Iraq for over a week, training local medical professionals in minimally invasive procedures while also performing surgeries on two patients. The team was headed by Dr. Vinod Kumar Manikala, Senior Consultant, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgeon, and had carried all the specially designed equipment required to perform the surgeries.

The team performed Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery–Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (MICS-CABG) on a 100-kilogram patient who had blockages in three coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart. Through a small, 2-inch incision on the left side of the chest, the team successfully performed the bypass procedure on the patient’s beating heart, without opening the breastbone.

Conventionally, open heart bypass surgery will be performed on patients with blockages in arteries. It requires at least a 10-12 inch incision and opening the breastbone. It also requires a prolonged rest period for recovery.

The team has also performed Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) on a man whose portion of lung was dilated and infected. Through a 2-inch unilateral incision on the left chest, they had sent a tiny camera and specialised instruments into the chest to remove the diseased portion of the lung.

Both the patients had recovered quickly without any risks and returned home. They are under constant monitoring.

On comparison with traditional methods, minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery offers several advantages, including smaller incisions, reduced damage to surrounding tissues, less postoperative pain and blood loss, and a lower risk of certain wound-related complications.

By avoiding the need for a large chest incision and cutting of the breastbone, this technique can help patients mobilise earlier and achieve a faster recovery, resulting in an earlier return to normal activities. The approach enables surgeons to perform complex procedures through specialised instruments and advanced surgical techniques.

In his comments, Dr. Vinod Kumar Manikala said, “A team from MGM Healthcare travelled to Kerbala in Iraq to train local doctors and medical professionals in minimally invasive cardiothoracic procedures, which are relatively new to them. During our week-long visit, we had the opportunity to share our expertise and experience in these advanced surgical techniques, conduct hands-on training and perform complex procedures on patients. It was a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and capacity building, enabling the local medical team to gain practical exposure to minimally invasive approaches and understand how these techniques can be adopted in appropriate cases.”

PMOS Care, Smart Textiles, Online Research Ethics, and the TEMPO Pilot

Toronto, October 03: JMIR Publications released four feature News and Perspectives articles this week, covering developments in smart textiles, PMOS treatment in India, the FDA’s TEMPO pilot for regulating AI-enabled devices, and the ethical quandaries of using online forums in research.

How Digital Tools May Improve Access to PMOS Treatment in India

In “Closing Treatment Gaps for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome in India”, Bharath Thampi speaks with physicians and patients of PMOS—renamed from polycystic ovary syndrome earlier this year—on the condition’s persisting stigma and barriers to care. Diagnosis and treatment is particularly inaccessible in rural regions of India, writes Thampi, but digital initiatives may help. Reproductive health awareness has improved with the adoption of smartphones and social media, and digital twin technology is beginning to be harnessed to develop individualized treatment plans for PMOS patients. According to expert source Dr. Paramesh Shamanna, app-delivered treatment plans may one day be accessible and affordable to girls and women in rural regions as well.

The Future of Fabric

Is it time to ask more of our fabrics? In “Smart Textiles Tackle Wound Healing, Climate Adaptation, and Reproductive Health”, Virginia Gewin covers developments in the nascent field of smart textiles—fabrics with technology literally woven in that can sense and track changes in health markers—and its applications in medical care, climate adaptability, and even military operations. Up next, writes Gewin, researchers are “moving from simply sensing skin conditions to taking actions, such as delivering antibiotics or adjusting pressure in response to real-time swelling”. 

What the FDA’s TEMPO Pilot Means For Medical AI Regulation 

Tejas S Athni reports on the Technology-Enabled Meaningful Patient Outcomes for the FDA’s Digital Health Devices Pilot program in “The US Food and Drug Administration’s TEMPO Pilot Signals a New Regulatory Approach for AI-Enabled Medical Devices”. This pilot “provisionally enables certain manufacturers to launch digital health devices for clinical use before obtaining traditional FDA marketing authorization, while the agency evaluates their performance in real-world settings,” writes Athni, noting that AI-enabled devices can perform dynamically in real-world settings, meaning traditional evaluation pathways may not be adequate for these products. “TEMPO represents an important experiment on how the FDA may regulate AI-enabled medical devices, providing regulators an opportunity to learn from technologies in real time.”

The Ethics of Mining Data from Public Forums

Public forums, and their wealth of accessible information, are useful to researchers—but can this data be collected ethically? Simon Spichak investigates in “How to Use—And How Not to Use—Public Forums in Research”, speaking with a moderator of the subreddit /r/ChangeMyView, which was unknowingly subjected to an experiment by the University of Zurich in 2025; as well as internet research ethicist Dr. Amy Bruckman. Spichak notes that “Social media sites…have been commonly mined for data by researchers even though most users are unaware,” and that “a lack of explicit user consent…is common among research that uses Reddit posts.” Data mining, increasingly common with AI web scraping, has prompted Reddit and other companies to take matters into their own hands by restricting access to forums, which will in turn require researchers to develop new strategies for ethical data collection.