Category Archives: Business

Dr. Devesh Kumar Singh Honoured with ET Industry Leaders Award

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh  July 29: Dr. Devesh Kumar Singh, the Chairman of the Noida International University (NIU) and the NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, has been awarded the ET Industry Leaders North 2026 award for his great contribution to the Education & Healthcare sector. This award is granted annually to the esteemed leaders who are contributing in transforming the Indian economy.

The award was announced at the ET Industry Leaders North 2026 event themed “Celebrating the Growth Story, Powering India”, by the prominent film star and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty.

Noida International University has flourished under the brilliant influence of Dr. Devesh Kumar Singh, transforming into one of the leading multidisciplinary institutions in India with a proven track record of excellence in education and innovation. In parallel with this development, NIIMS Medical College & Hospital has also established itself as a reputable institution in the field of medical science and healthcare education, offering superior patient care, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and research services. This recognition is a tribute to the determination of Dr. Singh, who has been committed to creating institutions, enabling a link between education and health.

Dr. Devesh Kumar Singh, Chairman, Noida International University and NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, said: “I am privileged and grateful to receive the ET Industry Leaders North 2026 Award for Exceptional Contribution to Education & Healthcare. This honour signifies not only my personal achievement but also the commitment, passion, and efforts of the entire Noida International University and NIIMS Medical College team. We have strongly believed that education and healthcare are the two most important pillars of nation building, based upon our goal of building institutions that make people knowledgeable, innovative, kind, and provided with opportunities. I would like to thank the ET industry leaders once again for this honour and dedicate this award to our students, faculty, doctors, personnel, partners, and everyone who made our achievement possible.”

Officials from Noida International University remarked during the occasion that this award is a testament to the university’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and overall social contribution. The university has been expanding its academic ecosystem in conjunction with its commitment to industry ties, international affiliations, and proven research capabilities, together with the provision of ample opportunities for practical learning.

MyAssetPoint Launches Cross-Border Real Estate Collaboration Platform in India and UAE

New Delhi, India, July 28: Real estate technology company MyAssetPoint has announced the launch of its agent collaboration platform in India and the United Arab Emirates, introducing a network designed to enable real estate professionals to collaborate on property transactions across multiple markets through a commission-sharing model at https://myassetpoint.com/r/pp6hvhhs.

The platform seeks to address one of the industry’s longstanding challenges—limited collaboration between independent brokers operating in different cities and countries. Instead of working independently, registered agents can share property listings, exchange buyer leads and participate in transactions together while the listing agent manages site visits, negotiations and documentation.

Talking about the launch, company spokesperson said, “Real estate remains a highly fragmented industry where professionals often work within limited geographical boundaries. Our objective is to create a collaborative ecosystem where agents can access opportunities beyond their local markets while maintaining transparency in lead management and commission sharing.”

According to the company, every registered agent receives a dedicated personal website connected to the platform’s inventory, allowing properties listed by participating agents to be showcased across the network. The company says this approach is intended to increase property visibility and expand business opportunities without requiring agents to establish offices in multiple locations.

The platform is currently operational in India and the UAE. MyAssetPoint plans to expand its network to seven to eight additional international markets over the next three to four months as part of its global growth strategy.

The company believes the model could particularly benefit independent brokers and small agencies by providing access to a wider inventory of properties and potential buyers without requiring significant investment in technology or physical expansion.

Industry observers note that technology-driven collaboration platforms are increasingly gaining attention as real estate markets become more interconnected and cross-border property transactions continue to grow.

As part of its launch offer, MyAssetPoint is providing free onboarding for a limited period and a complimentary personal website to all new agents joining the platform. While the free onboarding offer is available only for a limited time, the personal website will continue to be provided to every new agent.

Pine Labs Sees Q1 Profit Slump, Continues Focus on Growth Plans

New Delhi, July 28: Digital payments and fintech company Pine Labs reported a 67% sequential decline in its first-quarter net profit, reflecting pressure on earnings during the period.

The company’s financial performance was impacted by various business factors, even as it continued to expand its merchant payments ecosystem and strengthen its digital solutions portfolio.

Pine Labs has been focusing on improving operational efficiency, enhancing technology capabilities, and expanding its range of payment and financial services to support future growth.

The fintech firm continues to operate in a rapidly evolving digital payments market, where increasing competition and changing customer expectations are shaping business strategies.

The company said its long-term focus remains on innovation, scaling its platform, and creating sustainable growth opportunities across the markets it serves.

India’s Export Growth Gains Momentum as FTAs Open New Global Markets

New Delhi, July 28: India’s trade performance recorded strong growth in FY26, with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) helping exporters access new international markets and expand business opportunities.

The government said improved market access through trade partnerships has supported Indian industries and strengthened the country’s position in global commerce.

FTAs have enabled exporters to explore new destinations, enhance competitiveness, and increase participation in international supply chains.

Officials said continued focus on trade expansion, manufacturing growth, and global partnerships will help further boost India’s export potential.

The government is working to create a more favourable environment for exporters and strengthen India’s role in global trade.

The Science Behind Erling Haaland’s Sleep Routine: Do You Really Need These Sleep Hacks

Football star Erling Haaland calls sleep his biggest performance tool. But do blue-light glasses, mouth taping and other sleep hacks really work? Experts explain what science supports, what to avoid, and the sleep habits that matter most.

Elite footballers spend countless hours perfecting their game, but one of the biggest factors behind peak performance happens away from the training ground. Erling Haaland, one of the world’s most prolific footballers, has repeatedly spoken about prioritising sleep as a cornerstone of his recovery routine. The 25-year-old Norwegian striker’s performance at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 has been incredible, and at least part of it is reportedly thanks to his sleep habits. Reports of him wearing blue-light-blocking glasses, limiting screen time, taping his mouth shut and maintaining a disciplined sleep schedule have sparked curiosity about whether these habits are worth adopting.

While social media often promotes “sleep hacks” as shortcuts to better health and athletic performance, sleep medicine experts say the real benefits come from consistency rather than quick fixes. Good-quality sleep is essential not just for professional athletes but also for anyone looking to improve physical health, mental sharpness and overall wellbeing.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night for optimal health, while athletes may benefit from even longer sleep durations depending on training intensity. Research also shows that adequate sleep improves reaction time, memory, immune function and emotional regulation, while chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and depression.

So, which parts of Haaland’s sleep routine are backed by science, and which should be approached with caution?

Why Sleep Is A Performance Enhancer

“When top-level footballers like Erling Haaland say sleep is their biggest performance tool, it sort of lines up with what sports medicine has been saying for years,” says Dr. Subrata Das, Lead Consultant and HOD – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital.

He explains that although training creates physical stress, “recovery, adaptation and the actual performance gains tend to show up mostly during sleep.”

During deep sleep, the body undergoes several vital recovery processes. “In deep sleep, the body releases growth hormone, repairs muscle fibres, tops up glycogen reserves, balances inflammation, and ‘locks in’ motor skills picked up during training. That’s one of the reasons athletes who consistently prioritise sleep often bounce back quicker and hold onto peak performance through those exhausting, packed seasons,” says Dr. Das.

This aligns with evidence from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which recognises sleep as one of the most important components of athletic recovery and injury prevention.

Do Blue-Light Glasses Really Help?

One habit associated with Haaland is wearing blue-light-blocking glasses before bedtime. According to Dr. Das, “A few of Haaland’s reported sleep routines also match up with research. Using blue-light-blocking glasses before bed and cutting down on screen time can help protect natural melatonin rhythms, so sleep onset becomes easier.”

Blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets and laptops suppresses melatonin-the hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Reducing evening screen exposure may therefore help people fall asleep more easily.

He adds, “Keeping the bedroom clear of phones and notifications reduces mental arousal and avoids those little wake-ups, so the result is better sleep quality, not only more hours.” Experts also recommend avoiding electronic devices before bedtime as part of good sleep hygiene.

What About Mouth Taping?

One of the more controversial wellness trends gaining popularity online is mouth taping during sleep. Despite widespread claims, experts urge caution. “That one habit which deserves some caution is mouth taping. While nasal breathing has recognised benefits, there is not quite enough top-tier evidence to nudge people to use mouth taping routinely, healthy individuals or athletes included,” says Dr. Das.

He further warns: “It should not be used by anyone who has nasal blockage, allergies or undiagnosed sleep apnoa without getting medical advice first.” Current scientific evidence remains limited, and sleep specialists caution against treating viral wellness trends as proven medical practices.

The Sleep Habits That Actually Matter

Rather than focusing on viral hacks, experts recommend building sustainable sleep habits. “The bigger lesson from athletes like Haaland is not really that some single sleep hack magically builds elite performance. It is more that the recovery routine stays consistent, day after day, no matter what,” says Dr. Das.

“High-performing athletes treat sleep as a segment of training, not as leftover downtime.”

For most people, he recommends:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
• Limiting screen exposure before bedtime
• Exercising regularly
• Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night

“For most people, keeping a regular sleep schedule, reducing screen exposure in the evening, moving your body often, and aiming for seven to nine hours of proper sleep can still make real differences for physical health, mental sharpness and long-term wellbeing. This holds true even if you are not training like a professional footballer,” he says.

When Poor Sleep Needs Medical Attention

Not every sleep problem can be solved with better habits. Dr. Das advises that anyone experiencing loud snoring, daytime fatigue or feeling unrefreshed despite adequate sleep should seek medical evaluation.

“If someone is having snoring, daytime lethargy or a feeling of incomplete sleep, they should meet a doctor and get evaluated for sleep apnea through a sleep study,” he says. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common yet underdiagnosed condition that repeatedly interrupts breathing during sleep and is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke if left untreated.

He also recommends avoiding caffeine-containing beverages, including coffee, tea and soda, for around eight hours before bedtime, as caffeine can significantly reduce sleep quality and delay sleep onset.

Erling Haaland’s commitment to sleep highlights an important truth: there is no substitute for consistent, restorative sleep. While habits like reducing evening screen exposure have scientific support, trendy practices such as mouth taping still require stronger evidence before they can be recommended widely.

Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone juggling everyday responsibilities, prioritising regular sleep, limiting caffeine late in the day and seeking medical advice for persistent sleep problems are likely to have a far greater impact than chasing the latest viral sleep hack. Ultimately, better sleep isn’t about perfection, it’s about making recovery a daily priority.

VST Tillers Tractors Takes Innovation Forward with Groundbreaking of Global Tech Center in Hosur

VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. commences journey into the future with groundbreaking ceremony for setting up Global Tech Center (GTC) with an initial investment of ₹100 Cr.+ in Hosur

New state of the art R&D facility to accelerate innovation, development of new technologies & products in farm mechanization space while establishing strong capabilities in design, calibration, simulation analysis, lab and field testing for the new generation of farm mechanization equipment powered by both ICE and EV technologies. 

Hosur, July 28: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. (VTTL), one of India’s leading farm equipment manufacturers, today conducted the Bhoomi pooja and groundbreaking ceremony for its new Global Tech Centre in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Being established with an investment of ₹100 crore, the state-of-the-art facility will significantly strengthen the company’s research and development capabilities and serve as its primary global hub for advanced engineering and innovation.

The new Global Tech Centre has been envisioned to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies, with a strong focus on tractors, tillers, farm mechanization equipment,  intelligent farm machinery for sustainable agricultural solutions using both ICE and EV drive trains. The facility will play a pivotal role in fast-tracking innovation, developing proprietary technologies, enhancing testing and validation capabilities, and fostering collaborations with global technology partners and research institutions.

The Global Tech Centre will also significantly enhance VST’s product development ecosystem by strengthening testing infrastructure, accelerate the development and address customer requirements across different continents. The investment underscores VST’s long-term commitment to delivering innovative, efficient and sustainable mechanization solutions for Indian and global agriculture.

Speaking on the occasion, V. T. Ravindra Managing Director of the Company, VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., said, “The foundation of our Global Tech Centre marks a significant milestone in VST’s journey of innovation and technology leadership. As agriculture rapidly embraces electrification, automation and digital technologies, this facility will become the cornerstone of our future R&D initiatives. It will enable us to accelerate innovation, develop proprietary technologies and create world-class products that empower farmers with smarter, more sustainable mechanization solutions.”

He further added, “The new centre will substantially strengthen our engineering, testing and validation capabilities while fostering collaborations with leading global technology partners and research institutions. By investing in advanced R&D infrastructure today, we are preparing VST to lead the next generation of farm machinery  and deliver products that meet the evolving needs of customers across domestic and international markets.”

The establishment of the Global Tech Centre reflects VST’s strategic vision of building indigenous technology capabilities while driving sustainable innovation in farm mechanization. With this forward-looking investment, the company reinforces its commitment to engineering excellence, product innovation and industry leadership in the rapidly evolving landscape of smart and sustainable agriculture.

India’s Industrial Output Grows 7.3 pc in June, Manufacturing Drives Expansion

New Delhi, July 28: India’s industrial sector recorded strong growth in June, with overall output rising 7.3%, supported by better performance in manufacturing, electricity, and gas sectors.

The growth reflects continued momentum in industrial activity and highlights the resilience of India’s economy amid changing global conditions.

The manufacturing sector remained a key contributor to the rise, while increased electricity and gas production further supported overall industrial expansion.

Experts said the improvement in industrial output indicates stronger production activity and growing confidence across key sectors.

The latest performance is expected to support economic growth, create employment opportunities, and strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities.

The government’s continued focus on infrastructure development, industrial expansion, and investment promotion is helping drive growth across the country’s industrial landscape.

Sensex, Nifty Slip as Weak Asian Markets Weigh on Sentiment

Mumbai, July 28: Indian benchmark indices ended the trading session slightly lower as weakness across Asian markets affected investor sentiment and led to cautious activity in domestic equities.

The Sensex and Nifty witnessed a subdued session, with investors tracking global market movements and assessing economic developments.

Market experts said profit booking in select sectors and uncertainty in overseas markets contributed to the decline.

Investors remained focused on corporate earnings, economic indicators, and global trends for further market direction.

The domestic market outlook is expected to remain influenced by international developments and investor sentiment in the coming sessions.

Sundaram Finance Revises Interest Rate on Three-Year Fixed Deposits

Chennai, July 28, 2026: Sundaram Finance Limited has announced an increase in the interest rate on its three-year fixed deposit scheme, effective August 1, 2026, reinforcing its commitment to offering attractive returns to its customers.

Under the revised rates, the interest rate for the general public on three-year fixed deposits has been increased by 25 basis points, from 7.00% per annum to 7.25% per annum. Forsenior citizens, the interest rate on three-year fixed deposits has been increased by 25 basis points, from 7.50% per annum to 7.75% per annum. 

The interest rates for one-year and two-year deposit tenures remain unchanged

Sundaram Finance continues to enjoy the confidence of its deposit holders, with its public deposit base currently standing at ₹6,160 crore. The steady growth in deposits reflects the enduring trust that customers have placed in the company over the years, backed by its strong financial fundamentals, prudent governance, and consistent track record.

Commenting on the revision, Dhandayuthapani, Head Deposits, said, “The increase in the interest rate for our three-year deposits is aimed at providing enhanced value to our deposit holders while continuing to offer a safe and dependable investment avenue. We are grateful for the continued trust and confidence reposed in Sundaram Finance by our deposit holders, as reflected in our growing deposit base.”

Sundaram Finance’s fixed deposit schemes continue to offer investors an attractive combination of competitive returns, safety, and the assurance of partnering with one of India’s most trusted financial institutions.

New Technogym Checkup measures your physical and cognitive parameters for a targeted training

New Technogym Checkup – the innovative AI-based assessment station – targets your training depending on your physical and functional parameters and, by leveraging artificial intelligence, it obtains the prescription of a precision program tailored to your needs, goals, and conditions.

Scientific studies confirm that health is influenced by only 20-30% by genetics, while the remaining 70-80% depends on epigenetics (lifestyle). There are therefore no magic formulas to achieve Healthness: it requires training that targets muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance, flexibility, and cognitive quality. Physical exercise is a true medicine (Exercise Is Medicine) and Healthness represents a preventative medicine to improve physical performance in the short term and guarantee healthy longevity in the long term.

Thanks to the trillions of data collected in 30 years on the Mywellness Open Platform, today with AI, Technogym is able to offer Healthness as products and services: Technogym Checkup, the new assessment station based on AI is able to analyze psycho-physical and cognitive parameters and automatically calculate Precision Training programs. The new AI-based Biostrength and Biocardio product ranges, connected to the Technogym Ecosystem, allow you to deliver Precision Training Programs automatically thanks to the Technogym App, to track data and adapt the program to progresses.

After logging in with Technogym App, Technogym Checkup will measure your body composition, strength, balance, mobility, and cognitive abilities through precise and reliable tests. The data collected with Technogym Checkup, available within Technogym Ecosystem, will be processed by Technogym AI Coach – Technogym’s AI digital trainer – and transformed into a personalized training protocol, based on real data and always at your fingertips, ensuring a precision training experience and improving your lifestyle from all angles. Thanks to Technogym Ecosystem, you can access your training program anywhere and anytime: at the gym, at home, in a hotel, at work, or with your doctor.

Additionally, Technogym Checkup calculates your Wellness Age, the age mirroring your physical and functional conditions. With this starting point, you can progressively improve thanks to your targeted precision training program while decreasing your Wellness Age, to make you healthier. Thanks to AI, the training program adapts over time to be closer to your goals: superior results faster.

The Sand Stone collection by Technogym offers a renewed aesthetic inspired by nature, combining careful design and advanced materials to differentiate and elevate the design of the most exclusive wellness spaces. Sand Stone’s versatile and cross-cutting aesthetic offering is the only one that enables the creation of wall-to-wall wellness spaces that include products for cardio, strength and functional training in a complete family feeling. This creates a refined environment where design and performance merge into a seamless experience across different lines and products: Technogym Checkup, Artis cardio, Artis strength, Biostrength, up to Personal Tools and Technogym Reform.

Together, these elements create a holistic and exclusive design language made up of warm and welcoming tones that invite everyone to train without intimidation, offering users a unique wellness experience and operators the opportunity to create unique and differentiated spaces.