Category Archives: Business

Asia Pacific Office Demand Rises 3 percentage YoY in H1 2026; India Leads Regional Demand: Colliers

Bengaluru, Aug 24: Asia Pacific’s 11 key office markets recorded office leasing of 4.6 million sq m in H1 2026, a 3 percentage year‑on‑year increase, anchored by robust Grade A space uptake across major markets including India, Mainland China and Japan, according to Colliers’ Asia Pacific Office Market Insights H1 2026report. India alone accounted for over 70% of total leasing during H1 2026. Within the region, the growth in demand during H1 2026 was strongest in markets such as Hong Kong and Taiwan, reflecting improving business confidence and renewed expansion.

During H1 2026, new supply declined by 37% year-on-year to 3.0 million sq m. New supply was highly concentrated in India and Mainland China, which together accounted for more than 80% of completions.

“India continues to anchor leasing volumes in the APAC office market, underpinned by strong demand fundamentals, including expansion of global capability centers in the country. In fact, India accounted for over two-thirds of the region’s demand and supply during H1 2026. Looking ahead, despite geopolitical uncertainty, skilled talent availability and cost arbitrage are likely to support robust absorption and further strengthen India’s position as a preferred office market in the Asia Pacific region,” said Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services, Colliers India.

“Office demand across key APAC markets remained resilient in H1 2026, with leasing activity reaching 4.6 million sq m (49.5 million sq ft). Despite moderating GDP growth, the region continues to outperform global peers. While elevated inflation levels have prompted central banks to maintain a cautious approach to monetary policy, sustained business confidence continues to underpin occupier demand and investment activity. Looking ahead, renewed expansion plans and a growing preference for high-quality, future-ready workplaces are expected to sustain office space demand in the APAC region, with India continuing to drive leasing volumes over the next few quarters,” said Vimal Nadar, National Director & Head of Research, Colliers India.

Asia Pacific continues to outperform peers and remains a key contributor to global economic expansion, according to the report. The report also notes that the region’s resilient growth outlook and likely stability in interest rates are expected to support business confidence and investment, although geopolitical risks and trade uncertainties remain key factors.

“The APAC office market is entering the second half of 2026 with growing momentum. As occupiers double down on high-quality workplaces to attract talent, drive productivity and support business growth, regional demand is increasingly concentrating in best-in-class assets. Over the next few quarters, supply and demand are expected to remain healthy, supported by strong occupier activity and continued preference for high-quality office assets,”Mike Davis, Colliers Managing Director, Occupier Services, Asia Pacific

Overall, the APAC office market activity is expected to remain strong in H2 2026, supported by continued leasing momentum and business expansion. As demand keeps pace with new supply, vacancy levels are likely to stay stable while rents could be on an upswing in high-activity markets.

Raksha Bandhan Gifting – Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub By Magical Blends

And at INR 650, it makes gifting clean, natural skincare delightfully affordable — because a little self-care is always a lovely way to celebrate the sister who deserves it.

MedPlus Recognised as ‘Leading Pharmacy Chain Across India’ at ABP Ananda Swasthya Samman 2026

August 24, 2026: MedPlus Health Services, a leading retail pharma chain in India, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘ABP Ananda Swasthya Samman 2026’ in the category of ‘Leading Pharmacy Chain Across India.’ Mr. Yogesh Babu, National Head – Retail Operations, MedPlus Health Services received the award from Dr. Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay, Cabinet Minister – Dept. Of Health & Family Welfare, West Bengal, Dr. Shankar Ghosh, Cabinet Minister – Dept. of Parliamentary Affairs & the Dept. of Tourism, West Bengal, and Dr. Joydeb Roy, a prominent medical professional in West Bengal, at a glittering award ceremony held in Kolkata.

This recognition marks a significant milestone for MedPlus and reflects the trust it has built among millions of consumers by making medicines and healthcare products accessible, reliable and affordable.

Founded in 2006 by Gangadi Madhukar Reddy, MedPlus has revolutionised the organised retail pharmacy chain segment in India, with a focus on providing branded and quality medicines at affordable costs. The company played a pioneered bringing discounts on branded medicines to customers, introducing a 10% discount in 2006. Today, MedPlus offers discounts of 50-80% on its private-label products and 20% on other branded medicines, helping consumers access quality healthcare products at competitive prices.

MedPlus currently operates more than 5,500 stores across 10 states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Yogesh Babu, National Head – Retail Operations – MedPlus Health Services, said, “We are firmly committed to serving our customers with the finest quality medicines at affordable prices. This recognition from ABP Ananda reinforces our commitment to making quality healthcare more accessible to consumers across the country.”

“Being recognised by a respected institution such as ABP Ananda is a matter of pride for the entire MedPlus family. The award is not just a recognition of the organisation, but also of the thousands of colleagues at MedPlus, who work every day across our stores and operations to serve customers with quality, value and trusted care,” he added.

ABP Ananda Swasthya Samman is a platform that recognises and celebrates organisations, healthcare professionals, and institutions making a meaningful contribution to the healthcare ecosystem. The awards acknowledge excellence, leadership and innovation across different segments of healthcare and bring together leading names contributing to a healthier India.

Altered Metabolism in Zombie-Like Cells Helps Promote Destructive Inflammation as We Age

When our immune system detects a pathogen or injury, it sets off biological alarm bells. This alert brings in a variety of immune and other cells to deal with the threat and heal any harm done.

This rapid response to danger—called inflammation—is critical for our health, but it should only last as long as needed to stop infections and heal our wounds. As we grow older, however, we accumulate a type of cell that promotes chronic inflammation—and which has been linked to many age-related diseases.

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Mayo Clinic and their international collaborators published findings July 29, 2026, in Nature revealing a new connection between energy-producing mitochondria and this sustained inflammation. They also found that blocking a related gene reduced inflammation and promoted healthier aging in mice.

Normally, some cells in our body are able to divide. This ability underpins our growth into adults and ability to recover after injury. As we age, more of our cells are prone to becoming zombie-like senescent cells that are no longer dividing to make new cells.

“Senescent cells are not completely inert,” said co-corresponding author Peter Adams, PhD, the Jeanne and Gary Herberger Leadership Chair in Cancer Research at Sanford Burnham Prebys. Adams also is director of and professor in the Cancer Genome and Epigenetics Program.

“They remain metabolically active and have an inflammatory program causing them to secrete inflammatory molecules.”

Cells “running” this inflammatory program are considered to exhibit the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that is linked to age-related pervasive inflammation and many chronic diseases.

Led by the lab of senior and co-corresponding author João Passos, PhD, a professor of Physiology at Mayo Clinic, the research team searched for molecular drivers of SASP with the goal of finding a way to prevent it or reduce it.

“It turns out that there is a convergence of at least two biological pathways related to mitochondria,” said Adams. “One alters how DNA is stored to promote areas related to SASP, and the other boosts the expression of the exposed SASP genes.”

While senescent cells remain metabolically active, the mitochondria in charge of their energy production are unusual. The scientists discovered a new quirk in which senescent mitochondria conducting metabolism also produce more acetyl-CoA. This molecule interacts with spool-like histone proteins that hold DNA like a thread. Without changing the DNA, acetyl-CoA loosens its histone spool and opens up inflammatory genes for transcription into proteins.

On its own, this metabolic signal sent through acetyl-CoA is not enough to make senescent cells continuously spill out inflammatory molecules. The other requirement is an uptick in immune signals caused by DNA and RNA seeping out of damaged mitochondria and triggering the immune system. These signals activate inflammatory transcription factors that home in on the SASP genes exposed by overabundant acetyl-CoA.

“After seeing how these two independent pathways intersect, we wanted to see if interrupting one could prevent their partnership in promoting SASP,” said Adams.

The research team turned to a drug called CTPI-2. It blocks the activity of a transport protein that carries a component required to produce acetyl-CoA. When tested in mice, CTPI-2 suppressed inflammation across tissues as well as improved tissue function and healthspan during aging.

“Even though the immune signaling from leaky mitochondria was still present, disrupting the metabolic signal made SASP genes less accessible and produced functional benefits,” said Adams. “Using selective inhibitors such as CTPI-2 to reduce acetyl-CoA and, in turn, inflammation is a novel therapeutic strategy that should be explored.

Also, more broadly, this research shows that targeting metabolic signals that influence DNA accessibility may represent a new approach for mitigating age-associated inflammation and functional decline.”  

Hélène Martini, PharmD, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Passos lab at Mayo Clinic, is first author of the publication.

Om Patel and Deepshika Vinayagamurthy Lift UNIFI–ITF Junior Tennis Cup 2026 Titles

HCL Group’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations Continue in Vijayawada with Sid Sriram Concert

Vijayawada, August 24, 2026: HCL Group continued its celebrations marking 50 years of its journey with a special employee concert in Vijayawada, on 22 August, featuring acclaimed singer and composer Sid Sriram. Held at the HCLTech campus, the concert brought together more than 3,000 employees from HCL Group and the Shiv Nadar Foundation for an evening of music and celebration.

The concert was attended by Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCL Group and HCLTech, Rahul Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Functions, HCLTech, Vijay Guntur, Head of CTO & Ecosystems, HCLTech and Shiva Prasad, Centre Head, HCLTech Vijayawada, who joined employees in Vijayawada as they celebrated the Group’s golden jubilee. Sid Sriram took to the stage with some of his most popular songs, with employees singing and dancing along through the evening.

The Vijayawada concert follows similar celebrations held earlier in Noida, Lucknow and Chennai as part of a special concert series marking HCL Group’s 50th year. While HCL marked its official 50th anniversary on August 11, the celebrations have continued across locations, bringing employees together to celebrate the people and shared journey that have shaped the organisation over five decades.

The Vijayawada concert is the fourth in HCL Group’s special 50th anniversary concert series, with celebrations continuing across locations as the Group marks five decades of its journey.

India and Mauritius Move to Deepen Energy Partnership

Port Louis, August 24, 2026: India and Mauritius have taken fresh steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with discussions focusing on energy security, petroleum supplies and the wider transition towards a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri met Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam during his recent visit to the island nation. The two leaders discussed opportunities to further expand cooperation in the energy sector, while India reiterated its commitment to supporting Mauritius in meeting its energy-security and energy-transition priorities.

The discussions come against the backdrop of growing global concerns over energy supply disruptions and price volatility. For Mauritius, a geographically isolated island economy that relies significantly on imported petroleum products, dependable fuel supplies are particularly important for maintaining economic activity, transportation and essential services.

As part of the expanded cooperation, India and Mauritius exchanged a Government-to-Government Memorandum of Understanding covering cooperation in the oil and gas sector. The agreement is expected to create a broader framework for collaboration and strengthen institutional engagement between the two countries in the energy domain.

A major component of the partnership is a long-term agreement between Indian Oil Corporation and the State Trading Corporation of Mauritius for the supply of petroleum products. Under the arrangement, Indian Oil Corporation will meet Mauritius’ import requirements for key products including motor spirit, high-speed diesel and aviation turbine fuel.

The long-term supply arrangement is significant for Mauritius because predictable access to petrol, diesel and aviation fuel can help improve supply stability and reduce exposure to sudden disruptions in international energy markets. It also strengthens India’s position as a reliable energy partner in the Indian Ocean region.

For India, the agreement represents more than a commercial fuel-supply arrangement. Energy cooperation is increasingly becoming an important element of India’s broader engagement with Indian Ocean countries, combining economic partnerships with regional connectivity, energy security and development cooperation.

The partnership also creates opportunities for cooperation beyond conventional petroleum supplies. The two sides have indicated a shared interest in supporting energy transition, opening potential avenues for discussions around cleaner technologies, renewable energy and more sustainable energy systems alongside traditional oil and gas cooperation.

The latest developments build on a broader India-Mauritius strategic relationship. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Prime Minister Ramgoolam in June 2026, the two countries reviewed bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed the importance of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership, including collaboration in sustainable development and the blue economy.

From a business perspective, stronger energy ties could provide greater certainty for Mauritian industries and consumers while creating opportunities for Indian energy companies to expand their regional presence. Stable fuel availability is particularly important for sectors such as transportation, tourism, aviation, manufacturing and logistics.

The India-Mauritius energy partnership therefore reflects a broader shift towards long-term and diversified energy relationships. With the latest oil and gas cooperation framework and fuel-supply agreement, both countries are positioning energy security as a key pillar of their economic partnership while keeping the door open for deeper cooperation in the transition to cleaner and more resilient energy systems.

Gold Surges Over 5 percent Weekly as Weaker US Dollar Fuels Bullion Rally

New Delhi: Gold prices registered a strong weekly advance of more than 5 per cent, supported by a weakening US dollar and growing investor interest in bullion as a hedge against economic and financial uncertainty. Spot gold climbed to around $4,624 per ounce on Friday, touching its highest level in more than three months and marking the precious metal’s third consecutive weekly gain.

The rally gathered pace after the US dollar came under pressure following the Treasury Department’s plans to expand purchases of longer-dated government bonds. The move raised questions among investors about the outlook for US debt and the currency, prompting greater demand for alternative stores of value such as gold. A weaker dollar also makes gold cheaper for buyers holding other currencies, further supporting international demand.

Gold’s latest surge has also been reinforced by technical momentum. The metal moved above its 200-day moving average, a level closely watched by traders, strengthening expectations of further gains. Analysts have identified the $4,700 region as an important potential target if the upward momentum continues, although prices remain sensitive to changes in US monetary policy, bond yields and currency movements.

The rally has extended beyond gold, with other precious metals also recording gains during the week. Silver, platinum and palladium all moved higher, reflecting broader demand for metals amid currency and macroeconomic uncertainty. While physical gold demand in India remained relatively subdued because of elevated prices, stable demand in China and continued financial-market buying have helped sustain the international bullion rally.

ACAE Annual Conference 2026 Brings Together 500+ Leaders to Re-Imagine Bengal’s Growth Story

Kolkata, Aug 23: The Association of Corporate Advisers & Executives (ACAE) successfully hosted its flagship Annual Conference 2026  at Taj Bengal, Kolkata, bringing together more than 500 policymakers, industry leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and corporate executives from across the country.

Held on the theme “Re-Imagining Bengal: Industry, Innovation & Infinite Possibilities,” the conference explored Bengal’s emerging opportunities across industry, investment, entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable economic development, while reflecting on the state’s rich industrial legacy and its potential for a future-ready growth trajectory.

The conference featured an eminent gathering of policymakers, public representatives, industry leaders, financial experts and thought leaders, who shared perspectives on strengthening Bengal’s position as a preferred destination for investment, enterprise, innovation and sustainable development.

The distinguished speakers and panellists included Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India; CA. Rathindra Bose, Speaker, West Bengal Legislative Assembly; Dr. Swapan Dasgupta, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Government of West Bengal; Shri Tapas Roy, Hon’ble Minister for Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Government of West Bengal; CA. (Dr.) Rajesh Kumar, MLA, Jagatdal Assembly Constituency, West Bengal and Former IPS Officer & DGP; CA. Anand Mohan Bajaj, Deputy Comptroller & Auditor General, Government of India; CA. Niraj Kr. Harodia, President of ACAE; CA. Mohit Bhuteria, General Secretary of ACAE; CA. Kamal Nayan Jain, Chairman of Annual Conference Committee; CA. Vasudeo Agarwal, Co-Chairperson of Annual Conference Committee; CA. Jinesh S Vanzara, Chairperson Press & Publicity of Annual Conference Committee; CA. Anup Kumar Luharuka, Co-Chairperson Press & Publicity of Annual Conference Committee & many other eminent personalities.

Speaking on the occasion, CA. Niraj Kumar Harodia, President, ACAE, said, “The overwhelming participation and diversity of perspectives at this year’s Annual Conference reaffirm our belief that Bengal stands at an important inflection point. Re-imagining Bengal is not merely about looking at what is possible, but about bringing together ideas, institutions, entrepreneurs and industry to turn those possibilities into meaningful outcomes. We hope the discussions at ACAE Annual Conference 2026 contribute towards building a more competitive, innovative, investment-friendly and future-ready Bengal.”

The conference provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on the opportunities and challenges before Bengal and emphasised the importance of collaboration between policymakers, industry, professionals and entrepreneurs in shaping the state’s next phase of economic growth.

The conference also featured Shri Mukul Kanitkar, Author & Thinker; Ms. Monika Halan, Author & Financial Educator; Shri Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman, Managing Director & CEO, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited; Shri Mehul Mohanka, Managing Director, Tega Industries Limited; Shri Utsav Parekh, Chairman, Nexome Capital Markets Ltd; Shri Partha Pratim Sengupta, Managing Director, Bandhan Bank; CA. Veni Thapar, Independent Director, Bandhan Bank; Shri Sudhir Kedia, Investment Banker; CA. (Dr.) Debashis Mitra, Past President, ICAI; and Ms. Avanne Dubash, Television Anchor (Ex ET Now, Times Group).

The deliberations also highlighted the need to leverage Bengal’s strategic advantages, human capital, entrepreneurial ecosystem and industrial capabilities while embracing new-age sectors, innovation and technology.
The successful conclusion of the Annual Conference 2026 marks another significant milestone in ACAE’s continued endeavour to promote professional excellence, knowledge sharing, leadership and constructive engagement with the corporate and business community.

India, Mauritius Deepen Energy Partnership with Long-Term Fuel Supply Agreement

New Delhi, August 22, 2026: India and Mauritius have taken steps to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation following an official visit by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep Singh Puri to Mauritius from August 20 to 21. The visit resulted in agreements aimed at ensuring reliable petroleum supplies to Mauritius while expanding cooperation in oil, gas and biofuels.

During the visit, Shri Puri met Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam on August 20. In their presence, India and Mauritius exchanged a Government-to-Government Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on oil and gas cooperation. A separate five-year Sales and Purchase Agreement was signed between Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and the State Trading Corporation (STC) of Mauritius for the supply of petroleum products.

Under the long-term agreement, IOCL will meet Mauritius’ entire import requirement for Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD) and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). The arrangement is expected to provide Mauritius with greater certainty of supply and reduce its exposure to international price volatility. It also represents one of the first long-term overseas supply arrangements by an Indian public-sector oil marketing company outside South Asia in recent years.

The broader oil and gas MoU establishes an institutional framework for continued cooperation between the two countries. It covers petroleum product supplies, capacity building and training for Mauritian officials, as well as collaboration in biofuels. The agreements are intended to reinforce the longstanding energy relationship between India and Mauritius and create opportunities for deeper technical and commercial cooperation.

During his visit, Shri Puri held bilateral discussions with Mauritius’ Minister of Energy and Public Utilities Patrick Gervais Assirvaden, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection John Michaël Tzoun Sao Yeung Sik Yuen, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade Dhananjay Ramful. He also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a 27.5 thousand metric tonne (TMT) bunker marine fuel storage facility being developed by India Oil (Mauritius) Ltd. at Mer Rouge in Port Louis.

The agreements further enhance India’s position as a reliable energy partner in the Indian Ocean region. With 23 refineries and annual refined petroleum product output of around 267 million tonnes (MMT), India has emerged as a major global refining centre and a net exporter of refined petroleum products. The country already supplies petroleum products to neighbouring countries including Nepal and Bhutan, and has continued to meet its regional supply commitments despite disruptions arising from the West Asia crisis.

Biofuels form another important component of the strengthened partnership. Mauritius is a founding member of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), an initiative launched during India’s G20 Presidency. The GBA Secretariat has been working with Mauritius’ Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities on a Biofuels Country Landscape Policy framework to support the country’s energy transition.

Shri Puri and Minister Assirvaden jointly witnessed the launch of the Biofuels Country Landscape Policy framework on August 21. The initiative is expected to provide a foundation for Mauritius to explore the wider use of biofuels while benefiting from knowledge sharing, research, training and technical cooperation with India.

The latest agreements are expected to give a new dimension to India-Mauritius energy relations, positioning India as a dependable long-term fuel supplier while expanding cooperation in emerging areas such as biofuels and strengthening India’s strategic and economic engagement across the Indian Ocean.