Category Archives: Business

India’s AgriTech Expertise Poised to Unlock $90 Billion Growth in Southeast Asia

ndia’s experience in agricultural technology could help Southeast Asia tap into a $90 billion growth opportunity in the AgriTech sector by 2033. The region, home to a large farming population, stands to benefit significantly from digital innovations that improve productivity, market access, and value chain efficiency.

Agriculture remains a backbone of Southeast Asia’s economy, yet many countries still rely on traditional farming practices and face fragmented supply chains. Experts say that wider adoption of AgriTech solutions—such as digital marketplaces, precision farming tools, agri-finance platforms, and crop innovation technologies—can transform the sector and drive both economic and social benefits.

India’s journey in fostering a supportive ecosystem for AgriTech startups offers a practical blueprint for Southeast Asian nations. From creating digital infrastructure for farmers to enabling specialized financing and innovative value chains, India’s approach demonstrates how technology can empower farmers while boosting rural economies.

The study highlights several areas with strong growth potential, including digital platforms connecting producers to markets, agri-fintech solutions providing easier access to credit, life sciences innovations to enhance crop yields, and sustainable consumer brands aligned with changing consumption patterns.

Realizing this potential could not only increase agricultural productivity and farmer incomes but also strengthen rural livelihoods, modernize food systems, and reinforce Southeast Asia’s position in global AgriTech innovation.

India Unveils Support Measures to Shield Exporters Amid West Asia Tensions

The Indian government is set to roll out a range of measures to support exporters affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Rising freight costs, higher insurance premiums, and logistical challenges have disrupted trade, prompting authorities to step in to ensure the country’s export sector remains robust.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the initiatives aim to reduce the burden on exporters while maintaining India’s competitiveness in global markets. Planned support includes financial assistance to offset rising shipping and logistics costs, along with expanded insurance coverage to help businesses manage risk in uncertain times.

The Gulf region conflict has disrupted shipping routes, making deliveries more expensive and unpredictable. Exporters, particularly those serving Middle Eastern markets, have faced delays and higher operational costs. The government’s measures seek to stabilize the sector and reinforce confidence among businesses navigating this volatile environment.

Officials emphasized that these steps will not only ease immediate challenges but also help sustain export volumes and secure employment in export-oriented industries. By strengthening the export ecosystem, India aims to safeguard its position in global trade and ensure continued growth despite geopolitical uncertainties.

NMDC Achieves Record 53 MT Iron Ore Production, Boosting Economic Growth

NMDC Limited, India’s largest state-run iron ore producer, has achieved a historic milestone by producing a record 53 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore in the 2025-26 fiscal year, becoming the first mining company in the country to surpass the 50 MT mark. This represents a significant increase over the previous year and reflects strong operational efficiency across its mining sites.

Driving Growth in Steel and Infrastructure

Iron ore is a key raw material for steel production, which fuels construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. NMDC’s record output ensures a steady supply for domestic steelmakers, helping to stabilize costs and meet the growing demand for steel across the country. This supports India’s ongoing urban development and infrastructure expansion.

Reliable iron ore supply also enables steel producers to fulfill orders for housing, transportation, and industrial projects, creating jobs and stimulating investment throughout the value chain.

Strengthening Economic Resilience

By increasing domestic production, NMDC reduces reliance on imported minerals, enhancing supply security and contributing to stable commodity markets. The company’s expansion plans aim to further increase output in the coming years, potentially exceeding 100 MT by the end of the decade, which would strengthen both the mining and downstream industrial sectors.

Looking Ahead

NMDC’s record production is not just a company achievement—it is a significant step for India’s economy. By securing raw materials for key industries, supporting infrastructure development, and fostering job creation, this milestone demonstrates how robust resource management can drive national growth and industrial self-reliance.

Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) Altered in Children with Autism

SACRAMENTO, Calif. Apr 03:  Two new studies from the UC Davis MIND Institute examined regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their potential role in neuroinflammation and behavioral changes associated with autism.

Tregs act as immune system “brakes,” calming inflammation to prevent overreaction. They are often decreased in autistic individuals.

Previous studies have found higher levels of inflammatory immune cells in the blood, brain and gastrointestinal tissues of people with autism. These increased inflammatory responses are often linked to greater behavioral support needs, while higher levels of Tregs are associated with improved behavioral outcomes. Despite this, Tregs have not been well studied in autistic children, and their potential as a therapeutic target remains largely unexplored.

Altered Tregs in autistic children The first study, published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, characterized Tregs in children with autism. It determined if gastrointestinal (GI) issues, a common co-occurring condition, altered Tregs in a unique way.

The researchers found autistic children had altered Tregs both in number and in the genes those cells use. This was compared to typically developing children. All participants were enrolled in the CHARGE study (Childhood Autism Risk from Genetics and Environment), an ongoing study that supports autism research.

The researchers compared the number and type of Tregs in 36 children with autism and 18 typically developing children. They also examined gene expression in Tregs to determine if there were differences between the two groups. In addition, they looked at the relationship between Tregs and gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic children.

The researchers found children with autism showed altered Tregs. Compared to typically developing children, children with autism had:

A lower number of Tregs. Tregs were generally reduced in autistic children but decreases in specific Treg populations differed depending on whether a child had GI issues. Children with autism and GI issues had fewer Tregs capable of producing anti-inflammatory proteins. Children without GI issues had fewer Tregs capable of dividing after activation. Differentially expressed genes. Tregs from autistic children had 213 differentially expressed genes, with 171 upregulated (increased output) and 42 downregulated (decreased output). The upregulated genes mainly help cells reorganize and repair DNA and adjust how they manage energy and fat metabolism. The downregulated genes were mostly involved in energy production, such as the conversion of oxygen and nutrients into usable energy.

The researchers note that more research is needed, but that these changes in metabolism and DNA organization suggest the identity of Tregs is unstable. One commonality was that having fewer Tregs was associated with more challenging behaviors in both typically developing children and children with autism.

“These differences in Treg populations may help explain the higher levels of inflammation seen in autism and could be linked to both gastrointestinal problems and certain behavioral traits,” said Rachel Moreno, a postdoctoral fellow at the MIND Institute and first author of the study. “This data further supports the idea that the immune system plays an important role in autism in at least some individuals.”

Exploring Tregs as potential biological therapies There is growing interest in biological therapies for autism that target Tregs.

In a second study, also published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, the authors assessed whether increasing Tregs could reduce inflammation and behavioral challenges.

They used a mouse model of altered neurodevelopment, maternal immune activation (MIA), in which offspring exhibit autism-like behaviors.

The team transferred Tregs from healthy mice into male and female MIA mice, and evaluated tissues commonly inflamed in autism, including blood, brain and gut.

They found significant sex differences in the MIA mouse offspring that received the Treg transfer, with males showing greater changes than females.

Male mice showed:

Healthier immune balance: Treg treatment increased helpful Treg cells and reduced pro‑inflammatory cells in both the spleen and gut. Lower inflammation: Males produced fewer inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‑17, after treatment, indicating a calmer immune system. Widespread changes in the brain: Hundreds of genes in the cerebellum, frontal cortex and hippocampus changed after Treg treatment, many related to brain development, immune activity and conditions like autism. Improved behavior: After Treg treatment, males showed improvements in behaviors such as self-grooming and socializing. Female mice showed:

Smaller immune effects: Females showed fewer changes in immune cells, and Treg treatment had only a modest impact on gut and spleen cell types. Mixed inflammatory signals: Some inflammatory molecules decreased (like IL‑6), while others increased after treatment, suggesting a more complex response. Minimal changes in the brain: Females showed little to no change in brain gene expression after treatment. Improved social behavior: Treg treatment helped restore normal social behaviors in females, but self-grooming did not improve. “Transferring Tregs reduced inflammation and improved brain and behavioral outcomes in the MIA model, with the most significant benefits seen in male mice,” said Paul Ashwood, senior author of both studies. Ashwood is a professor in the UC Davis Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and a faculty member with the UC Davis MIND Institute.

“These results suggest that Treg therapy could be a promising approach for reducing inflammation and related impacts in conditions linked to maternal immune activation and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism,” Ashwood said.

Limitations of both studies The researchers noted several limitations. The first study was limited by its small sample size. In the second study, the Treg transfer occurred at 10 weeks, and transferring into younger mice (when the immune and brain systems are still developing) may be more relevant for inflammation than for behavior modification. 

UWF Athletics Announces Move to NCAA Division I Athletics, Joins Atlantic Sun Conference, United Athletic Conference

The University of West Florida announced in a press conference today that it will be transitioning its athletics programs to the NCAA Division I level. Beginning in Fall 2026, UWF will compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference as a full multi-sport member and the United Athletic Conference as a football-playing member. 

“Our transition to Division I marks a historic step forward for UWF and reflects the momentum, ambition and excellence that define our community,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “This milestone is about more than athletics — it represents expanded opportunities for our students, greater national visibility, and a continued commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience. I am proud of the work that has brought us to this moment and excited for the future we are building together.”

The Argonauts Athletics program has a proven record of excellence competing at the NCAA Division II level, leading the Gulf South Conference in all-time championships and all-sports trophies. The University’s 15 varsity programs have earned 11 national and 136 conference championships while competing at the NCAA Division II level. Beyond athletic success, the program fosters leadership and academic achievement, with a cumulative Spring 2025 student-athlete GPA of 3.37.

 “This transition represents the next chapter in the evolution of our athletics program and a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and supporters,” said Dave Scott, UWF Athletic Director. “As we prepare for Division I competition, we remain focused on building champions for life. We look forward to growing our tradition of success and welcoming our fans and partners to be part of this exciting journey.”

The Atlantic Sun Conference was founded in 1978 and is an NCAA Division I conference composed of eight institutions across the southeastern United States, including universities like Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida and Lipscomb University.  

The United Athletic Conference was established in 2023 as a single-sport football conference through a partnership between the ASUN and the Western Athletic Conference, which will expand to a full multi-sport conference and rebrand as the UAC on July 1, 2026.

The ASUN and the WAC (UAC) announced the formation of a strategic consortium beginning July 1, 2026. The alliance will support collaborative scheduling, shared operational efficiencies and expanded competition opportunities while maintaining independent conference structures and automatic qualification to NCAA Championships.

“This addition not only strengthens both conferences, but represents yet another growth milestone for the alliance between these two leagues,” said consortium Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bacon. “Since announcing our plans nearly a year ago, the excitement around what we will unveil on July 1 has been overwhelming, and with UWF on board, we have added significant fuel to the fire. Thank you to President Diaz and Director Scott for their tireless work to bring this moment to fruition. I am honored to welcome them to The Destination!”

During the three-year NCAA reclassification process, UWF athletics teams will compete at the Division I level but will not be eligible for NCAA postseason tournaments. However, they will be eligible to compete for ASUN and UAC conference championships. Full NCAA postseason eligibility will begin once the transition process is complete in 2029.

The transition to Division I aligns with the University’s continued growth in enrollment, research activity and regional engagement. The move will increase the institution’s visibility and expand opportunities for student recruitment while contributing to the overall campus experience.

By fiscal year 2027-2028, with the new Darrell Gooden Stadium fully operational and Division I competition underway, UWF Athletics is expected to see increases in game day attendance and expanded operational needs, including staffing, security, concessions and event management. According to an analysis conducted by the UWF Haas Center, UWF Athletics is projected to generate approximately $42 million in economic impact and support an estimated 280 jobs across the region.

Atmosphere Core Expands into Shillong, Strengthening Northeast India Presence

DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong will mark the company’s entry into the scenic hill station of Shillong, Meghalaya representing a prestigious addition into the Northeastern state of India.

Shillong, Apr 3: Atmosphere Core and Shri Rocky Dhar join hands to launch a boutique hotel – DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong in Meghalaya.

Atmosphere Core, a leading name in global hospitality, is pleased to announce its strategic collaboration with Shri Rocky Dhar to launch an upper up-scale boutique hotel in the picturesque northeastern hill station of Shillong, Meghalaya. Slated to open in 2027, DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong will be ideally located in the Meghalaya’s capital city, only an hour from Shillong Airport and right beside the prestigious 18-hole Golf Link Arena.

Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Atmosphere Core stated, “As part of our dynamic expansion across India, a key focus is our approach towards developing premium experiences in hill station destinations particularly in the beautiful northeastern region. This upcoming boutique property at Shillong, Meghalaya is being thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse range of travellers—from leisure seekers and corporate guests to curated events and social get-togethers”.

Operating under the distinguished Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, the property will feature 75 keys of upper up-scale accommodation, including deluxe rooms, suites, and presidential suites. Panoramic views of the Golf Course, mountain valleys, surrounding greenery and stunning city views will create a serene and immersive ambience.

DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere Shillong promises an exceptional culinary journey. Guests will enjoy a vibrant all-day dining venue with outdoor seating, a themed sports pub, and a specialty roof top Resto bar celebrating local and multi-cuisine flavours, while serving best of the spirits and wine from across the globe. The wellness offerings will be anchored by the award-winning ELE|NA Ayur spa, offering tranquil therapy rooms with experienced therapists—the perfect setting for rejuvenation and peace. Additional facilities will include a main swimming pool with an outdoor deck overlooking the golf course, a golf simulation pavilion, a kids’ play area, and an indoor games room.

At an elevation of 1,496 metres, Shillong seamlessly blends colonial charm with natural splendour. Ward’s Lake offers serene boating amid gardens, while Elephant Falls’ cascading tiers and Shillong Peak’s panoramic views thrill visitors. Umiam Lake sparkles for watersports, and the Don Bosco Museum unveils Khasi tribal heritage through artifacts and exhibits. As India’s “Rock Capital,” Shillong vibrates with live music at cafes and festivals like the Shillong Autumn Festival, featuring folk dances and local cuisine. Formerly Assam’s capital until 1972, it beckons eco-tourists to caves, waterfalls, and reserves year-round. Shillong’s harmonious mix of history, adventure, and melody invites discovery of Meghalaya’s soul.

Speaking on this latest venture destination, Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director Atmosphere Core India, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka, added, “The Northeastern state’s hill stations have always been central to our vision of creating iconic luxury experiences. Shillong the capital city of Meghalaya, with its awe-inspiring cultural heritage backdrop and timeless appeal, is a natural choice for our expansion. As plans to enter this extraordinary destination unfold, I am confident that this collaboration will redefine hospitality in the region”.

Shri Rocky Dhar, owner of DHAR GOLF VISTA by Atmosphere, concluded, “Atmosphere Core’s distinguished legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to unveil a transcendent world-class hotel in Shillong. With our vision and focused approach, we are committed to manifesting inspiring, bespoke hotels and resorts that embody the pinnacle of sophistication. This illustrious partnership will not only elevate Shillong’s hospitality landscape but will also set an unrivalled benchmark for elegance and impeccable service in this breathtaking and scenic Northeastern state of India.”

Master’s Transportation Earns Spot Among Midwest’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 3, 2026) – Master’s Transportation™, a leading provider of commercial buses and vans, has been ranked No. 66 in the sixth annual Inc. Regionals: Midwest list – the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the Midwest. The region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. 

An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, the Inc. Regionals ranking measures revenue and employee growth over a two-year period, making it one of the most credible benchmarks of sustained business performance in the country. Master’s Transportation earned its placement based on significant growth across its 12 locations nationwide, where the company employs 250 team members and serves customers across multiple commercial vehicle segments.

“Being named to the Inc. Regionals: Midwest list is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of every single person on our team,” said John Goodbrake, CEO, Master’s Transportation. “This recognition validates what we have been building for years, a company with the infrastructure, the talent, and the drive to grow without losing sight of what matters most, which is moving our customers and our people forward.”

Master’s Transportation’s growth is fueled by a business model that spans commercial shuttle buses and vans, school buses, multi-functional school activity buses, motor coaches, and used commercial buses. The company also operates seven service departments and a centralized parts department, giving it the capacity to serve customers nationwide. Its continued investment in people, facilities, and fleet has positioned it as one of the most comprehensive commercial vehicle providers in the Midwest.

“Landing on this list is significant because it reflects the trust our customers place in us and the commitment our team brings every single day,” said Rita Luukkonen, General Counsel at Master’s Transportation. “It is a reminder that when you invest in people and stay committed to your mission, the results speak for themselves.”

The 2026 Inc. Regionals recognition adds to a growing list of achievements for Master’s Transportation, which has earned multiple regional and national honors in recent years. The company continues to invest in its workforce and infrastructure, with plans to triple its team as it expands its footprint. As one of the few commercial vehicle companies operating at this scale in the Midwest, Master’s Transportation remains committed to creating opportunities for its employees and delivering reliable transportation solutions.

“The honorees on this year’s Inc. Regionals list achieved exceptional growth at a time when the odds were against them. Amid inflation, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing economic uncertainty, they didn’t just persevere – they innovated, adapted, and thrived. Their resilience made them standouts in their industries and true growth engines in their regions,” said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.

Between 2022 and 2024, the 144 private companies listed for this year’s Inc. Regionals: Midwest had a median growth rate of 69 percent; by 2024, they’d also added 8,171 jobs and $5.2 billion to the region’s economy. Complete results of the Inc. Regionals: Midwest, including company profiles and an interactive database sortable by industry and metro area, visit: https://www.inc.com/regionals/midwest.

UAE’s First Arrival of Break-Bulk Metals at Fujairah Port Led by Metal Park

UAE, 2 April 2026 – Metal Park has successfully received its first break-bulk cargo of metals at Fujairah Port, marking a further extension of its operational footprint and reinforcing the continuity of metal flows across the UAE.

This development builds on Metal Park’s existing logistics capabilities, which have consistently enabled the import, storage, distribution, and export of metals across multiple entry points in the country. The Fujairah operation adds further flexibility to an already established system, supporting stable cargo movement and supply chain continuity.

Operations remain uninterrupted.

Supply chains remain active.

Metal Park continues to manage metal flows through an integrated approach that connects port handling, inland logistics, storage infrastructure, and distribution within a single operational framework. This allows materials to move efficiently from vessel discharge through to end-market delivery.

A key component of this system is Metal Park’s Storage Hub, operating as an independent fulfilment centre dedicated to metals. The facility supports flexible storage based on metric tonne (MT) or cubic metre (CBM) per day, allowing users to manage inventory without reliance on fixed space or long-term commitments.

The platform also incorporates structured documentation and inventory management processes, including standardised handling of goods receipt, issuance, delivery documentation, and reporting, ensuring traceability and operational clarity across the supply chain.

In parallel, Metal Park has activated access to trade finance facilities of up to USD 50 million, supporting metal and steel producers, traders, processors, and fabricators in maintaining operational continuity and managing working capital requirements.

The combined logistics, storage, and financial framework allows industry participants to sustain operations, adapt to changing conditions, and maintain steady material flow across the UAE and the wider region.

Metal Park remains fully operational, with all services continuing on schedule.

Amrita Hospital Kochi Inaugurates Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive Care Unit

Kochi, Apr 02: The Department of Pediatric Cardiology at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, inaugurated its Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive Care Unit (NDCCU), marking a significant step toward addressing the long-term developmental needs of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). The inauguration was followed by a national seminar titled “Enabling Optimal Brain Development and Cognition after Childhood Heart Surgery,” which brought together leading child development experts and healthcare professionals from across the country.

The initiative aims to bring greater attention to the long-term developmental needs of children with CHD and promote an interdisciplinary approach to care that integrates brain, behaviour and heart health. Experts at the seminar emphasised that while advances in pediatric cardiac care have significantly improved survival rates, it is equally important to focus on how children grow, learn and function in their daily lives following heart surgery.

Speakers highlighted that children with congenital heart disease often demonstrate a distinct neurodevelopmental profile. While many successfully undergo life-saving cardiac procedures, they may later experience challenges in areas such as attention, executive functioning, learning and adaptive skills—difficulties that may become more apparent as the child grows.

Distinguished speakers including Dr. Kirsten Verity (NHS, Edinburgh), Dr. Deepa Bhaskaran (Director, CDC, Trivandrum) and Dr. Arun Singh, National Advisor to RBSK (Government of India), emphasised the importance of focusing on key developmental areas such as learning, executive skills and adaptive behaviour. They also stressed the need for early neurodevelopmental assessments and regular follow-ups to ensure timely support and intervention.

The seminar was conducted as part of Project Medha, a CSR-supported initiative by Premji Invest aimed at strengthening neurodevelopmental care and improving long-term outcomes for children with CHD. Discussions highlighted the importance of making neurodevelopmental assessment a standard practice embedded within the continuum of cardiac care.

The initiative was led by Dr. R. Krishna Kumar, Head of the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, and Dr. Manu Raj, Senior Consultant, Department of Pediatrics, with conceptualisation support from Ms. Sonam Manoj, National Coordinator – Project Medha, through the Neurodevelopmental & Cognitive Care Unit.

The seminar and the inauguration of the NDCCU are among the first initiatives of their kind in India, aiming to transform the way long-term care is delivered to children with congenital heart disease—ensuring that they not only survive complex cardiac procedures but also thrive in their cognitive, behavioural and everyday development.

Servotech’s Raman Bhatia Named Head of SCO Energy & Green Economy Working Group

New Delhi,  April 2 : Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. a leading player in India’s renewable energy and EV  charging ecosystem, announces that its Managing Director, Raman Bhatia,  has been appointed as the Head of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation  (SCO) Working Group on ‘Energy & Green Economy’ under the SCO  Business Council Secretariat . 

This appointment represents leadership across a consortium of 28  countries within the SCO framework, one of the world’s most influential  intergovernmental organizations driving collaboration across energy transition, sustainability, and green economic development. 

In this role, Raman Bhatia will work closely with international stakeholders  to strengthen cross-border partnerships, enable knowledge exchange, and  support the development of scalable and sustainable clean energy solutions  across member nations. This recognition reinforces Servotech’s growing  global relevance and its active role in advancing EV infrastructure, renewable  energy solutions, and power electronics innovation. 

Commenting on the appointment, Raman Bhatia, Managing Director,  Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., said,

“I am honoured to take on  this responsibility at a time when global collaboration is critical to  accelerating the energy transition. The SCO platform provides a unique  opportunity to work alongside policymakers and industry leaders across 28  countries to drive innovation, strengthen partnerships, and contribute  meaningfully to the development of sustainable energy ecosystems. I look  forward to advancing initiatives that support a cleaner, more connected  global future.”