Category Archives: Business

Queensland Delegation Strengthens India-Australia Life Sciences Collaboration at BioAsia 2026

India, Feb 19th: Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), Queensland Government’s global business agency, in partnership with Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), concluded a successful mission at BioAsia 2026, Asia’s premier life sciences and biotechnology forum, organized annually by the Government of Telangana, India.

Aligned with the Queensland Government’s “QueensLand of Opportunity” vision, the delegation to India showcased the state’s capabilities in biotechnology drug discovery, clinical trials, and digital health. Strategic engagements across Hyderabad and Bengaluru enabled direct connections with India’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem, paving the way for deeper research, commercial, and investment partnerships.

India presents a high-growth market opportunity for Australian organisations across vaccine research and development, cell and gene therapy innovation, clinical trials, and MedTech, enabling deeper scientific collaboration and accelerated translational outcomes. Consequently, Australia remains a highly trusted clinical trial site for Indian biopharma and medical technology companies to conduct clinical trials with fast trial start-up options and high data acceptability worldwide, especially for early-phase studies and trials.

The mission involved participation of the delegates at the BioAsia conference and exhibition, and a dedicated Clinical Trials Roundtable, along with B2B meetings to facilitate commercial partnerships and enhance mutual market awareness.

Commenting on the visit, Abhinav Bhatia, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Trade and Investment Queensland, said, “India is the ‘Pharmacy of the World,’ but the next era of medicine is about moving from volume to value. At BioAsia 2026, we’ve demonstrated that Queensland is the ‘Strategic Lab’ for India’s ‘Global Factory.’ By combining our world-class research and 43.5% R&D tax incentives with India‘s manufacturing scale, we aren’t just cutting costs—we are cutting the time it takes to save lives.” 

Reflecting on the depth of engagement at BioAsia 2026, Ms Mary Overington, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission said, “This visit demonstrated the complementary strengths of Australia‘s research-led innovation and India‘s scale in clinical research and manufacturing. Through focused roundtables and stakeholder meetings, the Australian delegation explored practical collaboration opportunities across clinical trials, biotech R&D and life sciences manufacturing. The strong industry response signals clear momentum towards deeper partnerships and commercial engagement between Australia and India in the health and life sciences sector.”

FedEx Breaks Ground on Fully Automated Air Cargo Hub at Navi Mumbai International Airport

Navi Mumbai, Feb 19: FedEx and Navi Mumbai International Airport today broke ground on FedEx’s fully automated air cargo hub, advancing capacity in India’s largest international trade corridor and strengthening its role as an integrated logistics and trade gateway for Western India.

The ₹2,500 crore long-term investment by FedEx will support the proposed 300,000 sq. ft. facility, designed as a regional consolidation and redistribution hub and developed in partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. (AAHL). The hub leverages NMIA’s multimodal infrastructure to strengthen Western India’s international trade corridor. Once operational, the hub is expected to create more than 6,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across logistics, warehousing, transportation and allied services.

The ceremony was held in the presence of the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis; Mr Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO, FedEx; Mr Richard Smith, CEO, Airline and COO, International, FedEx; Ms Kami Viswanathan, President, FedEx Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA); and Mr Jeet Adani, Director, AAHL.

Mr Jeet Adani, Director, AAHL, said

“This development reflects NMIA’s long-term vision of building integrated infrastructure that strengthens India’s trade competitiveness. With its proximity to Jawaharlal Nehru Port, industrial corridors and multimodal transport networks, NMIA is uniquely positioned to support high-growth export sectors and enhance Maharashtra’s role as a global logistics gateway.”

Ms Kami Viswanathan, President, FedEx MEISA, said

“India’s competitiveness in global trade will increasingly depend on the reliability and speed of its logistics infrastructure. Establishing this hub at NMIA allows us to integrate global network strength with India’s fastest-growing trade corridor, providing greater certainty, speed and efficiency to customers.”

The development will support trade flows across Southeast Asia, West Asia, Europe and the United States, embedding global network connectivity directly within India’s primary trade corridor. Equipped with advanced automated sorting systems, dimensional scanning, high-speed screening technology and dedicated aircraft parking bays, it will enable simultaneous processing of inbound and outbound shipments and enhance routing flexibility and transit time predictability, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive sectors such as electronics, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals and perishables. The improved reliability is also expected to strengthen export-import capabilities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while contributing to lower logistics costs and faster turnaround times.

NMIA’s cargo infrastructure is planned to commence with an initial handling capacity of approximately 0.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) annually, scaling in phases to around 3.25 MMT in its final development stage. This calibrated capacity expansion supports the airport’s long-term strategy of positioning the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) as one of India’s most advanced air freight and logistics gateways.

Building on nearly three decades of operations in India, the hub expands FedEx’s dedicated presence while supporting NMIA’s role as an integrated aviation and multimodal trade platform in global supply chains.

Design and Develop in India and Deliver to the World holds the key: PHDCCI

The keynote address of the Prime Minister in AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, noted that the world economy is on an inflection point in artificial intelligence. “India is on the cusp of its own AI revolution, given the largest youth population and one of the most extensive technology talent pools”, says Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI.

Artificial intelligence as a transformative force will reshape economic structures, governance systems, and patterns of work and given the exceptional speed, scale and depth sooner than we think, he said.

Prime Minister’s reiteration of Summit theme—Sarvjan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay (Welfare for All, Happiness for All) is the right step towards democratizing artificial intelligence for all, he added.

India’s AI-driven solutions in agriculture, national security, multilingual services, and accessibility for persons with disabilities reflects India’s growing capabilities in indigenous innovation and scalable public-interest technologies, he said.

India’s guiding framework for AI governance under the acronym M.A.N.A.V. (Human)—Human Vision for AI:

• M – Moral and Ethical Systems: Establishment of robust ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment.
• A – Accountable Governance: Transparent regulatory frameworks and institutional oversight.
• N – National Sovereignty: Protection of data rights and national interests in digital ecosystems.
• A – Accessible and Inclusive: Prevention of monopolization; ensuring AI serves as a multiplier for societal progress.
• V – Valid and Legitimate: Emphasis on verification, authenticity, and technical reliability.

Large-scale investment in skilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning to ensure workforce readiness has the capacity to take away the fear of unemployment and at the same time prepare India for next generation technology frontier, he added.

The Prime Minister’s articulation of India’s support for open collaboration in AI development, while at the same time recognising that AI-leading nations shall treat AI development as a collaboration effort with open standards, and shared code treating it as a Global Common Good, he added.

India is moving fast on its commitment to building a technological ecosystem encompassing semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, quantum computing, secure data centres, he said.

Prime Minister’s commitment to “Design and Develop in India” and “Deliver to the World” showcases emerging AI-led development opportunity for India rather than fear of job loss, and India will navigate this with confidence and with ethical governance, said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI. 

chargeMOD Teams Up with Mercedes-Benz to Expand EV Charging Network in India

Kochi, Feb 19: chargeMOD, a pioneering Indian energy tech startup and a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, collaborated with Mercedes-Benz India to integrate its expansive network of over 500 charging points directly into the MB.CHARGE Public digital ecosystem, offering a premium and seamless charging experience for Mercedes-Benz owners in India.

Through this partnership, Mercedes-Benz India customers can now enjoy a smarter way to charge as the chargeMOD network is now natively connected to the Mercedes-Benz digital ecosystem. This integration removes the common hurdles associated with public charging by providing a seamless EV charging ecosystem. Users can now access a comprehensive location finder and a unified payment gateway directly through the Mercedes-Benz App (MB.CHARGE Public) or the vehicle’s MBUX multimedia system.

“It’s a win for sustainable mobility. Through this partnership we are supercharging our growth and reaching even more drivers ready to go electric. It also motivates our mission to build India’s largest, most accessible charging infrastructure” said M. Ramanunni, Co-Founder and CEO of chargeMOD.

“Mercedes-Benz India is committed to accelerating India’s transition to sustainable mobility through strong ecosystem partnerships and our collaboration with ChargeMOD underlines this commitment. With MB.CHARGE Public, Mercedes-Benz is expanding hassle-free charging infrastructure by offering customers a fully integrated and seamless digital charging journey. This collaboration further strengthens our promise of delivering convenience, innovation and sustainable mobility to our discerning customers” said Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India

This collaboration addresses all major concerns related to charging and payment for luxury vehicle owners, and as a startup, it sets chargeMOD’s position as a critical pillar of India’s EV infrastructure.

Edge Announces Edge Elevate, Establishing Company as Unified Talent Network

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

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

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

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

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

 Key elements of Edge’s unified talent network include:

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

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

Talent benefits from:

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

Customers benefit from:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mahatma Gandhi made from Corrugated Packaging Material

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

A Maldives Mushroom on a Mission

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cars24 Launches India’s First Lifetime Warranty on Cars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sightsavers India and Roche Launch Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic in Bhopal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moving Beyond Surface-Level Narratives

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

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

Craft, Continuity, and Care

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

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

Relationships Built on Transparency

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

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

The Future of Sustainable Partnerships

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

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

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