18, Aug 2026
India’s senior living market likely to exceed INR 1 trillion by 2030, almost 4X times current levels: Colliers
New Delhi, 18 August 2026: India’s senior living market has emerged as one of the most promising alternative real estate asset classes in the country supported by growing demand for age-focused housing and increasing participation from developers, healthcare operators and investors. While the segment is still at a nascent stage, it has evolved beyond conventional retirement housing to an organized market where senior housing is replete with health care facilities. India’s senior living market has seen strong traction in recent years with the segment currently standing at around INR 300 billion, almost 70% higher than 2024 levels. Given the growing demand backed by strong investor appetite, the segment is expected to grow at an accelerated pace and exceed INR 1 trillion by 2030, rising ~4X times compared to current levels.
Trends in India’s senior living market size
|
Year |
2024 |
2026 E |
2028 F |
2030 F |
|
Market size |
~INR 180 billion |
~INR 300 billion |
~INR 700 billion |
>INR 1,000 billion |
Note: Market size is estimated/forecasted basis overall inventory (supply side) | E-Estimate, F-Forecast
Source: Colliers
This ongoing growth in senior living market is underpinned by structural shifts in India’s demographic and socio-economic profile. Rising life expectancy, nuclearization of families, rising income levels, enhanced retirement preparedness with greater focus on health & wellness are driving demand for age-appropriate curated residential solutions. In fact, the share of India’s population aged 60 years & above is expected to rise to ~21% by 2050 from ~11% currently. Further, at over 0.3 billion, India is likely to account for about 16% of the ~2.1 billion global elderly population (aged 60 years & above) by 2050, positioning it among the world’s key growth markets for senior housing.
Trends in India’s population
|
|
India |
|
USA |
Japan |
||||||
|
|
2000 |
2024 |
2026 E |
2028 F |
2030 F |
2040 F |
2050 F |
|
2026 E |
2026 E |
|
Total population (mn) |
1058 |
1451 |
1477 |
1501 |
1525 |
1623 |
1680 |
|
349 |
122 |
|
Senior population (mn) |
72 |
157 |
168 |
179 |
191 |
260 |
346 |
|
87 |
45 |
|
Senior population share (%) |
6.8% |
10.8% |
11.4% |
11.9% |
12.5% |
16.0% |
20.6% |
|
24.9% |
36.9% |
|
Median age (yrs) |
21.2 |
28.4 |
29.2 |
30.0 |
30.8 |
34.7 |
38.3 |
|
38.7 |
50.2 |
Note: Senior population refers to 60 years of age and above | E-Estimate, F-Forecast
Source: UN World Population Prospects, 2024
“India’s senior living market is entering a period of accelerated growth, driven by strong demographic shifts and evolving socio-economic dynamics. With a rapidly expanding elderly population and rising demand for professionally managed senior housing & care solutions, the market presents significant long-term growth opportunities. In fact, on the supply side, India’s organized senior living inventory is expected to quadruple over the next 3-4 years and become a trillion-rupee market by 2030. Moreover, increasing policy support, growing investor participation and collaboration among leading developers & healthcare operators are likely to redefine senior living offerings across the country,” said Badal Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Colliers India.
Senior living penetration rate to reach almost 4% by 2030
Colliers estimates current senior living demand at around 20-22 lakh units while the inventory in the organized market is only around 25,000 units. This translates into a penetration rate of about 1.3%, highlighting significant headroom for future expansion.
As India’s elderly population (aged 60 years & above) is projected to double from around 170 million currently to over 340 million by 2050, demand for senior living care is expected to witness a substantial increase over the coming decades. In fact, demand for senior living units is projected to reach nearly 30 lakh units by 2030, driven by increasing acceptance of organized senior living communities, rising life expectancy and growing preference for aged-focused housing & care-solutions. Meanwhile on the supply side, driven by aggressive expansion of leading operators & real estate developers, organized senior living inventory is set to scale up multi-fold times and reach around 1 lakh units by 2030, driving overall penetration levels to ~4%.
India senior living market landscape
|
Year |
2024 |
2026 E |
2028 F |
2030 F |
|
Demand (units in lakhs) |
18-20 |
20-22 |
23-25 |
28-30 |
|
Supply/inventory (units in lakhs) |
~ 0.20 |
~ 0.25 |
~ 0.55 |
~ 1.0 |
|
Penetration (%) |
1.0% |
1.3% |
2.3% |
~ 4.0% |
Note: Penetration refers to the proportion of organized senior living supply/inventory relative to the overall demand for senior living units during a particular year | E-Estimate, F-Forecast
Source: Colliers
Over INR 130 billion of capital commitment by senior living developers/investors since 2025; investments to materialize over next 3-4 years
India’s senior living segment is likely to see significant supply addition of close to 75,000 units over the next few years, supported by strong capital commitments from leading real estate developers, senior living operators and investors alike. Over INR 130 billion of investments have been announced since 2025 and are likely to be deployed towards development of senior living projects over the next 3-4 years. While developer-led investments continue to account for majority of the envisaged capital deployment, the segment is also witnessing rising traction in strategic partnerships with healthcare service providers. Interestingly, select institutional investors are increasingly forming joint venture platforms with leading real estate developers and are planning to aggressively expand their senior living footprint across key markets of the country.
“Growing capital commitment towards senior living projects reflects the conviction of developers and investors in the segment’s long-term growth potential. With leading developers & operators announcing more than INR 130 billion investments since 2025, we are likely to witness acceleration in fund deployment in senior living projects over the course of next 3-4 years. The senior living market is set to witness a stronger development pipeline across categories including independent living & assisted living formats. Overall, these investments are set to strengthen operator offerings, enable expansion into newer markets and accelerate the segment’s transition towards a relatively mature real estate asset class,” said Vimal Nadar, National Director and Head of Research, Colliers India.
Emerging Tier II/III cities and spiritual hubs to gain momentum
While Tier I cities[1] currently account for majority of India’s organized senior living stock, the segment is gradually expanding into Tier II & III markets. Cities such as Coimbatore, Puducherry, Dehradun, Vadodara along with spiritual hubs like Tirupati, Vrindavan and Ayodhya are emerging as attractive destinations for senior housing due to evolving lifestyle preferences and cultural appeal. These locations offer a compelling value proposition in the form of lower cost of living, improving healthcare infrastructure, relatively affordable real estate price points and a slower pace of life in general. Looking ahead, as awareness and acceptance of senior living projects continue to grow and expand beyond Tier I cities, emerging Tier II/III cities are expected to account for a growing share of around 30-40% in new project launches and broaden the segment’s geographic footprint across the country.
Wellness, innovation and policy impetus likely to shape the future of senior living
Developers to embrace integrated and wellness focused solutions: India’s senior living landscape is witnessing a gradual shift from standalone developments to integrated living and care ecosystem. While in case of both independent & assisted living formats, 1,2 & 3 BHK configuration units continue to remain dominant, real estate developers are increasingly incorporating senior living clusters within villas, large mixed-use developments & integrated townships wherein senior residents can benefit from shared amenities, social interaction, healthcare access & community engagement. Going ahead, developers are likely to increasingly broaden their offerings and cater to diverse needs such as dementia care, emergency support, rehabilitation and wellness services. At the same time, operator-led models could gain further traction as leading real estate developers partner with local healthcare providers, unlocking investment opportunities in both established and emerging markets.
Technology, sustainability & innovation to shape the next phase of senior living: Technology and sustainability are set to play an increasingly important role in the evolution of India’s senior living market across multiple facets. To enhance living experience, developers and operators are increasingly integrating smart home features, telemedicine & remote health monitoring services, and AI-enabled emergency response systems into their offerings. Additionally, during the construction stage, advanced technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing have the potential to improve project efficiency, reduce development costs and enhance the accessibility of senior living facilities across a wider range of income segments. At the same time, growing emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency and wellness centric design will increasingly drive developers and investors towards green certified, future-ready senior living developments.
Regulatory reforms to strengthen senior living ecosystem across cities: The regulatory environment for senior living in India is expected to strengthen further in the coming years, following recent reinforcement of model guidelines for senior living projects, which were originally issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2019. This renewed emphasis is set to encourage states and union territories to develop guidelines that will strengthen the overall regulatory framework for senior housing in India. These guidelines along with mandatory Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) compliance requirements will bring greater standardization, transparency, operational efficiency and accountability across senior living projects. Select states like Haryana and Maharashtra have already taken proactive steps towards establishing dedicated guidelines/policies for senior living projects, signalling the growing need for regulatory oversight in the segment.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
18, Aug 2026
Government Proposes Five-Year Extension for Cleaner Commercial Vehicles Under National Permit Rules
New Delhi, Aug 18: The government has proposed extending the permissible age of battery-operated, hydrogen-powered and natural gas-driven commercial vehicles by five years under the national permit system, a move aimed at encouraging cleaner transport and making alternative-fuel vehicles more attractive to fleet operators.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed the changes through draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The proposal applies only to vehicles covered under the national permit framework and would not extend the age limit for all commercial vehicles.
If approved, the move could give operators more time to recover the higher upfront cost of cleaner vehicles. This could be particularly helpful for businesses that are considering electric, hydrogen or natural gas vehicles but remain concerned about initial investment and financing costs.
The draft amendments also seek to simplify the national permit system. Operators could be allowed to obtain permit authorisation electronically for up to five years at a time, while the annual fee would remain at Rs 16,500. This would allow operators to avoid the need for annual renewal.
The government also plans to expand the use of the VAHAN database to reduce paperwork. Vehicle and registration details already available on the portal could be automatically retrieved during applications, allowing users to provide only information that is not already recorded.
Additional changes have been proposed for vehicle registration and documentation. These include information related to insurance, pollution certificates, fitness certificates, pending challans and previous national permits.
The draft also proposes bringing eligible automotive component manufacturers involved in research and development within the trade certificate framework, which could support testing and development activities in the automobile sector.
The proposed reforms come as India seeks to modernise its commercial transport system while encouraging greater adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies.
For transport operators, a longer operating life could improve the economics of investing in alternative-fuel vehicles. At the same time, a more digital permit system could reduce administrative delays and make compliance easier.
The government has invited objections and suggestions on the draft amendments for 30 days. The proposals will become effective only after their final publication in the Official Gazette.
If approved, the changes could give cleaner commercial vehicles a longer operating window while supporting investment, reducing paperwork and accelerating India’s transition towards more sustainable road transport.
18, Aug 2026
Different Genes, Same Result: How Flies Evolved Multiple Ways to Define Heads and Tails
One of the most important milestones in the early life of an organism is when the embryo breaks symmetry and arranges itself to form the head (anterior) at one end and tail (posterior) at the other end. Scientists have used the common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) for decades as a model species to study the process for forming the anterior-posterior body axis, along with countless other early developmental and genetic processes.
In fruit flies, a gene called bicoid controls this process. This is a unique gene that only exists in some fly species, but in 2019, Urs Schmidt-Ott, PhD, Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago, and his team discovered three unrelated and more widely conserved genes that adopted the same job in other fly species. This is an extreme example of developmental systems drift—when developmental gene networks diverge while preserving the outcome—in this case, the head-to-tail axis.
Since then, Schmidt-Ott and his lab developed new genetic tools to study these genes in different fly species. They hope to understand whether the genes work like bicoid or have a different mechanism, and how such substitutions affect the embryo’s gene network further downstream.
In a new study published recently in PLOS Biology, they examined the mechanism by which a gene called odd-paired establishes the head-to-tail axis in a moth fly, Clogmia albipunctata. Also known as a drain fly, this harmless species can be found hanging around hot, moist environments like sewer drains, plant pots, or stuffy public restrooms in the summer. To better handle their muggy habitats, they have a dense coat of hair that makes them look like little moths, hiding the fact that they hold keys for understanding how new axis determinants, acting like the well-known bicoid gene, emerged in the course of evolution.
“We knew that the majority of flies lack this bicoid gene, although it’s super important in Drosophila,” Schmidt-Ott said. “That triggered our search for such factors in other fly species. It turns out each of these other species has its own interesting story.”
Taken together, these stories reveal the principle of an evolutionary process in which a different version of the same protein produced from a single gene (known as an alternative transcript isoform) is co-opted as a cue for the embryo’s developmental gene network.
In both moth fly and fruit fly embryos, expression of the odd-paired gene ensures that the correct number of body segments form as the larval body plan develops. However, moth fly mothers also express odd-paired earlier, during formation of the egg. This transcript provides a nearly identical protein but at a different time and in a different location—the prospective head region of the egg. This localized early activity of odd-paired is what lets it be reused to break axial symmetry in moth flies.
But the researchers also wanted to know how odd-paired functions at the molecular level in moth flies to break the symmetry. The new study provides answers to their questions about its downstream targets, and if they are the same as the targets of bicoid in fruit flies.
Both bicoid and odd-paired affect chromatin accessibility in the genome, which describes how open or closed a region of DNA is inside the cell nucleus. DNA is packaged with associated proteins to form material called chromatin. Open chromatin is loosely packed and more accessible to be expressed and regulated; closed chromatin is tightly packed and less accessible to genetic machinery.
Fruit flies and moth flies both break symmetry by managing chromatin accessibility in regions of the genome that promote the expression of genes required for developing the head, but their target genes differ. While bicoid has dozens of direct target genes (the earliest and best studied is one called hunchback), the odd-paired substitute of moth flies may not target this gene at all. Instead, moth flies start developing the head by activating two different genes called homeobrain and sloppy-paired.
It is still unclear if these two genes are sufficient to break axial symmetry in most fly species, or if the early embryonic gene networks of other flies are far more diverse. If so, researchers hope that comparing the developmental gene networks of many fly species will help to answer questions about which of these genetic network features are most resistant to change, and why.
Schmidt-Ott said the example of axial patterning in fly embryos shows the value of studying multiple species, even when there is such a well-established model as the fruit fly. “One big benefit of going with these multi-species approaches is that you can see how nature solved the same problem in different lineages,” he said. “There are 150,000 described fly species out there, and there is a huge variation in how they achieve the same job of establishing head tail polarity of the embryo. By looking into these natural experiments, I think we can better understand principles of how these mechanisms work and change in the course of evolution.”
The study, “Asymmetric chromatin accessibility underlies anterior-posterior axis specification in moth fly embryos,” was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health. Additional authors include Ezra E. Amiri, Muzi Li, Ayse Tenger-Trolander, Maxwell Devine, and Koray Kasan from UChicago; Alexander Thomas Julian from the Illinois Institute of Technology; Sheri A. Sanders from the University of Notre Dame; and Shelby A. Blythe from Northwestern University.
18, Aug 2026
Zydus Hospitals Sets New Benchmarks in High-Risk Pregnancy and Complex Gynaecological Care
AHMEDABAD, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — India has made real progress on maternal health in recent years with expanding access to healthcare and plummeting maternal mortality ratios. Yet a nation-wide analysis by the ICMR found that nearly half of all pregnancies in India are now classified as high-risk, and the country marks a maternal mortality rate of around 88 maternal deaths every 1 lakh live births. The aim is to lower it to 70 by 2030. In Western India, the department of gynaecology and obstetrics at Zydus Hospitals, Ahmedabad, has been established as a top high-risk pregnancy and IVF centre that manages a massive case load of high-risk pregnancies annually, spanning placenta abnormalities, multiple gestation, pre-existing conditions, preterm complications, and more. With an in-house blood bank, a dedicated Gynec ICU, in-house NICU, and round-the-clock specialists across obstetrics, fetal medicine, anaesthesia, and neonatology, the department is built to handle nearly any gynaecological emergency in the State.
With roughly 3 crore pregnancies and up to 2.7 crore live births annually, more than anywhere else in the world, even a small share of high-risk cases add up to an enormous number of women who need specialised care. A pregnancy is generally classified as high-risk when either the mother or the baby faces a higher-than-usual chance of complications. Common contributors include advanced or very young maternal age, a previous caesarean delivery, obesity, and pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
Dr. Namita Shah, Sr. Obstetrician and High-risk Pregnancy Expert, says, “Several of these factors are becoming more common in India. We handle a lot of high-risk pregnancy cases with such conditions, and recently, a 30-year-old woman in her second pregnancy, came to us for her antenatal check-up in her fifth month. Her first child was born by C-section. During the scans, we could see her placenta had invaded deeply into the uterine wall, and found that she had a rare condition known as placenta accreta spectrum along with placenta previa.”
Placenta previa becomes considerably more serious when combined with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). A prior caesarean delivery is one of the strongest risk factors for PAS, since the placenta can implant over the old scar and burrow in more deeply than it should.
“Our fetal medicine specialist confirmed PAS layered on top of placenta previa. In such a case, we need to deliver the baby in a setup with a strong anaesthesia team, an in-house blood bank and an in-house neonatologist as PAS carries a real risk of catastrophic blood loss during delivery, and if it isn’t managed quickly, it can push a patient into haemorrhagic shock or organ injury. Fortunately, all of these facilities are available at Zydus, which also makes it a much safer setup for the patient,” says Dr. Namita. An MRI was done ahead of delivery to map the extent of the placenta’s attachment, and the team explained the inherent risks of her condition to the family.
The baby was delivered by an upper-segment caesarean section. “As anticipated, her placenta had invaded into the bladder wall, and an obstetric hysterectomy was required to control the bleeding. We had to transfuse 2.5 litres of blood and several units of fresh frozen plasma during the operation,” added Dr. Namita.
Given the extent of the bladder involvement, Dr. Kaustubh Patel, Urologist, joined the surgical team. After the delivery of the baby, the placenta was carefully separated from the bladder wall and later a hysterectomy was performed. Post-op, the mother spent two days in intensive care. Both her and the baby’s recovery were uneventful, and they were discharged in five days. “They both are doing well now,” Dr. Namita said.
Dr. Raman Patel, Sr. Gynecologist, Endoscopic and Robotic Surgeon and IVF specialist, with nearly four decades of experience, met a couple who had been trying to conceive for ten years. The wife, 31, had a history of PMOS and irregular periods; the couple were also facing male-factor infertility and higher BMIs. They had already been through three rounds of intrauterine insemination and one IVF cycle elsewhere, all unsuccessful, before coming to Zydus for a second attempt at IVF, this time under Dr. Raman and Dr. Reitu Patel, IVF and Infertility Specialist and Embryologist.
Keen not to risk another failed cycle, the couple opted to have three embryos transferred. Despite Dr. Reitu explaining to them the potential complications of such a procedure, the couple insisted for the same. Surprisingly, all three embryos implanted. “However, in her first trimester, as she was experiencing multiple episodes of bleeding and spotting, we recommended that they consider reducing the pregnancy to twins,” says Dr. Reitu Patel. The reduction was carried out under the guidance of a fetal medicine specialist, and a preventive cervical encerclage (a stitch to reinforce and help support the pregnancy) was done at 16 weeks. The mother had subsequently developed gestational diabetes as the pregnancy progressed.
At 25 weeks and 4 days, considered extremely ultra-preterm, she began experiencing severe pain and leaking so Dr. Raman had to move ahead with a caesarean delivery. “Both twins were born ultra-preterm, weighing just 800 grams and 900 grams. At that stage, babies haven’t yet developed the ability to regulate their own body temperature or to breathe and feed without support, so we had to keep them in our in-house neonatal ICU,” he said.
“One of the twins developed pulmonary hypoxia and needed ventilator support before recovering. They both spent around three months in the NICU before they were strong enough to be handed over to their mother,” said Dr. Anita Srinivasan, Neonatologist.
“I recently spoke to the mother, and I was relieved to hear that the twin babies are doing exceedingly well,” Dr. Raman said.
In addition, the team also has state’s first MCh in Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Vivek Kakkad, IVF and Reproductive Medicine Specialist.
Though a cervical cerclage was enough to help carry that pregnancy through, for another patient who broke her waters at 4th month of her pregnancy, things took a far more severe turn. She had undergone three miscarriages in her fourth and fifth months, including two where a vaginal cerclage had already been placed. However, in her fourth pregnancy, she came to Dr. Riddhi Shah, Maternity Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Robotic Surgeon. “Given her history, we had to be very careful. And as she was suffering from chronic cervical insufficiency, this time around, we planned to do a laparoscopic cerclage after the first trimester,” she said. Cervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix begins to open too early in pregnancy without contractions, often leading to second-trimester loss or extremely preterm birth.
“Unfortunately, she began losing amniotic fluid at the 4th month, so we moved straight to a laparoscopic abdominal cerclage,” she added. Despite the fluid loss, the patient carried the pregnancy for another 3.5 months, and was admitted for 3 months. “We regularly sent for blood and urine tests and closely monitored her for any infections and also included the infectious diseases team who supported us throughout her stay,” said Dr. Riddhi. After long and anxious hospital stay, she delivered successfully, and both the baby and the mother recovered well. Recently she celebrated her baby’s first birthday.
Beyond high-risk pregnancies, other complex gynec cases including infertility, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, menstrual disorders, and menopause treatment are also carried out here. The department’s gynaecology team also includes Dr. Bina Mavani, Dr. Sonali Chauhan, Dr. Foram Vora, Dr. Margi Shah and Dr. Vaishali Patel, Zydus also extends their services in gynec cancer and breast cancer cases with experts like Dr. Ava Desai, Dr. Mona Shah and Dr. Priyanka Chiripal and Dr. Dhara Pandya.
As the quality of care across India remains uneven and a gap is reflected in national data as well as in individual outcomes. Zydus’s push to bring advanced infrastructure, in-house specialists and specialised gynec care to its other centres with Dr. Reshmi Banerjee and Dr. Prachi Sabnis at Zydus Vadodara and Dr. Kavya Patel at Zydus Anand, is an effort to close that gap across Western India.
To know more about their services, visit https://zydushospitals.com
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18, Aug 2026
Unveiling a Smarter Future for Dentistry at China Dental Show 2026
SHANGHAI, Aug 18: China Dental Show 2026 will take place from October 13 to 16 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, bringing together dental professionals, distributors and buyers from around the world to explore China’s latest dental technologies, products and academic achievements.
Presented by the same organizing team behind the FDI World Dental Congress 2025, CDS 2026 will serve as an integrated platform for technology showcases, trade matching, academic exchange and industry cooperation. Through technical demonstrations and interactive on-site activities, international attendees will have the opportunity to experience China’s latest dental solutions, meet Chinese companies and institutions, and explore sourcing and partnership opportunities.
AI, Robotics and Digital Dentistry
A core attraction of CDS 2026 will be the Digital Intelligence Experience Zone within the Prosthodontics Exhibition Area, bringing together three leading Chinese brands: Yakebot, Yangshan Medical and IMPNAV. Featured technologies will range from dental implant robotics to oral surgery navigation systems, giving visitors a hands-on look at China’s growing capabilities in intelligent dentistry. CDS 2026 will also feature a Future Dental Clinic experience showcasing the world’s first smart headset designed for clinical use. Integrated with dental microscopes, intraoral scanners and navigation systems, the device allows users wearing AR glasses to switch seamlessly between data feeds from multiple devices simply by turning their heads.
Toward Intelligent Manufacturing
China’s dental industry is moving well beyond its earlier profile as a source of low-end consumables and OEM manufacturing. Chinese companies are now developing increasingly sophisticated digital and intelligent dental solutions that are reaching laboratories, clinics and distributors across the Asia-Pacific region. In 2025, China’s dental equipment and materials exports reached USD 1.847 billion, up 8.94 percent year-on-year. CDS 2026 will serve as a gateway for technology exports, product procurement, trade matching and long-term business partnerships.
Academic Exchange and Clinical Learning
CDS 2026 will be held alongside the 28th Annual Conference of the Chinese Stomatological Association and the 20th Academic Conference of the Prosthodontics Committee, drawing university deans, researchers and practitioners from China’s leading dental institutions. Distinguished speakers will share recent research breakthroughs and clinical techniques, with the program featuring step-by-step workshops and hands-on sessions. For international participants, the event offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with China’s academic community and explore cross-border research partnerships.
Easier Access for International Visitors
China has further expanded its inbound travel facilitation measures in 2026. Visa-free transit stays for eligible travellers from a range of countries in Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America have been extended to 240 hours, and additional ports of entry and eligible regions have been introduced, making it more convenient than ever to attend exhibitions and conduct business in China.
18, Aug 2026
Government of Gujarat and Automation Anywhere Partner to Democratize Access to AI and Build AI Capabilities Across Government, Education, and Industry
GANDHINAGAR, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Automation Anywhere, a leader in Agentic Process Automation (APA), and the Government of Gujarat today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand AI skills and knowledge across the state.
AI is becoming part of how governments deliver services, how businesses operate, and what skills people need to succeed. The decisions made today about who has access to AI knowledge and practical experience will shape economic opportunities for years to come. Preparing citizens for that future is a shared responsibility — one that requires government, education, and industry to work together, while ensuring AI sovereignty remains central to how the technology is adopted and scaled. That means building practical AI skills alongside the institutional capabilities needed to govern how AI operates across data, systems, and workflows.
Across India, Automation Anywhere has invested in partnerships that help Indians build practical AI and automation skills — from working with NxtWave to provide more than 100,000 students with enterprise AI and automation training, to supporting AI Kiran’s goal of preparing one million people, with a focus on women and youth, for AI careers by 2030. The partnership with Gujarat extends that commitment by bringing together government, academia, startups, and industry to help prepare students, public servants, entrepreneurs, and professionals for an AI-powered future.
“Many organizations are beyond experimenting with AI and are now focused on using it to create real value,” said Mihir Shukla, CEO and Co-founder of Automation Anywhere. “In Gujarat, we have a government that understands the answer isn’t technology alone — it requires people who know how to use AI, leaders who know how to govern it, and institutions ready to bring all of it together. That’s what this partnership is built to do.”
Under the agreement, the parties will collaborate on training programs, workshops, bootcamps and certification-oriented learning, bringing together government, academia, startups and industry across Gujarat.
“Our vision is to ensure Gujarat remains at the forefront of innovation,” said Shri Arjunbhai Modhwadia, Hon’ble Minister, Science and Technology Government of Gujarat, under the leadership of whom this initiative is happening. “This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in people and creating new opportunities for students, professionals, startups and public servants. Together, we are building the capabilities that will support better public services, continued economic growth, and Gujarat’s long-term future.”
The partnership is intended to help ensure that AI adoption in Gujarat under the vision of Hon’ble CM Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel and Hon’ble Deputy CM Shri Harshbhai Sanghvi, is not only broader, but more responsible, more locally governed, and more capable of delivering meaningful outcomes for citizens, businesses, and institutions. To learn more about Automation Anywhere’s work in AI skilling and responsible AI adoption, visit http://automationanywhere.com/company/responsible-ai.
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18, Aug 2026
HDFC Securities Launches ‘MTF T20’, Offers 0% Interest for 20 Days on Eligible Margin Trading Facility Transactions
MUMBAI, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Independence is not just about having the freedom to choose; it is also about having the flexibility to act on those choices. Taking this thought to investing, HDFC Securities Limited has introduced ‘MTF T20’, an offering that gives eligible investors greater flexibility to participate in the equity markets with 0% interest on eligible Margin Trading Facility (MTF) purchase transactions for the first 20 calendar days.
Speaking on the launch, Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO, HDFC Securities, said, “Financial independence relies on having both the access to opportunities and the flexibility to capitalize on them. With ‘MTF T20’, we are enhancing capital efficiency for our retail investors by offering a zero-interest window for the first 20 days. This initiative reflects our commitment to continuously democratizing trading tools and delivering value-driven digital solutions.”
Under the MTF T20 offering, eligible customers can avail the interest-free benefit for the first 20 calendar days from the execution of each eligible MTF purchase transaction. A brokerage of 0.50% on the buy transaction value and 0.50% on the sell transaction value will apply to eligible trades under the offer. From the 21st calendar day onwards, the applicable MTF interest rate under the customer’s prevailing tariff plan will be charged.
Available on HDFC Securities’ trading platform InvestRight, the offering is designed to give investors greater room to manage their positions and make investment decisions with additional flexibility, subject to applicable eligibility criteria and terms and conditions.
MTF allows investors to take positions in eligible securities by paying the required margin, with the balance funded by the broker. With MTF T20, HDFC Securities is bringing an extended interest-free window to this facility, giving eligible investors more flexibility in managing their market positions.
The offering is subject to applicable terms and conditions (https://www.hdfcsec.com/mtf-t20-terms-conditions). Statutory levies, exchange transaction charges, GST, stamp duty, SEBI charges, and other applicable charges will continue to apply. Market risks remain applicable, and the interest-free period does not assure profits or protect against losses.
About HDFC Securities:
HDFC Securities, a subsidiary of HDFC Bank, is one of India’s leading stockbrokers, with 26 years of expertise in the Indian equity market. Serving around 6 million customers in over 100 cities, the company operates a robust network of more than 120 branches. HDFC Securities provides a comprehensive range of investment products and trading services tailored to meet diverse financial needs. Over its 26-year history, HDFC Securities has played a crucial role in empowering investors with more than 30 distinct financial solutions. These offerings include equities, gold, mutual funds, currency derivatives, non-convertible debentures (NCDs), fixed deposits, bonds, basket investing, global investing, and acts as a distributor of the National Pension System (NPS), each designed to align with various investment goals. Dedicated to providing seamless and future-ready trading experiences, HDFC Securities features cutting-edge platforms such as InvestRight and HDFC SKY (discount broking), along with mobile apps, a user-friendly website, Integrated Trading Solutions (ITS), and ProTerminal. In addition, HSL Prime Research offers best-in-class investment opportunities, backed by comprehensive fundamental and technical analysis conducted by a team of seasoned analysts, many of whom have been with HDFC Securities for over a decade. The company has also launched its investment advisory service, HDFC TRU, focusing on high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs), family offices, and treasury clients. HDFC Securities also maintains a strong social media presence, proactively sharing market updates and educational content to promote financial literacy. The company engages with its audience through platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. For more information, visit https://www.hdfcsec.com/article/disclaimer-1795.
Investment in securities market is subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Neither the information, nor any opinion contained on this website or in the research reports / calls constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Securities Ltd. or its owners / affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.
SEBI Registration No.: INZ000186937 (NSE, BSE, MSEI, MCX) |NSE Trading Member Code: 11094 | BSE Clearing Number: 393 | MSEI Trading Member Code: 30000 | MCX Member Code: 56015 | IN-DP-372-2018 (CDSL, NSDL) | CDSL DP ID: 12086700 | NSDL DP ID: IN304279 | AMFI Reg No. ARN -13549 | PFRDA Reg. No – POP 11092018 | IRDA Corporate Agent License No.CA0062 | Research Analyst Reg. No. INH000002475 | Investment Adviser: INA000011538-Type-Non-Individual, Validity of Registration-Perpetual, Principal Officer- Pranab Uniyal Contact Number 022-68494702, Email Id- investmentadvisers@hdfcsec.com | CIN-U67120MH2000PLC152193. This is for information purposes only.
Registered Address: I Think Techno Campus, Building B, Alpha, Office Floor 8, Near Kanjurmarg Station, Kanjurmarg (East), Mumbai -400 042. Tel -022 30753400. Compliance Officer: Mr. Murli V Karkera. Ph: 022-691 51436, Email: complianceofficer@hdfcsec.com.
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18, Aug 2026
SEBI Launches Two Portals to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Incident Reporting
Mumbai, August 18: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched two new portals aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, improving cyber-incident reporting and facilitating information sharing across the securities market ecosystem.
The SEBI Incident Reporting Portal is designed to make reporting of cyber incidents more structured, timely and actionable. It also aligns incident reporting with the Common Information Framework for Incidents (CIFI), helping bring greater uniformity to reporting and facilitating coordination, including in cross-border incidents.
The Cyber Suraksha Portal will serve as a central platform for sharing cybersecurity knowledge, vulnerability alerts, policy measures and insights from incidents.
SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, speaking at the regulator’s five-day Cyber Defence Symposium in Mumbai, called for a shift from periodic cybersecurity compliance to continuous, risk-driven cyber resilience.
The symposium, being held from August 17-21, brings together participants from India and 15 IOSCO jurisdictions for cybersecurity exercises, tabletop simulations and cyber-range activities. Pandey stressed that financial institutions must focus not only on preventing attacks but also on quickly detecting, containing and recovering from them.
18, Aug 2026
Technology-Driven Pension Services Improve Efficiency, Save Resources: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, August 18: Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said technology-driven pension services have improved efficiency while reducing manpower and financial costs. Addressing the 9th National ANUBHAV Awards Ceremony 2026 and the 60th Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop at Vigyan Bhawan, he described retiring and retired government employees as a “national asset” and called for continued use of technology and pensioner feedback to make the system simpler and more responsive.
Dr Singh said pension reforms are aimed not only at providing ease of living to pensioners but also at improving administrative efficiency. He highlighted initiatives such as Digital Life Certificate, Face Authentication, Pension Adalats, Bhavishya and the Integrated Pensioners’ Portal, which have simplified pension processing, reduced physical verification requirements and helped resolve grievances. He said pension procedures are being continuously reviewed, with unnecessary provisions removed and family pension rules strengthened in line with changing social realities.
The minister also conferred National ANUBHAV Awards on five awardees and presented Jury Awards. He said the ANUBHAV initiative, launched in 2015, helps preserve the experience of government employees and provides valuable feedback for improving policies and administrative practices. The 60th Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop was attended by around 800 officials due to retire in March 2027, covering pension benefits, healthcare, digital life certificates, cyber security, investment options, family pension and grievance redressal. DoPPW Secretary Nivedita Shukla Verma said more than 14,000 experiences have been shared on the ANUBHAV portal, while the 2026 awards received over 2,000 nominations, the highest so far.
18, Aug 2026
upGrad Crosses ₹2,000 Cr Gross Revenue in FY26; Grows EBITDA 8X to 123 Cr
MUMBAI, India, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated skilling and lifelong learning majors, reported a decisive step-up in profitability for FY26. Ind-AS EBITDA rose more than eight-fold to INR 123 crore, from INR 15 crore on the same basis in FY25. Net loss narrowed 52% to INR 130 crore – the third consecutive year in which losses have more than halved year on year, down from a peak of INR 1,142 crore in FY23.
The company reported Gross Revenue of INR 2,070 crore (inclusive of taxes), up 7% year-on-year and the post Ind-AS accounting closed at a total income of INR 1,732 crore. upGrad also carries INR 530 crore of collected and yet to be recognised revenue to be recognised in future years. In terms of business scale, the company now has, at any given time – more than 100,000 concurrent learners across its online skilling & degree, study abroad & offline skilling programs and on the B2B business front more than 700 enterprises chose upGrad Enterprise for their employee skilling, recruitment and workforce-development needs in FY26. Underpinning that scale is a wide range of offerings – from university-led undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, MBAs and doctorates to bootcamps, diplomas and professional certificates, delivered both online and offline, spanning disciplines from Technology, Data and AI to Management, Finance and Law.
AI now runs through both what upGrad teaches and how it operates. In the curriculum, AI is embedded across more than 80% of upGrad’s programs and spans every price point, with strong demand across the range. On the operating side, upGrad’s own adoption of AI is making the business structurally more efficient. Both marketing and technology costs came down year-on-year, even as revenue grew.
“FY26 has been a strong year on profitability, built on disciplined execution and right cost management. It’s a result of the strong execution over the last three years, and reflects the profitability discipline that has got us here – one we will carry forward as we scale”, said Mukesh Mundra, Chief Financial Officer, upGrad.
Adding to that, Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder & Chairperson, upGrad, said, “FY26 has brought us to a strong basecamp – in financial position and in business scale. Over the next few years, our focus is growth – both organic and through acquisitions, including Internshala and Unacademy, which we are now closing. With these, we complete upGrad’s integrated story: serving learners across their entire lifecycle. From this base we intend to compound across India and global markets.”
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