4, Nov 2026
Replit Opens First Asia Office in Tokyo Expanding Global Footprint
Replit deepens partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL) to bring its platform to enterprises across Asia
TOKYO and SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Replit, the agentic software creation platform used by builders in 85% of the Fortune 500 companies, today announced the opening of its office in Tokyo to support its growing enterprise business in the region. The news follows its London office opening in September as more enterprises worldwide adopt Replit to rapidly and securely build and scale applications.
The company announced its first Asian office at a press conference in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL), its first enterprise customer with operating assets of 9 trillion yen ($57 billion) in Japan. The conference featured Replit co-founders Amjad Masad and Haya Odeh and SMFL President Tetsuro Imaeda.
The company has seen growing momentum in its enterprise business across the globe with customers like Accenture, Visa, Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers and others already building with it.
Replit’s partnership with SMFL demonstrates the power of AI to accelerate enterprise software development and reduce costs. A single SMFL employee using Replit completed a project in one week that previously required six people over six months. SMFL and Replit are expanding their partnership to help more businesses across Asia build custom software using Replit’s AI platform.
“Opening our first office in Asia is a milestone for us,” said Masad. “Our partnership with SMFL demonstrates how AI can transform the way companies operate. We believe the future is the Self-Driving Company, where AI agents take on more of the execution work, with security and controls built in. We’re excited to help more companies across Asia make this transition.
“By combining Replit’s platform with our enterprise expertise, we can help companies build applications faster, and accelerate innovation. This will also enable our cloud-based asset management service developed in-house, “assetforce” to become an even more tailored solution that can quickly meet the complex, company-specific requirements of our enterprise customers,” commented Imaeda. “We look forward to expanding our partnership and bringing these capabilities to more businesses across Japan.”
Replit is already putting its Self-Driving Company blueprint into practice internally. In the first half of 2026, Replit’s engineers nearly tripled their code output, while designers are using AI to ship product changes and support teams are using agents to investigate issues. As AI takes on more responsibilities across the company, security and governance are critical to making this possible safely and at scale.
About Replit
Replit is the agentic software creation platform that enables anyone to build applications without learning code. Founded in 2016, the company has more than 60 million users worldwide, including users at 85% of the Fortune 500. Teams at enterprises including Atlassian, Accenture, Adobe, and Databricks use Replit to build apps, and the company has partnerships with Google, Stripe, and Slack, among others. Replit is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in London and Tokyo.
Media Contact: press@replit.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/replit-opens-first-asia-office-in-tokyo-expanding-global-footprint-302929062.html
- 0
- By PRNewswire
4, Nov 2026
Aon Client Treaty Expands to 35% Co-insurance for 2027
- Flagship facility will co-insure eligible business placed through Aon’s Global Broking Centre and facultative reinsurance business, up from 28.5% for 2026
- The 1.5% ACT Client Dividend will apply to a larger share of each eligible placement
DUBLIN, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced the successful renewal of the Aon Client Treaty (ACT).
From 1 January 2027, the facility will enable 35% co-insurance on eligible business placed through Aon’s Global Broking Centre and on facultative reinsurance placed by Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions, up from 28.5%. Strong support from market partners has matched growing client demand for committed capacity. Where permitted by local law and regulation, and subject to eligibility, the ACT Client Dividend of 1.5% will apply to the larger 35% share.
“As the risks our clients face grow more complex and interconnected, efficient access to risk capital has never been more important,” said Joe Peiser, CEO, Risk Capital, Aon. “Increasing ACT to 35% gives clients greater efficiency and confidence when placing their risks. ACT is a clear demonstration of how Aon’s integrated Risk Capital approach delivers improved outcomes for clients.”
The facility is led by QBE and backed by Lloyd’s syndicates. Lloyd’s is rated AA- by S&P and A+ by AM Best. Clients who choose to use ACT access its capacity on the same terms and pricing as the lead placement and may also be eligible for the dividend. Use of ACT is subject to client agreement, and Aon manages placements in line with its conflicts of interest framework.
The expansion for 2027 is particularly significant for facultative reinsurance, which ACT has supported since late 2025. Insurers placing large or complex individual risks through Aon can now access committed capacity, subject to eligibility criteria, for a larger portion of each placement.
“ACT continues to evolve with what our clients need,” said Helene Madell, CEO, Global Broking Centre, Aon. “Facultative reinsurance has quickly become one of the facility’s most important areas of growth and moving to 35% allows us to build on that momentum for clients.”
Since its launch in 2016, ACT has placed more than $5 billion in gross written premium. Together with Aon Digital Placement Exchange, Aon Broker Copilot and Aon Claims Copilot, ACT reflects the firm’s continued investment in broking innovation. These capabilities are designed to streamline placement and claims and enhance the client experience.
Learn more about ACT here.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
Media Contact
mediainquiries@aon.com
Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114
International: +1 312 381 3024
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aon-client-treaty-expands-to-35-co-insurance-for-2027-302928196.html
4, Nov 2026
transcosmos partners with BANDAI and BNTCA to support Tamagotchi’s 30th anniversary promotion in North America on Roblox
Tokyo, Japan, Nov 04: transcosmos today announced that the company, in partnership with BANDAI CO., LTD. and Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc., is holding a collaboration event celebrating the 30th anniversary of Tamagotchi on Roblox, one of the world’s largest user-participation platforms, from November 1 to 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2026 (U.S. Eastern Time). The event takes place in Main Street RP, a popular roleplay game operated by Entelechy Entertainment LLC that has surpassed 150 million total visits.
transcosmos is responsible for the overall planning and production of the initiative, and is creating and operating the in-game experience together with Entelechy Entertainment.
■Celebrating Tamagotchi’s 30th anniversary in Main Street RP on Roblox
Tamagotchi was born in Japan on November 23, 1996, and celebrates its 30th anniversary in November 2026. In the U.S., BNTCA will host the anniversary event “Tamagotchi Times Square Spectacular” in Times Square on November 22 (U.S. Eastern Time).
This initiative supports the 30th anniversary promotion in North America from the metaverse. Fans across the U.S. who cannot make it to the venue in New York, as well as fans around the world, can join the 30th anniversary celebration from a city on Roblox.
* The Roblox application must be downloaded to play. Basic play is free of charge.
■A linked event connecting Harajuku/Shibuya and New York
Inside the city of Main Street RP, we have planned a linked event that connects the “Cho Tamagotchi Festival” held in Harajuku and Shibuya with the “Tamagotchi Times Square Spectacular” held in New York.
Drawing on the unique culture of roleplay games, where players live in a city and spend time together with friends, the month-long event is designed so that players can discover and enjoy both Main Street RP and Tamagotchi. Discover the full details in the game during the event period.
■More encounters with Tamagotchi on Roblox
As of Q3 2026, Roblox has more than 130 million daily active users (DAU) worldwide, with usage expanding mainly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. transcosmos positions Roblox as a “next-generation experience platform” and has created opportunities for players around the world to meet Tamagotchi by planning and operating Tamagotchi Party and Find Tamagotchi, as well as through collaborations with popular games.
Now, in addition to the titles it plans and operates, transcosmos is collaborating with a popular roleplay game that many players in the U.S. enjoy every day, bringing Tamagotchi to even more players in North America.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary, major updates are also planned for the Tamagotchi titles on Roblox that transcosmos plans and operates. Stay tuned!
■Comments
Chisato Aoyagi, Assistant Manager, Toy Division, BANDAI CO., LTD.
“Tamagotchi celebrates the 30th anniversary of its birth on November 23, 2026. In Japan, we are holding the ‘Cho Tamagotchi Festival’ in the Harajuku and Shibuya area, and in the U.S., an anniversary celebration will also take place in Times Square, New York. On top of that, a story connecting these two venues will unfold in the city of a popular Roblox game. We are truly delighted to celebrate the 30th anniversary with Tamagotchi fans around the world, across the real and digital worlds and beyond countries and places. We will continue working so that Tamagotchi remains loved across generations.”
Tomoaki Ishikawa, Senior Vice President, Toy Department, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc.
“As Tamagotchi reaches its 30th anniversary, we wanted to celebrate together with fans across the U.S. and around the world. Having Tamagotchi ‘arrive’ in a Roblox city where today’s kids gather almost every day brings the excitement we felt when we first met Tamagotchi 30 years ago to a new generation. Starting with the events in Harajuku and Shibuya, we look forward to celebrating Tamagotchi’s birthday with many people in Times Square, New York, and in the Roblox game.”
Jonathan Patrick, Founder, Entelechy Entertainment LLC
“Main Street RP is a place where players come together to live, explore, and share moments in a city they help bring to life. Welcoming Tamagotchi into our game for its 30th anniversary has been not only exciting for our team but also a true honor. From Harajuku to New York, we’ve built a story our whole community can experience together. We look forward to continuing our work with transcosmos to bring more iconic Japanese brands to Roblox players.”
Jin Mitsuda, Department Manager, Metaverse Promotion Department, transcosmos inc.
“We are very pleased to play a role in connecting Tamagotchi with Roblox users in the U.S. at the major milestone of its 30th anniversary. Among Japanese IPs, Tamagotchi has led the way in collaborating with popular Roblox games that are growing overseas. Valuing experiences that bring value to both the IP and the game, we worked together with all of our partners to create something that both longtime Tamagotchi fans and those meeting it for the first time can enjoy. We hope you enjoy an unexpected encounter with Tamagotchi in a city on Roblox.”
■Next steps
transcosmos will continue to work with BANDAI and BNTCA to bring the appeal of Tamagotchi to Roblox users around the world, and, through its collaboration with Entelechy Entertainment, will continue its efforts to connect Japanese IPs and brands with Roblox users in North America.
In addition, by combining the titles it plans and operates with collaborations that blend into the communities of popular games, transcosmos will keep building places where characters and brands from Japan continue to be loved by the next generation overseas.
|
4, Nov 2026
Wintermar Offshore (WINS:JK) Reports Results for Third Quarter Ending 30 September 2026
JAKARTA, Nov 04 – Wintermar reports a 67.6%YOY jump in Operating Profit to US$24.7million for 9M2026 on 30.0%YOY revenue growth, supported by margin improvement from additional high-tier vessels in operation and better charter rates.
Owned Vessel Division
Owned Vessel revenue grew by 30.9%YOY to US$ 65.8million in 9M2026 with 2 units of additional DP vessels operational compared to 9M2025, while charter rates remained firm. Gross margin for Owned Vessels widened to 45.3% in 9M2026 compared to 40.0% in 9M2025 as there were more high tier vessels in operation this year. Fleet utilization remained stable at 60% in 9M2026 against 9M2025, although 3Q2026 utilization fell to 54% compared to 62% in 2Q2026, due to 3 high tier vessels completing long-term contracts. As a result of some delays in the tenders for long-term contracts, there are more vessels working on spot contracts which have resulted in short-term fluctuations in the utilization rate. The consolidation of Fast Offshore Supply Pte. Ltd. (FOS) for the first time in 3Q2026 offset some of there venue reduction from the core business. A few vessels are being prepared for deployment in 4Q2026, which has added to direct expenses but should improve utilization for the rest of the year.
Chartering and Other Marine Services
In line with management strategy to prioritise owned vessels division and boost fee-based income, chartering revenue continued to decline 20.5%YOY to US$3.2million with gross profit of US$0.2million.
Conversely, revenue from Other Marine Services rose by 68.2%YOY to US$6.9million for 9M2026, with gross profit from this division increasing by 42.8%YOY to US$2.0million.
Direct Expenses and Gross Profit
Direct Expenses for Owned Vessels rose by 19.2%YOY to US$36.0million for 9M2026, largely from the consolidation of FOS vessels for the first time in 3Q2026 after the acquisition was completed end of 1H2026.
Depreciation rose by 23.7%YOY to US$13.0million after including the FOS fleet in 3Q2026, as well as 2 additional Wintermar group vessels which began operation. Crewing costs rose by 25.2%YOY to US$10.2million, while fuel bunker costs increased by 46.8%YOY to US$2.6million from higher fuel prices and preparation for mobilization to long term contracts in 4Q2026. Operations expenses only increasing marginally by 4.4%YOY to US$3.6million and maintenance costs rose to US$6.6million from US$6.3million in 9M2025. Expenses from Other Marine Services rose 81.4% in line with the increase in income from the same division with more fee based services recorded.
Total Gross Profit jumped by 46.7%YOY in 9M2026 to US$32.1million, with the Owned Vessel Division contributing US$29.8million.
Indirect Expenses and Operating Profit
Total Indirect Expenses increased by 3.3%YOY to US$7.4million in 9M2026, of which the largest expense, staff salary only increased by 1.4%YOY to US$5.0million. Traveling costs rose by 61.1% to US$0.1million driven by increase of ongoing operations outside Indonesia. Administrative expenses and professional fees increased by 14.4%YOY and 20.6%YOY respectively, mainly from costs associated with new bank loans and the acquisition of FOS. Office depreciation increased by 5.7% and office utility by 23.5%, mainly due to the addition of FOS’s administrative and office assets following the acquisition.
Operating Profit rose by 67.6%YOY to US$24.7million in 9M2026, reflecting a widening operating margin from 25.2% in 9M2025 to 32.5% in 9M2026.
Other Income, Expenses and Net Attributable Profit
Interest expenses rose by 42.0%YOY to US$2.2million and interest income rose by 16.4%YOY to US$0.9million. The higher interest expenses reflect the Company’s strategy of fleet expansion, which is financed by cash flow followed by refinancing through bank leverage once the vessels commence operation. At the end of 9M2026, WINS’ net gearing, after the consolidation of bank debt and cash from FOS, is 29%.
Associated Companies recorded a loss of US$0.4million due to lower vessel utilization. A forex loss of US$0.5million was incurred in 9M2026 on the portion of the Company’s cash held in Rupiah, due to Rupiah’s depreciation during the period.
Net gain on sale of fixed assets fell by 4.2%YOY to US$1.6million due to lower vessel sale proceeds compared to last year, with one FOS vessel sold to a third party in 3Q2026. In addition, other income rose significantly to US$4.1million, mainly from the recovery of impaired receivables at FOS.
Including the one-off gain, Total Attributable Net Profit rose by 91.9%YOY to US$17.7million compared to US$9.2million in 9M2025. Earnings per share rose to Rp70.5 in 9M2026 from Rp34.5 in 9M2025.
EBITDA rose by 49.0%YOY to US$37.9million for 9M2026, compared to US$25.5million in 9M2025.
Industry Outlook
The interim truce in the Iran conflict broke down in July with attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz intensifying in October after the lack of progress on diplomatic resolution. The continued disruption highlights the risks of relying on Middle Eastern oil supply. With Brent crude averaging over US$114 per barrel in September, global oil and gas investment has been steadily rising. Westwood Research has forecasted offshore field development capital expenditure to jump by 30%YOY in 2026.
In Indonesia, the Government continues to push exploration in 2026 with the 5 Strategic National Projects (PSN) worth US$48.1billion that have all reached key milestones.
As these projects move into the construction and installation stage from 2027, there will be a concurrent demand for high-tier Offshore Support Vessels to support these domestic projects. Wintermar has been positioning our fleet to benefit.
Globally, the OSV fleet remains tight. Westwood expects OSV utilization to rise above 79% in 2027, while more than half of the operational fleet is now over 15 years old. With very limited newbuilding since 2015, vessel supply is expected to remain tight in the coming years, particularly for dynamic positioning-enabled PSVs, pointing to higher charter rates.
Business Strategy
As detailed in our previous newsletter, Wintermar’s strategy has been to grow the core business through purchasing secondhand vessels while ordering newly built vessels to renew and upgrade the high value fleet. The acquisition of FOS in June 2026 has added significant visibility of earnings to the Group as a result of the 5 year newbuild CTV charter contracts in 2027 and shipbuilding deliveries in 2028.
Our fleet renewal plan for the core business is now well underway. The 8th PSV that was purchased last year will start operations in November. In July 2026, we purchased 2 second-hand diesel-electric (DE) vessels, of which one unit of DE Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) commenced operations in September, while the other vessel, a Multi Role Support Vessel (MSV), will be operationally ready in 1H2027. In addition, under our newbuild strategy, one PSV and two MSVs are expected to be delivered in 2H2027.
Through FOS, we have acquired 6 units of existing FMPVs, of which 2 have long-term contracts. FOS is currently building the first 5 units of brand new CTVs, which have been contracted for 5 years with options and will be operational starting from 1Q2027, with the first unit already in the sea trial stage. In addition, FOS will deliver another 5 CTVs to a client in 1H2028 through its shipbuilding business.
2026 has been a year of investing in future growth through capital expenditure, leveraging on the balance sheet to improve our fleet composition with focus on high value vessels. As the shipbuilding at FOS progresses, net gearing will continue to rise before the vessels are completed and commence operations in 2027.
Total contracts on hand as at end September 2026, including FOS, amounted to US$200million, of which around 75% are international contracts.
4, Nov 2026
Bhubaneswar Gets New Specialised Kidney Hospital With Rs 100 Crore Investment; AINU Expands Into Odisha
Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (UDN): Odisha’s healthcare sector is set to receive a major boost with the establishment of a specialised kidney and urology hospital in Bhubaneswar, backed by an investment of Rs 100 crore by Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH).
The new facility, operating under the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), marks AHH’s entry into Odisha and aims to strengthen access to specialised treatment for kidney-related disorders and urological conditions.
The hospital is expected to cater not only to patients from different parts of Odisha but also to those from neighbouring states, offering dedicated healthcare services in nephrology and urology.
According to a company statement, AHH has invested around Rs 650 crore in AINU so far, with an additional Rs 100 crore committed towards the Bhubaneswar facility and other important initiatives in the state.
Eighth Hospital In AINU’s National Network
The Bhubaneswar facility becomes the eighth hospital in AINU’s expanding healthcare network in India. The institute already operates specialised centres in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Siliguri and Chennai.
The company is now targeting an expansion of its network to 10 hospitals by the end of the current financial year, reflecting its ambition to strengthen its presence in the country’s specialised healthcare market.
The entry into Odisha is also part of AHH’s broader strategy to expand access to advanced medical infrastructure and specialised clinical services in emerging healthcare markets.
Speaking about the expansion, AHH Executive Director Vishal Bali said the company’s focus was on strengthening specialised healthcare platforms through investments in clinical expertise, technology and infrastructure.
He described AINU’s entry into Odisha as an important step towards addressing gaps in access to specialised treatment while expanding the group’s footprint in eastern India.
Bali also expressed confidence that the company would achieve its target of operating 10 hospitals by the end of the ongoing financial year.
Focus On Advanced Kidney And Urology Care
AINU CEO Sandeep Guduru said the decision to expand into Odisha was driven by the opportunity to bring together clinical expertise, modern infrastructure and operational capabilities to serve a wider patient population.
He emphasised the institute’s commitment to developing a trusted healthcare destination for patients across eastern India.
“This is the second exclusive uro-nephrology hospital in Odisha after AIIMS Bhubaneswar. We remain committed to building a trusted healthcare destination for patients across eastern India,” Guduru said.
Boost To Odisha’s Specialised Healthcare Infrastructure
The establishment of a dedicated kidney and urology hospital in the state capital is expected to strengthen Odisha’s specialised healthcare ecosystem.
Patients requiring focused nephrology and urology services often seek treatment at specialised institutions, including facilities outside their home districts or states. The expansion of dedicated healthcare infrastructure in Bhubaneswar could provide an additional treatment option for patients from Odisha and neighbouring regions.
With its latest investment, AHH is seeking to establish a stronger presence in eastern India while expanding AINU’s national network.
The development also reflects growing private-sector interest in specialised healthcare infrastructure, particularly in medical fields requiring advanced technology, experienced specialists and dedicated treatment facilities.
4, Nov 2026
Star Health’s Arogya Seva Kendra clinics cross 1.8+ lakh beneficiary visits within a year of their inception, bringing free primary healthcare to communities across 9 states
CHENNAI, India, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH) (BSE: 543412), India’s leading standalone health insurer, has been safeguarding the health and well-being of millions of Indians for over 20 years through a strong focus on customer-centricity, transparency, and innovation. Reflecting its commitment to creating lasting social impact, Star Health’s CSR initiatives focus on improving health outcomes through accessible healthcare, preventive interventions, and community wellness programmes. The company today highlighted the impact of its Arogya Seva Kendra (ASK) Clinics, which are expanding access to quality primary healthcare across underserved regions.
Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Star Health Insurance has partnered with Piramal Foundation’s Piramal Swasthya to establish and operate 32 healthcare clinics across nine states in India. Backed by Piramal Foundation’s extensive experience in public system transformation and its reach of over 143 million lives across key social sectors, the initiative has made a significant impact in its first year. The 32 ASK Centres have recorded nearly 1.83 lakh beneficiary visits, with each clinic serving an average of 38 people daily, underscoring the growing demand for accessible primary healthcare services.
Operational across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra, the ASK clinics are located in districts with a high burden of lifestyle diseases, where hypertension prevalence among adults ranges between 20% and 40%, and diabetes prevalence reaches nearly 29% in certain geographies.
Each ASK Clinic offers MBBS doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, medicines for common ailments and chronic conditions, and health counselling, all free of cost, so families can access care without out-of-pocket spending. The clinics have conducted around 1.84 lakh lab tests for 90,000+ beneficiaries, helping doctors make timely, informed treatment decisions. The clinics have also dispensed free medicines around 1.67 lakh times. Star Health funds the capital and operational expenditure under its CSR allocation, while Piramal Swasthya manages implementation, staffing and clinical governance.
A key focus of the programme is the early detection and management of diabetes and hypertension, conditions that often remain undiagnosed until complications emerge. The clinics have screened over 82,000 beneficiaries for diabetes and nearly 1.16 lakh for hypertension. Across all consultations and tests conducted at the clinics, lifestyle diseases account for the largest share of detections at nearly 33%, underlining how much early detection depends on care being available within the community. The centres have further extended their role into preventive care, administering over 4,185 pneumococcal vaccinations to adult beneficiaries, with Pfizer supporting the vaccination component with its knowledge and expertise.
The clinics are also seeing beneficiaries return for continued care, with over 57% of them making a repeat visit. This continuity allows doctors to monitor conditions over time rather than treat them in isolation. Regular testing has also brought other conditions to light, including anaemia, which the clinics have found to be more prevalent among women than men, with most cases in the mild to moderate range. Beneficiaries diagnosed with anaemia receive appropriate treatment at the clinics.
Alongside clinical care, the programme places equal emphasis on awareness. The clinics have conducted 326 awareness sessions with over 18,500 participants so far, covering hygiene, the importance of prevention and the value of early detection, encouraging families to seek care before a condition worsens.
Speaking on the initiative, Anand Roy, Managing Director and CEO, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, said, “Access to a doctor, a diagnostic test and the right medicine should not depend on what a family can afford. Through our ASK Clinics we are taking primary healthcare closer to communities and helping people detect and manage conditions such as diabetes and hypertension early. Over 1.8 lakh beneficiary visits show us how real the need is and we will continue to build on this as we grow the network to 55+ clinics soon. As a health insurer, we believe that keeping people healthy is as important as protecting them when they fall ill, and our partnership with Piramal Swasthya helps us bring that belief to life at the grassroots. When we launched this initiative, we committed to touching a million lives, and every clinic day since has taken us closer to that promise. We are marching towards it with steady purpose.”
Mr. Ajay Piramal, Chairman, Piramal Foundation, stated, “At Piramal Foundation, we believe lasting change comes from working together with committed partners and strengthening systems that serve communities in need. Our partnership with Star Health reflects this shared commitment, with clinics across nine states recording over 1.8 lakh beneficiary visits in less than a year. This is an encouraging beginning, and we look forward to building on this progress to serve many more communities”.
The impact is visible in individual lives. Prasad Sandhya, 51, a reporter from Kallur in Andhra Pradesh and the sole earning member of his family, had been living with diabetes for 15 years. As medicine costs rose, he found it difficult to continue treatment regularly. When he first visited the ASK Clinic in Kurnool, his random blood sugar was recorded at around 350 mg/dL. At the clinic, he received free consultations and medicines, along with regular counselling from doctors and nurses on medication adherence, diet, and lifestyle changes. With consistent treatment and guidance, his random blood sugar reading has since come down to 165 mg/dL.
“Having a clinic like ASK near my home is truly a boon. Free lab tests, doctor consultations and medicines have made a big difference in my life. Earlier, it was very difficult for me to manage the cost of treatment, but now I can take care of my health without financial stress,” said Prasad Sandhya. He now encourages his neighbours and colleagues to visit the clinic for regular health check-ups.
Building on this progress, Star Health plans to expand the ASK network to 25+ cities and towns, taking the total to 55+ clinics and 15+ States by the end of FY27. Clinic operating hours may be extended based on beneficiaries’ requests in a phased manner, alongside regular mobile community outreach programmes to build greater health awareness. Through the initiative, Star Health and Piramal Swasthya aim to reach over a million lives.
About Star Health and Allied Insurance: Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. (BSE: 543412) (NSE: STARHEALTH) is the market leader in standalone health insurance in India. The Company commenced operations in 2006 as India’s first Standalone Health Insurance Company. Star Health Insurance provides Health, Personal Accident and Travel Insurance to its customers. The Company has grown to emerge as one of the preferred health insurance companies in India with several pioneering products and services to its credit. With customer-centricity at its core, the Company has developed superior and innovative product offerings, service capabilities and a seamless claims management process. Star Health offers tailor made products to cater to needs such as, cancer, diabetes, cardiac illnesses and to specific segments such as senior citizens, women and children. Star Health is India’s first health insurance company to settle over 1 crore claims.
Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. has a strong multi-channel distribution network of 900+ offices, over 8.5 lakh+ agents and robust bancassurance and financial institution partners. The Company has 16,000+ network hospitals and 18,500+ employees.
Talk to Star: helping customers plan hospitalisation with confidence: To make planned hospitalisation simpler and less stressful, Star Health has introduced Talk to Star, a dedicated pre-admission guidance service for customers. Before admission, customers can call Talk to Star to understand their policy coverage, check network hospital options, clarify the cashless process and know which documents to keep ready. The service is designed to help customers avoid last-minute confusion, reduce uncertainty at the time of admission and proceed with greater clarity on available benefits and next steps. With guidance available in regional languages, customers and their families can make more informed decisions and focus on treatment and recovery. Customers planning hospitalisation are encouraged to call Talk to Star at 7200 222 333 between 8 am and 8 pm to get guided support before admission.
For more information, visit www.starhealth.in.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/star-healths-arogya-seva-kendra-clinics-cross-1-8-lakh-beneficiary-visits-within-a-year-of-their-inception-bringing-free-primary-healthcare-to-communities-across-9-states-302929041.html
4, Nov 2026
Forevermark Diamond Jewellery Enters Pune with Its First Boutique
Filmstar Amruta Khanvilkar inaugurates the new boutique
at Phoenix Avenue of Stars
PUNE, India, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Forevermark Diamond Jewellery from De Beers Group has entered Pune with the opening of its first boutique at Phoenix Avenue of Stars. Inaugurated by filmstar Amruta Khanvilkar, the new boutique brings Forevermark Diamond Jewellery’s world of natural diamonds, distinctive design and craftsmanship to the city’s evolving fine jewellery landscape.
With a discerning and increasingly design-conscious consumer base, Pune represents an important opportunity for Forevermark Diamond Jewellery as it continues to strengthen its retail presence across India. The new boutique offers customers a dedicated space to discover the brand’s collections and explore natural diamond jewellery designed to accompany a range of occasions, from everyday expressions of personal style to life’s most meaningful celebrations.
The boutique brings together some of Forevermark Diamond Jewellery’s signature collections, including Icon, Avaanti and Millemoi, alongside solitaires, bridal jewellery, celebration pieces and everyday designs. Spanning contemporary and timeless aesthetics, the collections reflect the brand’s approach to creating jewellery that combines the beauty and rarity of natural diamonds with considered design and craftsmanship.
Speaking about the launch, Mallikarjuna Reddy Yarabolu, Managing Director, Forevermark, De Beers India Pvt. Ltd., said, “Pune is an important market for us, with a discerning and evolving consumer base that appreciates quality, design and craftsmanship. The opening of our first boutique in Pune, and our fourth in the western region, marks an important milestone as we continue to strengthen our retail presence across India. We are pleased to bring Forevermark Diamond Jewellery closer to consumers in the city, offering a destination where they can discover natural diamond jewellery that reflects their personal style and celebrates life’s most meaningful moments. We look forward to building a strong connection with Pune and creating an elevated retail experience for our customers.”
The Pune debut comes as Forevermark Diamond Jewellery celebrates its first anniversary in India. Marking the occasion, the brand has unveiled its festive campaign featuring Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur as its festive face. The campaign explores jewellery as an expression of festive style and individuality, bringing together rich royal heritage with contemporary design to connect with a new generation of natural diamond jewellery consumers.
As part of the first-anniversary celebrations, customers visiting the Pune boutique can avail of exclusive first-year privileges upto ₹15,00,000 on eligible purchases made at the store until 31 December 2026. The offer is subject to applicable terms and conditions.
The new boutique further strengthens Forevermark Diamond Jewellery’s growing retail presence in India, bringing the brand’s collections and distinctive retail experience to a wider community of consumers seeking natural diamond jewellery for both everyday moments and significant milestones.
Visit Forevermark Diamond Jewellery at, Phoenix Avenue of Stars G-38, Lower Ground Floor, Survey No. 207, Pune-Nagar Road, Clover Park, Viman Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411014
For more information, visit Forevermark India and follow @forevermarkbydebeers.
About Forevermark Diamond Jewellery
Forevermark Diamond Jewellery is the diamond jewellery brand from De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, a name synonymous with more than 135 years of expertise and heritage in the world of diamonds. Every Forevermark Diamond Jewellery creation celebrates life’s most meaningful moments, featuring natural diamonds that are beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced. Forevermark diamonds bear a unique inscription, ensuring authenticity and making each piece deeply personal.
Formed over billions of years deep within the Earth, Forevermark diamonds are hand-selected for their exceptional quality, graded beyond the 4Cs in the pursuit of absolute beauty. Responsibly sourced and carefully cared for along their journey, they reflect the brand’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the people and places its diamonds come from. Expertly crafted by master designers, Forevermark Diamond Jewellery combines modern artistry with timeless elegance. Each piece elevates the brilliance of its diamond while embodying the brand’s enduring values of beauty, rarity and responsibility.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/forevermark-diamond-jewellery-enters-pune-with-its-first-boutique-302929053.html
4, Nov 2026
Odisha Govt Approves Rs 3.30 Crore For Habishyalis During Kartika Brata In Puri
Puri, Nov 4 (UDN): In a major step towards ensuring a comfortable and spiritually fulfilling Kartika Brata for devotees, the Odisha government has sanctioned Rs 3.30 crore for accommodation and other essential facilities for Habishyalis staying in the holy town of Puri.
Representational Image
The financial approval by the state Culture Department comes as thousands of elderly women from different parts of Odisha have converged on the pilgrim town to observe the month-long religious ritual dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
The sanctioned amount will primarily be utilised to strengthen arrangements at Habishyali centres, ensuring that devotees can perform their religious observances without facing difficulties during their stay.
Accommodation, Mahaprasad And Special Darshan
The facilities being provided to Habishyalis include accommodation, arrangements for darshan of Lord Jagannath, Mahaprasad and opportunities to participate in devotional activities such as bhajans, kirtans and other cultural programmes.
Special attention is being given to the comfort and convenience of elderly women, many of whom travel considerable distances to spend the sacred month in Puri.
The arrangements are aimed at providing a safe and supportive environment where devotees can concentrate on their spiritual practices while receiving necessary assistance throughout their stay.
Why Kartika Brata Holds Special Significance
Kartika, regarded as one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar, carries immense religious significance in Odisha, particularly in Puri.
Every year, thousands of elderly women, widows and other devotees observe Kartika Brata with deep devotion. Many of them undertake the traditional Habisa rituals, including worshipping the Tulsi plant, performing Radha-Damodar Puja and visiting the Shree Jagannath Temple.
Those observing the month-long Habisa follow a strict dietary routine, traditionally eating a single meal a day and avoiding certain vegetables, including brinjal, gourds and several other food items.
For many devotees, staying in Puri during Kartika is not merely a religious practice but a deeply cherished spiritual experience. The opportunity to worship Lord Jagannath, participate in devotional gatherings and consume Mahaprasad makes the annual pilgrimage especially significant.
Focus On Devotee Welfare
With a large number of Habishyalis arriving in Puri every year, managing accommodation, food, sanitation and other essential services remains an important administrative responsibility.
The allocation of Rs 3.30 crore is expected to support the arrangements and ensure that elderly devotees receive the assistance they need during the observance.
For the Habishyalis, the month-long stay in Puri represents faith, discipline and an enduring connection with Lord Jagannath. The government’s financial support is intended to make this sacred journey more comfortable and accessible for the women who travel to the pilgrim town to fulfil their religious commitments.
4, Nov 2026
China’s Approach to Integrating Health into Poverty Reduction Offers Insights for Global Development, Lancet Commission Report Finds
BEIJING, Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Poverty remains a major global development challenge. China’s efforts to bring health into poverty reduction offer insights for countries seeking to protect vulnerable households and advance health equity, according to a Lancet Commission report launched at Tsinghua University on October 29.
Led by Tsinghua University and chaired by Margaret Chan, Dean of the Vanke School of Public Health and WHO Director-General Emeritus, a Lancet Commission analyzed four years of data on China’s health poverty alleviation policies, their implementation and broader implications for global health.
The report examines how China combined financial protection and primary healthcare with interventions in safe drinking water, housing, nutrition and education.
Key findings include:
- Approximately 1.4 trillion yuan was invested in health-related poverty alleviation between 2015 and 2020.
- A national monitoring system tracks more than 80 million low-income rural residents to identify risks of health-related poverty.
- The share of inpatient expenses paid out of pocket by people living in poverty declined from 41.0% in 2013 to 31.0% in 2018.
Given the concurrent implementation of multiple policies and data limitations, further research is needed to assess the contributions of individual measures.
The launch convened 130 participants from government, international organizations, universities, research institutes and healthcare institutions. Speakers included Chen Zhu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Tsinghua University Vice President Wang Hongwei; Sun Yang, Deputy Director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration; and Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet. Martin Taylor, WHO Representative to China, addressed the event by video.
Horton discussed the links between health and social determinants, including nutrition, water, housing and education. Chen Zhu called for appropriate technologies to reach primary care settings and for closer coordination across prevention, screening, treatment and long-term health management. Qiao Jie, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of Peking University Health Science Center, spoke about women’s and children’s health, quality of care and patient dignity. Amanda Bissex, UNICEF Deputy Representative to China, emphasized the role of nutrition, healthcare and social support in addressing multidimensional poverty from early childhood.
In her closing remarks, Margaret Chan said that health equity means ensuring that everyone is recognized and respected and has access to the services they need. She described the report’s launch as a starting point for further research, policy dialogue and international cooperation.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chinas-approach-to-integrating-health-into-poverty-reduction-offers-insights-for-global-development-lancet-commission-report-finds-302929033.html
4, Nov 2026
Recovery Travel: The Rising Business of Rest, Renewal and Wellbeing
Introduction: When Travel Becomes a Journey of Healing
Travel has traditionally been associated with sightseeing, adventure, leisure and cultural exploration. However, a new dimension is emerging within the tourism industry, one that focuses not merely on visiting destinations but on returning home feeling healthier, calmer and more refreshed.
Known as recovery travel, this evolving concept is gaining attention as travellers increasingly seek experiences that help them recover from physical exhaustion, emotional stress, demanding work schedules and the pressures of modern life.
From wellness retreats in the Himalayas to therapeutic spa resorts in Europe, from yoga holidays in India to post-surgery rehabilitation programmes abroad, recovery travel is creating new opportunities for the tourism, hospitality, healthcare and wellness industries.
As people become more conscious of their physical and mental wellbeing, travel is increasingly being viewed as an investment in personal health rather than simply a recreational expense.
What Is Recovery Travel?
Recovery travel refers to travel experiences designed to support physical, mental or emotional recovery. Unlike conventional holidays, these journeys are structured around relaxation, rehabilitation, wellness and personal renewal.
The concept covers several categories:
-
Physical recovery: Travel for rehabilitation, physiotherapy, post-surgery recovery and restorative wellness programmes.
-
Mental wellness: Retreats focused on stress management, mindfulness, meditation and emotional wellbeing.
-
Work-related recovery: Holidays designed for professionals experiencing burnout, fatigue and workplace stress.
-
Lifestyle restoration: Travel programmes centred on healthy eating, sleep improvement, fitness and sustainable lifestyle changes.
-
Medical recovery tourism: Travel to destinations offering medical treatment, rehabilitation and post-treatment care.
Recovery travel can range from a weekend wellness retreat to a longer stay at a specialised rehabilitation centre.
The defining feature is the intention behind the journey: travellers are seeking to restore their wellbeing.
Why Recovery Travel Is Becoming Relevant
Modern lifestyles have created a growing demand for experiences that allow people to disconnect from everyday pressures.
Long working hours, digital connectivity, demanding professional responsibilities and urban lifestyles have increased interest in wellness-oriented travel.
For many professionals, a conventional holiday may not provide the complete reset they need. Recovery travel offers a more structured approach, combining comfortable accommodation with activities that encourage relaxation and healthy routines.
The growing popularity of remote and hybrid working has also changed how people approach travel. Some professionals are combining extended stays with wellness activities, allowing them to recover without completely disconnecting from their professional commitments.
Another important factor is the changing perception of healthcare. Preventive wellness, lifestyle management and rehabilitation are increasingly becoming part of broader conversations about long-term health.
Together, these developments are creating opportunities for a new generation of travel businesses.
India’s Opportunity in Recovery Travel
India has considerable potential to emerge as a leading destination for recovery-oriented tourism.
The country’s traditional wellness systems, natural landscapes, hospitality infrastructure and growing healthcare capabilities provide a strong foundation for developing specialised travel experiences.
Ayurveda and Traditional Wellness
India’s Ayurveda heritage provides an important foundation for wellness travel.
Destinations such as Kerala have developed specialised wellness experiences combining traditional therapies, relaxation, dietary programmes and nature-based hospitality.
Travellers seeking restorative holidays may be attracted to experiences that combine traditional wellness practices with contemporary comfort and professional guidance.
However, therapeutic claims should be supported by appropriate evidence, and medical conditions should be managed by qualified healthcare professionals.
Yoga and Meditation Retreats
India’s international reputation for yoga and meditation creates opportunities for wellness tourism businesses.
Destinations in Rishikesh, Dharamshala, Goa and other wellness-oriented locations can attract domestic and international visitors seeking mindfulness, stress management and a slower pace of life.
Structured retreats can combine yoga sessions, meditation, healthy meals, nature walks and digital detox programmes.
Medical and Rehabilitation Tourism
India’s healthcare infrastructure also provides opportunities for recovery travel linked to medical treatment.
International patients may travel for medical procedures and require accommodation, rehabilitation, follow-up consultations and post-treatment support.
This creates demand for integrated services connecting hospitals, rehabilitation centres, hospitality providers and travel facilitators.
Medical recovery travel, however, requires careful planning, appropriate medical supervision and coordination between healthcare providers.
The Business Opportunities Behind Recovery Travel
Recovery travel is not limited to hotels and resorts. It can create an interconnected business ecosystem involving multiple industries.
| Business sector | Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Hospitality | Wellness resorts, recovery-friendly hotels and long-stay accommodation |
| Healthcare | Rehabilitation centres, physiotherapy and post-treatment care |
| Wellness | Ayurveda, yoga, meditation and spa programmes |
| Food services | Personalised nutrition and healthy meal plans |
| Travel management | Specialised recovery travel packages and patient assistance |
| Technology | Digital wellness platforms, booking systems and personalised itineraries |
| Corporate services | Employee wellness retreats and burnout prevention programmes |
The opportunity lies in developing integrated experiences rather than selling accommodation alone.
For example, a resort could offer a seven-day recovery package that includes wellness consultations, healthy meals, guided meditation, fitness sessions and access to qualified specialists where appropriate.
Such packages can potentially generate higher customer engagement, longer stays and stronger opportunities for repeat business.
Hospitality Is Moving Beyond Luxury
Recovery travel could also reshape the hospitality industry.
Traditional luxury hotels have generally focused on premium accommodation, dining, entertainment and personalised service.
Recovery-oriented hospitality adds another dimension: the quality of the guest’s physical and mental experience.
Hotels may increasingly invest in sleep-friendly rooms, quiet spaces, healthy dining options, nature-based activities and wellness facilities.
The emphasis is shifting from providing a comfortable stay to creating an environment that supports restoration.
This trend may be particularly relevant for boutique resorts, eco-lodges, wellness hotels and properties located near natural landscapes.
Smaller hospitality businesses can also participate by developing specialised packages without necessarily investing in large medical or wellness facilities.
Digital Marketing: How Recovery Travel Businesses Can Attract Customers
Recovery travel is a specialised category that requires a different marketing approach from conventional tourism.
Travellers are not simply searching for destinations. They may be looking for solutions to specific lifestyle challenges.
For example, search queries could include:
-
Wellness retreats for working professionals
-
Ayurveda recovery holidays in India
-
Stress management retreats near nature
-
Post-surgery rehabilitation accommodation
-
Sleep improvement wellness programmes
-
Yoga retreats for mental relaxation
These search intentions create opportunities for travel companies to develop targeted digital marketing strategies.
Content Marketing and Search Visibility
Travel businesses can publish informative content explaining wellness programmes, destinations, accommodation facilities and the experiences available to visitors.
Articles, destination guides, expert interviews and educational videos can help establish credibility.
Search engine optimisation can improve the visibility of these resources when travellers research recovery-oriented holidays.
Social Media and Visual Storytelling
Recovery travel is strongly connected to atmosphere and experience.
Visual content showcasing peaceful landscapes, wellness facilities, meditation spaces, healthy food and comfortable accommodation can help potential customers understand the value of a programme.
Short-form videos and destination storytelling can be particularly useful for communicating the emotional appeal of restorative travel.
Personalised Travel Packages
Businesses can develop packages around specific customer needs.
For example, a corporate professional may prefer a short stress-management retreat, while an international medical traveller may require a longer stay with accommodation and rehabilitation support.
Personalised packages can help businesses address different customer segments while creating a more differentiated offering.
Marketing claims should remain accurate, particularly when discussing medical outcomes, mental health benefits or therapeutic treatments.
Challenges Facing the Recovery Travel Industry
Despite its potential, recovery travel faces several challenges.
Credibility and trust: Customers need reliable information about the quality of wellness programmes, medical facilities and professional expertise.
Safety and supervision: Recovery programmes involving medical conditions or rehabilitation require qualified professionals and appropriate safety standards.
Cost and accessibility: Premium wellness resorts may be expensive, limiting access for some travellers.
Quality consistency: Businesses must ensure that the experience promised through marketing matches the actual service delivered.
Customer expectations: Recovery is not always immediate. Travel businesses must avoid promising guaranteed health outcomes.
Addressing these challenges will be essential for building a sustainable recovery travel market.
The Future: Travel as an Investment in Wellbeing
Recovery travel represents a broader shift in consumer behaviour.
People are increasingly interested in experiences that provide lasting value beyond entertainment and sightseeing.
For the travel industry, this creates an opportunity to develop products that combine hospitality, wellness, healthcare and lifestyle improvement.
India, with its traditional wellness heritage, diverse natural landscapes and expanding healthcare capabilities, is well positioned to explore this opportunity.
The future of recovery travel will depend on how effectively businesses combine authentic experiences, professional expertise, customer trust and responsible marketing.
As travellers increasingly seek meaningful ways to restore their energy and wellbeing, recovery travel could become an important part of the next chapter of the global tourism industry.
Conclusion
Recovery travel is redefining the purpose of a holiday.
It is no longer only about escaping everyday life. It is about returning to everyday life with renewed energy, improved routines and a greater sense of wellbeing.
For businesses, the opportunity extends beyond tourism into healthcare, hospitality, technology, wellness and digital marketing.
The destinations that successfully combine comfort, credibility and meaningful recovery experiences may find themselves at the forefront of this emerging travel movement.
In a world where time, energy and wellbeing are becoming increasingly valuable, the most memorable journey may be the one that helps people recover.
