16, Apr 2026
Insecticide in insect repellents impairs bumblebees’ ability to navigate
Even brief exposure to the insecticide used in mosquito repellents can significantly impair bumblebees’ ability to find their way back to the nest. The bumblebees’ ability to navigate back to the nest is vital to the survival of the entire colony.
In the summer, many people turn to mosquito repellents to reduce the insects’ buzzing and bites. One solution that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the Thermacell device, which releases vaporized, pyrethroid-based insecticide prallethrin into the air. There has been much discussion in recent years about the effects of this substance on nature and pollinators in particular, but research data has been limited.
Researchers from the University of Turku and University of Oulu in Finland studied how prallethrin impacts bumblebees’ behaviour. The results of the study show that even a brief exposure to the insecticide can significantly impair bumblebees’ ability to find their way back to the nest.
“For bumblebees, returning to the nest is no small matter, on the contrary, it is essential to the survival of the entire colony. If the workers cannot find their way back, the nest will not get any food,” says Senior Research Fellow Olli Loukola from the University of Turku.
Impact on navigation was clear, but exposure did not increase mortality
The researchers studied the behaviour of 167 buff-tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris). They were exposed to prallethrin for one, ten or twenty minutes with a repellent device meant for consumer use, after which the bumblebees were released a kilometre from their nest and their return was monitored for three days.
The results were clear. Of the bumblebees in the control group that were not exposed to prallethrin, 37% returned to the nest. The return percent of the bumblebees that were exposed to prallethrin for one minute did not differ from that of the control group. However, of the bees that were exposed for ten minutes, only 17% found their way back, and just 5% of the bumblebees that were exposed to the insecticide for twenty minutes returned to the nest.
For those individuals that managed to return, the time taken to do so was not prolonged. Furthermore, laboratory tests showed that exposure did not increase bumblebee mortality, suggesting that the effect is specifically related to impaired navigation ability rather than direct toxicity.
“Bumblebee colonies depend on workers collecting food, so if they cannot find their way back to the nest, the colony’s ability to obtain nutrition deteriorates. Over time, this can weaken the nest, reduce the number of new queens and, in the worst-case scenario, result in the death of the entire colony,” says Researcher Kimmo Kaakinen from the University of Turku.
Researchers recommend reassessing the ecological safety of mosquito repellents
In Finland, the use of Thermacell devices is permitted, but their use is restricted to the immediate vicinity of residential buildings, such as yards and patios. The devices must not be used indoors or in natural environments, such as forests or national parks.
“Prallethrin-based repellents are used in many countries primarily for convenience. In some situations, their use may be justified, for example, in the prevention of diseases spread by mosquitoes,” says Kaakinen.
According to the researchers, it is important to conduct a more detailed assessment of the effects of household insecticides on pollinators. They state that the study’s findings highlight the need to reassess the ecological safety of these products.
The research was conducted in collaboration between the University of Turku and the University of Oulu and the research article was published in the journal Biology Letters.
Read the research article: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2025.0749
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- By Neel Achary
16, Apr 2026
Eco-Luxury – The ‘New Normal’ in Premium Housing
– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces:
For several decades until fairly recently, marble lobbies, imported fixtures, and sweeping views of the city or landscaped parks, gardens and sometimes reserved forests were the hallmarks of luxury in Indian real estate. This definition has rapidly evolved since the Covid-19 pandemic and recent global warming statistics have redefined comfort, health, and responsibility.
Today, luxury homes must tick several new boxes for affluent buyers who have travelled the world and are very aware of climate risks. The trend of eco-luxury housing has taken firm root in India, changing the basic idea of what it means to live in luxury. Modern integrated townships follow this design philosophy as a matter of course.
Where It Began
This trend can be traced back to factors that came together during the pandemic years. Indians suddenly spent more time at home than they had ever hoped or planned, becoming acutely aware that air quality, natural light, thermal comfort, and proximity to green spaces are actually very important.
And, of course, India’s urban infrastructure problems – water shortages, power outages – and extreme heat events had already shown us how weak regular luxury is. An apartment with a designer kitchen but no way to collect rainwater suddenly looked like an argument that began well but then remained incomplete.
Meanwhile, HNIs and NRIs who had lived in LEED-certified buildings in Singapore, London, or Dubai came back with very clear expectations. ESG credentials, biophilic design, and verifiable sustainability metrics are all normal in those markets. India’s government started pushing developers to build more environmentally friendly buildings by making building codes stricter, offering green FAR incentives, and supporting certifications like IGBC and GRIHA.
This was all part of India’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. In other words, market and mandate aligned almost perfectly to create the perfect stage for eco-luxury as the responsible way to announce your social ‘arrival’ without compromising on superior creature comforts.
What Eco-Luxury Really Means
Let me first state what it is not: putting solar panels on a regular tower as an afterthought is neither luxury nor eco-luxury. What it really is – a design philosophy that weaves sustainability into every part of a luxury project, from its orientation and glazing to how the microclimate and the community’s water systems are managed.
At a minimum, an eco-luxury home today must have:
– IGBC or LEED green certification
– Robust rainwater harvesting and waste water treatment systems
– Solar power generation for common areas and even individual units
– EV charging stations incorporated
– Biophilic design with vertical gardens, natural ventilation and lots of natural light
– Smart metering to manage energy and water
– Smart air filtration systems, non-toxic finishes, acoustic design, and access to curated green open spaces
These are now considered standard features of eco-luxury – not ‘extra’ wellness and sustainability talking points for the brochures. Luxury townships following the eco-luxury blueprint generally do not advertise these details, as they are expected to have them as a matter of course.
How Appealing is The Eco-Luxury Township Lifestyle?
The appeal is broad, but it works best for three types of buyers. Young high-net-worth individuals in the tech sector, usually between the ages of 35 and 50, see green credentials as a sign of smart, future-proof design. NRIs, who invest USD 14 billion a year in real estate, are used to sustainability benchmarks as a standard in mature global markets.
And women who make decisions about buying luxury products – including homes – now have significantly more market power than they did in bygone years. Women HNIs ALWAYS put health, wellness, and environmental responsibility first when choosing a home.
While aspiration for the eco-luxury township lifestyle has never been higher in India, there is also cold pragmatism behind the rise of this important new evolution of the luxury housing story. In cities like Pune and Bengaluru, where water is hard to come by and electricity costs are high, a home with certified water recycling and solar integration delivers less volatile utility bills. This is a very real luxury for homebuyers who value predictability as much as prestige.
Costs for Developers and Buyers
Building a township to eco-luxury standards involves notably higher construction costs. Fees for IGBC certification for a large residential project is relatively modest at around INR 3 lakh, but the infrastructure investment in solar panels, STPs, smart metering, and green landscaping adds a lot to the project’s overall costs. An IGBC Gold-certified 3BHK in a major Indian city costs anywhere between Rs. 10-20 lakh more than a similar unit in a project that doesn’t have such certification.
But the operational savings are equally significant, and, apart from the considerable bragging rights, Indian HNIs focus more on this aspect. A typical eco-luxury 3BHK unit saves the resident between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 50,000 a year on utilities alone. This amount compounds significantly over a 10–15-year holding period. The extra cost at the start will pay for itself over time.
This is where the eco-luxury rationale becomes financially interesting for investors, because homes that are green-certified sell for anywhere between 10-20% more in the major Indian cities. IGBC-certified properties are increasing in value by 12–15% each year, while similar non-certified luxury units are only seeing 9–11% annual price growth. This 3–4 percentage point difference adds up handsomely over five to seven years.
Eco-luxury homes also rent out for 12–15% more than regular luxury homes, and they have vacancy rates of less than 5% (compared to more than 10% for regular premium housing). Rental yields in the luxury market are between 3.5% and 4%, which is better than the 2% to 2.5% that is common for mid-market homes. Eco-luxury generates an internal rate of return that is equal to or higher than that of traditional commercial real estate in many markets when combined with stronger appreciation.
The Eco-luxury Investment Case in Simple Terms
The eco-luxury buyer is not giving up anything by being friendly to the environment. They are getting an asset that is better for the environment, easier on their wallets and conscience, and worth a lot more on the resale and rental market. Green certification is quickly going from something that sets developers apart to something that is required for most projects.
16, Apr 2026
Dubai real estate delivers AED 4.6B net gain for investors in March
Market registers 36,658 residential tenancy contracts worth AED3.16 billion as rents show YoY increases
Dubai, UAE, 16th April, 2026: Dubai’s real estate market recorded 3,308 resale transactions worth AED15.39 billion in March, delivering a net gain of AED4.6 billion for long-term investors.
A market analysis issued today by fäm Properties also revealed that 36,658 residential tenancy contracts worth AED3.16 billion were registered during the month, two-thirds of which were renewals.
Data from DXBinteract, meanwhile, showed that average rents for new residential contracts rose 7% year-on-year in March, led by the villa segment where rents surged 15.9%.
“The first two months of the year were very strong, and despite the current regional tensions, March has produced some genuinely positive results,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.
“Q2 transaction volumes will give us a clearer picture of any sustained impact on the market from geopolitical events, but we are continuing to see strong interest in Dubai real estate, particularly from end users and long-term investors.”
“What is equally telling is the rental picture,” added Al Msaddi. “The volume of tenancy renewals alongside strong new contract numbers shows that Dubai remains the place where people are choosing to live and build their lives.”
In the secondary market last month, ready properties accounted for 2,444 transactions worth AED 9.01 billion, off-plan resales generated 760 transactions worth AED 3.23 billion, and plot sales added 104 transactions worth AED 3.15 billion.
Overall, 89.5% of resale transactions were profitable with a median gain of 25.0%. Villa transactions were the strongest performer with a 97.0% profitability rate and a median gain of 60%, while plot sellers achieved a median gain of 99%.
MARCH RESALE PROFITS
|
|
Profit |
Net gain |
Median gain |
|
Overall |
89.5% |
AED 4.6bn |
+25.0% |
|
Villas |
97.0% |
AED 1.8bn |
+60.0% |
|
Plots |
88.5% |
AED 1.9bn |
+99.0% |
|
Apartments |
87.7% |
AED 867m |
+20.0% |
|
Commercial |
89.5% |
AED 111m |
+59.0% |
Rental activity in March was dominated by apartments which accounted for 33,500 registered tenancy contracts worth AED 2.40 billion, 22,700 of these renewals.
Villas totalled 1,870 contracts worth AED 537.1 million, including 1,200 renewals, while townhouses accounted for 1,288 contracts worth AED 219.4 million, 610 of those renewals.
Commercial rental activity added a further 16,600 contracts worth AED 1.24 billion, comprising 10,600 new tenancy agreements valued at AED 477.6 million and 6,000 renewals worth AED 763 million.
Average rents on new residential contracts rose 7.0% year-on-year in March to AED 106,000, with villa rents surging 15.9% to AED 387,000 annually and apartments up 5.0% to AED 84,000. New townhouse rents were the only segment to edge lower, slipping 1.7%. Renewal rents told a similar story, rising 4.9% overall, with villas up by 14.5%.
RENTAL PERFORMANCE
|
Segment |
Av. Rent – New (AED) |
YoY Change (New) |
Av. Rent – Renewal (AED) |
YoY Change (Renewal) |
|
Overall |
106,000 |
+7.0% |
77,000 |
+4.9% |
|
Apartments |
84,000 |
+5.0% |
66,000 |
+3.6% |
|
Villas |
387,000 |
+15.9% |
237,000 |
+14.5% |
|
Townhouses |
179,000 |
-1.7% |
161,000 |
+8.4% |
16, Apr 2026
India Can Accelerate Africa’s Renewable Energy Growth: Report
Apr 16 (BNP): India can play a meaningful role in accelerating Africa’s clean energy transition by sharing its experience in scaling renewable power, particularly solar and wind energy, according to a recent report.
Over the past decade, India has expanded its renewable energy capacity by more than 130 gigawatts, with clean energy now accounting for over half of its installed electricity base. This growth has been supported by stable policy frameworks, competitive project auctions, and the rapid expansion of distributed solar systems that reach rural and underserved regions.
In Africa, energy access remains a major challenge, with nearly 600 million people still without electricity. However, the continent is witnessing steady growth in renewable energy deployment, with solar and wind projects increasingly powering homes, agriculture, and small industries.
The report highlights Africa’s exceptional solar potential along with its rich reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and copper—resources that are essential for batteries, grid infrastructure, and renewable technologies. In several regions, solar power is already proving more affordable than fossil fuel-based electricity when fuel and infrastructure costs are considered.
It also points to growing collaboration between India and African nations in areas such as grid integration, transmission development, and energy storage solutions, supported by Indian energy institutions and technical partnerships.
Experts suggest that deeper cooperation in financing, technology transfer, and policy design could significantly speed up Africa’s energy transition while strengthening long-term India–Africa clean energy ties.
16, Apr 2026
Prateek Singh to Lead Pocketful as Chief Executive Officer
Pocketful, the fast-growing discount brokerage backed by the 30-year legacy of the Pace Group, has appointed Prateek Singh as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant step in the company’s growth journey. The brand introduced this strategic leadership change to achieve its growth objectives while establishing itself as a major player in the changing investment market of India.
Prateek Singh possesses 13 years of experience, which he has used to develop digital financial platforms through his work on customer acquisition, product development, and business growth initiatives. Before starting his work at Pocketful, he spent time at Bajaj Broking as Chief Growth Officer, where he helped the company develop its digital presence and improve its platform functionalities.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Sarvam Goel, Co-Founder of Pocketful said, “Prateek’s appointment represents an essential milestone for Pocketful, which will help the company expand its operations and strengthen its position in the Indian investment market. His successful history of developing digital financial platforms, together with his focus on user experience, perfectly matches our organization’s future objectives. Pocketful will achieve its next phase of growth through his guidance, which will create new technical innovations and improve our market value.”
At Pocketful, Prateek will lead the company’s mission to create an accessible investment platform that enables all investors to use its services. The company delivers an investment process that customers can use without any kind of difficulty.
Commenting on his appointment, Prateek Singh, CEO, Pocketful, said, “I am truly excited to join Pocketful at such a pivotal stage of its growth journey. India’s capital markets are witnessing remarkable momentum, with increasing retail participation and a growing shift towards digital investing. At Pocketful, we have a unique opportunity to simplify and reimagine the investing experience for a wider audience. I look forward to working closely with the team to drive innovation and enable more confident, informed participation in the markets.”
Pocketful offers zero brokerage on equity delivery trades, along with zero account opening charges and lifetime zero AMC fees, making it an attractive choice for retail investors. At the same time, the platform caters to active traders through advanced, institutional-grade tools built for speed, precision, and reliability.
The company also provides a Margin Trading Facility (MTF) starting at 5.99%* per annum, enabling greater flexibility for active participants. A key innovation is Pocketful GPT, a custom-trained intelligence layer that allows users to generate trade ideas, analyze portfolios, and execute trades within a unified interface.
With its recent expansion into mutual funds, Pocketful is evolving into a comprehensive investment platform. Under Prateek Singh’s leadership, the company is well-positioned to accelerate growth and capture a larger share of India’s rapidly expanding investor base.
16, Apr 2026
Greenland Opens New Airport in Qaqortoq, Expanding Access to South Greenland
Qaqortoq, Greenland – Apr 16: A new airport has opened in Qaqortoq, giving international travellers direct access to the main town of South Greenland for the first time. This marks the opening up of one of the Arctic’s most diverse and lesser-visited areas.
Previously accessible only by helicopter or boat, Qaqortoq now becomes the main gateway to the south, with year-round flights from Nuuk and seasonal connections from Iceland. The airport replaces Narsarsuaq as the primary access point, significantly reducing travel time to the southern hub of Greenland. The 1,500-metre runway can accommodate Dash-8 Q200 and Q400 turboprop aircraft.
South Greenland is often associated with green pastures, sheep farming and wild nature. The area offers fjords, fertile valleys and a rich cultural landscape shaped by Inuit communities and Norse settlers since the time of Erik the Red more than 1,000 years ago. Improved access also opens routes to areas such as Tasermiut Fjord, known for its dramatic peaks and often referred to as “the Patagonia of Greenland”.
Visit Greenland Director Anne Nivika Grødem said:
“South Greenland offers a rare combination of powerful nature and a living culture shaped over generations. Improved access allows us to welcome visitors with greater intention—encouraging travel with curiosity, while creating lasting value for local communities and more meaningful experiences for our guests.
The opening forms part of a wider expansion of Greenland’s airport network, following Nuuk’s airport and ahead of Ilulissat’s new airport later this year—making Greenland increasingly accessible as a multi-destination destination.
Air Greenland expects around two daily flights between Nuuk and Qaqortoq year-round, with up to 17 weekly rotations during the summer period. Icelandair plans four weekly summer flights between Keflavík and Qaqortoq.
Miki Jensen, CEO of Innovation South Greenland, added:“This is a big day for the community. The airport connects South Greenland more closely to both the rest of the country via Nuuk and the world via Keflavik. It creates new opportunities for tourism and business, while strengthening everyday life in the area.”
South Greenland stands out for its relatively “mild” climate, green landscapes and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kujataa, where over 1,000 years of farming traditions continue today.
Improved air access is expected to support year-round tourism, a key priority for strengthening local businesses, reducing travel times and contributing to more balanced development across Greenland.
“With the opening of Qaqortoq Airport, we are taking an important step in the development of South Greenland. We are proud to contribute to the development of Greenland’s infrastructure and look forward to seeing how these new opportunities translate into tangible growth,” says Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports.
16, Apr 2026
Anant National University Announces Scholarships for UCEED 2026 Rank Holders
Apr 16 ( BNP): Anant National University has announced a merit-based scholarship scheme for UCEED 2026 aspirants, aimed at supporting top-performing design students.
Candidates securing an All India Rank (AIR) up to 250 will receive a 100% scholarship, covering full tuition and hostel fees. The initiative rewards academic excellence and encourages participation in design education at a higher level.
The university has also introduced a tiered scholarship structure for ranks up to 2500, extending financial support to a wider group of deserving students. The move is intended to make quality design education more accessible and inclusive.
The programme reflects the institution’s focus on nurturing creative talent and promoting careers in design and innovation.
16, Apr 2026
transcosmos Wins Salesforce Japan Partner of the Year – Innovation Award
transcosmos Wins Salesforce Japan Partner of the Year – Innovation Award, Showcasing Excellence in the Salesforce Ecosystem
Japan, Apr 16: transcosmos is proud to announce that it has been named Japan Partner of the Year – Innovation – at the Salesforce Japan Partner Award 2026. The company was recognized for its support of Kanagawa Prefecture, a client, in addressing challenges in the #7119 / #8000 Contact Center Project through the effective use of a range of products, including Agentforce for Public Sector, Agentforce Service, Data 360, Tableau, and Agentforce.
transcosmos proactively leverages Agentforce, Salesforce’s AI agent solution, in contact center operations to address potential challenges in continuously securing human agents, standardize service quality, and simplify human agents’ after-interaction work. The company also uses Tableau and Data 360 to help clients analyze accumulated data, as well as to develop and operate systems that drive operational improvement. Upon receiving the award, transcosmos was provided with the following comment from Atsushi Urano, Senior Vice President – Japan, Korea & Taiwan, Alliance & Channels & Global Technology Partners: “transcosmos strives to accelerate clients’ growth and enable them to make a leap forward by helping address their challenges across the entire CX domain, in a world where technologies continue to progress at an unprecedented pace and the AI revolution advances. For Salesforce, all partner companies are essential to driving clients’ success.”
Salesforce Japan Partner Award 2026 marks its 19th anniversary this year. Through this award program, Salesforce recognizes its partners—including consulting firms, digital agencies, sales agencies, and ISV partners—for their significant contributions across cloud, industries and sectors, and a wide range of partner programs.
transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. Salesforce is a trademark of Salesforce, inc., as are other names and marks. Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. Please visit the following link for a list of winners of the Salesforce Japan Partner Award 2026. https://appexchangejp.salesforce.com/learn/fy27-partner-award.
16, Apr 2026
Adani Foundation at ACC Wadi brings healthcare back to the heart the village
Karnataka, Apr 16: ACC, the cement and building materials company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation, has revived a long-defunct health centre in Wadi village of Vijay Nagar ward—restoring access to essential healthcare services for nearly 80 SC households who had long lacked a functional facility.
For years, the village struggled with remnants of the healthcare facility. A stalled renovation had made the centre unusable, while an impassable railway track forced villagers walk extra miles to access to nearby facilities To reduce this gap, a lone doctor continued to serve the community under trees and on doorsteps—reflecting both the resilience of the people and the urgent need for proper infrastructure.
Recognising this silent struggle, ACC and the Adani Foundation stepped in with purpose. Their efforts have transformed the health centre into a fully functional and accessible facility, bringing care back to the heart of the village. Alongside the restored building, the installation of a clean drinking water RO system reflects a thoughtful, holistic approach—creating a safe, supportive, and dignified environment for patients.
Today, the change is quietly profound. Residents no longer face long journeys or delays—care is now timely, reliable, and within reach. The centre stands not merely as infrastructure, but as a symbol of trust restored and dignity returned. As one villager shares, “The centre is more than bricks, it is our lifeline reborn.”
Together, ACC and the Adani Foundation continue to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening rural healthcare—ensuring that access, dignity, and trust remain at the centre of every community they serve.
16, Apr 2026
WEF: Global GDP May Rise by Dollar 56 Trillion in 5 Years, Powered by AI and New Technologies
Apr 16 (BNP): The global economy is expected to see a major surge in growth over the next five years, driven largely by rapid advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The report estimates that global GDP could increase by about $56 trillion over this period, as industries across the world adopt new technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, and innovation.
Artificial intelligence is expected to be the strongest growth driver, reshaping how businesses operate by automating processes, enhancing decision-making, and enabling new digital services. Other frontier technologies, including quantum computing, are also likely to transform sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and logistics.
At the same time, the WEF notes that the benefits of this growth may not be evenly shared. Countries that invest early in digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and skill development are expected to gain a stronger advantage.
The report also highlights potential challenges, including job displacement, regulatory gaps, and widening digital inequality, which may require coordinated policy responses.
Overall, the outlook points to a strong but uneven global growth phase, increasingly powered by next-generation technologies that are reshaping the future of the global economy.
