Archives March 2026

Yaounde, March 27 (BNP): Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is leading the Indian delegation to the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization, which commenced on March 26 in Yaounde.

The conference opened with a ceremonial session chaired by Cameroon’s Trade Minister and attended by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala along with trade ministers and senior representatives from member nations. Representing India at the inaugural session, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal participated in the proceedings.

The opening session was followed by a brief celebration marking the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on September 15, 2025.

During the Ministerial Conversation on foundational issues of the WTO, Goyal underscored the need for reforms to be undertaken through a transparent, inclusive, and member-driven process, with development at its core. He stressed the importance of upholding key WTO principles, including non-discrimination, consensus-based decision-making, and equity.

On the sidelines of the conference, Goyal called on Cameroon’s Prime Minister Dion Ngute Joseph, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation between India and Cameroon. He also held a bilateral meeting with the WTO Director-General to deliberate on the MC14 agenda.

In addition, Goyal met his counterparts from the Netherlands, France, and Ethiopia, exchanging views on enhancing bilateral trade relations.

Separately, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a series of bilateral engagements with representatives from Chile, Paraguay, the United States, Nepal, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, New Zealand, and members of the European Union Parliament. The discussions covered the MC14 agenda and explored avenues for boosting trade ties.

Talks with Chile and Peru included updates on the ongoing India-Chile and India-Peru Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Discussions with the European Union and New Zealand focused on progress toward concluding the India-EU and India-New Zealand trade agreements.

The day’s proceedings concluded with a ceremonial reception and gala dinner hosted by Cameroon.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 27, 2026) – Esther Choy started teaching leadership storytelling long before it was “a thing.” Since 2010, Choy has coached thousands of business leaders across a wide array of industries, harnessing the power of story to build trust, ignite connection, and inspire action as CEO and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab.

In her highly anticipated second book, Winning Without Persuading: A New Framework for Leading with Curiosity and Story Discovery (HarperCollins Leadership, May 5, 2026), Choy offers a revolutionary approach – leadership storytelling built on uncovering the hidden stories that change everything.

“If you lead today, you are operating in a time when trust is brittle, attention is fractured, and AI and automation are redrawing the boundaries of what human communication even means,” writes Choy. “Leaders cannot afford to wait until they are on stage or under pressure to begin.”

In the book, Choy turns conventional business storytelling on its head, showing that the real power of story in leadership isn’t only about spotlighting yourself. As Esther says, “the best way to get someone’s attention is by giving them yours. By encouraging others to share their stories, leaders not only gain a deeper understanding but also demonstrate a genuine desire to connect on a human level.”

Choy shares many of these revolutionary storytelling principles and stories in the book, based on her experience with guiding individuals, teams, and organizations on leadership communication.

Since 2020, she has taught leaders to master the art of storytelling and equipped them to empower others to tell their stories through the transformative 6-week Certified Story Facilitator course.

 This book is written for now, for the leaders who recognize that every conversation holds more than content, every team carries more than metrics, every moment could be a mirror.

Esther K. Choy is the CEO and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab, where she coaches leaders across industries to harness the power of story to build trust, ignite change, and inspire action. The author of Let the Story Do the Work and a top contributor to Forbes’ Leadership Strategy channel, her work has also been featured in Harvard Business Review, the New York Times, and Entrepreneur magazine. Currently completing her MFA in Creative Writing at DePaul University, Esther blends business rigor with narrative craft to redefine leadership as an act of connection and transformation. Her latest book, Winning Without Persuading, will be available nationwide on May 5, 2026.

Leadership Story Lab equips leaders with skills in business storytelling through coaching, training, and certification in facilitation. For 15 years, the firm has coached thousands of leaders—from Fortune 500 executives to entrepreneurs and changemakers—helping them communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.

HarperCollins Leadership publishes content from leaders who redefine or expand what a reader previously thought possible. Authors provide unique inspiration and experiences to those who seek to learn, make a difference, and find their own version of success.

By Shawn Sefton, MBA, RN

A circulator flips through a picklist that doesn’t match the back table. A surgeon asks for a device, and the nurse hesitates, “Is it even here?” A supply tech finds an expired implant just as the case is closing. The nurse tries to document the implant, but the scanner isn’t working and she can’t find it in the item master. Hours later, a revenue integrity analyst sits with unexplained and missed charges.

None of these moments make headlines. But together, they add up to stress in procedural rooms, missed revenue, unbudgeted waste, and hours of manual data entry. Hospitals can track a FedEx package from Memphis to Miami in real time. But the orthopedic plate placed in a patient yesterday? Sometimes it disappears into the system like it never existed.

Photo by RDNE Stock project: 

The status quo can’t keep up

OR and procedural room documentation systems are failing to keep pace with the realities of modern surgery. The problem isn’t that hospitals don’t try to record implants and supplies, it’s that even newer system designs struggle to capture every supply and implant, resulting in missing and unreliable data.

Manual documentation, whether electronic or on paper, depends on perfect input often during the most complex moments of a procedure. In reality, barcode scanners can fail and reconciliation happens hours, sometimes days, after the fact. As a result, up to 50% of the supplies and implants used in ORs go undocumented.

Meanwhile, reconciliation teams are left deciphering handwritten item numbers, trying to match unlabeled implants to the correct records, and often chasing down clinical team members long after a case ends just to ensure proper billing and records.

The result is incomplete, unreliable data that breaks the billing chain. Missed scans and documentation errors often mean items never make it onto the claim, directly translating into missed charges and lost revenue.

The impact?

Not only do missed charges create an administrative burden but hospitals can lose up to 30% of billable revenue tied to supplies and implants, a margin loss that would be unimaginable in any other industry.

What’s more, failing to accurately capture these items can introduce significant quality, regulatory, and patient safety risks, exactly the kinds of problems health systems try very hard to avoid.

What perioperative leaders are saying

With OBBBA requirements tightening margins, hospitals are under pressure to minimize waste, understand costs and protect profitability more than ever before. Because the OR drives up to 70% of hospital revenue, it’s no surprise that Becker’s first Perioperative Summit kept circling back to the topic of revenue.

Workforce relief is non-negotiable for hospitals that want to scale. When nurses and techs can anticipate surgeon needs, the OR hums. Delays vanish, substitutions shrink, cases flow and surgeons trust their team. Staff stress levels lower. As another leader put it, “Getting nurses away from the supply screen and back to anticipating the surgeon’s needs is the biggest win.”

While resolving missed OR and procedural room charges is critical, leaders also underscored the importance of integration. Technology must fit into daily workflows and EHRs if it’s going to stick in such a fast-paced environment. As one panelist emphasized, “If it doesn’t integrate and work for our people, it won’t scale.”

Many OR leaders are taking action but ultimately still missing far too many products due to systems that fail them, with one leader at Becker’s Perioperative conference saying, “The number of items that go unscanned every case is disturbing.”

However, one healthcare system decided to find a solution and the results are compelling.

How one hospital turned admin chaos into profit

Owensboro Health set out to audit and resolve this very problem. Their perioperative teams were grappling with manual, error-prone documentation in the OR. Nurses entered supply and implant data by hand, items slipped through the cracks, inventory data lagged, and billing teams spent hours chasing missed charges.

Determined to improve workflow and margins, Owensboro Health rolled out an AI-enabled automated supply and implant capture program across its ORs. The impact was significant:

• Delighted clinical, revenue integrity, and supply chain teams
• 48% reduction in monthly expired product costs
• 90%+ reduction in ERP inventory depletion errors
• 12% increase in monthly billable revenue

The volume of cases didn’t change. What changed was product and implant visibility. For staff, that meant fewer end-of-shift reconciliations and less administrative burden. For leaders, it meant millions in recovered revenue.

What should leaders do?

Many hospitals aim to close the OR documentation gap by adding extra staff processes and duplicative tracking systems. This looks like control but creates silos, extra work, and ultimately flawed data.

While plenty of AI tools overpromise, some were built to solve administrative problems like this. It is important to assess solutions carefully. Here are key ways to evaluate AI tools for perioperative documentation:

• Prioritize real-time integration—Does the solution capture data as cases unfold, or does it rely on manual reconciliation after the fact?
• Check workflow alignment—Can it fit seamlessly into existing OR workflows without adding screens and clicks for nurses and techs?
• Look for measurable impact—Can it demonstrate clear metrics, like improved item capture rates, reduced reconciliation time, case costing, expiry management or recovered revenue?
• Evaluate interoperability—Does it connect cleanly with your EHR, ERP, and billing systems, or does it create another silo?
• Test with frontline staff—Does it make the job easier for nurses, techs, and supply teams, or just shift work elsewhere?

Closing the loop

Every day, critical details in the OR slip through the cracks of manual systems. A recalled implant from last week’s surgery. A missed charge for a high-cost disposable. Small moments, easily overlooked, that quietly add up. They create blind spots that chip away at hospital margins, wear down staff, and skew reports that leaders rely on to make decisions. But this no longer has to be the norm. AI technology now gives hospitals the ability to see and capture what’s been missed. Hospitals that act can protect their margins, ease the load on their teams, and bring clarity back to the center of care. The gap is clear. The tools exist. It’s time to close the blind spots.

Shawn Sefton, MBA, RN, is Clinical Advisor at AssistIQ.

Study links support cells to improved cancer cluster survival in bloodstream  

HOUSTON, TX (March 27, 2026) – Metastasis, the spread of cancer from a primary tumor to other parts of the body, is difficult to study in the lab, in part because researchers lack reliable ways to recreate the conditions cancer cells encounter as they travel through the bloodstream.

Rice University bioengineers report a new platform designed to streamline one of the major challenges for metastasis research: Called the Advanced Tumor Landscape Analysis System, or ATLAS, the platform makes it easier to generate large quantities of cancer cell clusters that accurately model those involved in metastasis. Using the platform, the Rice team gained new insights into the mechanisms that enable cancer clusters to survive in the bloodstream during the metastatic process.

Developed in the lab of Michael King, Rice’s E.D. Butcher Professor of Bioengineering, ATLAS builds on earlier work using superhydrophobic surfaces, i.e. materials that strongly repel water. When droplets containing cells are placed on these surfaces, they bead up rather than spread out, encouraging cells to stick to each other and produce three-dimensional clusters.

“Metastasis is still poorly understood because adequate laboratory techniques to recreate this complex process are lacking,” said King, a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Scholar who also serves as special adviser to the provost on life science collaborations with the Texas Medical Center.

The King lab has been working for years on new high-throughput approaches of creating clusters of cancer cells, both on their own and alongside stromal cells, which are noncancerous but are frequently found in the tumor microenvironment. To study what happens during the metastatic process, the researchers expose these models to conditions that closely resemble those in the body ⎯ either via animal models or laboratory blood flow experiments.

Compared to earlier methods, ATLAS takes less time to deploy and costs less to produce. It uses 3D-printed microwell arrays that are treated to create the same kind of water-repelling effect seen in nature, such as on a lotus leaf.

“The way this is achieved, both in nature and in the laboratory, is to create a surface that is rough on a nanoscale level, and then to coat the nanoscale bumps with a nonwetting substance such as Teflon or wax,” said Alexandria Carter, a doctoral student in the King lab who is the first author on the study. “Here, we achieved this for the first time through 3D printing, which means the method is scalable and easily adoptable by other labs.”

Going beyond method development into actual testing, the researchers used ATLAS to create clusters of prostate cancer cells, including ones containing a type of stromal cell called cancer-associated fibroblasts, or CAFs. Testing revealed that cancer clusters are more likely to survive when traveling in groups, especially when CAFs are present. These support cells actively help cancer cells withstand the stresses of circulation and continue to grow.

“One of the most exciting elements of our paper is that it does not just report on a new experimental method for other researchers to use, but it also reports new fundamental biological results,” Carter said. “Perhaps in the future the next generation of prostate cancer drugs will target these CAF ‘escorts’ as a way to prevent metastasis.”

Carter recently completed the Rice Innovation Fellows program and is working on establishing a startup company called Bionostic to commercialize ATLAS. Run by Rice’s Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie), the program trains doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers to translate their research into breakthrough solutions for real-world problems.

Kyle Judah, Lilie executive director, said “a pre-requisite for bringing research beyond the bench is to be deeply passionate about the problem space, and Carter is the perfect example of an exceptionally driven and committed engineer willing this idea into reality.”

Models that are both realistic and practical make possible research that would otherwise take longer and be costlier to undertake.

“ATLAS makes it easier to study one of the most dangerous aspects of cancer,” King said.

New Delhi, March 26:

 On the occasion of Shri Ram Navami, Dr Bhargav Mallappa, National Youth President of ‘ Akhil Bhartiya Gau Raksha Mahasangh’ , extended his warm greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, while also conveying festive wishes to citizens across the country.

In his message, Dr. Mallappa appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Modi towards promoting Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma. He said that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, there has been a visible emphasis on strengthening India’s cultural values and preserving its rich spiritual traditions. He noted that these efforts have helped reconnect people with their roots and have encouraged greater awareness and respect for the country’s ancient heritage.

Elaborating further, Dr Mallappa stated that the initiatives taken in recent years reflect a deeper commitment to safeguarding India’s civilizational identity. He added that the focus on cultural revival and spiritual consciousness has played an important role in fostering a sense of unity and pride among citizens. According to him, such measures not only preserve traditions but also inspire future generations to carry forward the legacy of Sanatan Dharma.

Dr. Mallappa also praised Prime Minister Modi for his dedication and consistent approach towards these goals. He remarked that strong leadership is essential for maintaining the balance between development and cultural preservation, and said that the Prime Minister’s efforts have contributed significantly in this regard.

On the auspicious occasion, Dr Mallappa offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and happiness across the country. He expressed hope that the blessings of Lord Ram would bring harmony and stability to the nation and guide it on the path of continuous growth and progress. He also extended his heartfelt wishes for the well-being and success of the Prime Minister, along with prosperity for the people of his state.

Concluding his message, Dr. Mallappa said that Ram Navami is not just a festival but a reminder of the values of righteousness, duty, and compassion as exemplified by Lord Ram. He urged citizens to imbibe these values in their daily lives and work collectively towards building a stronger, more united, and progressive nation.

Agartala, Tripura, March 26, 2026:
Swaranjali Delhi, in association with Manjir, will present Colours of India 2026 – Tripura, a vibrant cultural evening celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage, on April 17, 2026. The event will be held at Sukanta Academy, located in Indranagar, West Tripura, starting at 6 PM.

The programme will feature an eclectic lineup of classical music and dance performances. Renowned sitar maestro Subrata De will lead the instrumental segment, while noted vocalist Nibedita Bhattacharjee Bagchi will present a classical vocal recital.

The dance segment will showcase performances by prominent cultural groups including Nrityabhumi, Reformist Society, Dhwani, Rudraksh, Ghungru, and Manjir, reflecting a diverse spectrum of Indian dance traditions.

The evening will also feature accomplished co-artists, including vocalist Krishnadhan Lodh, tabla artists Subir Thakur and Saikat Chakraborty, along with violinist Siddhartha Sarkar. The event will be anchored by announcer Udaysankar Bhattacharjee.

Notably, Shreyas Webmedia Solutions has been announced as the official media partner for the event, supporting its outreach and visibility.

Organisers said the event aims to promote cultural exchange and bring together artists from across regions to celebrate the essence of Indian classical and contemporary performing arts.

For further details and RSVP, attendees can contact Swaranjali Delhi at 9910300319 or Manjir Agartala at 9436136577. More information is available on the official website: www.swaranjali.org.

Thompson Brings Lido Experience with “Welcoming Private Club” Model

REMBERT, SC, March 26, 2026 – Broomsedge Golf Club announced today that it has partnered with Baker Thompson, who will assume the role of Managing Partner and CEO of the club.  Baker comes to Broomsedge after several years working alongside Michael Keiser, Jr., a longtime friend and supporter of the club. Baker played a key role in the in financing the early lodging at Sand Valley and later joined Michael’s team full-time, leading vertical development projects and overseeing real estate sales.

Among the unique perspectives and skills Baker brings to Broomsedge is his experience as the first Captain of the Lido.  The Lido introduced the British Isles model of private club operations to the U.S.  Broomsedge has embraced that approach, providing a membership experience based on personal relationships, camaraderie and competition, while also welcoming outside play.  The Lido, ranked 48^th in the world by GOLF Magazine, prides itself on providing a world-class golf course to members and guests alike.

“It was our intention from the start at the Lido to bring a new accessibility to top-tier American golf,” says Michael Keiser, Jr.  “Americans have always benefitted overseas from the welcoming nature of clubs in the British Isles.  There’s no reason that won’t work here.  We were thrilled when Broomsedge opened with enthusiastic acceptance non-member play.  That’s a large part of what makes Baker the perfect person to take their club and facilities to the next level.”

Thompson brings an ambitious agenda to Broomsedge, beginning with the construction of 4 Bedroom cottages for members and guests and an exceptional food and beverage venue overlooking the golf course.  This work will begin immediately.  After completing phase 1 the Broomsedge team will turn to building a second golf course and additional club and guest amenities.

Michael Keiser, Jr. will act as a senior advisor to the project and will provide the resources of his team to Broomsedge, assisting with the master plan, development of the cottages, the food and beverage experience, and the operational vision for the club.

“Broomsedge has already built a high-quality membership, and guests who have visited have only elevated the value to members and enhanced the reputation of the club,” Thompson says.  “I am bullish on what we have put together. I believe in member traditions and events, and in the larger community of golf and golfers.  As a member and captain of the Lido, I’ve loved this way of operating.  It was exciting when Broomsedge adopted a similar model, and I look forward to building a larger platform for members and guests alike.”