Archives May 2026

Bengaluru, May 18:  VST Tillers Tractors Limited (VST), India’s leading farm equipment manufacturer, today announced its financial results for the 4^th quarter and the financial year, showcasing continued growth momentum and operational resilience.

 Financial Highlights – FY2025-26

• Revenue from operations increased to ₹1,240 crore, registering a robust growth of 25% compared to ₹995 crore in FY2024-25, marking new milestone in the Company’s revenue growth journey.

·        Operational EBITDA increased significantly to ₹166 crore from ₹70.7 crore in the previous year. Operational EBITDA margins improved by 221 basis points to 13.38% from 11.17% last year. Operational EBITDA is computed after excluding other income and fair value gain/(loss) on investments.

• Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at ₹106 crore as against ₹94 crore in FY2024-25. Excluding the impact of fair value gain/(loss) on investments, adjusted PAT increased by 61% to ₹113 crore from ₹70 crore in the previous year.
• The Company generated strong operating cash flows of ₹132 crore during the year compared to ₹76 crore in the previous year, supported by improved operational performance, efficient working capital management, and a strong balance sheet with healthy cash reserves.

Q4 FY2025-26 Highlights

·        For Q4 FY2025-26, the Company reported revenue from operations of ₹328 crore, registering a growth of 9% compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

·        Operational EBITDA for the quarter increased to ₹46.82 crore from ₹40.37 crore in Q4 FY2024-25, with EBITDA margins improving to 14.2% from 13.4% in the corresponding period last year.

·        Reported Profit After Tax (PAT) for the quarter stood at ₹5 crore as against ₹25 crore in Q4 FY2024-25. Excluding the impact of fair value gain/(loss) on investments, adjusted PAT increased by 36% to ₹39 crore from ₹28 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

DropTalk 2026, Water Sustainability Summit, Bringing Together Leaders in Water, Climate and Sustainability

Bengaluru, May 18: DropTalk 2026, a two-day summit dedicated to conversations, collaboration and action on water and climate sustainability, was held at Indian Institute of Science (IISC) in Bengaluru. Hosted by FluxGen Sustainable Technologies, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Department of Instrumentation & Applied Physics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST) and OpenWater. The summit is sponsored by Murugappa Water Technology and Solutions (MWTS).

The summit has brought together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, startups, environmentalists and students to deliberate on innovative and sustainable approaches to water management, climate resilience and environmental stewardship.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Rajeev Gowda highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between academia, industry and policymakers to address critical sustainability challenges. He emphasised that Bengaluru possesses the talent, institutions and innovation ecosystem required to emerge as a global hub for research-driven solutions in water and climate sustainability.

The event also featured thought-provoking discussions on the growing challenges of water scarcity, climate change and sustainable resource management. Experts stressed the importance of adopting integrated “One Water” approaches that combine rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, watershed protection, lake rejuvenation and efficient urban water management practices.

Addressing the gathering, Jaytheerth Nadgir underscored the importance of collective responsibility in securing a sustainable future for the next generation. He also highlighted India’s growing leadership in cleantech innovation and the need to recognise and support indigenous solutions emerging from startups, research institutions and industry.

DropTalk 2026 featured a wide range of engaging sessions and immersive experiences, including HydroMingle, Jal Samvaada, Flow Forward, Women in Water, lake walks, technology showcases and discussions on industrial water management and sustainability. One of the key highlights of the summit is the Painting Competition for school students, aimed at inspiring young minds to think creatively about sustainability, water conservation and environmental responsibility.

Dr. Krishna Raj, Professor and Head RBI Chair Professor Centre for Economic Studies and Policy Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) said “every drop of water has value, regardless of whether it comes from rivers, groundwater, rainwater or even wastewater. India urgently needs to redefine and reimagine water management, as climate change and rising demand are creating severe risks to future water availability. We know the price of water, but we often fail to understand its true value. Water is no longer a free resource — it is an economic, social and environmental asset that must be conserved and managed responsibly for future generations,” he observed.

Ganesh Shankar, Founder, FluxGen Sustainable Technologies said, “the real value of water is felt only when it runs dry. Urban India must move from a unidirectional water supply approach to an integrated ‘One Water’ management system that includes rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, lake restoration, watershed protection and efficient consumption practices. Source protection and watershed management are critical for ensuring sustainable water supply to cities like Bengaluru. Governments, industries and citizens must work together to improve water accounting, reduce pollution and promote equitable access to safe drinking water,”

Prof. Rajeev Gowda, former MP and Chair, Bengaluru Research and Innovation Network “Bengaluru has the talent, institutions and industry ecosystem needed to become a global hub for research and innovation. Through the Bengaluru Research and Innovation Network, we want to break silos, build collaborations and create platforms where interdisciplinary ideas can emerge and solve real-world challenges like water sustainability. We cannot allow Bengaluru to face a future of water scarcity. Two years ago, headlines warned that Bengaluru could become the next major city to run dry, but with integrated solutions such as wastewater reuse, rainwater harvesting, lake rejuvenation and groundwater recharge, we can build a sustainable water future for the city.”

“Water management requires both innovation and policy alignment. From projects like the KC Valley initiative to apartment-level wastewater treatment and reuse, Karnataka is already moving towards a ‘One Water’ approach, but we need more research-backed ideas and stronger collaboration between academia, policymakers and industry,” he added. According to him, “Water sustainability is not just a policy issue, it is a responsibility we owe to the next generation. I personally believe that we must act today so that we never have to apologise to our children for the environmental challenges they inherit tomorrow,”

Jaytheerth Nadgir, CEO Murugappa Water Technology & Solutions said “India is witnessing a golden phase of innovation in clean technologies. Startups, research institutions and industries are doing remarkable work in areas such as water management, sustainability and cleantech, and it is important that we recognise and celebrate our own achievements. The future of agriculture, sustainability and water conservation are deeply interconnected. If we truly want to improve farmers’ incomes and build a sustainable future, we must focus on the ‘soil to soul’ approach, where responsible management of natural resources becomes central to development,”

Bhubaneswar, May 18 (BNP): After witnessing an unprecedented rush and panic buying over the past week, petrol pumps across Odisha wore a deserted look on Sunday as fuel demand dropped sharply following the restoration of regular stock supply.

Fuel stations in the Twin City of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, along with several other towns, reported unusually low customer turnout after days of long queues triggered by rumours of a possible fuel shortage. Many pumps that had temporarily run dry due to panic-driven demand were seen operating normally, with staff waiting idly for customers.

Petrol dealers said panic buying, amplified by television reports and viral social media posts, had pushed fuel demand far beyond normal levels, disrupting routine tanker delivery cycles and causing temporary shortages at several outlets. However, the situation stabilised after authorities and dealers assured uninterrupted fuel availability.

Officials of petrol pump associations said a large section of regular customers, who typically purchase fuel in small quantities, had already filled their tanks during the rush, leading to a sharp decline in footfall now. As a result, dealers expect reduced demand to continue for the next few days until fuel consumption returns to normal patterns.

According to dealers, major petrol pumps in Odisha recorded sales significantly below average on Sunday, with some outlets witnessing nearly a 60–70 per cent drop compared to normal daily business.

General Secretary of the All India Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association and owner of a fuel station in Bhubaneswar, Sanjay Lath, said the panic had eased after people realised there was no disruption in supply. He noted that fuel sales had dropped considerably as consumers who stocked up earlier are unlikely to revisit pumps immediately.

With supply chains functioning normally and adequate stock available, dealers expressed confidence that the fuel distribution system across the state has returned to stability.

Jalandhar,  May 18 : Most people associate a heart attack with a sudden, dramatic event. What receives far less attention is the years of quiet damage that precede it. Often functioning without any symptoms, hypertension works silently, putting additional pressure on the arteries. Over the years, that sustained pressure quietly restructures the heart in ways that can prove fatal. In India, this is not a distant risk. According to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), roughly 24% of adult men and 21% of adult women live with hypertension. The numbers tell a story of a condition hiding in plain sight.

On the occasion of World Hypertension Day, Dr VP Sharma, Director and Senior Consultant Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar shared expert insight on hypertension, risks of developing cardiac-health issues, symptoms, and treatment.

What Hypertension Does to the Heart

Blood pressure is simply the force blood exerts against artery walls as the heart pumps. Normal blood pressure sits below 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is defined as readings that consistently reach or exceed 130/80 mm Hg. In response, the heart pumps harder to push blood through the arteries. This heightens the risk of developing various cardiac-related issues, including:

•Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: The most direct cardiac consequence of this is left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), in which the walls of the heart’s main pumping chamber become thickened. LVH is an important independent risk factor for diastolic heart failure and sudden cardiac death in hypertensive patients. • Arterial Stiffness: Prolonged high blood pressure also contributes to arterial stiffness, which is the loss of elasticity of the large blood vessels. This diminishes their capacity to absorb the pressure wave generated by each heartbeat.

•Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular heart rhythm that can put you at risk for stroke and other complications.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Hypertension often shows no symptoms, earning it the title “silent killer”. However, very high blood pressure, often exceeding 180/120 mm Hg, can show possible symptoms like:

●Shortness of breath (Dyspnoea)

●Dizziness

●Blurred or tunnel vision

●Nose bleeds (Epistaxis)

●Confusion

How to Manage Hypertension

●Reduce common salt intake in your diet, as sodium can heighten blood pressure

●Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli and carrots to your meals

●Fruits like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the inner lining of the blood vessels

●Adding daily options like bananas, oranges, and avocados to your diet can provide potassium to help offset sodium’s effect

●Avoid consuming tobacco products as they are direct contributors to high blood pressure

●Limit alcohol consumption as it can raise blood pressure and worsen cardiovascular risks

●Maintain regular physical activity and try to lose weight

Regularly monitoring your blood pressure and making these lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly reduce the risks of developing cardiac issues.

SYDNEY, May 18— Epson is encouraging Australian households and home office users to rethink how they print, with the launch of its latest EcoTank models — the ET-1910, ET-2910 and ET-2911 — designed to replace traditional cartridge and laser printers with a more cost-effective, convenient and sustainable solution.

T-2910

As cost-of-living pressures rise, many consumers continue to overlook the long-term cost of ownership associated with cartridge and laser printers, from frequent ink replacements to expensive toner and maintenance. Epson EcoTank printers are built to challenge this model, offering a smarter alternative that dramatically reduces printing costs over time.

Traditional printing systems rely on small, expensive consumables, whether it’s ink cartridges that run out quickly or laser toner systems that come with high upfront and replacement costs.

EcoTank changes this equation entirely.

ET-1910

The ET-1910, ET-2910 and ET-2911 feature Epson’s innovative refillable ink tank system, designed to deliver ultra low-cost printing without the hassle of cartridges or the complexity of laser technology. With high-capacity ink bottles included in the box, users can print for extended periods without needing to replace supplies.

EcoTank is designed with one clear advantage – lower total cost of ownership over time. Users can save up to 90% on printing costs compared to cartridge-based printers¹, while avoiding the expensive toner replacements often associated with laser devices.

Each EcoTank printer comes with enough ink to print thousands of pages, significantly reducing the need to purchase replacement supplies early on.

This makes EcoTank particularly appealing for:

•           Families with ongoing school printing needs

•           Hybrid workers managing home office tasks

•           Small businesses watching operational costs

Beyond the cost benefits, EcoTank delivers a simpler, more user-friendly experience:

•           No cartridges to replace

•           Mess-free, easy-refill ink bottles

•           Less frequent maintenance and interruptions

ET-2911

The ET-2910 and ET-2911 offer additional versatility with print, scan and copy functionality, along with wireless connectivity for seamless mobile and home network printing.

Meanwhile, the ET-1910 provides a straightforward, reliable print-only solution for users who want maximum value with minimal complexity.

Designed to meet the needs of today’s connected homes, the new EcoTank models combine:

•           Compact, space-saving design

•           Reliable everyday performance

•           Simple setup and operation

Whether printing school assignments, household documents or work materials, EcoTank gives users the confidence to print freely without worrying about running out of ink or overspending on replacements.

“Many households are still stuck in the cycle of buying cartridges or dealing with the cost and complexity of laser printers,” said Phil Daidone, Senior Product Manager at Epson Australia. “With EcoTank, we’re giving customers a better alternative, one that eliminates that cycle entirely. The ET-1910, ET-2910 and ET-2911 are designed to make printing more affordable, more convenient and ultimately more sustainable over the long term.”

In addition to saving money, moving away from cartridges and laser consumables supports a more sustainable approach to printing. EcoTank significantly reduces plastic waste and ongoing consumables, making it a more responsible choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

The Epson EcoTank ET-1910, ET-2910 and ET-2911 are now available at www.epson.com.au and through retail stores nationwide.

Epson EcoTank ET-1910

Main function – printing
Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and Apple AirPrint

Print speed – 11 pages per minute black² and white, 6 pages in colour²

Number of printed pages out of the box – 3,600³ black / 6,500³ colour

Epson EcoTank ET-2910 (white model) and ET-2911 (black model)

Main functions – print, copy and scan

Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and Apple AirPrint

Print speed – 11 pages per minute black² and white, 6 pages in colour²

Number of printed pages out of the box – 3,600³ black / 6,500³ colour

 ¹Actual savings and costs will vary considerably based on print tasks, print volumes and usage conditions.

Savings and cost per ISO page are based on the cost of replacement ink bottles and the cost of enough standard cartridges to achieve the total page yields of the bottles using the RRP (AUD) and yields for Epson standard-capacity ink cartridges for similarly featured Epson consumer inkjet printers as of May 2026.

²Black and colour print speeds are measured in accordance with ISO/IEC 24734. Actual print times will vary based on system configuration, software, and page complexity.

³Included ink bottle yields based on the ISO/IEC 24712 pattern with Epson’s methodology. Actual ink yields will vary considerably for reasons including images printed, print settings, temperature and humidity. Yields may be lower when printing infrequently or predominantly with one ink colour. All ink colours are used for printing and printer maintenance, and all colours must be available for printing so an additional black (K) bottle may be required to reach stated colour (C, M, Y) yields.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Nau mai, haere mai. This traditional Māori means “welcome, come in.” From April 21–23, more than 700 delegates representing over 30 countries gathered for the World Indigenous Cancer Conference (WICC 20260, global convening grounded in Indigenous leadership, equity, and collective wellbeing in Aotearoa – the original Māori name of what is now known as New Zealand.

Hosted in partnership with Hei Āhuru Mōwai and Te Rau Ora, WICC 2026 brought together researchers, clinicians, leaders, and community knowledge holders to advance Indigenous-led solutions in cancer prevention, care, and survivorship. 

A defining moment of the conference was the Opening Plenary co-delivered by Rodney C. Haring, PhD, MSW (Seneca Nation, Beaver Clan)—Chair of the Department of Indigenous Cancer Health at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

His plenary, “Treaty, Cancer, and World Health,” centered treaty rights as living frameworks for health, advancing a Nation-to-Nation approach to cancer equity, governance, and global responsibility. It aired at the opening of the conference with production support from Roswell Park’s Health Communications Shared Resource.

“Our treaties are not histories of the past—they are living agreements that guide how we care for our people,” says Dr. Haring. “When we center treaty, we center responsibility—to each other, to our Nations, and to future generations.” 

Invited by the World Indigenous Conference Scientific Committee, the conference elevated governance and sovereignty through Indigenous leadership, including President J.C. Seneca (Seneca Nation), who delivered multiple presentations advancing Nation-to-Nation based health governance, importance of survivor stories, need for Indigenous cancer health research collaborations across and with Indigenous communities globally, and international policy collaborations. 

A highlight of WICC 2026 was the presentation of a long-standing government-to-government cancer education and workforce development model between Roswell Park and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (Akwesasne)—a collaboration that has trained nearly 100 Mohawk students in cancer sciences.

Hugh Burnam, PhD, and Haley Cree (Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe) presented this model, emphasizing pathways into cancer research and health professions.

Ansley Hill (Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe; Rochester Institute of Technology) presented her research in collaboration with Dr. Brian Betts (Roswell Park), focusing on:

• CAR T-cell therapy
• Breast cancer translational science 

Her work reflects the strength and future of Indigenous student leadership in cutting-edge cancer research and innovation.

WICC 2026 also marked the global release of Dr. Haring’s first book, Indigenous Genetics, Biobanking, Chemistry, and Cancer Research published by Springer Nature and available open access worldwide.

This volume brings forward Indigenous intellect, sovereignty, and scientific leadership—centering data governance, Nation-to-Nation relationships, and the future of cancer research.

Dr. Haring acknowledged global Indigenous scholars and contributing authors in attendance, including:

• Māile Taualii (Kānaka Maoli/Native Hawaiian; Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi)
• Dornell Pete (Diné/Navajo Nation; Fred Hutch Cancer Center) 

The official global book launch was hosted during WICC by Roswell Park’s Department of Indigenous Cancer Health, led by Dr. Hugh Burnam (Mohawk, Wolf Clan), in partnership with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (Akwesasne).