Archives 2026

SBC Medical Appoints Sheng-FU Hsiao as CTOLeveraging Medical Big Data from 283 Global Locations and 6.63 Million Annual Patient Visits to Build a Scalable, AI-Driven Medical Management Infrastructure

Business Wire India

SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated (Nasdaq: SBC) (“SBC Medical” or the “Company”), a global provider of comprehensive consulting and management services to medical corporations and their clinics, today announced the appointment of Sheng-FU Hsiao as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective March 1, 2026. This appointment aligns with the Company’s 2026 management strategy, “Sophistication of Management Structure through AI and DX,” and strengthens its leadership team to accelerate technological transformation.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260302064873/en/

 

 

SBC Medical Appoints Sheng-FU Hsiao as CTO Leveraging Medical Big Data from 283 Global Locations and 6.63 Million Annual Patient Visits to Build a Scalable, AI-Driven Medical Management Infrastructure

SBC Medical Appoints Sheng-FU Hsiao as CTO Leveraging Medical Big Data from 283 Global Locations and 6.63 Million Annual Patient Visits to Build a Scalable, AI-Driven Medical Management Infrastructure

 

SBC Medical is transitioning from a traditional labor-intensive management model to an AI-driven infrastructure to address structural challenges in the medical industry, such as productivity, quality, and transparency. The Company aims to establish a next-generation operating system―an “Automated Management Infrastructure” that optimizes everything from decision support to operational execution with high reproducibility and scalability.

 

To lead this technological shift, SBC Medical has welcomed Mr. Hsiao, who brings a proven track record of spearheading AI-specialized organizations and establishing IT governance for pre-IPO companies. In his previous roles, Mr. Hsiao successfully automated large-scale operations, including the implementation of AI call centers that reduced labor requirements by approximately 31% (equivalent to approximately 50 personnel) and improved response times by 30%. He also led the modernization of 20-year-old legacy systems into flexible microservices architectures. At SBC Medical, Mr. Hsiao will oversee the modernization of existing core systems and transform the Group’s vast clinical, customer, and management data into a strategic AI asset, while ensuring the highest standards of security, ethics, and data governance.

 

 

Key Initiatives for AI Transformation
Mr. Hsiao will work alongside Vice President Yuya Yoshida to lead the Group’s AI strategy. By integrating the vision of “SBC AI Lab” ―the in-house development organization led by Mr. Yoshida―with Mr. Hsiao’s technical execution capabilities, the Company will redesign its management “OS” beyond simple operational efficiency.

 

 

1. Autonomous Operations and Advanced Management
Implementation of AI-driven infrastructure to optimize all processes, from back-office tasks to patient booking flows. This scalable model aims to suppress fixed-cost ratios during business expansion.

 

 

  • Implementation of AI Call Centers: Achieving 24/7/365 availability and reducing inquiry response times by 30%.
  • Modernization of Core Systems: Shortening lead times for functional additions and updates by refreshing core systems operating across 283 global locations*1.
  • Expansion of Back-Office Automation: Leveraging AI to increase the automation of back-office tasks, thereby reducing inventory loss and manual labor hours.
  • Promotion of In-house Development: Maximizing ROI and reducing development costs through the advancement of internal development capabilities.
  • Integration and Utilization of Patient Visit Data: Optimizing physician allocation and improving counseling conversion rates by leveraging data from 6.63 million annual patient visits*2.

 

Notes:
*1: Figures as of the end of December 2025, encompassing SBC brand clinics, Rize Clinic, Gorilla Clinic, AHH, JUN CLINIC, and OrangeTwist.
*2: Figures as of the end of December 2025, encompassing SBC brand clinics, Rize Clinic, Gorilla Clinic, AHH, and JUN CLINIC (with certain exceptions). These figures exclude free consultations. Unique patient counts and repeat rates for AHH and JUN CLINIC are estimated based on the ratio to the annual patient counts of the SBC brand, Rize Clinic, and Gorilla Clinic.

 

2.Customer Experience (UX) Innovation
Development of an “AI Concierge” providing 24/7 support and “AI Mirrors” for objective data visualization of treatment results, enhancing medical transparency.

 

 

3. Global Expansion of Medical OS
Deploying the AI-native management platform proven in Japan to global markets, including the U.S. and Southeast Asia, to rapidly replicate high-quality clinic operations.

 

 

About Sheng-FU Hsiao
After graduating from National United University in Taiwan, Mr. Hsiao studied at Curtin University in Australia. Following a career in trade management in China, he moved to Japan in 2008. He has served as CTO for over eight years across various organizations, driving growth through restructuring and advanced development. Most recently, he served as Executive Officer and CTO at an AI-specialized firm. He is fluent in Japanese, English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese.

 

 

Comment from Sheng-FU Hsiao
“I am confident that implementing the ‘Automated Management Infrastructure’ envisioned by SBC Medical will cause a paradigm shift in the medical industry. Working with Mr. Yoshida, I am committed to converting our massive data assets into value, delivering the highest standard of medical experience to customers worldwide, and creating an environment where medical professionals can focus on highly specialized tasks.”

 

 

About SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated
SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated is a comprehensive medical group operating a wide range of franchise businesses across diverse medical fields, including advanced aesthetic medicine, dermatology, orthopedics, fertility treatment, dentistry, AGA (hair restoration), and ophthalmology. The Company manages a diverse portfolio of clinic brands and is actively expanding its global presence, particularly in the United States and Asia, through both direct operations and medical tourism initiatives. In September 2024, the Company was listed on Nasdaq, and in June 2025, it was selected for inclusion in the Russell 3000® Index, a broad benchmark of the U.S. equity market. Guided by its Group Purpose “Contributing to the well-being of people around the world through medical innovation,” SBC Medical Group Holdings Incorporated continues to provide safe, trusted, and high-quality medical services while further strengthening its international reputation for quality and trust in medical care.
For more information, visit https://sbc-holdings.com/ For more insights and updates from SBC Holdings, follow us on LinkedIn

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts or statements of current conditions, but instead represent only the Company’s beliefs regarding future events and performance, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to, among other things, the Company’s product launch plans and strategies; growth in revenue and earnings; and business prospects. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” “targets” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this release and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, assumptions, or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them; such factors include, among other things, changes in global, regional, or local economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions, and those listed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

Venture Global Announces LNG Purchase Agreement with Trafigura

Business Wire India

Today, Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE: VG) and Trafigura announced the execution of a new, binding agreement for the purchase of approximately 0.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Venture Global for five years commencing in 2026. This mid-term agreement offers greater flexibility to customers in the global LNG market and provides greater diversification for Venture Global’s LNG portfolio.

 

“Trafigura is a global leader in LNG trading, and we are pleased to execute this mid-term LNG supply agreement with them to provide the market with flexible and reliable U.S. LNG,” said Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel. “Global energy demand is stronger than ever, and this is an important step in executing our strategy of adding more mid-term agreements, which will diversify the tenor of our LNG portfolio. Venture Global looks forward to helping ensure the world remains well-supplied in the short, medium, and long term.”

 

 

Igor Marin, Global Head of Gas, Power & Renewables at Trafigura, commented: “This agreement with Venture Global, a leading American producer and exporter of LNG, further strengthens and diversifies our global portfolio – reinforcing our ability to connect U.S. supply with customers across key international markets. US LNG supply is increasingly critical to global energy security, and we look forward to building on this collaboration with Venture Global.”

 

 

About Venture Global

 

 

Venture Global is an American producer and exporter of low-cost U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) with over 100 MTPA of capacity in production, construction, or development. Venture Global began producing LNG from its first facility in 2022 and is now one of the largest LNG exporters in the United States. The company’s vertically integrated business includes assets across the LNG supply chain including LNG production, natural gas transport, shipping and regasification. The company’s first three projects, Calcasieu Pass, Plaquemines LNG, and CP2 LNG, are located in Louisiana along the Gulf of America. Venture Global is developing Carbon Capture and Sequestration projects at each of its LNG facilities.

 

 

About Trafigura

 

 

Trafigura is a leading commodities group, owned by its employees and founded over 30 years ago. At the heart of global supply, Trafigura connects vital resources to power and build the world. We deploy infrastructure, market expertise and our worldwide logistics network to move oil and petroleum products, metals and minerals, gas and power from where they are produced to where they are needed, forming strong relationships that make supply chains more efficient, secure and sustainable. We invest in renewable energy projects and technologies to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, including through MorGen Energy and joint venture Nala Renewables.

 

 

The Trafigura Group also comprises industrial assets and operating businesses including multi-metals producer Nyrstar, fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy, the Impala Terminals joint venture and Greenergy, supplier and distributor of transportation fuels and biofuels. The Group employs approximately 14,500 people, of which over 1,400 are shareholders, and operates in over 150 countries.

 

 

Visit: www.trafigura.com

 

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein are “forward-looking statements.” In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursue,” “target,” “continue,” the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology.

 

 

These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include statements about our future performance, our contracts, our anticipated growth strategies and anticipated trends impacting our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Those factors include our need for significant additional capital to construct and complete future projects and related assets, and our potential inability to secure such financing on acceptable terms, or at all; our potential inability to accurately estimate costs for our projects, and the risk that the construction and operations of natural gas pipelines and pipeline connections for our projects suffer cost overruns and delays related to obtaining regulatory approvals, development risks, labor costs, unavailability of skilled workers, operational hazards and other risks; the uncertainty regarding the future of global trade dynamics, international trade agreements and the United States’ position on international trade, including the effects of tariffs; our dependence on our EPC and other contractors for the successful completion of our projects, including the potential inability of our contractors to perform their obligations under their contracts; various economic and political factors, including opposition by environmental or other public interest groups, or the lack of local government and community support required for our projects, which could negatively affect the permitting status, timing or overall development, construction and operation of our projects; and risks related to other factors discussed under “Item 1A.—Risk Factors” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and any subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of this date. We undertake no obligation to update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.

 

 

 

 

 

Tenable Research Reveals Growing AI Exposure Gap Fueled by Supply Chain Risks and Lack of Identity Controls

 

Dubai, UAE. – (Mar 2)Tenable® (NASDAQ: TENB), the exposure management company, today released its Cloud and AI Security Risk Report 2026. The research reveals organizations face a zeromargin AI exposure gap as they inherit cyber risks faster than they can address them. Engineering velocity — driven by AI adoption, third-party code and cloud scale — has outpaced the human-led ability to assess, prioritize and remediate risks before threat actors exploit them.

The AI Exposure Gap is a largely invisible form of exposure that emerges across applications, infrastructure, identities, agents and data, and that most security teams are not equipped to manage. Tenable’s analysis of cloud environments identifies severe risks across four key security areas: AI security posture, supply chain attack vectors, least privilege implementation and cloud workload exposure — all of which demand immediate attention. The report includes actionable guidance for security and business leaders to reduce risk across cloud and AI environments.

Key findings from the Cloud and AI Security Risk Report 2026 include:

       70% have integrated at least one AI or Model Context Protocol (MCP) third-party package, embedding AI deep into applications and infrastructure, often without central security oversight.

       86% host third-party code packages with critical-severity vulnerabilities, making the software supply chain a primary and persistent source of cloud exposure. Furthermore, nearly 1 in 8 (13%) have deployed packages with a known history of compromise, such as the s1ngularity or Shai-Hulud worms.

       18% of organizations have granted AI services administrative permissions that are rarely audited, creating a “pre-packaged” catalog of privileges for attackers to claim.

       Nonhuman identities such as AI agents and service accounts now represent higher risk (52%) than human users (37%), forming “toxic combinations” of permissions and access that fragmented tools fail to connect.

       65% possess “ghost” secrets—unused or unrotated cloud credentials—with 17% of these tied specifically to critical administrative privileges.

       49% of identities with critical-severity excessive permissions are dormant.

Liat Hayun

AI systems embedded in infrastructure pose a critical risk that CISOs and defenders must address, in addition to anticipating emerging threats from both AI and cloud technologies. Lack of visibility and governance means teams are at the mercy of new exposures, including over-privileged identities in the cloud,” said Liat Hayun, Senior Vice President of Product Management and Research at Tenable. “By focusing on the unified exposure path, organizations can stop managing ‘security debt’ and start managing actual business risk.”

To manage emerging risks, organizations must secure the AI integration process through comprehensive visibility and identity-centric controls. This includes enforcing least privilege for AI roles, neutralizing “ghost” identity risk and eliminating static secret exposure. Third-party code and external accounts are now extensions of organizations’ infrastructure; steps to reduce extended supply chain exposure include unifying visibility across code packages, virtual machines, identity access and cloud environments.

The 2026 Cloud & AI Security Risk Report presents findings from the Tenable Research team, analyzing anonymized telemetry from diverse public cloud and enterprise environments collected from April to October 2025 (AI findings extended through December 2025).

Exposure Management is the practice of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing the risks posed by all entry points an attacker could exploit. This includes not just software vulnerabilities (CVEs), but also misconfigurations, excessive user privileges (identity risk), cloud security gaps, and the “shadow” assets created by AI and third-party supply chains.

Bhopal Gets a New Sayaji Stay: Amber – A Unit of Sayaji Opens in Chinar Fortune City

Bhopal, Mar 2: Amber – A unit of Sayaji, the latest addition to the Sayaji portfolio, has opened its doors in Bhopal. Located in Chinar Fortune City near Vidya Nagar Phase 2, Bawadiya Kalan, the hotel brings contemporary comfort and warm, intuitive service to Madhya Pradesh’s capital – ideal for business trips, short leisure breaks, and intimate celebrations.

Bhopal Gets a New Sayaji Stay: Amber - A Unit of Sayaji Opens in Chinar Fortune City

 Bhopal, widely known as the “City of Lakes,” offers a compelling mix of heritage and modern energy. From day trips to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Bhimbetka and Sanchi to the city’s long-standing cultural legacy linked to Raja Bhoj, the destination continues to draw travellers who like their getaways rooted in story, craft, and cuisine.

Amber – A unit of Sayaji features 22 well-appointed rooms designed for comfort-led stays. The hotel offers 20 Superior Rooms at 280 sq. ft. each and two Family Rooms spanning 552 sq. ft., making it well-suited for solo travellers, couples, and families looking for more space.

The hotel’s dining address, Cafene, offers a breakfast buffet along with an à la carte menu. With 52 covers in total, including 34 indoor and 18 al fresco, Cafene is designed for easy breakfasts, working lunches, and relaxed dinners, pairing familiar favourites with flavour-forward touches inspired by the region.

For weddings, social gatherings, and corporate meet-ups, Amber – A unit of Sayaji offers a strong set of event spaces. Aurum, the hotel’s banquet hall, spans 2,736 sq. ft. and can host up to 150 guests in theatre style, with additional formats available, including classroom-style seating for up to 60 guests and cluster seating for up to 80. For larger celebrations, Vatika Lawn spans 24,850 sq. ft. and can host up to 1,000 guests, with configurations also suitable for mid-sized formats, including cluster seating for up to 500.

“We’re excited to open Amber – A unit of Sayaji in Bhopal and welcome guests to a hotel that’s intimate in size but big on detail. From the comfort of our rooms to the ease of hosting at Aurum and Vatika, we’ve built this space for people who want a stay that feels effortless – and genuinely warm”, expressed Mr. Manoj Kumar Golani, Co-Owner, Amber – A Unit by Sayaji, Chief Operating Officer, Satyam Builders & Developers. 

Rajendra Joshi, Associate General Manager at Sayaji Hotels said,

 “Madhya Pradesh is home for the Sayaji brand, so every opening here feels personal. With Amber – A unit of Sayaji, we’re bringing our signature hospitality to a contemporary address in the city – crafted for stays, dining, and celebrations, and delivered with the kind of warmth that comes naturally in our home state.”

The new stay address is now welcoming guests, offering a refined, convenient base for exploring the city, working on the move, or marking memorable moments with family and friends.

 

Mayor V. V. Rajesh Inaugurates IoT-enabled Smart Bin in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

Mayor V. V. Rajesh Inaugurates IoT-enabled Smart Bin in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 02: As part of a project to promote responsible plastic waste management, an IoTenabled Smart Bin has been installed in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. The Smart Bin was formally inaugurated by V. V. RajeshMayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, along with Chethan Mackom, Chairman and Managing Director of Terumo Penpol Limited.

 
The project is an initiative of HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL), a Mini Ratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. It is being implemented by HLL Management Academy under the CSR initiative of Terumo Penpol Private Limited.
 
The project leverages IoT technology to encourage segregation of plastic waste at source, while enabling real-time monitoring and measurable environmental impact. The initiative is expected to strengthen sustainable waste management practices in the city and promote greater public participation in environmental conservation.
 
Officials from HLL who were present at the function included Mr. Shamnad Shamsudeen, Deputy Vice President; Dr. Nireesh P. H., Deputy Vice President – Sustainable Projects Division; Dr. Krishna S. H., Manager – Public Health Projects; Mr. Hari, Deputy Manager – Sustainable Projects Division; Ms. Arathy Vinod, Project Coordinator; Ms. Padmasruty, Deputy Manager – Finance; and Ms. Namitha S., HR Head.
 
Representing Terumo Penpol Limited, Mr. Govind R., Head – CSR, and Mr. Dinesh, Head – HR, also attended the function.

TEDxHRCollege 2026 Explores “Beyond the Horizon” at Its 11th Edition

TEDxHRCollege

Mar 2:TEDxHRCollege is the official TEDx platform of HR College of Commerce and Economics, created to bring the global spirit of TED to a student-led stage in Mumbai. Marking its 11th edition, TEDxHRCollege was held at the C.K. Nayudu Banquet Hall, Cricket Club of India, under the theme “Beyond the Horizon.” Independently organized by students and licensed by TED, the event embodied the mission of “Ideas Worth Spreading,” encouraging audiences to challenge boundaries and envision possibilities beyond the visible.

 The event commenced with a classical performance followed by welcome addresses by Principal Dr. Pooja Ramchandani and Head Organizer Ms. Palak Gala.

The speaker lineup featured diverse voices across leadership, literature, and corporate foresight:

Mr. Bharat Dash, management professional, reflected on the enduring relevance of the Panchatantra, contrasting its emotional intelligence and storytelling depth with conventional presentation formats.

Mr. Yusuf Poonawala, entrepreneur and author of The Balanced Leader, delivered “When Everything Burns Down, What Remains?”, urging audiences to build character, values, and resilience beyond titles and applause.

 Ms. Alpa Vora, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF India, spotlighted youth-led initiatives in Maharashtra that safeguard children’s rights and strengthen communities.

Ms. Kaveri Ingale explored leadership through cinematic narratives, emphasizing courage, accountability, and authenticity as everyday practices.

 Mr. Vesmir, poet and author, examined the cognitive and emotional implications of over-reliance on AI, advocating literature as essential for human resilience.

 Ms. Kamayani Nagar, Head of Retail at Aditya Birla Sun Life, spoke on preparing for corporate life in 2036, highlighting adaptability, AI literacy, ethical judgment, and continuous learning as future essentials.

Ms. Priyadarshini Indalkar, acclaimed Marathi actress, addressed the “Fear of Failure,” encouraging resilience, empathy, and authenticity in navigating personal and professional challenges.

The event would not have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of our Principal, Dr. Pooja Ramchandani, and our Faculty In-Charge, Prof. Chandani Bhattacharjee. Their constant encouragement, trust and thoughtful mentorship laid the foundation for its success. Their belief in our vision empowered us to execute the event with confidence, responsibility, and excellence.

 Beyond being a platform for ideas, TEDxHRCollege is a transformative learning experience. It enables students to build strong communities while developing leadership, communication, hospitality, and problem-solving skills. By taking ownership of real responsibilities, students grow not only as organizers but as capable, confident individuals ready to lead beyond the horizon.

‘Boong’ Returns to Theatres March 6 After BAFTA Win

Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment & Suitable Pictures’ Boong, The First Indian Film to Win a BAFTA, Returns to Theatres on March 6 at PVR INOX

Mar 02: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, will bring back the highly acclaimed BAFTA-winning Manipuri film Boong, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, in select cities and cinemas across India on March 6, 2026. The film was originally released in September last year by PVR INOX.  Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures’ Boong had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film subsequently travelled to several prestigious international festivals, earning widespread critical acclaim and multiple honours, culminating in a historic win at the BAFTA Awards — becoming the first Indian film to receive the award in the Best Children’s and Family Film category. The film revolves around a little boy, Boong who plans to surprise his mother with a gift. In his innocence, he believes that bringing his absentee father back home would be the most special gift. Boong’s search for his father disintegrates his world but culminates into an unexpected gift.

Talking about the film releasing in theatres again, filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi said,

“Boong is my bittersweet memory of Manipur. From the writing stage up until now, as we stand on the cusp of a re-release, it has been a deeply personal journey. Winning the BAFTA was and still is surreal; even memory loss wouldn’t make me forget that moment! I am truly happy that Boong is returning to cinemas. Manipur is meant to be experienced on the big screen, and I hope people get the chance to watch it in theatres this time.”

Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Limited, said,

“It’s such a privilege to be re-releasing Boong in India, a film that has not only earned international acclaim but also created history with its BAFTA win. We originally had a limited release of the film last year in September. At PVR INOX, we remain committed to championing diverse cinematic voices. Boong’s re-release is our way of giving audiences across India the opportunity to discover and celebrate this remarkable film in the immersive theatrical environment.”

Catch Excel Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures’ Boong on the big screen from March 6, 2026 at PVR INOX. The film is being re-released in India by Anil Thadani (AA Films Pvt. Ltd.) and will open in select cinemas.

Booking details and theatre listings will be announced soon on the official PVR INOX app/website and social media.

 

VST Tillers Tractors Wins Best Farm Machinery Display & State Excellence Award at Global Agro Tech 2026

VST Tillers Tractors Wins Best Farm Machinery Display & State Excellence Award at Global Agro Tech 2026

 

Uttar Pradesh, India | Mar 2: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd, a pioneer in farm mechanization and an undisputed leader in the power tiller segment, has been conferred with the prestigious State Excellence Award at Global Agro Tech 2026, held in Uttar Pradesh. The award was presented by H.E. Anandiben Patel, Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, to senior officials of the company in recognition of its pioneering contribution to advancing small and compact farm mechanization in India. In addition to this recognition, VST also received the Best Stall Display Award for showcasing a comprehensive portfolio of innovative farm mechanization solutions tailored to diverse agricultural needs.

At the exhibition, VST displayed its complete range of products spanning from 5 HP to 50 HP, offering integrated solutions for key segments including sugarcane cultivation, orchard farming, and inter-cultivation operations. The display highlighted VST’s commitment to enabling small and marginal farmers with efficient, cost-effective, and technology-driven farm equipment.

The VST stall at the event attracted significant interest from farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, dealers, and policymakers, demonstrating VST’s leadership in compact tractors, power tillers, and specialized farm machinery designed for Indian farming conditions. The recognition at Global Agro Tech 2026 further reinforces VST Tillers Tractors’ position as a frontrunner in sustainable and scalable farm mechanization, supporting enhanced productivity and rural prosperity across the country.

United Way Bengaluru Announced as Philanthropy Partner for TCS World 10K Marathon 2026

 

United Way Bengaluru Announced as Philanthropy Partner for TCS World 10K Marathon 2026

 

Bengaluru, Mar 2: United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) proudly steps up as the official Philanthropy Partner for the TCS World 10K Marathon, scheduled to be held on April 26, 2026, in Bengaluru.

This year, UWBe provides a structured fundraising platform that empowers participants to support credible grassroots initiatives in education, environment, women empowerment, sports, healthcare, and community development.

As a trusted partner, UWBe ensures every contribution undergoes rigorous due diligence and monitoring, directing funds precisely to the communities that need them most.

For United Way Bengaluru, this is more than just a run; it’s a powerful opportunity for corporates, communities, and individuals to unite and drive meaningful change. Through transparent processes, UWBe connects supporters with NGOs creating real impact on the ground. United Way Bengaluru requests corporates, CSR leaders, NGOs, institutions, and passionate individuals to join hands as changemakers. Participate in the run, fundraise, and turn steps into lasting progress. 

Godrej Agrovet launches new multi-crop Insecticide TAKAI to empower farmers and strengthen Bengal’s farm economy

Godrej Agrovet launches new multi-crop Insecticide TAKAI to empower farmers and strengthen Bengal’s farm economy

March 02: Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Agrovet), one of India’s leading diversified agri-businesses, has launched a new multicrop insecticide TAKAI. Powered by CyclaprynTM technology developed by ISK Japan, TAKAI offers quick control and longer-lasting protection against major lepidopteran pests viz ‘caterpillar-type’ insects that damages crop thereby helping farmers improve overall crop health. The company has received label approval for Rice, Maize, Chickpea and Soybean, while label expansion approvals for Cabbage and Chilli crops are currently awaited.

In West Bengal -widely known as the “Rice Bowl of India” with nearly 15 million tonnes of annual rice production – lepidopteran pests pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. In rice, yellow stem borer and leaf folder infestations can cause 20–40% yield losses during severe outbreaks, while maize crops face 25–30% damage from fall armyworm, escalating up to 60–65% in extreme cases. Soybean yields are reduced by 20–30% due to Spodoptera litura and semiloopers, and vegetable crops such as chilli and cabbage commonly suffer 15–30% losses from similar pest attacks. With pests, diseases, and weeds emerging as major constraints, protecting crops through timely and effective management is critical to sustaining West Bengal’s farm economy and food security.

N.K. Rajavelu, CEO – Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet, said “Effective pest management determines the success of the Indian farmer. Through TAKAI, we intend to enable farmers to protect their crops from pest attacks by offering them a solution that delivers rapid feeding cessation and sustained pest control over a longer duration. In a state like West Bengal, where rice and other key crops are cultivated across multiple seasons and are highly vulnerable to infestations, timely intervention becomes even more critical. This approach helps farmers optimise input costs and secure more stable, higher-quality yields.”

He added, “At Godrej Agrovet, our endeavour is to deliver crop protection solutions that address environmental and market challenges faced by our farmers. Today’s launch of TAKAI is in sync with our strategy of strengthening our portfolio across key crops by leveraging our research-expertise and strong on-ground reach that empower farmers and uplift farming families.”

Rice, being a multi-season crop – Kharif, Rabi and Summer, is grown in warm, humid and water-logged conditions making it ideal for pest attacks throughout the year. In the early critical stage, i.e. vegetative stage during 15-30 DAT, Stem Borer damages the plant and makes it difficult for farmers to detect early. Later at reproductive stage during 40-60 DAT, both Stem Borer and Leaf Folder attack the plant. Leaf Folder feeds on the leaf tissue by folding the leaves thereby reducing the plant’s photosynthetic area and hence crop growth. It is at these stages that TAKAI should be applied at a dose of 160 ml when the crop is 15-30 days old and again at 40-60 DAT.

For other crops also, only one dosage of 160 ml of TAKAI is recommended.

With the launch TAKAI today and a maize herbicide ASHITAKA last year, Godrej Agrovet reinforces its commitment to building a more productive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural ecosystem through innovation and farmer-led product development.