All posts by Neel Achary

Manipal, Mar 27: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE),  an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, proudly announces the successful certification of its Biosafety Level-3 (BSL–3) Laboratory by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, marking a significant milestone in the MAHE’s sustained commitment to excellence in biomedical research, infectious disease preparedness, and global health security. This achievement substantially enhances MAHE’s research, diagnostic, and training capabilities. The certification underscores MAHE’s adherence to internationally accepted biosafety and biosecurity standards and reflects its unwavering commitment to the highest levels of laboratory safety and scientific integrity. With this milestone, MAHE further consolidates its position as a leading centre for advanced research, diagnostics, and capacity building in infectious diseases.

The newly certified facility is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced biosafety engineering. It features specialised containment architecture, negative pressure environments with directional airflow, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems, secure access controls, and stringent operational protocols. The certification process involved a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation encompassing laboratory design, engineering controls, biosafety management systems, standard operating procedures, personnel training and competency, and emergency preparedness. 

The establishment and certification of this advanced facility were accomplished under the leadership of Dr Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay, Director, Manipal Institute of Virology (MIV), Manipal, with strong collaborative support from Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS), and Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal. The facility will serve as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary collaboration among microbiologists, virologists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts. In addition to enabling cutting-edge research, it will play a vital role in strengthening national and regional preparedness by offering specialised training in biosafety practices, high–containment laboratory operations, and outbreak response strategies. 

Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The certification of the BSL–3 laboratory is a proud and defining moment for MAHE. It reflects our unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and public health. Notably, this is among the first stand-alone, state-of-the-art BSL–3 facilities within a premier private university in India, poised to serve the nation at a broader level and contribute to the national BSL–3 consortium in the future.” 

Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, VSM (Retd.) MAHE stated, “This advanced facility will empower our researchers to undertake critical studies on airborne and high-risk pathogens and to conduct critical work such as pathogen isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular diagnostics, vaccine and drug development, host–pathogen interaction studies, aerosol transmission research, and evaluation of biosafety protocols. It reinforces MAHE’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and public health, while strengthening India’s biomedical research ecosystem and contributing to global infectious disease preparedness.”

Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, added, “This facility will foster high-quality, multi-institutional and multidisciplinary research, and is poised to emerge as a centre of excellence for advanced infectious disease research in southern India.”

With this achievement, MAHE joins a select group of institutions in India equipped with certified BSL–3 laboratories, further reinforcing its leadership in biomedical innovation, infectious disease research, and global health security.

Hyderabad, Telangana, Mar 27: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited (BCSSL) (BSE: 539607), a provider of AI-driven enterprise and digital infrastructure solutions, has received a work order from the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City, dated 25^th March, 2026 for the supply, installation, and commissioning of AI–enabled high-performance computing infrastructure.

The order involves the deployment of Access Genie BluEdge AI Infrastructure including rack servers and GPU-powered high-performance workstations for the Central Analysis Team (CAT) of Telangana Police.

The scope includes supply, installation, and commissioning of enterprise-grade servers and advanced computing systems designed to enhance data processing, analytics, and mission-critical operations within the department. The project is scheduled to be executed within 60 days from the date of the work order.

This engagement is strategically significant as it highlights BCSSL’s capability to deliver AI–enabled infrastructure solutions in high-security and mission-critical government environments. The deployment also validates the Company’s proprietary AccessGenie BluEdge platform in a public safety use case.

The project is expected to create a foundation for potential follow-on opportunities across law enforcement and public sector departments in areas such as AI analytics, cybersecurity, and managed digital infrastructure services.

“This engagement reflects our growing alignment with government digital infrastructure initiatives and reinforces our ability to deliver reliable, high-performance AI–enabled systems in mission-critical environments,” said Mr. Tejesh Kodali, Group Chairman, Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited. “We see this as a strategic step toward expanding our presence across public sector digital transformation programs.”

New Delhi, Mar 27:  BPTP Limited has been recognised as an “IGBC Green Crusader” by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) at the 4th Edition of the CII–IGBC GreenTech Summit 2026, held on 18 March 2026 in New Delhi.

The recognition marks BPTP’s successful registration of its projects — Green Oaks Commercial 1 & 2, District Walk D, and Club 81 — under the prestigious IGBC Green Building Rating System, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainable and future-ready development.

The summit brought together stakeholders from the construction, real estate, and climate-tech sectors to discuss developments in the climate-tech ecosystem.

Commenting on the recognition, Manik Malik, CEO & President, BPTP Limited, said, “We acknowledge the recognition by IGBC for our projects registered under the Green Building Rating System. BPTP has incorporated sustainability-related features in select developments, in accordance with applicable standards. This recognition pertains to the registration of these projects under the IGBC Green Building Rating System.”

The IGBC Green Building Rating System provides a structured framework for evaluating projects on defined sustainability parameters, including resource efficiency and environmental considerations. The registration of BPTP’s projects under this framework indicates that these projects have been submitted for evaluation under the IGBC Green Building Rating System.

New Delhi, Mar 27: Ashiana Housing Ltd., listed on the NSE and BSE, has announced the launch of Phase 4 at Ashiana Malhar, positioned as the most premium and most preferred tower within the township. Designed to build on the strong market response to earlier phases, the newly launched phase introduces upgraded features, superior specifications, and a prime tower placement. The limited release comprises 110 thoughtfully planned homes, reinforcing the project’s focus on exclusivity and scarcity-led positioning.

Phase 4 stands out as the only tower in Ashiana Malhar offering a distinctive combination of mountain-facing views, East and West Vastu-oriented homes, and uninterrupted views of approximately 3.12 acres of open greens. Spread across 14 floors with eight units per core, the tower has been designed to deliver a balanced mix of privacy, natural light, and community living. The residences feature upgraded tiles and modern specifications in kitchens and bathrooms, further elevating the overall premium appeal of the development.

The newly launched inventory includes both 2 BHK and 3 BHK configurations, with prices starting at ₹83.26 lakh for 2 BHK homes and ₹1.246 crore for 3 BHK homes. Early buyers can also avail registration benefits of up to ₹5 lakh. With only 110 units available in this tower, Ashiana Housing is positioning Phase 4 as a limited opportunity within the township, aimed at discerning homebuyers seeking both lifestyle quality and long-term value.

Commenting on the launch, Ankur Gupta, Joint Managing Director, Ashiana Housing Ltd., said, “Phase 4 at Ashiana Malhar reflects our continued focus on creating thoughtfully designed premium homes within well-planned communities. With its mountain views, Vastu-oriented layouts, and upgraded specifications, this tower offers a compelling lifestyle proposition for homebuyers in Pune. The strong response to earlier phases gives us confidence that this limited inventory will resonate well with discerning customers.”

Adding further, Col. Sunil Vidyadhar Damle, Vice President, Ashiana Housing, said, “Phase 4 has been strategically positioned as the most preferred tower within the township. From its premium placement and uninterrupted green views to enhanced specifications, every element has been curated to deliver superior everyday living. With only 110 homes available, this phase offers a rare opportunity for buyers looking to secure the best-located residences within Ashiana Malhar.”

Ashiana Malhar is being developed as a joint venture project, with revenue to be shared with the development partner as per agreed terms. The total estimated project cost is approximately ₹750–800 crore and is being funded through internal accruals. Construction progress across the township continues as planned, with Phase 1 already delivered, Phase 2 scheduled for November 2026, Phase 3 for June 2027, Phase 4 targeted for September 2029, and Phase 5 to be announced.

The project has witnessed strong sales momentum so far, driven by positive homebuyer response to the premium home concept in Pune. The recent launch of the clubhouse at Ashiana Malhar has further strengthened customer confidence and preference for the project, reinforcing Ashiana Housing’s reputation for customer-first development, construction quality, and long-term livability.

With the launch of Phase 4, Ashiana Housing aims to further strengthen Ashiana Malhar’s positioning as a high-trust, amenity-rich residential destination offering both exclusivity and enduring value.

Mumbai, Mar 27:  Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today introduced the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G, the newest additions to the Galaxy A series for young users who prioritise photography, performance, AI-enabled everyday features and durability.

New Design Language with Enhanced Durability

Galaxy A57 5G comes with an aluminium frame, and at 6.9mm, it is the slimmest Galaxy A series device so far. The slimmer bezels on Galaxy A57 5G improve the device’s visual balance and allows for a more immersive viewing experience.

Galaxy A57 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate and comes with Vision Booster technology, with 1900nits peak brightness that allows users to view content clearly in outdoor conditions and enjoy HDR content. Both Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G come with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, improving resistance to scratches and drops. The devices also carry an IP68 rating for safety against water and dust. Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G are built to last with six Android OS upgrades and six years of security.

Night Photography Designed for Social Media and Low-Light Content

Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G feature a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation and a 1.0µm (micron) big pixel sensor, paired with enhanced image signal processing (ISP) and a Low Noise Mode. The result is brighter photos with sharper detail in low-light environments.

Galaxy A57 5G has a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera and a 5MP macro camera. Galaxy A37 5G includes a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 5MP macro camera. Both devices have a 12MP HDR front camera for clearer selfies and video calls.

The camera software on the new A series also includes AI-driven editing tools. The Best Face feature supports up to five people, allowing users to select the best facial expression from each person in a group shot. The Object Eraser tool runs on device and works 33 percent faster, enabling users to remove unwanted elements from images without an internet connection.

Processor and Performance Improvements

Galaxy A57 5G packs Exynos 1680 that delivers 33 percent higher NPU, while Galaxy A37 5G is powered by Exynos 1480 that delivers 162 percent improvement in NPU performance for

faster on-device AI tasks. Both devices come with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, which reduce application load times and improve file transfer speeds.

Galaxy A57 5G includes a flagship-size vapor cooling chamber, which is 13 percent larger than the previous generation for managing heat during extended gaming or heavy workloads.

Battery Life and Faster Charging

Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G have a 5000mAh battery that can last up to 2 days. With 45W charging support, the new devices reach 60 percent battery in 30 minutes.

AI-Powered One UI 8.5 Experience

Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G run One UI 8.5, which integrates AI-driven tools—Samsung Bixby, Gemini and Perplexity—designed to support everyday tasks. The enhanced Circle to Search with multi-object recognition allows users to search objects directly from the screen and find related information or similar products.

Direct Voicemail allows voice messages to be stored directly on the device without relying on a network operator’s voicemail system. Voice Transcription is new to the Voice Recorder app, making it easier to revisit important details from meetings, lectures or calls by quickly transcribing and translating call recordings or turning voicemail audio into text. Real-time call transcription converts voice conversation into on-screen text during calls.

Security and Privacy with Samsung Knox Vault

Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G come with Samsung Knox Vault, which stores data in dedicated tamper-resistant hardware and monitors for hardware-level attacks. The devices also include software-level protections, alerting users in cases of data breach.

Availability and Offers

Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G will be available across retail stores, Samsung Exclusive Stores, Samsung.com and other online platforms. Customers can choose among three attractive offers: INR 3000 Bank/UPI Cashback or a 24-month zero interest, zero down payment EMI plan or INR 3000 upgrade bonus.

Chandigarh, Mar 27:  Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies has been positioned in the ‘Next Leaders’ category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard Assessment 2025 undertaken by the Institutional Investor Advisory Services India Ltd (IiAS) for 2025.

The inclusion is an outcome of an annual assessment of the S&P BSE 100 companies on the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard framework, which has been jointly developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), BSE, and IiAS and is based on the G20/OECD principles of Corporate Governance and assesses company level governance practices across four equally weighted pillars: rights and equitable treatment of shareholders, sustainability and resilience, disclosures and transparency, and responsibilities of the board.

This was the 10th edition of  IiAS Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard, marking a decade of tracking the evolution of governance practices in corporate India. The 2025 assessment indicates a more mature governance landscape, with the focus shifting beyond formal compliance toward the quality of oversight, resilience, transparency, and long-term value creation.

Institutional Investor Advisory Services India Limited (IiAS) is an advisory firm that provides capital markets with independent opinions, data, and analysis on governance and ESG, including voting recommendations and ESG ratings in India, through its wholly owned subsidiary IIAS Sustainability Solutions. The Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard, originally developed by IFC-BSE-IIAS, is built around the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance. IiAS is a SEBI Research Analyst body.

Recognition Highlights Momentum in Tendo’s Insights and Marketplace Products

Philadelphia, PA — Mar 27 — Tendo, a healthcare technology company that partners with patients, clinicians, employers, and care navigators to put clinical quality at the center of every care decision,  has been named one of Forbes’ Top Startup Employers for the third consecutive year. The recognition reflects the company’s growth, product innovation, and strong culture as it continues to scale its provider quality and two-sided healthcare marketplace offerings.

Forbes’ annual list, developed in partnership with Statista, evaluates privately held U.S. companies based on employer reputation, employee satisfaction, and sustained growth. Tendo’s third-year recognition underscores both its expanding national footprint and the team driving its software innovation.

“Earning this recognition for a third year reflects both our growth and the values that guide how we build Tendo,” said Jennifer Goldsmith, CEO and Co-Founder of Tendo. “As we expand our healthcare marketplace and quality analytics offerings, we remain focused on attracting and supporting exceptional, mission-driven people who are passionate about improving how care decisions are made.”

Tendo’s platform addresses a critical moment in healthcare, as traditional fee-for-service models become increasingly complex and costly for both consumers and employers. With the rise of self-insured employer plans and consumer self-pay care, greater transparency and visibility into provider quality have become essential. Today, Tendo supports a growing national network of employers, care navigators, and healthcare providers using its platform to guide high-value care decisions at scale. By enabling more informed choices, transparent and predictable pricing, and quality-based differentiation for providers, Tendo helps support better outcomes and a more sustainable healthcare delivery system.

New Delhi, March 27 (BNP): India’s health insurance sector continued its strong growth trajectory in 2024–25, with total premium collections crossing ₹1.2 lakh crore, reflecting rising awareness, improved access to healthcare financing, and increasing demand for financial protection against medical expenses.

The sector recorded an approximate growth rate of around 9 per cent during the financial year, underlining sustained expansion driven by demographic shifts, higher coverage uptake, and evolving consumer needs.

To enhance efficiency and ensure timely support for policyholders, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has prescribed specific timelines for the settlement of cashless health insurance claims. As per the norms, insurers are required to provide cashless pre-authorisation within one hour and final authorisation within three hours, aimed at reducing delays and facilitating quicker access to treatment.

The rise in health insurance premiums has been attributed to factors such as ageing policyholders, expanded coverage, and the inclusion of enhanced features in insurance products. The regulator’s 2024 guidelines mandate that insurance products be priced fairly, based on relevant risk factors, while ensuring long-term viability and value for customers. Pricing is subject to periodic review by appointed actuaries using credible data and customer feedback.

On claims performance, the claims paid ratio (by number of claims) improved to 87.50 per cent in 2024–25, compared to 82.46 per cent in 2023–24 and 85.66 per cent in 2022–23, indicating better settlement outcomes.

According to data from IRDAI’s Bima Bharosa portal, a total of 1,37,361 general and health insurance grievances were reported during FY25, of which 1,27,755 cases, or 93 per cent, were resolved within the same financial year.

Industry data suggests that instances of claim disallowance or repudiation are largely linked to specific policy conditions, including exceeding the sum insured, co-payment clauses, sub-limits, deductibles in top-up policies, room rent caps, proportionate charges, and exclusions such as non-medical expenses.

The regulator has also undertaken multiple measures to improve transparency, streamline claims processing, and strengthen policyholder confidence. Experts note that a balanced and informed approach by all stakeholders will be key to building a more transparent and trustworthy health insurance ecosystem in the country.

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.