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DALLAS, Mar 14th:  Patients without diabetes who switched GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) drugs for overweight or obesity were more likely to stick with their treatment longer than those who didn’t switch, according to a new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, suggest that medication changes are not uncommon among patients undergoing weight loss and that clinicians should encourage them to change GLP-1RAs if necessary to promote continuity of care.

“This study provides one of the largest real-world descriptions to date of how adults with overweight or obesity use and switch GLP-1RAs over time,” said first author Luyu (Amber) Xie, Ph.D., Pharm.D., Assistant Professor in the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health and co-Director of the Biostatistics and Data Science Core at UT Southwestern. “It highlights that long-term persistence is low and that switching between medications is a relatively common part of ongoing treatment rather than a sign of failure.”

The study examined insurance claims from nearly 127,000 U.S. adults with overweight or obesity who initiated GLP-1 therapy between 2019 and 2024. By tracking medication use over 12 months, the researchers found that treatment often did not follow a linear path. Instead, many patients adjusted therapy in response to side effects, access, insurance coverage, and the introduction of new medications.

GLP-1RAs, including semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, are now a central part of obesity treatment. However, maintaining long-term adherence to the drugs has been challenging.  

In the study, only a quarter of the patients remained on any GLP-1RA one year after starting, with roughly 1 in 5 patients transitioning to a different GLP-1RA during that period. Patients who switched were more likely to continue treatment and showed higher adherence than those who remained on their initial medication, suggesting adjustments often reflected active management.
“Switching between GLP-1RA medications should be viewed as a normal part of long-term obesity care,” said senior author Sarah Messiah, Ph.D., M.P.H., Professor of Epidemiology and Pediatrics, Associate Dean for Research in the O’Donnell School of Public Health, and Director of the Child and Adolescent Population Health Program. “Persistence should not be judged by staying on a single drug indefinitely, but by maintaining engagement in care and working with clinicians to find sustainable, effective treatment strategies over time.”

The researchers also visualized treatment pathways to illustrate how patients transitioned among medications during the study period. Newer, once-weekly injectable therapies frequently served as both starting points and switch destinations, reflecting their growing role in obesity management.

“In today’s clinical environment, successful obesity care often involves adapting treatment over time rather than expecting a single medication to meet every patient’s needs indefinitely,” said co-author Jaime Almandoz, M.D., M.B.A., Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Medical Director of UTSW’s Weight Wellness Program.

The findings underscore the importance of setting clear expectations with patients early in treatment, including the possibility that more than one medication may be prescribed before a long-term approach is identified. 

The authors said future research will explore how patient characteristics, specific medications, and timing of therapy influence treatment trajectories, with the goal of informing more personalized and sustainable approaches to obesity care.

Other UTSW researchers who contributed to this study are Diego Anazco Villarreal, M.D., Internal Medicine resident; Azucena Herrera Chancay, M.D., Internal Medicine fellow; M. Sunil Mathew, M.S., Senior Population Science Data Manager; and Jackson Francis, M.P.H., Population Science Project Coordinator.

The study was supported by the UTSW Clinical and Translational Science Award, the National Institutes of Health (1U54TR00236), the Texas Health Resource Clinical Scholar program, and the UTSW Nutrition & Obesity Research Center (NORC). 

Jaipur: In contemporary interiors, certain elements have the ability to define a space almost instantly. Among them, statement chandeliers hold a particularly influential role. More than sources of illumination, they act as architectural anchors, establishing visual identity, reinforcing spatial hierarchy, and bringing cohesion to the design. Their presence shapes not only how a room looks, but how it is experienced.

As homes increasingly embrace open layouts and expansive volumes, the role of the chandelier has become even more significant. These fixtures introduce structure within openness, helping organize space without the need for physical divisions. A well-placed chandelier naturally draws the eye, creating a focal point that grounds the surrounding design.

“A chandelier has the ability to transform the perception of a room,” says Naman Jain, Founder of Lumeil. “It becomes a visual reference point that helps define proportion, scale, and atmosphere. When chosen thoughtfully, it strengthens the architectural intent rather than simply adding decoration.”

In living areas, chandeliers often become the defining visual element. A piece like the Mushroom Medley Crystal Chandelier introduces depth through its layered crystal composition, allowing light to interact dynamically with the space. Its presence adds dimension without overwhelming the environment, making it particularly suited to contemporary interiors that balance minimalism with warmth.

Similarly, the Orbit Rose Gold Crystal Chandelier offers a sculptural expression of modern lighting. Its circular form introduces rhythm and continuity, while the rose gold finish brings a sense of subtle richness. Fixtures like these demonstrate how chandeliers contribute not only illumination, but also spatial character.

Their importance becomes even more evident in entrance foyers and double-height volumes, where lighting must complement architectural scale. A carefully selected chandelier enhances vertical continuity, guiding the eye upward and reinforcing the openness of the space.

“Entrance spaces set the tone for what follows,” explains Jain. “A chandelier placed here creates an immediate sense of identity. It introduces clarity and establishes the design language from the moment one enters.”

While chandeliers provide focal presence, wall lighting plays an equally important supporting role. Fixtures such as the Opalescent Warm White Indoor Wall Light introduce softness and depth, highlighting surfaces while ensuring visual continuity. These elements work together to create layered environments where light enhances both form and material.

Wall lights also contribute to the rhythm of a space, particularly in corridors and transitional areas. They ensure that the experience of moving through a space feels intentional rather than incidental.

At Lumeil, the approach to decorative lighting is rooted in understanding how fixtures interact with architecture. Each piece is selected not only for its visual appeal, but for its ability to integrate seamlessly into the design.

“We see lighting as an essential architectural element,” says Naman Jain. “The right chandelier becomes part of the space’s identity. It adds depth, reinforces structure, and ensures that the environment feels complete.”

As contemporary interiors continue to evolve toward openness and material clarity, statement chandeliers remain central to defining spatial character. They bring presence without excess and clarity without distraction. When thoughtfully integrated, they do more than illuminate. They help shape spaces that feel enduring, intentional, and complete.

Pic Credit: Pexel

In 2025, Gift Nifty—India’s key index for exchange-traded derivatives—achieved a record monthly turnover, reflecting its growing significance as a tool for market participants seeking early signals and better-informed trading strategies. The surge in activity underscores a broader shift in how investors, both domestic and foreign, approach pre-market analysis in India’s fast-moving equity markets.

Why Gift Nifty is Gaining Momentum

Gift Nifty provides a window into expected market movements before the regular trading session begins. By tracking overnight global trends, macroeconomic developments, and derivatives activity, traders can anticipate market direction, adjust positions, and manage risks more effectively.

Over the past few years, the index has increasingly attracted attention from foreign institutional investors (FII) and domestic institutional investors (DII). Investors now combine real-time FII and DII inflow and outflow data with Gift Nifty trends to make data-driven pre-market decisions, creating a feedback loop that strengthens market efficiency.

Record Turnover Signals Rising Engagement

The record monthly turnover in 2025 indicates that more participants are using Gift Nifty not just for speculative purposes but also for strategic hedging, arbitrage, and risk management. Analysts suggest that this trend reflects both the growing sophistication of Indian equity markets and the increased reliance on derivatives as a risk management tool.

Integrating FII and DII Data for Pre-Market Insights

Institutional flows play a crucial role in shaping market sentiment. By monitoring FII purchases or sales alongside DII activity, traders can identify likely market trends and potential reversals. For instance:

• FII buying trends often indicate bullish sentiment among global investors.

• DII flows can signal domestic confidence and provide a counterbalance to global pressures.

• Combined analysis enables pre-market positioning that aligns with anticipated market moves.

Market participants are increasingly integrating this data with Gift Nifty’s early signals, allowing for more precise risk-adjusted strategies ahead of the market open.

Implications for Traders and Investors

The rising importance of Gift Nifty suggests a few key takeaways for investors:

1. Enhanced Pre-Market Preparation – Traders can monitor overnight global cues and institutional flows to make informed decisions before the trading session begins.

2. Improved Risk Management – Combining derivative signals with institutional investor activity helps manage exposure and hedge portfolios more effectively.

3. Market Transparency and Efficiency – Higher turnover and data integration support better price discovery and reduce informational asymmetry.

Looking Ahead

As Indian markets continue to grow in depth and sophistication, Gift Nifty’s role as a pre-market barometer is likely to expand. The index not only provides a snapshot of market expectations but also reflects broader trends in investor behaviour, including reliance on data analytics, institutional flow tracking, and algorithmic trading tools.

For both retail and institutional participants, the combination of Gift Nifty signals and FII/DII flow data is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of pre-market strategy, highlighting how technology and real-time data are shaping the future of trading in India.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Daikin India is preparing to significantly expand its manufacturing footprint in the country, with plans to increase its annual room air conditioner production capacity to 4 million units by 2030.

Currently, the company produces around 3 million room AC units each year in India. The proposed expansion comes as demand for cooling solutions continues to rise across residential and commercial segments, driven by urbanisation, rising incomes, and increasing temperatures.

New Manufacturing Facility Planned

As part of its long-term growth strategy, the Indian subsidiary of Japan-based air-conditioning major Daikin Industries is planning to establish a new manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh. The facility will be the company’s fourth production unit in India and will play a crucial role in boosting overall manufacturing capacity.

The new plant is expected to support the company’s efforts to strengthen domestic production capabilities while ensuring a stable supply of air conditioners to meet growing market demand.

Tapping India’s Growing Cooling Market

India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets for air conditioning globally. Rapid urban expansion, rising middle-class consumption, and climate-related factors are contributing to a steady increase in demand for cooling appliances.

By expanding its manufacturing base locally, Daikin aims to enhance its competitiveness in the Indian market while supporting the country’s broader push toward domestic manufacturing.

Long-Term Manufacturing Strategy

The company has been steadily increasing its investments in India, recognising the country’s importance as both a major consumer market and a potential export hub. Expanding production capacity and setting up a new facility will also help strengthen the local supply chain and create employment opportunities.

With the planned expansion and the new plant in Andhra Pradesh, Daikin India is positioning itself to capture future growth in the cooling appliances market while reinforcing its long-term commitment to manufacturing in India.

Pic Credit: Pexel

The Indian government has taken a significant step toward strengthening the country’s shipbuilding ecosystem by granting in-principle approval to 288 shipbuilding contracts worth ₹19,748 crore, covering the construction of 456 vessels across multiple categories.

According to Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the approvals were granted under the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP), a key initiative designed to encourage domestic shipbuilding and enhance the competitiveness of Indian shipyards.

Financial Support to Shipyards

The government has already disbursed ₹620.57 crore in financial assistance to 23 shipyards that have completed the construction and delivery of 204 vessels under the scheme. The policy provides financial incentives to domestic shipbuilders to offset cost disadvantages and promote large-scale vessel construction within the country.

The vessels covered under the approved contracts span a wide range of maritime applications. These include tugs, general cargo vessels, bulk carriers, oil tankers, crane pontoons, heavy deck cargo vessels, Ro-Ro passenger vessels, crew boats, passenger ferries, landing crafts, and self-elevating platforms. Such diversity reflects the growing demand for both commercial and specialised maritime vessels in India’s coastal and inland shipping sectors.

New Push Through Shipbuilding Development Scheme

To further strengthen the industry, the government approved the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SBDS) in September 2025. The scheme aims to improve financing access for shipyards and expand their production capacity.

Under the initiative, the government will offer credit risk coverage to Indian shipyards and provide viability gap funding to support the expansion of existing or brownfield shipbuilding facilities. Operational guidelines for the scheme have recently been issued, enabling shipyards to begin applying for support.

Shipbuilding Sector Holds Strong Job Potential

An independent assessment of India’s shipbuilding industry conducted in 2024 highlighted the sector’s strong employment potential. According to the report, shipbuilding has an employment multiplier of 6.4, meaning that every job created in the sector can generate more than six additional jobs across related industries such as steel, engineering, logistics, and maritime services.

This indicates that expanding shipbuilding capacity could significantly contribute to both direct and indirect job creation, particularly in coastal regions where shipyards are located.

Challenges Hindering Growth

Despite its potential, the study also pointed out several structural challenges affecting the growth of the industry. These include limited domestic demand for ships, high financing costs, technological gaps, and capacity constraints within shipyards.

To address these issues and strengthen India’s position in the global shipbuilding market, the government has introduced several policy initiatives. These include the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy, the Maritime Development Fund (MDF), and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme.

₹44,700 Crore Push for Maritime Infrastructure

In a major boost to the maritime sector, the government has also notified operational guidelines for two key shipbuilding initiatives with a combined outlay of ₹44,700 crore. These programmes aim to expand India’s domestic shipbuilding capacity, modernise shipyards, and improve the industry’s global competitiveness.

Under the financial assistance framework, which has a total allocation of ₹24,736 crore, shipbuilders will receive government support ranging from 15% to 25% of the vessel cost, depending on the type and category of ship being constructed.

Long-Term Vision for Indian Shipbuilding

The government expects these initiatives to transform India’s shipbuilding ecosystem over the coming decade by attracting investment, modernising infrastructure, and increasing domestic production capacity.

Strengthening shipbuilding capabilities is also seen as essential for India’s broader maritime ambitions, including expanding coastal shipping, improving port connectivity, and supporting the country’s growing role in global trade.

By encouraging domestic ship construction and supporting shipyards financially, policymakers hope to position India as a more competitive player in the international shipbuilding industry while generating employment and boosting economic activity across the maritime sector.