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  • FL Technics Indonesia Opens Aircraft Painting Facility in Bali and Welcomes First Customer

    FL Technics Indonesia Opens Aircraft Painting Facility in Bali and Welcomes First Customer

     

    FL Technics Indonesia, the FAA Part-145 certified MRO provider, has opened a new aircraft painting facility at its Denpasar, Bali facility. The painting booth marks a significant expansion of the company’s full-service maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Southeast Asia. 

    On 30 June 2026, just days after the painting facility launched, FL Technics Indonesia welcomed its first customer, Skyway Airlines, a Philippine air cargo carrier operating Boeing 737-400F freighter aircraft. The project involved repainting the airline’s third aircraft, which was later ferried to Clark International Airport in the Philippines for its inaugural ceremony on 3 July 2026. 

    “The addition of a dedicated painting booth in Bali is part of our commitment to building a truly full-service MRO capability in the region,” said Martynas Grigas, Chairman of FL Technics Indonesia. “We are pleased to welcome our valued customers, Skyway Airlines, as the first to utilize this facility. Several more painting projects have been secured over the next couple of months, and we also received significant further demand as more operators across Southeast Asia are looking for this capability.” 

    The new painting facility adds to FL Technics Indonesia’s existing MRO capabilities across its dual-station network. Currently, the company’s two facilities at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali hold more than 20 approvals from the civil aviation authority, supported by a team of more than 700 aviation experts. Built to the highest industry standards, the Bali painting booth is equipped to handle complex livery projects with precision, efficiency, and full regulatory compliance. The Bali facility’s location is particularly well-suited to serve carriers operating across Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region, reducing the need for extended ferry flights or overseas maintenance programs. 

    The launch of the painting booth comes at a time of growing demand for MRO services across Southeast Asia. Extended aircraft delivery backlogs have increased the strategic importance of lifecycle extension and fleet maintenance services, including livery repaints to support rebranding, wet-lease transitions, and return-to-service programs. For cargo operators, maintaining aircraft closer to base reduces operational downtime and associated ferry flight costs. 

  • Genespire and SR-TIGET Show Durable Preclinical Efficacy of Liver-Directed Gene Therapy for Methylmalonic Acidemia

    Milan, Italy, July 08 — Genespire, in collaboration with researchers at the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), has today announced the publication of preclinical data supporting the potential of its liver-directed immune-shielded lentiviral gene therapy approach to treat methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), a severe inherited metabolic disorder.

    The findings, published in the Journal of Hepatology, show that a single systemic administration of a lentiviral vector encoding the MMUT gene led to sustained improvements in disease features in a validated mouse model of MMA, with effects lasting for the average lifespan of laboratory mice. Since the mice were treated when young, the study supports the durability of the gene therapy through postnatal growth and maturation of the liver.

    MMA is caused by a deficiency of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, an enzyme that plays a critical role in the body’s metabolism of food. Its absence results in the accumulation of toxic metabolites that lead to recurrent metabolic crises, growth failure, neurological impairment, and multi-organ damage.

    In the study, researchers also treated mice with a dose containing an optimized MMUT transgene, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. In the same mouse model of MMA, this version exhibited a dose-dependent improvement of metabolomic biomarkers, with gene transfer efficiency exceeding 80% of the liver.

    The study also highlights that genetically corrected cells in the liver may, over time, replace the diseased ones, suggesting that therapeutic efficacy may progressively improve even when starting at lower initial doses.

    “Together, these findings indicate that Genespire is on a clear path towards the long-term correction of metabolic diseases which impact the liver and other organs,” said Lucia Faccio, CEO of Genespire. “We believe our approach has the potential to translate into human health in the form of a single-administration treatment for patients with MMA, and are committed to continuing our efforts in bringing our lead asset for MMA, GENE202, to the clinic. We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone involved in the research project, especially those at the SR-TIGET.”

    “We are confident that this study, together with other previous studies from our group at SR-TIGET, provides a comprehensive pre-clinical data package enabling the initiation of clinical testing in pediatric patients affected by MMA” concludes Dr Alessio Cantore, group leader at SR-TIGET and Associate Professor at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, who supervised and coordinated the study and signed it as senior author.

  • Poshan Tracker Achieves Milestone with 8.93 Crore Beneficiary Coverage

    New Delhi, July 8: The Poshan Tracker platform has achieved a major milestone by recording 8.93 crore beneficiaries across the country, strengthening the government’s efforts to improve nutrition monitoring and service delivery.

    The digital platform has become an important tool for tracking the progress of nutrition programmes and ensuring better coordination among frontline workers, beneficiaries, and implementing agencies. It enables real-time monitoring of key services provided to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

    Through digital record-keeping and data-driven monitoring, Poshan Tracker has helped improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the delivery of nutrition services. The platform assists frontline workers in maintaining beneficiary records, tracking health indicators, and ensuring timely support reaches those in need.

    Officials said the nationwide adoption of the platform reflects the growing role of technology in strengthening public welfare programmes. The data generated through Poshan Tracker also helps authorities assess ground-level requirements and plan more effective interventions.

    With its expanding reach, Poshan Tracker continues to support efforts towards improving nutrition outcomes and ensuring wider access to essential services for vulnerable sections of society.

  • MP Expands Digital Healthcare Reach Under Ayushman Bharat Mission

    Bhopal, July 8: The Madhya Pradesh Government is working to expand digital healthcare services to the remotest parts of the state under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), with the aim of improving access to quality and affordable healthcare through technology.

    The initiative focuses on strengthening digital health infrastructure and connecting patients, healthcare institutions, and service providers through an integrated digital ecosystem. The expansion is expected to benefit people living in rural and remote areas by making healthcare services more accessible and efficient.

    Through the use of digital platforms, citizens will be able to access healthcare facilities more conveniently, while medical institutions will benefit from improved coordination, better record management, and smoother delivery of services.

    Officials said the move will help reduce geographical barriers in healthcare access and support timely medical assistance for people in underserved regions. The government is also focusing on promoting the use of digital tools to improve transparency, efficiency, and the overall quality of healthcare services.

    The expansion of ABDM services is part of Madhya Pradesh’s broader efforts to use technology-driven solutions to strengthen the health sector and ensure that modern healthcare facilities reach every section of society.

  • Gen Z Insurance Advisors Lead in Policy Volumes, While Experienced Advisors Drive Deep Protection Conversations: Probus Report

    Mumbai,July 8: India’s insurance distribution landscape is witnessing a generational shift, with younger advisors emerging as high-velocity customer acquisition engines, while experienced professionals continue to drive deeper protection conversations. According to a new study by Probus – one of India’s leading insurtech platforms – younger Point of Sales Persons under the age of 30 who joined the platform for the first time excelled at market penetration, selling nearly 68% more policies per individual than their older peers. Accounting for 41% of the new advisor intake, this younger cohort highlights the growing role of tech-native youth in expanding rapid insurance access across the country.

    The report also highlights a complementary trend emerging across India’s insurance ecosystem. While younger advisors are accelerating customer onboarding and policy volumes through their digital-first approach, experienced advisors are securing higher financial volume per policy, driving high-value protection solutions and helping customers make informed long-term financial decisions. Together, the two cohorts are creating a balanced distribution model that is strengthening insurance penetration across diverse customer segments.

    During FY26, newly onboarded PoSPs under 30 issued an impressive 1.95 lakh policies out of the approximately 23 lakh policies issued by the company in FY26, primarily focused on high-velocity retail products. Motor insurance accounted for 78% of their portfolio, followed by life insurance (15%) and SME insurance (4%). In comparison, newly onboarded advisors aged 30 and above maintained a more diversified portfolio, with motor insurance contributing 53%, life insurance 31%, and SME commercial insurance 10%. This older group accounted for nearly 64% of the total premium mix, reflecting stronger participation in complex, protection-led products.

    The findings suggest that while technology continues to reshape insurance distribution, trusted human advisors remain central to expanding financial inclusion. Younger advisors sold 18.3% more total policies than their older counterparts, driving rapid customer acquisition and market reach. Meanwhile, experienced advisors recorded 270% higher overall sales in life insurance premiums, reinforcing their role in long-term financial planning and comprehensive risk protection.

    Commenting on the findings, Rakesh Goyal, Director, Probus, said, 

    “India’s insurance landscape is evolving rapidly, but one thing remains constant – insurance is built on trust. While our younger advisors are bringing digital-first thinking, speed, and entrepreneurial energy to the profession, experienced advisors continue to build confidence through deeper financial conversations and long-term customer relationships. Together, they represent a complementary workforce that is making insurance more accessible, relevant, and inclusive across the country.”

    He further added,

    “It is encouraging to see insurance emerging as a preferred career opportunity for the younger generation. As technology continues to transform distribution, the future of the industry will lie in empowering advisors with the right digital tools while strengthening the human connections that remain at the heart of every insurance decision.”

  • Gen Z Insurance Advisors Lead in Policy Volumes, While Experienced Advisors Drive Deeper Protection Conversations: Probus Report

    MUMBAI,July 8: India’s insurance distribution landscape is witnessing a generational shift, with younger advisors emerging as high-velocity customer acquisition engines, while experienced professionals continue to drive deeper protection conversations. According to a new study by Probus – one of India’s leading insurtech platforms – younger Point of Sales Persons under the age of 30 who joined the platform for the first time excelled at market penetration, selling nearly 68% more policies per individual than their older peers. Accounting for 41% of the new advisor intake, this younger cohort highlights the growing role of tech-native youth in expanding rapid insurance access across the country.

    The report also highlights a complementary trend emerging across India’s insurance ecosystem. While younger advisors are accelerating customer onboarding and policy volumes through their digital-first approach, experienced advisors are securing higher financial volume per policy, driving high-value protection solutions and helping customers make informed long-term financial decisions. Together, the two cohorts are creating a balanced distribution model that is strengthening insurance penetration across diverse customer segments.

    During FY26, newly onboarded PoSPs under 30 issued an impressive 1.95 lakh policies out of the approximately 23 lakh policies issued by the company in FY26, primarily focused on high-velocity retail products. Motor insurance accounted for 78% of their portfolio, followed by life insurance (15%) and SME insurance (4%). In comparison, newly onboarded advisors aged 30 and above maintained a more diversified portfolio, with motor insurance contributing 53%, life insurance 31%, and SME commercial insurance 10%. This older group accounted for nearly 64% of the total premium mix, reflecting stronger participation in complex, protection-led products.

    The findings suggest that while technology continues to reshape insurance distribution, trusted human advisors remain central to expanding financial inclusion. Younger advisors sold 18.3% more total policies than their older counterparts, driving rapid customer acquisition and market reach. Meanwhile, experienced advisors recorded 270% higher overall sales in life insurance premiums, reinforcing their role in long-term financial planning and comprehensive risk protection.

    Commenting on the findings, Rakesh Goyal, Director, Probus, said, 

    “India’s insurance landscape is evolving rapidly, but one thing remains constant – insurance is built on trust. While our younger advisors are bringing digital-first thinking, speed, and entrepreneurial energy to the profession, experienced advisors continue to build confidence through deeper financial conversations and long-term customer relationships. Together, they represent a complementary workforce that is making insurance more accessible, relevant, and inclusive across the country.”

    He further added,

     “It is encouraging to see insurance emerging as a preferred career opportunity for the younger generation. As technology continues to transform distribution, the future of the industry will lie in empowering advisors with the right digital tools while strengthening the human connections that remain at the heart of every insurance decision.”

  • IIT Bhubaneswar Lends Technical Expertise for Safe Construction of Kendrapara Rath Yatra Chariot

    Kendrapara, July 8 (UDN): In a unique blend of tradition and technology, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar is providing engineering support for the construction of the chariot for the upcoming Baladevjew Temple Rath Yatra at Ichapur in Odisha’s Kendrapara district.

    IIT Bhubaneswar Lends Technical Expertise for Safe Construction of Kendrapara Rath Yatra Chariot

    Representational Image 

    The annual Rath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 16, will witness the procession of the temple’s towering 67-foot-high, 14-wheeled chariot, ‘Bramahataladhwaja’. The initiative follows last year’s festival, during which four wheels of the chariot were damaged, causing the structure to tilt while being pulled by devotees.

    To strengthen safety measures, the temple administration sought technical guidance from experts of the School of Mechanical Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar. The institute’s engineering team has been monitoring the construction process and advising temple authorities on structural stability, material selection and safe operational practices.

    During a recent inspection, IIT experts recommended the use of fresh timber for the construction wherever possible and highlighted the importance of maintaining uniform structural strength across the chariot. Owing to a shortage of quality timber, however, the temple authorities are reusing some components from last year’s chariot after thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

    As part of the safety overhaul, 10 new wheels are being built, while four wheels from the previous chariot are being refurbished for reuse. Around 45 traditional carpenters have been engaged in the construction work, which began in early May.

    The IIT team also surveyed the nearly 2-kilometre route between the Baladevjew Temple and the Mausima Temple and identified sections of uneven road that could affect the smooth movement of the massive chariot. The experts recommended repairs to the procession route before the festival to minimise operational risks.

    Temple authorities said approximately 2,700 cubic feet of sal and other timber has been procured for the construction, although around 4,000 cubic feet is required to build the chariot entirely with new wood. The shortage has necessitated the selective reuse of timber without compromising safety standards.

    The collaboration between IIT Bhubaneswar and the temple administration is being seen as an innovative effort to integrate scientific expertise with traditional craftsmanship. Authorities expressed confidence that the engineering intervention will help ensure the safe conduct of one of Kendrapara’s most significant religious festivals while preserving its centuries-old heritage.

  • Adani Energy Project Opens New Chapter in Kenya-India Economic Partnership

    New Delhi, July 8: The Adani Energy project has marked a significant step forward in strengthening economic cooperation between Kenya and India, paving the way for a new phase of collaboration in the energy sector.

    The project is expected to enhance infrastructure development, support Kenya’s energy requirements, and deepen bilateral ties between the two countries. The initiative reflects the growing partnership between India and Kenya in areas including investment, technology, and sustainable development.

    The development comes as both nations continue to explore opportunities for greater cooperation in key sectors. Energy infrastructure remains a major area of focus, with investments aimed at improving reliability, expanding capacity, and supporting economic growth.

    The project is also seen as a reflection of the increasing role of Indian companies in Africa’s infrastructure and development landscape. Through such partnerships, India and Kenya are working towards strengthening trade and investment relations while creating new opportunities for mutual growth.

    Officials said the initiative represents a broader commitment to expanding India-Kenya cooperation and building stronger economic links between the two nations.

  • Ramraj Cotton Appoints M. Gangadhara Prabhu as Vice President Trade Sales

    Ramraj Cotton Appoints M. Gangadhara Prabhu as Vice President – Trade Sales

    Ramraj Cotton, India’s premier ethnic wear brand and a leader in the traditional textile segment, has announced the appointment of Mr. M. Gangadhara Prabhu as Vice President – Trade Sales, effective July 6, 2026. Bringing over three decades of extensive experience in FMCG sales and distribution, he joins the leadership team to drive business growth, strengthen channel partnerships, enhance distribution excellence, and lead strategic trade sales initiatives to further expand the company’s garments business.

    Mr. Gangadhara Prabhu brings more than 30 years of proven expertise in sales leadership, distribution management, market expansion, and go-to-market strategy execution. Throughout his career, he has successfully built high-performing sales organisations, strengthened channel networks, and delivered consistent business growth across diverse consumer markets.

    Prior to joining Ramraj Cotton, he served as Head of Sales at EID Parry Limited. Earlier, he held key leadership positions at WayCool Foods, CavinKare Pvt. Ltd., Bambino Foods, and Parle Agro, where he played an instrumental role in driving sales performance, expanding distribution networks, developing strategic customer relationships, and leading large sales teams across multiple markets.

    As Vice President – Trade Sales, Mr. Gangadhara Prabhu will lead the company’s Garments Trade Sales function, overseeing business development, channel expansion, distribution strategy, and sales execution. He will focus on strengthening trade partnerships, accelerating market penetration, and driving sustainable growth for the garments business across existing and new markets.

    This strategic leadership appointment reflects Ramraj Cotton‘s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership team and enhancing its trade sales capabilities as it expands its garments portfolio and market presence while continuing to uphold its legacy of quality, trust, and customer excellence.

  • Levi’s® Launches Limited-Edition Tee Featuring the Covered Batwing Logo

    India, July 8: Earlier this month, venue regulations during tournament matches led to the Levi’s name at Levi’s Stadium being temporarily covered unintentionally proving something powerful: even without its name, the Levi’s® brand remained instantly recognisable.

    Levi’s® Launches Limited-Edition Tee Featuring the Covered Batwing Logo

    Now, Levi’s® is turning that moment into a limited-edition product.

    Levi’s® introduces the limited-edition Nobody’s Gonna Know Logo Tee, featuring the covered Batwing logo and inspired by the recent update to the brand’s iconic visual signature. In India, the tee will be available [on Levi.com and at Levi’s® stores] from 3 July 2026.

    Introduced in 1967 and inspired by the arcuate stitching on the back pocket of Levi’s® jeans, the Batwing has become an enduring symbol of the Levi’s® brand and its denim heritage proof that sometimes less really can say more.

    Even without the name, you still know it’s Levi’s.