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  • Spring House Workspaces Adopts Sustainable Hygiene Solutions as ESG-Led Workplace Practices Gain Momentum

    Gurugram, July 09: As companies increasingly rethink workplace operations through the lens of employee well-being and sustainability, managed workspace provider Spring House Workspaces has introduced bio-enzyme-based hygiene solutions across its centres through a partnership with BioPure EnzyClean, a sustainable hygiene solutions company reflecting the growing adoption of environmentally responsible facility management practices.

    The move comes at a time when organisations are placing greater emphasis on workplace health, operational sustainability, and ESG commitments. While conversations around future workplaces have largely focused on flexibility and design, operators are now paying closer attention to the role of everyday operational practices, including cleaning and hygiene, in creating healthier work environments. The bio-enzyme-based cleaning solutions will be deployed across Spring House centres with the objective of reducing the environmental footprint of conventional cleaning practices while maintaining high standards of workplace hygiene.

    Commenting on the initiative, Saurabh Kalra, COO, Spring House Workspaces, said, “The definition of a quality workplace is evolving. Today, members expect spaces that are not only productive and collaborative but also healthier and more environmentally responsible. Sustainable operational practices are becoming an important part of that expectation, and this initiative is one step in that direction.”

    Industry experts note that hygiene is increasingly being viewed as a strategic aspect of workplace management rather than simply a facilities function. Businesses are looking for solutions that contribute to employee well-being while aligning with long-term sustainability objectives.

    Harit Sharma, Founder, BioPure EnzyClean, added, “There is growing awareness that sustainability extends beyond infrastructure to everyday operations. We’re seeing more organisations explore cleaning solutions that minimise environmental impact without compromising effectiveness, and it’s encouraging to see workplace operators taking this approach.”

    For Spring House, the initiative aligns with its broader focus on building workspaces that integrate wellness, operational efficiency, and sustainability as businesses continue to redefine what employees expect from modern offices. The task-specific range includes separate solutions for desks, glass and mirrors, washrooms, and pantry areas. This simplifies operations for facility managers, requiring minimal staff training while reducing errors and improving daily maintenance efficiency.

  • Railway Engineers Raise Career Stagnation and Pay Scale Concerns Ahead of 8th Pay Commission

    New Delhi, July 9 (UDN): Railway engineers have urged the Central Government and the forthcoming 8th Central Pay Commission to address long-standing concerns over career stagnation, pay disparities and limited promotional opportunities within the Indian Railways.

    Railway Engineers Raise Career Stagnation and Pay Scale Concerns Ahead of 8th Pay Commission

    Representatives of railway engineers’ associations have submitted their demands, highlighting that prolonged delays in career progression and anomalies in the existing pay structure have adversely affected employee morale and professional growth. They argued that despite shouldering critical responsibilities in the planning, execution and maintenance of railway infrastructure, engineers continue to face slower promotions compared to several other organised services.

    Among the key demands are the introduction of a more time-bound promotion mechanism, rationalisation of pay scales, removal of pay anomalies arising from previous pay commission recommendations and greater parity with other Central Government engineering services.

    The associations have also sought a comprehensive review of the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) framework to ensure that employees who remain in the same grade for extended periods receive adequate financial and career advancement.

    Railway engineers expressed hope that the 8th Pay Commission would recommend structural reforms to improve career prospects, enhance job satisfaction and ensure equitable compensation for technical personnel across the Indian Railways.

    The government is expected to examine representations from various employee organisations as part of the consultation process before the 8th Pay Commission finalises its recommendations.

  • Three Trekkers Go Missing on Malyagiri Hill in Odisha’s Angul; Search and Rescue Operation Underway

    Angul, July 9 (UDN): A major search and rescue operation is underway after three trekkers reportedly went missing while trekking on Malyagiri Hill, the highest peak in Odisha, located in Angul district.

    Three Trekkers Go Missing on Malyagiri Hill in Odisha's Angul; Search and Rescue Operation Underway

    According to official sources, the group had ventured into the hilly terrain for a trekking expedition when three members lost contact with the rest of the team. Following information from fellow trekkers and local residents, district authorities, police, forest personnel, and trained rescue teams were immediately mobilised to trace the missing individuals.

    Rescue teams are combing the dense forest and rugged hill slopes despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. Officials said every effort is being made to locate the trekkers safely, with search operations continuing on multiple routes leading to the hilltop.

    Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information and urged trekkers and tourists to exercise caution while venturing into forested and mountainous areas, particularly during the monsoon season when trails become slippery and visibility is reduced.

    The identities of the missing trekkers have not yet been officially disclosed. Further details are awaited as the rescue operation continues.

  • Security Alert at Puri Srimandir Ahead of Rath Yatra; Kolkata Man Detained for Allegedly Flying Drone Over Temple

    Puri, July 9 (UDN): Security agencies swung into action after a drone was allegedly flown over the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Thursday morning, triggering fresh concerns over the security of the 12th-century shrine just days ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.

    Security Alert at Puri Srimandir Ahead of Rath Yatra; Kolkata Man Detained for Allegedly Flying Drone Over Temple

     Representational Image

    According to officials, the unmanned aerial vehicle was seen hovering over the temple complex for several minutes, including around the sacred Neelachakra, reportedly capturing aerial photographs and videos. The sighting drew the attention of security personnel deployed around the temple, where stringent surveillance measures are in place due to the upcoming festival.

    Following a swift search operation, a special security team traced the suspected drone operator near Mangu Math in Mati Mandap Sahi, close to the temple. The individual, identified as Jayakrishna Mondal, a resident of Kolkata, was detained for questioning. The drone was seized and handed over to Singhadwar Police Station along with the operator.

    Police have launched an investigation to examine the drone’s stored footage and determine the nature of the images and videos captured during the flight. Authorities are also verifying whether the operator had obtained the mandatory permissions required for drone operations in the area and whether any provisions of aviation or security regulations were violated.

    The incident has renewed concerns over the enforcement of the no-fly zone around the Shree Jagannath Temple, particularly as Puri prepares to host lakhs of devotees during Rath Yatra. Security agencies are expected to review existing surveillance and anti-drone measures to prevent similar incidents during the festival.

    Further investigation is in progress.

  • 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.”