Agilent Supports India’s Global Biopharma Ambitions with State-of-the-Art Experience Center In Hyderabad

Agilent Technologies, a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, today announced the inauguration of its new Biopharma Experience Center in Hyderabad, Telangana. The facility marks a significant investment in India’s rapidly growing life sciences ecosystem and reflects Agilent’s long-term commitment to advancing biopharmaceutical innovation both locally and globally. The center was inaugurated by Shri Duddila Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, and Industries, Government of Telangana, in the presence of Agilent President and CEO Padraig McDonnell, along with senior leaders from India’s pharmaceutical and biopharma sectors. 

The new Agilent Biopharma Experience Center in Hyderabad presents a major opportunity to accelerate the city’s leadership in life sciences and healthcare innovation. Designed to support the full drug development journey, the center brings together advanced lab technologies, expert training, and regulatory-ready workflows to help researchers, scientists, and companies develop high-quality, life-saving medicines faster and more efficiently. It offers end-to-end solutions across key modalities such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, cell analysis, and lab informatics, allowing companies to simulate real lab environments, test for quality and compliance, and co-create market-ready solutions tailored to both Indian and global needs.

 

For Hyderabad’s vibrant ecosystem of startups, academic institutions, and skilled professionals, the center unlocks direct access to global expertise, cutting-edge instrumentation, and real-world application environments. It supports faster R&D, hands-on training aligned with international regulatory standards, and stronger collaboration between industry and academia. By addressing critical challenges in biosimilars, biologics, and precision medicine, the facility strengthens Hyderabad’s position as a trusted global hub for next-generation drug development, and a key contributor to India's biopharma growth story.

 

“India is a strategic growth market for Agilent, and Hyderabad is at the forefront of biopharma innovation,” said Padraig McDonnell, CEO, Agilent Technologies. “Our future will be defined by continued innovation and a relentless focus on our customers. This new center reflects our commitment to delivering integrated solutions that help bring life-changing therapies to market faster and more efficiently. It also reinforces our support for the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative by empowering local innovation, nurturing talent, and enabling scalable, affordable, and sustainable solutions.”

 

Located in the heart of India’s life sciences capital, the center is designed to address critical gaps in analytical capabilities and regulatory readiness for biopharma companies. It will serve as a hub for innovation and collaboration, supporting the development of biologics, biosimilars, and precision medicine.

 

Shri Duddila Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, and Industries, Government of Telangana said, “Hyderabad has emerged as a complete healthcare and life sciences ecosystem—from drug discovery and clinical trials to world-class hospitals and affordable, high-quality patient care. We are proud to host eight of the top ten global pharma companies, five of India’s leading healthcare chains, and over 230 USFDA-approved manufacturing facilities. Contributing nearly one-third of India’s pharmaceutical production and 40% of bulk drug exports, Telangana is making a strong impact both nationally and globally. With a strong talent base and a clear focus on innovation, we are building a future-ready healthcare system. The launch of the Agilent Biopharma Experience Center is a significant milestone in strengthening Telangana’s position as a global leader in life sciences, and a valuable addition to our expanding innovation-driven ecosystem.”

 

Hyderabad offers one of the most mature and future-focused life sciences ecosystems in India, combining deep industry expertise, strong R&D capabilities, and a supportive policy environment. With its legacy in generics and a growing focus on advanced therapies, the city is well-positioned for the next phase of healthcare innovation. The launch of the Agilent Biopharma Experience Center builds on this foundation, introducing advanced analytical and regulatory capabilities that support both local innovation and global delivery.

 

This capital investment is part of Agilent’s broader three-to-five-year India growth strategy, which includes expanding its footprint, deepening customer partnerships, and positioning India as a strategic hub in Agilent’s global innovation and profitability roadmap. The India Solution Center in Manesar, launched earlier this year, further reflects this ongoing commitment—contributing to Agilent’s efforts to enhance its presence and capabilities in one of its fastest-growing, high-priority markets globally.

 

“Agilent is already working closely with many of India’s leading biopharma companies,” added McDonnell. “With this center, we aim to strengthen those relationships and co-create solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Indian and global markets.”

This milestone marks a new chapter in Agilent’s journey with India—deepening collaboration, accelerating innovation, and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future.

 

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.51 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom.

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Hyatt Announces Plans For Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa, Strengthening Reach In India’s Key Leisure Market

 * Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa is set to open in North Goa's coastal neighborhood in early 2027 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced plans for Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa, which will be a significant addition to Hyatt’s Classics Portfolio in one of India’s most vibrant leisure destinations. Slated to open in 2027, the property is currently under construction and will be managed by Nile Hospitality.

 

Located in the heart of Anjuna, North Goa—a destination renowned for its eclectic mix of beach culture, nightlife, and heritage appeal—the hotel is strategically positioned to cater to both business and leisure travelers and small groups seeking immersive experiences.

 

Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa is owned by Deventure Hotel and Resorts Private Limited and will feature 150 keys, including standard king and twin guestrooms and modern suites. Guests will enjoy a lifestyle experience with signature amenities, including two thoughtfully curated restaurants complemented by outdoor seasonal dining areas – a main restaurant, a specialty restaurant, deli and a bar, and flexible meeting and event spaces. The hotel is designed to serve as a local home base where savvy travelers can discover the hidden gems of Goa, all within close proximity to the hotel.

 

"The signing of this deal for Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa marks a significant milestone in thoughtfully expanding Hyatt’s portfolio in India, particularly in a destination as dynamic as Anjuna,” said Dhruva Rathore, Vice President Development, India & South West Asia, Hyatt. “We are incredibly excited to introduce a hotel brand that truly immerses guests in the local culture, reflecting the vibrant spirit of this iconic Goan locale. This association with Deventure Hotel & Resorts is a testament to our shared vision of delivering authentic, unforgettable experiences that celebrate the unique charm and energy of Anjuna."

 

“We are proud to collaborate with Hyatt on the forthcoming opening of Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa,” added Rajeev Mukul, Chairman, Deventure Hotel and Resorts Private Limited. “Our aim is to create a distinctive lifestyle destination that resonates with both leisure and business travelers. With the expertise of Nile Hospitality and Hyatt’s global brand strength, we are confident this hotel will become a landmark in Anjuna.”

 

Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa will join a growing portfolio of eight Hyatt Centric properties across India, catering to the modern explorer looking to stay in the heart of the action so they never miss a moment of adventure. For more information about the Hyatt Centric brand, visit hyattcentric.com or follow @HyattCentric on Instagram.

 

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2025, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, visit www.hyatt.com. 

 

About Hyatt Centric

Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service modern boutique hotels located in prime destinations. Created to connect guests to the heart of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery so they never miss a moment of adventure. Each hotel offers social spaces to connect with others in the lobby, meanwhile the bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined contemporary rooms focus on delivering everything guests want and nothing they don’t. A passionately engaged team is there to provide local expertise on the best food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer. For more information, please visit hyattcentric.com. Follow @HyattCentric on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattCentric.

Samsung Launches Third Edition Of Walk-A-Thon India To Inspire A Fitter Nation; Winners To Get Discount Coupon Worth Up To INR 15000

• Registrations for Walk-a-thon have begun and three lucky winners to get Galaxy Watch8

• All other finishers will get assured coupons worth up to INR 15000 off on Galaxy Watch8

• Users can participate in the challenge by registering for the Walk-a-thon India challenge on Samsung Health App

 

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has announced the launch of the third edition of ‘Walk-a-thon India’ Aug,25, a campaign designed to motivate India to get moving and to bolster the spirit of health and fitness in the country.

 

The registrations for the Walk-a-thon have begun and the challenge will run from August 1 to August 30, 2025, and is open exclusively to users across India. Participants simply need to opt in and complete 200,000 steps within the 30-day period to qualify for exciting rewards.

 

All finishers will be eligible for assured prizes. Three lucky winners will win the Galaxy Watch8, while the rest of the finishers will receive discount coupons worth up to INR 15000 on the all-new Galaxy Watch8. With the Walk-a-thon India, Samsung aims to make fitness rewarding and fun for everyone.

 

How to participate:

The 30-day steps challenge will be hosted exclusively on the Samsung Health app, which is available on Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Participants can monitor their progress through a real-time leaderboard within the Samsung Health app, allowing them to compare their performance and stay motivated throughout the challenge. To qualify and be eligible for prizes, participants are required to complete a minimum of 200,000 steps over the 30-day duration. After completing the challenge, the finishers need to visit the Samsung Members app between September 5 to September 30, 2025,  to claim their reward.

 

Samsung Health App

Samsung Health is a global wellness and lifestyle platform that allows users to track a wide range of health metrics including steps, exercise, calorie intake, blood pressure, ECG, and sleep patterns. The app is designed to promote healthy living.

 

Galaxy Watch8

Built on the foundation of the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s cushion design, Galaxy Watch8 is 8.6 mm thin—offering a refined profile and snug, all-day comfort, thanks to its new Dynamic Lug System. Developed in close collaboration with Google, the Galaxy Watch8 series is the first smartwatch to come out of the box with Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, powered by Wear OS 6. Users can now go hands-free using natural voice commands to get things done on-the-go with the Galaxy Watch apps like Samsung Health, Calendar, Reminder and Clock.

 

Available in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes and finished in Graphite or Silver, Galaxy Watch8 features a dazzling Super AMOLED display with 3000 nits of peak brightness that ensures excellent visibility outdoors.

 

Under the hood, Galaxy Watch8 is powered by a 3 nm Exynos W1000 chipset powered by Wear OS 6 with Samsung’s One UI Watch 8 interface.  Galaxy Watch8 features advanced sensor technology and creates an intuitive AI-powered experience to help users fulfill a healthier, more connected life. Leveraging Samsung’s BioActive Sensor for continuous health tracking, the watches deliver real-time insights and instant rewards or alerts across sleep, stress, nutrition and activity, turning healthy intentions into immediate, motivating feedback. Plus, for the first time in a smartwatch, Galaxy Watch8 has introduced the Antioxidant Index, enabling users to measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds and make informed lifestyle choices for healthy aging.

 

Notably, the Watch 8 Series comes with a 'Running Coach' feature — a groundbreaking addition designed to elevate marathon training through personalized guidance. It begins with a 12-minute running test to analyze the user's pre-training level, then provides a tailored program from a library of 160 options. During workouts, real-time voice coaching delivers instant feedback and motivation, while post-training insights offer detailed progress summaries and personalized recommendations — helping users optimize performance and achieve their fitness goals.

Apollo Hospitals Launches ‘BEKIND’, An Initiative On The Quiet Power Of Human Kindness Through Film ‘EMPATHY IN ACTION’

In a world increasingly focused on technology, Apollo Hospitals turns the spotlight back to what has always mattered most in healing: human kindness. To emphasise the Apollo philosophy of true healing being beyond clinical excellence, Apollo launches BEKIND—an initiative and a promise of unparalleled compassion, deep understanding, and heartfelt support for every individual.

Apollo’s BEKIND initiative goes beyond symbolic appreciation; it is a movement to acknowledge and celebrate the emotional labour of healthcare professionals. It also reinforces the hospital’s commitment to creating environments where empathy, teamwork, and dignity guide every interaction from the operating rooms to the hallways. BEKIND initiative will serve as a constant reminder of an environment nurtured with love and care that is essential to delivering the best possible care to patients.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals, said, “BEKIND is a way of life at Apollo. It reflects our long-standing legacy of Tender Loving Care (TLC) and reaffirms a timeless truth, which is that compassion is as essential as any medicine. In healthcare, every act of kindness is a quiet force for healing. Behind every diagnosis is a person who must be seen, heard, and treated with dignity. When care is delivered with empathy, it builds trust and creates the emotional safety every patient needs to heal.”

To take the idea further and build emotional resonance, the initiative is brought to life through a film titled ‘Empathy in Action’. Through this film, Apollo introduces its BEKIND initiative - not as an invention, but as a reflection of the deep-rooted compassion that underscores the hospital’s caregiving culture for decades.

“Empathy doesn’t arrive with a voice; it begins with a pause.” the voiceover begins... From a nurse opening doors for a staff member wheeling in a patient, to offering a cushion to a tired bystander, each moment in the film is a quiet testament to Apollo’s belief that the human touch remains irreplaceable- especially in high-tech healthcare environments.

The emotionally resonant film, released as part of Apollo’s values campaign, follows a simple yet powerful narrative: a single act of kindness passing from person to person within the hospital- among nurses, attendants, housekeeping staff- until it circles back to where it started. The film invites viewers to witness a truth that is often overlooked: Empathy is not separate from service excellence- it enables it.

Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, President and CEO, Apollo Hospitals said, “At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming disease diagnosis and treatment, BEKIND is a gentle reminder that true healing goes beyond technology. In moments of illness, what people remember most isn’t just the treatment they received, it is how they were made to feel. BEKIND is Apollo’s commitment to put empathy at the heart of everything we do. Because in healthcare, compassion isn’t extra; it is essential. The film Empathy in Action is our reaffirmation - that behind every breakthrough, our greatest strength remains profoundly human.”

With BEKIND, Apollo Hospitals invites not just its employees, but the larger public, to participate in a culture that believes even the smallest gesture can make a world of difference.

Watch the Film: https://youtu.be/WDY7ZMnUK94?si=1JIqb8cPpczXmH07

Dark Patterns Or Smart Design? Indian Shoppers Love Contested Tactics: Esya Centre

Dark Patterns enabling customer benefits and large ecommerce giants helping raise customer trust 

Dark patterns—design techniques that subtly influence consumer choices—are prevalent across both online and offline retail environments, according to a new report launched by the Esya Centre, a leading policy research and innovation think tank. While these practices are often viewed as deceptive, the report finds they can sometimes aid consumers in saving money or choosing better-suited products. The findings highlight the need to reassess the current regulatory focus, especially under the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns (GPRDP), 2023, which apply only to digital platforms and do not fully account for the retail sector’s complexity.

 

Titled “Dark Patterns in Indian Retail: An Empirical Evaluation”, the study is based on a detailed consumer survey of 1,030 respondents along with a comprehensive analysis of India’s regulatory landscape and retail sector trends. It assesses nine out of the 13 dark patterns recognized by the GPRDP, including false urgency, basket sneaking, and subscription traps, and highlights how both online and offline consumers are exposed to these practices.

 

Speaking at the report launch, Meghna Bal, Director, Esya Centre stated, “Our research reveals that dark patterns exist across both digital and physical retail environments. While recent regulatory focus has been primarily on online marketplaces, we believe a more holistic approach would better serve consumers. The recent self-governance advisory specifically targeting digital platforms creates an uneven playing field and overlooks similar practices in traditional retail. What's needed is a collaborative framework that clearly distinguishes between acceptable marketing tactics and manipulative design elements, regardless of where the transaction occurs. This balanced perspective would not only strengthen consumer protection but also foster innovation across the retail ecosystem.”

 

The report urges joint responsibility among businesses, platforms, and regulators to foster a retail ecosystem grounded in transparency, trust, and informed choice. It advocates for a collaborative governance model that leverages the strengths of each stakeholder, particularly as AI and machine learning tools gain traction in detecting and curbing deceptive practices, to design context-sensitive, scalable regulatory solutions.

 

Key Findings:

• Consumer Response: Despite their prevalence, dark patterns appear to have limited behavioural impact. Over 39% of respondents noted no change in shopping behaviour online, and 55% reported the same for physical retail. Interestingly, a sizable share (38% online; 27% offline) perceived certain dark patterns as beneficial in aiding decision-making.

• Dark Patterns Across Channels: Online retail remains the primary site for dark pattern exposure, with 50% of consumers reporting such experiences. Surprisingly, 27% also encountered them in offline environments, suggesting that deceptive design is not exclusive to digital platforms.

• Sectoral Contrast: While e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Meesho and Reliance Ajio, are perceived as relatively trustworthy, the travel and hospitality sectors stand out for using aggressive tactics, like hidden fees and seat selection traps, triggering greater consumer frustration.

• Regulatory Imbalance: Current Indian regulations, including the 2023 GPRDP guidelines, place disproportionate scrutiny on online retailers, with limited attention to offline players. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued advisories for e-commerce audits, but equivalent mechanisms are lacking for physical retail.

• Retail’s Economic Role: India’s retail sector remains a key driver of economic growth, contributing ₹20.18 lakh crore in GST in FY24, with Retail Tech accounting for 6% of new startups. This dual-channel vibrancy underscores the need for uniform consumer protection across formats.

 

About Esya Centre:

The Esya Centre is a technology policy think tank dedicated to generating empirical research and catalysing forward-looking policy constructs for India’s digital future. Anchored in the triad of people, innovation, and value, Esya works to reimagine the public policy discourse through evidence-led, multi-disciplinary approaches. The Centre applies a data-first philosophy, curates cutting-edge research, and fosters collaborative “research clusters” that bring together practitioners, policymakers, and academics. As a centre for praxis, Esya transforms research into actionable insights, strengthening institutional capacities and enabling decision-making across India’s evolving governance ecosystem.

Extramarks Launches ‘Extra Intelligence’: A Global Leap In AI-Powered Education

Extramarks Education, a leading global edtech company, has launched Extra Intelligence, a pioneering AI-powered education suite designed to transform how schools teach, assess, and support students. 

With this launch, Extramarks becomes one of the first education companies to integrate AI meaningfully across the school ecosystem — from the classroom to after-school learning. Extra Intelligence reflects the company’s deep belief that the future of education lies not just in digitisation, but in intelligent, responsive, and inclusive learning systems that can scale globally.

 

“At Extramarks, we’ve always believed in building for impact — and AI allows us to do that like never before,” said Ritvik Kulshrestha, MD & CEO of Extramarks. “With Extra Intelligence, we’re putting powerful, accessible AI directly in the hands of teachers and students. This is not just about automation; it’s about elevating pedagogy, improving outcomes, and making high-quality education scalable and inclusive across geographies.”

 

Among the many AI-powered features unveiled, one standout innovation is the Teacher Assistant — a tool specifically designed to personalize the classroom experience. With Teacher Assistant, educators can easily tailor digital lessons to their unique teaching style by adding real-world context, inserting custom examples, and delivering concepts through rich, animated, and interactive content. What’s more, it enables teachers to generate collaborative activities on the fly, turning traditional lessons into engaging group experiences that foster teamwork, participation, and collective learning — all with AI by their side.

 

Another powerful suite of features was unveiled for assessments — making them simpler, smarter, and more effective than ever before. With Extra Intelligence, teachers can now create cheating-resistant tests that are conducted in the traditional pen-and-paper format, yet evaluated entirely through AI. After students submit their handwritten responses, the system automatically evaluates every answer — including long-form subjective ones — with precision. This marks a major global breakthrough, as Extramarks becomes one of the first EdTech platforms to enable accurate AI-powered evaluation of subjective answers. What once took teachers hours to grade can now be done in just minutes — freeing up valuable time to focus on what matters most: teaching and improving student learning outcomes.

 

Extramarks has also introduced AI-powered features to make live classes — whether remote or in-classroom — far more impactful. Teachers in schools across the world will now be able to deliver online classes through the Extramarks platform with real-time, AI-based engagement tracking built right in. The AI will monitor cues like student responses, participation, questions asked, and even classroom disruptions or inactivity — offering a holistic view of both student attentiveness and teaching effectiveness. With this, teachers will receive actionable insights which will allow them to intervene at the right moment, adapt their delivery, and ensure every minute of teaching counts.

 

Not just limited to classrooms and teachers, Extramarks also announced a suite of innovations designed to enhance student learning at home. Extra Intelligence now acts as a 24/7 AI-powered Co-Pilot for students — offering instant doubt resolution, whether it's on a particular question which the student has to attempt or while watching one of the thousands of academic videos hosted in the Extramarks digital library. Much like raising a hand in a live class, students can now interact with the AI Assistant while watching the video at any moment to clarify doubts. Moreover, while practicing complex problems, the AI acts as a step by step guide — breaking questions into simpler parts, checking prerequisite knowledge, and supporting them all the way to the correct answer. This ensures more effective, independent, and confident learning beyond school hours.

Extramarks has also unveiled powerful AI capabilities that make curriculum adaptation and multilingual learning seamless. With schools across the world following different curriculums, structures, and teaching orders, Extra Intelligence enables instant mapping of content to any curriculum — ensuring that learning remains aligned, coherent, and on point, no matter where it’s being delivered. Teachers simply upload the index pages of their textbooks, and the AI instantly maps the most relevant content to each topic. Adding to this, the platform’s multilingual support allows schools to deliver world-class learning in the language they teach — whether it’s a global language like Arabic, dialects such as British or American English, or Indian regional languages like Marathi and Tamil — making it possible for students everywhere to access quality education in their own language. With these innovations, Extramarks is poised to step confidently onto the global stage — empowering inclusive, diverse, and adaptable educational ecosystems around the world irrespective of their languages and curriculums.

 

The global launch event, held virtually on July 28, brought together educators, policymakers, and innovators from across regions. Starting today, Extramarks will begin rolling out these features across its network of partner schools, with a phased launch expected to continue over the coming months. This launch represents a significant leap forward — not just for the company, but for the education sector as a whole.