Author: Staff Writer

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Technology

Amazon starts AI platform for healthcare administration

Amazon has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to help healthcare providers automate routine administrative work and improve efficiency in hospitals and clinics. The tool has been launched by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company’s cloud computing division.

The new platform is built to handle several time-consuming administrative processes that healthcare workers typically manage manually. These include tasks such as appointment scheduling, verifying patient details, reviewing medical histories, preparing clinical notes and generating billing codes.

Administrative work is a major challenge for many healthcare systems around the world. Doctors and nurses often spend significant time on paperwork and data entry, which can reduce the time available for patient care. With the new AI platform, Amazon aims to streamline these processes so that healthcare professionals can focus more on treating patients.

The system can interact with patients through voice or digital communication channels to help book appointments and answer routine queries. It can also access and organise patient information, making it easier for medical staff to review records and prepare documentation during consultations.

According to the company, the platform is designed to integrate with existing electronic health record systems used by hospitals and clinics. This allows healthcare organisations to adopt the technology without replacing their current infrastructure.

The AI tool is also capable of assisting with tasks after a patient visit. It can automatically generate summaries of consultations, prepare documentation and create billing codes required for insurance claims and payments.

Amazon says the system can operate continuously, helping hospitals manage patient requests at any time of the day. In cases where the AI cannot resolve a request, the issue can be transferred to human staff for further assistance.

Also Read: Domestic LPG up ₹60, commercial cylinders now ₹115

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Beyond

Domestic LPG up ₹60, commercial cylinders now ₹115

Cooking gas prices in India have increased after oil marketing companies raised the rates of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders. The price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder has been increased by ₹60, while the cost of a 19-kg commercial cylinder has gone up by ₹115. The revised prices came into effect on March 7.

With the latest hike, the price of a domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has risen to around ₹913 from ₹853 earlier. Similar increases have been reported in other major cities. In Mumbai, the price has gone up to about ₹912.50, while in Kolkata it has increased to around ₹939. In Chennai, a domestic LPG cylinder now costs roughly ₹928.50.

Commercial LPG cylinders, widely used by hotels, restaurants and small businesses, have also become costlier by ₹115. The increase is expected to push up operating costs for the hospitality sector and other businesses that depend heavily on LPG.

The price revision comes amid rising global energy costs linked to tensions in West Asia. Ongoing geopolitical developments in the region have disrupted energy supply chains and pushed up international fuel prices. As India imports a significant portion of its energy needs, global price movements often influence domestic fuel prices.

This is the first major LPG price revision in several months. Cooking gas prices were last revised in April last year, when domestic LPG cylinders were increased by ₹50. Since then, prices had remained largely stable.

India has more than 33 crore LPG consumers, making cooking gas one of the most widely used household fuels in the country. As a result, any change in LPG prices directly affects household budgets as well as the cost structure of several businesses.

While the latest hike may add to the financial burden on consumers, officials say supply of LPG across the country remains stable and there are no immediate concerns about shortages. The government and oil companies are closely monitoring the global situation to ensure adequate availability of cooking gas in the domestic market.

Also Read: US grants India 30-day Russian crude oil import

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Corporate

Estée Lauder fully acquires Forest Essentials

The Estée Lauder Companies, the US luxury beauty conglomerate, has announced plans to acquire the remaining stake in Forest Essentials, one of India’s leading Ayurvedic skincare brands, bringing it under full ownership. The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

Forest Essentials, founded in 2000 by Mira Kulkarni, has established itself as a premium brand combining traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern skincare technology. The company has nearly 200 standalone stores across India and has grown steadily in the luxury segment. Under the acquisition agreement, the brand’s headquarters will remain in New Delhi, and Kulkarni, along with her son Samrath Bedi, who serves as Executive Director, will continue to lead operations.

This acquisition marks the next stage in an 18-year partnership between the two companies. Estée Lauder first invested in Forest Essentials in 2008 as a minority shareholder and later increased its stake to 49% in 2020. The current deal will allow Estée Lauder to acquire the remaining 51% ownership, giving it complete control over the brand

Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies, described the move as a “new chapter” in a long-standing relationship, highlighting India as a key growth market for prestige beauty. Mira Kulkarni welcomed the acquisition, noting that the partnership ensures the brand’s operational foundation and authenticity in India remain intact.

Both companies have emphasized that the acquisition will not affect Forest Essentials’ identity, product range, or Ayurvedic ethos. The brand name, pricing, and strategic direction will remain unchanged. Estée Lauder aims to use its global distribution network and marketing expertise to help Forest Essentials expand internationally, while preserving its cultural heritage and premium positioning in India.

Also Read: Fractal makes ₹100 cr profit in first quarter post-listing

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Corporate

Fractal makes ₹100 cr profit in first quarter post-listing

Fractal Analytics Ltd, a newly listed Indian AI and analytics company, reported a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹100 crore in its first quarterly results since its stock market debut on February 16, 2026. The results cover the third quarter of FY 2026 (October–December 2025) and mark a strong start for the company as a publicly traded firm.

The company’s revenue rose 21% year‑on‑year to ₹854.4 crore, driven by growing demand from clients in healthcare, life sciences, and banking and financial services (BFSI) sectors. Healthcare alone contributed significantly, with revenue rising nearly 78%, as Fractal’s AI solutions for diagnostics, drug research, and patient analytics gained traction globally. The BFSI sector also increased adoption of predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making tools.

Fractal improved profitability metrics, with adjusted EBITDA up 24% year‑on‑year and gross margins exceeding 47%, indicating efficient operations and strong cost management. The company’s net revenue retention stood at 114%, showing that existing clients increased their usage of Fractal’s products over time.

Fractal’s AI offerings have gained recognition internationally. Its Vaidya.ai 2.0 model scored above 50 on OpenAI’s HealthBench (Hard) benchmark for clinical reasoning, while its PiEvolve engine outperformed several global AI models in independent evaluations. These products have strengthened the company’s position in the competitive enterprise AI market.

With over 5,000 employees worldwide, Fractal is expanding its services across sectors including healthcare, BFSI, consumer goods, and technology. The strong quarterly performance highlights robust revenue growth, expanding margins, and increasing client engagement, setting the stage for continued growth and solidifying investor confidence in the company’s future.

Investors welcomed the results, and trading activity in Fractal’s shares increased following the quarterly announcement.

Also Read: Mazagon Dock shares jump on ₹99,000 cr defence contract hopes

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Corporate

Mazagon Dock shares jump on ₹99,000 cr defence contract hopes

Shares of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd surged sharply this week, rising around 15%, driven by investor optimism over a major defence contract and growing interest in the defence sector. The stock’s rally included a near 9% gain in a single session, making it one of the top-performing industrial stocks in recent trading.

The jump comes on the back of progress in a potential ₹99,000‑crore contract with the Indian Navy under the Project‑75I submarine programme. The company has completed discussions with the Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC), and the proposal has been sent to higher authorities for final approval. If awarded, this contract would significantly boost Mazagon Dock’s order book and revenue visibility.

Analysts say the stock is attracting attention not only because of the potential submarine deal but also due to heightened geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East, which have lifted interest in defence-related stocks. Investors are increasingly seeing companies like Mazagon Dock as strategic plays in India’s naval expansion and defence preparedness.

The broader defence and shipbuilding sector has also seen gains, with other companies experiencing positive trading activity. Market watchers note that large-scale naval projects, increased government spending on defence, and long-term order pipelines make these stocks appealing to investors looking for growth and stability.

Brokerages maintain positive views on Mazagon Dock, expecting that final approval and execution of the submarine contract will drive revenue growth in the coming years.

Also Read: Adani Total Gas raises industrial gas to ₹119

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Corporate

Sensex tumbles 1,000 points, Nifty drops below 24,500

Indian equity markets ended the day sharply lower on Friday where the BSE Sensex closed down 1,097 points, while the Nifty50 slipped below 24,500, marking a day of broad-based selling across key sectors.

Markets opened on a cautious note after losses on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average declining overnight. Early indicators from the GIFT Nifty futures had already signaled a lower start for the domestic market. Analysts said that investor sentiment was further hit by rising crude prices and ongoing geopolitical risks in the Middle East.

Crude oil surged past $80–85 per barrel, driving concerns over higher energy costs and inflationary pressures. Foreign institutional investors also remained net sellers, adding to the downward momentum.

Among sectors, banking and financial stocks bore the brunt of the decline. Major lenders like ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank fell around 2–3%, reflecting cautious sentiment among domestic and overseas investors. Industrial stocks and airlines were also among the top losers, with Interglobe (IndiGo) dropping 2.5% after an analyst target cut.

On the positive side, some defense and public sector companies outperformed. GRSE, Cochin Shipyard, and Mazagon Dock saw gains of up to 18% over two days, supported by government defense orders. Reliance Industries rose over 2% after the U.S. allowed temporary imports of Russian crude, easing supply concerns.

In commodities, silver gained as investors sought safe-haven assets amid the volatility. The Indian rupee weakened slightly against the US dollar, reflecting global market pressures.

Also Read: Reliance shares jump 3% on oil rally

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1 Minute-Read

Reliance shares jump 3% on oil rally

Shares of Reliance Industries rose nearly 3% as global crude oil prices increased following tensions in West Asia. Higher oil prices are expected to improve refining margins for the company, which runs one of the world’s largest refining complexes at Jamnagar in Gujarat.

It is cited vy experts that stronger fuel prices, especially for diesel and other refined products, could support the company’s oil-to-chemicals business. Supply concerns linked to the Iran conflict have pushed crude prices higher, improving sentiment for refinery companies. As a result, investors showed increased interest in Reliance stock, expecting stronger earnings if oil prices remain elevated.

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Corporate

Oracle plans major layoffs as AI costs rise

US technology giant Oracle Corporation is reportedly planning large-scale layoffs as it faces rising costs linked to artificial intelligence infrastructure and expanding data-centre operations.

According to multiple reports, the company may cut between 20,000 and 30,000 jobs worldwide, which could affect around 10% of its global workforce. If the plan goes ahead, it would mark one of the biggest job cuts in Oracle’s history.

The expected layoffs come as the company ramps up investments in data centres to support advanced artificial intelligence services. Building and running these facilities requires expensive hardware, including specialised chips and powerful servers needed to train and run AI systems.

A major factor behind the rising spending is Oracle’s partnership with OpenAI, the AI company led by Sam Altman. Oracle has committed significant resources to providing cloud infrastructure that supports OpenAI’s AI models and tools.

Analysts say Oracle may need to invest billions of dollars in new data-centre capacity in the coming years as demand for AI computing continues to grow. Reports suggest that the company is looking at layoffs as a way to free up $8 billion to $10 billion to support these investments.

The company is also facing financial pressure because funding large-scale data-centre projects has become more challenging. Some US banks have reportedly grown cautious about lending money for massive AI infrastructure projects, which has made financing more expensive.

To manage these rising costs, Oracle is reviewing several options. These include cutting operational expenses, asking some customers to make higher upfront payments for cloud services, and possibly selling certain assets to raise funds.

Also Read: US to raise global tariff to 15%, says Scott Bessent

Categories
Leaders

US to raise global tariff to 15%, says Scott Bessent

The United States plans to increase a global tariff on imports to 15% starting this week, as the government looks for ways to maintain its trade policy while dealing with legal challenges.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the higher tariff will be introduced as a temporary step after a court decision blocked parts of the tariff programme earlier introduced by former president Donald Trump.

Earlier, the US had imposed a 10% tariff on imports from many countries after the court ruling created uncertainty around the previous tariff structure. The new 15% rate will replace that temporary level while the government works on restoring its earlier trade measures.

Bessent said the administration is using a trade law that allows the US president to impose tariffs of up to 15% for a limited period without full congressional approval. This provision can be used for up to 150 days. According to him, the government expects the higher tariff to remain in place for about five months.

During this period, the administration will work on bringing back the earlier tariff system through other legal mechanisms. Bessent said the goal is to ensure that the US can continue applying trade pressure where needed while also complying with legal requirements.

The tariff move is part of broader efforts by the US to reshape global trade relations and encourage domestic manufacturing. Tariffs are often used by governments to make imported goods more expensive, which can help protect local industries.

Bessent indicated that the administration expects the tariff situation to stabilise later this year once the earlier trade measures are reinstated through the proper legal process.

For now, the temporary 15% tariff is expected to remain in place while the government works to restore its broader trade policy framework.

Also Read: China raises defence budget to $275 bn

Categories
Corporate

Rapido launches ‘Ownly’ food delivery app in Bengaluru

Ride-hailing company Rapido has entered the food delivery space with the launch of Ownly, a new platform that operates on a zero-commission model for restaurants. The service has been rolled out in Bengaluru as the company’s first market, with plans to expand if the model proves successful.

Unlike traditional food delivery platforms that charge restaurants commissions ranging from 15% to 30%, Ownly allows restaurants to list their menus and receive orders without paying any commission. Rapido said the initiative aims to create a more sustainable and profitable system for restaurant partners while keeping food prices affordable for customers.

Under the new model, restaurants handle food preparation and pricing independently, while Rapido manages delivery logistics through its existing network of bike taxi riders. The company believes this structure will help reduce costs for restaurants and encourage more eateries, particularly small and mid-sized outlets, to join the platform.

The launch comes at a time when many restaurant owners have expressed concerns over the high commissions charged by major food delivery aggregators. By removing these charges, Rapido hopes to offer restaurants greater control over pricing and customer relationships.

For customers, the company claims the zero-commission structure could lead to more competitive pricing, as restaurants will not need to inflate menu prices to offset aggregator fees. Orders placed through the Ownly app will be delivered using Rapido’s extensive rider network, which already supports its ride-hailing and logistics services.

Rapido also said the platform will focus on a curated selection of restaurant partners rather than a large marketplace. This approach is intended to maintain quality, ensure faster deliveries and provide better service for users.

Currently available only in Bengaluru, the company will closely monitor the platform’s performance before considering expansion to other cities across India.

Also Read: Adani partners UNESCO for Engineering Day 2026