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India’s Retail Real Estate Set for Major Expansion with 16.6 Million Sq. Ft. of New Mall Space by 2026

India’s retail landscape is undergoing a significant shift, as the country gears up to add more than 16.6 million square feet of premium mall space across its top seven cities by 2025 and 2026, according to a recent study by Anarock Research. This upcoming wave of expansion is being powered by a combination of robust consumer demand and strong leasing activity, ushering in what experts are calling a “golden era” for organized retail. Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR are at the forefront of this surge, together accounting for nearly 65% of the new supply, signaling their emergence as key consumption hubs. The boom is part of a larger development trend, with projections suggesting that over 40 million sq. ft. of new retail space could be introduced nationwide by 2029. Anuj Kejriwal, CEO and MD of Anarock Retail, attributed this development drive to a prevailing shortage of high-quality retail spaces. He pointed out that while 2022 saw 2.6 million sq. ft. of mall space being added, leasing demand hit 3.2 million sq. ft. The trend continued in 2023, with 5.3 million sq. ft. of new supply compared to 6.5 million sq. ft. leased. The mismatch was even more evident in 2024, when only 1.1 million sq. ft. of mall space became operational amid election-related approval delays, yet leasing demand remained strong at 6.5 million sq. ft. Despite the significant inflow of new space, experts are not concerned about oversupply. The report predicts that leasing activity will surpass 12.6 million sq. ft. in 2025 and 2026, underlining sustained interest from developers and retailers alike. This momentum is further driven by the entry of more than 60 international brands into India over the past four years—spanning sectors like fashion, electronics, lifestyle, and F&B—all seeking a foothold in high-traffic malls and commercial zones. As a result, mall vacancy rates—which hit a high of 15.5% in 2021—are anticipated to settle at around 8.2% in 2025 and 8.5% in 2026. This retail evolution isn’t limited to the metros. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are rapidly emerging as key retail destinations, backed by rising disposable incomes, improved internet infrastructure, and a surge in ecommerce activity. In fact, these cities now dominate India’s online shopping landscape. The number of online shoppers in India has nearly doubled from 140 million in 2020 to 260 million in 2024 and is forecasted to reach 300 million by 2030 and a staggering 700 million by 2035. Source: IANS

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Fox Unveils ‘Fox One’ Streaming Service, Set to Launch Before NFL Season

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Fox Corporation has officially announced the launch of its direct-to-consumer streaming platform, Fox One, which is expected to go live ahead of this year’s National Football League season. The announcement came from CEO Lachlan Murdoch during the company’s quarterly earnings call on Monday. While the company has not yet disclosed an exact price point, Murdoch indicated that Fox One will adopt a wholesale pricing model—mirroring what pay-TV providers currently pay for Fox channels. Importantly, existing cable TV subscribers will receive access to the service at no extra cost. Murdoch emphasized that Fox One is not intended to undercut the traditional cable ecosystem. “It would be a failure if we attracted more connected subscribers at the expense of our cable base,” he said, underlining Fox’s commitment to retaining its linear TV audience while expanding into digital. Fox also plans to pursue strategic collaborations with distributors and third-party platforms to broaden access to Fox One. The media giant, known for Fox News and an expansive sports lineup, has until now lagged behind competitors in the direct-to-consumer space. Although it currently operates niche services like the Fox Nation subscription app and the free, ad-supported platform Tubi, Fox One marks its first attempt to unify all its content under one streaming banner. This move follows Fox’s recent decision to exit the proposed joint sports streaming venture, Venu, which was being developed alongside Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney. Unlike its partners—both of which already offer sports via streaming platforms like Max and ESPN+—Fox had yet to launch a comprehensive subscription-based streamer. Meanwhile, ESPN is gearing up to introduce a new flagship app, which will mirror its cable channel’s offerings and is expected to be officially named ESPN, according to recent reports. Source: CNBC Image credit: Getty Images

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IBM Integrates AI to Streamline HR Operations, Replaces 200 Roles

admin / Human Resource Community

In a significant move toward embracing artificial intelligence (AI), IBM has begun a strategic overhaul of its internal processes, leading to the replacement of around 200 human resources (HR) positions with AI-powered systems. This development reflects a broader industry shift where automation is being leveraged to handle repetitive administrative tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more strategic and client-centric responsibilities. According to reports from industry insiders, the tech giant has already automated several HR functions such as employee verification and internal job transfers. These changes are part of IBM’s vision to drive operational efficiency while simultaneously upskilling its workforce to thrive in an AI-integrated future. IBM’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, recently confirmed that hundreds of HR roles have been transitioned to AI agents. However, he emphasized that this transformation has not led to a decline in overall employment. On the contrary, the company has expanded its workforce in key areas like programming, marketing, and sales—fields that rely on critical thinking and interpersonal skills, and are thus less susceptible to automation. Strategic Shift Towards AI-Augmented Roles The decision to automate portions of the HR function is rooted in IBM’s broader objective of enabling employees to engage in higher-value work. By offloading routine tasks to AI, the organization aims to allow HR professionals to focus on strategic planning, employee engagement, and other complex functions that require human insight. Nickle LaMoreaux, IBM’s Chief Human Resources Officer, noted that the impact of AI on jobs is more about transformation than elimination. She clarified that while certain tasks will be automated, most roles will evolve rather than disappear—enabling professionals to work alongside AI tools that boost productivity and decision-making. Looking Ahead IBM anticipates that up to 30% of back-office roles, particularly those with minimal customer interaction, could be affected by AI within the next five years. This could influence approximately 7,800 positions globally. Nonetheless, the company remains committed to investing in talent across creative, analytical, and tech-driven domains—areas that continue to demand human ingenuity despite rapid advances in automation. Source: The New Indian Express Image credit: Shutterstock

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DU Academic Council VC Emphasizes Permanent Faculty Hiring; New Language Courses Introduced by SOL

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During the 1022nd meeting of the Academic Council, Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh emphasized the importance of appointing permanent faculty members over continued reliance on guest lecturers. Addressing college principals, he encouraged them to prioritize advertising vacant teaching positions and conducting recruitment drives at least once or twice a year. He also urged immediate action on current and anticipated vacancies, especially those arising from upcoming retirements. In response to concerns about faculty recruitment in the 12 colleges funded by the Delhi government, the VC noted that discussions with government officials were in progress and expressed hope for a positive resolution soon. Among key academic developments, the council approved several new programmes and curriculum updates. The School of Open Learning (SOL) will roll out certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma courses in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean starting from the 2025–26 academic year. Additionally, Ramjas College will launch a one-year Advanced Diploma (JP-3) in Japanese. The Department of Distance and Continuing Education received approval to begin certificate courses in European languages such as French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese from the 2024–25 session. These courses will be offered through the Open Learning Development Center at CISBC. Other approvals included updated syllabi under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022 and the introduction of several new Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs). These include modules in Robotics and Automation, Introduction to IoT using Arduino, and Low-Code/No-Code Development in Computer Science. In Biomedical Science, new offerings include Forensic Analysis of Biological Evidence, Forensic Toxicology, Questioned Document Examination, and Injury and Death. To improve accessibility, the council also agreed to translate portions of the syllabus in Persian, Arabic, and Urdu into English. Image source: Britannica

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Trump Administration Halts Funding for Infant Heart Device Research, Cancels $6.7 Million Grant

admin / Health & Wellness Community

A groundbreaking research initiative aimed at saving the lives of infants with serious heart conditions has come to a standstill following the Trump administration’s decision to revoke federal funding. Dr. James Antaki, a biomedical engineering professor at Cornell University, revealed to NBC News that the U.S. Department of Defense abruptly canceled a $6.7 million grant for his ongoing work on PediaFlow—a miniature heart device designed to enhance blood circulation in newborns with congenital heart defects. The grant, officially awarded on March 30, was expected to support the development, testing, and scaled-up production of the PediaFlow device over a four-year period. However, less than two weeks later, on April 8, Dr. Antaki’s lab received a formal stop-work order from the Department of Defense, effectively halting all associated research activities. The decision, which came without any explanation, places more than 30 years of research and progress in serious jeopardy. PediaFlow, which has been in development since 2003, is roughly the size of an AA battery and was designed to support infants with structural heart defects, such as holes between heart chambers. The device temporarily boosts blood flow, helping babies survive until they are eligible for surgery or a heart transplant. The sudden funding cut not only threatens the continuation of the project but may also lead to downsizing in Antaki’s lab. Graduate students involved in the research may be forced to abandon their work and shift focus. “This project feels like my life’s mission,” Antaki shared. “Every week I question if it’s time to walk away, but I can’t justify giving up—not when this device has the potential to save so many lives.” He added that the grant represents a relatively small investment compared to the larger federal budget, but one that could yield significant benefits. Dr. Evan Zahn, a pediatric cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center who is not affiliated with the project, called the funding withdrawal a major setback. “There’s an urgent need for technologies developed specifically for infants. Losing support for a project like this is a real tragedy,” he said. The funding cut aligns with broader cost-cutting initiatives from the Trump administration, which aims to streamline federal operations. This decision, however, appears to conflict with the administration’s stated support for family growth and parental welfare. Ironically, while promoting initiatives like a proposed $5,000 “baby bonus” for new parents and considering awards like the “National Medal of Motherhood” for mothers of large families, the administration has pulled support from life-saving pediatric research. Image source: TOI

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Indian-Origin Scientist Develops Probiotic Cocktail to Help Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s

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In a promising development in the fight against dementia, Indian-origin researcher Dr. Hariom Yadav from the University of South Florida has created a probiotic cocktail that may help prevent cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. The research, published in Scientific Reports, presents a novel approach by targeting gut health to influence brain function. Dementia, which affects over 57 million people globally, impairs memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. Dr. Yadav’s probiotic cocktail is a unique blend of beneficial microorganisms designed to restore balance in the gut microbiome — a critical but often overlooked system that impacts neurological health. “In healthy people, the gut microbiome works in harmony,” Dr. Yadav explained. “But certain bacteria can disrupt this balance, triggering systemic inflammation that may lead to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.” The team administered the probiotic cocktail to mice through their drinking water over a 16-week period. The results were compelling. Mice exposed to the cocktail outperformed others in a water maze test, indicating improved memory and learning capabilities. More importantly, the cocktail reduced protein build-up in the brain — a key contributor to Alzheimer’s — and decreased inflammation while preserving the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Unlike most probiotic approaches that use single strains, Yadav’s formula combines multiple strains to form a synergistic consortium. “Together, they’re more effective in transforming the microbiome from harmful to healthy,” he said. The cocktail also suppressed inflammatory gut bacteria, thereby lowering the risk of neuroinflammation. Dr. Yadav and his team are now collaborating with companies to bring the product to market, with hopes of offering a non-invasive, gut-based therapeutic strategy to delay or prevent dementia. Source: Business Standard

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IIM Raipur Launches Fully-Funded MBA in Public Policy With ₹50,000 Monthly Stipend for Chhattisgarh Students

admin / Governance Community

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur has unveiled a groundbreaking two-year MBA programme in Public Policy and Governance, aimed at creating a cadre of future-ready professionals committed to inclusive and impactful governance. Supported by the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship (CMGGF) under the Government of Chhattisgarh, this fully-funded course offers an attractive monthly stipend of ₹50,000, along with free boarding and lodging for selected candidates. The programme, which will admit 36 students in its first batch, combines advanced classroom learning with immersive field experiences across government departments in Chhattisgarh. The last date to apply is 11 May 2025, and details are available on the official website, iimraipur.ac.in/mba-ppg. “This is a pioneering step toward inclusive development,” said Professor Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur. “We aim to develop leaders equipped not just with academic excellence, but also practical wisdom, ethical grounding, and a deep understanding of governance structures.” The curriculum focuses on contemporary governance models, policy design, public administration, leadership, and data-driven decision-making. Students will also undergo field immersion projects in collaboration with state government institutions to solve real-time policy challenges. Eligibility for the programme is exclusive to residents of Chhattisgarh. Applicants must hold a valid CAT score from 2022, 2023, or 2024 and possess a graduate degree with a minimum of 60% marks (or 55% for reserved categories), as per state reservation guidelines. With this initiative, IIM Raipur and the Chhattisgarh Government are making elite education in governance accessible to local talent, promoting a model where academic excellence directly contributes to regional and national development goals.

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Pakistan Super League Match Cancelled Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions; Foreign Players Seek Exit

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In a dramatic turn of events, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been rocked by geopolitical tensions, leading to the cancellation of the highly anticipated match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, scheduled for Thursday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The cancellation comes in the wake of precision airstrikes carried out by Indian Armed Forces, targeting key terror camps and air defence installations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which had initially declared that PSL would continue unaffected, is now in crisis mode. Foreign players, reportedly “in deep shock,” are seeking urgent exits from the country, citing escalating security concerns. According to sources quoted by IANS, “Many players are keen to leave immediately. The PCB will consult the government before taking the next steps.” In response to India’s airstrikes, Pakistan attempted retaliatory attacks on multiple military sites across Northern and Western India during the night of May 7–8, using drones and missiles. However, Indian authorities confirmed on Thursday morning that one of Pakistan’s key air defence radars in Lahore was successfully neutralised. In light of these developments, PCB officials are reportedly considering shifting the remaining PSL matches to alternative venues, including Karachi, Doha, and Dubai. An emergency meeting with all PSL franchises is set to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday to discuss the future course of action. As the PCB also weighs the fate of the upcoming T20I home series against Bangladesh, the sudden disruption casts a shadow over Pakistan’s cricketing calendar and underscores the vulnerability of sports amid rising geopolitical hostilities. Source: NDTV

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Marathi Literary Council Donates 400 Books to Taloja Jail to Support Inmate Education

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In a significant gesture aimed at promoting education and rehabilitation, the Marathi Sahitya Sanskruti Kala Mandal (Marathi Literature, Culture, and Arts Council) from Vashi has donated 400 books to the Taloja Central Jail. The initiative, led through the Prof. Manikrao Kirtane Library and the Town Library, seeks to encourage constructive engagement and learning among inmates. Out of the total, 300 books were contributed by the Kirtane Library and 100 by the Town Library. “We had a large collection and wanted it to serve a meaningful purpose,” said Subhash Kulkarni, President of the Kirtane Library. “We had done something similar five years ago and saw the positive impact, so we decided to contribute again.” The donated collection comprises a wide range of Marathi literature, including novels by renowned authors, works on psychology, and a few English titles. The selection was curated to promote self-improvement, literacy, and intellectual growth among the prison population. The books were formally handed over to jail authorities in a ceremony attended by Council Vice President Ravindra Nene, Prof. Ashwini Bachalkar, and Thane District Library Officer Prashant Patil. On the receiving end were Teacher Tagad and Senior Jail Officer Rahul Zhutale. The event was attended by approximately 200 inmates, who expressed interest in the initiative. This donation is part of the Council’s broader commitment to social development through the power of literature and education. It aligns with a growing recognition of the role of reading and self-education in prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration. By making literature accessible to incarcerated individuals, the Marathi Literary Council hopes to foster a more reflective, informed, and hopeful environment behind bars—demonstrating how culture can serve as a powerful tool for change. Source: Economic times

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Biopharma M&A Activity Jumps 101% in Q1 2025, but Uncertainty Around Trump’s Policies Keeps Big Deals in Check

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The global biopharmaceutical sector saw a sharp 101% surge in merger and acquisition (M&A) deal value in Q1 2025, reaching $37.7 billion—up from $18.8 billion in Q4 2024—according to GlobalData’s Pharmaceutical Intelligence Center Deals Database. Despite the growth, total deal value remains 32% lower than in Q1 2024, as political and economic uncertainty in the U.S. continues to deter large-scale transactions. The quarter featured four major billion-dollar deals, including Johnson & Johnson’s $14.6 billion acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Novartis’ $3.1 billion buyout of Anthos Therapeutics, GSK’s $1.15 billion acquisition of IDRx, and AstraZeneca’s $1 billion purchase of EsoBiotec. These deals were largely driven by big pharma players, with a strategic focus on oncology—the leading therapeutic area for M&A activity in the quarter. Yet, industry players are showing restraint. Concerns stem from President Donald Trump’s proposed pharmaceutical tariffs, budget cuts to federal health agencies, and delays in U.S. FDA drug approvals. These factors are making large, high-risk deals less attractive and have prompted a rise in bolt-on acquisitions—smaller, lower-risk transactions that can add value without extensive exposure. The current environment is particularly challenging for smaller biotech firms, many of which face funding difficulties and may turn to M&As as a strategic lifeline. While some companies are adopting a “wait-and-see” approach pending clearer policy direction, others are hopeful that the Trump administration—known for deregulation in its previous term—will eventually loosen regulatory constraints, potentially reinvigorating large-scale deal-making. The outlook for biopharma M&As in 2025 remains mixed: growth is evident, but full momentum may depend on how U.S. policy evolves in the months ahead. For detailed insights, see GlobalData’s Pharma M&A Trends – Q1 2025 report. Source: pharmaceutical-technology.com

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