India’s rich food heritage is set to take centre stage internationally as Chef Aanal Kotak, Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneur and Co-founder of TSK Hospitality LLP, prepares to represent the country at the 10th World Tapas Championship (Concurso Mundial de Tapas), scheduled from November 9–11, 2026, in Valladolid, Spain. Recognised as Gujarat’s Youngest Cooking Expert and known for her association with MasterChef India Season 7 as a celebrity guest, Aanal’s participation marks a significant milestone for India’s presence at the championship. The international competition brings together chefs from across the world to showcase their interpretations of tapas, a traditional Spanish culinary format, and compete for the title of the World’s Best Tapa. Taking with her Amdavad ni Kachori, an iconic preparation rooted in Gujarat’s food culture, she will introduce a distinctive regional Indian speciality to an international audience.

Chef Aanal Kotak_Celebrity Chef Entrepreneur & Co-founder of TSK Hospitality LLP

Beyond the competition, Chef Aanal’s representation carries a larger story of India’s food identity reaching beyond its borders. Through Amdavad ni Kachori, she brings together six distinct expressions of Gujarat on a single plate, with Tuver Dal capturing the comfort of Gujarati home cooking, Kadhi representing tradition, Mango Chundo adding the region’s signature sweet-and-sour balance, and Mint bringing freshness, all brought together through the soul of Indian street food. Conceptualised around the connection between Ahmedabad and Valladolid as sister cities, the dish reimagines a traditional Gujarati preparation in a contemporary tapas-style format, creating a bridge between local food traditions and international culinary expression.

Celebrating its tenth edition, the World Tapas Championship is a leading international competition that brings together 16 chefs from across five continents to compete for the title of the World’s Best Tapa. Hosted at the Cúpula del Milenio in Valladolid, Spain, the 2026 edition will feature chefs from countries including Australia, Mexico, the United States, Thailand, South Korea, India and the United Kingdom, presenting their creations before an international jury of distinguished culinary experts. The championship celebrates culinary excellence, bringing together diverse food traditions, innovation and contemporary interpretations of tapas.

Speaking about her participation, Chef Aanal Kotak, Founder, The Secret Kitchen said, “Representing India at the 10th World Tapas Championship is both a tremendous honour and a responsibility that I carry with immense pride. India has an extraordinary culinary legacy, with every region offering its own distinct flavours, techniques and stories. Through Amdavad ni Kachori, I want to take a piece of Gujarat’s food culture to the world and showcase the depth and character of our regional cuisine. For me, this is not just about presenting a dish at an international competition; it is about giving Indian flavours a voice on a global platform and demonstrating that our culinary heritage has a place in conversations shaping the future of world gastronomy.”

As the countdown to the championship begins, all eyes will be on Valladolid as Chef Aanal prepares to take on the international challenge. Her participation marks an exciting chapter in her culinary journey, with the opportunity to make a lasting impression on one of the world’s most prominent culinary competitions.

Fully customised business software and AI solutions, built by engineers and backed by a full refund if the agreed delivery date is missed. Starting in Malaysia and rolling out across Asia, made possible by more than 100 partners.
 

Nexawork AI is an Asia focused technology company building the AI Business Operating System. It was co-founded by Allen Tan Chee Hoe, its Chief Executive Officer, and Sky Wee, its Chief Business Development Officer.
 

Nexawork AI Founders
 

Today Allen Tan Chee Hoe announced the launch of Nexawork AI’s Asia digital transformation programme, which helps founders, project owners and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) build their first digital product. It offers custom software development, including AI solutions and AI agents, starting with a Starter Pack at RM19,900.00, with a full refund of the development fee if Nexawork AI misses the delivery date in the contract.

The programme starts in Malaysia, its first market in Southeast Asia, before extending across Asia. Applications are open now at nexawork.ai. Its pricing is made possible by more than 100 partners, who share the work and bring businesses to the programme.

Why Asia’s SMEs hold back on AI and digital transformation
Asia runs on small businesses. Across 26 economies tracked by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), micro, small and medium enterprises make up 99.8% of all enterprises, employ 67.6% of the workforce and produce 38.7% of national output. Yet many still run on paper and spreadsheets, SME digitalisation lags, and AI is widening the gap. In South Korea, a 2024 Korea Federation of SMEs survey of 300 SMEs found only 5.3% using AI, and the obstacle cited most was the lack of AI services built for their needs.

Cost and risk add to the hesitation. In Malaysia, 2026 industry estimates put even a basic first version of mobile software at RM30,000 to RM60,000, and most SME projects at RM60,000 or more. For a first time founder, that is a large bet on one vendor. Owners are avoiding risk, not technology.

“Transformation fails on the first invoice, not on the technology,” said Allen Tan Chee Hoe, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nexawork AI. “We are not trying to reprice the market. We want to give many SMEs the confidence to take their first step into digitisation, together with more than 100 partners, so a founder anywhere in Asia can build a first digital product without betting the year on it. And we are not here to replace anyone’s workforce. Our AI brings productivity to business owners and their teams, so that adoption actually happens.”

A full refund if the delivery date is missed
If Nexawork AI misses the delivery date in the contract, the business receives a full refund of the development fee. The clock starts when the business provides complete information and access, and the scope is fixed in writing before work begins.

Custom software development and AI solutions built around the business
Every system is shaped around the individual business. Professional engineers write, review and test every build, and the owner needs no technical knowledge. Projects can include a native mobile platform for ordering, payment through the business’s own provider, delivery tracking and referrals, an admin console, connections to existing software, and AI built for the business, from AI solutions on its own data to AI agents that answer enquiries or follow up on orders.

RM19,900.00 is the Starter Pack, the entry point to the programme: a focused first system built around one core workflow, such as taking orders or bookings, with an admin console for the owner. Builds with more features, AI, payments or integrations are scoped and priced above the Starter Pack.

Why the programme price is possible: more than 100 partners
The programme is designed to grow the market, not to undercut it. The price is not set to compete with the market: most SMEs would not commission development at RM100,000 or more, so the programme reaches businesses that would otherwise not digitise at all, rather than taking work from established developers. The Starter Pack can start at RM19,900.00 because more than 100 partners share the work and bring businesses to the programme, so less of each project’s price goes on sales and marketing.

Nexawork AI’s team shapes each founder’s first product before any code is written. Lavie System Solutions brings almost two decades of development experience, so proven building blocks are not reinvented for every project. Healing Mind Group, led by Lee Hong Rui, a trainer accredited by HRD Corp, Malaysia’s Human Resource Development Corporation, joins as Business Process and SME Transformation Partner to map workflows and prepare teams. Dova Space looks after the people side of change, Eco Bee Biotech and Eco Bee Shop introduce the programme to their network, and Jayv Chang Yoon Voon, marketing partner for Southeast Asia, reaches businesses through partner and community channels.

How the programme works
Each custom software development project starts with a written scope, after which the price and the delivery date go into the contract. The build runs in about twelve sprints over about three months. Every project includes three months of free maintenance; hosting, domain and infrastructure are paid by the business to its own providers, from about US$100 a month. Every system is built to connect directly to the Nexawork AI platform, which is expected to launch by the second quarter of 2027.

The founders behind Nexawork AI
Allen Tan Chee Hoe is a serial founder and product architect with 15 years of experience in technology and product development. According to internal operating records, he previously built a startup to more than 4 million users and 60,000 business owners, and his teams have supported more than 180 projects globally for companies that together raised more than US$200 million. Sky Wee, who leads global business development and partnerships, is a Singapore based serial entrepreneur and venture investor.

The Nexawork AI Partner App
Nexawork AI will also launch the Nexawork AI Partner App, expected in the first quarter of 2027, so referral partners can refer businesses to the platform and handle enquiries and introductions in one place. Partners can register their interest at nexawork.ai.

Larger digital transformation projects
Alongside the programme, Nexawork AI is helping established companies digitise through larger projects, each scoped and priced on its own and separate from the RM19,900.00 Starter Pack. They include Vorahome, a home services platform founded by Alan Foong, Vincent Wong and Ivan Hiew Chin Woon; and Big Ben Dining Group, a food, entertainment and technology dining concept founded by Bengemen Tan Boon Yong.

How to apply
To claim the programme, a business needs an official Programme Code from the Nexawork AI sales team. Founders, project owners and businesses can apply at nexawork.ai or approach any Nexawork AI Sales Manager across Southeast Asia. A salesperson will contact them to confirm the fit and issue the code, which opens the scoping session; the sales team verifies each business through its code and uses it to track every approved project. The programme is open while it lasts, until Nexawork AI announces its close, and codes, like places, are limited each month.
 

About Nexawork AI
Nexawork AI is building the AI Business Operating System for solo entrepreneurs, small teams and established businesses in Asia: one platform to run your work and your business. Money and legal commitments always wait for a human. The platform is in beta with design partners and is expected to launch by the second quarter of 2027. Nexawork AI was co-founded by Allen Tan Chee Hoe, its Chief Executive Officer, and Sky Wee, its Chief Business Development Officer. Work Less. Win More. AI Does the Rest.

For more information, please visit nexawork.ai.

About Eco Bee Biotech and Eco Bee Shop
Eco Bee Biotech and Eco Bee Shop is a Malaysian bee biotechnology, conservation and wellness enterprise founded by Cathie Tan in 2002. It develops Kelulut (stingless bee) honey, propolis and other wellness products, and in 2026 was recognised by ASIA Records and ASEAN Records for its alcohol free halal Kelulut propolis extract. Bee conservation is at the heart of its mission, including its planned Eco Bee Nature Exchange, guided by its philosophy: Save Bees, Empowering People, Pure Quality.

For more information, please visit beeshop.com.my

About Lavie System Solutions
Lavie System Solutions, led by Lai Yu Long, is a Johor based development company founded in 2008 that builds custom software, enterprise and point of sale systems and online stores.

​For more information, please visit lvss.com.my

About Healing Mind Group
Healing Mind Group is a training provider led by Lee Hong Rui, who brings experience in finance and corporate management, a background in process transformation and trainer accreditation with HRD Corp. It helps SMEs map their business workflows, identify operational gaps and prepare their teams to adopt systems that improve productivity.

About Dova Space
Dova Space, led by Debbie Hew Sio Yee and Hew Khai Rin, is a holistic health and wellness centre offering personalised, data driven care. It brings Traditional Chinese Medicine, modern medical expertise, natural healing and advanced medical devices under one roof, with a strong focus on sleep health: sleep care consultations, sleep quality and autonomic nervous system assessments, home use medical devices and long term sleep management programmes. Better Sleep. Better Health. Better Living.

​For more information, please visit dova.space.

A large-scale study of yoga-based cardiac rehabilitation (Yoga-CaRe), funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research and coordinated by the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, under the leadership of Prof. Dorairaj Prabhakaran MD, DM, Executive Director, CCDC, and President-Elect, World Heart Federation, among people having heart failure with reduced ejection fraction improved quality of life, functional capacity, and quality-adjusted utility index. Although clinical events fell by 10%, the reduction was not statistically significant. The authors presented these results as a late-breaking science at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions on November 7, 2026, in Chicago.

The Yoga-CaRe HF programme combines yoga, medication, nutrition and lifestyle modifications to support heart failure management and improve quality of life

“Improving quality of life and functional capacity in patients with heart failure is essential everywhere but particularly in India, where roughly 1.8 million new heart failure cases are diagnosed each year, and very few receive cardiac rehabilitation,” said Dorairaj Prabhakaran. Globally, the Yoga-CaRe HF trial is the largest cardiac rehabilitation trial. We demonstrated that a comprehensive multicomponent program, delivered by a single trained person, can be an alternative approach to multidisciplinary team-based conventional cardiac rehabilitation in India and other resource-constrained settings. He also said that guideline-directed medical management, complemented by Yoga-CaRe, can help patients live longer with better quality of life.

The clinical study was conducted in nearly 3,500 people having heart failure with reduced ejection fraction recruited through 16 hospitals across the country. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either enhanced standard care, which includes three health education sessions using a “Healthy Living with Heart Failure” booklet over three months, or a Yoga-based cardiac rehabilitation program.

The Yoga-CaRe program involves three major components – a) health education with the “Healthy Living with Heart Failure” booklet; b) guided behaviour change, which involves goal-setting-based approaches to improving patients’ inadequacies in lifestyle behaviours and control of risk factors to foster patient engagement; and c) a standardized set of yoga practices including physical postures (asana), breathing practices (pranayama) and meditation and relaxation practices tailored to patients exercise capacity. A board-certified Yoga & Naturopathy practitioner was trained to delivered the program. The patient training consisted of 20 sessions (both in-person and online) over three months. Patients were advised to practise yoga at home for 50–55 minutes daily for up to 24 months and adhere to lifestyle changes, supported by a booklet and recorded videos. Participants attended a median of 19 supervised sessions and practised at home approximately five days a week for 35–40 minutes per day.

Prof. SC Manchanda, Former Head, Department of Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said, “For me, yoga is a lifestyle polypill with much relevance for all cardiac patients. The board-certified Yoga & Naturopathy physicians who delivered the Yoga-CaRe program motivated patients to practice yoga almost every day, with around 255 minutes of home practice per week. Importantly, they were able to improve several health behaviours such as physical activity, dietary changes, and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol. These holistic changes are the essential components of a cardiac rehabilitation program. I am delighted to be a part of yet another landmark trial led by Prof. Prabhakaran, building on more than three decades of our work on Yoga’s role in other cardiac conditions.

At three months after enrolment, patients who underwent the Yoga-based cardiac rehabilitation program had a better quality of life as measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ, 8.1 unit improvement in comparison to the control group), increased distance walked in six minutes (25.5 meters higher than the control group) and quality-adjusted utility-values (0.05 higher than the control group). All these differences were statistically and clinically significant, and importantly they persisted through 24 months. Among patients who performed prespecified duration of yoga practice, it led to a reduction in the composite clinical event of death, hospitalisation, and stroke.

Prof. Ambuj Roy, Department of Cardiology and Head, Skill, e-Learning and Telemedicine Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and co-lead of the study said, “Guideline-directed medical management in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction has improved remarkably over the last couple of decades, and we have been able to transfer those benefits to our patients. However, the penetration of cardiac rehabilitation benefits has been limited. This trial addresses that major gap in our patient care and will help improve the quality of life of the patients living with this debilitating disease. He added that this trial, along with a similar large trial in patients with heart attack done earlier by the same group, is also a testament that traditional practices like yoga can be tested through the most rigorous modern scientific methods of efficacy testing. Such studies provide greater credence for our traditional practices as medicine today demands evidence before adoption into practice guidelines.

The number of people who died or who were admitted to hospital for emergency care (not including the planned elective hospital admissions) was numerically lower in the Yoga-CaRe group. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Patients also showed notable improvements in frailty and tobacco cessation. Very importantly, caregivers’ quality of life improved with a reduction in depression.

• Karnataka envisages adding 30 GW of renewable energy capacity over the next five years

•  Showcases progressive policies, clean energy roadmap and investor-friendly ecosystem

“Come, invest in Karnataka – a State with a pioneering energy legacy, a progressive renewable energy ecosystem, investor-friendly policies and immense opportunities to power India’s clean energy future,” said Mr. Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Karnataka.
 

Mr. Gaurav Gupta,  ACS,  Energy Department,  Govt. of Karnataka and Ms. Divya Prabhu GRJ, MD, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) at the Karnataka session

As a State Partner at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Karnataka is showcasing its renewable energy potential, progressive policies and investment-ready ecosystem.
 

Mr. K.J. George, Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism

Inviting investors, industry leaders and global renewable energy players to explore opportunities in the State’s clean energy sector, Mr. Gaurav Gupta said, “Karnataka offers immense opportunities for renewable energy investments, backed by abundant wind and solar resources, investor-friendly policies, automatic land conversion and plug-and-play infrastructure. The State has pioneered innovative models such as the Pavagada Solar Park, which features a unique 30-year land lease agreement with farmers.”
 

The Karnataka Pavilion inspired by the Energy legacy of Mysore, at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026 at Bharatmandapam

“Karnataka’s renewable energy capacity has grown from 16 GW in 2022 to 23 GW, reflecting the State’s rapid progress in the sector. Going forward, we envisage adding 5–7 GW of renewable energy capacity annually, with an ambitious roadmap to add nearly 30 GW over the next five years. Karnataka also led the country in wind capacity addition during 2024–25, with 1,331 MW, reaffirming its position as a major destination for renewable energy investments. This presents significant opportunities for developers, technology providers and industry partners to participate in the State’s clean energy journey.”
 

“As we look towards 2035, our focus extends beyond capacity addition to building a flexible, reliable and resilient clean energy ecosystem. Under the State’s Resource Adequacy Plan, Karnataka envisages adding 41.5 GW of new wind and solar capacity and approximately 11,000 MWh of battery energy storage by 2034–35. We are already progressing with large-scale solar and storage projects, including the 250 MW solar project with 1,100 MWh of storage at Ryapte, standalone battery storage projects and a significant pipeline of renewable energy projects across KPTCL substations.

“Our commitment also extends to empowering farmers through PM-KUSUM, promoting green hydrogen and bioenergy, and creating opportunities for innovation, skill development and clean energy entrepreneurship. Through transparent, data-driven project planning, supportive policies and a robust investment ecosystem, Karnataka is strengthening its position as a preferred destination for renewable energy development.”
 

Ms. Divya Prabhu GRJ, Managing Director, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL),* said, “Karnataka’s participation as a State Partner at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 reflects our commitment to strengthening the State’s position as a leading destination for renewable energy investments.”

“With an installed renewable energy capacity of around 27 GW, accounting for nearly 67 per cent of the State’s total installed power capacity, Karnataka offers a strong combination of natural resources, progressive policies, robust infrastructure and a conducive investment ecosystem. As the nodal agency, KREDL is also fostering a comprehensive renewable energy ecosystem through capacity building, skill development initiatives such as Surya Mitra and Vayumitra, technological advancement, incubation centres and industry-academia collaborations with institutions such as the University of New South Wales, IISc and IIMB.”

“Karnataka’s focus extends beyond power generation to strengthening transmission infrastructure. KPTCL has identified 27 dedicated substations for renewable energy projects to facilitate transmission connectivity.”

The Karnataka Advantage in Renewable Energy
A key highlight of Karnataka’s participation was the plenary session titled ‘The Karnataka Advantage in Renewable Energy’, which showcased the State’s abundant wind and solar potential, progressive policies, pioneering Pavagada land-lease model and investor-friendly plug-and-play infrastructure. The session explored investment opportunities across renewable energy, manufacturing, technological innovation, energy storage and industry-academia partnerships, while highlighting competitive tariffs, transparent project allocation and robust transmission infrastructure. It witnessed participation from investors, industry leaders and manufacturers who also appreciated the State’s RAP & auto conversion of land initiative, the first in the country.
 

Repowering India’s ageing wind fleet
As part of the summit’s deliberations, Mr. Gaurav Gupta and Ms. Divya Prabhu GRJ, participated in a panel discussion on ‘Repowering Wind Power Turbines’ alongside wind manufacturers and industry leaders.
 

The discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges associated with repowering ageing wind turbines using advanced technologies to enhance generation efficiency, optimise existing wind energy sites and unlock additional renewable energy potential.
 

A Roundtable was also organised bringing together industry leaders, renewable energy developers, manufacturers and key stakeholders to deliberate on Karnataka’s future renewable energy roadmap. The discussion aimed to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and government support mechanisms in Karnataka and other States, identify areas for improvement to achieve the State’s clean energy targets, and explore opportunities to position Karnataka as a preferred destination for clean energy deployment and manufacturing. Industry inputs were also sought to shape the State’s forthcoming Renewable Energy Policy, as the current policy approaches its conclusion in May 2027.
 

The Karnataka Pavilion
A major attraction at the summit was the Karnataka Pavilion, established by KREDL. Drawing inspiration from the architectural grandeur of the iconic Mysore Palace and Karnataka’s pioneering electrical legacy, the pavilion showcased the State’s remarkable journey in the power sector.
 

Karnataka holds a special place in India’s electricity history, having established the Shivanasamudra Hydroelectric Power Project, one of Asia’s earliest hydroelectric power stations, and introduced India’s first electric street lighting in Bengaluru in 1905. The pavilion offered visitors and investors insights into the State’s renewable energy potential, policy initiatives, key projects and investment opportunities.

Mr. K.J. George, Hon’ble Minister for Energy, Government of Karnataka, said, “I am delighted about Karnataka’s participation as a State Partner at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026.The State has showcased its rich legacy in the energy sector, strong renewable energy potential and progressive policy framework. We welcome investors, industry leaders and global stakeholders to explore the immense opportunities Karnataka offers in renewable energy.”

• 10 bike ambulances have been deployed across Kauvery Hospital’s Chennai network, covering its Alwarpet, Vadapalani, Radial Road and Maa Kauvery locations.

• Operated by trained medical responders, the bikes enable rapid first-response care while coordinating with the hospital and ambulance services for transportation and further management.

Kauvery Hospital has launched Kauvery First Responders, a network of bike ambulances across Chennai aimed at bringing trained medical first responders and essential emergency equipment closer to patients at the critical first moments of an emergency. Operated by trained medical responders, the bikes are designed to reach emergency scenes quickly, assess patients and provide appropriate first-response care within established training and protocols, while simultaneously coordinating with the hospital and conventional ambulance services for timely further management and transportation.

Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj and Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj launched Kauvery First Responders, bike ambulances designed to deliver rapid emergency care

In the first phase, 10 bike ambulances have been deployed across Kauvery Hospital’s Chennai network, covering its Alwarpet, Vadapalani, Radial Road and Maa Kauvery locations. The network is designed to extend rapid emergency support across different parts of the city, particularly in situations where traffic congestion or road accessibility may delay the movement of larger emergency vehicles.

The bike ambulances are not intended for patient transport. Their role is to bring trained medical expertise and essential emergency support to the patient while a conventional ambulance is coordinated for further management and transportation, when required. Each First Responder bike is equipped with essential emergency-response equipment, including an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), oxygen support and an emergency medical kit.

In a suspected cardiac arrest, for instance, the AED can analyse the patient’s heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock when indicated. Oxygen can be administered when clinically appropriate, while the emergency medical kit enables the responder to carry out immediate assessment and provide first-response care in accordance with established protocols.

The First Responders also function as part of a connected emergency-care system. Equipped with 5G connectivity, webcams and GPS/live tracking, the responder can stay connected with the hospital team while at the scene, enabling real-time coordination and facilitating the transition to further care when the patient is transported to the hospital.

In his comments, Dr. Manivannan Selvaraj, Founder & Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “In an emergency, reaching the patient is the first challenge, and in a city like Chennai, traffic can sometimes make that challenge even greater. We wanted to create a system that works around this reality and brings medical assistance closer to the point where it is needed. Kauvery First Responders are designed to put trained medical responders and essential emergency equipment on the road, so that appropriate care can begin at the scene while the ambulance and hospital teams coordinate the next stage. It is not about replacing the ambulance; it is about making sure that the wait for an ambulance does not also mean a wait for the first response.”

Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “Emergency care is not only about how quickly we reach a patient, but also about what happens in those first few minutes. A faster response becomes meaningful when it is backed by trained personnel, the right equipment and a connected clinical system. With Kauvery First Responders, we are extending the emergency-care pathway beyond the hospital and bringing that first point of clinical response closer to the community. The combination of mobility, emergency preparedness and real-time connectivity can help our teams make those early minutes more purposeful, while ensuring that the patient remains connected to the larger continuum of care.”

Kauvery Hospital already operates a connected emergency ambulance network in Chennai, with 5G-enabled ambulances supporting real-time patient monitoring and remote clinical guidance during transport. The First Responders add another layer to this emergency-care pathway, bringing the response even closer to the point where the emergency begins.

Aster DM Quality Care Limited, one of the leading integrated healthcare service providers in India, announced its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. The quarter was the company’s first as a combined entity, and the company delivered a robust performance, while bringing together diverse teams, aligning them around a shared purpose, and navigating the organizational changes associated with integration.
 

(L-R) Dr. Azad Moopen, Executive Chairman, Aster DM Quality Care Ltd. & Mr. Varun Khanna, Managing Director & Group CEO, Aster DM Quality Care Ltd.
 

Key Financial Highlights 

Aster DM Quality Care Performance for Q2 FY27 

• Revenue for Q2 FY27 grew by 19% YoY to INR 2,829 Cr

• Normalised PAT stood at INR 281 Cr and grew 34% YoY

• ROCE stood at 23%, increased by 152 bps YoY

Commenting on the merger, Dr. Azad Moopen, Executive Chairman, said, “Completing our first 100 days as a combined entity is a milestone we are proud of. We began as one integrated platform on July 1, 2026, and the progress since then reflects the alignment of our leadership and the commitment of our clinicians and colleagues across the network.

The entity delivered a strong performance in Q2 FY27, with revenue growing 19% to INR 2,829 crore and normalised PAT increasing 34% to INR 281 crore. Our emerging hospitals portfolio (incl Kasargod & Nagarcoil) recorded an impressive 61% growth, highlighting the growing contribution and long-term potential of these units.

Alongside our financial performance, we continued to strengthen our clinical capabilities and quality standards. CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, Hyderabad, received JCI accreditation, while MIMS Kasargod achieved NABH accreditation within a year of commencing operations. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to clinical excellence, quality and patient safety.

We are equally proud of our progress in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Our recognition at the Global ESG Awards 2026, including awards for supporting economically weaker sections, renewable energy integration and CSR excellence, reflects our commitment to responsible and sustainable healthcare. Through Aster Volunteers and our various community initiatives, we remain focused on extending quality healthcare to underserved communities.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on expanding our healthcare network, including progressing the Aster Trivandrum project towards commissioning, while continuing to invest in clinical talent, advanced infrastructure and technology. Our priority remains delivering better patient outcomes, strengthening operational excellence and creating sustainable long-term value for all stakeholders.”

Commenting on the performance for Q2 FY27, Mr. Varun Khanna, Managing Director & Group CEO, said, “Q2 FY27 marks our first full quarter as Aster DM Quality Care, following the successful merger of Aster DM Healthcare and Quality Care India. Building on the strong foundation laid in the previous quarter, I am delighted with the progress we have made as one organisation. Our teams have demonstrated tremendous commitment in bringing together our people, processes and systems, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to our patients, doctors and employees, ensuring seamless patient care and operational excellence. 

One of the most encouraging developments has been the way our people have embraced our shared culture. The foundation laid through GO GREATER, our unified culture initiative launched across nearly 40 locations, is now coming to life through the enthusiasm and active participation of our doctors, nurses and employees. It is heartening to see our teams coming together, learning from one another and embracing a shared sense of purpose.

We are encouraged by the strong performance in our first quarter together and remain grateful for the trust that patients continue to place in us. During the quarter, we served 2.2 million patients, a 12% year-on-year growth and our occupancy improved by 335 bps to 68%, reflecting improved utilisation. We witnessed encouraging growth across complex clinical procedures, with robotic surgeries, kidney transplants and joint replacements growing by approximately 39%, 31% and 29%, respectively. Our Medical Value Travel (MVT) volume grew by 31% year-on-year, despite a challenging external environment, demonstrating the continued confidence of international patients in our doctors, clinical outcomes and healthcare capabilities.

This quarter we made significant advances in clinical capabilities, with several complex and specialised procedures performed across our network. The exchange of clinical expertise and best practices across the combined platform enabled CARE Banjara, Hyderabad, perform its first adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation procedure, enabling personalised, real-time stimulation for Parkinson’s disease management. Aster Medcity, Kochi, performed Kerala’s first liquid nitrogen cryoablation for breast fibroadenomas, offering a minimally invasive, breast-tissue-preserving treatment option. We also strengthened our specialised care offerings with the launch of three Centres of Excellence: the ARISE Robotic Spine Institute at Aster CMI, Bengaluru; the CARE Cancer Institute at Ramkrishna CARE, Raipur; and the Fetal Medicine Centre of Excellence at Aster Medcity, Kochi. 

Higher volumes, greater clinical complexity and a favourable payor mix drove revenue growth of 19% YoY to INR 2,829 Cr, and normalised PAT grew by 34% to INR 281 Cr, a PAT margin of 10%. Going forward, our focus will be on expanding our CONGO and other high-end specialties, augmenting capacity across geographies, strengthening clinical talent and improving access to quality healthcare, while unlocking the full potential of our combined network.”

Business Highlights 

• Total patient volume grew by 12% YoY led by Neurosciences, Oncology, Orthopedics and Gastroenterology

• Occupancy up 335 bps (65% to 68%), led by patient volume growth in key specialties and growth in MVT patient flows

• MVT revenue grew 36% YoY, led by Maldives and GCC markets, with rising contribution from West Africa, other MENA countries

In H1FY27

• Mature hospitals contributed approximately 73% of hospital revenue, registering an 18% year-on-year growth, driven by steady growth in patient volumes and an increasing share of complex clinical cases.

• Emerging hospitals (incl Kasargod & Nagarcoil) showcased a steady ramp up of 62% YoY supported by higher IP & OP volumes​

About Aster DM Quality Care
Aster DM Quality Care Limited is one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers, formed through the merger of Aster DM Healthcare Limited and Quality Care India Limited. The merged entity brings together four leading healthcare brands – Aster DM, CARE Hospitals, Evercare and KIMSHEALTH, creating a scaled and diversified healthcare platform with a network of 38 hospitals across 27 cities and over 10,840 beds. With a strong presence across South and Central India, the merged entity will deliver comprehensive healthcare services spanning primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary care, supported by centers of excellence across key specialties including oncology, cardiac sciences, neurosciences, gastro sciences, orthopaedics, nephrology, organ transplantation, mother and child-care, and critical care.

For more information about us, please visit www.asterqualitycare.com
 

Disclaimer

Certain statements in this document that are not historical facts are forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties like government actions, local, political or economic developments, technological risks, and many other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. Aster DM Quality Care Limited will not be in any way responsible for any action taken based on such statements and undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Actual amounts, losses or impact on net profit could materially differ from those that have been estimated. In addition, other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated include harmonization of accounting policies and practices.

La Pink, a homegrown beauty and fragrance brand, has launched its Diwali campaign, ‘Iss Baar Kuch Dil Se,’ built around the thought, ‘Dil Se Diya.’ The campaign encourages consumers to move beyond customary festive gifting and choose presents that reflect the people they are meant for.

La Pink celebrates the spirit of Diwali, where traditions bring families closer, togetherness creates lasting memories, and every home shines brighter. Shubh Diwali!

Diwali gifting often follows a familiar routine, with mithai, dry fruits and hampers exchanged as part of the festive tradition. But behind every meaningful gift lies something more personal: remembering what someone loves, noticing what they have been wanting, or choosing something they would never buy for themselves. Through this campaign, La Pink highlights how thoughtful gifting is less about the value of a present and more about the emotion behind it.

Through ‘Iss Baar Kuch Dil Se’, the brand invites consumers to shift their approach from asking, “What should I gift?” to “What would make this person happy?” Whether it is a mother’s favourite fragrance, a sister’s much-awaited skincare product or something a friend has been eyeing for a while, the campaign celebrates the small details that make a gift feel personal.

As a beauty and fragrance brand, La Pink aims to make festive gifting a more considered expression of affection and appreciation. The campaign reflects the belief that a gift becomes more meaningful when it shows that the giver has paid attention, remembered the little things, and chosen with the recipient in mind.

Commenting on the campaign, Nitin Jain, Founder and Director, La Pink, said, on the importance of thoughtful gifting and the idea behind “Iss Baar Kuch Dil Se”

With this campaign, La Pink hopes to encourage consumers to make gifting less about following a festive ritual and more about celebrating the relationships that make Diwali special. Because the most memorable gifts are often the ones that simply say, ‘I thought of you.’

Iss Baar Kuch Dil Se. Dil Se Diya

About La Pink

La Pink is an Indian beauty brand focused on creating conscious, ingredient-led beauty formulations. The brand is known for its 100% microplastic-free formulations and emphasis on formulation transparency. Its portfolio spans skincare, body care and fragrances, with products formulated using carefully selected ingredients sourced globally and developed with the needs of Indian skin in mind.

Antlia Engineering Works, an ISO 9001:2015 certified Indian manufacturer of industrial pumps, has released a technical guide titled “AODD Pump: 7 Myths vs Facts Every Industrial Manufacturer Should Know”. The guide is designed to help plant engineers, procurement professionals and industrial buyers make better informed decisions when selecting Air Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) pumps. It is available free at (link).

Antlia Engineering Works’ range of AODD pumps in PP, PVDF, aluminium and SS-316, built in Mumbai for chemical, pharma, paints and coatings applications

Industrial fluid transfer is critical to chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, paints and coatings, food processing, printing and many other sectors. Choosing the right pump involves far more than meeting a flow rate. Chemical compatibility, operating pressure, material of construction, maintenance needs and long-term reliability all affect performance and cost. Despite their widespread use, AODD pumps are still surrounded by misconceptions that can lead to poor equipment choices, premature component failure and avoidable operating costs.

“We regularly speak with buyers who select a pump on size or price alone, or who assume one material or one pump type will work for every fluid,” said Meet Jain, Founder, Antlia Engineering Works. “A wrong specification can mean corrosion, leakage or unplanned downtime. We wrote this guide to give buyers clear, practical facts before they make that decision.”

Key Findings from the Guide

1. Not all diaphragm pumps are the same. AODD pumps use compressed air to drive two diaphragms through an air distribution system, while other diaphragm designs rely on mechanical or hydraulic actuation. AODD pumps are well suited to applications that need self-priming capability, variable flow, tolerance to dry running under specified conditions and the handling of certain challenging fluids. Buyers should assess flow, discharge pressure, viscosity, temperature, solids content and chemical compatibility, not size or price alone.

2. No single material suits every chemical. Polypropylene (PP), PVDF, stainless steel SS-316 and aluminium each suit different fluids and operating conditions. The guide stresses that the choice must rest on the actual chemical, concentration, temperature and pressure, and that no material should be assumed to be universally compatible.

3. “No electric motor” does not mean “no energy cost.” AODD pumps need no electric motor at the pumping point, which is valuable where electrical equipment is undesirable. However, compressed air must be generated, and total operating cost depends on compressor efficiency, the pump’s air consumption, operating pressure, system leakage and running hours. Correct pump sizing is therefore central to evaluating total cost of ownership.

4. PTFE is not automatically the best diaphragm. PTFE offers broad chemical resistance, but diaphragm life also depends on flexibility, temperature, pressure cycling and mechanical fatigue. Santoprene, Neoprene and other elastomers can be the better choice for specific applications. Choosing on chemical resistance rating alone may not give the best overall result.

5. AODD pumps are not limited to chemical plants. Applications include pharmaceutical manufacturing, paints and coatings, printing and packaging, wastewater treatment, mining and mineral processing, adhesives and specialty chemicals, oil and petroleum-related uses, and food and beverage processing with suitable hygienic configurations.

6. Imported does not automatically mean better. Pump quality depends on design, material specification, testing and performance under real operating conditions, not the country of manufacture. The guide encourages buyers to compare suppliers on measurable criteria such as quality control procedures, spare parts availability, technical support, delivery lead times and total cost of ownership.

7. AODD pumps are not the answer to every application. Centrifugal pumps are often preferred for continuous transfer of compatible, relatively low-viscosity fluids where flow and head suit the pump curve. Barrel pumps are designed for transferring liquids directly from drums and barrels. AODD pumps are favoured where pneumatic operation, variable flow, self-priming or the handling of certain viscous or solids-containing fluids is required.

Supporting Indian Industrial Buyers

The guide also reflects the growing capability of Indian pump manufacturers. India’s chemical, pharmaceutical, paints, coatings and specialty chemical industries need dependable fluid-handling equipment, and domestic manufacturers are increasingly able to offer application-specific solutions in engineering, materials and support.

“Indian buyers have good reason to be careful with critical equipment, and they should compare any supplier, domestic or imported, on the same measurable parameters,” said Jain. “That means material specifications, testing, spare parts availability, technical support and delivery times. When Indian manufacturers meet those standards, they are a practical alternative for many industrial applications, with the added benefit of faster response and local support.”

A Buyer’s Checklist

Alongside the myths, the guide gives buyers a short checklist to use before purchasing an AODD pump:

• Flow and pressure: the actual process flow required, and the discharge pressure against the compressed air pressure available.

• Materials: wetted materials selected for chemical compatibility, and a diaphragm chosen for the application.

• Operating cost: air consumption in relation to compressor capacity.

• Lifecycle: spare parts availability, ease of servicing and the manufacturer’s technical support and delivery commitments.

“A properly selected pump means more reliable fluid transfer, fewer maintenance interruptions and better process efficiency,” Jain added. “That is the outcome we want for every customer.”

About Antlia Engineering Works

Antlia Engineering Works is an Indian industrial pump manufacturer based in Mumbai and established in 2017. The company began with Air Operated Double Diaphragm pumps and has since expanded its range to include barrel pumps and centrifugal monobloc pumps. Its AODD pumps are offered in multiple sizes and materials of construction, including PP, PVDF, aluminium and SS-316, depending on the model and application. Antlia is ISO 9001:2015 certified, Ministry of Defence approved and GeM registered, and exports to more than 20 countries.