Biocon’s first US unit underwent GMP inspection by U.S. FDA

Indian drug makers are busy building manufacturing facilities in USA to beat Trump Tariff 

Biocon’s first US manufacturing facility in Cranbury New Jersey was inaugurated on 10th September this year.The new facility underwent a GMP inspection by the U.S. FDA.

The inspection concluded with 1 observation which the Company will address within the stipulated time and is not expected to have any impact on business operations.

Biocon acquired the Cranbury-based Oral Solid Dosage facility from Eywa Pharma Inc. in 2023 and has since invested more than $30 million to establish a state-of-the-art plant with an annual production capacity of 2 billion tablets. A few products have already been commercialized from the site, with several more in the pipeline. This investment helps Biocon diversify its manufacturing base, strengthen its supply chain and accelerate the expansion of its global footprint.

Biocon has approximately 60 employees at the new facility (40 employees joined from Eywa, while Biocon hired the rest), and plans to grow to about 80 to 85 people managing the facility over the next few months.

The Cranbury facility represents a strategic advancement of the Company’s operations in the Unted States, enabling faster access to Biocon’s vertically integrated portfolio of products, benefitting patients in the region. With some products having already been commissioned from this site and additional launches in the pipeline, the facility will play a key role in furthering Biocon’s mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable therapies worldwide.

US president Donald Trump has announced tariffs of 100% on branded or patented pharmaceutical product imports into the US, leading to questions on how the Indian pharma sector will cope.

"Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100 per cent Tariff on any branded or patented Pharmaceutical Product, unless a Company IS BUILDING their Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in America," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

""IS BUILDING" will be defined as, "breaking ground" and/or "under construction." There will, therefore, be no Tariff on these Pharmaceutical Products if construction has started. Thank you for your attention to this matter," he added.

India's total pharmaceutical exports were almost US$ 28 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, with the US its largest export market at US $8.7 billion, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India.

Stampede at Vijay’s TN rally, 31 lives lost, PM sends condolences

At least 31 people were killed in a stampede during actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur, according to reports. Several children were among the dead.

The incident took place after supporters of Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), had been waiting for over six hours as the actor-politician arrived late for the event.

The stampede occurred in an overcrowded section of the rally, where several TVK workers collapsed and were moved in ambulances. Death toll likely to rise.

Oracle to partner WB Govt. for IT education in schools

Oracle plans to partner WB Govt. for IT education in schools.

Speaking on the sidelines of ICT East 2025 in Kolkata , Sanjeev Chauhan, VP – Cloud Engineering, Oracle, highlighted the potential of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as emerging hubs of digital talent. He called for closer collaboration with governments to make IT and digital education a core part of school curriculums. The company currently has about 58000 employees in its 50 plus offices in India and about 600 employees in Kolkata.

Sankarshan Thakur a fearless voice in journalism has fallen silent

Sankarshan Thakur, the editor of the Telegraph news paper published from Kolkata died on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 63. The Press Club of India in its condolence message said, "We’ve lost a fearless voice in journalism."

BHEL signs 10-year exclusive pact with Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies

BHEL signs 10-year exclusive pact with Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies

Under this 10-year agreement, the two companies will collaborate on the development of hydrogen fuel cell-based rolling stock, with a focus on business sharing and joint operations. The partnership is aimed at enabling BHEL's entry into a new market segment. Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) is an integrated power plant equipment manufacturer engaged in the design, engineering, manufacturing, erection, testing, commissioning, and servicing of a diverse range of products and systems. The company's consolidated net loss widened to Rs 445.50 crore in Q1 FY26 compared with a net loss of Rs 211.40 crore in Q1 FY25. Revenue from operations saw a marginal year-on-year (YoY) increase of 0.03%, reaching Rs 5,486.91 crore in the quarter ended 30 June 2025.

First-ever AC Local Train in Bengal on the Sealdah Ranaghat route

Inaugural run of the Sealdah–Ranaghat AC EMU local was flagged off by Sukanta Majumdar, Member of Parliament and Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Shantanu Thakur, Member of Parliament and Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Jagannath Sarkar, Member of Parliament, BJP RS MP Samik Bhattacharya at Sealdah station today (10.08.2025). General Manager/Eastern Railway, DRM/Sealdah and other dignitaries were also present in the occasion.

Virtual mental health programme gaining popularity

Virtual mental health programme Tele MANAS was launched by the central government with the support of Nimhans and IIIT-B. The programme, offers free services, is supposed to have centres across India. The pilot program launched last year. The Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele Manas) helpline has now seen a surge in calls for such problems, with over 21 lakh calls received so far.

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is running this helpline and free consultation is being provided for various mental health issues. The International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-B) is providing technical support to this helpline.

In Karnataka Tele Manas unit is functioning in the centers of Bangalore and Dharwad, and the Tele Manas helpline is helping in resolving mental health issues. The video consultation has also received a good response, and there is a proposal to expand this service said, Prof. T.K. Srikanth, Head of e-Health Research Department, IIIT-B.

Vaani Kapoor features in SSBeauty & Shoppers Stop's new campaign video

Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor features in the ShowStoppers’25 campaign video, bringing her signature blend of modern glamour and individuality to the screen. Her presence adds a bold new energy to this year’s narrative—one that celebrates personal expression, high-octane glam, and the power of feeling like a showstopper in your own right.

The festival will also offer an exciting blend of interactive sessions. Think makeover marathons, masterclasses, personalised skincare consultations, try-ons and a chance to discover fresh fragrances. Beauty enthusiasts can look forward to exclusive offers from beauty brands like Lancôme, Giordano, Shiseido, LOVETC, Joyology Beauty, Clarins, Yves Saint Laurent, Armani, and NARS, among others. They can discover curated looks, limited-time beauty kits, and trendy products online on ssbeauty.in and shoppersstop.com.

PNB customers can now open Demat and Trading accounts on PNB One mobile app

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading public sector bank, offers digital Integrated Demat & Trading account opening functionality. This enables customers to open both Demat and Trading accounts simultaneously through the PNB One mobile application without requiring additional KYC documentation.

The digital facility represents a significant milestone in PNB's digital transformation journey, offering customers convenience in Demat & Trading account opening. Through strategic partnership with the trading channel partners, PNB has created a unified platform that eliminates traditional barriers in Demat & Trading account opening.

Key Highlights

Single application process: Investors can now open Demat and trading accounts using a single application, eliminating paperwork and save time.

Seamless integration: The functionality ensures smooth integration between demat and trading accounts.

Status Updates: Clients can manage both accounts through a unified dashboard of the trading partner, providing real-time updates and enhanced visibility.

Comprehensive support: Dedicated customer service team available to assist clients throughout the account opening process.

Shri Binay Kumar Gupta, CGM, PNB said “We are committed to innovating and improving the overall investment experience. Our integrated demat account and trading account opening facility in collaboration with Bank’s trading partners, Aditya Birla Money Ltd. and SMC Global Securities Ltd. aims to empower investors to achieve their financial goals.”

How to Open an Account?

To open an integrated demat and trading account, customer can navigate to the ‘Popular’ section of the Bank’s mobile banking app, PNB One, and click on Demat & Trading. The service is available also on the internet banking platform

Foodtech 2025 begins in #Kolkata

22nd International Kolkata Foodtech 2025, Eastern India’s premier business to business (B2B) Exhibition for food processing, bakery, mithai & namkeen, dairy, ice-cream and hospitality industry, will be held at the Biswa Bangla Milan Mela Complex in Kolkata from 2nd to 4th August, from 10 am to 6 pm. More than 200 major foreign and Indian companies and leading brands from the food and hospitality sector would be participating at the three-day mega Exhibition which is open to the public for free. 

The International Foodtech Kolkata 2025 is organized by N K Kapur & Co (P) Ltd and supported by Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India, West Bengal Bakery Association, All India Food Processors Association, West Bengal Bakers Coordination Committee, Paschimbanga Misti Udyog, Fragrances & Flavours Association of India, National Restaurant Association of India, Eastern India Culinary Association and others.

“The Foodtech Fair is a significant catalyst for modernization, skill development, partnership-building, product innovation and market expansion in the local food industry, with particular benefits for up-and-coming businesses and those adopting sustainable technologies. With India signing up new Free Trade Agreements with different countries and organisation, has immensely brightened the scope for overall growth of the food sector and infusion of smart food processing, preserving and packaging technologies in the country,” said Mr Zakir Hossain, Chief Convenor, 22nd International Foodtech Kolkata, 2025.

This Foodtech Fair provides opportunities to explore industry trends, connect with influential buyers and suppliers, discover innovative technologies, and expand into new markets. India’s food processing sector, one of the largest in the world, lies at the heart of the Government of India’s Make in India initiative. Foodtech Fair lays emphasis on eco-friendly technologies, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing, which can encourage local industry to adopt greener methods.

“The International Food Technology Fair in Kolkata introduces local businesses to new processing, packaging, and automation technologies, helping them modernize their operations and improve efficiency. Exposure to cutting-edge machinery and digital solutions enables even small and medium enterprises to compete more effectively and adopt best practices. The event serves as a platform for local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and suppliers to network with national and international players, facilitating business deals, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. These connections can result in technology transfers, distribution deals, and even exports.,” Mr Hossain said.

Event Highlights

► Focus Areas: Food processing technology, packaging, bakery and confectionery, dairy (including a Dairy and Ice Cream Expo), snacks, ready foods, beverages, cold storage systems, pollution control equipment, and kitchen appliances

► Audience: Primarily business professionals, including caterers, restaurant chains, hoteliers, food processors, consultants, entrepreneurs, and industry decision-makers

► Exhibitor Profile: Food & beverage companies, machinery and equipment suppliers, packaging and ingredient suppliers, hospitality solutions, and related service providers

► Support for Startups and MSMEs: Fairs often showcase products and services from micro food enterprises and startups, giving them a valuable platform to connect with buyers and investors. Government support schemes are also promoted, improving access to resources.

► Special Events: Seminars for the bakery and confectionery industry, panel discussions on culinary topics, business networking sessions and live demonstration of technologies-in-use.