The Economic Times

In Nepal, the tragic aftermath of flash floods has claimed more than fourteen hundred lives, while over six thousand people are still missing. The Bhotekoshi River's relentless torrents have obliterated homes and critical infrastructure. Rescuers face immense hurdles in identifying the deceased, as DNA testing becomes indispensable for confirming victims after their extended time submerged in water.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince met Egypt's President seeking support against Houthi rebel attacks. These attacks threaten vital shipping lanes and Saudi oil infrastructure significantly. The Houthi advances have also intensified the conflict within Yemen itself. Egypt's backing offers political influence and international rallying for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom faces difficult choices regarding military action or diplomatic solutions.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories has taken a significant step in cancer care with the introduction of NIVORZ, a biosimilar of nivolumab. Designed to enhance immune response against a variety of cancers, this new treatment has received approval from the DCGI for twelve specific indications. By making this intravenous therapy available, Dr Reddy's aims to broaden access to affordable, high-quality cancer care options for patients in need.

A Saudi oil pipeline faces weeks of repairs after an attack, impacting global petroleum supplies. Houthi rebels captured key Red Sea islands, further threatening Saudi oil exports. This disruption forces the kingdom to shift crude oil away from the Persian Gulf. The pipeline's shutdown threatens extended periods of reduced oil flow to markets. The ongoing conflict in Yemen is also escalating, causing significant displacement and casualties.

India's government plans to streamline drug approval processes for domestic use. Applicants can now start studies after intimating the drug regulator. Import license processing timelines for new drugs will be halved to forty-five days. This move aims to improve the ease of doing business in the sector. However, certain high-risk drug categories will retain existing stringent requirements.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated India has entered a new era of performance politics. He said corruption, casteism, and dynastic politics have ended since 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has freed the country from policy paralysis and poor decision-making. A campaign called 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' will promote public participation for a developed India. This initiative marks Modi's birthday and significant years of his governance.

Manipal Health Enterprises plans significant expansion across several Indian states. The company is adopting a digital-physical healthcare model driven by Artificial Intelligence. Strategic acquisitions and a new greenfield project in Mumbai are underway. Investments focus on AI-enabled nursing and patient monitoring systems. The healthcare major aims to add over 2,400 beds by the year 2030.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday reaffirmed the need for a strategic, long-term perspective in India-China ties, with Modi stressing that peace and tranquillity along the frontier remain essential. The leaders also discussed border agreements, trade imbalances, supply chains, market access and a fair resolution of the boundary question.

BRICS leaders agreed to strengthen health cooperation and share best practices. They endorsed initiatives focusing on tuberculosis and digital healthcare systems. Leaders also supported efforts for healthy lifestyles and mental well-being programs. Pandemic preparedness and response capacities were emphasized by the group. Cooperation on traditional medicine and health workforce development was also highlighted.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed BRICS as an influential cooperation platform. He urged the grouping to play a role in West Asian peace. Xi also called for strengthened cooperation in AI and global governance. BRICS countries should lead in innovative development and maintaining stability. The bloc aims to steer the international order toward greater justice and equity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a notable moment with leaders at the BRICS Summit. He was pictured holding hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Other leaders including Iran's President and South Africa's President also joined them. Modi engaged in discussions with leaders from Russia, China, and Indonesia. India hosted the BRICS Summit for member and partner countries.

AstraZeneca's breast cancer drug Etcamah did not meet its main goal in a late-stage trial. The drug showed only a numerical improvement when combined with palbociclib. This marks a setback for the recently approved treatment, which received accelerated approval. U.S.-listed shares of AstraZeneca experienced a decline in aftermarket trading. Trial data will be shared by the company in due course.

Top Indian health institutions are partnering with the Armed Forces Medical Services. These collaborations focus on developing advanced medical solutions for soldiers. Research areas include trauma care, infectious diseases, and digital health technologies. This initiative aims to address India's specific climatic and battlefield conditions. The government is expanding defense-oriented medical research for operational needs.

Marengo Asia Hospitals has raised Rs 400 crore from LeapFrog Investments to expand its hospital network, with plans to more than double capacity to over 4,000 beds within two years. Backed by Samara Capital and Godrej and Havells family offices, Marengo operates five hospitals across the NCR, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

A Himachal Pradesh government drug laboratory has declared two batches of an imported peritoneal dialysis solution Not of Standard Quality after they failed bacterial endotoxin tests. The report also flagged nine regulatory violations, including use of non-Indian pharmacopoeial standards, labelling deficiencies, missing safety warnings and inadequate importer details.

President Xi Jinping will visit India for the BRICS summit and bilateral talks. China urges handling differences and viewing ties from a strategic perspective. This meeting follows previous engagements between the two leaders. The BRICS summit is a key platform for emerging market cooperation. Xi's visit aims to stabilize bilateral ties amid global volatility.

India will host Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders in New Delhi on September 12-13 for the groupings 18th summit. The gathering brings together leaders representing economies that account for about 40% of global GDP, with several bilateral meetings with PM Narendra Modi also planned.

India has now administered over 80 lakh HPV vaccinations to girls. This significant milestone strengthens preventive healthcare and protection against HPV infection. The nationwide campaign, launched in February, targets fourteen-year-old girls for free vaccination. The Gardasil-4 vaccine is available at government health facilities across the country. Parental consent is mandatory for this voluntary immunization program.

NTK, a subsidiary of IHH Healthcare Berhad had earlier filed a claim at the Tokyo District Court seeking damages from Daiichi Sankyo, alleging that the Japanese firm had obstructed NTK's efforts to complete its open offers to acquire shares in Fortis Healthcare Limited and its step-down subsidiary, Fortis Malar Hospitals Limited.

Marengo Asia Hospitals has secured Rs. 400 crore funding from LeapFrog Investments. This capital will fuel expansion into tier one and two Indian cities. The company plans to double its hospital bed capacity to 4,000 beds. Marengo Asia Hospitals aims to consolidate its leadership and enter new geographies. This investment reinforces LeapFrog's commitment to healthcare platforms across Asia.

Amitabh Dube has been appointed as the new president of OPPI for a two-year term. Dube currently serves as the Country President and Managing Director of Novartis India. He brings nearly three decades of extensive pharmaceutical industry experience to his new role. Dube expressed his privilege to lead OPPI during India's healthcare transformation. The former president, Bhushan Akshikar, expressed confidence in Dube's leadership.

Global biopharmaceutical company MSD has opened a new technology centre in Hyderabad. This facility will enhance the company's digital, data, and AI capabilities. The centre supports MSD's global Human Health business operations. Telangana's minister highlighted Hyderabad's evolving life sciences ecosystem.

iKure Techsoft has successfully raised USD 1.8 million in Pre-Series A funding. This infusion of capital is set to bolster its frontline healthcare workforce and enhance infrastructure, while also advancing its digital health platform through AI integration. iKure aims to provide ongoing care to patients, ensuring access to vital healthcare services for underserved communities across India.

Investment is shifting to regional hospital hubs like Jaipur and Vadodara. These markets offer growth opportunities and lower operating costs for investors. Health insurance penetration is also increasing significantly in these areas. Single-specialty segments like IVF and mother-child care are driving deal activity. Regional hospital brands are expected to scale through clusters and strengthen networks.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised India's health sector progress. He highlighted advancements in maternal and child health initiatives. India's Ayushman Arogya Mandirs bring health screenings closer to communities. ASHA workers support mothers and children from conception through adolescence. Discussions also covered India's efforts to end tuberculosis and strengthen regulations.

The United Kingdom has banned trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israel responded by closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and expelling UK representatives. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated settler terrorists perpetrate ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. This move signifies growing international isolation for Israel following the Gaza war. The United Kingdom also recognized Palestinian statehood last year to revive peace efforts.

India's defense minister stated forces have freedom and resources to strike adversaries inside their territory. The nation believes in peace but distinguishes it from weakness, responding decisively to terrorism. India is moving forward with independent agency amid geopolitical uncertainties and foiled adversary designs. The defense sector has transformed, boosting indigenous production and exports significantly. The government aims for self-reliance in defense and global leadership by 2047.

Eleven days post the catastrophic floods in Nepal, search teams are tirelessly looking for those still missing. Authorities are confronted with the tough task of identifying casualties, as many bodies are severely affected. Approximately 5,000 people, including several foreign nationals, are still unaccounted for after the ice-rock avalanche. The nation seeks international assistance and advocates for climate justice while striving to restore basic services and repair the widespread damage.

India will provide forensic DNA profiling support to help identify mortal remains of Nepal flood victims, the MEA said. First-degree relatives of missing persons residing in India can submit samples at designated central, state and accredited laboratories. DNA profiles will be shared with Nepal authorities for comparison with unidentified remains.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries will offer its drugs at prices matching other developed nations. This agreement aims to make healthcare affordable for low-income Americans. Analysts believe the financial impact on Sun Pharma will be minimal. The company's US revenue contribution is significant, reinforcing its growth strategy. This pact recognizes Sun Pharma's investment in the American market.

Lannett Company, part of Aurobindo Pharma, has launched generic Advair Diskus in the US, making it the first complex inhalation product from Aurobindo to be marketed there. This market is worth approximately $908 million. Moreover, Cipla's US branch has also obtained FDA approval for the same product, setting the stage for an exciting competition in respiratory treatments.

AIG Hospitals will invest two thousand crore rupees over five years. A thousand-bed greenfield multispeciality hospital will be built in Visakhapatnam. The first phase with six hundred fifty beds should open by October 2028. This facility will offer over fifty medical and surgical specialities. The project also includes a nursing college and research laboratory.

Indias private credit market deployed $3.5 billion across more than 100 deals in H1 2026, broadly unchanged from $3.4 billion in H2 2025, according to EY.

A Delhi court has taken cognisance of the NIA's extensive chargesheet. This chargesheet details the Red Fort blast which killed eleven people last year. Thirteen accused individuals are now facing charges in connection with the incident. The NIA linked the accused to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an Al-Qaeda offshoot. Further proceedings in this significant case are scheduled for September ninth.

The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has now affected sixty health zones in eastern Congo. Two new zones, Biena and Manguredjipa, are now experiencing the outbreak. These areas show a higher case fatality rate than the overall average. The outbreak has recorded five thousand seven hundred ninety-four confirmed cases and two thousand seven hundred eighty-six deaths. This epidemic is spreading faster than containment and tracking efforts can manage.

Aster DM Quality Care is negotiating to acquire a controlling stake in Yatharth Hospitals. This potential acquisition aims to consolidate the hospital sector amid private equity interest. Yatharth Hospitals' stock has seen a significant rise in anticipation of a potential trade. The deal would trigger an open offer for additional shares, expanding the acquirer's ownership. This move would significantly strengthen Aster DM Quality Care's presence in northern India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new tank overhaul facility in Jabalpur. This facility will significantly boost India's capacity for maintaining its armored fleet. Singh highlighted tanks as crucial for border defence and soldier morale.

Six months after its start, the US war with Iran shows no clear end in sight. Original objectives have shifted, and some key goals remain unfulfilled. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane, has been largely closed since the war began. While US forces achieved tactical successes, Iran's nuclear program and proxy groups are still concerns.

Nineteen of Medicovers 25 hospitals are already profitable, while the remaining facilities are in various stages of ramp-up, P Hari Krishna, executive director, Medicover Hospitals India, told ET. He said newer hospitals typically take 12-18 months to fully break even.

Kedaara Capital has acquired a majority stake in Tynor Orthotics for approximately $200 million. This significant deal provides an exit for investor Lighthouse Funds from the medical device maker. Tynor Orthotics manufactures orthopaedic supports and mobility aids for global markets. The company has an extensive distribution network reaching numerous retail outlets and hospitals. Kedaara will partner with Tynor's promoters and its existing strategic partner Thuasne.

India conveyed to China the importance of border peace for bilateral ties. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for talks. They discussed delimitation of the frontier and trans-boundary cooperation efforts. Both sides agreed to continue seeking a political settlement of the boundary question. Maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas was highlighted as crucial.

A special NIA court in Jammu ordered jail authorities to avoid unnecessary handcuffing of Shabir Ahmad Shah. The separatist leader cited advanced age and multiple health ailments causing him pain. Shah was arrested by the NIA in connection with a three-decade-old terror case. He had recently been released on bail after nearly seven years in other cases.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend a two-day conference on national security. More than 850 officers from security forces will participate in this event. The ninth National Security Strategy Conference will combine physical and virtual modes. Officers will deliberate on contemporary matters and challenges facing national security. This important meeting begins on Monday and will address key issues.

Mankind Pharma has secured an exclusive agreement with Chongqing Chenan Biopharmaceutical. This partnership focuses on commercialising two insulin analogues for diabetes care. The deal will enhance Mankind Pharma's injectable diabetes segment offerings. These new products will strengthen the company's comprehensive patient portfolio.

Lord's Mark Industries has obtained a license for its groundbreaking Biomescan Analytics Platform, which specializes in assessing the gut microbiome to deliver customized health insights. With ambitious plans to set up 3,000 health centers across India in the next three years, the initiative aims to offer gut assessments and personalized nutritional advice, promoting proactive health and enhancing long-term wellness outcomes.

A special NIA court in Jammu issued a non-bailable warrant for Mohammad Yaqoob. He is an operational commander for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Yaqoob is a designated terrorist involved in terror activities in Kashmir. He coordinated financial and logistical support for other LeT cadres. The warrant is in connection with an ongoing investigation into a terror network.

Manipal Health Enterprises will acquire Kinder Women's Hospital in Bengaluru for Rs 130 crore. This business transfer agreement involves acquiring the hospital's entire operations and assets. The acquisition strengthens Manipal Hospitals' position in a growing Bengaluru healthcare market. It will also expand access to their clinical expertise and capabilities for more patients. This move complements their existing healthcare ecosystem in the Whitefield micro-market.

As the deadline for a resolution on the US-Iran nuclear deal has passed without any advancements, both countries remain firmly entrenched in their positions related to the Strait of Hormuz. Following the collapse of the interim agreement, tensions have de-escalated, yet Iran demands the lifting of blockades and reparative actions, whereas the US persists with its economic pressure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He called Vajpayee an extraordinary statesman with remarkable vision. Vajpayee dedicated his life to the service of the nation. His words and leadership inspired generations and strengthened the country. Focus on good governance and public welfare will continue to guide us.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded President Droupadi Murmu's Independence Day address. Her inspiring words encouraged renewed determination for a developed India. The President highlighted comprehensive reforms for public examinations. She emphasized transparency and security in the examination system. Joint efforts are needed to safeguard students' present and future.