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EXCLUSIVE | ‘We’ve Squandered Gift Of Antibiotics’: Dr Alison Holmes On Why AMR Demands Urgent Global Action

A Lancet analysis has estimated that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is already associated with millions of deaths worldwide every year, signalling a deepening crisis where infections once considered routine are becoming harder, or at times impossible, to treat. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns repeatedly that the world risks entering a “post-antibiotic era,” where even minor injuries or common surgeries could become life-threatening. The WHO has declared AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Against this stark backdrop, Dr Alison Holmes OBE, Lead for the Centres for Antimicrobial Optimisation Network (CAMO-Net) and an infectious diseases specialist who is a professor at Imperial College London and the University of Liverpool, visited India for the PCC Student Conference on AMR Next 2025 at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.  In a conversation with Kirti Pandey for ABP Live, Dr Alison Holmes breaks down how big the AMR problem really is, why antibiotic misuse has brought us to this point, and where the solutions lie. ‘The Problem Is Enormous’: AMR Recognises No Borders! Dr Holmes begins candidly: “The problem is enormous. It is faced in India, but also across the world. We all share this problem, which is why we must work together and learn from each other.” She describes antibiotics as one of the most extraordinary gifts to healthcare, yet a gift humanity has not safeguarded well enough. “Penicillin was a ground-breaking discovery, one of the greatest gifts to medicine and society, yet it is a gift we have somewhat squandered. Every exposure drives resistance.” Highlighting the spirit of the conference, she notes that AMR solutions lie in collaboration, innovation, and prevention. Self, Medication, OTC Antibiotics, and Tracking the MisuseIn India, we do witness the everyday reality of antibiotics being bought over the counter, irregular dosing, and self-medication, each of which is a significant driver of microbial resistance to drugs that were once effective in wiping them out. Dr Holmes warns that this is not prevalent only in India, and that it is a global stress. She highlights the need for societal-level understanding. “We need the whole of society awareness. Everyone involved in prescribing or accessing antibiotics must understand that these are treasures to be protected for times when they are truly needed.” A Joined Future: ‘Either We All Win Together or Sink Together’ When asked whether AMR is a collective risk, Dr Holmes is unequivocal:“Antibiotic resistance does not respect borders, regions, or cities. We are connected, and we must work globally while also working within our communities.” Practical, Actionable Solutions for Today Dr Holmes offers a clear roadmap with five priority pillars: Prevention through sanitation, hygiene, vaccination, and infection control. Effective use of existing antibiotics via education and diagnostics. Data and monitoring to guide responsible policy and prescribing. Minimising exposure, as any exposure fuels Darwinian resistance. Reducing environmental and food chain antibiotic use, beyond hospitals. She emphasises that prevention remains the most powerful tool: clean water, vaccination, and strong infection control systems can drastically reduce antibiotic demand. Do We Need Antibiotic Passports?On fragmented medical histories and doctor-hopping, Dr Holmes points to digital solutions:“Some parts of the world already use antibiotic passports. But beyond individual records, electronic health records and practice-level monitoring are crucial.” Public understanding of harm, both individual and societal, is essential, she says:“When you need an antibiotic, you need it to work.” Antibiotic Literacy for Schoolchildren Should schools teach responsible antibiotic use as civic learning? Dr Holmes says the world is already moving in that direction:“Interestingly, this was highlighted at the UN General Assembly,  that antibiotic literacy should be part of primary and secondary education worldwide, not just science classes.” Young people, she notes, can reshape social norms through their communication reach. Antibiotic Overuse Has Personal Consequences On varying response and antibiotic consumption habits between various people of the same families, Dr Holmes explains, “Antibiotics act on your own bacteria, making your bacteria resistant,  not you. So take them only when needed. Preserve them so that they work when required.” Cross, Sector Collaboration: Breaking the Silos She highlights the AMR Next conference at Amrita Hospital as a model. “Bringing together technology, data science, AI, medicine, public health, policy, and economics enables shared language and coordinated action,” Dr Holmes said. Healthcare, she notes, often fails to fully benefit from emerging technologies because sectors remain silo-ed. Climate Change Will Accelerate AMR On climate pressures and India’s scale, Dr Holmes warns, “Climate change will escalate AMR, and public awareness must grow around this. No matter what happens with climate change, we will always need healthcare, and healthcare cannot function without effective antibiotics.” Is There Hope? Or Is Doom Imminent?Despite the scale of the crisis, Dr Holmes remains hopeful, “Yes, there is hope, particularly through the next generation. But we must focus on prevention: vaccination, water and sanitation, infection control, and creating global awareness of the debt we owe to antibiotics.” Final Verdict: All Hands On Deck!No one can sit this out if humanity wants to win this war on AMR. As Dr Holmes reminds us, antibiotics are foundational to modern medicine, lifelines that make surgery, childbirth, cancer treatment, and intensive care possible. With climate change altering disease patterns and bacteria evolving rapidly, safeguarding these drugs has become a shared global responsibility. Her message is clear: With AMR rising so fast, it’s all hands on deck for global health systems, and by strengthening prevention, improving awareness, educating young people, and reducing misuse across healthcare, agriculture, and communities, it is still possible to preserve antibiotics for future generations. AMR may be a borderless threat, but coordinated action can still change the trajectory.

IPL 2026: David Miller On Radar Of These Three Top Teams

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025, and all franchises have already announced their retained and released players. Among the notable names up for grabs is David Miller, who was released by Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants along with seven other players. Here’s a look at three franchises likely to target him: 1. Gujarat Titans Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, could be eager to bring back Miller. He played a key role in Gujarat’s title-winning debut season in 2022 before being released after 2024. With the Titans seeking a strong presence in the middle overs, Miller’s experience and explosive batting - 3077 runs in 141 IPL matches at a strike rate of 138.60, including a century - make him an ideal candidate. 2. Chennai Super Kings The five-time champions Chennai Super Kings are in a transition phase and might look to balance youth with experience. Miller could slot in as a dependable finisher, providing both stability and firepower to their middle order. His proven record under pressure makes him a strong fit for the CSK lineup. 3. Kolkata Knight Riders With Andre Russell released, the Kolkata Knight Riders are on the lookout for a dynamic middle-order batsman. Miller’s previous performances at Eden Gardens - 249 runs in 9 IPL matches at a strike rate of 148.21, including 2 fifties - make him a natural choice to bolster KKR’s batting depth. Miller’s availability in the auction is set to generate significant interest, and these three franchises are among the most likely to bid for the South African star. When is IPL 2026 Auction? The IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled to be held on December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi - making this the third straight year that the IPL auction is being held outside India. Also on ABP Live | Virat Kohli's Century In Raipur Sees Three Records; World Record Broken Also on ABP Live | IND vs SA: KL Rahul Creates New Death-Overs Record For India

Kohli’s Vijay Hazare comeback: Will fans be allowed in Bengaluru?

Virat Kohli is set to return to domestic white-ball cricket after 15 years in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, playing for Delhi in Bengaluru. His participation, confirmed by DDCA president Rohan Jaitley, adds significant star power alongside Rishabh Pant. While fixtures are set, spectator access at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium remains uncertain, pending government approval.

Spotify Wrapped 2025 Is Here: How To Access Your Year In Music

Spotify Wrapped 2025: Music streaming giant Spotify has rolled out its annual Wrapped 2025, and users are already sharing personalised reels and playlists across social platforms. This edition is larger and more interactive than ever — with fresh features that let you dig deeper into the listening habits that shaped your year. If you’re wondering how to open your Wrapped 2025, follow the simple steps below. Arijit Singh tops the chart Spotify’s 2025 Wrapped not only highlights your most-streamed artists, songs, albums and podcasts, but also surfaces new, shareable insights. For India, Arijit Singh topped the charts for the seventh straight year and even appears in Spotify’s Global Top 10 Artists — a rare crossover for an Indian singer. Romance dominated India’s playlists, with Raanjhan (Sachet-Parampara) named the country’s most-streamed song, while Saiyaara led the album charts. On the podcasts front, creator-led shows such as Figuring Out with Raj Shamani and horror/true-crime titles continued their strong run. Also read: Arijit Singh Leads Spotify Wrapped 2025 In India, Makes Global Top 10 New features in Wrapped 2025 Wrapped 2025 introduces several new features: Listening Age, Fan Leaderboard, Top Albums, Listening Archive (AI-powered snapshots), Clubs that group listeners by style, and Wrapped Party — a first-of-its-kind interactive game you can play with friends. Classic staples — Top Genres, Top Song Quiz, Top Artist Sprint and Your Top Songs playlist — have been refreshed and now surface more stats, like stream counts for your top 100 tracks. Spotify Wrapped 2025: How to access Before you begin, make sure your Spotify app is updated to the latest version. Open the Spotify app on your phone or computer. If you don't see a "Wrapped" banner on the home screen, tap on the "Wrapped" tab at the top or go to the "Home" tab and look for it among your mixes and recommendations. Click on the banner or button to start your personalized recap of the year. Wrapped 2025 is available on iOS and Android; your personalised story plays as an interactive slideshow and includes share buttons to post your stats to socials in seconds.

India Star Retires During IND vs SA ODIs, Setback For IPL Teams

Veteran fast bowler Mohit Sharma has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, surprising many in the cricketing world. The 37-year-old, who last played for India in 2015, represented the country in 26 ODIs and 8 T20Is, and featured in 120 IPL matches, taking 134 IPL wickets, 31 ODI wickets, and 6 T20I wickets. Mohit confirmed his retirement through an emotional Instagram post, thanking the Haryana Cricket Association and expressing gratitude toward Anirudh Chaudhry for his support throughout the journey. Check Mohit's Insta post below...           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Mohitmahipal Sharma (@mohitsharma18) One of the standout moments of Mohit’s career came in IPL 2023, where he made a remarkable comeback and claimed 27 wickets, earning widespread praise. However, he couldn’t replicate that form in IPL 2025, picking up only 2 wickets in 8 matches for  Delhi Capitals, who had signed him for ₹2.2 crore before eventually releasing him. Mohit Sharma’s retirement marks the end of an 12-year professional career that spanned domestic cricket, IPL success, and international appearances for India. Mohit's debut for India Mohit Sharma stepped into international cricket in 2013 and went on to represent India in 26 ODIs and 8 T20Is, picking up 31 ODI wickets and 6 T20I wickets. He was also a member of the Indian squad that made it to the semifinals of the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Throughout his career, he continued to be a dependable performer for Haryana in domestic cricket. However, it was the IPL that truly brought Mohit into the spotlight. After an impressive Ranji Trophy season in 2012-13, he earned a spot with the Chennai Super Kings, quickly becoming one of MS Dhoni’s trusted fast bowlers. He took 20 wickets in IPL 2013, and followed it up with a stellar performance in IPL 2014, where he won Purple Cap for his 23 wickets in 16 matches - thanks to his skillful variations, disciplined lengths, and cleverly disguised slower deliveries at the death.

ITR filing FY 2024-25: Why are tax refunds delayed this year? AIS mismatches, verification checks & more explained

Income tax refunds are significantly delayed this assessment year, with processing times extended even for routine cases. Official data shows a substantial drop in refund outgo compared to last year, attributed to late form releases, increased verification, and processing constraints. Experts anticipate a continued trend of slower processing, particularly for high-value refunds.

Redmi 15C Vs Redmi 15: Just Around Rs 2K Difference, But Which One's Worth Your Money?

Redmi 15C Vs Redmi 15: Xiaomi has launched two new 5G phones this year, which look quite similar but come with different strengths: the Redmi 15C 5G and the Redmi 15 5G. Both phones support fast performance, long battery life, and big displays, but the differences become clear when you compare them side by side.  The Redmi 15C 5G is a budget-friendly option, while the Redmi 15 5G is priced slightly higher with more premium features. If you are confused about which one to buy, this simple comparison will help you decide easily. Redmi 15C Vs Redmi 15: Display The Redmi 15C 5G offers a 6.9-inch HD+ display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling.  The Redmi 15 5G features a bigger 6.9-inch display with a superior 144 Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate gives smoother scrolling and a better gaming experience. If display smoothness and size matter more to you, Redmi 15 5G clearly comes out ahead. Redmi 15C Vs Redmi 15: Price In India Redmi 15C 5G price in India: Rs 12,499 Redmi 15 5G price in India: Rs 14,989 The Redmi 15C 5G is the more affordable choice. The Redmi 15 5G costs more but packs higher-end performance and bigger battery features. So your pick depends on your budget and priorities. Redmi 15C Vs Redmi 15: Performance Redmi 15C 5G runs on Mediatek Dimensity 6300, which is good enough for daily tasks like social media, streaming, and normal multitasking. Redmi 15 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen3, which includes 2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This chipset delivers noticeably stronger performance for heavy multitasking, gaming, and long-term usage. Redmi 15 5G is the superior performer. Redmi 15C Vs Redmi 15: Camera Redmi 15C 5G packs a 50 MP AI Dual Camera on the back, while the front has an 8 MP camera. Redmi 15 5G offers a 50 MP dual AI rear camera and an 8 MP front camera. Both phones offer an 8 MP front camera, so there’s no clear selfie advantage between them. Redmi 15C Vs Redmi 15: Battery & Charging Redmi 15C 5G has a 6000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging, along with reverse charging support. Redmi 15 5G comes with a massive 7000 mAh battery, paired with 33W fast charging and 18W reverse charging. If long battery life is your top priority, the Redmi 15 5G is the clear winner. Both phones are value for money, but the Redmi 15C 5G suits budget users, while the Redmi 15 5G is better for buyers who want top performance and huge battery life.

Sakat Chauth 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Moonrise Time, And More

Sankat Chaturthi 2025: Sakat Chauth, also known as the Chaturthi that removes all obstacles, is considered one of the most powerful fasts for protecting children from difficulties and ensuring their long life and well-being. In 2026, this important Hindu vrat falls at the very beginning of the year, making it spiritually significant for devotees seeking divine blessings from Lord Ganesh and Goddess Sankata Mata. ALSO READ: Amavasya 2026 Dates: Full List Of All 12 Amavasya Tithis And Their Spiritual Significance Sakat Chauth 2026 Date: When Is Sankat Chaturthi? Sakat Chauth 2026 will be observed on 6 January 2026, falling on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the Magha month, according to the Hindu Panchang. This particular Chaturthi is counted among the four major Chaturthis of the year, hence it is also called the Badi Chaturthi. Devotees worship Lord Ganesh and Sankat Mata for the protection, prosperity, well-being and success of their children. In regions like Maharashtra, this festival is celebrated as Lambodar Sankashti Chaturthi. Many devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise until moonrise, breaking their fast only after offering prayers to the moon. Puja Muhurat For Sakat Chauth 2026 According to the Panchang: Sakat Chauth Begins: 6 January 2026 at 8:01 AM Sakat Chauth Ends: 7 January 2026 at 6:52 AM Puja Muhurat: 7:21 PM to 9:03 PM During this muhurat, devotees perform Ganesh puja, offer sacred items, and observe rituals to seek blessings for strength, prosperity and protection from challenges. Moonrise Time On Sakat Chauth 2026 The Sakat Chauth fast is completed only after the moon is sighted and arghya is performed. Moonrise On 6 January 2026: 8:54 PM The moon holds special symbolic importance on this day, and devotees chant Om Somaya Namah while offering arghya. Why Til Is Essential On Tilkut Chaturthi This Chaturthi is also known as Tilkut Chaturthi or Tilkuta Chauth, highlighting the importance of sesame (til) in the rituals. Offering sesame-based sweets like til-gud laddoos pleases Lord Ganesh. Consuming til is believed to remove ailments and purify both body and mind. Donating sesame on this day is considered highly auspicious for spiritual upliftment. Devotees prepare til-gud laddoos, offer them to Lord Ganesh, and later share them as prasad. Traditional Puja Vidhi For Sakat Chauth 2026 To perform the Sakat Chauth rituals properly: Morning Rituals Wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath. Begin the fast with a firm sankalp, choosing between nirjala or phalahar. Evening Puja During the auspicious muhurat, offer panchamrit (a mixture of milk, water, curd, ghee and honey). Offer chandan, flowers, durva grass, bilva leaves, dhatura, and akda flowers to Lord Ganesh. Prepare til-gud laddoos and other traditional sweets as offerings. Recite the Sakat Chauth vrat katha with devotion. Moonrise Ritual At moonrise (8:54 PM), offer arghya to the moon. Chant Om Somaya Namah. Break your fast only after moon worship. [Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on astrological predictions, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities 2025: Small Changes That Can Make Healthcare Kinder For Everyone

{By: Ayush Chauhan} Every December 3, the world unites to reflect and recommit ourselves to the work of creating spaces that nurture, enable, and elevate every human life. This is not a Day of Persons with Disabilities to point out limitations; rather, it is an appeal to social life to converge toward tearing down walls and celebrating humanity in all its dimensions. ALSO READ: From Millets To Mindfulness: How New-Age Lifestyle Hacks Are Transforming Diabetes Prevention In India The Global Disability Landscape And Healthcare Barriers Since healthcare is a fundamental right, inclusion must be non-negotiable. Yet, for millions of people with disabilities, accessing basic care remains complicated by barriers. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.3 billion people worldwide, about 16% of the world population, live with a disability of every type. Many of them remain discriminated against, delayed in intervention, or face barriers in accessing care if they do so because of lack of integration into healthcare systems that have not been designed with their care needs in mind. These are the little, smart changes that can completely flip this landscape. Sometimes, inclusion does not even take anything like a great one-size-fits-all replacement, but it often, though not always, starts with an awareness and empathy, a thought-through design. Small Changes That Make Healthcare More Inclusive The first and most obvious frontier is physical accessibility. Universal comfort-through step-free access, wider doorways, clearly marked signages, wheelchair-friendly washrooms, adjustable examination tables, and others-reduces anxiety not only in patients but also enhances clinical outcomes. Inclusive infrastructure like this should be considered an ethical imperative-not an add-on. In other words, another fundamental element is communication. For visually impaired or individuals who have speech, cognitive, or hearing disabilities, inaccessible important information can cause serious stress. Simple interventions ensure inclusion-through the availability of interpreters for sign language, leveraging large print mediums, or through digital visual tools-or even retraining doctors to rely on clear, respectful communications. Trust drives better health journeys for people who feel seen and heard. Equitable use of such technology amplifies equity. Voice-activated resources, remote monitoring, and telemedicine options allow disabled patients to receive care without too much worry about logistics. Investing in user-friendly healthcare technology leads to early detection, adherence with treatment, and ongoing wellness! Why Mindset Matters In Disability-Friendly Care Inclusion is more than just infrastructure and tools. it's a mindset. People who live with disabilities typically say that the feelings from society are more difficult to navigate than their physical ailments. The shift needs to be one from disability to capacity. For each patient brings particular strengths, preferences, and emotional situations that really should govern care pathways. When healthcare professionals approach with compassion rather than assumptions, health care becomes a true partnership, instead of a process." A recent international survey indicates that individuals with disabilities are almost twice as likely to report unfulfilled health needs compared to non-disabled individuals. This is not a symptom of unavailable medical expertise; this is a symptom of lack of human sensitivity. It is collectively the responsibility of a coalition of decision makers, hospitals, academics, and front-line caregivers to ensure that nobody strays from the system that is meant for them. For hospitals, that journey begins with listening. Patient participation with disabilities in decision-making, institutional planning, and feedback forums yields rich, concrete insights into what really facilitates and enriches convenience and dignity. All reform, both on the policy and operational fronts, ought to be embedded in the lives of people whose insights have often been silenced. Building A Future Where Healthcare Is Kinder For All We, as health-care providers, know that healing is multi-faceted. It takes on a feeling of physical relief, emotional reassurance, and psychological refuge. Going into a healthcare setting, they are not asking for treatment but respect, independence, and acceptance for its definition. On this world day for persons with disabilities, the message cannot be clearer: inclusive healthcare is not an individual service; it is a minimum common standard each and every institution must adhere to. These small steps will take us closer to the day when all carers and patients will get care that is equitable, accessible, and caring. Affirming abilities is about building systems that bring every person into healthier, more dignified lives. And when healthcare is kinder, society is stronger-and that is the real measure of progress. The author, Ayush Chauhan, is the Executive Director, at Prakash Hospital Noida. [Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

IPL Mini Auction: Top 5 Most Expensive Players Ever Signed

The IPL Mini Auction has always been a high-voltage event where franchises fight hard to secure match-winners on relatively tight budgets. Unlike the Mega Auctions, the Mini Auction is all about targeted buying, teams know exactly what they need, and they’re willing to spend big to fill those crucial gaps. As a result, bidding wars erupt, records tumble, and previously underrated players often surface as headline stars. These signings often reshape team combinations, influence season strategies, and sometimes even alter the balance of the tournament. With that said, let's take a look at the top 5 most expensive signings in IPL Mini Auction history. Most Expensive Purchases At IPL Mini Auctions 5) Pat Cummins - Rs 15.5 Crore Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, is the 5th most expensive player to have been bought at an IPL Mini Auction. This happened ahead of the 2024 edition of the tournament, when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured the fast bowler for a record fee. 4) Yuvraj Singh - Rs 16 Crore Indian legend Yuvraj Singh is known for his explosive batting style and six-hitting prowess. The 6 sixes in an over to Stuart Broad at the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup is a major highlight of his career. Yuvraj's heroics ensured that his stocks remained high even at the back of end of his career, as in 2015, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) made him one of the costliest signings of the era. 3) Chris Morris - Rs 16.25 Crore South African all-rounder Chris Morris was signed by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2021, and they went ahead of Yuvraj's record fee to acquire the talent. That, notably, was his last run in the competition, and scored just 67 runs from 11 games, but picked 15 wickets on the other hand. 2) Sam Curran - Rs 18.5 Crore Sam Curran, another all-rounder, but from England, was signed for this record-breaking IPL Mini Auction fee in 2023 by the Punjab Kings (PBKS).  He serves as a fast-bowling option primarily, but also has pinch-hitting talent down the order, which made him a valuable asset. 1) Mitchell Starc - Rs 24.75 Crore Mitchell Starc, another fast bowling Aussie veteran is the most expensive player to ever be signed at a Mini Auction, signed by KKR for IPL 2024. It is worth noting that he was pretty expensive during the group stages, and many started questioning the signing. However, he showed his brilliance during the Playoffs, helping Kolkata lift their 3rd title.  The IPL 2026 Mini Auction is set to be held in under 2 weeks' time, on December 16, 2025. 

NASA’s Bennu asteroid holds secrets of life: Discovery of sugars, mysterious space gum, and ancient supernova star dust

Bennu asteroid samples returned by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission reveal life's building blocks, including sugars like ribose and glucose. Scientists also found a unique nitrogen-rich polymer, offering clues to early life's chemical origins. The asteroid's high concentration of supernova dust sheds light on its formation environment and the distribution of presolar materials in our early solar system.

Aryabhata to Gaganyaan: Russia–India ready to deepen space partnership; comes ahead of Putin’s visit

India and Russia are poised to significantly boost space collaboration, with Roscosmos hinting at a major announcement soon. Discussions are reportedly covering engine development, crewed missions, and orbital stations, emphasising mutual benefit over technology transfer. President Putin's visit aims to elevate ties across various sectors, including energy and industry, to a new qualitative level.

As Zuckerberg Calls Instagram Teams Back To Office Daily, How Will The Work Culture Change?

Meta-owned Instagram has announced a significant change in its work culture, requiring most employees in the United States to return to the office full-time. The new policy will take effect from February 2, 2026, ending the hybrid and remote-work options that became widespread during the pandemic. Why Instagram Is Calling Everyone Back Instagram leadership says the decision is rooted in the belief that the company performs better when teams are physically together. Management emphasises that in-person collaboration boosts creativity, enables faster problem-solving, and strengthens teamwork. The company also anticipates a challenging year for the social media industry in 2026, citing rapid technological changes, tougher competition, and evolving user behaviour. By bringing employees together in one location, Instagram hopes to respond quickly and maintain focus on building stronger products. Returning To Pre-Pandemic Work Culture For nearly three years, Instagram has operated with a hybrid schedule, allowing employees to work from home or visit the office a few days a week. This flexibility was widely appreciated, particularly by those living far from office locations. With the new mandate, Instagram aims to recreate the energy and culture of the pre-pandemic workplace. Leaders argue that in-person interactions facilitate instant feedback, quick discussions, and creative brainstorming that video calls cannot fully replicate. Changes To Meetings And Team Processes Alongside the return-to-office order, Instagram is introducing major changes to internal workflows. Recurring meetings will automatically be cancelled every six months, with only essential meetings rescheduled. Employees are also encouraged to skip sessions that disrupt focus. Team updates will now require working prototypes rather than lengthy slide presentations, while strategy documents are expected to be concise and action-oriented. The goal is to promote a faster, more practical, and efficient work style. Implications For Employees And The Industry The decision has sparked debate in the tech sector, where many companies continue to balance remote and hybrid models. Instagram employees will need to adjust to daily commuting and a more structured routine. However, for employees who thrive on in-person collaboration, the change could restore the energy, creativity, and flow of traditional office life.

Bengaluru startup first Indian firm to get US-FDA Class II nod for medical air cleaners

Bengaluru-based Biomoneta has achieved a significant first, becoming the inaugural Indian healthtech firm to secure US-FDA 510(k) Class II clearance for its innovative medical air-cleaning device. This breakthrough, powered by their unique ZeBox technology, promises to revolutionize hospital infection control by effectively eliminating airborne pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, paving the way for its deployment in US healthcare facilities.