Sahajanand Medical Technologies (SMT), one of India’s leading cardiovascular medical devices companies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Bhargav Kotadia, CEO & Managing Director, as the Co-Chair of the FICCI Medical Devices Committee for 2025–2026. This marks the fourth consecutive year that SMT continues to hold this prestigious leadership position at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), a unique achievement within the Indian Medtech ecosystem.

SMT’s CEO Bhargav Kotadia Appointed Co-Chair of FICCI Medical Devices Committee 2025–2026

FICCI, India’s apex industry chamber with a legacy dating back to 1927, engages deeply with Government, industry, academia and research institutions to build sectoral growth and policy frameworks. The Medical Devices Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s Medtech agenda and sectoral priorities.

Accepting the appointment, Mr. Kotadia expressed his gratitude to FICCI President Mr. Anant Goenka and reaffirmed SMT’s commitment to contributing towards India’s rapidly evolving medical devices sector. Sharing his views on the appointment he commented “I am honoured to accept the position of Co-Chair of the FICCI Medical Devices Committee. The medical devices industry is recognized as one of India’s most promising sectors, poised for significant growth over the coming decade, with industry estimates indicating the potential to reach around USD 30 billion by 2030. The sector’s growth is central to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, as India works towards becoming a global hub for healthcare manufacturing and innovation. With FICCI’s continued leadership and strong collaboration between industry and government, we will work towards strengthening India’s MedTech ecosystem, enhancing global competitiveness, and supporting sustainable, innovation-led growth.”

He further emphasized that SMT will remain actively engaged with the Committee’s initiatives, contributing to policy development, stakeholder consultations and thought leadership.

SMT’s sustained leadership role within FICCI’s Medical Devices Committee underscores the company’s commitment to national and global healthcare priorities, innovation-driven manufacturing, and sectoral policy advocacy. Over the past years, SMT has actively contributed to advancing discussions on regulatory reforms, import substitution, R&D enhancement, Free Trade Agreements and adoption of cutting-edge technologies in healthcare delivery.

About SMT (Sahajanand Medical Technologies)
SMT (Sahajanand Medical Technologies) is a medical devices company with a portfolio of technologically advanced medical devices across vascular and structural heart intervention. SMT offers an extensive portfolio of products focusing on vascular intervention and was the first company in the world to receive CE certification for a DES with a biodegradable polymer. SMT has a global presence with its footprints in more than 75 countries, as on March 31, 2025.

For further updates, please visit the website or follow SMT on LinkedIn.

Disclaimer
Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a draft red herring prospectus dated July 25, 2025 (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) and the stock exchanges. The DRHP is available on our website at www.smtpl.com as well as on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited at www.motilaloswalgroup.com, Avendus Capital Private Limited at www.avendus.com, HSBC  Securities  and  Capital Markets (India) Private Limited at www.business.hsbc.co.in and Nuvama Wealth Management Limited at www.nuvama.com and and the websites of the stock exchange(s) at www.nseindia.com and www.bseindia.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and refer to the Red Herring Prospectus, including the section titled “Risk Factors” of the Red Herring Prospectus when available, for details. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision.

Hair artist Sunny Verma, Founder of the salon brand Sunnyhairport, has expanded operations to Bandra, Mumbai, following the brand’s growing presence in Delhi and increasing visibility across digital platforms.

Sunny Verma, Founder of Sunny Hairport, reflecting the brand’s strong presence in the glamour industry

Originally from Himachal Pradesh, Sunny Verma currently works across Delhi, Mumbai, and international markets. He is known in the hair and beauty industry for his focus on hair colour techniques, texture management, and styling methods developed specifically for Indian hair.

B town celebs at Sunny Verma’s Sunny Hairport salon

Sunnyhairport operates as a premium salon brand offering personalised hair services. According to the brand, its approach emphasises detailing, consultation-led transformations, and customised after-care. The company currently operates four salon branches and employs over 100 professionals, having started with a team of five.

In recent years, Sunnyhairport has gained additional digital traction through short-form transformation and transition videos shared on social media. Several of these videos featured public figures from the entertainment and sports industries, including Suryakumar Yadav, Remo D’Souza, Kusha Kapila, Terence Lewis, Avneet Kaur, Prince Narula, Dimple Kapadia, Tulsi Kumar, Shirley Setia, Bhumi Pednekar, Vishal Mishra, Jasmine Bhasin, Ashnoor Kaur, Kajal Aggarwal, and Yuvika Chaudhary.

The videos contributed to broader awareness of the brand among online audiences.

Sunny Verma began his career in 2006, at a time when advanced hair education options were limited in India. He later travelled to nearly 20 countries to study international hair colour systems, techniques, and research related to different hair textures. He spent over 15 years working as a Style Director with multiple brands before launching Sunnyhairport in 2020.

Alongside salon operations, Verma also runs Sunnyhairport School, an education initiative aimed at providing professional hair training and exposure to international trends for young artists and students in India.

The Mumbai Bandra outlet marks Sunnyhairport’s latest phase of expansion. According to the brand, the focus remains on delivering consistent service standards across locations while continuing research and development in hair colour and maintenance techniques.

Social Media Links 

Instagram  –  www.instagram.com/sunnyhairport?igsh=MWRiN3ZxYzExYzFGeg==
Facebook – www.facebook.com/share/1UuKKhfreR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
YouTube – youtube.com/@sunnyhairport?feature=shared

Ai+ today announced NovaPods, its first audio lineup, adding a wearable audio layer to the brand’s connected device ecosystem. Scheduled to launch in Q1 2026 and priced starting below Rs. 1,000, NovaPods is designed to be worn through the day, combining dependable audio with a form factor focused on comfort, fit, understated design and health.

Glimpse of upcoming NovaPods

The NovaPods lineup includes Ai+ NovaPods Go, Air, Pro, Beats, and Clips.

NovaPods Go, a lightweight earbud, is designed for on-the-go users, prioritising portability and convenience.

NovaPods Air offers a blend of comfort and a powerful audio experience without compromising on style.

NovaPods Pro, delivers enhanced sound clarity and active noise cancellation for an immersive audio experience.

NovaPods Beats not only offers a powerful bass, it also integrates heart rate tracking and SpO2 monitoring for active and wellness-focused users.

NovaPods Clips is where health meets fashion meets immersive listening, with an offering of heightened awareness of the listeners’ surroundings.

All NovaPods, across the series, will be available in vibrant, youthful colours similar to those of the Ai+ smartphone line-ups.

Speaking in the announcement, Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said, “NovaPods marks a significant step in our journey to integrate technology into daily life seamlessly. With this lineup, we’re not just offering a product; we’re inviting users to experience a new level of comfort and performance that fits effortlessly into their lifestyles. At Ai+, our mission is to empower users without overwhelming them with complexity or cost.”

The launch of NovaPods reflects Ai+’s broader approach to building connected products that work together while remaining easy to adopt. Full product specifications, pricing details, and availability will be announced closer to launch. NovaPods will be launching nationwide in January 2026 through Flipkart & selected offline partners.

About Ai+

Ai+ is India’s fastest-growing technology brand, built from the ground up to serve a future shaped by applied intelligence and sovereign innovation. At its core is NxtQuantum OS, India’s first native mobile operating system, designed for performance, privacy, and purposeful simplicity. Every Ai+ device blends clean design, battery-optimised hardware, and applied intelligent software to elevate everyday experiences by Adding A Plus.

From redefining smartphones under the Ai+ Smartphone banner to pioneering the Laptab and now the NovaPods as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ is creating new product categories and a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

About NxtQuantum Shift Technologies
NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is authored in India and globally competitive. 

• Achieved a 16% reduction in energy intensity over the last three years

• Achieved a 17% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions intensity compared to FY2022–23

• 97% of total waste diverted from landfill, reflecting strong circularity practices

• Achieved 4% reduction in water consumption intensity through process-level efficiency initiatives

• Five-year decarbonization roadmap sets clear 2030 sustainability targets
   

Marking over 50 years of engineering and manufacturing leadership, RSB Group published its first Sustainability Report, reaffirming its commitment to responsible growth, operational discipline, and long-term value creation for stakeholders. The report presents performance data across energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and waste management, supported by defined targets and alignment with global reporting standards.
 

RSB Group releases its first Sustainability Report 2025

Sustainability is embedded in RSB’s DNA and has been part of the Group’s approach since its inception, shaping decisions across engineering, manufacturing, and operational excellence.
 

Speaking on the occasion, R. K. Behera, Chairman, RSB Group, said, “Our sustainability journey is rooted in measurable actions on the factory floor. These efforts focus on improving energy use, lowering emissions, and managing water and waste responsibly. At its core, this journey is guided by our 4P framework of Purpose, People, Process, and Planet, which shapes how we design, manufacture, and deliver across our operations. The progress reflected in this report demonstrates how operational discipline, an efficient workforce and clear targets translate into meaningful outcomes. These principles are fundamental to building a sustainable and competitive manufacturing footprint for the future.”

Energy and emissions performance

According to the report, total energy consumption stood at 264,850 GJ, reflecting a ~5% reduction over the past three years, while energy intensity declined to 1.50 GJ per tonne, a ~16% improvement compared to FY22–23.
 

Total Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions reduced to 48,137 tCO₂e, with Scope 1 emissions declining by ~25% compared to FY22–23. GHG emissions intensity improved to 0.27 tCO₂e per tonne, marking a ~17% reduction over the same period.
 

The report outlines a five-year decarbonisation roadmap focused on renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency measures and low-carbon technologies. It also sets out 2030 commitments, including 50% renewable energy adoption and 60% water neutrality, building on progress already achieved.
 

S.K. Behera, Vice Chairman of RSB Group, added, “At RSB, sustainability is not a parallel initiative; it is embedded across the entire value chain, from product design and engineering to manufacturing, logistics, and delivery. Every process decision is evaluated through the lens of efficiency, responsibility, and long-term impact. This commitment is foundational to how we operate today and will continue to guide us as we build future-ready, sustainable manufacturing systems.”
 

Water and waste management

The report also highlights progress in water stewardship, with water intensity improving to 0.61 KL per tonne, a ~4% year-on-year improvement in FY24-25. Waste management initiatives enabled approximately 97% of waste to be diverted from landfill, reflecting process-level improvements across operations.
 

Beyond environmental metrics, the Sustainability Report outlines continued focus on employee safety, workforce skill development and community engagement. Social initiatives are implemented through RSB Foundation, with programmes spanning education, healthcare, livelihoods and environmental stewardship across multiple regions.
 

Aligned with SEBI BRSR and GRI standards, the Sustainability Report reflects a growing emphasis on governance, data-driven performance tracking and the integration of sustainability considerations into manufacturing operations.

For India’s millennials, astrology has quietly moved from the margins to the mainstream. What was once a quick glance at the newspaper horoscope has now become a daily ritual powered by apps, chatbots, and live astrologers. Platforms like AstroSage, Neo Astro, and AstroTalk are seeing unprecedented traction, as young Indians turn to the stars to make sense of careers, relationships, and life’s big crossroads.

Zodiac Sign Trends 2026

The numbers tell their own story. The astrology app market in India, valued at around $163 million in 2024, is expected to grow nearly tenfold to about $1.8 billion by 2030, riding a staggering growth rate of close to 50 percent. Millions of downloads later, these platforms blend ancient Vedic wisdom with modern AI—offering everything from kundli matching and birth chart readings to instant chat consultation with astrologers. For urban, digital-first millennials navigating uncertainty, this mix feels both familiar and futuristic.

Why Millennials Are Driving the Astrology Boom
Born between 1981 and 1996, millennials now form the backbone of India’s astrology audience. Platforms report that nearly 70 percent of their users come from Gen Z and millennial cohorts, with engagement rising month after month. From relationship guidance to career timing, AI-powered chat readings have become especially popular for quick, personalised insights.

What’s striking is how deeply astrology is shaping lifestyle choices. Surveys suggest many young Indians are even planning “star-aligned” travel or key life decisions based on planetary positions. At its core, Vedic astrology’s growing appeal lies in its promise of self-understanding—helping people reflect on identity, emotions, and purpose in a fast-moving world.

The Zodiac Signs Indians Identify With Most
Some signs seem to dominate India’s zodiac landscape. Virgo often tops the list, likely influenced by the high number of births during the monsoon months. It’s followed closely by Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn—signs associated with discipline, resilience, and ambition, traits that resonate strongly with cultural values around hard work and perseverance.

Interestingly, when it comes to wealth and entrepreneurship, Gemini frequently emerges as the most common sign among billionaires globally, with Virgo close behind. Among millennials, signs like Leo, Sagittarius, and Gemini also enjoy popularity for their charisma, confidence, and leadership appeal.

What 2026 Has in Store: Key Planetary Shifts
Astrologically, 2026 is shaping up to be an eventful year. One of the most talked-about movements is Jupiter’s shift from Gemini to Cancer around June. In Vedic astrology, this transit is associated with emotional grounding, family bonds, and inner security—making it a favourable period for personal growth, learning, and long-term planning.

Later in the year, Rahu and Ketu change signs in November, moving into Capricorn and Cancer, respectively. This shift is believed to highlight ambition, career focus, and questions around emotional balance. Aries, Libra, and Capricorn ascendants, in particular, may feel these energies more strongly. Adding to the mix, multiple eclipses throughout the year are expected to bring moments of clarity, change, and course correction—rising interest among many millennials to check their free horoscope 2026 for a clearer sense of timing around key life decisions.

Saturn’s steady influence continues to emphasise discipline and responsibility—nudging people to commit to slow, meaningful progress rather than quick wins.

Turning Astrology into Everyday Guidance
For many millennials, an astrology app in 2026 won’t just be about predictions—it will be about practical direction. Jupiter’s Cancer phase is seen as a good window for investing in skills, wellness, and family priorities. Some may also turn to traditional remedies, whether it’s wearing silver for balance or simple acts of charity tied to their sign, as a way to stay aligned with positive energies.

What’s new is how seamlessly this blends with technology. Data-driven insights from apps, paired with planetary timings, are increasingly shaping decisions like job changes, partnerships, or even when to launch a new venture.

When Data Meets Destiny
As India’s millennials step into 2026, astrology is no longer just about belief—it’s becoming a lifestyle compass. Guided as much by algorithms as by alignments, this generation is redefining how ancient wisdom fits into modern life.

Whether it’s planning a career move under Jupiter’s supportive gaze or embracing Saturn’s call for patience and self-work, millennials aren’t merely reading 2026 Horoscopes. They’re building “cosmic strategies” for navigating uncertainty. In a world where data meets destiny, the stars may just favour those who learn to read both.

Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), a leading diversified technology company, along with Panasonic Corporation (PC), today announced the winners of the third edition of Panasonic Ignition, the company’s accelerator programme designed to support startups redefining the future of residential living. Red Health and Respirer Living Sciences emerged as joint winners of Ignition 3.0 and will now partner with Panasonic to co-create scalable, tech-driven solutions shaping the future of residential living in India.

Panasonic leadership during Ignition 3.0, reinforcing commitment to co-creating scalable, tech-driven solutions for India’s residential ecosystem

Anchored in the theme “Residential Business Challenges,” this edition of Ignition spotlighted innovations that enhance modern living through smart technologies, sustainable practices, personal wellness, connected devices, and community-focused solutions.

IGNITE winner solutions in brief:

• Red Health – Operates a technology-led platform offering integrated emergency response services covering “first minute to last mile.

• Respirer Living Sciences – Develops IoT-enabled energy recovery ventilators that maintain healthy indoor air without wasting energy

Organized in partnership with Beyond Next Ventures, Panasonic Ignition attracted strong interest from India’s startup ecosystem, receiving 113 applications from early to mid-stage ventures across the country. Following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, 11 promising startups were selected for a three-month cohort, where they participated in curated masterclasses, received mentoring from Panasonic and Beyond Next Ventures, refined their business models, strengthened product strategy, and underwent technology validation with industry experts.

Mr. Tadashi Chiba, MD & CEO, Panasonic Life Solutions India, stated, “India is now the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, expanding rapidly at 12–15% each year. This momentum inspires us to deepen our commitment to co-creating meaningful solutions. Our philosophy, ‘Create Today, Enrich Tomorrow’ reminds us that innovation must serve a larger purpose, that is, improving the quality of life and contributing to an ideal society. The third edition of Panasonic Ignition embodies this belief, showcasing responsible, future-ready innovations that are poised to transform how people experience their homes and communities.”

With India’s residential landscape undergoing rapid transformation, Panasonic remains committed to collaborating with agile, forward-looking innovators. The insights and solutions emerging from this cohort will guide future product development, shape strategic partnerships, and enable market-ready innovations—all aligned with Panasonic’s long-term vision of delivering homes that are safer, smarter, more efficient, and truly enriching for customers across India.

Mr. Kunio Gohara, Chief Transformation Officer (CTRO) and Head of the CVC Office, Panasonic Corporation, said, “The Panasonic Kurashi Visionary Fund (PKVF) views India as one of the most important innovation ecosystems in the world. With Ignition’s third cohort, we see a new generation of startups building category-defining technologies in safety, wellness, energy, and community living. For us, Ignition is not only an accelerator—it is a strategic investment pipeline. As a CVC, we are committed to identifying founders who can become long-term partners in Panasonic’s global transformation. We will continue to explore investment opportunities in high-potential Indian startups and co-create solutions that can scale across markets and shape the future of residential living.”

Mr. Manish Misra, Chief Innovation Officer, Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), added, “At Panasonic, innovation is not just a function—it is how we create meaningful value for every resident we serve. Ignition 3.0 has shown the power of co-creating with startups to solve the rapidly evolving needs of Indian households. This year’s winners, Red Health and Respirer Living Sciences , embody the next generation of scalable, human-centric residential solutions. Their work reinforces our belief that collaborative innovation is the fastest path to building safer, healthier, and smarter homes for India.”

Mr. Tsuyoshi Ito, President & CEO, Beyond Next Ventures, iterates, “Panasonic Ignition 3.0 has unearthed groundbreaking solutions that promise to make our homes safer, healthier, and more comfortable. We extend our heartiest congratulations to the winners, whose innovations in residential technology will continue to set a new benchmark. Through our partnership with Panasonic, we are excited for these startups to serve millions of households and communities worldwide. At Beyond Next Ventures, we are dedicated to empowering Indian entrepreneurs to expand their horizons through global partnerships.”

Alongside the IGNITE winners, Panasonic also recognized the ACCELERATE award winners —Ambiator, Biomoneta, Cantata, Kubo Care for their high-impact potential. These startups will work with Panasonic on pilot deployments and explore opportunities for mid-term strategic partnerships.

These solutions represent the next frontier of smart, sustainable, and human-centric technologies designed to elevate the residential and consumer lifestyle experience in India.

Panasonic Ignition has evolved from a focused startup accelerator into one of India’s most forward-looking open innovation platforms, now dedicated to solving large-scale, future-of-living challenges. From early cohorts focused on B2B energy management and consumer lifestyle solutions, Ignition 3.0 has matured into addressing system-level challenges across residential living, spanning safety, wellness, energy efficiency, and community infrastructure. Over three years, it has engaged with 700+ startups and forged deep partnerships with 46+ startups to build, validate, and scale real-world solutions.

About the Panasonic Group

Founded in 1918, and today a global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, devices, B2B solutions and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022 with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company. The Group reported consolidated net sales of 8,458.2 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2025.

To learn more about the Panasonic Group, please visit: holdings.panasonic/global

About Beyond Next Ventures

Beyond Next Ventures is a leading DeepTech venture capital firm with a decade-long legacy of building and scaling science-driven startups that solve real-world challenges. Headquartered in Japan and expanding its presence in India, the firm is distinguished by its unique operator-first DNA, global market access, and deep cross-border networks spanning Japan, the U.S., and India. The firm is currently launching its first India-focused fund (USD 30–50 million), aiming to be the preferred partner for early-stage DeepTech startups and institutional LPs seeking high-impact, high-return investments. The firm is deeply committed to a future where science meets scale for global good. Beyond Next Ventures does this by investing in startups solving societal challenges in health, climate, and digital infrastructure, and where impact and returns are inherently synergistic.

To learn more about Beyond Next Ventures, please visit: beyondnextventures.com