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Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
2025 in Review, 2026 in Focus: India’s Tech Visionaries on What’s Next

2025 in Review, 2026 in Focus: India’s Tech Visionaries on What’s Next

 As 2025 draws to a close, industry leaders across India’s technology spectrum reflect on a year defined by accelerated digital maturity and the convergence of intelligence, design, and sustainability. From next-gen display innovations and AI-led surveillance to the rise of accessible consumer electronics and energy-aware ecosystems, the sector is gearing up for a transformative 2026. c

 

Mr Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia 

 

“2025 was a defining year for the display technology ecosystem, marked by accelerated adoption of smart, sustainable, and experience-driven solutions. At BenQ, we witnessed a dynamic shift in how consumers and professionals engage with technology - from hybrid work and education spaces to the growing demand for personalised entertainment and creator-focused innovation. Our focus remained on designing visual solutions that blend cutting-edge performance with user wellbeing, from eye-care monitors and laser projectors to interactive panels that foster collaboration and creativity.

 

As we step into 2026, the technology sector stands at the cusp of a new era, one where AI, visual intelligence, and eco-conscious innovation converge to shape more meaningful digital experiences. Key trends include accelerating OLED/microLED/quantum dot advancements for superior contrast and efficiency, rising adoption of interactive projections in education and collaboration spaces, and AI-driven personalization across displays. BenQ sees this as an inflection point to lead with purpose: advancing smarter, energy-efficient display technologies that serve both productivity and sustainability goals. The coming year will be about deepening the intersection of design, technology, and human experience - where visual innovation not only informs and inspires, but also contributes to a greener, more connected future."

 

Mr Pankaj Rana, CEO, Hisense India 

 

“2025 has reinforced a clear shift, Indian consumers are no longer satisfied with basic, functional appliances; they increasingly expect smarter, more connected and energy-efficient solutions for their homes. With rising disposable incomes and rapid urbanisation, adoption of IoT-enabled devices, especially smart TVs is moving from early adopters to the mainstream. In 2026, this momentum will only accelerate. We expect strong demand for larger-screen smart TVs, AI-enhanced picture and sound experiences, energy-efficient cooling solutions, and more voice-driven, connected home behaviour. At Hisense, we are doubling down on innovation and localisation, bringing global-quality TVs and next-generation air-conditioning solutions to India at accessible price points, anticipating that households will prioritise convenience, sustainability and intelligent living as core purchase drivers.”

 

Mr. Aditya Khemka, Managing Director, CP PLUS (Aditya Infotech Ltd.)

 

“2025 was a pivotal year for CP PLUS and the surveillance industry, characterised by rapid AI-driven security advancements improved connectivity and more intuitive surveillance systems. Trust and compliance were crucial in this rapidly evolving landscape. 

 

As the industry shifts towards reliable, scalable technology solutions that adapt to changing safety and operational demands, CP PLUS sets a benchmark. We are the first company in the industry to secure the STQC-Certification for the widest range of products and the only brand in the surveillance sector to get listed on the NSE, a testament to our commitment to quality and national standards. This achievement, coupled with our innovation-first approach, solidifies our dedication to developing technologies that precisely, resiliently, and confidently address real-world challenges.

 

Looking towards 2026, the technology landscape is set to deepen its focus on integrated intelligence and automation. CP PLUS has a number of technologies and inventions in the pipeline for the new India and anticipates that security solutions will increasingly leverage AI edge computing and IoT to create more proactive and adaptive environments. We anticipate innovations that extend beyond protection seamlessly integrating to streamline operations, inform strategic decisions and foster secure interconnected ecosystems.”

 

Ravi Agarwal, Co-founder and Managing Director, Cellecor Gadgets Ltd.

 

“2025 has been a defining year for the Indian consumer electronics industry, and for us at Cellecor, it marked a phase of disciplined scale, stronger consumer trust, and deeper market penetration. We saw a clear shift in consumer behaviour, where value, reliability and smart functionality became non-negotiable. Demand was no longer limited to metros, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities emerging as strong growth engines across televisions, audio products and smart wearable categories. This shift reinforced our belief that accessible technology is the future of this industry.

 

For Cellecor, the year was about strengthening our Make in India approach, optimising our product portfolio, and building meaningful visibility across both digital-first and offline channels. We witnessed robust traction across our smart TV and audio segments, along with strong adoption in fast-moving wearable categories. The festive season, in particular, demonstrated how rapidly the market is evolving, with consumers seeking feature-rich products that offer genuine value.

 

Looking ahead to 2026, we believe the next phase of growth in consumer electronics will be driven by deeper integration of smart ecosystems, AI-led personalisation, and energy-efficient technologies that balance performance with sustainability. We also foresee stronger omni-channel buying journeys, where online discovery and offline experience will work together seamlessly."

 

Murali M. Mantravadi, Jt. Managing Director, Energy Bots

“2025 marked a decisive inflection point for the global technology ecosystem. We witnessed the convergence of advanced compute, AI, and clean energy at a pace unmatched in the past decade. Generative AI matured from experimentation to enterprise-scale adoption, contributing to a global AI market that has reached around US$294 billion in 2025 and pushing demand for high-performance compute to historic highs. Simultaneously, renewable energy capacity expanded at record speed, with global additions crossing 500 GW for the first time, strengthening the symbiotic relationship between digital infrastructure and sustainable energy. This was a year where industries realised that intelligence and efficiency must evolve together. 

Looking ahead, 2026 will intensify this shift. Industrial AI will move into full production, edge-AI shipments are expected to grow over 30%, and sustainable computing will become a standard design principle. Smart homes, in particular, will evolve into energy-aware ecosystems where appliances dynamically optimise consumption, adapt to grid patterns, and extend their lifespan through predictive maintenance and continuous updates. 

At Energy Bots, we see this as the beginning of a truly integrated household energy future, one where appliances become intelligent participants in reducing waste, lowering bills, and supporting national sustainability goals. Technology is no longer just powering convenience; it is actively shaping responsible living. The transformation we are witnessing is not incremental; it is foundational, and 2026 will be the year it scales from early adopters to the mainstream.”  

 

Srividya Kannan, Founder-CEO, Avaali Solutions 

 

"As we enter 2026, the AI conversation in India needs to mature rapidly. While 'agent washing' has dominated headlines - companies slapping AI labels on traditional automation - the real opportunity lies in building robust AI infrastructure that can support genuine intelligent systems. India has a unique advantage: we can leapfrog the mistakes other markets made by building AI infrastructure with governance, ethics, and explainability baked in from day one. What concerns me is the gap between AI ambition and AI readiness. Too many organizations are implementing AI agents without the foundational data infrastructure, security frameworks, or change management capabilities to make them work. In 2026, we need to shift from 'AI theater' to AI substance - investing in the unsexy but critical work of data quality, model governance, and human-AI collaboration frameworks. At Avaali, we're focused on helping enterprises build this foundation through solutions that integrate AI thoughtfully into existing workflows rather than disrupting for disruption's sake."

 

Press Release - RRP Defense and Meprolight (Israel) Announce Strategic Collaboration for Advanced Electro-Optics and Weapon Sights in India

Press Release - RRP Defense and Meprolight (Israel) Announce Strategic Collaboration for Advanced Electro-Optics and Weapon Sights in India

MUMBAI, India – December 11, 2025 – RRP Defense Limited (BSE: 530929) and Meprolight Ltd., Israel, a global leader in electro-optics, night-vision and weapon-sight systems, are pleased to announce a strategic collaboration aimed at delivering next-generation defence technologies to the Indian market.

 

Under this collaboration, Meprolight and RRP Defense Limited will jointly work on the distribution, assembly, technology integration, and future localisation of Meprolight’s advanced product line in India. The partnership includes:

 

  • Collaborative sales and distribution of Meprolight products within India for military and law-enforcement agencies.
  • Co-development of pricing, commercial strategy, and payment terms, mutually agreed between both organisations.
  • Technology transfer by Meprolight to support assembly, testing, and integration at RRP Defense’s Mahape facility under the Government of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
  • A long-term roadmap for local manufacturing of select electro-optic systems using indigenous components through RRP Electronics and other ecosystem partners.

 

Leadership Statements

 

Mr. Rajendra Chodankar, Chairman, RRP Defense Limited, said:

“This collaboration with Meprolight affirms India’s growing capabilities in precision defence manufacturing. Integrating world-class electro-optic technology into our Mahape facility enables us to serve the Indian Armed Forces with domestically assembled, battle-tested solutions. Together with Meprolight, we are strengthening India’s defence ecosystem and advancing our role in the global supply chain.”

 

About RRP Defense Limited

RRP Defense Limited is a leading Indian defence manufacturer dedicated to advancing the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Under the leadership of technocrat-entrepreneur Rajendra Chodankar, the company has evolved from a trading entity into a deep-tech defence production enterprise.

RRP Defense focuses on indigenising critical systems in Electro-Optics, Thermal Imaging, and UAV technologies. The company has strengthened its ecosystem through the acquisition of RRP Drone Innovation and the formation of Vimananu Limited, enabling a full spectrum of Drone-in-a-Box and anti-drone solutions.

Through collaborations with Meprolight (Israel) and CYGR (France/USA), along with indigenous semiconductor support from RRP Electronics, the company is positioned to deliver high-precision, battle-ready systems to the Indian Armed Forces and global partners.

 

About Meprolight Ltd., Israel

Meprolight is a globally recognised manufacturer of advanced electro-optic systems, night-vision devices, and weapon sights for defence, paramilitary, and law-enforcement agencies. With decades of battlefield experience and international deployment, Meprolight’s solutions are known for reliability, precision, and combat-tested performance.

 

Media Contact

Saloni Singh

RRP Defense Limited

Phone: +91 90041 48797

Press Story: Rungta Tea's 24 years of growth, now targeting 2-year acceleration

 




Rungta Tea Reports 92% Distributor Retention Over 24 Years, Announces Expansion Plans 

New Delhi, December 9, 2025 – Rungta Tea, one of India's leading regional tea brands, celebrates 24 years of operations with a rare achievement in FMCG distribution - they have maintained a 92% retention rate of its distributor network since launching operations. A retention rate, the company says is unusual in India's fast-moving consumer goods sector. 
Headquarters in Delhi since 2004-05, the company currently operates across North and East India with the same distributor partners it signed at inception. 
"Quality, commitment, and relationships - these three principals have guided every decision for 24 years," said Girjesh Rungta, Founder and Managing Director of Rungta Tea. "We approach all distributors as if we approach family, not channels. When you've sat in the distributor's chair yourself, you understand their challenges before they even voice them."
The company plans to accelerate expansion over the next two years, targeting growth rates that would match its 24-year trajectory, according to Mr. Rungta. He cited existing infrastructure capacity as a key enabler. 
"The work we accomplished in 24 years will be replicated in the next two years," Mr. Rungta stated. "Our infrastructure is built for companies five times our current size. We're not building for today, we're prepared for ten years ahead." 
Rungta Tea, operates a manufacturing facility in Siliguri with family oversight of quality control processes. The company reports testing approximately 2,000 tea samples to approve 15-20 for its premium product lines. 
Known primarily through its flagship Real Gold brand, the company has expanded from its Biharorigins to serve markets in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Delhi NCR. Rajasthan has shown strong uptake for the company's premium offerings, Mr. Rungta said. 
"The business model relies on transparency and zero-cash transactions," Mr. Rungta said. "When distributors trust the business practices, retention follows." 
About Rungta Tea 
Founded in 2001, Rungta Tea produces and distributes blended tea products across North and East India. The company operates with family-controlled quality standards and has expanded into select FMCG categories. Rungta tea’s products include Real Gold, Real Gold Classic, Real Gold Select, Real Taste, Real Taste (elaichi tea), Real Taste (masala chai), Roz and Dhamaka. Current operations span Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Delhi NCR.
Press Note: Step Into FES-MAS: FES Cafe Turns December Into a Winter Wonderland

Press Note: Step Into FES-MAS: FES Cafe Turns December Into a Winter Wonderland

New Delhi, December 2025: This December, FES Cafe, Delhi NCR’s favourite dessert-first hangout, is unwrapping its biggest festive celebration yet: FES-MAS Wonderland, a 12-day holiday extravaganza filled with cosy moments, community events, indulgent desserts and festive magic across all outlets from 12th to 23rd December.

Kicking things off is the ultimate cosy-season starter:

FES-MAS Movie Slumber Night

On 12 December (Friday), FES Nirvana Courtyard transforms into a cosy Christmas haven, complete with warm blankets, bowls of popcorn, mini cookies, and the brand’s much-loved seasonal winter menu, including Chef’s Special Hot Chocolate, Grandmama’s Secret Latte, Strawberry Cloud Cup and more. Guests can settle in under twinkling lights for a feel-good festive film and a night built for pure December joy.

Event Details

  • Date: 12 December

  • Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

  • Location: FES Café, Nirvana Courtyard, Gurugram

  • Entry: INR 699

FES-MAS Specials: 12th–23rd December 2025

Across Galleria, GK2 and Nirvana Courtyard, FES Cafe will bring the season alive with festive drops, exciting collaborations and the brand’s signature winter menu, including the much-awaited Dessert of the Month (DOTM): Ho Ho Hot Chocolate Cake, along with exclusive beverages, including:

  • Chef’s Special Hot Chocolate

  • Grandmama’s Secret Latte

  • Strawberry Cloud Cup
    …and other cosy, winter-perfect sips crafted to brighten cold days.

What’s Happening at FES-MAS Wonderland

Each FES outlet will also host a curated calendar of festive experiences, including:
✨ Pop-ups by beloved homegrown brands
✨ Exclusive store takeovers
✨ Skateboard workshops
✨ Vinyl listening sessions
✨ Community-led activities and cosy gatherings

Designed to recreate that nostalgic Christmas-market feeling from cities like New York and London, FES-MAS Wonderland invites the community to slow down, hang out, sip something warm, and indulge in the sweetest parts of the season, together.

About FES Cafe
Founded by Vidur Mayor, FES Cafe is India’s first 100% eggless dessert Cafe chain, built around indulgence, innovation, and connection. Designed as modern third spaces for young India, FES brings together freshly baked cookies, whipped puddings, alternative-ingredient cakes, innovative seasonal desserts, scrumptious savoury options and rotating dessert drops, retro arcade corners, and community-driven formats like Coffee Raves to create a one-of-a-kind Cafe culture.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE COMMUNICATION COUNCIL:
Ritika Sarswat | +91 9643081337 | ritika.s@tccggd.com

Simmar Vig | +91 9818808755 | simmar@tccggd.com


Press Release - Apollo Hospitals Marks 27 Years of Successful Pediatric Liver Transplantation in India Organizes a workshop, training program and CME in pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology

Press Release - Apollo Hospitals Marks 27 Years of Successful Pediatric Liver Transplantation in India Organizes a workshop, training program and CME in pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology

New Delhi, December 10th, 2025: Apollo Hospitals hosted a Clinical Update in a Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology for post graduate trainees, an endoscopy workshop and continuing medical education program for pediatricians from December 4 - 7, 2025, bringing together leading pediatric specialists and trainees from across the country and 17 countries to discuss the latest advancements in pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology.

The event marked an important milestone — 27 years since India’s first successful pediatric liver transplant at Apollo Hospitals Delhi. Over the years, Apollo has played a pivotal role in advancing pediatric gastrointestinal and liver care, setting benchmarks in clinical innovation, training, and outcomes.

On 15 November 1998, Apollo Hospitals Delhi performed India’s first successful pediatric liver transplant. The first recipient, Master Sanjay, was 22 months old at the time. Today, he is 29, a practicing doctor and married. 

The workshop provided a platform for knowledge sharing on emerging techniques in pediatric therapeutic endoscopy and manometry, reinforcing Apollo’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and continuous professional learning.

Dr Prathap C Reddy, Founder & Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, remarked:
“When we celebrated our first transplant in 1998, I dreamt of a future where every patient in need could access world – class solutions, regardless of geography. We have now performed 5000 liver transplants, out of which 615 are in children. We have transplanted patients from more than 50 countries. As many as 30% of patients visiting pediatricians have gastrointestinal or liver problems and the treatments options are improving every year. This conference acts as a perfect platform for sharing the latest knowledge using evidence-based content and hands-on learning modules.”

Mr Shivakumar Pattabhiraman, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, said, Apollo Hospitals remains committed to delivering care that meets global standards. We are privileged to have earned the trust of international patients seeking advanced treatment and best in class outcomes. Their confidence motivates us to strengthen our expertise and ensure every patient, from India and abroad, receives the highest level of care.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. (Prof.) Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director and Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals, said, Apollo has been at the forefront of advancing pediatric liver and gastrointestinal care in India. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of specialists. Through such academic platforms, we continue to share knowledge, with a view to improving outcomes for children across the country. We are now able to perform ABO incompatible liver transplants, liver transplant in babies as small as 4 kgs and babies with severe comorbidities”. 

Lt. General (Dr.) Bipin Puri, Director Medical Services, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “Apollo’s legacy in pediatric liver care has been built on teamwork, rigorous training and a strong commitment to clinical excellence. Over the years, we have served as a referral centre for complex cases from multiple institutions, reflecting the confidence that clinicians and families place in our expertise”. 

About Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals:

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, India's first JCI accredited hospital, is a joint venture between the Government of Delhi and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. Commissioned in July 1996, it is the third super-specialty tertiary care hospital set up by the Apollo Hospitals Group. Spread over 15 acres, it houses 57 specialties with more than 300 specialists and more than 700 operational beds, 19 operation theatres, 138 ICU beds, round-the-clock pharmacy, NABL accredited laboratories, 24-hour emergency services and an active air ambulance service. Apollo Hospitals Delhi has the leading programme in kidney and liver transplant in the country. The first successful paediatrics and adult liver transplants in India were performed at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. The hospital is at the forefront of medical technology and expertise. It provides a complete range of latest diagnostic, medical and surgical facilities for the care of its patients. The Hospital has introduced the most sophisticated imaging technology to India with the introduction of 64 slice CT and 3 Tesla MRI, Novalis Tx and the integrated PET Suite. 

In a ground-breaking advancement, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals has recently introduced the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery Platform, revolutionizing brain tumour treatment across South Asia. This state-of-the-art technology offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery, promising improved patient outcomes and comfort. Backed by the experience and expertise of Radiation Oncologists and technical team, Indraprastha Apollo also brings the revolutionary RADIXACT - X9 that combines imaging and treatment delivery to precisely target a wide variety of Cancers.

Indraprastha Apollo has pioneered the concept of preventive health check programmes and has created a satisfied customer base over decades. The Hospital has been consistently ranked amongst the best 10 hospitals in India by The Week survey for the past few years.

Hospital website - www.apollohospdelhi.com                    Twitter: @HospitalsApollo

Press Release - Mankind Pharma expands PetStar portfolio with launch of PetStar Delight cat food range

Press Release - Mankind Pharma expands PetStar portfolio with launch of PetStar Delight cat food range

 Mankind Pharma expands PetStar portfolio with launch of PetStar Delight cat food range 

National, 4th December 2025: Mankind Pharma, one of India's leading pharmaceutical companies, today announced the launch of PetStar Delight, expanding its PetStar brand into the cat food segment. The new range is formulated to support overall feline wellness and marks a significant milestone in the company's pet care journey, which began with the launch of PetStar dog food in 2022. 
The launch comes at a strategic time as India's cat food category, currently valued at approximately Rs 1,500 crore with monthly sales of Rs 120 crore, is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 18-20%. 
PetStar Delight is formulated with a powerful blend of functional ingredients including cranberry for urinary health, turmeric for immunity and digestive health, and essential taurine for vital organ support. Manufactured in Thailand, the product adheres to stringent quality standards and offers pet parents a clean label option with no artificial colours or preservatives. 
The PetStar Delight range is available in three palatable flavours (salmon, tuna and ocean fish) catering to varied feline preferences. The product line addresses two distinct life stages: kitten (one to 12 months) with 32% protein and 12% fat, and adult (12 months and above) with 30% protein and 10% fat, ensuring age-appropriate nutrition for growing kittens and mature cats. 
"Since launching PetStar in 2022, we have witnessed the tremendous potential of India's pet care market and the evolving needs of pet parents," said Rajeev Juneja, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mankind Pharma Limited. "With PetStar Delight, we are bringing the same commitment to quality, affordability and wellness that defines both our pharmaceutical business and our dog food range into feline nutrition. This expansion represents our dedication to providing scientifically formulated nutrition that supports the complete health of pets across species and life stages." 
Dr Piyush Prashant, Vice President and Head of Pet Food Division, Mankind Pharma Limited, said, "Since launching PetStar dog food manufactured in the UK using European raw materials and adhering to BRCGS standards, we've expanded our portfolio to include dry food, gravies and specialised nutrition like PetStar V Diet for dogs with specific dietary needs. With PetStar Delight, we're applying that same commitment to quality for cats. Each recipe combines superior palatability with functional nutrition, incorporating ingredients with specific health benefits: prebiotic beta-glucans and MOS for gut health, natural fibre for hairball control, salmon oil for brain development, choline for nerve health and yucca extract to reduce stool odour. We've created a comprehensive solution that addresses the real health concerns of cat owners." 
The product is available in three pack sizes (400g, 1kg and 2.8kg), with the 1kg pack priced at Rs 399 for the kitten range and Rs 375 for the adult range. PetStar Delight is being launched pan-India. 

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With the expansion of PetStar to include cat food, the company strengthens its position in India's rapidly growing pet care market, leveraging its extensive distribution network and reputation for quality to reach pet parents across the country. 
About Mankind Pharma  
Mankind Pharma (BSE: 543904 | NSE: MANKIND) is one of the largest pharmaceutical company in India, which focuses on the domestic market with its Pan India presence. Mankind operates at the intersection of the Indian pharmaceutical formulations and consumer healthcare sectors with the aim of providing quality products at affordable prices. The company is a leading player in the domestic pharmaceuticals business present across acute and chronic therapeutic areas including anti-infectives, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, antidiabetic, neuro/CNS, gynecology, VMN and respiratory, among others with a strategy to increase chronic presence going ahead. In the consumer healthcare business, the company operates in the condoms, pregnancy detection, emergency contraceptives, antacid powders, vitamin and mineral supplements and anti-acne preparations categories, among others, with several category-leading brands. Following the acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited, Mankind Pharma has further strengthened its leadership in the domestic women’s health segment. Mankind's distribution network includes a robust field force of 17,700+ professionals, and a reach extending to over five lakh doctors across urban and rural markets. The company has 32 manufacturing facilities in India manufacturing a wide range of dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, syrups, vials, ampoules, blow fill seal, soft and hard gels, eye drops, creams, contraceptives and other over-the-counter products. Mankind has a consistent track record of product innovation through 6 dedicated R&D facilities backed by more than 730 scientists. 
For more information, visit www.mankindpharma.com or contact: 
Natasha Raj - 9205057627 - natasha.raj@mankindpharma.com