Archive: August 3, 2026

Zigly Pet Care Celebrates Third Edition of International Happy Pets Day in Chandigarh Sec 35B Experience Centre

Kia India Records Best-Ever July Wholesale at 28,200 Units since Market Entry; Registers 27.4 percent Y-o-Y Growth and 16.8 percent YTD Growth

Mumbai, India, 03 August: Kia India, one of the country’s leading mass-premium automakers, today announced wholesale dispatches of 28,200 units in July 2026, registering a robust 27.4% year-on-year growth compared to 22,135 units in July 2025. This marks Kia India‘s best–ever July wholesale performance since its inception. 

Further building on the company’s strongest-ever first-half (H1) performance, Kia India recorded cumulative year-to-date (YTD) wholesale dispatches of 191,949 units during the January-July 2026 period. This reflects a healthy 16.8% growth over 164,274 units dispatched during the corresponding period last year. 

“Our best–ever July wholesale performance reflects the continued trust of our customers and the strong acceptance of Kia‘s diverse product portfolio. Building on our record H1 performance, we have maintained healthy momentum across key segments. Led by the strong performance of the Seltos and Sonet, we have seen healthy demand across Carens Clavis and MY26 Syros. Meanwhile, the Carens Clavis EV continues to strengthen our presence in the electric mobility space,” said Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Kia India. “We are delighted by the customer response to the newly launched Syros EV. Its segment-leading range, advanced technology, industry-leading ownership benefits and expanding EV ecosystem reflect our commitment to delivering practical and future-ready mobility solutions for Indian customers. We remain focused on strengthening our product portfolio and enhancing the ownership experience as we continue our growth journey,” he further added. 

The strong performance was driven by sustained customer demand across Kia India‘s diverse product portfolio. The Seltos continued to be the company’s volume driver, consistently averaging over 10,000-unit sales every month since launch in January. Seltos and Sonet have been driving company’s growth momentum and growing at the pace of 75.7% and 34.5% YTD respectively. 

Carens and Clavis played a significant role in sustaining the company’s growth momentum by addressing the evolving mobility needs of modern families while appealing to lifestyle-focused customers, thereby strengthening Kia‘s footprint across multiple segments. Complementing this momentum, the MY26 Kia Syros has garnered strong customer interest, underpinned by its enhanced value proposition, improved accessibility, and compelling product offering. The Carens Clavis EV has also continued to witness positive customer response, further accelerating Kia India‘s growing presence in the electric mobility space. 

Building on this momentum, Kia India recently introduced the Syros EV, its second Made-in-India mass-market electric SUV and the first in its segment to offer a range of over 500 km. The model has received an encouraging response from customers with strong initial bookings, reaffirming growing consumer confidence in Kia‘s electric mobility offerings. Equipped with a segment-best 526 km ARAI-certified driving range, best-in-segment 171 PS power output, 39-minute DC fast charging (10–80%), Level 2 ADAS with best-in-segment 16 autonomous functions, a 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Display, and comprehensive ownership solutions like industry best Assured Buyback, BaaS and Lifetime Battery Warranty backed by Kia‘s expanding EV ecosystem, the Syros EV is designed to make electric mobility more accessible, convenient and confidence-inspiring for Indian customers. 

Looking ahead, Kia India remains focused on strengthening its ICE and EV portfolio through continuous innovation, expanding its nationwide sales, service and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) network, and enhancing its sustainable mobility ecosystem. 

Kia India’s strong nationwide footprint spanning 905 touchpoints across 412 cities, enhances brand accessibility for customers to its sales, service and ownership support across both urban and emerging markets.  This is further complemented by 135 Certified Pre-Owned outlets, enabling instant payments, seamless exchanges and a hassle-free ownership experience for customers.

GWI report shows wellness as new baseline for Dubai luxury real estate

Keturah founder says industry needs to work together to catch up with government vision, market momentum

Dubai, UAE, Aug 3: Dubai’s luxury real estate developers are being urged to treat wellness as the new baseline for how homes are designed and built, as global demand grows for healthier living environments.

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) says the industry’s next phase is the normalization of health-supportive design as a standard expectation rather than a luxury feature.

It believes the greatest opportunity now lies in closer collaboration between planners, architects, public health leaders and wellness professionals to create homes and communities that proactively support long-term health.

Dubai Luxury developer Keturah has backed the GWI’s findings, saying the shift towards health-focused design presents an opportunity for the wider industry to work together in raising standards, and reinforcing city’s position as a global leader in wellness real estate.

“The next phase for the industry is collaboration rather than competition,” said Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of Keturah. “We need planners, architects, public health leaders and wellness professionals working together, not developers acting alone. Dubai has the government vision and the market momentum to lead this globally, and now the wider industry needs to catch up.”

The GWI’s latest Initiative Trends report projects the global wellness real estate sector will exceed $1 trillion by 2029, reflecting a transition from wellness as a luxury aspiration to evidence-based infrastructure.

Earlier this year, the GWI identified the UAE as one of the world’s fastest-growing wellness real estate markets. It said wellness real estate now represents more than 12% of all construction in the UAE, with the market having grown from $3.3 billion to $14.6 billion between 2017 and 2025.

It also reported that more than 555,000 wellness-focused residential units were in the pipeline at developments across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In Dubai, these include Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion bio-living community in Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7, and the Ritz-Carlton Residences at Keturah Resort beside Dubai Creek, set to become the region’s first wellness-certified waterfront community.

The four main wellness in real estate trends highlighted by the GWI include primal architecture, which uses softer lighting, natural materials and intuitive wayfinding to help shift occupants from stress to calm. Another is neuroarchitecture, which applies neuroscience to understand how light, acoustics and spatial design influence mood, cognition and long-term health.

The GWI also identifies a growing move towards designing out microplastics by replacing synthetic finishes with more natural materials such as wool, stone and solid wood, recognising the built environment as an important part of preventive healthcare.

It also highlights the role of healthier, more walkable communities in supporting mobility, independence and ageing well, with better designed surroundings helping people maintain wellbeing throughout their lives.

Darsh Labs and Research Earns NABL Accreditation, Reinforcing Commitment to Quality and Scientific Excellence

Bhubaneswar, August 2, 2026: Darsh Labs and Research Pvt. Ltd. has reached a major milestone by securing National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation, a prestigious recognition that reflects the laboratory’s commitment to quality, precision, and technical competence in testing services.

The accreditation demonstrates that the laboratory operates under a robust quality management system and follows internationally accepted testing standards, ensuring reliable and accurate results for customers across industries.

This achievement marks a new chapter for Darsh Labs and Research as it continues to expand its portfolio of laboratory services while maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity and customer confidence.

Commenting on the accomplishment, Neelakantha Achary, MD of Darsh Labs and Research, said:

“NABL accreditation is more than a certification—it is a reflection of our commitment to excellence, accuracy, and continuous improvement. We are grateful to our dedicated team whose expertise and hard work made this achievement possible. This recognition strengthens our resolve to deliver dependable laboratory services that industries, government agencies, and individuals can trust.”

Over the years, Darsh Labs and Research has invested significantly in advanced analytical instruments, modern laboratory infrastructure, quality assurance systems, and skilled technical professionals. The NABL accreditation validates these efforts and positions the laboratory among India’s trusted testing facilities.

The laboratory provides a wide range of scientific testing services, including:

• Water Testing
• Drinking Water Quality Analysis
• Wastewater Testing
• Environmental Monitoring
• Air Quality Testing
• Soil Testing
• Food Testing
• Coal and Mineral Analysis
• Material Testing
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
• Industrial and Regulatory Compliance Testing

With the accreditation, clients can expect testing services that meet stringent quality benchmarks, offering greater confidence in analytical reports used for regulatory compliance, industrial processes, environmental management, research, and public health initiatives.

Darsh Labs and Research aims to support industries, government departments, infrastructure projects, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and businesses by delivering scientifically accurate and timely testing solutions.

The company also plans to broaden its testing capabilities and strengthen its research initiatives, contributing to safer industries, cleaner environments, and improved quality standards across sectors.

About Darsh Labs and Research Pvt. Ltd.

Darsh Labs and Research Pvt. Ltd. is one of the best water testing laboratory based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Darsh Labsoffers comprehensive water testing, inspection, and research services across environmental, industrial, water, food, material, and mineral sectors. Driven by scientific excellence, technological innovation, and customer-centric service, the company is committed to delivering accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory solutions that help organizations make informed decisions and meet regulatory requirements.

This Friendship Day, Airtel Brings Back a Timeless Tradition – With a Modern Twist

Pune, Aug 01: With Friendship Day set to be celebrated on August 2, Airtel has introduced a new way for customers to celebrate the occasion. Through the Airtel app, users can now recharge a friend’s Airtel Prepaid number and pair it with a personalised digital Friendship Band, (**Valid till 2^nd August 2026) adding a thoughtful touch to an everyday transaction.

The experience begins with users entering their friend’s Airtel Prepaid number, selecting a Prepaid recharge, and completing the transaction. They can then choose from a range of digital Friendship Bands designed for different kinds of friendships, including “Gym Buddy,” “Meme Dealer,” “Gedi Partner,” “Foodie Friend,” “Gossip Spiller,” and “Free Therapist.”

Once selected, the Friendship Band can be shared instantly via WhatsApp or SMS, accompanied by a Friendship Day greeting. The experience can also include the sender’s name when shared via SMS, making the message more personal. Recipients are then given the option to continue the chain by gifting a Friendship Band to someone else through the campaign page.

With this initiative, Airtel is reimagining the traditional exchange of Friendship Bands for today’s digital world. By combining a prepaid recharge with a thoughtful greeting, the company is offering customers a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate friendships. The campaign transforms a routine recharge into a shareable experience, making it easier to connect with friends and celebrate the occasion in a memorable way.

Samudra Manthan to Strengthen India’s Energy Security by Unlocking Offshore Oil and Gas Potential

New Delhi, Aug 1: India is taking a significant step towards strengthening its energy security with the ‘Samudra Manthan’ initiative, a strategic effort focused on exploring and developing the country’s offshore oil and gas resources.

The initiative aims to tap into India’s vast offshore energy potential by using advanced exploration technologies and modern scientific techniques. By increasing domestic production of oil and natural gas, Samudra Manthan is expected to help reduce India’s dependence on imports while supporting the nation’s growing energy requirements.

India’s energy demand has continued to rise alongside economic growth and industrial expansion. Strengthening domestic exploration capabilities will play an important role in ensuring a more secure, reliable, and resilient energy supply for the future.

Through deeper exploration of offshore regions, the initiative is expected to encourage investment in the energy sector, create new employment opportunities, and promote the development of advanced technologies in exploration and production.

The move also aligns with India’s broader vision of achieving greater self-reliance in critical sectors. While the country continues to accelerate renewable energy adoption, domestic oil and gas resources will remain important in supporting industries, transportation, and economic growth during the energy transition.

Samudra Manthan represents a major opportunity to discover new energy resources beneath India’s waters and strengthen the country’s position in the global energy landscape. The initiative reflects India’s commitment to innovation, resource development, and long-term energy security.

With continued focus on technology, investment, and sustainable resource management, Samudra Manthan is expected to contribute significantly to building a stronger and more self-reliant energy future for India.

Sun Pharma reports Q1FY27 results

Mumbai, August 01: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited  reported financials for the first quarter ending June 30^th, 2026.

Highlights of Q1FY27 consolidated financials*

·         Sales at Rs. 151,836 million, a growth of 10.1%

·         Global Innovative Medicines sales at US$ 351 million, up 12.8% and accounting for 21.9% of sales.

·         EBITDA at Rs. 44,177 million, up 2.7%. EBITDA margin at 28.9%.

·         Adjusted net profit was Rs. 30,894 million, up 3.1%

·         R&D investment was Rs. 8,264 million at 5.4% of sales

*Growth measured vs same period last financial year 

Kirti Ganorkar, Managing Director of the Company, said, “Our performance during the quarter was driven by strong momentum in India as well as Innovative Medicines, which delivered robust growth across the U.S. and international regions. Recent semaglutide approvals in India, Brazil and South Africa underscore our capabilities in developing complex peptide products for patients globally. Organon shareholders have approved the proposed acquisition by Sun, which is on track to close in early 2027.”

India Formulations

Formulation sales in India were Rs. 54,749 million, registering a growth of 16%. India Formulation sales accounted for 36.1% of total consolidated sales.

Sun Pharma continues to be India’s No. 1 Pharma Company. Sun’s market share increased to 8.5% from 8.2%, as per the Pharmarack MAT June-2026 report. As per SMSRC (Mar-Jun 2026) report, Sun Pharma enjoys No.1 ranking by prescriptions in 12 different doctor categories. For Q1FY27, the company launched 5 new products in the Indian market.

US Formulations

Formulation sales in the US were US$ 427 million, lower by 9.7%. Innovative Medicines continued to grow, partially offsetting the decline in generics business. US sales accounted for approximately 26.6% of total consolidated sales.

Emerging Markets (EM) Formulations

Emerging Markets formulations sales were US$ 311 million, up by 4.2% and accounted for 19.4% of total consolidated sales.

Rest of World (ROW) Formulations

Formulation sales in Rest of World markets were US$ 218 million and accounted for 13.6% of total consolidated sales

Innovative Medicines

Global Innovative Medicines sales were US$ 351 million for Q1FY27, up 12.8% and accounted for 21.9% of sales.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API)

Our API portfolio supports our formulation business and API customers across geographies. External sales of API were Rs. 5,972 million, up 10.5%.

R&D Update

Sun Pharma’s R&D efforts span across both innovative and generic businesses and the company continues to invest in building the pipeline for various markets. Sun’s innovative R&D pipeline includes five novel entities in clinical stage. Sun has a comprehensive product offering in the US market consisting of approved ANDAs for 558 products while filings for 119 ANDAs await US FDA approval, including 28 tentative approvals. During the quarter, 3 ANDAs were filed, and approval received for 6 ANDAs.

Sun’s portfolio includes 57 approved NDAs while 13 NDAs await US FDA approval.

 Earnings Call (06.30 pm IST, July 31, 2026)

The Company will host earnings call at 06.30 pm IST on July 31, 2026, where senior management will discuss the Company’s performance and answer questions from participants. This call will be accessible through an audio dial-in and a webcast.