Mumbai, 15th April 2025: Pet care products are becoming increasingly popular among Indian consumers, driven by the growing trend of pet parenting across the country. As India celebrated this year’s National Pets Day on April 11^th, Unicommerce has revealed the shopping trends for pet care products during FY 2025.

According to transactions processed on Unicommerce’s platform, online order volumes for pet care products grew by 95% in FY 2025 as compared to FY 2024, highlighting the fast-emerging segment.

Pet care products comprise pet foods, including routine food and specialized dietary items, preventive care products and medicines, pet clothes and accessories, toys and groomers.

Led by new-age digital-first brands, the online pet care market has boomed with the entry of new products offering premium and customised products for pets, including for dogs, cats, fish, and birds. Unicommerce’s analysis highlights some of the popular products that have recently debuted across online platforms including a variety of natural and organic pet foods, therapeutic foods which contain supplements like probiotics, omega fatty acids and antioxidants. This reflects that pet owners are increasingly prioritising their pets’ health and wellbeing, leading to rise in demand for high-quality, specialised pet products.

Unicommerce powers some of India’s leading pet care brands, including Zigly, Just Dogs, Petwale, Pet Snugs, Pawpourii, Petedge, and Pawpular Pets.

Backed by technology, pet brands are leveraging their brand websites to offer a wider assortment of products along with personalised shopping experiences for their customers. These include products like custom-made pet clothes, leashes and collars, name tags, custom bedding, and mats, among other items. Many brands also offer subscription-based services, providing customized dietary meals on a regular basis, delivering medical supplies, and offering other veterinary services for pets. The analysis reveals that pet parents are increasingly shopping on brand websites as compared to online marketplaces.

Another insight shows that during FY25, brand websites observed over 300% YoY rise in prepaid order volumes, whereas online marketplaces saw over 200% growth in cash-on-delivery (COD) during the same period.

This trend of pet parenting is no longer limited to the affluent and high-income professional class that is fond of owning multiple pets. It is also being driven by pet lovers across mid-income groups, millennials, and Gen-Z groups.

The pet parenting culture is growing beyond metropolitan and tier I cities, which witnessed an order volume growth of over 120% YoY during FY25. Tier II and tier III cities also observed significant growth of over 75% and 60% YoY, respectively, showcasing the growing interest of customers in premium pet products across these regions.

Major demand pockets across metropolitan and Tier-I cities during FY25 include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon, followed by Tier-II cities including Indore, Nagpur, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Lucknow. Tier III cities that saw rising demand for pet care products include Thane, Panjim, Ernakulum, Gandhi Nagar, Udupi, and Rupnagar.

 “Zigly is proud to be India’s first truly omnichannel pet care ecosystem,” said Ankur Gupta, IT Head, Zigly. “As pet parenting reaches new heights, we see technology as a key enabler in delivering seamless, end-to-end experiences for today’s pet families. Our partnership with Unicommerce strengthens this commitment by enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring a smoother post-purchase journey for every customer,” he added.

 Ashish Anthony, Founder of Just Dogs said, “We are building a community for pet parents to help them learn and understand the needs of their pets. With technology ingrained in our business, we are expanding our omnichannel operations to seamlessly cater to the rising needs of our customers. Unicommerce plays a crucial role in enabling our online operations, ensuring automated fulfilment of our products across the country.”

 Talking about the evolving trends in the pet care industry, Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce said, “We are thrilled to see the rising consumer interest in pet care products across online platforms. Our technology serves as a support system for brands operating in different sectors, ensuring growth and greater consumer trust in this evolving market dynamics.”

Mumbai, April 15, 2025: RRP S4E Innovations Limited, a leading technology solutions provider in electro-optics, has reported ₹61.75 crore turnover for FY25 and PAT of ₹19 crore. The company aims to achieve ₹100 crore revenue in FY26 and PAT of ₹25 crore on the back of orders from The Ministry of Defence and cutting-edge electro-optic solutions tailored to industry needs.

Rajendra-K-Chodankar-Chairman-RRP-S4E-Innovations-Ltd

This milestone further establishes RRP S4E Innovations as a key player in the defence technology sector, reflecting its dedication to supporting India’s defence infrastructure through innovation and excellence.

The current order book stands at ₹120 crore and yet to be executable order book is at ₹100 crore.

Rajendra K Chodankar, Chairman, RRP S4E Innovations Ltd. said, “We are delighted to report good set of numbers in FY25. The consistent expansion of our order book reflects our growing reputation and trust within the industry. As we continue to innovate and expand, we remain committed to contribute to India’s defence capabilities.”

Through an ambitious roadmap, the company aims to achieve an impressive 95% local production by 2026, positioning itself as a market leader in cost-effective, advanced electro-optic solutions.

Mumbai, April 15, 2025: Dr. Lal PathLabs Limited (“DLPL” / “Dr. Lal PathLabs”), a leader in diagnostic healthcare, has introduced Amyloid Typing by Laser Capture Microdissection & Mass Spectrometry – a breakthrough test for accurately identifying different types of Amyloid proteins. With this launch, DLPL becomes the first diagnostic chain in South Asia to offer this highly specialized test.

 Amyloidosis is a disease where the abnormal or misfolded amyloid protein accumulates in various vital organs leading to loss of function or even death in some cases. More than 40 types of Amyloid proteins are discovered till date, and precise knowledge about the type of Amyloid helps doctors in choosing the correct treatment or management plan for the patient. Kidney, Heart, Lungs, Skin are the most common involved, however any organ in the body can be affected.

 Key Highlights:

• •  First-of-its-kind in South Asia – DLPL pioneers this advanced diagnostic solution.
  •  Nationwide Availability – Samples can be collected from anywhere in India and sent to National Reference Lab, Rohini, New Delhi for testing.
  •  Accurate Diagnosis – Helps doctors determine the specific type of Amyloid, enabling targeted treatment and better outcomes.
  • Access for Hospitals – All hospitals can facilitate sample collection for patients and send to Dr Lal PathLabs for testing.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shankha Banerjee, CEO of Dr. Lal PathLabs, said, “Our mission is to bring world-class diagnostics to India. By introducing this advanced Amyloidosis test, we aim to provide doctors with critical insights for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. We are proud to be the first diagnostic chain in South Asia to offer this cutting-edge solution.”

Adding further, Dr. Alok Sharma, R&D Head & Director Renal Pathology & Electron Microscopy, stated, “Accurate typing of Amyloid proteins is essential for guiding treatment decisions. This gold standard advanced test, powered by Laser Microdissection & Mass Spectrometry allows us to precisely identify amyloid subtypes, helping clinicians provide targeted care. With this launch, we are bringing global standards of Proteomics based diagnostics to patients across India.”

India, April 15, 2025 –– St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies announced that more than 1,035 of its students and graduates have secured residencies around the United States in the 2025 match cycle.

This marks the 11th consecutive year in which SGU has been the largest provider of new doctors to first-year US residencies.*

“The entire St. George’s University community congratulates this remarkable class of medical students on their success,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, Dean of the St. George’s University School of Medicine. “This milestone represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and resilience.”

SGU students and graduates matched into residences in 20 specialties across 41 states and the District of Columbia. More students will find out where they will be doing residency training in the days and weeks to come. SGU has been a preferred destination for aspiring medical professionals from India, with 405 graduates contributing to the global healthcare workforce. Currently, 169 Indian students are pursuing their medical education at SGU, further strengthening the university’s diverse and dynamic student community.

St. George’s University graduates will begin residency programs in several highly competitive specialties, ranging from neurology and surgery to emergency medicine and pediatrics. Many will be returning to their home states or cities to begin their careers in medicine.

“As someone born and raised in Chennai and the first doctor in my family, matching into my top-choice Internal Medicine residency in the U.S. felt like a dream realised. It was a powerful mix of joy, pride and deep gratitude for the years of hard work, for the sacrifices made and for the unwavering support of my family and mentors,” said Leonard Leo Visvaas, an Indian SGU graduate from the Class of 2025. He further added, “SGU played a pivotal role in shaping this journey, from a strong academic foundation in Grenada to hands-on clinical rotations in New York. More than just helping me become a doctor, SGU helped me grow into the kind of physician I always aspired to be. For me, this journey proves that with discipline, support and belief in yourself, even the most uncertain paths can lead to incredible destinations.”

“Each one of these matches marks the next step in a dream coming true, and we celebrate these students’ achievements, and their determination to make a real difference in the world as the next generation of new doctors,” said Dr. Loukas.

This new group of doctors will play a crucial role in addressing global physician shortages. SGU graduates have secured residencies in highly competitive specialties such as neurology, vascular surgery, diagnostic radiology, and more.

“We can’t wait to see all the great things that this newest class of SGU graduates will accomplish,” Dr. Loukas said.

For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.

*As the medical school graduating the largest number of students per year, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate/expected graduate and residency placement data as of April 2025.

National, 15th April, 2025: Navi UPI, the Official Payments Partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has announced the second exclusive ticket window for Navi UPI users. Starting 11 AM on April 16, Navi UPI users will get 24-hour priority access to book tickets for RCB’s final three home matches of the season—RCB vs Chennai on 3rd May, RCB vs Hyderabad on 13th May, and RCB vs Kolkata  on 17th May—before ticket sales open to the general public.

This follows the successful first ticket window launched in March, where Navi UPI users received early access to the first four RCB home matches, giving fans a head start to book their seats before the rush of general sales.

Fans can avail this early access by simply tapping on the RCB ticket banner within the Navi app and making a secure payment using Navi UPI. This initiative is part of Navi’s continued efforts to enhance fan experiences by integrating digital convenience with the energy of live sports.

How to Book Tickets via Navi UPI:

1. Download the Navi app from the Play Store or App Store.
2. Open the app and tap on the RCB ticket booking banner for exclusive early access.
3. Choose your match and preferred ticket category.
4. Pay securely using Navi UPI and confirm your booking.

Navi’s First-Ever User Contest Now Live

Navi has launched Powerplay this season—a cricket-themed contest on the Navi app where users stand a chance to collect a digital player card with each UPI payment. Users who collect a complete team of 11 unique player cards stand a chance to win exciting rewards like 2,000 Navi coins or official RCB merchandise signed by players. Additionally, collecting five of the same player card earns 100 bonus coins. Designed to be simple and engaging, Powerplay adds a layer of cricket-inspired interaction to everyday UPI transactions. This contest is currently available for Android users.

Rajiv Naresh, CEO, Navi Technologies, said, “We wanted to create something that makes everyday payments feel like a win. Navi Powerplay lets users have fun while they pay—collecting player cards, earning rewards, and standing a chance to win RCB-signed memorabilia. We are excited to launch our first ever contest and look forward to enhancing contest-led strategies on Navi UPI in days to come.”

 

National, India | 15th April 2025: In a world reckoning with climate urgency, India’s own Skoodle—flagship brand of Stone Sapphire India Pvt. Ltd. (SSIPL)—is turning everyday tools into powerful agents of change. With its large-scale shift to pencils made from 100% recycled paper, Skoodle is not just building a greener product, but redefining what responsible manufacturing in the stationery sector should look like.

In doing so, the brand is saving approximately 3000 trees each year and preserving over 13 acres of forest land annually—a silent green revolution that has been growing since 2018.

“Pencils are something millions of students and professionals use every day. We saw an opportunity to change the source material, without changing the functionality—and that’s where transformation began,” said Shobhit Singh, Managing Director & CEO of Stone Sapphire India Pvt. Ltd. “With recycled paper pencils, we’ve created a viable and scalable alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality but saves nature in the process. It’s not just innovation—it’s a responsibility.”

The environmental cost of traditional pencils is staggering: roughly one tree is cut down for every 9500 wooden pencils made. With Skoodle producing over 720 million recycled-paper pencils each year, the brand is presenting a credible and scalable alternative to wood-intensive production models.

But Skoodle’s not basking in the glory of product breakthroughs—its creating a movement. It’s challenging schools, companies, and retailers to go greener in stationery choices and play an active role in preventing deforestation, carbon emission cuts, and reducing waste. It hopes to live in a world where environmentally friendly alternatives become the norm rather than the exception.

It’s not about pencils,” said Shobhit Singh. “It’s about questioning the way we think about daily consumption. If we can rethink something so basic and common as a pencil, it allows us to rethink everything else we consume. Small steps can make big differences. And as we countdown to Earth Day, it’s a good reminder that true change starts with careful decisions—and those decisions are well within reach.”.

Skoodle’s tale points to a fundamental reality: sustainable transformation does not necessarily arise from revolutionary upheaval—it may begin with the reimagining of what we already have. One pencil at a time.

Delhi, India – April 15, 2025: Gallant Sports, India’s leading name in sports infrastructure, today announced the launch of an advanced new line of smart sports flooring and modular field systems. This strategic product rollout is a key pillar of Gallant Sports’ Vision 2036 roadmap and supports the company’s momentum toward its upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO) later this year. These offerings aim to make global-standard sports infrastructure more accessible across India and beyond.

“At Gallant Sports, we’re committed to shaping the future of sports in India,” said Nasir Ali, Founder & CEO of Gallant Sports. “This new product line reflects our mission to deliver innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions that elevate athletic performance and community well-being.”

He added, “We’re not just building sports fields—we’re building ecosystems that empower athletes and institutions alike.”

Product Innovation Highlights

Sports Tiles: Engineered for performance, safety, and durability, Gallant’s next-gen sports tiles are ideal for basketball, volleyball, futsal, and multi-sport courts. Available in models like Titan, Hexagonal 2.0, and Rubber Elastomer Tiles, they’re made from high-quality TPE—the same material approved by FIBA 3×3. These tiles offer excellent impact absorption, energy return, and weather adaptability—reducing the risk of injuries while ensuring all-weather play.

Pre-Fabricated Sports Rubber Flooring: Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, these versatile and eco-friendly flooring options come in three thicknesses (5 mm, 8 mm, and 13 mm) to support everything from general recreation to professional-level track and field. Fully recyclable and non-toxic, these floors meet World Athletics standards and promote a safer, odor-free sports experience.

FIFA-Tested Non-Infill Turf: Gallant’s new synthetic turf eliminates the need for traditional rubber infill, offering a cooler, cleaner, and more sustainable playing surface. Certified under the FIFA Quality Programme, this turf is ideal for football, hockey, and multi-sport fields. It’s also easier to install—paired with shock pads for peak performance and durability. As SBR infill faces global phase-out by 2031, non-infill turf positions Gallant at the forefront of future-ready turf technology.

High-Performance Shockpads with Geo-Textile: Critical for injury prevention and playfield longevity, Gallant’s advanced shock pads feature a geo-textile base layer and GSM rating of 70+. Available in 10 mm to 20 mm thicknesses, they ensure superior shock absorption and drainage. Ideal for football fields, playgrounds, and multi-sport surfaces, these shock pads meet international safety benchmarks and significantly reduce the impact of falls—especially important in children’s play zones and high-impact areas.

Prime Video’s Chhorii 2 has been making waves since its launch, earning love from horror fans and viewers alike. But as the film continues to terrify audiences on screen, something even more unsettling has crept into real life – Daasi Ma has stepped out of the shadows, and into the city. Over the weekend, several people across different locations in the city were left bewildered after spotting a mysterious woman dressed in black and her face veiled. Silent, still, and chillingly composed— her sudden appearances have left some intrigued and others truly spooked.

Fueling the mystery further, Soha Ali Khan, who plays the eerie role of ‘Daasi Ma’ in the film, shared an Instagram post. For those who encountered the haunting figure in real life, her post sent a shiver down their spine, adding another layer of suspense.

Adding to the buzz is a striking hoarding that’s gone up in different parts of the city, showcasing Soha’s character in full Daasi Ma form— her expression intense, her face shrouded by a dark veil. Lit against the night sky, the visual has been turning heads and stopping passersby in their tracks.

Produced by T-Series, Abundantia Entertainment, Psych, and Tamarisk Lane Production, the horror thriller film is directed by Vishal Furia, featuring the stellar Nushrratt Bharuccha and Soha Ali Khan in lead roles. The film is now streaming on Prime Video and over 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Bengaluru, 15th April 2025: Arya Health Plans, a pioneering initiative that brings together the world of healthcare and health insurance in a single plan, has launched a refreshing and innovative take aimed at transforming the way people perceive health insurance. With this initiative, Arya Health Plans aims to redefine health insurance as a proactive partner in a customer’s journey to good health, rather than just a financial safety net in times of sickness.

Offering a seamless blend of OPD visits, savings on diagnostics, medicines and more, comprehensive hospitalization coverage and the first-time-in-India One Health promise, Arya ensures that access to quality healthcare is effortless and stress-free. What’s more, customers can enjoy tracking their health and even medicine deliveries!

Moving away from conventional fear-driven messaging, Arya Health Plans introduces The Troubadour—a charismatic, musical mascot to deliver the brand’s message in an impactful manner that is easily understood by all.

A Campaign That Breaks the Norm

Unlike traditional insurance advertisements that focus on emergencies and financial distress, Arya Health Plans takes a unique approach by blending humour, music and storytelling. The campaign’s protagonist, The Troubadour, delivers crucial messages through an engaging, musical narrative about the insurance initiative that will strive to work for better health for its customers, and make health insurance feel less intimidating and more relatable.

The campaign films showcase everyday healthcare scenarios, with The Troubadour guiding people through the benefits of Arya Health Plans using wit and charm. This strategy ensures high recall value while making the concept of health insurance more accessible to a broader audience.

A Fresh Take on Health Insurance Awareness

The campaign highlights how Arya Health Plans integrates essential healthcare services, ensuring individuals and families can access medical care without worrying about financial constraints. By focusing on proactive healthcare solutions, Arya seeks to encourage more people to see insurance as a valuable and necessary investment in their well-being.

“At Narayana One Health, we believe that health insurance should be a source of reassurance, not fear. This campaign is a step towards making insurance feel approachable, engaging and truly beneficial for everyday healthcare needs. By integrating a range of proactive healthcare benefits, we are ensuring that people no longer see insurance as just an emergency backup, but as an essential part of their well-being,” said Ravi Vishwanath, CEO, Narayana One Health

Transforming Perceptions Through Creativity

Arya Health Plans isn’t just another insurance product—it is a testament to Narayana One Health’s commitment to proactive, lifelong care. The mission is simple: To be there for our customers every step of the way, guiding and supporting them on their journey to better health. Healthcare and Health Insurance have always been two opposite sides of the coin and it was high time to bridge that gap!

“To bring this vision to life in our launch films, we introduced the Troubadour—a charming, ever-present yet playful character who embodies our promise of continuous care. Rather than relying on fear-based messaging, we chose humour to create a fresh, engaging narrative that truly stands out. This film marks a very important step in making Arya Health Plans, a partner in your journey (not limited to a guest appearance like an Insurance plan) to help redefine a customers’ presumption on what they expect from their Insurance partners,” said Gunjan Khaitan Shahabadi, Head Marketing and Category Management.

This campaign plays a crucial role in positioning the brand as an innovative and customer-centric health insurance provider. By challenging industry norms and engaging audiences through storytelling, Arya Health Plans aims to drive greater awareness and adoption of its services. Currently available exclusively in Bengaluru, Arya Health Plans will be extended to different parts of the country in due course of time.

The campaign is expected to generate strong resonance among urban consumers and younger audiences, particularly those who may be hesitant to explore health insurance due to its perceived complexity and because group or corporate coverage is usually not enough to get by. By making the experience informative, Arya Health Plans hopes to encourage more individuals to take proactive steps toward securing their health.