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SMT Announces Start of the SAFE-PFO Trial with First Patient Enrolment in Germany

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects, affecting approximately 1% of live births globally and accounting for more than 4.18 million cases in children under five1. Despite advances in medical care, CHD continues to be a leading cause of infant and child mortality, highlighting the need for safe and minimally invasive treatment options. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is also a common heart defect impacting approximately 25% adults globally2.  A PFO is a small opening that can cause blood clots to travel to the brain and potentially lead to stroke These defects are typically treated using Occluders, which are catheter-based devices designed to close abnormal openings in the heart. The SAFE-PFO trial has enrolled its first patient at Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW (HDZ NRW), marking the formal start of recruitment for a randomized head-to-head evaluation of two widely used patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure technologies. The enrolling site is led by Principal Investigator Dr. med. Werner Scholtz. SAFE-PFO will directly compare the Cocoon and Amplatzer PFO closure devices. The Cocoon Occluder portfolio from SMT comprises catheter-based devices for the minimally invasive closure of Atrial Septal Defects (ASD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), ventricular septal defect (VSD) and Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), and is designed to support the treatment of congenital and acquired heart defects.  The study plans to enroll up to 1,260 patients at approximately 60 centres across Europe. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either the Cocoon PFO Occluder or a device from the Amplatzer PFO Occluder family. Each patient will be monitored for 12 months, and recruitment across the full study is expected to take about two years. “This is the first direct head-to-head comparison of the Amplatzer and Cocoon PFO devices, a randomized controlled trial designed to fill an important gap in the clinical evidence for PFO treatment in adults,” stated Prof. Giuseppe Tarantini, Principal Investigator, SAFE-PFO. SAFE-PFO brings together leading centres across Europe to answer an important clinical question.” Citing the importance of the trial, Dr. Gabor Toth, Co-Principal Investigator of SAFE-PFO, said, “ By directly comparing these two PFO closure devices in a large, randomised study, we hope to provide physicians with clear evidence to help guide treatment decisions for their patients.” “I welcome the initiation of this important, high-impact trial and look forward to the active participation of several centres across France with experience using both devices for PFO closure,” said Professor Gilles Montalescot, Co-Principal Investigator of SAFE-PFO in France. Commenting on the trial, Dr. Krishna Sudhir, Chief Medical Officer, SMT, said, “Enrolling the first patient is an important milestone for SAFE-PFO. This study will help cardiologists better understand how the Cocoon PFO Occluder compares with a widely used PFO closure device. Our aim is to generate clinical evidence to support informed treatment decisions and, ultimately, better care for patients with a PFO.” The Cocoon PFO Occluder features a platinum coating, which effectively mitigates nickel leaching, a common complication associated with traditional nitinol-based Occluders. The study will evaluate its performance against the Amplatzer PFO Occluder family in a randomized controlled setting. No conclusions about comparative safety or effectiveness should be drawn until the study is completed and its results are analysed.  About the SAFE-PFO trial SAFE-PFO (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07380490) is a randomized, multicentre European clinical study comparing the Cocoon PFO Occluder with the Amplatzer PFO Occluder family in adults undergoing transcatheter PFO closure. The first patient was enrolled on 24 July 2026 at HDZ NRW in Germany. Each participant will be followed for 12 months. 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 a 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 72 countries, as on March 31, 2025.  For further details, 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. Amplatzer™ Occluder devices are registered trademarks of Abbott or its subsidiaries.    1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40454242/ 2. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493151/

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Ujaas Assessment Finds a Shift in Boys' Attitudes Towards Menstruation

A girl stains her clothes during her period. In that moment, a joke can deepen her embarrassment, while a simple, empathetic response can make her feel supported. How people around her respond can shape whether menstruation becomes a source of shame or something she can navigate with dignity.   Let’s Talk RED – Youth in Action   For years, menstrual health efforts have focused largely on helping girls access menstrual products, information and hygiene. But creating a stigma-free experience requires changing the environment around them too — including the attitudes and behaviours of the boys growing up alongside them as classmates, friends, brothers and, eventually, partners and colleagues.   Ujaas, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust founded by Advaitesha Birla, has been working to bring boys into this conversation. Its impact assessment of 2,402 boys in Maharashtra points to measurable shifts in how they understand and engage with menstruation. Following the intervention, understanding of puberty increased by 83.6%, comfort discussing menstruation rose by 59.8%, and confidence to support female peers increased by 51.7%. The proportion of boys who believed they should understand menstruation rose from 50% to 72%, signalling a growing recognition that menstrual health is not only a girls’ issue, but a shared responsibility.   At the same time, the findings reveal an important gap between changing attitudes and everyday behaviour. While confidence in supporting female classmates increased from 54% to 82%, the proportion of boys demonstrating an appropriate response when a classmate had stained her clothes moved from 43% to 40%.   For Ujaas, this gap is significant. It shows that changing what boys know and believe is only the first step; the real test is how that understanding translates into behaviour when a girl is in a moment of vulnerability. The next step is therefore to move from awareness and intention towards empathy, sensitivity and the confidence to respond appropriately.   Speaking on the insights, Ms Advaitesha Birla, Founder Ujaas an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust said, “Menstrual health is not exclusively a women’s issue. It is a shared social responsibility. Involving boys in this movement transforms period awareness from a passive topic into active, everyday allyship. At Ujaas, our mission goes beyond imparting knowledge; it’s about inspiring empathetic behavior so that dignity, safety, and respect become the default culture across our institutions and communities.”   It is this understanding that Ujaas launched Let’s Talk RED – Youth in Action, its youth-led menstrual health platform, which brought together students from four Mumbai colleges on 24 August. The initiative moved the conversation beyond the biology of menstruation to explore how stigma, myths, language and everyday responses can affect girls, and what young men can do differently as friends, classmates and family members. Students reflected on the Menstrual Rights Charter and examined how changes in language, behaviour and institutional culture can contribute to more respectful and menstrual-friendly campuses.   The initiative builds on the first edition of Let’s Talk RED, which provided girls with a platform to share the challenges they face around menstruation. Their experiences and perspectives culminated in a Charter of Demands for creating menstrual-health-friendly schools, colleges and enabling environments. This year, Ujaas is taking that conversation forward from sharing challenges to driving action, and from identifying what needs to change to enabling young people to become part of that change.   The discussion also brought forward a strong view among students that creating menstrual health friendly environments must begin with changing attitudes at an early age. The Period Ally Stats Board, which captured responses from 56 female and 31 male participants across 10 statements, highlighted an opportunity to move from awareness towards active allyship. Among male respondents, 50% said they already speak up when they hear jokes, teasing or comments that reinforce period stigma, while 38.9% said they would like to start doing so. Similarly, 44.4% said they already advocate for better menstrual facilities or support in their college or community, while another 44.4% said they would like to start. The findings reinforced the students’ view that while systemic improvements such as better facilities and access to menstrual products remain important, sustainable change also requires addressing stigma, misinformation and social attitudes. The participating colleges will take these conversations forward through student-led awareness and peer engagement during the academic year.   A student panellist representing the participating colleges across Mumbai and Kalyan – Bhavan’s College (Andheri), Thakur College (Kandivali), KJ Somaiya College and BK Birla College (Kalyan) – said, “Once you understand what girls experience, you realise that menstruation is not something boys can simply stay out of. Being an ally can be as simple as knowing how to respond when someone needs help, not making a joke out of something that can already feel uncomfortable, and being able to talk about periods without making them a taboo. Even small changes in how we respond can make someone feel more comfortable, respected and supported.”   Ujaas will continue to work with the participating colleges through the academic year to support and follow up on these action plans, with the aim of extending menstrual friendly practices beyond the campus and into the wider environments in which young people live including their peer groups, families and communities.   The larger lesson from the Ujaas findings is that ending menstrual stigma cannot be the responsibility of girls alone. If girls are to grow up without feeling ashamed of a normal biological process, the attitudes of the people around them must change too.   For Ujaas, menstrual health progress is therefore not only about whether girls have access to products or understand how to manage their periods. It is also about whether the people and institutions around them know how to respond with empathy, respect and dignity — so that a period stain becomes a moment of support, not a moment of shame.   About Ujaas Ujaas is an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, founded by Advaitesha Birla, working to normalise menstrual health across schools, communities and

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G-SHOCK India Brings Collectors and Enthusiasts Together at the G-SHOCK Fan Meet – Collector's Edition in Mumbai

Casio Computer Co. Ltd., headquartered in Japan and the parent company of Casio India, brought together 145+ G-SHOCK fans, including collectors, enthusiasts, horologists, media and creators, at the G-SHOCK Fan Meet – Collector’s Edition in Mumbai. The gathering celebrated the brand’s legacy while providing a platform for the community to connect over its shared appreciation for G-SHOCK’s design, innovation and spirit of individuality.   G-SHOCK Fan Meet   Held at the G-SHOCK Exclusive Store, Linking Road, Santacruz West, the event brought the G-SHOCK community together through conversations, collection showcases and interactions centred around the brand’s heritage and timepieces. Among the highlights of the evening was a special showcase by four G-SHOCK collectors, who presented selections from their personal collections and shared the stories and significance behind their timepieces. The showcase offered attendees a closer look at the personal connections and stories behind some of the collections that have grown alongside the brand.   A key highlight of the evening was the presence of Junichi Izumi, creator of the GA-2100 series, who engaged with members of the G-SHOCK community and shared insights into the design journey behind the GA-2100, one of G-SHOCK’s most recognisable series. His participation offered collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to hear directly from the creative mind behind the GA-2100 and gain a deeper understanding of the design thinking and philosophy that shaped the series.   Commenting on the occasion, Takuto Kimura, Managing Director, Casio India, said, “G-SHOCK has grown into a global community united by a shared appreciation for individuality, creativity and innovation. India has been an important part of that journey, with collectors and enthusiasts embracing the brand and making it their own. The Fan Meet is an opportunity for us to bring this community together, celebrate their passion for G-SHOCK and create meaningful interactions around the brand.”   Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Junichi Izumi, Creator of the GA-2100 Series, said, “The GA-2100 was developed as a new expression of the G-SHOCK identity while staying true to the strength and character of the brand. It has been very rewarding to see how collectors and enthusiasts around the world have connected with the series and made it their own. Meeting the G-SHOCK community in India and hearing their stories and perspectives has been a very special experience, and I am happy to be part of this gathering.”   The evening featured interactions between Junichi Izumi and attendees, with conversations spanning collections, design and the evolution of the GA-2100 series. Horologists, media and creators also engaged with the brand and each other on G-SHOCK’s continued relevance across generations. The evening continued with an after-party at Gigi Bombay, Bandra West, where guests came together for music and informal conversations, extending the gathering into a more relaxed setting.   With the G-SHOCK Fan Meet – Collector’s Edition, Casio India continues to celebrate the collectors, enthusiasts and creators who have made G-SHOCK part of their own stories. By creating spaces for the community to come together, share their collections and connect with the people behind the brand, G-SHOCK continues to build on the culture and connections that have shaped its presence in India.   About Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd. Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd. (CIC) is the Indian subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Casio India has established a dynamic presence in the Indian market since 1996, emerging as a leading and cherished consumer goods manufacturer. Casio India’s range of products include sales and marketing of Timepieces, Electronic Musical Instruments, Desktop Calculators and Scientific Calculators.   Setting the benchmark for excellence, Casio India is dedicated to embodying the spirit of innovation and quality that defines the Casio legacy. With a strong commitment to its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution,” Casio has consistently translated this ethos into the creation of innovative products making a positive impact on society.   For more information, visit www.casio.com/in.

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Karnataka to Emerge as a Global Model for Wellbeing: Health Minister U.T. Khader Unveils Vision at Global Wellbeing Confluence – 2026 Launch Event

Karnataka Health Minister Sri U.T. Khader has unveiled an ambitious vision to position Karnataka as a global destination for health, immunity and holistic wellbeing, at the Global Wellbeing Confluence (GWC) – 2026 Leaders Talk, conducted in association with AYUSH TV, India’s dedicated health channel.   Health Minister U.T. Khader, A. Jayasimha, Ayush TV MD Hari Krishna and GWC VP Harish inaugurated GWC 2026, promoting holistic health and wellbeing In a powerful interaction with Harish R., Chairman, GWC – 2026, the Minister highlighted the importance of creating greater public awareness about what people eat, where they eat and how food and lifestyle influence long-term health. His recent enforcement initiatives covering five-star hotels, leading clubs, hospitals, bakeries, sweet outlets and pharmaceutical establishments have reinforced the need for stronger public vigilance and responsible health practices. A major highlight of the event was the announcement of a Women as Wellbeing Ambassadors initiative under GWC – 2026, aimed at empowering women to become champions of healthy families, communities and lifestyles. The Minister also inaugurated “AYUSH Life Immunity Prasadam – One Meal a Day,” promoting the use of seasonal vegetables, fruits and natural foods as part of an immunity-focused lifestyle. He further released 10 powerful principles for an immunity-enriched lifestyle, providing a simple roadmap for healthier living. GWC – 2026: A Global Platform for Integrated Wellbeing The previous edition of the Global Wellbeing Confluence, held in April 2025, created significant momentum, bringing together nearly 5,000 AYUSH doctors and around 45,000 visitors. The 2026 edition is scheduled for October 23–26, 2026, at Palace Grounds, Bengaluru, with expectations of participation from more than 15,000 AYUSH and modern medicine doctors, along with healthcare professionals, wellness experts, institutions and the public. The AYUSH Federation of India is the official partner, with associate partnerships from organisations including the Akhila Karnataka Rajya Sarkari Mahila Noukarara Sangha, Karnataka Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Association, and Indian Naturopathy & Yoga Graduates Medical Association, among others. The GWC – 2026 launch event was attended by Mr. Hari Krishna M., Managing Director, AYUSH TV; Sri A. Jayasimha, Chairman, Karnataka State Brahmin Development Board; and Mr. Pavan Ramesh of AYUSH TV, along with distinguished representatives from the healthcare and wellbeing sectors. Global Wellbeing Confluence – 2026 aims to bring AYUSH, modern medicine, nutrition, naturopathy, yoga and preventive healthcare onto one powerful platform creating a movement that can make Karnataka a model for healthy and sustainable living for India and the world.  

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Ralith Realty Launches Ralith Retreat in Panipat, 60 percent Township Inventory Sold

Ralith Realty has launched Ralith Retreat, a 53.36-acre integrated luxury township in Sector 19A, Panipat, as the developer looks to tap into rising demand for premium plotted developments across the region. The township comprises a limited inventory of 352 premium plots, with Phase 1 already sold out and nearly 60% of the overall township inventory sold.   Ralith Realty Launches Ralith Retreat in Panipat; 60% Township Inventory Sold   Plot sizes at Ralith Retreat range from approximately 183 sq. yds. to 800 sq. yds., with around 70% of the residential plots comprising larger-sized plots. The development is also planned to include villas, independent floors and commercial spaces, offering a mix of residential and lifestyle options within an integrated community.   According to Vikas Goel, Founding Director, Ralith Realty, the company is releasing inventory in a calibrated manner as development progresses, with the developer expecting the project’s value proposition to strengthen further as infrastructure and fast-track development works advance.   “We have deliberately maintained a limited inventory at Ralith Retreat to preserve the low-density character of the development while creating a differentiated offering in the Panipat market. With Phase 1 sold out and the overall township nearing 60% sales, we are seeing encouraging demand from both end-users and investors. As construction and infrastructure works progress rapidly, we believe the development will become increasingly attractive to buyers looking for quality plotted communities with long-term value potential,” he said.   The project is targeted at both end-users and investors, with investor demand constituting a significant component of the Panipat residential market. Ralith Realty attributes the initial sales traction to a combination of factors including construction quality, design, workmanship, delivery focus and the experience of its leadership team.   Rakesh Kaul, CEO & Managing Director, Ralith Realty, said, “Ralith Retreat has been conceived around the changing aspirations of buyers seeking larger private spaces within professionally planned communities. We have focused on creating a low-density township with extensive greens, quality infrastructure and amenities designed for different age groups. The response to the project, with Phase 1 sold out and the overall township nearing 60% sales, reinforces our confidence in the demand for well-planned plotted developments in Panipat. We also intend to introduce built-up villas across various plot sizes to facilitate faster habitation and create a more active residential community.”   Located approximately 1.5 km from GT Road, Ralith Retreat offers connectivity to key regional destinations, with Delhi around 60 minutes away, Karnal approximately 20 minutes away and Chandigarh around 2.5 hours away. Panipat ISBT is approximately 12 minutes from the township, while Panipat Junction Railway Station is around 15 minutes away. The upcoming Panipat station of the proposed Delhi-Karnal RRTS Corridor is approximately three minutes from the development. The township is also located in proximity to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, shopping and entertainment destinations.   The master plan of Ralith Retreat follows a Roman-style linear grid structure, incorporating linear central greens and radial roads at 90-degree intersections to facilitate smoother and less congested internal movement. The development features landscaped pedestrian walkways, wide RCC internal roads, a grand artistic entrance gate and a Grand Central Avenue finished with granite cobblestone and complemented by artwork and sculptures.   The developer plans to plant more than 2 lakh plants and shrubs across the township, creating an extensive green landscape. The development has been planned around large private plots, open spaces and recreational areas, with the objective of creating a quieter, low-density residential environment.   The amenity offering spans multiple age groups and includes children’s play areas, a toddlers’ cycling track, skating rink, sports arenas, jogging and walking tracks, an outdoor gym, barbecue pit, bonfire area and dedicated senior citizens’ spaces. The township also includes a pet park and open-air theatre.   A range of landscaped recreational spaces further includes multipurpose lawns, a maze garden, palm court, herb garden, sensory garden, aroma garden and labyrinth. The development is planned as a gated community with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and security personnel.   Construction is progressing in phases. The first phase, spread across approximately 30 acres, is targeted for completion within the next six to eight months. Development of the remaining 23.36 acres has also commenced and is expected to be completed in approximately one year. The entire township is targeted for completion by December 2027. The project is being completely self-funded by the developer.   Ralith Realty views Panipat as an emerging market within the broader NCR growth corridor, supported by its connectivity with Delhi, Karnal and Chandigarh and ongoing infrastructure development in the region. The developer expects the combination of improved connectivity, expanding urban infrastructure and demand for larger-format residential spaces to support the growth of premium plotted developments in the market.   About Ralith Realty Ralith Realty is focused on developing integrated communities that offer diverse options across lifestyles and budgets, with an emphasis on comfort, functionality, sustainability and modern living. The company’s founding patrons, led by Rakesh Kaul, bring complementary expertise across project acquisition, planning, approvals, design, execution, sales and marketing, and successful handover.   With more than 100 years of combined experience in real estate development, the leadership team brings extensive experience across the development lifecycle. Ralith Realty is guided by its core values of excellence, collaboration, sustainability and integrity, with a focus on building lasting relationships and creating communities that people are proud to call their address.

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5 Ways to Add More Nutrition to Your Diet this National Nutrition Month

Let’s be honest, by this time of the year, many of us are starting to slack on our health-focused resolutions. However, September is National Nutrition Month, so it’s the perfect time to re-focus on those nutrition goals we may have let fall away.   Feel a little overwhelmed by the idea of adding “nutrition” to your diet? You’re not alone. We’re here to help guide you with five easy steps to make that goal more achievable.   1. Eat More Plants You don’t have to cut out animal products from your diet to be healthy, but the Dietary Guidelines recommend filling at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables and also working in whole grains and plant-based protein. Incorporating plant-based foods into meals is an easy way to add essential nutrients and vitamins to your diet! This includes eating walnuts, increasing your intake of omega-3 ALA (2.5g per 28g serving). Blend veggies and walnuts into sauces like this versatile Walnut Romesco Sauce, or swap half the meat in dishes like tacos and lasagna with beans or walnuts.   Walnut Romesco Sauce   Ingredients 1 cup well-drained roasted red peppers 1⁄2 cup California walnuts 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 3 cloves garlic 1 bunch fresh parsley Salt and pepper to taste   Preparation 1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. 2. Serve over grilled summer vegetables or grilled steak.   California Walnut Romesco Sauce   2. Drink More Water Drinking at least eight glasses a day can help curb your cravings and help you from confusing thirst with hunger. Not to mention, staying hydrated is important, especially for those who are active.   3. Make Your Snacks Count Don’t count your snacks—make your snacks count. Make sure your snacks offer a combination of protein, fiber and good fats. A handful of walnuts, seasoned to your liking is a well-rounded snack that can hold you over until your next meal. This is a great way to meet a craving for sweet or savory with satisfying crunch. You can make a simple trail mix with other nutrient-rich ingredients to really stack your snacks!   Tropical Trail Mix   Ingredients ½ cup low-sugar dried papaya chunks ½ cup unsweetened dried goji berries ½ cup unsweetened shaved coconut 1 cup unsweetened dried pineapple, cut into chunks 1 cup unsweetened dried kiwi 2 cups California walnuts 1 cup toasted, salted pepitas 1 cup bittersweet cacao chips   Preparation 1.Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. 2. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry spot to keep it fresh for about one month.   California Walnut Tropical Trail Mix   4. Make Mealtime an Occasion Most people tend to move through life very quickly and don’t stop to enjoy simple pleasures. Things like sitting down to eat a meal can be good for you both mentally and physically, as it encourages you to eat more slowly, allowing your body to process and digest food more appropriately. Physical benefits aside, this can also provide the mental benefit of taking a break and unplugging from your busy life, while enjoying a meal and time with loved ones.   5. Understand Nutrition Labels While eating whole, unprocessed foods as often as possible is great, it’s not always realistic with our busy lifestyles. Pay attention to the ingredient lists on packaged products, and look out for things like saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. To avoid being in the situation of not knowing what you’re going to grab as an on-the-go alternative, plan ahead by meal prepping or packing your own snacks to fit in with your diet and nutrition goals. For simple grab-and-go snacks you can make in bulk, try this No-Bake Walnut Cocoa Cherry Bars.   No-Bake Walnut, Cocoa, Cherry Bars   Ingredients 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats 1 cup pitted Medjool dates 1/2 cup shelled California walnuts 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cherries 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon salt   Preparation 1. In a large food processor bowl, combine oats, dates, walnuts, cherries, cocoa powder and salt. Process 1-2 minutes, or until mixture resembles a crumbly dough. 2. Turn mixture onto wax paper and shape evenly into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle. 3. Chill at least 1 hour and cut into 9 bars. Bars do not need to be stored in the refrigerator.   No Bake California Walnut Cocoa Cherry Bars   There’s not just one simple way to elevate your nutrition levels for National Nutrition Month, but there are a lot of steps you can take to work towards a more nutritious lifestyle. Setting a goal of what you want to achieve this month and prioritizing a nutritious diet through the previous suggestions are wonderful ways to start!

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Vijay Garg Elected President of the Association of Radio Operators for India

The Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI), the apex body of India’s private FM radio industry, has elected Mr. Vijay Garg, Chief Financial Officer of MY FM — the radio division of the Dainik Bhaskar Group (D B Corp Ltd.) — as its new President. Mr. Garg takes over from Ms. Anurradha Prasad, Chairperson and Managing Director of BAG Network (Radio Dhamaal), who led AROI through a defining period of policy advocacy for the sector for the last fifteen years and resigned at the AGM held on 10 August 2026.   Mr. Vijay Garg, Chief Financial Officer of MY FM   Mr. Garg assumes the Presidency at a pivotal moment for private radio. The industry, which reaches more than 200 million listeners every week as a free, trusted and deeply vernacular medium, is seeking decisive policy action on four fronts: parity with other media through permission to broadcast independent news and current affairs; extension of Phase III licences on the 4% Adjusted Gross Revenue model already approved by the Union Cabinet for new cities; rationalisation of GST on radio from 18% to 5%, at par with print; and conversion of the 2023 MEITY advisory into a mandatory directive activating FM receiver chips in every mobile phone sold in India.   A finance leader with three decades in media A cost and Management accountant (ICMA) by training and a graduate of the University of Delhi, Mr. Garg brings close to thirty years of financial and business leadership, of which more than two decades have been in radio. He began his career in corporate finance with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, moved into broadcasting as Chief Financial Officer of Red FM, and joined the Dainik Bhaskar Group’s radio business in 2007. Today he serves as CFO for the Group’s radio and some other businesses and has been closely associated with MY FM’s expansion from a regional network into one of the country’s largest FM footprints, now moving towards 44 stations 3 across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh.   Within the industry, Mr. Garg is regarded as one of radio’s most respected voices on the economics of the business — licence fees, spectrum costs, tax structures and the unit economics of small-town broadcasting — and has contributed to AROI’s submissions to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.   On his election, Mr. Vijay Garg said, “I am deeply honoured by the confidence the industry has placed in me. Radio is India’s most local, most inclusive and most cost-efficient mass medium — it speaks to the country in its own languages, free of cost, and it stays on air when every other network goes down. Yet the sector today carries a cost structure built for a very different era. My focus as President will be simple and unrelenting: secure media parity for radio, make the economics of the licence sustainable, correct the tax anomaly, and get FM chips switched on in every phone sold in this country. If we get these right, radio will not merely survive — it will power the local economies of Tier 2 and Tier 3 India for the next decade.”   Appreciating his predecessor’s leadership, Mr. Garg said that Ms. Anurradha Prasad’s tenure had “given the industry a united voice and put radio’s case squarely before the Government,” and said the incoming leadership would build on that foundation.   About AROI The Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) is the official body representing private commercial FM radio broadcasters across the country. Its members operate hundreds of stations spanning metros and Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reaching over 200 million listeners every week in more than a dozen languages. AROI engages with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, TRAI and other authorities on policy, regulation and the long-term growth of the radio and audio industry in India.

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Nicole Junkermann Says 2 Billion Volleyball Views Strengthen Case for Women's Sport Investment in India

International investor Nicole Junkermann has said the rapid growth of women’s volleyball in Italy strengthens the investment case for women’s sport in India, after the digital ecosystem surrounding Italy’s leading women’s volleyball competitions passed 2 billion views during the 2025-26 season.   Nicole Junkermann The milestone was recorded across the digital ecosystem surrounding Lega Pallavolo Serie A Femminile, working with Gameday by NJF Holdings through their Spike Media partnership. Content generated approximately 61.5 million interactions across digital platforms as the league expanded its audience well beyond traditional television and match-going fans. For Nicole Junkermann, founder of NJF Holdings and the investor behind Gameday, the figures are significant beyond Italy. Junkermann has previously identified India as an important long-term market for sports investment, technology and digital media, including the infrastructure that can help professional leagues build larger audiences. “Two billion views changes the conversation,” said Nicole Junkermann. “When we first talked about what the Italian experience might mean for India, the season had already produced extraordinary numbers. The final result is stronger still. It shows that women’s volleyball can build a very large digital audience when the sport is given the right distribution, content and commercial infrastructure.” Earlier this year, Nicole Junkermann identified India as a market where lessons from the growth of Italian women’s volleyball could have wider relevance. At the time, Italy’s top women’s league had generated more than 1.4 billion digital views during the season, alongside more than 45 million social media interactions. The completed season has substantially exceeded those figures. From 1.4 billion to more than 2 billion views The growth reflects a strategy that treats digital distribution as part of the sporting product rather than simply as a way to promote matches. Gameday by NJF Holdings and Lega Volley Femminile created Spike Media to focus on media, distribution, audience development and the commercial infrastructure surrounding Italian women’s volleyball. The approach has expanded the volume and reach of content around matches, clubs and athletes, allowing fans to encounter the sport across a much wider range of digital channels. Gameday by NJF Holdings is the sports and media platform backed by international investor Nicole Junkermann. Its work combines professional sport with digital sports media, audience development, technology and commercial infrastructure. For Junkermann, the Italian experience challenges the assumption that women’s leagues need to wait for traditional broadcast audiences to develop before they can become significant media properties. “Women’s sport is still too often assessed using the economics and distribution models of the past,” said Nicole Junkermann. “Digital platforms give leagues the chance to build audiences differently. You can create interest around the athletes, the clubs and the competition every day, rather than relying on a few hours of television each week.” That distinction could be particularly relevant to the development of women’s sport in India, where sport and digital media already have an unusually close relationship. Why Nicole Junkermann sees an opportunity in Indian women’s sport India’s sporting economy remains dominated by cricket, but Nicole Junkermann believes its success demonstrates something broader: the country’s ability to turn sport into entertainment, media, technology and culture at enormous scale. The question is where that experience could travel next. Indian women’s sport offers one such opportunity. India has a large young digital audience and a sophisticated sports industry, while athletes and competitions outside men’s cricket have more opportunities than ever to reach supporters directly through digital platforms. Nicole Junkermann believes digital distribution, sports technology and better commercial infrastructure can play an important role in accelerating that development. “India is particularly interesting because many of the ingredients are already there: a young digital audience, a huge appetite for sport and increasingly ambitious female athletes,” said Nicole Junkermann. “Cricket has shown what India can build around a sport. I don’t think we should assume that only cricket can benefit from that imagination.” The Italian experience is relevant because it demonstrates how investment around a league can create value beyond the competition itself. Media distribution, short-form content, athlete channels, data, sponsorship and sports technology can all become part of the infrastructure supporting a modern sports property. For investors looking at women’s sport in India, that broadens the opportunity. Investment doesn’t have to mean buying a team or competing for a headline sponsorship. It can include the technology, media and digital infrastructure that helps leagues and athletes reach audiences, understand supporters and build sustainable revenue. Nicole Junkermann’s investment thesis for sports infrastructure in India Nicole Junkermann has previously argued that some of the most interesting sports investment opportunities in India will be found beneath the headline valuations, particularly in sports technology, media, digital distribution and league infrastructure. The latest results from Italian women’s volleyball strengthen that thesis. A digital audience measured in billions doesn’t mean that every view has the same commercial value, nor does it make Italy and India directly comparable. But the scale demonstrates how quickly the audience around a women’s competition can grow when distribution is designed around the way people now consume sport. For Gameday by NJF Holdings, India remains a market of long-term interest as the country’s professional sports economy develops beyond its established strengths. “India doesn’t need to copy the Italian model,” said Nicole Junkermann. “That would miss the point. The interesting question is what India can build for itself, using its own athletes, audiences and sporting culture. The numbers from Italy simply show how much can happen when a women’s league is given the infrastructure and ambition to grow.” For Nicole Junkermann, the 2 billion milestone is therefore less an end point than evidence of what can happen when investment follows changing audience behaviour. As women’s sport attracts greater attention from broadcasters, sponsors and investors around the world, Junkermann believes India has the audience, sporting culture and digital scale to develop a model distinctly its own. About Nicole Junkermann and NJF Holdings Nicole Junkermann is an international investor and the founder of NJF Holdings, a privately held international investment group operating across Europe, the United States, the

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VERO MODA Launches the Marilyn Monroe Capsule Collection

Some icons never fade, they evolve. This season, VERO MODA, one of India’s leading fashion brands, celebrates the 100-year legacy of global icon Marilyn Monroe through an exclusive capsule collection that reimagines one of fashion and pop culture’s most legendary figures for the modern woman. The collection launches on 1st September 2026.   Vero Moda x Marilyn Monroe Decades after she first captivated the world, Marilyn Monroe remains a symbol of confidence, individuality and effortless glamour. Long before the age of social media, she defined what it meant to be an icon with magnetic presence and fearless femininity continuing to inspire generations across fashion, film and culture today. VERO MODA translates Marilyn’s iconic spirit into a fashion-forward yet nostalgic collection designed for today’s woman, one who embraces authenticity and confidence in every moment. The collection seamlessly blends VERO MODA’s signature aesthetic with Marilyn Monroe’s unmistakable visual identity. Her legendary portraits, iconic signature and instantly recognisable kiss mark are thoughtfully woven throughout the collection, creating pieces that feel nostalgic yet unmistakably modern. At its heart are statement dresses, graphic t-shirts and relaxed sweatshirts showcasing Marilyn’s most celebrated imagery through bold portrait graphics and pop-art inspired artwork. Playful polka dots, delicate pearl embellishments, sparkling rhinestone details and expressive graphics pay homage to the glamour Marilyn defined, reinterpreted with a contemporary outlook.  A standout highlight is the denim capsule, where vintage-inspired washes meet feminine ruffles, modern silhouettes and elevated detailing, offering a modern take on one of fashion’s most enduring essentials.  The collaboration also extends into accessories with statement caps featuring Marilyn’s kiss mark and autograph, an easy way to carry a touch of the icon into everyday style. The VERO MODA x Marilyn Monroe capsule collection will be available exclusively on the VERO MODA App for the first 48 hours from launch, beginning 1st September 2026, before rolling out across VERO MODA retail stores nationwide, online at www.veromoda.in, and on Myntra. About VERO MODA Launched in 1987 as BESTSELLER’s first fashion label, VERO MODA has grown to become one of Europe’s most recognised high-street fashion brands. Built on the belief that everyday style should feel effortless, elevated and empowering; the brand creates versatile collections that celebrate individuality and inspire confidence. With an authentic expression of style and a constant focus on evolution, VERO MODA continues to redefine modern fashion for women who embrace self-expression and effortless dressing. In India, VERO MODA has established itself as one of the leading destinations for women’s western wear, offering trend-led collections designed for every facet of a woman’s lifestyle. The brand reaches customers through its exclusive brand outlets and shop-in-shops across the country, the VERO MODA App, www.veromoda.in and leading online marketplaces. About Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe is one of the most influential pop culture icons of all time. A true trailblazer, Monroe forged her own path, embracing her individuality and pursuing her passions in an era when paths for women were few. She appeared in 29 films over the course of her career, became a Golden Globe winner for Some Like It Hot, and continued to set a new standard for women in film. As part of her quest for control, she launched her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, affording her control over her image, while pushing back on the Hollywood system to ensure her voice and others were heard. Her pioneering spirit, independence and confidence, along with her incomparable star power, continue to inspire modern generations and transcend cultures and backgrounds. Partnerships with both luxury and mass-consumer brands, in addition to an extensive merchandising program, reinforce her status as a global icon.

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GoCredit Launches Free Loan App Checker to Verify If a Lending App Is Real, Fake or RBI Registered

GoCredit today launched a free loan app checker that tells any borrower in seconds whether the lending app on their phone is real, fake, or operated by an RBI-registered lender. The tool is live at gocredit.money/loan-app and answers a question millions of Indians currently settle by guesswork: is this loan app safe to use?   GoCredit’s free Loan App Checker names the RBI-regulated lender behind any lending app, from RBI’s official directory of 1,024 digital lending apps   A borrower types the app’s name. The free loan app safety checker searches it against the Reserve Bank of India’s public directory of Digital Lending Apps deployed by Regulated Entities – 1,024 apps as of 1 September 2026 — and against more than 9,200 RBI-registered entities. Where there is a match, the borrower sees the regulated entity behind the app, that entity’s grievance redressal officer, and the escalation route to the RBI Ombudsman. Where there is no match, the tool does not accuse: it hands the borrower a verification checklist and the official reporting channels.   Why the “not found” answer matters most Google Play’s India policy requires personal loan apps to appear in the RBI’s DLA directory before they can be distributed. An app absent from that directory is therefore an app that should not be offering personal loans on the store at all.   That distinction is the tool’s core design decision. Lists of banned loan apps circulate widely on Indian social media, but no official public list of banned apps exists: blocking orders issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act are confidential by law. In a written reply to Parliament in July 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology stated that 87 illegal loan lending applications have been blocked to date; the names in those orders are not published.   “Every viral ‘fake loan app list’ is somebody’s guess, and borrowers are making decisions about their money based on those guesses. The verifiable question isn’t which apps are banned — it’s which regulated entity is behind the app in front of you. RBI publishes that. We made it searchable,” Anupam Acharya, Co-founder and CEO, GoCredit.   How to check if a loan app is RBI registered The company outlined the verification sequence any borrower can follow, with or without the tool: Search the app name in RBI’s DLA directory. Every legitimate digital lending app in India is reported to the RBI by the bank, NBFC or housing finance company that deploys it. Open the app’s About or Compliance screen. RBI rules require a lending app to name the regulated entity behind it. If no lender is named anywhere, treat that as the first red flag. Read the loan agreement or sanction letter. The legal lender is named at the top; it is frequently different from the app’s brand name. Never pay an advance “processing fee”. Registered lenders deduct charges from the disbursed amount; they do not collect fees by UPI before disbursal. Report what does not check out. Unauthorised lending apps can be reported to the RBI at sachet.rbi.org.in, or to the national cybercrime portal at cybercrime.gov.in and helpline 1930. What the tool deliberately does not claim The checker never describes an app as “RBI-approved”. The RBI compiles its DLA directory from information submitted by regulated entities on its CIMS portal and publishes it, in the regulator’s own words, without further validation. A listing is a disclosure by a regulated entity, not an endorsement by the RBI — and the tool’s language reflects that distinction on every verdict it returns.   Built on regulatory architecture, not around it The tool is a consequence of the RBI’s Digital Lending Directions, under which regulated entities must report the apps they deploy. That reporting requirement is what makes an app-level public check possible at all. GoCredit renders the resulting directory in the form a borrower can act on: searchable by the name on their phone screen, with the grievance contact attached.   Alongside the checker, GoCredit has published the complete list of RBI-registered loan apps in India, with a dedicated safety page for each app naming the regulated entity or entities that deploy it.   The company operates an AI Loan Agent that matches borrowers to lenders through a single consent-based application, rather than repeated applications across multiple instant loan apps that each trigger a credit bureau inquiry. The safety checker extends the same premise to the step before borrowing: establishing who the lender actually is.   Availability The loan app safety checker is free, requires no signup, and is available now at gocredit.money/loan-app. The underlying directory data is refreshed from the RBI’s published source.   About GoCredit GoCredit is a personal loan platform operated by Vijayalakshmi Technology Infinity NKB Private Limited, offering an AI Loan Agent that matches borrowers with RBI-registered lending partners through a single consent-based application.   Website: gocredit.money   Sources Referenced Reserve Bank of India – public directory of Digital Lending Apps deployed by Regulated Entities (rbi.org.in, Citizen’s Corner), accessed 1 September 2026. Press Information Bureau – Release ID 2287195, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reply to the Rajya Sabha, 21 July 2026. Google Play Developer Policy – personal loan app requirements for India.

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