Samsung India Begins Pre Orders For Galaxy Watch8 Series

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  Galaxy Watch8 series is the world’s first smartwatch to integrate Google’s AI Assistant Gemini

• Galaxy Watch8 series features a new Cushion Design

• Galaxy Watch8 Classic gets a rotating bezel

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today launched the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic, establishing an iconic design identity across the entire Galaxy Watch lineup. Building upon the foundation of the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s cushion design, this series boasts the thinnest Galaxy Watch ever.

 

As part of the launch, Samsung is offering attractive introductory prices and exclusive pre-order benefits. Galaxy Watch8 40mm BT is priced at INR 32,999, while the 40mm LTE version is available at INR 36,999. The larger 44mm BT and LTE variants are priced at INR 35,999 and INR 39,999 respectively. Galaxy Watch8 Classic 47mm BT model is priced at INR 46,999, while the LTE variant is available at INR 50,999.

 

Consumers pre-booking Galaxy Watch8 series between July 9 and July 24, 2025 can avail of exciting benefits including multi-bank cashback or upgrade bonuses of up to INR 12,000 or multi-buy offers of up to INR 15,000 that are specially curated for new Galaxy S and Z series customers. Additionally, customers can enjoy no-cost EMI options for up to 18 months across leading banks and NBFCs.

 

Redesigned Inside and Out for Ultimate Wellness

By reimagining both form and function, the Galaxy Watch8 series delivers unmatched comfort alongside industry-leading performance, making it the ultimate companion for everyday wellness. The distinctive cushion design, which debuted with Galaxy Watch Ultra, now defines the entire Galaxy Watch lineup. To achieve the thinnest design yet, the internal structure of Galaxy Watch8 was completely reengineered and its component mounting capability has been improved by 30%, resulting in an 11% thinner design. Combined with the Dynamic Lug system, this design moves naturally with the wrist, providing greater comfort and improved stability for a better fit and enhanced health-tracking accuracy.

 

Even when you are outdoors under bright sunlight, the display is 50% brighter with a peak brightness of 3,000nits for easy visibility, and the enhanced battery ensures the watch can keep up with an active lifestyle. Moreover, the dual-frequency GPS provides more detailed and precise location results while our most powerful 3nm processor delivers faster performance and greater power efficiency. With the groundbreaking BioActive Sensor that enables deeper and more accurate health insights, the Galaxy Watch8 series helps provide a holistic view of your health.

 

Most Advanced Sleep and Health Tracking

Galaxy Watch8 series introduces a powerful lineup of wellness-focused smartwatches, combining advanced health tracking with refined design. Galaxy Watch8 series is Samsung’s most advanced health and wellness wearables to date, combining innovative hardware and software capabilities. Equipped with the BioActive Sensor, Galaxy Watch8 offers enhanced health tracking, including more accurate and detailed sleep insights. Moreover, Bedtime Guidance can measure your circadian rhythm to suggest the optimal time to go to bed so you wake up refreshed the next morning. Vascular Load helps monitor the stress levels on your vascular system during sleep.  It also supports Sleep Coaching, helping users build better sleep habits.

 

In addition to sleep tracking, Galaxy Watch8 delivers advanced personalized health monitoring. The new AI-powered Energy Score gives you a snapshot of your energy level, combining physical and mental energy metrics so you can have a healthier day, every day. Additionally, Running Coach7 evaluates your fitness on a scale from 1 to 10 and creates a personalized training plan with live guidance and motivational tips. The new and improved Together feature, now compatible with running, lets you turn your fitness journey into a fun challenge by competing with friends and family.

 

World’s First Smartwatch with Antioxidant Index & Google’s Gemini Assistant

Galaxy Watch8 series also introduces Antioxidant Index for the first time in a smartwatch, enabling you to measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds and make informed lifestyle choices for healthy aging.

 

Created in close partnership with Google, Galaxy Watch8 series is the first smartwatch to feature Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, right out of the box, and runs on the latest Wear OS 6. With the introduction of One UI 8 Watch, the interface is now tailored to better suit the watch’s dimensions. New Multi-Info Tiles offer a convenient snapshot of key information like health stats, weather, and upcoming events. Additionally, the updated Now Bar and streamlined notifications keep your most important activities easily accessible and in clear view.

On top of that, the Galaxy Watch8 series comes with new unique health features on the Samsung Health app that help you build healthier habits through instant, motivational insights – from sleep to nutrition and workout. Bedtime Guidance can measure your circadian rhythm to suggest the optimal time to go to bed so you wake up refreshed the next morning. Vascular Load helps monitor the stress levels on your vascular system during sleep. Providing insights on various lifestyle factors including sleep, stress and activity, it helps you adopt a more comprehensive approach to managing your health.

Bandhan AMC Celebrates 25 Years of Serving Investors In India

Bandhan AMC Limited, one of the leading asset management companies in the country celebrates 25 years in the Indian mutual fund industry, marking a legacy built on trust, innovation and unwavering commitment to helping savers become investors. To mark this milestone with its investors and partners, Bandhan AMC presents ‘Raju Bhaiya Ki Kahani,’ a nostalgic, music-led film that reflects the journey familiar to many: from saving to investing with confidence. Told through a heartfelt jingle and evocative animation, it celebrates the progress of everyday investors over the years. Scan the QR code in the photo to watch the film.

25 Year Journey | Raju Bhaiya Ki Kahani - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkqFs70j0u4

Speaking on this celebration, Mr. Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Bandhan AMC, shares, “As we mark 25 years of our journey, we are proud of the role we have played in helping millions of savers become investors. From our origins as ANZ Grindlays Mutual Fund to Standard Chartered Mutual Fund to IDFC AMC to now becoming Bandhan AMC, every milestone has been a testament to our commitment to financial inclusion, innovation and investor-centricity. While we celebrate this legacy, we remain focused on the road ahead- dedicated to empowering investors, expanding access to prudent financial solutions and redefining what is possible. We are deeply grateful to our investors, partners, employees and all stakeholders for their enduring trust and support throughout the years.”

Over the last 25 years, the organisation has been a pioneer in innovation, being the first to introduce products such as Short-Term Fund, Government Securities Fund, Dynamic Bond Fund, Medium Term Fund and roll-down structures in debt schemes. It has also embraced next-generation strategies like Artificial Intelligence led PMS products and Machine Learning based investment frameworks through offerings like NEO Equity PMS. Beyond product innovation, the company has played a vital role in investor education, launching well-received campaigns like One Idiot, Return of One Idiot, Dattey Raho, and Be Smart - Stay Invested, which have helped spread financial awareness across the country.

In 2025, Bandhan AMC continues to expand its reach with the launch of its 100th branch, new operations at GIFT City with three India-focused funds and Vedartha, a dedicated platform for wealth creation for both onshore and offshore investors. As Bandhan AMC steps into the future, the vision remains clear, to be a trusted partner in every Indian’s financial journey, and to continue helping savers become investors.

Snakebite Awareness: Timely & Swift Action Saves Lives- Saanp Ka Vaar, Aspatal Mein Hi Upchar

Issued in public interest by Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited and Mankind Pharma Limited

The onset of monsoons calls for caution from snakes.  Snakebites are expected to rise, especially in those areas that are filled with a dense natural environment, mostly in the hilly and rural parts of India. Snakebites remain a major public health problem in India.

THE REALITY OF SNAKEBITES GLOBALLY AND IN INDIA

World Health Organization data points out that nearly  4.5-5.4 million people are bitten by snakes annually worldwide, with between 1.8-2.7 million cases resulting in envenomation.

India bears the heaviest burden globally. Research shows that India had 1.2 million snakebite deaths from 2000-2019, representing an average of 58,000 deaths per year. India accounts for approximately half of global snakebite deaths. The problem is severely underreported - Government of India's official snakebite death reports captured only one-tenth of actual deaths detected during the same period, given only 20-30% of snakebite victims in rural India seek hospital treatment. The lifetime risk of dying from snakebite in India is about 1 in 250, but reaches 1 in 100 in some high-risk areas. Nearly half of victims are aged 30-69 years, with over 25% being children under 15. About 70% of deaths occur in eight high-burden states during monsoon season.

In India, around 90% of snakebites are caused by the 'Big Four' snakes: Common Krait, Indian Cobra, Russell's Viper, and Saw Scaled Viper.

IMMEDIATE DO'S AND DON'TS

Snake bite envenomation can cause severe multi-organ or multi-system damage, such as haemorrhage, paralysis, tissue necrosis, muscle breakdown, cardiotoxicity, acute kidney injury, hypovolemic shock, and death.

The immediate task is to take the snakebite victim to a local hospital for treatment. The best way to treat a venomous snakebite is administering quality antivenom. A high-quality antivenom provides the best available treatment that can help prevent many deaths and reduce the severity of serious disabilities that impact thousands of victims. Good quality antivenom is designed and manufactured to meet the clinical needs of the populations at risk and are safe and effective for extensive use in our collective fight against snakebite deaths.

Most snakebite cases are recorded in rural areas. Over half of all snakebites occur in 30-50-year-old farmers and in 60-80% of cases involve ankles and feet. Dependence on non-mechanised, low-cost farming techniques and barefoot farming practices place farmers at an increased risk of bites on the extremities. Also, poor housing conditions and inadequate lighting provide easy access to snakes into living spaces as they are not easily spotted.

Reports suggest that inadequate first aid, delayed treatment access, and suboptimal treatment contribute to poor outcomes. Further many individuals end up trying homemade remedies or local tricks and healers like Ojhas, etc which can cause further complications.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

In November 2024, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare designated snakebite as a 'notifiable disease', making it mandatory for all government and private health facilities (including medical colleges) to report all suspected, probable snakebites. This addresses the severe underreporting issue and will lead to better collection of data which can be utilised for comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies for snake bites across India.

The fight against snakebite deaths, which are highly preventable, is a matter of awareness and access. The World Health Organization included snakebite envenoming as a priority neglected tropical disease in 2017 and launched a strategy in 2019 aiming to halve snakebite deaths and disabilities by 2030. The National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) provides a broad framework for states to develop their own action plan for management, prevention and control of snakebites through the 'One Health' approach, focusing on improved access to quality anti-venom, enhanced medical care infrastructure, community engagement and education programmes, and better surveillance systems.

PREVENTION TIPS

What to do in case of a snakebite:

●        Stay calm and restrict movements so that blood mixed with the venom doesn't flow to heart

●        Take off any jewellery you might have on and tight clothing to avoid problems with swelling

●        Keep the area of the bite below the heart to keep venom from spreading

●        Position the patient on their left side with right leg bent and face supported by hand

●        Rush immediately to the nearest hospital or health centre

What not to do:

●        Don't wash the wound

●        Don't tightly wrap the site of the bite

●        Don't apply a tourniquet or cold compress to a bite

●        Don't cut across the area of the bite or try to suck the venom out

●        Don't consume alcohol or anything with caffeine

●        Do not self-medicate even if you experience pain

●        Don't panic or let the victim overexert

●        Don't attack the snake

Don't use indigenous treatment or any unsafe home remediesWear protective footwear when working in fields. Use adequate lighting in living spaces. Keep surroundings clean to avoid attracting snakes. Be cautious during monsoon season when snake activity increases.

REMEMBER: Time is critical in snakebite cases. Every minute counts between life and death. Don't waste precious time on ineffective traditional treatments - rush to the nearest hospital immediately.

SAANP KA VAAR, ASPATAL MEIN HI UPCHAR!

Let us treat snakebites in the right manner - Rush to the nearest medical facility to receive the right treatment.

Issued in public interest by Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited and Mankind Pharma Limited,

ICC Brewery Conclave 2025 Pushes AI-Driven Sustainability in India’s Beer Industry

●       Brewing Sector Embraces Tech-Led Transformation

●       Paves the Way for India’s Beer Economy 2.0

With India’s beer market brewing strong and evolving rapidly, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted the Brewery Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru, drawing a diverse mix of brewers, investors, machinery specialists, and policymakers to explore next-gen growth opportunities in one of India’s fastest-growing beverage sectors.

Held at High Brew Brewery, the conclave brought together over 150 delegates including top brewery owners, international brewers, excise officials, sustainability experts, and AI solution providers. As India’s beer market races toward a valuation of ₹456 billion with a projected CAGR of 8.5%, this exclusive event offers a timely platform for dialogue, innovation, and policy alignment.

AI and Sustainability Take Center Stage

A major theme of the conclave was ICC’s push to introduce AI as a catalyst for sustainable brewing. From AI-driven fermentation control and predictive maintenance to water efficiency monitoring and carbon usage tracking, speakers emphasized how technology can reduce costs, enhance quality, and support environmental goals. “AI is now as important as yeast in the brewing process. It empowers brewers to be sustainable, scalable, and smart,” said Mr. Aadithya

Shivkumar Eashwaran, ICC Committee Chairman – Brewery & Distillery and Head Brewer at PRODEB Brewery Technology. Mr. Sushilkumar Eashwaran, Chairman – ICC Sustainability Committee, added, “Green brewing must move from optional to operational. ICC is committed to helping the industry adopt AI-led solutions that are good for business and the planet.”

Bengaluru: The Perfect Brew

With nearly 45–50% of India’s beer consumption coming from South India and Bengaluru standing tall as the country’s craft beer capital, the city offered the ideal setting. From its dynamic pub culture to its liberal excise policy, Bengaluru has become a beacon for innovation in brewing.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

Mr. Shivkumar Eashwaran, Chairman – ICC and Canadian Crystalline Water India Ltd., said,“India’s young demographic and evolving taste for craft beers create an exciting climate for brewers, innovators, and investors. This conclave is about unlocking that in a responsible, future-ready way.”

Key Themes and Sessions

●       Setting up micro and nano breweries: licensing, scale, and feasibility

●       Cross-state excise compliance: challenges and reforms

●       Advanced brewing machinery and AI-based quality control

●       Market trends: premiumisation, consumer evolution, and exports

●       The circular economy: energy and water sustainability in brewing

The conclave also featured a B2B Trade Desk, matchmaking brewers with machinery suppliers, malt producers, and tech enablers. A guided brewery tour and beer tasting at High Brew Brewery gave attendees a live look into India’s emerging craft beer excellence.

The Road Ahead

To build on the outcomes of the conclave, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) announced the launch of a Green Brewery Certification Program in collaboration with its Sustainability Committee, aimed at encouraging breweries to adopt measurable ESG benchmarks related to water usage, waste management, and emissions.

ICC will also roll out a National Microbrewery Exchange Program to facilitate knowledge and talent exchange between emerging and established brewers across Indian states and global hubs.

In addition, ICC will collaborate with technology partners to develop an AI-enabled, open-access compliance platform to help microbreweries simplify and streamline adherence to complex state-wise excise norms.“Beer is not just a drink—it’s an economy, a culture, and a collaboration,” said Mr. Sushilkumar Eashwaran, capturing the spirit of the conclave.

Union Bank of India Approved The Accounts Of The Bank For The Quarter ended June 30, 2025

The Board of Directors of Union Bank of India approved the accounts of the Bank for the Quarter ended June 30, 2025, 

 Network:

1. 8,649 Branches including foreign branches

2. 8,976 ATMs

3. 24,907 BC points

4. 138 MLPs (MSME Loan Points)

5. 140 RLPs (Retail Loan Points)

6. 70 ALPs (Agriculture Loan Points)

7. 113 Union MSME First Branches

8. 1,685 Gold Loan Points

9. 12 LCBs & 38 MCBs

10. 3 SAMBs & 29 ARB 

Financial Inclusion schemes:

Financial Inclusion schemes launched by GOI with an aim to eliminate barriers and provide economically priced financial services to the less accessible sections of the society through government-backed schemes like PMJJBY, PMSBY, PMJDY and APY.

1. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY):

This is a Government- backed insurance scheme; where 4.35 lakhs new enrollments were done by the Bank for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

2. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY):

This is Government- backed accidental insurance scheme; where 5.10 lakhs new enrollments were done by the Bank for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

3. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):

Our bank is instrumental in opening 3.26 Crores accounts under PMJDY Scheme with balance of Rs. 13,089 Crores as on 30.06.2025. The corresponding figure was 2.99 Crores account with balance of Rs. 10,669 Crores as on 30.06.2024.

4. Atal Pension Yojana (APY):

APY is a pension scheme, primarily targeted at the individuals working in unorganized sector, 1.73 lakh new enrollments were done by Bank for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

5. Union Nari Shakti Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs:

   Sanctioned 2,881 Applications for Rs.503 crores during Q1FY26 

6. Credit facility towards Green initiatives: -

• Renewable Energy Sector: -Sanctioned Rs. 29,782 crores as on 30.06.2025

• Union Green Miles: -Sanctioned amount Rs. 1,006 crores as on 30.06.2025.

Punjab National Bank Hosts “Prize Distribution Ceremony For Cybersecurity Hackathon”

PNB hosted the Prize Distribution Ceremony of the “Code Against Malware” Hackathon at its Head Office. The hackathon was conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, under the guidance of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), with the objective of fostering innovation in cybersecurity and engaging India’s young technical talent.

The ceremony was graced by Shri M. Nagaraju, IAS, Secretary, DFS as Chief Guest, alongside Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur; Shri Atul Kumar Goel, Chief Executive, IBA; and the Bank’s Managing Director & CEO, among other distinguished dignitaries, faculty members, jury members, and student participants. 

Launched in December 2024, the “Code Against Malware” hackathon invited student teams from IIT Kanpur and other premier institutions to develop endpoint security solutions to detect ransomware using behavioural analysis, artificial intelligence, and heuristic techniques. 

The initiative received an enthusiastic response with 90 registrations, of which 15 teams progressed to the development phase. Seven working prototypes were submitted and evaluated. 

In his address, the Chief Guest, Shri M. Nagaraju, highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in the banking sector, noting that such initiatives align with the national goal of building resilience against emerging digital threats.

MD & CEO, in his remarks, underscored the institution’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening cyber defences, and promoting collaboration between industry and academia. 

The winners of the hackathon, along with winners from similar initiatives across other public sector banks, will be provided an opportunity to showcase their solutions at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025 in Mumbai.

PNB is one of India’s leading public sector banks, committed to delivering cutting-edge financial services and pioneering innovations in cybersecurity, digital payments, and financial inclusion. The Bank has been recognized with multiple awards, including Winner – Cyber Security Team of the Year, Winner – Incident Response Maturity, and Winner – Digital Payments Award (FY 2024–25).

The Pant Project Launches Flagship Store In Kochi On July 19, 2025

The Pant Project, India’s rising clothing brand, is all set to launch its flagship store in Kochi on July 19, located on Mahatma Gandhi Road. This marks a major milestone in the brand’s expansion journey, bringing its signature focus on fit, comfort, and premium fabrics to Kerala.

Designed with a multi-use approach, the store highlights The Pant Project’s bestselling categories including Power Stretch, Formals, and a versatile pants universe featuring Linen, Wool, Chinos, Cargos, and Jeans. Customers can enjoy a personalized experience through in-store masters and an AI-based sizing technology currently under testing.

“We’ve had consistent demand from our Kochi customers over the years, and this store is our way of bringing them closer to a tailored pant experience,” said Dhruv Toshniwal, Founder. In line with Dhruv, Udit Toshniwal, Founder said “We’ve seen a high volume of repeat customers from Kochi via our online channels. This store is our way of giving back by offering high-quality fabric, class-leading fit, and real value.”

Further Sharath Raju, VP-Retail added “We plan to expand across key cities this year, bringing our unique fit experience closer to customers nationwide.”

With linen and PV cotton collections tailored for Kerala’s climate, and water-repellent pants ideal for monsoon wear, the store brings both relevance and innovation to local shoppers. The brand currently operates in six cities, with plans to expand to three more by year-end. As a launch offer, the Kochi store will feature a 30% discount on all products on Saturday and Sunday (19th & 20th) and it's valid only for early visitors.