Godrej Pet Care expands into South India with Ninja dog food brand

Bengaluru, July 6: Godrej Pet Care (GPC), a subsidiary of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. (GCPL), has expanded its presence in South India with the launch of its scientifically formulated dog food brand, Godrej Ninja, across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala. The move follows a positive response to the brand’s launch in Tamil Nadu and marks another step in the company’s plans to establish a nationwide footprint in the fast-growing pet care market.

Developed and tested in India, Godrej Ninja is formulated to support dogs’ gut health and immunity through a blend of probiotics, prebiotics and polyphenols, along with 37 essential nutrients designed to provide balanced daily nutrition. The product is available for both puppies and adult dogs.

According to the company, India’s pet care market is estimated at ₹26,000 crore, with pet food accounting for nearly ₹5,000 crore. While pet ownership is steadily increasing, adoption of packaged pet food remains low, presenting significant growth opportunities for the organised pet nutrition segment.

Godrej said South India accounts for an estimated ₹1,800-2,000 crore of the country’s pet food market, with Karnataka emerging as the largest market in the region. Bengaluru, in particular, is among India’s most mature pet food markets, recording higher spending on pet food than any other city.

Speaking at the launch, Nitin Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Godrej Pet Care, said the company plans to invest ₹1,500 crore in the pet care business over the coming years. He said the expansion aims to make science-based, high-quality pet nutrition more affordable and accessible to a larger number of pet owners while accelerating the company’s growth across Southern India.

The company said Godrej Ninja has been developed at the Nadir Godrej Centre for Animal Research & Development, combining the animal nutrition expertise of Godrej Agrovet with the consumer and distribution strengths of Godrej Consumer Products.

Highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition, Dr. Ashok Pattanaik, Head of Research & Development at Godrej Pet Care, said nearly 70 per cent of a dog’s immune system is linked to gut health and that gastrointestinal problems account for a significant share of veterinary consultations. He noted that the brand’s scientifically formulated 3P blend is designed to improve digestion, strengthen immunity and support the overall health of pet dogs.

Godrej Ninja is priced at ₹20 for a 100g pack. Adult dog food is available at ₹199 for a 1kg pack and ₹499 for a 3kg pack, while puppy food is priced at ₹219 for 1kg and ₹549 for 3kg.

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OPPO launches Reno16 Series with AI-powered cameras, creative tools and new smart accessories

Bengaluru, July 2026: OPPO India has unveiled its new Reno16 Series, comprising the Reno16 and Reno16c smartphones, introducing a host of AI-powered photography, productivity and creative features aimed at young users.

The Reno16 Series debuts India’s first HoloVerse 3D Design, featuring a unique 3D visual effect on the Starry White variant. Both smartphones sport AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, aerospace-grade aluminium frames and IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance.

Photography remains the key highlight of the new lineup. Both devices feature a 50MP 3.5x telephoto portrait camera, a 50MP front ultra-wide selfie camera and AI-powered imaging technologies such as Natural Tone Imaging, AI Remix Collage, Pop Cam, Popout 2.0, AI Recompose, AI Perfect Shot, AI Eraser and AI Studio. The Reno16 also supports 4K 60fps HDR video recording across multiple focal lengths.

The company has also introduced the AI Snap Key, providing one-touch access to tools such as AI Mind Space, voice recorder, translator and camera. Running on ColorOS 16, the Reno16 Series includes AI Mind Pilot, AI Bill Manager, AI Menu Translation, AI Live Translation, AI Scan and AI Recording Sticker to enhance productivity and everyday convenience.

Powering the Reno16 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, while the Reno16c is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor. The Reno16 packs a 6,700mAh battery, whereas the Reno16c houses a larger 7,000mAh battery, with both supporting 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging.

Alongside the smartphones, OPPO introduced OPPO Bubble, its first smart camera companion. The magnetic accessory features a 1.73-inch AMOLED display for rear-camera previews, enabling users to capture better selfies and group photos while also functioning as a wireless remote.

The company also launched the OPPO Enco Air5 wireless earbuds with up to 52dB Active Noise Cancellation, AI-powered call noise reduction, Bluetooth 6.1 connectivity and up to 54 hours of battery life.

The OPPO Reno16 is priced at ₹61,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant and ₹67,999 for the 12GB+256GB model. The Reno16c starts at ₹46,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant, ₹49,999 for the 8GB+256GB model and ₹55,999 for the 12GB+256GB version.

The Reno16 Series and OPPO Bubble will go on sale from July 9 through OPPO’s online store, Amazon, Flipkart and retail outlets, while the Enco Air5 earbuds will be available from July 2 at ₹3,299.

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MTR launches Sambar Anthem celebrating Karnataka’s culinary heritage

Bengaluru, July 4: MTR Foods has joined hands with renowned musician Vasu Dixit to launch the Sambar Anthem, a musical tribute celebrating Karnataka’s enduring love for sambar and its place in the state’s cultural identity. The anthem was unveiled during a live performance by Vasu Dixit in Bengaluru and is inspired by the memories, traditions and emotions associated with the iconic dish.

More than just a staple on the dining table, sambar has been an integral part of Karnataka’s food culture for generations. Whether paired with idli and dosa for breakfast or served with rice during family meals and festive occasions, every household has its own unique recipe and cherished memories. The anthem captures these shared experiences, reflecting the warmth and nostalgia that make sambar special across the state.

As part of the campaign, MTR invited consumers to share personal stories and memories linked to sambar. Drawing from these real-life experiences, Vasu Dixit composed an original song that celebrates the emotional connection people have with the beloved dish.

Speaking at the launch, MTR Foods CEO Sunay Bhasin said the initiative reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to preserving Karnataka’s authentic culinary traditions. He added that Vasu Dixit’s deep cultural roots and storytelling through music made him the ideal collaborator for the project.

Vasu Dixit said the anthem was inspired not only by sambar itself but also by the conversations, memories and emotions surrounding it. He expressed hope that listeners would relate to the song and find a reflection of their own homes and family traditions.

The Sambar Anthem will be released on MTR’s official digital platforms and Spotify on July 8.

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ToneTag launches eKosha to bring voice-powered banking services to MSMEs

Bengaluru, July 2: ToneTag has introduced eKosha, a voice-first business assistant designed to help banks deliver banking services directly to merchants through a single payment device, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure. The platform is aimed at India’s 80 million-plus micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enabling banks to strengthen merchant engagement while expanding access to financial services.

The device combines payment acceptance, banking services and artificial intelligence into one platform. Supporting UPI, UPI 123Pay and CBDC transactions, eKosha also enables merchants to access banking assistance, loan offers, government schemes, business insights and customer support through simple voice interactions in their preferred language, without requiring a smartphone app or digital literacy.
Powered by ToneTag’s proprietary analog Edge AI and Small Action Language Model (SALM), the system processes many requests directly on the device instead of relying on cloud connectivity. This allows faster responses, lower energy consumption and reliable performance even in areas with poor internet access.

According to the company, eKosha transforms every merchant counter into an always-available banking touchpoint, allowing banks to interact with merchants daily, improve customer relationships and make informed lending decisions based on continuous engagement.

Speaking at the launch, ToneTag Founder and CEO Kumar Abhishek said the platform redefines the merchant counter as the centre of merchant banking by enabling natural, voice-based access to financial services in regional languages.

The company claims banks using eKosha can reduce merchant servicing costs by up to 60 per cent, double cross-selling opportunities, accelerate loan origination and lower merchant churn from 15-20 per cent to 6-9 per cent, helping improve long-term customer retention and reduce acquisition costs.

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KIMS RENOVA Oncology Institute Launched in Bengaluru; VVS Laxman Unveils Advanced Cancer Care Centre

Bengaluru, June 21: In a significant step towards strengthening cancer care services in Karnataka, KIMS Hospitals, Mahadevapura, has inaugurated the KIMS RENOVA Oncology Institute, a comprehensive cancer treatment and research centre aimed at delivering advanced, multidisciplinary and patient-focused oncology care.

The institute was formally inaugurated by legendary former Indian cricketer and Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy, VVS Laxman, in the presence of leading oncologists, healthcare professionals, cancer survivors and community representatives.

The newly launched oncology institute has been established to provide end-to-end cancer care under one roof, bringing together expertise in surgical oncology, robotic surgery, medical oncology and supportive care. The facility is expected to enhance access to advanced diagnosis, precision treatment and holistic cancer management for patients in Bengaluru and neighbouring regions.

A key highlight of the event was the ‘Samrohana Sarathi Survivor Program’, which honoured cancer survivors for their courage, resilience and determination. The initiative celebrated individuals who have successfully battled cancer and continue to inspire others through their journeys of hope and recovery.

Reinforcing its commitment to early cancer detection and community outreach, the institute, in collaboration with the Samrohana Cancer Foundation, announced the “134 Free Screening Camp Pledge.” Inspired by VVS Laxman’s illustrious career of representing India in 134 Test matches, the initiative aims to conduct 134 free cancer awareness and screening camps for underserved communities. The programme seeks to promote prevention, awareness and timely diagnosis, which remain critical in improving cancer outcomes.

The inauguration also featured an engaging fireside discussion involving VVS Laxman and leading oncology experts, including Dr. Sandeep Nayak and Dr. Suresh Babu M.C. The discussion drew parallels between cricket and cancer care, highlighting the importance of teamwork, adaptability, strategic planning and perseverance in achieving successful treatment outcomes.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of KIMS Group of Hospitals, said the organisation remains committed to expanding access to world-class healthcare while maintaining a strong focus on patient-centric care. He noted that the launch of the KIMS RENOVA Oncology Institute represents another milestone in KIMS Hospitals’ mission to combine cutting-edge technology with clinical excellence.

Dr. Nitish Shetty, Managing Director of KIMS Hospitals, Bengaluru, described the institute as a major step towards bringing comprehensive cancer care closer to patients. He said the collaboration integrates KIMS Hospitals’ healthcare infrastructure, RENOVA’s specialised oncology expertise and the surgical oncology capabilities of KIMS MACS Onco Surgery to create a centre focused on precision, innovation and compassionate treatment.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Chairman – Oncology and Executive Director – Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, emphasised that modern cancer treatment requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. He said the institute brings together advanced surgical techniques, robotic-assisted procedures, medical oncology and personalised treatment pathways to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Sridhar Peddireddy, Founder and CEO of Renova Hospitals, said the partnership reflects a shared vision of transforming cancer care through specialised expertise, advanced technology and improved accessibility.
The KIMS RENOVA Oncology Institute has been designed as a comprehensive oncology ecosystem offering services ranging from cancer prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment, surgery, rehabilitation and survivorship support. By integrating multiple specialties through a coordinated care model, the institute aims to set new benchmarks in cancer treatment and patient care.

Healthcare experts believe the launch will play a crucial role in improving access to advanced oncology services and strengthening the overall cancer care ecosystem in Bengaluru and across the region.

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