Bavarian Vice Minister Visits Hical Technologies to Boost India–Germany Aerospace Partnership

Bengaluru, July 11, 2026: Hical Technologies, a Bengaluru-based precision electromechanical manufacturing company serving global aerospace and defence platforms, hosted Mr. Tobias Gotthardt, Hon’ble Vice Minister at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, at its Electronic City facility on Friday.

The visit focused on exploring opportunities for stronger collaboration between India and Bavaria in the aerospace and defence sectors, with discussions centred around advanced manufacturing, innovation, technology capabilities, and strengthening industrial partnerships.

India’s aerospace and defence industry has been witnessing significant growth, with defence exports touching a record ₹38,424 crore in FY26. Against this backdrop, the visit provided Hical an opportunity to showcase its expertise in high-precision manufacturing, engineering capabilities, and its role in supporting next-generation aerospace and defence programmes.

The visit comes after Hical Managing Director Yashas Jaiveer participated in the India–Germany Defence Industry Roundtable held in Munich in April 2026. Hical was among the select Indian aerospace and defence companies that engaged with German industry leaders and government representatives during the roundtable.

During his visit to Hical’s facility, Mr. Gotthardt toured the company’s manufacturing units, design centre, and research facilities, gaining insights into Hical’s production capabilities, engineering processes, and innovation-driven approach in the aerospace and defence domains.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Tobias Gotthardt said that Bavaria and India share a strong partnership based on trust, innovation, and cooperation. He highlighted the growing importance of aerospace, space, and defence sectors and expressed confidence that deeper collaboration between Bavarian and Indian industries could help build resilient supply chains and create new opportunities for both regions.

Yashas Jaiveer, Managing Director, Hical Technologies, said the visit marked an important milestone in strengthening India–Germany industrial ties.
“Welcoming the Hon’ble Vice Minister to our facility is a matter of great pride for Hical and India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. The discussions initiated during the India–Germany Defence Industry Roundtable in Munich have now translated into meaningful engagement at our manufacturing facility. We believe global aerospace partnerships are built on quality, reliability, compliance, and trust. Hical remains committed to becoming a dependable partner for leading aerospace and defence companies across the world,” he said.

The visit further underlines the growing potential for cooperation between India and Germany in advanced manufacturing and aerospace technologies, while highlighting Bengaluru’s emerging role as a global hub for precision engineering and defence innovation.

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India’s first focused health AI Conclave unites doctors and AI experts

Bengaluru, July 10, 2026: India’s first national-level platform dedicated to Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the HAI Conclave 2026, was inaugurated in Bengaluru on Friday, bringing together leading doctors, AI experts, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, technology companies and innovators to discuss the future of AI-driven healthcare.

Organised by Global Healthcare Academy, the two-day conclave was held with the theme “Building Future-Ready Health Ecosystems” and focused on exploring how Artificial Intelligence can make healthcare faster, safer, affordable and more accessible while ensuring that patients remain at the centre of every medical decision.

The conclave witnessed participation from global healthcare and technology organisations including Google, Philips, Roche, Siemens Healthineers, IBM, Tech Mahindra, EY-Parthenon, United Imaging, Intuitive and Roche Diagnostics, along with prominent clinicians, healthcare institutions, researchers and startups.

Experts at the event highlighted that India has a significant opportunity to emerge as a global leader in Health AI, supported by its vast healthcare network, growing digital health ecosystem and strong medical talent. They emphasised the need to develop AI solutions that are affordable, scalable and suited to the healthcare requirements of millions of people.

A key message from the discussions was that Artificial Intelligence should support doctors rather than replace them. Experts pointed out that while AI can help in early disease detection, advanced diagnostics, drug discovery, personalised treatment and improving hospital efficiency, human expertise, clinical judgement and compassion will continue to remain essential in patient care.

The conclave also stressed the importance of collaboration between medical professionals and technology developers to create AI systems that are clinically meaningful, transparent, ethical and focused on improving patient outcomes.

The scientific sessions covered five major areas — drug discovery, preventive medicine, health informatics, diagnostics and treatment. Discussions explored practical applications of AI, including precision medicine, early disease prediction, clinical decision support systems and remote healthcare solutions.

Speaking at the event, Dr. B. S. Ajaikumar, Executive Chairman, Global Healthcare Academy, said that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform healthcare by making it more precise, accessible and efficient. However, he emphasised that the real value of AI lies in strengthening clinical decision-making and improving patient care through a combination of medical expertise, technology and ethical responsibility.

Dr. Bhagavan B C, Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), said that academic institutions have an important role in preparing healthcare professionals for an AI-driven future by integrating medicine, technology and ethics.

Dr. B. L. Sujatha Rathod, Directorate of Medical Education, Government of Karnataka, highlighted the importance of preparing doctors and healthcare professionals to adopt AI responsibly and effectively through collaboration between academic institutions, healthcare organisations and policymakers.

Dr. Manish Mattoo, Chief Executive Officer, HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd. (HCG), said that the future of healthcare would depend on combining clinical excellence with technology, data and innovation. He added that AI can improve efficiency and expand access when integrated responsibly into healthcare systems.

Anitha Niranjan, Director, Global Healthcare Academy, said the conclave was created to bring healthcare, technology and policy leaders onto a common platform to ensure that AI development remains clinically relevant, ethical and focused on better patient outcomes.

The event featured keynote sessions, scientific presentations, panel discussions, startup demonstrations and networking opportunities aimed at encouraging collaboration between doctors and AI innovators. A leadership symposium held as part of the conclave provided a platform for discussions on future partnerships, research and healthcare innovations.

Industry leaders also shared their views on the growing role of AI in healthcare. Kalavathi GV, Executive Director and Head of Global Development Center, Siemens Healthineers, said AI and digital technologies can help convert complex healthcare data into meaningful clinical insights, enabling better access and improved patient care.

Representatives from Philips, United Imaging, Tech4HC, Intuitive and Roche Diagnostics highlighted the role of AI in areas such as medical imaging, diagnostics, surgical precision, healthcare operations and early disease detection.

Experts noted that AI-powered healthcare systems must focus on security, transparency, interoperability and patient safety to ensure long-term trust and adoption.

The organisers stated that HAI Conclave 2026 marks the beginning of a long-term national movement to promote responsible AI adoption in healthcare. By bringing together doctors, technology companies, researchers, startups, investors and policymakers, the platform aims to accelerate innovations that make healthcare smarter, more equitable and accessible for everyone.

With the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence in medicine, the conclave has positioned India as an emerging centre for responsible healthcare innovation, where technology and human expertise work together to deliver better outcomes for patients.

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Special Pooja, Annadana and Bharatanatyam Programme Held at Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Jayanagar

Bengaluru: As per the directions of His Holiness 1008 Sri Sri Sri Subudhendra Theertha Sripadangalavaru, the present pontiff of Nanjangud Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, special religious and cultural programmes were organised at the mutt located in Jayanagar 5th Block, Bengaluru, on Thursday (July 9).
The day’s proceedings included a special decoration of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, special pooja rituals and Annadana Seva for devotees.

As part of the evening cultural programme, students of Lokeshwara Natya Shala Lalitha Kala Trust, Bengaluru, presented a Bharatanatyam performance under the guidance of their guru, Smt. H.M. Sushma. The classical dance recital received appreciation from devotees and attendees.

Senior Manager of the mutt, Sri R.K. Vadindracharya, shared details about the programme.

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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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