Category Archives: Business

MENA Fintech Association Names Victor L. Philippe Chatenay and Haifa Al Obaid as Co Chairs of Its Saudi Arabia Chapter

Appointments bring together senior banking, digital assets and strategic finance expertise to advance fintech innovation and collaboration across the Kingdom

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA | Aug 11 — The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) today announced the appointment of Victor L. Philippe Chatenay and Haifa Al Obaid as Co Chairs of its Saudi Arabia Chapter. The appointments reflect MFTA’s continued commitment to strengthening the fintech ecosystem in the Kingdom, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 financial sector development goals, and fostering closer collaboration between regulators, financial institutions and fintech innovators.

As Co Chairs, Chatenay and Al Obaid will lead the Saudi Chapter’s strategic direction, working to expand MFTA’s local membership base, convene industry dialogue, and support initiatives that accelerate the growth of digital finance, payments and emerging financial infrastructure across Saudi Arabia.

“We are delighted to welcome Victor and Haifa as Co Chairs of our Saudi Arabia Chapter,” said Nameer Khan, Chair of the MENA Fintech Association. “Their combined experience across banking, regulation, digital assets and strategic finance gives our Saudi Chapter exceptional leadership at a pivotal moment for the Kingdom’s fintech sector.”

Making Smart Use of Property Payment Plans

–  Akash Pharande, Managing Director, Pharande Spaces

For many homebuyers, the main consideration while buying a home is not just its price but the timing of the payment. This is why property payment plans exist. They aren’t just sales or promotional tools – at their best, they give homebuyers a financial structure that allows them to align property acquisition with their actual income flow, savings, borrowing capacity, and their stage-of-life priorities.

Given their importance, payment plans should be studied – and understood – very seriously. In most real estate-related conversations, especially from the developer’s side, they are often packaged with catchy terms like ‘easy payment,’ ‘flexi plan,’ or ‘pay later.’ These terms may be partially true, but do NOT deliver the full meaning, impact, and ramifications.

Good payment plans do a lot more than just defer cash outflow – they have a bearing on actual affordability and management of liquidity and can be great tools to buy a property with superior foresight and discipline.

Understanding the True Value of a Payment Plan

The primary value of payment plans is the financial flexibility they can offer. Rather than needing the entire purchase price up front, a developer can permit a customer to pay in stages linked to time, construction progress, or possession. This makes it possible for homebuyers to match their financial obligation to the developer with their salary cycles or business income, as well as home loan disbursements or the sale of an existing property.

If you are an end-user – meaning you are buying a home for your personal use, not as an investment – a good payment plan can allow you to make a less stressful and more structured purchase decision. If you are an investor – meaning you are buying the home to rent it out and/or hold it till you can make a profit on its resale – such a plan can improve your capital allocation, since it negates a sizeable and immediate cash outflow.

Especially for under-construction projects, the right payment plan lets both types of buyers manage their cash prudently while the property is still being built.

Buyers tend to have varying financial profiles; some may be able to make a larger down payment to secure better commercial terms, while others may prioritize liquidity and prefer a lower initial capital spend even if the total payment schedule increases. In that sense, a payment plan becomes not just a method of paying but a method of planning.

Debunking Common Myths About Payment Plans

– One of the most common myths is that every payment plan results in higher affordability. Actually, a payment plan can reduce the burden of timing, but that has little bearing on the total cost of acquisition. It is important to compare the complete cost under each option, and this includes stamp duty and registration charges; applicable taxes, including GST on under-construction properties; maintenance deposits; the costs involved in the home loan; penalties; and often many other not-so-obvious cost components.

– A second myth is that possession-linked or deferred payment plans are completely devoid of risk. While they can lower the near-term financial strain, they do not eliminate all risks – including those pertaining to project delays, approvals, and financing. It is very important to remember that no payment plan, no matter how good it is, will ever replace the need for due diligence.

– A third myth is that the safest payment plans are always linked to phases of construction. They can definitely be more balanced than time-linked payment plans, but only if there are clearly defined construction milestones in place. If the stages are vague or loosely worded, disputes may arise over whether an instalment is actually due or not.

– A fourth misconception worth mentioning is that since the bank is happy to fund a project, there is nothing else left for the buyer to verify. Actually, a lender’s assessment and due diligence by the buyer are far from the same thing – you still need to examine the title, check whether all approvals have been secured, determine the actual carpet area of your unit, and review every aspect related to project specifications, payment obligations, and contract clauses.

Different Types of Property Payment Plans

The commonest payment structure is the down-payment plan, under which you make a hefty down payment, and the remaining amount must be paid according to a short schedule or when you take possession of the unit. This often comes with some financial incentives, but the heavy early burden on the buyer is obvious.

Then there are construction-linked plans where you make payments according to the progress the project makes on the ground. Many buyers prefer this model for under-construction units, since there is a logical link between payment disbursal and verifiable on-site development.

On the other hand, a time-linked payment plan follows a fixed calendar schedule and has nothing to do with construction progress. While this payment plan is predictable, it can become problematic if there is a slowdown in project execution, as payments will still be required regardless of progress.

Possession-linked payment plans often call for a lower initial payment and a larger amount as possession nears. Such a plan can be suitable for homebuyers who want to preserve liquidity during construction. However, they need to make considerable advance preparations for the larger obligation in the future.

The much-touted ‘flexi plans’ are a combination of several payment structures. The buyer may only have to make a moderate up front payment and the remaining payments in later tranches. They are specifically designed to appeal to a wider buyer base and can be genuinely beneficial as long as they are transparently structured.

There can also be loan-linked or subvention-style payment plans where the payment schedule is coordinated with bank finance. Such plans call for particular high levels of caution, since you need to fully understand exactly who bears the interest burden and for how long and under what circumstances.

Precautions Buyers Must Take Before Opting In

– Legal & Regulatory Verification

Buyers must verify that the project has a proper registration under the applicable state RERA and must review the project details disclosed on that authority’s website carefully. RERA specifically stipulates that a promoter is generally not permitted to market or sell a project if it falls under its ambit if it has not been duly registered, subject to limited statutory exceptions.

In some cases, the project’s plot size may be small enough to exempt it from RERA registration. In such a case, buyers must understand their rights under other applicable laws, such as MOFA in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act, 1963, is a state law that regulates the construction, sale, management, and transfer of flats in the state of Maharashtra and protects buyers from various kinds of frauds by developers. It also mandates clear project disclosures and governs the formation of housing societies and conveyance deeds.

– Everything in Writing

Secondly, buyers must not make any substantial payments solely based on verbal assurances or booking forms. The law specifies that no promoter can accept more than 10% of the cost of an apartment, plot, or building as an advance or application fee if there is no written agreement for sale in place.

You must also ask for a complete payment breakup in writing. The base price is only a part of the story – other charges can impact the real cost of acquisition very meaningfully.

– Check The Plan for Actual Affordability

The affordability of any payment plan must be fully stress-tested – you must completely understand if you can sustain paying the instalments even if interest rates increase or the project is delayed, in which case you will have to pay rent for longer than you initially thought. A payment plan may pass the ‘wind tunnel’ test – meaning it may make sense on paper and under normal circumstances – but will it remain comfortable if the market changes for any reason?

– Don’t Wing It Legally

Always have an independent legal professional thoroughly check the sales agreement. Payment plans are designed to look good on paper, but what matters most is what is written into the contract – including default clauses, delay provisions, refund terms, and escalation conditions.

To conclude, I will repeat that a property payment plan is not so much a promotional offer as it is a risk-and-cash-flow management arrangement. If the plan is beneficial in your particular case, it can certainly improve your property buying experience. But it can only work well if you understand everything it implies – including in terms of payment schedules, the total cost, and all the underlying legal commitments.

About the author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director of Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region.

GI Products Get a Major Market Push as MSME Ministry and DPIIT Join Hands

New Delhi, Aug 11: India’s traditional and region-specific products are set to get a wider market reach as the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) join hands to turn Geographical Indication (GI) products into stronger commercial opportunities for local producers.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 5 at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi, creating a joint framework to improve the commercialisation, quality and market access of GI products.

The initiative is aimed at helping artisans, weavers, traditional producers and small businesses take their products beyond local markets and connect with customers and buyers across India and overseas.

A GI tag gives legal recognition to products whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are closely linked to a particular geographical region. But for many producers, recognition is only the first step. Reaching larger markets, building a customer base and securing better commercial opportunities can remain difficult.

The new partnership seeks to bridge that gap by combining GI protection with enterprise development, digital commerce and organised marketing.

Under the agreement, GI producer groups and authorised users will be supported in accessing the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under a dedicated “Bharat GI” banner.

For small producers, this can create new avenues to showcase and sell their products beyond their immediate regions. Greater digital visibility can also help traditional products reach younger consumers, institutional buyers, retailers and potential exporters.

The two organisations will also work to strengthen the link between GI products and the One District One Product (ODOP) ecosystem. Dedicated GI pavilions at national and international exhibitions, trade fairs and buyer-seller meetings will provide additional opportunities for producers to meet large buyers and explore new markets.

The focus will not be limited to marketing. The partnership will also support capacity building, quality standardisation and digital enablement, helping producer collectives become better prepared to compete in organised and premium markets.

For artisans and traditional producers, stronger demand can translate into better income opportunities and more sustainable livelihoods. It can also encourage communities to preserve skills and production traditions that have been passed down through generations.

The initiative brings together DPIIT’s role in GI registration and intellectual property protection with the MSME Ministry’s work in enterprise development, traditional industries and artisan support.

The broader aim is to ensure that India’s regional identity becomes an economic strength for the communities that create these products. By connecting traditional goods with digital platforms, government procurement and global markets, the partnership seeks to give local producers a stronger place in the modern economy.

The initiative also supports the broader goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, while strengthening India’s GI ecosystem and creating a more direct link between the country’s rich cultural heritage and new commercial opportunities.

Wall Street Edges Lower as Middle East Tensions Push Oil Prices Higher

New York, Aug 11: US stock markets closed slightly lower on Monday as rising tensions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices higher and increased uncertainty for investors.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The S&P 500 declined 0.06 per cent, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.32 per cent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.11 per cent.

Higher oil prices remained the key concern for markets. Investors are worried that prolonged disruptions to energy supplies could increase fuel and transportation costs, putting pressure on businesses and consumers.

A sustained rise in crude prices could also make it more difficult for inflation to ease, adding another challenge for the US economy and financial markets.

The impact was visible across Wall Street, although the losses remained limited. Investors continued to assess corporate earnings and economic conditions while keeping a close watch on developments in the Middle East.

Technology stocks faced some pressure, contributing to the decline in the Nasdaq. At the same time, energy-related companies could benefit from higher crude prices, creating mixed effects across different parts of the market.

The latest session reflects a cautious approach among investors as geopolitical uncertainty adds to existing concerns over inflation, interest rates and economic growth.

For households, prolonged higher energy prices could eventually translate into more expensive fuel, transport and other goods and services. For companies, higher energy and logistics costs could affect profit margins.

Markets are expected to remain sensitive to developments in the region, particularly any changes that could affect global oil supplies and shipping routes.

The modest decline in the major US indices shows that investors remain cautious but have so far absorbed the latest geopolitical risks without a sharp market sell-off.

Vestige launches Veg-Glucosamine and KidoShake to strengthen focus on joint health and child nutrition

Bengaluru, Aug 11: Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., only Indian multinational direct‑selling company, has launched two new products — Vestige Veg-Glucosamine, a plant‑based joint health supplement, and Vestige KidoShake, a chocolate‑flavoured proprietary food for children. The products are now part of the company’s wellness portfolio.

With these launches, Vestige is addressing two growing health priorities in India: support for adult joint health and balanced nutrition for children.

In addition to the already existing Vestige Glucosamine, this newly introduced Vestige Veg–Glucosamine is positioned as a vegetarian and vegan‑friendly alternative to conventional glucosamine supplements. The product uses glucosamine sulphate produced through advanced corn fermentation technology and plant‑based chondroitin sulphate derived from algae. According to the company, the formulation is designed to support joint mobility and flexibility, reduce stiffness, and help maintain muscle health.

The introduction of a plant‑based glucosamine option comes at a time when joint health concerns are becoming more prominent, particularly with age‑related decline in natural glucosamine levels after 40 and increasing awareness around preventive health. The product is aimed at consumers seeking cruelty‑free, plant‑based wellness solutions, including those avoiding animal‑derived ingredients for dietary or personal reasons.

Vestige KidoShake is a 200 g chocolate‑flavoured proprietary food aimed at supporting children’s nutritional intake. Each serving provides 6 g of protein along with essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. The product combines a blend of whey, casein, and soy proteins with probiotics and micronutrients to support healthy growth, digestion, and immunity.

The company said KidoShake is positioned as a convenient nutrition supplement for children aged 2 years and above who may have selective eating habits or inadequate dietary intake, and is aligned with the broader need to improve child nutrition outcomes in India.

Commenting on the launches, Mr. Gautam Bali, Founder and Managing Director, Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., said, “With Vestige Veg–Glucosamine and Vestige KidoShake, we are strengthening our portfolio with focused solutions for adult joint health and child nutrition. Our goal is to offer science‑backed, inclusive products that fit modern lifestyles and help more people take charge of their well‑being.

Insight Out featuring Kartikeya Vajpai: Author Kartikeya Vajpai’s New Podcast Brings a Deeper Lens to Life, Purpose and Contemporary Living

Mumbai, Aug 11: As social media feeds increasingly shape how people see themselves and external validation becomes a measure of success, Author Kartikeya Vajpai’s new podcast Insight Out featuring Kartikeya Vajpai turns the conversation inward. The lawyer, cricketer, author and spiritual seeker explore why people increasingly live through borrowed identities, build networks instead of relationships, and seek completion outside themselves, arguing that meaningful change begins from within.

The inaugural episode confronts the performative nature of modern life, where an Instagram feed becomes a resume, and self-worth is measured by external validation. Kartikeya also challenges conventional ideas of relationships, arguing that a perfect relationship can exist only between two complete individuals.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the podcast, Kartikeya Vajpai said, “Insight Out began with a simple intention: to make timeless wisdom practical. But more importantly, it was born from a realization that we are living on a borrowed identity. The digital algorithm constantly serves us a version of who we should become. We find connecting with strangers easier than connecting with ourselves—and that is the irony we need to sit with. A perfect relationship exists only between two complete individuals. Not two people seeking completion through each other.”

Rather than following a conventional interview format, Insight Out featuring Kartikeya Vajpai creates contemplative conversations that leave audiences with powerful questions long after the episode ends. The podcast will explore themes of ambition, failure, purpose, leadership, relationships, and the changing nature of contemporary life, bringing perspectives that challenge familiar ways of thinking.

The launch marks a natural extension of Kartikeya’s work through The Unbecoming: Let Life Reveal Its Purpose, his debut book that explores identity, ego, and renewal through the journey of a celebrated cricketer confronting the collapse of the life he built around success.

For those overwhelmed by the noise of everyday life, Kartikeya offers a grounding reminder: the most meaningful shift doesn’t require escaping the world; it requires turning our attention back to the one relationship we’ve neglected. He invites listeners to pause, reflect, and acknowledge their inner truth, because every meaningful change in the outer world is simply a reflection of the work we choose to do within ourselves.

The first full segment of Insight Out featuring Kartikeya Vajpai is now available on Kartikeya Vajpai’s YouTube channel.

Tungaloy Releases 2026 Environmental & Sustainability Report Highlighting 2025 Progress

Aug 08: Tungaloy Corporation has released its 2026 Environmental & Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s 2025 environmental performance, key sustainability initiatives, and progress toward its long-term sustainability goals.

Driven by its “Think Green” philosophy, Tungaloy integrates environmental responsibility into product development, manufacturing operations, and the machining solutions it delivers to customers worldwide. The report demonstrates how engineering innovation supports lower emissions, improved resource efficiency, and more sustainable manufacturing across the entire value chain.

The report is structured around three strategic pillars:

• Climate & Energy – reducing emissions through renewable energy, energy optimization, and operational improvements.
• Material & Product Efficiency – developing machining solutions that improve productivity while reducing energy consumption, carbide usage, and material waste.
• Safe & Responsible Operations – promoting responsible manufacturing through environmental management, employee engagement, and community initiatives.

With the release of its 2026 Environmental & Sustainability Report, Tungaloy reaffirms its commitment to “Machining × Responsibility”, advancing sustainability through innovation, responsible manufacturing, and customer-focused engineering solutions.

Malaysia Airlines’ MHsports Challenge Offers an Exclusive Opportunity to Ride Alongside Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang in Melbourne

Five cyclists will win an all-expenses-paid trip featuring an exclusive velodrome experience and coastal ride with “The Pocket Rocketman”

KLIA, Aug 11 – Malaysia Airlines has launched the “Ride Together, Fly Together” Challenge, giving cyclists, fitness enthusiasts and sporting communities the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid cycling experience in Melbourne with MHsports Ambassador and Malaysian track cycling champion, Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang (known fondly as The Pocket Rocketman), fresh from his recent gold medal victory at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The challenge invites participants to complete a 6.5-kilometre ride on the global fitness platform Strava from 7 to 28 August 2026 for a chance to be one of the five lucky winners. No flight booking or purchase is required to participate.

The five winners will travel to Melbourne for an exclusive cycling programme where they will gain behind-the-scenes access to elite track cycling at the Joe Ciavola Velodrome (DISC Velodrome), including a training observation session, velodrome tour, equipment and technology showcase, WattBike sprint challenge, and a meet-and-greet with the cycling champion. The experience culminates in a 60.7-kilometre coastal ride alongside Dato’ Azizulhasni from St Kilda to Mount Martha, taking participants along the scenic Port Phillip Bay coastline.

Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “MHsports was created to make travel more accessible and convenient for athletes, sporting teams and active communities, whether they are traveling to compete, train or pursue the sport they love. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire more people to stay active while demonstrating how Malaysia Airlines can support their sporting journeys beyond the destination. Together with Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang, we are giving aspiring cyclists an opportunity to ride alongside one of Malaysia’s greatest sporting icons and gain first-hand insight into the world of elite track cycling.”

Joining the challenge involves these simple steps*:

1.      Join the official MHsports Challenge on Strava here.

2.      Record at least 6.5 kilometres of eligible cycling activity during the challenge period.

·        Participants who achieve this milestone will receive a unique promotional code for 15% off their next flight on Malaysia Airlines.

3.      Submit your details and a screenshot of your achievement via the dedicated MHsports challenge campaign page for a chance to become one of the five winners.

·        Verified participants will also receive a separate new promotional code for 10% off eligible flights which can be used for future purchases.

Beyond the experience, Melbourne rewards travellers with its renowned coffee culture, art-filled laneways and vibrant urban experiences. Malaysia Airlines connects Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne through its extensive Australia and New Zealand network, where travellers can experience one of the youngest fleets serving the region with the airline’s flagship A330neo.

Malaysia Airlines is also offering promotional fares across its network, available for booking from now until 30 October 2026, for travel until 30 November 2026.

Designed for sporting communities, MHsports is Malaysia Airlines’ curated travel offering that provides flexible travel dates, an additional 10kg baggage allowance, complimentary pre-selected seating and advance check-in. Travellers can also pre-book seats and add passengers up to 24 hours before ticket issuance, making it easier to manage team arrangements and accommodate last-minute changes.

*Terms and conditions apply. Refer to the campaign page for more details.

Haier India Elevates Premium Laundry Experiences with the Launch of the F17 WM Featuring India’s Only Tilted Touch Screen with AI Wash

Aug 11: Haier Appliances India, the No.1 global major appliances brand for 17 consecutive years, has taken a significant step forward in reimagining laundry care with the launch of its next-generation F17 Washing Machine series featuring India’s Only Tilted Touch Screen with AI Wash. Designed to bring greater comfort and accessibility to everyday laundry, the innovative display adjusts to three viewing angles – 15 degrees, 20 degrees and 25 degrees, enabling easy viewing and operation without the need to bend down, offering added convenience for users across age groups and heights. The F17 series combines AI powered washing program, advanced hygiene technologies, intelligent automation, and AI-powered functionalities to deliver a seamless, elevated, and future-ready laundry experience for modern Indian homes. 

Positioned as a breakthrough in smart home laundry solutions, the Haier F17 features “AI Wash”, which intelligently analyzes each laundry load and automatically recommends the optimal washing program based on the fabric type, load weight, and stain profile. Whether it’s milk, mud, coffee, sweat, or other common stains, the washing machine selects a tailored wash cycle to ensure effective and efficient cleaning. By eliminating the guesswork of choosing the right settings, AI Wash delivers consistent cleaning performance while simplifying the laundry experience with greater ease, convenience, and intelligent automation. 

It further introduces Essence Wash technology, which pre-mixes detergent into an active solution to activate its cleaning power, then spray directly onto fabric for more efficient cleaning, followed by fresh water and centrifugal rinsing to help eliminate foam residue. For targeted stain care, the F17 offers a dedicated Stain removal Wash with 24 specialized modes designed for sweat, coffee, milk, mud, oil stains and a lot more. With a single touch, it adjusts wash parameters to help effectively remove stains and restore garments. The machine also includes a Steam Wash function, where high temperature steam helps eliminate bacteria and mites embedded deep within fabrics. 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. NS Satish, CEO, Haier Appliances India said, “With the Haier F17 washing machine series, we wanted to challenge conventional washing machine design by focusing not just on technology, but on how consumers physically interact with products every day. The Smart Flip TFT Screen reflects this approach. Something as simple as eliminating the need to bend down can significantly improve the consumer experience, yet it has remained largely unaddressed within the category. For us, this launch is not about adding more features but about making technology feel more natural, effortless and relevant to modern lifestyles. As the category continues to evolve, we believe intelligent design and meaningful innovation will define the next phase of premiumization in home appliances.” 

The Haier Appliances India F17 Washing Machine series reflects a shift in how laundry appliances are being designed for Indian homes, more intelligent, more practical and more attuned to daily use. With this launch, Haier reinforces its commitment to building solutions that combine meaningful innovation with real consumer needs and modern household lifestyles.

Haier F17Washing Machine Series: Top Features and Specifications:

India’s Only Tilted Touch Screen with AI Wash.

A premium TFT interface designed for maximum ease of use. The Smart Flip Screen offers three adjustable viewing angles (15°, 20°, and 25°), ensuring comfortable visibility and intuitive control from any position.

AI Wash Intelligence

The AI Wash feature intelligently analyses each laundry load and automatically recommends the optimal washing program based on the fabric type, load weight, ensure effective and efficient cleaning. By eliminating the guesswork of choosing the right settings, AI Wash delivers consistent cleaning performance while simplifying the laundry experience with greater ease, convenience, and intelligent automation.

Essence Wash

Essence Wash technology pre-mixes detergent into an active solution to enhance its cleaning power before spraying it directly onto fabrics for deeper and more efficient cleaning. Fresh water and centrifugal rinsing further help eliminate foam residue while ensuring better fabric care. 

Smart Dosing

The Smart Dosing system automatically determines and dispenses the required detergent quantity basis the laundry load, helping reduce detergent wastage while ensuring effective and efficient wash performance.

Washer & Dryer with Personalised Drying Control

The Haier F17 Washer Dryer seamlessly combines washing and drying in a single appliance, offering an all-weather laundry solution for modern households. Designed for everyday convenience, it eliminates the need to transfer clothes between separate machines, making laundry more efficient and hassle-free, especially during monsoons, winters, and humid weather. Through its dedicated dryer selection window, users can personalise the drying cycle by selecting the appropriate setting based on the fabric type and load weight. Whether it’s delicate garments, everyday wear, or heavier fabrics, the F17 optimises drying performance to deliver clean, dry, and ready-to-wear clothes while helping prevent over-drying and ensuring better fabric care. By combining intelligent drying with seamless wash-and-dry functionality, the F17 saves space, reduces everyday laundry effort, and offers greater convenience with every cycle.

Stain Removal Wash

A specialised wash system designed to target everyday Indian stains such as food spills, sweat, mud, and beverages. The machine intelligently applies tailored cleaning cycles for each stain type, ensuring deep and effective stain removal.

Steam Wash Technology

High-temperature steam penetrates fabrics to eliminate bacteria and mites, enhancing hygiene while maintaining fabric softness. Ideal for deep sanitisation of everyday clothing and delicate garments.

525 mm Super Drum

The large 525 mm Super Drum ensures maximum capacity with improved water flow and fabric movement. Its design reduces tangling and enhances wash efficiency, making it suitable for bulky Indian laundry loads.

Direct Motion Motor (DM Motor)

A beltless motor system that delivers quieter, smoother, and more durable performance. It reduces vibration and enhances energy efficiency while ensuring long-term reliability.

Dual Spray System

Dual Spray technology rinses the drum, door, and gasket post-wash to eliminate detergent residue, prevent mold build-up, and improve overall hygiene inside the machine.

Anti-Bacteria Treatment

An advanced hygiene system that helps maintain a cleaner washing environment, ensuring clothes come out fresher and more hygienically washed.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Smart connectivity allows users to control and monitor wash cycles remotely, offering convenience and flexibility through connected home integration. 

Haier F17 Washing Machine: Price, availability, and warranty

The Haier F17 Washer & Dryer is available in a 12 KG capacity. It comes with a 4-year comprehensive warranty and 12 years on the motor.  the model is currently available at retail outlets across India as well as on the Haier India Website (https://shop.haierindia.com/). 

Zydus launches REVAHALE, India’s first once-daily nebulised LAMA for COPD

Ahmedabad, Aug 11: Zydus Lifesciences Limited, (including its subsidiaries and affiliates), an innovation-driven global lifesciences company, launched REVAHALE™ (Revefenacin), India’s first once–daily nebulised Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (LAMA) indicated for the maintenance treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). 

REVAHALE^TM is the first and only LAMA available in India that combines once–daily dosing with nebulized administration, offering a new treatment option for COPD patients who require nebulised therapy. Designed to provide sustained 24-hour bronchodilation with a single daily dose, REVAHALE^TM addresses important challenges associated with inhaler-dependent therapies, particularly among elderly patients and those with severe respiratory impairment. 

COPD remains a significant public health challenge in India and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. While inhaled bronchodilator therapies have transformed disease management, many patients continue to experience difficulties using handheld inhalers, cognitive limitations, severe breathlessness, or an inability to generate sufficient inspiratory effort for effective drug delivery. 

REVAHALE^TM has been developed to address these unmet needs through a convenient nebulised delivery platform that reduces dependence on inhalation technique and inspiratory flow. The therapy is compatible with standard jet nebulisers, providing flexibility and ease of use for patients and caregivers. 

Revefenacin is designed to deliver sustained bronchodilation over 24 hours through once–daily administration. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant and sustained improvements in lung function in patients with moderate to very severe COPD, while maintaining a favourable safety profile. Its lung-selective design is intended to maximise bronchodilatory effects in the airways while minimising systemic exposure. By combining once–daily administration, compatibility with standard jet nebulisers and sustained 24-hour bronchodilation, REVAHALE^TM offers a differentiated maintenance treatment option in COPD care.