ReFiber Calls for ‘Freedom from Unused Garments’ This Independence Day, Takes Textile Circularity From Mumbai to a Nationwide Movement

ReFiber urges citizens to turn unused clothes into a resource this 15th August After collecting 2.7 tonnes of post-consumer textiles through its Mumbai demonstration

MUMBAI, NATIONAL, 13 AUGUST, 2026 | APN NEWS: Responsible textile waste management is an important step towards a more sustainable and circular future. This Independence Day, ReFiber, powered by OterRi, is inviting citizens to participate in ‘Freedom from Unused Garments’, a collection drive on 15 August 2026. Citizens can schedule a doorstep pickup of their unused garments through the ReFiber app, with collected textiles directed towards reuse, recycling and further processing.

The initiative encourages citizens to extend the lifecycle of their garments while contributing to more responsible textile consumption.The campaign is being undertaken in collaboration with Tisser, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Lions International, bringing together stakeholders from the industry, sustainability and community ecosystems.

The virtual initiative will be graced by Ms. Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner, Maharashtra Government, as Chief Guest. Extending her best wishes to ReFiber and its partners, Ms. Desai has expressed support for the initiative’s focus on encouraging citizen participation and greater awareness around responsible textile management, reuse and circularity.

The campaign builds on ReFiber’s Mumbai Textile Circular Economy Demonstration Project, conducted on World Environment Day 2026. The demonstration collected 2.7 tonnes of post-consumer textiles, generating 275 collection orders from 257 citizens through 15 laundry partners across 28 branches. It demonstrated the potential of leveraging existing city service networks to facilitate organised first-mile textile collection without creating parallel logistics infrastructure.

Mr. Shrikant Bhangdiya, Chairman, ReFiber Initiative, said," "The success of the Mumbai demonstration has given us important insights into how textile waste collection can be made more organised, accessible and scalable. The response from citizens and our network partners has shown that there is a clear opportunity to build greater participation around responsible textile management. Our aim is to take these learnings forward and work towards a model that can be replicated across cities and eventually support a nationwide movement for textile circularity. ‘Freedom from Unused Garments’ is an important step towards that larger vision."

Mr. Manoj Wanvari, COO, OterRi & ReFiber, said," Textile circularity requires collective participation from citizens, industry, government and sustainability partners. Our Mumbai project demonstrated how technology and existing service networks can enable an organised first-mile collection ecosystem. Through this campaign, we aim to make responsible garment collection more accessible and strengthen pathways for reuse and recycling, with the learnings eventually contributing to a model that can be replicated across cities."
The campaign also underscores the importance of collaboration between government, industry, sustainability organisations and citizens in developing a more organised textile collection ecosystem. Building on the Mumbai demonstration, ReFiber aims to take these learnings forward and explore their potential to support textile circularity at a wider scale across India.

About ReFiber
ReFiber, powered by OterRi, is a technology-enabled circular economy platform designed to transform how India collects, tracks and recovers post-consumer textile waste. Rather than functioning as a standalone collection drive, ReFiber integrates digital citizen engagement, doorstep collection through OterRi's established laundry and delivery network, source segregation, material traceability and impact reporting into a single ecosystem. Through partnerships with organisations such as Tisser, CMAI, UNIDO and World Trade Center Mumbai, ReFiber aims to build a scalable, replicable Digital Public Infrastructure for textile circularity—from a single city demonstration towards a state-wide and eventually national model.

Singapore-based sovereign wealth fund GIC subsidiary’s Gamnat Pte Ltd and Promoter Sunu Mathew lead Rs 371.3 crore investment in Leap India in Pre-IPO round

MUMBAI, NATIONAL, AUGUST 6, 2026 | APN, – Leap India (formerly known as Leap India Private Limited) (the “Company”), the largest on-demand asset pooling provider in India’s supply chain management sector, has completed its pre-IPO (Initial Public Offering) placement of around Rs 371.3 crore.

As per a media advertisement was published in the leading (English) newspaper on August 6, 2026. The Company, in consultation with the Book Running Lead Managers to the IPO has undertaken a private placement of 23,351, 100 equity shares for cash considerations, at an issue price of Rs 159 per equity share (including a premium of Rs 158 per equity share) which saw participation from Singapore-based sovereign wealth fund GIC subsidiary’s Gamnat Pte Ltd, leading hedge fund Dymon Asia Multi-Strategy Investment (Singapore) Pte Ltd and Promoter Sunu Mathew.

Singapore-based Gamnat Pte Ltd was allocated 17, 610, 000 equity shares of the Company on August 3, 2026 for Rs 159 per equity share each aggregating to Rs 279.99 crore.

Dymon Asia Multi-Strategy Investment (Singapore) Pte Ltd was allotted 3, 144, 600 equity shares each at Rs 159 per equity share each aggregating to Rs 49.99 crore. Matyas Possessiones Private Limited, in which promoter Sunu Mathew holds 99% stake, was allotted 1,446, 500 shares each at Rs 159 per equity share each aggregating to Rs 22.99 crore.

Leap India IPO opens on Friday, August 7 and closes on Tuesday, August 11.

PAN Health Accelerates Growth Across Baby Care, Women's Hygiene and Adult Care Categories with India's Largest Manufacturing Facility under the 'Make in India' Initiative

MUMBAI 12 JULY 2026, APN | JAGRUT BHANUSHALI: PAN Health, one of India's leading disposable personal hygiene companies, is strengthening its position across the baby care, women's hygiene and adult care segments by combining large-scale manufacturing, continuous product innovation and a strong commitment to the Government of India's 'Make in India' initiative.

PAN Health has built a comprehensive portfolio that addresses hygiene needs across every stage of life through its flagship brands—Little Angel for baby care, Everteen for women's hygiene and Liberty for adult care. As consumer awareness around health, hygiene and wellness continues to evolve, the company is accelerating innovation and expanding its product portfolio across key categories. Under Little Angel, the company is expanding beyond diapers and wipes into premium baby care with products spanning baby feeding and bath care, including premium Syndet Bars, premium baby soaps and other essential baby care solutions. Simultaneously, PAN Health is strengthening the Everteen portfolio through premium sanitary pads, premium period panties, panty liners and other women's hygiene innovations. These initiatives reflect the company's commitment to continuous product innovation focused on addressing evolving consumer needs across the personal hygiene spectrum.

At the heart of PAN Health's growth journey is India's largest manufacturing facility for disposable personal hygiene products, located in Rajkot, Gujarat. Established in 2017, the state-of-the-art manufacturing campus spans over 30 acres with more than 700,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing infrastructure, producing over 3.7 billion hygiene products annually across multiple product categories. The facility is equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies, automated production systems, stringent quality control processes and globally recognised quality certifications, enabling the company to deliver high-quality hygiene solutions at scale.

Aligned with its philosophy of "Make in India, Made for India and the World," PAN Health is focused on building globally 

competitive products manufactured in India while supporting the country's vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub.

The company's continued investments in technology, research and development, manufacturing excellence and product innovation are enabling it to strengthen its presence across domestic markets while expanding its international footprint.

Commenting on the company's growth journey, Mr. Chirag Pan, CEO & Managing Director, PAN Health, said: "At PAN Health, we believe hygiene is fundamental to healthier lives and stronger communities. Our vision has always been to build world-class hygiene solutions that are affordable, accessible and proudly manufactured in India. Backed by India's largest manufacturing facility for disposable personal hygiene products, we continue to invest in innovation and expand our portfolio across baby care, women's hygiene and adult care to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Through manufacturing excellence and a strong 'Make in India, Made for India and the World' philosophy, we are not only building trusted hygiene brands and products for India but also contributing to India's emergence as a global manufacturing hub for disposable personal hygiene products."

PAN Health's manufacturing operations are designed around internationally recognised quality standards and are backed by globally accepted manufacturing certifications, advanced quality assurance systems and modern research and development capabilities. The company's integrated approach enables it to consistently deliver products that meet evolving consumer expectations while maintaining high standards of safety, comfort and reliability.

Beyond manufacturing and business growth, PAN Health continues to champion hygiene awareness through initiatives such as Smile Matters, Period Ki Pathshala, menstrual hygiene awareness programmes, sanitary pad distribution drives and other community outreach initiatives. These efforts reflect the company's belief that improving hygiene awareness is fundamental to building healthier communities and advancing India's healthcare and wellness ecosystem.

As India witnesses increasing awareness around preventive healthcare and personal hygiene, PAN Health remains committed to driving innovation, expanding access to quality hygiene solutions and building a future-ready manufacturing ecosystem that serves consumers in India and global markets alike.

*About PAN Health*

PAN Health is one of India's leading disposable personal hygiene companies and home to India's largest manufacturing facility for disposable personal hygiene products. Established in 2017, the company operates a world-class manufacturing campus spread across 30 acres with over 700,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing infrastructure, producing more than 3.7 billion hygiene products annually. Guided by its philosophy of "Make in India,”," PAN Health serves hygiene needs across every stage of life through its flagship brands—Little Angel (Baby Care), Everteen (Women's Hygiene) and Liberty (Adult Care). Driven by manufacturing excellence, continuous innovation and globally recognised quality standards, the company continues to strengthen its presence across domestic and international markets while delivering affordable, high-quality hygiene solutions for millions of consume.

महाराष्ट्र शासनाने जनकल्याणकारी योजना नागरिकांपर्यंत सोईस्‍करपणे पोहोचवण्‍यासाठी पब्लिक अ‍ॅपसोबत सहयोग केला.

मुंबई, २६ मे २०२६: महाराष्ट्र शासनाने राज्यभरातील विविध कल्याणकारी योजनांची माहिती नागरिकांपर्यंत सहज पोहोचवण्यासाठी आणि त्यांच्या नोंदणीमध्ये वाढ करण्यासाठी पब्लिक अ‍ॅपसोबत भागिदारी केली. यासाठी पब्लिक अ‍ॅपवर आपले सरकार हा एक विशेष विभाग सुरू करण्यात आला आहे.

महाराष्ट्रभरात पब्लिक अ‍ॅपचे असलेले प्रबळ स्थानिक जाळे लक्षात घेता आता सरकारी योजना नागरिकांसाठी अधिक सुलभ, समजायला सोप्या आणि अमलात आणण्याजोग्या होणार आहेत. यामध्ये डिजिटल माहितीसोबत सीएससी केंद्रांच्या माध्यमातून प्रत्यक्ष मदत देखील मिळणार आहे.

‘पब्लिक ॲप’सारख्या हायपर लोकल डिजिटल माध्यमांचा वापर करून शासनाच्या सकारात्मक कामांची प्रभावी माहिती नागरिकांपर्यंत पोहोचवण्याची गरज आहे. यासाठी प्रत्येक विभागाने नियोजनबद्ध पद्धतीने या माध्यमांचा वापर करण्यासाठी स्वतंत्र धोरण तयार करावे, असेही श्री. देवेंद्र फडणवीस मुख्यमंत्र्यांनी यावेळी सांगितले.

पब्लिक अ‍ॅपवर ‘’आपले सरकार'' सुविधेचा नागरिकांना कसा फायदा होईल?

• विविध सरकारी विभागांच्या अंतर्गत येणाऱ्या कल्याणकारी योजनांची माहिती एकाच ठिकाणी मिळेल.

• योजनांची सविस्तर माहिती मराठी भाषेत अगदी सोप्या स्वरूपात उपलब्ध असेल.

• नागरिकांना त्यांच्या घराच्या सर्वात जवळ असलेले कॉमन सर्विस सेंटर (सीएससी) (सामायिक सेवा केंद्र) शोधता येईल.

• नोंदणीसाठी मदत आणि मार्गदर्शनासाठी नागरिक प्रत्‍यक्ष या केंद्रांच्या संपर्क क्रमांकावर संपर्क साधू शकतील.

डिजिटल माहिती आणि प्रत्यक्ष मदत

हा उपक्रम विशेषतः मदत करण्‍यावर लक्ष केंद्रित करण्यासाठी डिझाइन करण्यात आला आहे, ज्यामुळे नागरिकांना त्यांच्यासाठी फायदेशीर असलेल्या योजना समजून घेता येतील आणि जलद नोंदणीसाठी योग्य केंद्राशी संपर्क साधता येईल.

हा सहयोग पब्लिक अ‍ॅपच्या स्थानिक आणि प्रादेशिक भाषेतील लहान व्हिडिओ प्लॅटफॉर्म असण्याच्या मूळ ताकदीवर आधारित आहे, ज्यामुळे वापरकर्त्याला त्याच्या परिसरातील विश्वासार्ह माहिती मिळते. देशभरात ७०० हून अधिक जिल्ह्यांमध्ये १२ भाषांमध्ये २८५ दशलक्ष डाउनलोड्स आणि एकट्या महाराष्ट्रात १९ दशलक्ष व्‍यक्तींपर्यंत पोहोच असलेले पब्लिक अॅप सरकारी योजना नागरिकांच्‍या पर्यंत पोहोचवण्यासाठी एक उत्तम माध्यम ठरत आहे.

हा सहयोग नागरिक-प्रथम डिजिटल प्रशासनाप्रती आणि शेवटच्या घटकापर्यंत कल्याणकारी सेवा पोहोचवण्याच्या सामायिक कटिबद्धतेला सादर करतो, ज्यामुळे महाराष्ट्रातील नागरिकांसाठी सरकारी योजना अधिक सुलभ आणि उपयुक्त ठरतील.

शॉपर्स स्टॉपने भारतात आणला बीटीएसचा पाचवा स्टुडिओ अल्बम अरिरांग; चाहत्यांना मिळणार विशेष स्टोअरमधील अनुभव

मुंबई, २६ मे २०२६: शॉपर्स स्टॉप या भारतातील प्रीमियम फॅशन, सौंदर्य आणि भेटवस्तूंच्‍या गंतव्‍याने जगप्रसिद्ध पॉप बँड बीटीएसचा बहुप्रतिक्षित पाचवा स्टुडिओ अल्बम अरिरांग देशभरात उपलब्ध करून देण्याची घोषणा केली आहे. या दशकातील सर्वात मोठे पुनरागमन मानल्या जाणाऱ्या पॉप जगतातील या दिग्गजांच्या अल्बममुळे जागतिक संगीत विश्वातील एक अत्यंत महत्त्वाचा क्षण भारतातील चाहत्यांच्या अगदी जवळ आला आहे.

चाहत्यांचा हा आनंद आणखी वाढवण्यासाठी शॉपर्स स्टॉपने स्टोअर्समध्ये विशेष अनुभव कक्ष सुरू केले आहेत. या खास तयार केलेल्या जागांमुळे ग्राहकांना आकर्षक मांडणीत फोटो घेण्याची संधी आणि बीटीएस-प्रेरित उत्‍साहपूर्ण वातावरणाच्‍या माध्‍यमातून या अल्बमचा प्रत्‍यक्ष आणि अनोखा अनुभव घेता येणार आहे.

याबाबत मत व्‍यक्त करत शॉपर्स स्टॉपचे कस्‍टमर केअर असोसिएट, मॅनेजिंग डायरेक्‍टर व सीईओ कवींद्र मिश्रा म्हणाले, “आम्‍ही करणाऱ्या प्रत्‍येक गोष्‍टीमध्‍ये ग्राहकांना प्राधान्‍य देतो. बीटीएसचा अरिरांग अल्बम निवडक शॉपर्स स्टॉप स्टोअर्समध्ये आणणे हा त्याच कटिबद्धतेचा एक भाग आहे, ज्यामुळे चाहत्यांना स्टोअरमध्ये विशेष अनुभव मिळेल. जागतिक संगीत आणि चाहत्यांच्या वाढत्या प्रभावामुळे तरुण ग्राहकांशी अधिक जवळकीने जोडले जाण्याची आणि पारंपारिक खरेदीच्या पलीकडे जाणारे अनुभव देण्याची ही एक उत्तम संधी आहे, असे आम्हाला वाटते.”

संग्रही ठेवण्यासारख्या या अरिरांग अल्बममध्ये सीडी, फोटो कार्ड सेट, फोटो बुक आणि बऱ्याच गोष्टींचा समावेश आहे, ज्यामुळे हा अल्‍बम आर्मी आणि संग्राहकांसाठी आवश्यक ठेवा बनला आहे. कोरियन पारंपारिक लोकगीत 'अरिरांग'वरून प्रेरित असलेल्‍या या अल्‍बममध्‍ये बीटीएसची कोरियन मुळे आणि ओळख, भावना व चिकाटी यांसारख्या वैश्विक विषयांचे संयोजन आहे, जो विविध संस्कृती आणि पिढ्यांमध्ये आदराचे स्थान मिळवतो.

या १४ गाण्यांच्या अल्बममधून बीटीएसची कलात्मक प्रगती दिसून येते, ज्यामध्ये ''बॉडी टू बॉडी'' आणि ''हुलिगन'' सारख्या अत्यंत उत्साही गाण्यांपासून ते ''नॉर्मल'' आणि ''इनटू द सन'' सारख्या आत्मपरीक्षण करणाऱ्या गाण्यांचा समावेश आहे. या अल्बममधील मुख्य गाणे ''स्विम'' हे आयुष्यातील आव्हानांचा सामना करत पुढे जाण्याचा आणि चिकाटीचा संदेश देऊन अल्बमला नव्‍या उंचीवर घेऊन जाते. 

Advanta bioKEMIX Launches in India with Strategic Investment to Build a Globally Integrated, Innovation-Led Chemical Supply Ecosystem

MUMBAI, 29 APRIL 2026, APN NEWS: Advanta bioKEMIX, the India-and-China-facing arm of the global bioKEMIX network, has officially announced its launch in India, marking a strategic step toward redefining how chemical supply chains are structured, managed, and delivered. The company is positioned to address the growing demand for more integrated, transparent, and efficient systems across the global chemical industry by bringing together sourcing, manufacturing, and research into a unified and coordinated ecosystem. The launch event was attended by Samith Bajaj, Executive Director, Advanta bioKEMIX, along with Sameer Bajaj, Managing Director, bioKEMIX Worldwide; Abhishek Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer, Advanta bioKEMIX; and Ravinder Tanwar, Chief Technology Officer, Advanta bioKEMIX, underscoring the leadership team’s collective commitment to advancing the company’s vision in India. The launch comes at a time when the chemical sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional supply chain models, often characterized by fragmentation and multiple intermediaries, are increasingly being replaced by more direct, agile, and collaborative frameworks. Advanta bioKEMIX has been established to operate at the center of this shift, enabling seamless coordination across the value chain—from raw material aggregation to finished product optimization—while ensuring speed, reliability, and consistency for global customers. As part of its long-term commitment to India, bioKEMIX Worldwide has announced an investment of approximately INR 220 crore (around EUR 20 million) over the next five years. This investment will aim to strengthen its manufacturing footprint and expand its operational capabilities in the country. This investment reflects the company’s confidence in India’s rapidly evolving role as a global hub for chemical manufacturing and innovation, supported by strong industrial infrastructure, skilled talent, and increasing global integration. “Advanta bioKEMIX represents a fundamental shift in how chemical supply chains are designed and delivered. Our vision is to move beyond fragmented systems and build an integrated, transparent, and globally connected ecosystem that aligns sourcing, manufacturing, and research into a single, seamless network,” said Samith Bajaj, Executive Director, Advanta bioKEMIX. “India is central to this vision—not just as a manufacturing base, but as a strategic hub for innovation and value creation. Through our investment and partnerships here, we are committed to enabling faster, more reliable, and more scalable solutions for global markets, while contributing to the evolution of a more resilient and future-ready chemical industry.” Advanta bioKEMIX’s operating model is anchored in three integrated verticals that collectively drive efficiency and innovation. Its sourcing vertical focuses on aggregating fragmented supplier bases and enabling strategic consolidation to support efficient global distribution. The production vertical leverages a flexible, partner-led manufacturing ecosystem, offering capabilities across synthesis, scale-up, analysis, and process optimization. Complementing this is the research vertical, which works closely with development partners to drive product innovation, enhance process efficiencies, and deliver precision-driven performance outcomes tailored to evolving market needs. Through this integrated approach, the company aims to reduce friction across the supply chain, accelerate development timelines, and deliver high-quality, scalable solutions to global brands and formulators within the bioKEMIX network. By aligning eastern manufacturing strengths with western commercial demand, Advanta bioKEMIX is working to create a more resilient, responsive, and future-ready global chemical ecosystem. The launch of Advanta bioKEMIX in India marks the beginning of a long-term strategic journey focused on building strong partnerships, fostering innovation, and contributing meaningfully to the next phase of growth in the global chemical industry. Advanta Biokemix, through its customer-facing platforms Ryze Chemie and KEMESTERY, is expanding access to high-quality analytical and fine chemicals—discover more at their official website. www.ryzechemie.com and www.kemystery.com. About Advanta bioKEMIX Advanta bioKEMIX is the India-and-China-facing arm of the global bioKEMIX network, focused on building an integrated and future-ready chemical supply ecosystem. Operating at the intersection of sourcing, manufacturing, and research, the company connects every stage of the value chain—from raw material aggregation to finished product optimization—through a coordinated, cross-border network. With capabilities spanning strategic sourcing, flexible partner-led manufacturing, and research-driven development, Advanta bioKEMIX enables efficient, transparent, and scalable solutions for global customers. Advanta bioKEMIX is the India-centric counterpart of bioKEMIX Worldwide, a global platform dedicated to integrating supply chain capabilities with innovation-led development across key chemical markets. Committed to innovation, reliability, and long-term partnerships, Advanta bioKEMIX is aligned with the evolving needs of the global chemical industry.

Government Assistance Helps Jain Community Observe Ayambil Oli Smoothly Amid LPG Concerns

Jain Community Appreciates Maharashtra Govt’s Support

MUMBAI/ MAHARASHTRA, NATIONAL, 3rd APRIL, 2026 (APN NEWS AGENCIES): Across India, *Ayambil Oli* is observed every year by the Jain community in thousands of numbers. On this sacred occasion, the Government of Maharashtra has extended significant support by ensuring the adequate availability of gas cylinders for the Jain community, thereby helping in the smooth conduct of our religious practices. The entire Jain community expresses its deep gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra for this valuable assistance.

In light of the recent geopolitical circumstances that led to issues related to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) supply, we sincerely appreciate the prompt and commendable steps taken by the Government of Maharashtra to address and resolve the situation. On behalf of the entire Jain community, we extend our heartfelt thanks for their timely intervention.

In Jainism, *Ayambil Oli* is considered a highly rigorous and disciplined form of penance (fasting practice). According to its principles, only one meal a day (*Ekasan*) is consumed. The food is simple—prepared without oil, ghee, spices, or tempering—and is usually boiled, plain, and minimally cooked. Many individuals also consume raw or lightly boiled food. The preparation process itself is simple and requires minimal cooking.

Under normal circumstances, LPG consumption is higher, as meals are prepared 2–3 times a day, involving processes such as frying, tempering, and making items like rotis and vegetables, which require more cooking time and prolonged gas usage. However, during Ayambil, since food is prepared only once a day, there is an estimated saving of about 60–70% in gas consumption. Typically, a gas cylinder lasts around 30 days, whereas during Ayambil, the same cylinder may last approximately 45–60 days.

In many households, *collective Ayambil* (community meals) are organized, which further reduces the number of utensils used and the overall cooking effort, leading to additional gas savings. Due to the simplicity and minimal cooking involved in Ayambil food, the duration of gas usage is significantly reduced. Overall, during this entire Ayambil observance, thousands of gas cylinders have been saved, which is a matter of pride for the Jain community.

This initiative by the Government of Maharashtra has conveyed a positive message across the Jain community and has further strengthened public trust and confidence in the government.