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  • Assam Strengthens Power Infrastructure, Targets Energy Surplus Status

    Guwahati, June 19: Assam is making significant strides in strengthening its power infrastructure and is steadily progressing towards becoming an energy-surplus state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

    Underscoring the government’s commitment to building a robust and reliable energy ecosystem, the Chief Minister highlighted ongoing investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution networks across the state. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, meeting rising energy demand, and supporting Assam’s long-term economic growth.

    Sarma noted that a stronger power sector is essential for attracting investments, promoting industrial development, and improving the quality of life for citizens. The state government has prioritized the modernization of energy infrastructure, expansion of grid connectivity, and enhancement of operational efficiency to deliver reliable power to both urban and rural communities.

    The Chief Minister emphasized that Assam’s energy transformation is not only about meeting current demand but also about creating the capacity required for future growth. With several infrastructure projects underway, the state is laying the foundation for a self-reliant and sustainable power sector capable of supporting expanding industries, businesses, and households.

    As Assam advances towards achieving energy-surplus status, the strengthened power network is expected to boost economic activity, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the state’s competitiveness as a preferred investment destination in Northeast India.

    The government’s continued focus on infrastructure development reflects its broader vision of driving inclusive growth and ensuring that reliable energy remains a catalyst for Assam’s development journey.

  • Boosting Yuva Shakti: PM Modi to Distribute INR 2,400 Crore

    New Delhi, June 19: In a significant step towards empowering India’s youth and strengthening formal employment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today distribute incentives worth ₹2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY).

    Boosting Yuva Shakti: PM Modi to Distribute INR 2,400 Crore

    Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia

    The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities and supporting young individuals as they enter the workforce. The incentives will be transferred directly to more than 15 lakh beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, ensuring transparency and timely assistance.

    Speaking about the programme, Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the scheme’s positive impact since its launch in August last year. More than 63 lakh individuals have been brought into the formal workforce under PM-VBRY, with nearly 30 per cent of the beneficiaries being women, reflecting the scheme’s contribution towards greater workforce participation and gender inclusion.

    The programme also provides special support to first-time job seekers. Young individuals securing their first employment opportunity will receive financial assistance of up to ₹15,000 in two instalments, helping them transition into the professional world with greater confidence and financial security.

    Dr. Mandaviya noted that over 80 per cent of the establishments benefiting from the scheme are small enterprises employing fewer than 25 workers. By supporting these businesses, PM-VBRY is helping generate employment at the grassroots level while strengthening the country’s micro and small enterprise ecosystem.

    The initiative forms a key part of the government’s broader vision of harnessing the potential of India’s “Yuva Shakti” by creating opportunities, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting inclusive economic growth. As employment generation continues to remain central to India’s development journey, PM-VBRY is emerging as an important bridge connecting aspiring youth with meaningful livelihood opportunities.

  • Sensex, Nifty Start Lower as IT Stocks Weigh on Market Sentiment

    Mumbai, June 19: Indian equity markets opened lower on Friday, with benchmark indices coming under pressure amid a sharp decline in information technology (IT) stocks. Investor sentiment weakened following cautious guidance from global technology services firm Accenture, raising concerns over the near-term growth outlook for the IT sector.

    The BSE Sensex opened over 500 points lower at 76,852.86, while the NSE Nifty slipped more than 150 points to begin the session at 23,991.20.

    Technology shares led the losses, with the Nifty IT index witnessing a significant decline. Mid- and small-cap IT and telecom stocks also traded lower as investors reacted to global industry trends and moderated growth expectations.

    Broader market sentiment remained subdued, with sectors such as real estate, consumer durables, financial services, metals, automobiles, and FMCG trading in negative territory during early trade.

    However, defensive sectors provided some support to the market. Pharmaceutical and healthcare stocks attracted buying interest, reflecting investors’ preference for relatively stable sectors amid heightened market uncertainty.

    Despite the weakness in technology stocks, market experts remain optimistic about the broader market outlook. Improving domestic macroeconomic indicators, easing inflationary concerns, and declining crude oil prices continue to support investor confidence.

    Foreign institutional investor (FII) activity has also contributed to recent market resilience, particularly in the banking sector, where short-covering and selective buying have helped sustain momentum.

    Global developments further influenced market sentiment. Crude oil prices moved lower following reports of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the resumption of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The decline in oil prices is viewed as a positive development for India, which relies heavily on energy imports.

    Meanwhile, Asian markets traded mixed during the session, while major US indices closed higher overnight, reflecting cautious optimism among global investors.

    Market participants will continue to monitor global economic developments, corporate earnings, foreign investment flows, and commodity price trends for cues on market direction in the coming days.

  • SAP Concur Brings AI-Powered Travel Experiences to India with Concur Travel

    Bengaluru , June 19 : SAP Concur today announced the availability of the new Concur Travel experience for customers in India, marking one of the most significant evolutions of the SAP Concur travel platform in recent years. Designed to meet the changing expectations of today’s business travelers, the AI-powered experience delivers a faster, more intuitive way to plan, book, and manage business travel while helping organizations maintain visibility, compliance, and control.

    As business travel continues to evolve across India, organizations are increasingly looking for solutions that balance employee experience with policy compliance, cost management, and sustainability goals. At the same time, SAP Concur’s 2026 Global Business Travel Survey found that 91% of Indian business travelers would use AI tools their company has not approved, while 73% prefer alternative AI tools to those provided by their organization. These findings underscore the growing demand for intelligent, integrated technologies that simplify travel planning and support better decision-making.

    “Organizations need travel solutions that can adapt to changing traveler expectations while helping businesses maintain governance and efficiency,” said Charlie Sultan, President, Concur Travel at SAP Concur. “The new Concur Travel creates a foundation for continuous innovation by combining AI-powered capabilities with a connected travel and expense experience, enabling organizations to deliver better traveler experiences while maintaining visibility and control.”

    Simplifying the travel experience

    Built on a modern technology foundation, the new Concur Travel reimagines how business travel is planned, booked, and managed. Optimized booking and checkout workflows reduce the time required to complete travel arrangements, while seamless integration with SAP Concur expense solutions creates a connected process from booking through reimbursement.

    The redesigned user experience delivers a consumer-grade interface across desktop and mobile devices, making it easier for travelers to search, compare, and book travel options while remaining compliant with company policies.

    Intelligent travel management

    The new Concur Travel provides access to richer travel content, including expanded airline options, enhanced hotel information, and detailed travel choices presented in a unified view. Advanced search capabilities help travelers quickly identify relevant options across airports, city locations, and preferred suppliers, creating a more efficient planning experience.

    The platform also supports enhanced collaboration by enabling employees to share itineraries and travel details more easily, improving coordination across teams.

    Supporting sustainability and compliance

    As organizations place greater emphasis on responsible travel, the new Concur Travel provides increased visibility into carbon emissions and sustainable travel options. These capabilities help companies align travel decisions with environmental objectives while supporting reporting requirements.

    Integrated approval workflows and policy controls strengthen spend governance and help organizations improve compliance without creating unnecessary friction for travelers.

    Building the future of AI-powered travel

    The launch of the new Concur Travel also lays the foundation for future innovations powered by SAP’s generative AI copilot, Joule. In the future, Joule will help users make more informed travel decisions by providing recommendations, estimating travel costs, and assisting with trip planning based on organizational data and traveler preferences.

    Demand for connected AI experiences continues to grow. According to SAP Concur research, Indian business travelers most want AI tools embedded within existing workflows, including integrations with calendars and email (54%) and proactive booking notifications (53%).

    By bringing together travel, expense management, and intelligent automation in a connected platform, SAP Concur continues to help organizations simplify travel management while creating better experiences for travelers, administrators, and finance teams alike.

  • OSH Code marks landmark labour reform; industries must prepare for new compliance requirements: R. Ravi Kumar, FTCCI President

     

    Hyderabad, June 19: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), through its HR & IR Committee, organised an interactive workshop on the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020 and the implementation of the new Labour Codes at Federation House, Hyderabad on Thursday.

    The workshop witnessed participation from HR professionals, safety officers, legal experts, compliance officers, industry leaders, CEOs, and business representatives keen to understand the implications of the recently implemented labour law reforms.

    Welcoming the participants, Sri R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, said that the consolidation of thirteen Central Labour Laws into the OSH Code marks one of the most significant reforms in India’s labour regulatory framework. He noted that with the Code now in force and implementation rules recently notified, it is essential for industries to understand the new compliance requirements and prepare for a smooth transition.

    Delivering the introductory remarks, Sri Meela Sanjay, Chair, HR & IR Committee, FTCCI, highlighted that the OSH Code directly impacts HR policies, workplace safety standards, employee welfare measures, and operational compliance across sectors. He stated that FTCCI had organised the session to help members gain clarity on the latest developments and avoid uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the new regulations.

    The technical session was led by Sri S. V. Ramachandra Rao, Managing Director, HR Chambers Outsourcing Pvt. Ltd., a noted expert in labour laws and human resource practices. He provided a comprehensive overview of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, explaining its objectives, scope, compliance requirements, employer obligations, employee rights, safety standards, and key changes from the earlier legal framework.

    During the session, Sri Ramachandra Rao elaborated on the practical implications of the Code for industries and businesses and addressed concerns relating to workplace safety, welfare provisions, working conditions, record maintenance, inspections, and regulatory compliance. He also explained the interrelationship between the OSH Code and the other three Labour Codes.

    A lively interactive session followed, during which participants raised several questions relating to implementation challenges, compliance timelines, applicability to various categories of establishments, contract labour provisions, and industry-specific concerns. The speaker responded to the queries and provided practical guidance for organizations preparing for compliance under the new labour law regime.

    The workshop concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sri K. K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President, FTCCI.

     

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  • Dr. Rajashekhar from Hyderabad Becomes First Doctor from South India to Complete Seven Summits

    #Dr. Rajashekhar Successfully Summits Mt. Denali, Completing Historic Seven Summits Challenge

    Hyderabad, June 19: Indian mountaineer and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rajashekhar has successfully summited Mt. Denali, North America’s highest peak, completing the prestigious Seven Summits challenge—climbing the highest mountain on each continent. With this achievement, he becomes the first doctor from the South Indian states to accomplish the feat.

    For Dr. Rajashekhar, the journey to the Seven Summits has been shaped as much by personal adversity as by high-altitude achievement. Throughout this journey, he received invaluable support and guidance from Bharath Thamineni, founder of Boots and Crampon, whose encouragement played an important role in helping him pursue this ambitious goal.

    Dr Rajashekhar from Hyderabad has summited Mt. Denali

     

    A specialist in hip and knee surgery and a robotic surgeon, he spent years working alongside leading orthopedic surgeons in Hyderabad while also training younger surgeons entering the field. However, his life took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic when he contracted the virus and was hospitalized.

    The recovery proved difficult. According to Dr. Rajashekhar, lingering fatigue and a loss of motivation forced him to step away from his profession for nearly a year.

    Determined to rebuild his health, he set himself an ambitious goal. He chose mountaineering, a sport that demands exceptional endurance, physical fitness and mental resilience, and began training systematically.

    His Seven Summits journey started with a successful ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on January 26, 2022. He followed that with a summit of Mt. Elbrus, Europe’s highest mountain, in August 2022.

    After suffering multiple injuries, Dr. Rajashekhar took a year-long break before returning to the mountains. He climbed Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia in August 2023 and reached the summit of Mt. Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak, on February 4, 2024.

    Just months later, he achieved his most significant mountaineering milestone by summiting Mt. Everest on May 23, 2024.

    His first attempt on Mt. Denali in Alaska came in June 2025. Severe weather conditions prevented a summit push, and he suffered frostbite during the descent.

    Rather than ending the project, the setback reinforced his determination. Later, he successfully climbed Mt. Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak, alongside fellow climber Kavita.

    On June 18, 2026, Dr. Rajashekhar reached the summit of Mt. Denali at approximately 8:30 AM IST. According to a voice message shared with family, the climb was completed smoothly despite cold temperatures and light winds.

    “Summit was successfully done without any issue. Little winds and cold temperature otherwise everything is good. No injuries, whole team is doing well,” he said.

    Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Rajashekhar said, “Standing on Mt. Denali after everything I’ve been through is an incredibly emotional moment. This journey tested me physically and mentally, but it also reminded me of the power of resilience and purpose. Completing the Seven Summits is not just a personal milestone, but a message that recovery and determination can take you to the highest places on Earth.”

    After the summit, he safely descended to the high camp at an altitude of approximately 5,247 meters, where the team regrouped. In his message, he added, “We just reached camp and are ready to enjoy tea being prepared by our leader Sewang. Please inform near and dear.”

    With this successful ascent, Dr. Rajashekhar has officially completed the Seven Summits challenge, placing him among a select group of mountaineers worldwide who have stood atop the highest peak on every continent and becoming the first doctor from South India to achieve this milestone.

    Beyond mountaineering, Dr. Rajashekhar draws immense strength from his close-knit joint family. He lives with his parents, brother, extended family members and grandmother. He and his wife, Dr. Haripriya, a specialist in Infectious Diseases, have a nine-year-old son. He takes great pride in his family, which has been a constant source of support throughout his journey.

    Reacting to the achievement, Dr. Haripriya said, “This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From battling a serious illness to standing on the highest peaks in the world, his determination has inspired all of us. As a family, we are incredibly proud of his resilience, discipline and courage. This achievement belongs not just to him, but to everyone who stood by him through every challenge.”

    For  the orthopedician-turned-mountaineer, the climb represents the final step in a journey that began with recovery from serious illness and evolved into one of the most demanding goals in global mountaineering—a remarkable story of resilience, determination and triumph.

     

     

  • AD Ports Group Launches Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions in Jordan

    AD Ports Group Launches Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions in Jordan

    Aqaba, Jordan / Abu Dhabi, UAE – 19 June 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, today announced the operational launch of Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). The initiative marks a significant step towards reinforcing Aqaba’s position as a leading regional trade and logistics hub, while supporting Jordan’s broader economic development plans.

    The joint venture, operating under Noatum Ports, the Group’s international ports operating arm, was established following an agreement signed with Aqaba Development Corporation to develop and operate a Port Community System (PCS). The project aims to enhance digital integration and facilitate information exchange among port users, the container terminal, relevant authorities, and all stakeholders, contributing to increased operational and logistical efficiency in Aqaba.

    In addition, the joint venture is delivering a truck management project at the ports of Aqaba by deploying advanced digital solutions that connect relevant entities through a unified digital window. This contributes to streamlining procedures, expediting the issuance of necessary permits, and enhancing the seamless flow of logistics while raising the efficiency of services across the city.

    The official launch of operations was marked by a ceremony held in Aqaba, attended by His Excellency Shadi Ramzi Al Majali, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority; His Excellency Hussein Al Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation; and Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports – AD Ports Group; alongside key stakeholders and partners from both entities.

    His Excellency Shadi Al Majali, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), said: “The launch of Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions represents a tangible step towards realising our vision of positioning Aqaba as a fully integrated digital logistics gateway on the Red Sea, while also reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Today, we are not merely launching a company, we are laying the foundation for advanced digital infrastructure powered by artificial intelligence and smart analytics, designed to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce time and costs, and elevate transparency and security across cargo and truck movements.”

    His Excellency added: “The company has already commenced implementation of its first project, the truck management system at Aqaba ports, which will help regulate truck traffic, reduce waiting times, and improve cargo-handling efficiency. This milestone reflects the partners’ commitment to accelerating digital transformation across the ports and logistics sector, while enhancing Aqaba’s competitiveness as a leading regional trade and logistics hub.”

    His Excellency Eng. Hussein Al Safadi, CEO – Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), said: The launch of the company’s operations marks an important milestone in the development of Aqaba’s digital infrastructure and reflects the success of the strategic partnerships that ADC continues to forge with leading regional and international entities. This partnership brings together world-class strategic partners, foremost among them AD Ports Group, one of the most experienced global entities in the development, management, and operation of ports. Through its extensive international presence and proven operational expertise, AD Ports Group is well positioned to support the advancement of Aqaba’s logistics and maritime ecosystem and contribute to its long-term growth and competitiveness.” 

    Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports – AD Ports Group, said: “AD Ports Group continues to strengthen its presence in Jordan. The launch of Noatum ‎Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions marks another milestone in our strengthening partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation. We remain fully committed to deploying our global expertise and advanced technological solutions to drive supply chain efficiency and support the digital transformation of the ports and logistics sector in Aqaba.”

    Al Tamimi added: “This launch aligns with AD Ports Group’s growing and increasingly diversified portfolio in Jordan, reflecting our long-term commitment to the Kingdom. Our presence spans the management and operation of the Aqaba Multipurpose Port, the development of landmark tourism assets such as the Aqaba Cruise Terminal and Marsa Zayed, as well as the deployment of advanced customs solutions to facilitate and streamline cross-border trade through the Al Madouneh Customs Centre. We look forward to supporting our partners’ efforts to enhance Jordan’s economic competitiveness and reinforce its position as a leading regional and international trade gateway.”

    In February 2026, AD Ports Group signed a 30-year concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation to manage and operate the Aqaba Multipurpose Port. The agreement follows the inauguration of the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in January 2023.

    In January 2025, AD Ports Group appointed MAG Group Holding to lead the first phase of development of Marsa Zayed, a 3.2 million m² beachfront tourism and business community in Aqaba, designed to position the city as a regional tourism centre and gateway to the Red Sea. This was followed in February 2025 by an agreement with the Jordan Customs Department to manage and operate the new Al Madouneh Customs Centre in Amman, strengthening cross-border trade and supply chain efficiency.

  • World Blood Donor Day Celebrated at Jeypore; Kotpad’s Tulasi Das Nayak Honoured

    World Blood Donor Day Celebrated at Jeypore; Kotpad's Tulasi Das Nayak Honoured

    Kotpad/Jeypore: World Blood Donor Day was celebrated at the District Headquarters Hospital in Jeypore with great enthusiasm. The event was attended by the Sub-Collector, the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), and other dignitaries, who felicitated voluntary blood donors from different parts of the district for their invaluable contribution to saving lives.

    Among those honoured was Tulasi Das Nayak, popularly known as Nini Babu, a prominent blood donor from Kotpad. Young blood donor Rabindra Sahu also participated in the programme and extended his support to the initiative.

    Tulasi Das Nayak is widely respected in the Kotpad region for his dedication to voluntary blood donation and humanitarian service. Whenever there is an urgent need for blood, residents often reach out to him for assistance. Over the years, he has actively encouraged and motivated young people to come forward and donate blood, emphasizing that blood donation is one of the noblest acts of service to humanity.

    His selfless commitment has inspired many youths in the region to participate in blood donation drives and social welfare activities. Community members praised his efforts, noting that his example has helped create greater awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation.

    The event concluded with a renewed appeal to citizens, especially the younger generation, to donate blood regularly and contribute towards saving lives in times of medical emergencies.

  • The Importance of Pregnancy Pillows and Quality Sleep During Pregnancy

    Pregnancy is a remarkable journey that brings significant physical and emotional changes to a woman’s body. As the baby grows, maintaining a comfortable sleeping position becomes increasingly challenging. Many expectant mothers experience sleep disturbances caused by back pain, hip discomfort, frequent urination, heartburn, and the growing weight of the baby bump. This is where pregnancy pillows play a vital role in promoting better sleep and overall well-being.

    Why Sleep Matters During Pregnancy

    Quality sleep is essential throughout pregnancy. During sleep, the body undergoes important restorative processes that support both maternal health and fetal development. Adequate rest helps regulate hormones, strengthen the immune system, improve mood, and reduce stress levels.

    Research has shown that poor sleep during pregnancy may be linked to increased risks of gestational hypertension, prolonged labor, and postpartum fatigue. Sleep deprivation can also affect mental health, leading to increased anxiety and emotional stress.

    Common Sleep Challenges During Pregnancy

    As pregnancy progresses, women often face several sleep-related challenges, including:

    • Lower back and pelvic pain

    • Hip and joint discomfort

    • Frequent bathroom visits

    • Heartburn and indigestion

    • Leg cramps

    • Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position

    • Anxiety and stress about childbirth

    These issues become more pronounced during the second and third trimesters, making supportive sleep solutions increasingly important.

    What Is a Pregnancy Pillow?

    A pregnancy pillow is specially designed to support the changing contours of a pregnant woman’s body. Unlike standard pillows, pregnancy pillows provide targeted support to the belly, back, hips, knees, and neck, helping maintain proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points.

    These pillows come in various shapes, including U-shaped, C-shaped, J-shaped, and wedge pillows, each offering different levels of support depending on individual needs.

    Benefits of Using a Pregnancy Pillow

    1. Improved Sleep Quality

    Pregnancy pillows help women find a comfortable sleeping position more easily, reducing tossing and turning throughout the night. Better support often leads to deeper and more restful sleep.

    2. Reduced Back and Hip Pain

    By supporting the abdomen and aligning the spine, pregnancy pillows help alleviate strain on the lower back, hips, and pelvis. This can significantly reduce discomfort, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

    3. Enhanced Blood Circulation

    Healthcare professionals often recommend sleeping on the left side during pregnancy. Pregnancy pillows make it easier to maintain this position, promoting optimal blood flow to the uterus, placenta, and baby.

    4. Better Support for the Growing Belly

    As the baby grows, the abdomen places additional strain on muscles and ligaments. Pregnancy pillows gently support the bump, reducing tension and improving comfort.

    5. Reduced Pressure on Joints

    Positioning the pillow between the knees and along the body helps distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on the hips, knees, and joints.

    6. Comfort Beyond Pregnancy

    Many pregnancy pillows continue to be useful after childbirth. They can provide support during breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and even general relaxation.

    Why Side Sleeping Is Recommended

    Medical experts generally recommend sleeping on the left side during pregnancy, particularly after the first trimester. This position helps improve blood circulation and reduces pressure on major blood vessels.

    Benefits of left-side sleeping include:

    • Improved blood flow to the baby

    • Better kidney function

    • Reduced swelling in the feet and ankles

    • Improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus

    Pregnancy pillows make maintaining this position easier and more comfortable throughout the night.

    Types of Pregnancy Pillows

    U-Shaped Pillow

    Provides full-body support for the head, neck, back, belly, and legs. Ideal for women who frequently change positions during sleep.

    C-Shaped Pillow

    Offers support to the head, back, belly, and knees while taking up less bed space than U-shaped designs.

    J-Shaped Pillow

    Supports the head and body while offering targeted belly support. Suitable for side sleepers seeking a more compact option.

    Wedge Pillow

    A smaller pillow designed to support specific areas such as the belly or lower back. It is portable and travel-friendly.

    Tips for Better Pregnancy Sleep

    In addition to using a pregnancy pillow, expectant mothers can improve sleep quality by:

    • Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

    • Sleeping on the left side whenever possible

    • Avoiding caffeine late in the day

    • Keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet

    • Engaging in light physical activity with medical approval

    • Following a relaxing bedtime routine

    • Limiting screen time before bed

    Conclusion

    A good night’s sleep is one of the most valuable gifts an expectant mother can give herself and her growing baby. Pregnancy pillows are more than just comfort accessories—they are practical tools that help reduce pain, improve sleep quality, support healthy circulation, and promote overall maternal well-being.

    As pregnancy advances and physical changes become more noticeable, investing in a quality pregnancy pillow can make a significant difference in comfort and rest. Better sleep contributes to a healthier pregnancy, improved energy levels, and a more positive experience for both mother and baby.

     

  • InfoComm 2026: PPDS redefines digital display design with UltraSlim Philips Signage 7000 Series unveiling in Las Vegas

    Half the depth, double the possibilities: At 60 per cent slimmer than comparable models in PPDS’ Philips Signage portfolio, the new, sleek and stylish Philips Signage 7000 Series opens exciting new installation opportunities to partners and customers, packaging 4K UHD visual performance and AI ready processing power with a slender and stylish presentation for almost any setting.

     

    InfoComm 2026: PPDS redefines digital display design with UltraSlim Philips Signage 7000 Series unveiling in Las Vegas

     

    InfoComm 2026: Amsterdam, June 18: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its thinnest and lightest 4K UHD digital signage line to date, with the Philips Signage 7000 Series UltraSlim display launching at InfoComm 2026.

     Making its official debut on Philips booth C9000 in Las Vegas, the dazzling and unmistakable Philips Signage 7000 Series signals the creation of an exciting new line within PPDS’ evolving digital signage portfolio, opening a wealth of exciting installation opportunities for 24/7 environments where proven quality, unparalleled performance, and visual aesthetics really matter.

     Fuelled and finessed using invaluable feedback from global partners and customers around the world – including those with past and current experience of using comparable competitor offerings – the landscape and portrait mountable UHD Philips Signage 7000 Series UltraSlim comes in a choice of size options, including 43”, 50”, 55” and 65”.

     Thinner, lighter, smarter

    Built for versatility and flexibility, the Philips Signage 7000 Series will be available in warehouses from Q4 2026 to support a diverse range of verticals and environments – with retail, corporate, public venues, hospitality, and food and beverage among target markets.

     Designed with a depth of just 30mm for the 65” model and 28.5mm on all others, it is an incredible 60 per cent less deep than its closest Philips Signage counterpart – the Philips Signage 4050Q. The 43”, 50” and 55” models are 10 per cent lighter than their 4050Q size equivalents, and the 65” model weighs 20% less than its 4050Q comparison.

     Impossible to ignore, whether used to showcase the latest fashion styles in a retail store or to display mouthwatering menus in a bar or restaurant, all Philips Signage 7000 Series models bring 500 nits brightness inside an elegant 11.5mm even bezel design.

     Bart Wouters, International Product Manager at PPDS, commented: “The Philips Signage 7000 Series delivers brilliance and beauty for almost any environment, enhancing and opening new opportunities for an even wider audience. Essentially, it brings all the features you expect from our premium Philips Professional Displays, together with an all new, ultra slim design.”                                                                                                                                                       

    Commenting from the show floor at InfoComm 2026, Andrea Barbuti, Global Product Management Lead EMEA at PPDS, added: “The new Philips Signage 7000 Series marks a new chapter in our signage display design, delivering visually spectacular performance and presentation across an unparalleled range of use cases. With the all new slimline design, together with reduced weight, the installation opportunities are limitless.”

    InfoComm 2026: PPDS redefines digital display design with UltraSlim Philips Signage 7000 Series unveiling in Las Vegas

     

     Beauty inside and out

    Internally – mirroring other Android SoC models from PPDS – the Philips Signage 7000 Series comes with the out of the box features and functionalities that have become standard hallmarks of Philips Professional Displays, allowing each display to be tailored to meet the unique requirements of every customer.

     Running on a professional Android 16 SoC and with a TOPS 3.0 Neural Processing Unit ready for AI applications, the Philips Signage 7000 Series brings complete reliability and peace of mind to installations, with trusted connectivity and security built in. All while enabling customers to select and install their preferred native Android apps and software directly onto the display.

     Unlocking its full power and intelligence still further, the Philips Signage 7000 Series joins PPDS’ portfolio of displays that are compatible with the Philips Wave remote display management platform, putting users in complete control.

     Saving on costs, energy, and environmental impact via optimised settings, Philips Wave offers simplified installation and setup, monitoring and controlling displays, upgrading firmware, managing playlists, and setting power schedules. Challenges can be overcome quickly and efficiently with the ability to spot issues in real time or even to identify potential problems before they occur.

     Philips Wave users also have access to the Philips ProStore, eliminating any concerns around compatibility with selected partner software and applications used in – but not exclusively for – healthcare, corporate, retail, education, hospitality, and more.

     For additional peace of mind, the Philips Signage 7000 Series also features PPDS’ FailOver technology, automatically playing back up content on screen in the unlikely event of a primary media player failure, ensuring screens remain active when it matters.

     Connected, secure, sustainable

    Ideal for presentation settings, such as in meeting rooms, corporate boardrooms and classrooms, the Philips Signage 7000 Series also comes with integrated Philips SmartBrowser app, which leverages HTML5 to enable managers to set URLs to play as a media source.

     Wireless screen sharing is available with optional Philips ScreenShare, while the Philips Signage 7000 Series also provides a full suite of connections, including HDMI, USB-C, RS232, LAN, USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth, to meet user preferences and promote the reuse of existing cables and equipment.

     Andrea Barbuti continued: “We are not the first manufacturer to launch a slimline digital signage offering, but as a company that prides itself on delivering reliable, versatile, and innovative solutions to market, we wanted to deliver better, rather than to try to win any races in bringing it to market.”

     Bart Wouters concluded: “We have bided our time and communicated carefully with customers to ensure we have shaped the Philips Signage 7000 Series around true market needs. We are thrilled with the results and, more importantly, so are our partners and customers, whose insight has played an integral role in its design and development.”

     To see the Philips Signage 7000 Series for yourself, visit Philips booth C9000 at InfoComm 2026.