The Func. Lab Raises $1.5 Million Seed Round to Build India’s Clean-Label Nutrition Brand

The Func. Lab, a nutrition company focused on hydration, protein, and functional wellness, has raised $1.5 million in seed funding from a group of strategic investors, including Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products; Anand Piramal, Executive Director of Piramal Group; Abhishek Nayar, former Indian international cricketer and coach; Bhakti Modi, Co-Founder of Tira; Harsh Parekh, Co-Founder of PharmEasy; and Sahil Vora, Founder of Sila Group, alongside participation from others.

The capital will be used to accelerate product innovation, expand distribution, strengthen supply chain capabilities, and support the brand’s growth across digital, quick-commerce, and retail channels.

Founded by celebrity fitness trainer and SOHFIT founder Sohrab Khushrushahi, entrepreneur Sahil Kukreja, and SOHFIT co-founder Daneesh Davar, The Func. Lab was built on a simple belief: consumers deserve nutrition products with transparent labels, purposeful ingredients, and formulations they can trust.

Sohrab Khushrushahi, Co-Founder of The Func. Lab said, “We’ve always believed that nutrition products should be judged by what’s inside the pack, not by marketing claims. This capital allows us to invest further in product development, expand access across India, and continue building a brand rooted in trust, transparency, and effectiveness.”

celebrity fitness trainer and SOHFIT founder Sohrab Khushrushahi, entrepreneur Sahil Kukreja, and SOHFIT co-founder Daneesh

The company’s current portfolio includes Salty Electrolytes, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, and Plant Protein. Products are formulated without gums, emulsifiers, anti-caking agents, artificial sweeteners, or proprietary blends, and undergo independent testing to verify quality and label accuracy.

Since launching in July, 2025, The Func. Lab has established a growing presence across direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, quick-commerce, and offline retail channels. As part of its next phase of growth, Func Lab is making a strategic push into the hydration space with the target of acquiring 50% market share by building India’s most trusted better-for-you electrolyte brand. The company plans to expand aggressively across new hydration formats and functional recovery products while increasing accessibility across thousands of pin codes nationwide.

In relation to her investment, Nisaba Godrej said: “I’m an avid and daily user of both their whey protein and electrolytes. I absolutely love the products and branding. The team building The Func. Lab is authentic, highly driven, and relentlessly focused on creating products consumers genuinely benefit from.”

Anand Piramal commented, “Protein, hydration, and preventive wellness are categories that have massive tailwinds in India. The Func. Lab’s commitment to taste, quality and ingredient transparency positions it well to serve a new generation of health-conscious consumers.”

About The Func. Lab

The Func. Lab is a nutrition company focused on hydration, protein, and functional wellness. Founded in 2025 by Sohrab Khushrushahi, Sahil Kukreja, and Daneesh Davar, the company develops products built around transparent labels, independently tested ingredients, and performance-focused formulations. Its portfolio includes electrolytes, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and plant protein products.

EBG Group Partners POSCO to Relaunch Daewoo Appliances in India

• 100-store expansion roadmap, and phased localization strategy to drive Daewoo's growth in India's fast-growing appliances market
• Daewoo plans to introduce "DAEWOO One", an integrated smart home ecosystem designed to connect multiple appliances through a single platform while integrating AI and IoT-enabled technologies to create a seamless home experience

EBG Group, a diversified business group, has signed a strategic brand licensing agreement with South Korean giant POSCO International for the iconic Daewoo brand in the Major Domestic Appliances category. Building on its existing association with Daewoo, the agreement enables EBG Group to accelerate the brand's retail, distribution, and market expansion plans across India. The partnership covers categories accounting for nearly 70 per cent of the Home & Kitchen Appliances segment and aims to establish Daewoo as a leading consumer appliances brand in the country.

EBG Founder Dr. Irfan Khan and EBG Co-Founder Hari Kiran with POSCO representative Mr. Chan Ryu during his visit to the EBG office in Hyderabad.

As part of its expansion roadmap, EBG Group has committed an investment of ₹100 crore over next three years towards product development, retail expansion, distribution network strengthening, localization initiatives, and the introduction of new appliance categories tailored to the evolving needs of Indian consumers. To support its nationwide ambitions, the company is building a robust retail and distribution ecosystem. Its first flagship Daewoo experience store in Delhi is nearing launch, with three additional outlets already in the pipeline. EBG Group aims to establish a network of approximately 100 stores across India by 2027.

Under the agreement, EBG Group will lead the development, manufacturing, distribution, and market expansion of Daewoo-branded appliances across India. The company will initially focus on major home appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, dishwashers, and the entire range of consumer products in a phased manner. Supported by advanced Korean technology, the portfolio is designed to deliver performance, reliability, and energy efficiency for Indian households, with approximately 16 per cent of the initial product range comprising energy-efficient offerings that support more sustainable consumption.

Mr. James Lee, Director of POSCO INTERNATIONAL Corporation said, "India represents one of the most dynamic growth markets for consumer appliances globally. We are pleased to partner with EBG Group, whose deep understanding of the Indian market and long-term vision make them the ideal partner to expand Daewoo's presence in the country. Together, we aim to deliver innovative, reliable, and energy-efficient products that meet the evolving expectations of Indian consumers."

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Irfan Khan, Founder of EBG Group said, "We are delighted to partner with POSCO International to bring Daewoo's trusted global legacy to millions of Indian households. This partnership lays the foundation for building a long-term consumer appliances business in India. Through our planned investment, localisation roadmap, extensive distribution network, and customer-focused growth strategy, we are committed to making Daewoo a preferred brand for Indian consumers."

“The products will be initially assembled in India using imported components, with localisation levels planned to increase progressively from 20 per cent to 80 per cent over time. The initiative aligns with the Government of India's Make in India vision, supports domestic value creation, and is expected to generate employment opportunities across manufacturing, retail, distribution, and after-sales operations,” Dr. Irfan Khan added.

Daewoo products will be available through a comprehensive omnichannel network comprising company-operated stores, direct-to-consumer platforms, e-commerce marketplaces, quick commerce channels, general trade outlets, and electronics retail partners. Further, Daewoo plans to introduce "DAEWOO One", an integrated smart home ecosystem designed to connect multiple appliances through a single platform. The company also intends to expand its portfolio of energy-efficient products while integrating AI and IoT-enabled technologies to create a seamless connected-home experience for consumers.

About DAEWOO

DAEWOO is a globally recognized Korean brand with a legacy spanning several decades across consumer electronics, home appliances, industrial products, and mobility solutions. The DAEWOO trademark portfolio is managed globally by POSCO International and is present in approximately 160 countries with over 3,500 trademark registrations and applications worldwide.

About POSCO International

POSCO International is a leading global trading and investment company headquartered in South Korea and part of the POSCO Group. The company operates across multiple industries including energy, trading, steel, mobility, food, and consumer businesses with a strong international presence.

About EBG Group

EBG Group is a multi-sector Indian conglomerate with a diversified presence across Mobility, Health, Realty, Lifestyle, Food, Services, Technology, and Education. From sustainable electric vehicles and physiotherapy-led wellness solutions to smart housing, hospitality, and traditional food experiences, EBG builds brands that combine innovation, sustainability, and human purpose. The Group’s Powerhouse hubs align business excellence with its core vision: People • Planet • Progress.

Govt Introduces New Rule That Lets Businesses Fix First‑Time Mistakes Before Facing Penalties

The Department of Consumer Affairs has introduced the Improvement Notice mechanism under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 via the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. This reform allows businesses committing specified first‑time procedural or regulatory lapses to correct them before facing penalties, thereby reducing litigation and promoting Ease of Doing Business while safeguarding consumer interests.

The reform encourages voluntary compliance, reduces unnecessary litigation and compliance burden, while ensuring that strict action continues against fraud, tampering and repeated violations to safeguard consumer interests.

What is the Improvement Notice Mechanism?

• Legal Metrology Officer may issue an Improvement Notice for specified first‑time non‑compliances.
• The notice identifies the deficiency and provides reasonable time to rectify.
• If corrected, penal proceedings are avoided.
• Failure to comply or repeated violations attract strict enforcement.
• Represents a shift to trust‑based regulation.

Why This Reform Matters

• Encourages voluntary compliance and timely self‑correction.
• Reduces unnecessary litigation from inadvertent errors.
• Lowers compliance costs and improves regulatory certainty.
• Allows authorities to focus on fraud and repeated violations.
• Supports the vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”

Businesses Covered

• Manufacturers
• Importers
• Packers
• Dealers
• Repairers
• Traders
• MSMEs

Provisions Covered

• Section 25–29: Use, manufacture, or sale of non‑standard weights/measures.
• Section 31–32: Non‑production of documents, failure to obtain model approval.
• Section 34–36(1): Sale/delivery using non‑standard weights or packaged commodities.
• Section 38–39: Import violations.
• Section 41(1), 41(2): Furnishing false information/returns.
• Section 45–47: Manufacture, repair, or sale without registration; tampering with certificates.

Provisions Covered under the Improvement Notice Mechanism

The Improvement Notice mechanism applies to specified first-time procedural and regulatory non-compliances relating to:

• Registration requirements
• Documentation and record maintenance
• Model approval
• Manufacture, sale and repair of weights and measures
• Import of weights and measures. 
• Transactions and packaged commodities. 
• Furnishing statutory information and returns

Government Clarifications

• The mechanism does not dilute consumer protection.
• Applies only to specified first‑time procedural/regulatory non‑compliances.
• Fraud and repeated violations will continue to face strict penal action.

Broader Context

• Part of Jan Vishwas Act 2026 reforms.
• Includes transition from licensing to registration for weights and measures businesses.
• Expansion of Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs).
• Launch of e‑Maap digital portal for registrations, model approvals, and enforcement services.

Conclusion

The Improvement Notice mechanism is a landmark regulatory reform that balances business facilitation with consumer protection. It reduces compliance burden for honest businesses while ensuring strong enforcement against fraud and repeated violations.

Humanity’s Farthest Signal: Voyager 1 Hits One Light-Day

NASA has confirmed that Voyager 1 will reach a distance of one light-day from Earth on November 18, 2026, making it the first human-made spacecraft to achieve this milestone. At that point, signals will take a full 24 hours to travel between Earth and the probe.

Voyager 1 was launched by NASA on September 5, 1977, at 12:56 UTC from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a Titan IIIE rocket. It was part of the Voyager program, designed to explore the outer planets and eventually interstellar space.

Voyager 1 is the most distant human-made object, traveling toward the constellation Ophiuchus. It carries a phonograph record with sounds, images, and music representing Earth’s diversity.

Voyager 1 entered interstellar space on August 25, 2012.

The Milestone

• Exact Date & Time: November 18, 2026, at 2:16:07 AM PST (10:16:07 AM UTC / 12:16:07 AM CST)
• Distance: ~16.1 billion miles (25.9 billion km), equal to 173.14 astronomical units (AU)
• Speed: Voyager 1 is traveling at ~79,960 mph (128,700 km/h)
• Signal Delay: Commands from Earth will take 24 hours to reach Voyager 1, and another 24 hours for data to return

Voyager 1’s Journey

• Launch: September 5, 1977, from Cape Canaveral
• Planetary Encounters: Discovered active volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon Io; revealed Saturn’s rings; studied Titan’s atmosphere
• Interstellar Crossing: Entered interstellar space on August 25, 2012, after crossing the heliopause
• Trajectory: Voyager 1 is headed toward the constellation Ophiuchus, moving “up” out of the solar plane

Voyager Program Legacy

• Voyager 2: Launched earlier in 1977, visited all four gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). It is ~2 billion miles closer to Earth and moving slower, so it will never catch up
• Golden Record: Both spacecraft carry a phonograph record with sounds, music, and images representing Earth’s diversity — a symbolic message to extraterrestrial civilizations
• Longevity Efforts: NASA engineers are shutting down non-essential instruments to conserve power. In 2025, the Cosmic Ray Subsystem was turned off. Future interventions are planned to extend the mission

Why It Matters

• Scientific Value: Voyager 1 continues to send back data about the interstellar medium, helping scientists understand the boundary between our solar system and deep space
• Cultural Impact: This milestone highlights humanity’s ability to send technology beyond its cradle, inspiring future missions like interstellar probes and deep space exploration
• Symbolism: Voyager 1 remains humanity’s most distant emissary, carrying our story across the stars

Key Figures

Aspect	Details
Distance	16.1 billion miles (25.9 billion km)
Astronomical Units	173.14 AU
Speed	79,960 mph (128,700 km/h)
Signal Delay	24 hours one-way

Cryogenic Pioneer N. Jayan to Head ISRO’s Propulsion Centre

ISRO has appointed eminent aerospace engineer N. Jayan, architect of the CE20 cryogenic engine, as the new Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), a critical hub for India’s advanced propulsion systems. He will assume charge on July 1, 2026, marking a major leadership transition in ISRO’s propulsion program.

N. Jayan has served as Project Director, overseeing the indigenous development of India’s cryogenic propulsion technology, which was a breakthrough in self-reliance for space transportation. He led the team that successfully developed the CE20 engine powering LVM3 (GSLV Mk III), enabling India’s heaviest rocket to launch complex satellites and crewed missions.

As Project Director, he spearheaded ISRO’s future heavy-lift rocket program, positioning India for deep-space exploration and commercial competitiveness.

Today, CE20 powers the Cryogenic Upper Stage (C25) of India’s heaviest rocket LVM3, enabling payloads up to 4 tonnes to GTO and 10 tonnes to LEO (Low Earth Orbit), enabling payloads up to 4 tonnes to GTO and 10 tonnes to LEO.

Key Highlights of the Appointment

• N. Jayan: Senior scientist and propulsion expert, pivotal in developing the CE20 cryogenic engine that powers the LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III).
• New Role: Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Thiruvananthapuram.
• Effective Date: July 1, 2026.
• Career Milestones: Associate Director, LPSC; Project Director, Cryogenic Stage Project; Project Director, Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) at VSSC.
• Awards: Recipient of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (2025), India’s highest science honor.

Significance for ISRO

• Strengthening Propulsion Leadership: LPSC is responsible for liquid, cryogenic, and advanced propulsion systems—the backbone of India’s launch vehicles.
• Indigenous Capability: Jayan’s leadership in CE20 development enhanced India’s self-reliance in cryogenic technology, enabling complex missions including human spaceflight.
• Future Roadmap: His role in the NGLV project positions ISRO to advance next-generation heavy-lift capabilities, crucial for deep-space exploration and commercial launches.

Quick Comparison: CE20 Engine & LPSC Role

CE20 Engine	LPSC
Developed under Jayan’s leadership	Now headed by Jayan
Powers LVM3/GSLV Mk III	Designs liquid & cryogenic propulsion systems
Indigenous cryogenic breakthrough	Supports all major ISRO launch vehicles
Enabled complex satellite & crewed missions	Critical to India’s space self-reliance

What This Means for India’s Space Program

• Boost to Human Spaceflight: CE20’s reliability underpins Gaganyaan missions.
• Payload Expansion: LPSC’s innovations will support higher payload capacity for LVM3 and future NGLVs.
• Global Competitiveness: Strengthens India’s position in the commercial launch market, competing with SpaceX and Arianespace.