From left to right: Mr. Mohan Yadav, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, and Mr. Abhilesh Gupta, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, THINK Gas

During the meeting, the THINK Gas leadership highlighted the critical role natural gas plays in the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for India’s energy future. This was evident during the crisis which revealed that the importance of reducing dependence on LPG needs to be expedited. The current National Drive for LPG to PNG conversion is also in line with this vision. THINK Gas also emphasized that a reduction in VAT on natural gas would improve significant affordability for residential consumers of PNG, enhance state revenues, promote cleaner mobility, and accelerate the state's transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Madhya Pradesh is strategically positioned to emerge as a leading natural gas-driven economy, supported by its central location and growing industrial and economic activity. Rationalisation of VAT on natural gas is expected to enhance the affordability and competitiveness of PNG and CNG, thereby accelerating adoption across households, industries, commercial establishments, and the transport sector. Several neighbouring states have implemented lower VAT rates on natural gas, contributing to higher fuel penetration, industrial growth, and cleaner mobility. A similar approach in Madhya Pradesh could support increased investment, strengthen economic competitiveness, expand consumer access to cleaner fuels, and advance the state's sustainability and energy transition objectives. The positive engagement of the Hon'ble Chief Minister on this important issue is greatly appreciated, and continued collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh is expected to further support the state's clean energy transition.

The meeting also covered THINK Gas’ ongoing investments in expanding natural gas infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh, including the development of DPNG connections, PNG networks and CNG stations to improve energy accessibility and support economic development in urban, industrial, and rural areas.

As one of the key contributors to the development of City Gas Distribution infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh, THINK Gas believes that a competitive tax regime will unlock significant value for consumers and industry alike. Lower VAT on natural gas can directly benefit lakhs of Domestic Households using PNG and CNG users, lower energy costs, support industrial competitiveness, encourage investment, and accelerate the state's transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

This deployment marks the first phase of a multi-year working relationship between the two companies. Supporting up to 9,000 GPUs, the first phase is expected to go live from the first quarter of CY2027 and is designed for high-density AI training and inference. Customers will have access to the infrastructure needed to develop, train and deploy AI applications closer to their users and data.

The deployment reflects growing demand for AI-ready digital infrastructure and represents a significant milestone in STTGDC’s Built Ready growth journey, reinforcing its position as a trusted infrastructure partner for the organisations deploying AI at scale. It also demonstrates the company’s ability to support the power, cooling and operational demands of next-generation AI workloads in India.

“India’s AI ambitions will depend not only on access to compute, but on the digital infrastructure required to support increasingly complex and compute-intensive workloads at scale. We are proud to work with Neysa and its co-founder and CEO, Sharad Sanghi, whose work in building one of India’s earliest internet data centre companies helped shape the country’s data centre industry,” said Bimal Khandelwal, Chief Executive Officer – India, STTGDC. “By bringing together Neysa’s specialised AI capabilities and STTGDC’s infrastructure expertise, this deployment will help enterprises move from experimentation to real-world applications. It also represents the kind of ecosystem collaboration needed to accelerate AI adoption and strengthen India’s position in the global digital economy.”

Sharad Sanghi, CEO, Neysa, added, "We are building Neysa for the long term, to serve businesses in India and global compute customers looking to add India to their infrastructure footprint. Our customers need more than access to GPUs. They need capacity they can plan around, reliable operations and room to scale as their workloads evolve. That is why we plan the compute, platform and data centre infrastructure together. Our planned deployment at STTGDC’s Noida data centre is one part of that approach, bringing GPU infrastructure and Velocis, our AI Cloud platform, together to support AI workloads in production."

About STTGDC

STTGDC is a leading data centre platform enabling the cloud, AI and digital services that power how people live, work and connect. Headquartered in Singapore, the company operates across Asia and Europe, serving major hyperscalers, cloud service providers and enterprises. Built on trust and proven execution, STTGDC combines global scale with deep local expertise to deliver resilient, scalable and sustainable infrastructure that powers digital growth. In India, STTGDC has been designing, building and operating data centres for more than two decades, supporting the infrastructure needs of enterprises, cloud providers and public sector organisations. Today, it manages one of the country's largest white space portfolios, with more than 613MW of critical IT load across 34 facilities, including those under development, in 10 cities. Serving a diverse customer base that includes many Fortune 500 companies, STTGDC delivers the resilience, scale and service quality required for mission-critical workloads.

STTGDC is committed to achieving carbon-neutral data centre operations by 2030 and advancing responsible growth through a strong focus on sustainability, safety, ethics, integrity and inclusion.

For more information, visit www.sttgdc.com/in-en.

About Neysa

Neysa is an AI acceleration cloud provider helping enterprises and AI builders train, deploy and operate AI at scale. Its portfolio includes Neysa Velocis, a managed AI cloud platform that brings together GPU compute, orchestration, inference, observability and cost management; and Neysa Tytan, dedicated bare-metal AI infrastructure for customers that need committed capacity and greater architectural control.

Founded in 2023, Neysa is backed by Blackstone. The company combines experience in building and operating large-scale data centre and cloud infrastructure with an India-based AI infrastructure footprint.

Learn more at www.neysa.ai

Mr. Nilesh Ved, Chairman of APPCORP Holding, owner of Apparel Group and Founder of KORA Properties, alongside Team Carrefour

Following the launch of Carrefour’s first flagship store at H&S Mall (Boulevard Walk), Greater Noida West, the Ghaziabad opening builds on the momentum of the strategic partnership between Apparel Group and Carrefour. The expansion strengthens the brand’s presence across the National Capital Region (NCR), bringing its globally recognised retail proposition closer to a growing consumer base seeking quality, value, choice and convenience.

The opening comes as India’s retail landscape continues to evolve, driven by rising consumer aspirations, rapid urbanisation and growing demand for modern, organised retail experiences. Through its partnership with Carrefour, Apparel Group is capitalising on these opportunities by combining the international retailer’s global expertise and extensive product offering with its own understanding of Indian consumers, established operational capabilities and local market knowledge.

Located at ANSA City Centre, the new Ghaziabad store introduces Carrefour’s world-class retail experience through a format of 2,000 square meters tailored to local shopping preferences. Customers can explore a comprehensive selection of fresh produce, daily bakery items, groceries, household essentials, personal care products and other everyday categories. The offering brings together international brands and locally sourced products, delivering a shopping experience that reflects the diverse needs and expectations of Indian households.

Beyond expanding Carrefour’s physical presence, the Ghaziabad opening represents another step towards Apparel Group’s long-term ambition to establish a strong and scalable retail platform across India. Building on the foundation established in Greater Noida, the Group plans to progressively extend Carrefour’s footprint into key markets nationwide, supported by domestic sourcing networks, modern logistics infrastructure and localised supply chain capabilities.

Mr. Nilesh Ved, Chairman of APPCORP Holding, Owner of Apparel Group and Founder of KORA Properties, said, “Carrefour’s second store in India represents another important step in our ambition to establish a strong and enduring presence in one of the world’s most promising consumer markets. The momentum following our Greater Noida launch reinforces our confidence in the opportunities ahead, as Indian consumers increasingly seek greater choice, international quality and exceptional value. Through our partnership with Carrefour, we are bringing together global retail expertise and deep local market understanding to create a platform designed for long-term scale. The Ghaziabad opening strengthens our presence across the NCR and takes us further towards our vision of making Carrefour a trusted retail destination for households across India.”

Mr. Patrick Lasfargues, Executive Director – International Partnership, Carrefour, added, "The opening of our second store in India marks an important step in Carrefour’s journey in this market. Following the launch of our first flagship in Greater Noida, expanding into Ghaziabad enables us to bring our retail proposition to an even broader consumer base in the NCR. We look forward to continuing this journey and expanding our presence across India."

As Apparel Group and Carrefour advance their shared vision for India, the partnership will continue to focus on strengthening domestic supplier relationships, expanding local sourcing capabilities and developing an integrated omnichannel retail ecosystem. Supported by technology, modern logistics infrastructure and strategic partnerships, this approach aims to connect physical retail with evolving consumer expectations while creating long-term value across India's retail and supply chain sectors.

With its second store now established in Ghaziabad, Carrefour's India journey continues to gather momentum, reinforcing Apparel Group's commitment to building a nationwide retail presence that brings international standards, local relevance and everyday value to consumers across the country.

About Apparel Group (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate residing at the crossroads of the modern economy – Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Today, Apparel Group caters to eager shoppers through its 2600+ retail stores and 85+ brands on all platforms while employing over 28,000+ multicultural staff.

Apparel Group has carved its strong presence in the GCC and expanded thriving gateways to market in India, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Egypt. Additionally, clear strategies are in place to enter emerging markets such as Hungary and Philippines.

Apparel Group India has created an omni-channel experience, operating brands originating from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The brands in India include leading names in fashion, footwear, and lifestyle such as Victoria’s Secret, Dolce&Gabbana Beauty, Victoria’s Secret PINK, YSL, Charles & Keith, Crocs, Aldo, Aldo Accessories, Bath & Body Works, Cotton On, Levis Kids, Tim Hortons, Inglot, Call It Spring, Nike Littles, Jordan Kids, Anne Klein, Herschel Supply Co., R&B, Carrefour, and Daiso Japan. Apparel Group has a multi-brand partnership with Marquee Brands for the licensing of BCBG, Ben Sherman, Bruno Magli, Sur la table, and Martha Stewart brands, across GCC and India. With 300+ stores and 20+ brands, the company serves thousands of customers across 50 cities in India.

Apparel Group owes its amazing growth to the vision and guidance of its dynamic Founder and Chairwoman, Mrs. Sima Ganwani Ved, who has taken the company from strength to strength since its inception in the last two decades.

For more information, please visit: 

Apparel Group India | LinkedIn | Download Club Apparel App

About Carrefour Group

With a multi-format network of over 15,000 stores in more than 40 countries, the Carrefour Group is one of the world's leading food retailers. Carrefour International Partnership manages all the Carrefour Group’s franchised Partners worldwide, operating in more than 30 countries with over 4,000 stores. Carrefour posted sales of EUR 91.5 billion in 2025. Its integrated store network employs more than 300,000 people who help to make Carrefour the world leader in the food transition for all, by offering quality food every day, accessible everywhere and at a reasonable price. In total, more than 500,000 people work under Carrefour banners worldwide.

For more information, visit www.carrefour.com or find us on X (@news_carrefour) and LinkedIn (Carrefour).

L – R: Rajesh V. Shah, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Karan Singh, CEO, Asset Division, Evolve Energy Group, Mr Ravinder Pareek, Group Head of Finance

The roadmap builds on the Group’s capabilities across solar manufacturing, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and operations and maintenance (O&M). By integrating these capabilities with asset ownership, Evolve aims to strengthen control over project execution, optimise costs and build a portfolio of contracted electricity revenues over an expected asset life of 25 years.

Commenting on the roadmap, Rajesh V. Shah, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Evolve Energy Group, said, “Every megawatt we commission is a 25-year annuity. We manufacture it, build it, own it and run it. That integration is our moat. Every year builds on the last. Three gigawatts by 2030 is how we turn fifteen years of execution into decades of predictable, compounding value.”

“With approximately 130 MW of capacity expected to become operational during the current financial year, and a portion already supplying power to industrial customers, our focus is on translating the 3 GW roadmap into a portfolio of well-executed, high-performing renewable energy assets. By bringing together Evolve’s manufacturing, EPC and operations capabilities, we aim to maintain greater control over project timelines, quality and lifecycle performance while delivering reliable clean power to our customers,” said Karan Singh, CEO, Asset Division, Evolve Energy Group.

Structured Debt Funding to Support Project Pipeline

Evolve is raising structured debt for a pipeline of more than 300 MW of projects under development. The broader 3 GW roadmap is expected to be financed through a combination of project debt, strategic equity and a future public listing. The Group’s financing relationships include Tata Capital, IREDA, Aseem Infrastructure Finance and YES Bank.

“Our financing approach is to align capital with the development and operating lifecycle of each project. As we raise structured debt for the pipeline of more than 300 MW, our priority is to balance growth with financial discipline and build a funding framework that supports the Group’s long-term asset ownership strategy,” said Ravinder Pareek, Group Head of Finance, Evolve Energy Group.

Once fully operational, the planned portfolio is expected to generate more than 4 billion units of clean electricity annually and over 100 billion units across its projected lifetime. According to the company’s estimates, the portfolio could also help avoid approximately 3 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

An Integrated Platform for Growth

Founded in 2011, Evolve Energy Group expects to cross Rs. 700 crore in revenue during the current financial year. With more than 350 employees and operations across over 15 states, the Group serves commercial, industrial and residential customers.

Its businesses span five key areas:

• Manufacturing: Solar modules, inverters, mounting structures and electrical panels under the EVVO brand.

• EPC: Delivery of rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects.

• Renewable energy asset ownership: Development, ownership and operation of solar power projects as an independent power producer (IPP).

• Operations and maintenance: Services supporting the long-term performance of solar installations.

• Residential solar: Solutions offered through Evolve Green Homes.

According to CRISIL, Evolve Green Energies ranks among the leading solar companies nationally in both the rooftop EPC and rooftop OPEX developer categories. Its customer portfolio includes JK Lakshmi, Hitachi Energy, LG, Wheels India, Subros, Caplin Point and Shyam Metallics, among others.

Evolve to Showcase “The Whole Chain” at REI Expo 2026

Evolve will showcase its integrated capabilities at REI Expo 2026 through its pavilion, “The Whole Chain”. The showcase will highlight the Group’s capabilities across manufacturing, project execution, asset ownership and lifecycle maintenance, demonstrating how its integrated business model supports its long-term growth strategy.

About Evolve Energy Group

Headquartered in Chennai, Evolve Energy Group is an integrated solar energy platform spanning manufacturing, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), renewable energy asset ownership, and operations and maintenance (O&M). Founded in 2011, the Group serves commercial, industrial and residential customers across multiple Indian states, with residential solar solutions offered through Evolve Green Homes.

Assetz, a Bengaluru-based design-led residential real estate developer, has tied up land belonging to Fairlark Sagar Enterprises Centroid Pvt. Ltd., a 10-acre land parcel within the KIADB Hardware Park in North Bengaluru. The proposed residential development will have minimum 1.68 million sq. ft. of estimated saleable built-up area. This new development follows the response to the partners’ first project, Assetz Sora & Saki.

Assetz

The transaction marks another significant addition to Assetz's development pipeline and strengthens the company's presence in North Bengaluru, a micro-market that has become an increasingly important part of the city's residential growth story. The acquisition is aligned with Assetz's strategy of consolidating and strengthening its position in Bengaluru by expanding presence across established high-absorption, infrastructure-linked and emerging micro-markets. The continued partnership reflects the confidence of both companies in the long-term potential of the KIADB micro-market and in a development model that aims to bring together strategic locations, thoughtful design, quality homes and a customer-centric approach.

Located approximately 15 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport, the site sits within the KIADB Hardware Park and the larger aerospace, technology and advanced-manufacturing ecosystem developing around the airport. The corridor today accommodates a growing concentration of global technology, aerospace and engineering companies, with facilities of companies such as Shell India Markets, SAP Labs and Boeing in the vicinity. The neighbourhood is also supported by educational and healthcare institutions, strengthening its appeal as a residential catchment. The wider area is witnessing further development of its social infrastructure, with new malls, hotels and other lifestyle destinations that are coming up. Reflecting the growing residential interest in the micro-market, the zone has also attracted projects from several real estate developers.

The location also benefits from access towards Kempegowda International Airport, Devanahalli, Bagalur and the wider North Bengaluru region, with road networks providing links towards Budigere Cross, Old Madras Road, East Bengaluru and Whitefield. The Satellite Town Ring Road further strengthens the larger regional road network by connecting Bengaluru's northern and eastern peripheral growth centres. The upcoming Namma Metro Blue Line and the under-construction Bagalur Cross Metro Station are expected to further enhance public-transport access between the corridor and key parts of the city.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Sunil Pareek, Executive Director, Assetz, said, “The scale of this parcel gives Assetz the opportunity to plan a cohesive residential development with the depth and quality that a project of this size demands. There is significant potential to create a development that remains relevant as the surrounding micro-market continues to evolve. At Assetz, growth is not simply about adding acreage; it is about identifying opportunities where thoughtful design, strong execution and capital discipline can create enduring value. This transaction reflects that approach and further strengthens the visibility of our future development pipeline.”

Mr. Madhav Raju, Managing Director, Fairlark, also comments that, "At Fairlark, we believe that the success of any development ultimately comes down to the customer — the location they choose, the quality of the home they purchase and the experience they receive throughout the journey. Assetz brings a strong design-led approach and a deep understanding of what today's homebuyer values, while Fairlark brings its focus on North Bengaluru and its understanding of the opportunities emerging across this rapidly developing corridor. Together, we are creating a development model that combines strategic locations with aesthetically designed homes, quality and customer-centric thinking."

About Assetz

Assetz is a residential real estate developer with a focus on design excellence, along with disciplined capital allocation, institutional governance and sustainability practices. The developer focuses on delivering high-quality homes characterised by timeless architecture, thoughtful material selection, refined minimalism and calm, cohesive living environments. This philosophy enables Assetz to create value both internally through space planning and externally through amenity-led master plans. As a result, this approach has enabled the company to create a differentiated and recognisable brand positioning within Bengaluru’s residential real estate market.

The Assetz portfolio spans 50+ projects, 50+ million sq. ft. and 22,000+ units as of August 31, 2026, reflecting the scale of its experience and its growing contribution to Bengaluru’s residential landscape.

Akkodis Brings Multilingual Intelligence to Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team Races

The deployment highlights a growing shift in how organizations operate, bringing intelligence closer to where information is generated and decisions are made. Debuting at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, the solution demonstrates how such systems can enhance real-world experiences in demanding, fast-paced and information-rich environments.

For international guests in the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team Viewing Gallery, following race commentary, radio communications, technical terminology and rapidly evolving track activity can be challenging when much of the information is communicated in English. To address this challenge, Akkodis engineered an end-to-end solution that processes real-time audio locally at the circuit. Dedicated AI-Core speech-to-text models transcribe communications in real time with end-to-end latency of less than 50 milliseconds, while domain-specific models recognize F1 terminology, driver names, team personnel, locations and event-specific vocabulary during the transcription process. The information is then translated simultaneously into multiple selected languages through the AI-Core dedicated Expert Language Model for translation.

The solution currently supports more than 50 languages and is designed to continuously evolve through a dedicated Terminology Manager, enabling race-specific terminology to be updated, validated and incorporated into future model enhancements as terminology changes throughout the season.

Beyond software and models, Akkodis engineers designed and built the custom physical hardware that powers the solution directly at the circuit. The compact compute platform delivers more than 4,000 TOPS (trillion operations per second) of advanced AI processing performance within a sub-600W power target. The enclosure, mounting architecture, ventilation and cooling systems were engineered to operate reliably in the demanding F1 garage environment, where high temperatures and limited airflow can challenge performance.

Akkodis teams developed prototypes, validated continuous-operation performance and integrated the solution into the live race environment, demonstrating Akkodis' ability to engineer and deploy complete solutions from model development to physical infrastructure and real-world operations. Throughout race week, the platform operated continuously and reliably without interruption.

The project brought together expertise across AI, software engineering, hardware development, integration, systems engineering, mechanical design and deployment operations, demonstrating Akkodis Intelligence in action.

"F1 is an environment where speed, precision and performance matter in every moment. The greatest value from AI comes when intelligence is available where information is generated and decisions are made," said Jo Debecker, President & CEO of Akkodis. "This deployment demonstrates how Akkodis Intelligence brings together advanced technology, engineering expertise and human insight to deliver the right information, at the right time and in the right context. By combining AI-Core with purpose-built infrastructure, we're helping create a more engaging and accessible experience for international guests in one of the world's most demanding environments."

Victoria Johnson, Chief Marketing Operations Officer, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team said, "We always strive to deliver the best experience for our race guests - and bringing leading technology to the fore is a key component. The garage is not only a demanding environment; it also offers an enthralling insight into how our team operates at the leading edge of sport and technology. By working with Akkodis, combining leading language models with bespoke hardware. we've brought our guests closer to the action than ever before. Speed, accuracy and consistency are crucial in this deployment, and we've been delighted with our guest response.”

While first deployed in Formula 1, the architecture demonstrates a broader shift toward intelligent edge environments. The solution shows how advanced AI, local processing, Physical AI infrastructure and engineering expertise can come together to deliver real-time intelligence where speed, reliability and contextual understanding are critical.

About AI-Core

AI-Core is Akkodis' modular AI ecosystem for deploying intelligent applications & solutions across a range of cloud, hybrid and edge environments. Powered by Akkodis Intelligence and already validated on leading platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AI-Core combines domain expertise alongside advanced AI models, agentic systems, automation capabilities and multilingual intelligence to accelerate intelligent automation, decision support, testing, validation and real-time data processing.

About Akkodis

Akkodis is a global digital engineering consulting company that enables organizations to innovate and accelerate by applying technology to redefine how processes and products are developed, powered and optimized. With deep expertise across AI, data, cloud, edge and software engineering, we offer best-in-class technology consultancy. Through our strong, scalable delivery models and specialized talent, we provide end-to-end solutions, from strategy and consulting through implementation. Our commitment to Akkodis Intelligence helps businesses connect the exponential power of technology with the irreplaceable strengths of human thinking and collaboration. Part of the Adecco Group and headquartered in Switzerland, Akkodis brings together 40,000 engineers and digital experts in over 30 countries, with services that span Consulting, Solutions and Academy. With deep experience across the world's major industries, Akkodis empowers businesses to solve complex challenges and achieve sustainable impact. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X.

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world's leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units - Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering solutions to power transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). www.adeccogroup.com.

Neeraj Tulsyan, Founder Hubble Money

The partnership brings together TimBuckDo’s student community and Hubble’s digital ecosystem, with both companies looking to create more meaningful experiences and opportunities for students.

Mythri Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, TimBuckDo

Commenting on the partnership, Mythri Kumar, Co-Founder & CEO, TimBuckDo, said, “Creating earning and gig opportunities is one part of the experience we want to build for students. As a student-first company, we also believe in understanding and addressing the everyday needs and wants of this community. Through our partnership with Hubble, we can now bring relevant student discounts and offers to our users, giving them more value beyond the opportunities they find on TimBuckDo. For us, being student-first means not just helping students earn, but also helping them make the most of what they earn.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mayank, Founder, Hubble said, "Students are India's next generation of earners and spenders. Partnering with TimBuckDo lets us bring 500+ brands to over 700,000 students at the exact moment they earn. That is what rewards infrastructure is built for."

Mayank Bishnoi, Founder, Hubble Money

Hubble provides digital infrastructure for businesses across customer engagement, incentives and rewards-led programmes.

TimBuckDo is a Bangalore-based consumer tech company building the Pink Collar Economy through its network of verified, educated college students, or “Doers,” who address everyday household and business needs across India. Backed by Rukam Capital, Turbostart, Arjun Vaidya and Anupam Bansal, TimBuckDo has partnered with organisations including Decathlon, ONDC and Aditya Birla.

The partnership brings together TimBuckDo’s growing Doer community and Hubble’s ecosystem, while laying the foundation for future initiatives that can create additional value for students.

About TimBuckDo

TimBuckDo is Bangalore-based consumer tech building the Pink Collar Economy, an organised, on-demand layer of verified, educated college students ("Doers") solving everyday household and business convenience needs across India.

Every modern household has everyday needs like pet care, errands, child support, elder support, personal styling and shopping assistance, home management support, and quick business help, that call for educated, on-demand, flexible manpower beyond the traditional house-help or blue-collar labour category. TimBuckDo is that place.

The brand promise: "There's a Doer for that." Whatever the task, there's a verified, educated Doer ready to take it on, making everyday convenience simple, dependable, and just a tap away.

Backed by Rukam Capital, Turbostart, angel investors Arjun Vaidya and Anupam Bansal, and partnered with organisations including Decathlon, ONDC and Aditya Birla.

Website: www.timbuckdo.com

About Hubble

Hubble is a rewards and loyalty infrastructure platform based in India. Through its plug-and-play SDK and API, Hubble enables digital platforms to embed rewards stores and gift card programmes, with access to a catalogue of 500+ brands across 20+ categories, including food, fashion, travel, and entertainment.

Integrations can go live in under a week, and over 1,200 companies use Hubble to run rewards, incentives, and engagement programmes.

Website: www.myhubble.money

Instagram: @hubblemoney

VinFast and its dealer partners will work together to establish 50+ e-motorcycle showrooms across 34 cities in 15 states and territories in India

The signing ceremony took place at VinFast’s Manufacturing Complex in Hai Phong, as part of the Indian dealer partners’ visit and working program in Vietnam.

Under the agreements, VinFast and its dealer partners will work together to establish 50+ e-motorcycle showrooms across 34 cities in 15 states and territories, including Delhi NCR, Rajasthan and Punjab in the North; Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh in Central India; Maharashtra and Gujarat in the West; Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh in the South; as well as West Bengal and Odisha in the East.

These cities and regions have large two-wheeler markets, creating significant room for the electrification of mobility. VinFast’s presence in these locations will create favorable conditions for the company to bring modern, economical and sustainable mobility solutions closer to local consumers.

Prior to their visit to Vietnam, the dealer partners had already recognized VinFast’s brand reputation and diverse product portfolio. After witnessing firsthand, the company’s manufacturing scale and production standards at its factory, as well as experiencing the strong presence of VinFast e-motorcycles in Vietnam, the partners became even more determined to accelerate the expansion of VinFast’s network in India.

Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, said, “India is one of the most important markets in VinFast's global growth story, and this partnership reflects the scale of ambition we hold for the region. As we expand our presence across markets worldwide, India stands out for its scale, its growing demand for electric mobility, and the opportunity it offers to redefine mobility. This LOI signing demonstrates our long-term commitment to India, as well as our expectations and confidence in the vast scale and potential of the market.”

Mr. Anurag Saxena, CEO, VinFast India E-Scooters, shared, “Partnering with more than 50 dealer partners across 15 states and territories and 34 cities marks the beginning of our journey to bring VinFast e-motorcycles across India. Alongside, we are also building charging infrastructure and strengthening after-sales services to ensure that customers across these locations receive the support they need throughout their ownership journey.”

VinFast entered India’s green mobility market in 2025, with activities spanning the distribution, manufacturing and assembly of electric cars. The signing of these LOIs marks a new phase in VinFast’s expansion in the Indian market, while also representing the company’s first dedicated distribution network for e-motorcycle products in India.

With its large population and high mobility demand, India is currently the world’s largest two-wheeler market, with 21.41 million two-wheelers registered in fiscal year 2025-2026, of which electric vehicles accounted for only 6.54%. This figure highlights the significant room for further electrification of mobility in India, creating substantial potential for VinFast to expand its presence and capture opportunities in the market.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.

Casio India’s New Corporate Headquarters in New Delhi

The move reflects Casio's confidence in India's long-term economic and consumer growth potential and reinforces the company's commitment to strengthening its presence across its core business categories, including watches, calculators, and musical instruments.

Mr. Shin Takano, President & CEO, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., said, "India is a strategically important market for Casio, and one where we continue to see significant growth potential. The opening of our new office here in India is part of our ongoing commitment to this high-growth market and reflects our efforts to further strengthen our business foundation and enhance our presence in the country. Going forward, we will continue to create new value for our customers in India through innovative, high-quality products and services.” 

Over the last several decades, Casio has established a deep and enduring relationship with Indian consumers, becoming a trusted household name across generations. From calculators that have supported millions of students to iconic watch collections such as G-SHOCK, Casio Vintage, Edifice, and Casio Timeless, the brand has remained synonymous with innovation, reliability, and quality.

The opening of the new headquarters represents more than a physical relocation. It reflects Casio India's vision for the future and its confidence in India's growing importance within the global consumer landscape.

A Strategic Location for Future Growth

Aerocity has emerged as one of India's premier business destinations, offering world-class infrastructure, international connectivity, and a vibrant ecosystem of multinational corporations, hospitality brands, and commercial developments. The location provides seamless access across the National Capital Region while supporting Casio India's objective of creating a modern, collaborative, and future-focused workplace environment. 

The new headquarters has been developed in alignment with Casio's global workplace standards and reflects the company's emphasis on innovation, employee well-being, operational efficiency, and a culture of collaboration.

Mr. Takuto Kimura, Managing Director, Casio India, added, "The opening of our new headquarters at Worldmark 4 marks an exciting new chapter for Casio India. This facility reflects our ambition to build a future-ready organisation that can better serve consumers, partners, and stakeholders across the country. As India continues its remarkable growth journey, we remain committed to investing in our people, expanding our market presence, and strengthening our connection with the next generation of Indian consumers."

Strengthening Casio's Presence in India

The inauguration comes at a pivotal point in Casio India's growth journey. In recent years, the company has continued to expand its retail footprint, strengthen digital engagement, deepen consumer connections across categories, and advance localisation initiatives to support long-term growth.

India remains one of the world's most compelling consumer markets, driven by favourable demographics, increasing premiumisation, rising disposable incomes, and growing demand for trusted international brands. Casio believes these factors will continue to create meaningful opportunities across all of its business segments.

The company remains focused on enhancing consumer experiences, expanding accessibility across physical and digital channels, building organisational capabilities, and investing in initiatives that support sustainable long-term growth.

Looking Ahead

As Casio India enters its next phase of development, the new headquarters will serve as the nucleus for innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth. The facility is expected to play an important role in supporting the company's ambition to deepen consumer engagement, strengthen category leadership, and contribute meaningfully to India's evolving economic and consumer landscape.

About Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Casio India Co. Pvt. Ltd. (CIC) is the Indian subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Casio India has established a dynamic presence in the Indian market since 1996, emerging as a leading and cherished consumer goods manufacturer. Casio India's range of products include sales and marketing of Timepieces, Electronic Musical Instruments, Desktop Calculators and Scientific Calculators.

Setting the benchmark for excellence, Casio India is dedicated to embodying the spirit of innovation and quality that defines the Casio legacy. With a strong commitment to its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution," Casio has consistently translated this ethos into the creation of innovative products making a positive impact on society.

For more information, visit www.casio.com/in.

MOU Signing & File Exchange between SNPSU and Google Cloud, with Shanoop, Head, Google AI GTM, India, and G. D. Manoj, Pro-Chancellor, SNPSU

The collaboration is aimed at strengthening AI education, research and industry engagement by giving students exposure to emerging technologies and practical applications of intelligent systems. It also seeks to build capabilities that enable students and faculty to engage meaningfully with the rapidly evolving field of AI.

Speaking at the MoU signing, Shanoop, Head, Google AI GTM, India, said, the collaboration represents the beginning of a broader vision for technology-led education. He highlighted the potential of the initiative to serve as a model for progressive institutions looking to integrate emerging technologies into academic learning and prepare students for an increasingly AI-driven world.

G. D. Manoj, Pro-Chancellor, SNPSU, emphasized the need to view AI not merely through the lens of its impact on employment, but as a powerful tool for extending human capability. He noted that educational institutions have an important role to play in helping students understand AI, use it responsibly and harness its potential to create meaningful solutions for society.

Reinforcing the importance of integrating AI across disciplines, Dr. Jayanthi V,Vice Chancellor, SNPSU, highlighted the growing relevance of emerging technologies across higher education, including medicine and allied health sciences. She pointed to applications of AI in areas such as research, diagnostics, teaching and learning, and emphasized the need to embed AI capabilities within curricula while simultaneously strengthening faculty development, student training, research and innovation.

The partnership brings together Google Cloud, Google for Education and Google AI expertise, creating opportunities to connect academic learning with industry knowledge, technology platforms and real-world applications. Navisha Prabhakar, Regional Head – South, Google for Education, highlighted the role of technology-enabled education in helping institutions and learners respond to the changing demands of the future.

For SNPSU, the collaboration is part of a larger institutional effort to build a stronger foundation for AI education, research, innovation and industry collaboration. Dr. H. Ramakrishna, Registrar, SNPSU, Dr. Prashanth Kumar H. P., Director – Marketing, SNPSU and Shashank K R, Director – Admissions, SNPSU, were part of the university leadership supporting the initiative and its broader institutional vision.

The industry dimension of the collaboration is further strengthened through the participation of Surya Nigam – Google, and the CloudReign team, bringing technology expertise and industry perspectives into the partnership.

Deshmukh Omkar, OSD – Tech Partnerships, SNPSU, has been closely involved in developing the university’s technology partnerships and in strengthening the institution’s engagement with emerging technology ecosystem.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at Google Bengaluru-Ananta campus, in the presence of Dr. A. M. Nagaraja, Registrar – Evaluation, SNPSU and Dr. Mahendrababu, Dean, SoET, SNPSU; along with senior representatives from SNPSU, Google for Education and CloudReign.

The collaboration marks an important step in SNPSU’s vision to create an academic environment where emerging technologies are not simply studied, but actively explored, applied and developed through education, research and industry engagement.

Building the next chapter of AI-led education

The Agentic AI programme is envisioned as the starting point of a broader initiative at Sapthagiri NPS University—one that brings together learning, research, industry expertise and innovation to prepare students to participate meaningfully in an AI-driven world.

For SNPSU, the partnership represents more than the introduction of a new programme. It is a move towards making emerging technology an integral part of the university experience and creating a stronger bridge between what students learn today and the technologies shaping tomorrow.

Raj Subramaniam, President & CEO FedEx Corporation with Karen Schneier Dresbach, Executive Vice President, & Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Founder & President, Appeal of Conscience Foundation

As president and CEO of FedEx Corporation, Subramaniam leads one of the world's largest transportation and logistics companies. A more than 35-year FedEx veteran, Subramaniam became the second CEO in the company's history in 2022 after serving in a series of leadership roles across the global enterprise, including as President and Chief Operating Officer. His international leadership experience and focus on globalization have contributed to the success and transformation of FedEx, while his work outside the company has focused on advancing economic growth and global trade. In 2023, Subramaniam received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest civilian honor presented by the President of India to members of the Indian diaspora in recognition of outstanding achievements in India and abroad.

"I am honored to receive the Appeal of Conscience Award from Rabbi Schneier and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation," said Raj Subramaniam, president and CEO of FedEx. "At FedEx, we believe that connecting the world through trade and innovation does more than move goods – it builds bridges, fosters international cooperation, and brings communities closer together. We are committed to leveraging our global reach to build a more connected and unified world."

Through its global network, FedEx connects businesses and economies, enabling trade and creating pathways for businesses to reach markets around the world. In India, FedEx continues to strengthen its infrastructure and capabilities, supporting Indian businesses in accessing international markets and participating in global trade.

"Raj Subramaniam is being recognized for his international visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to connecting people worldwide through innovation and service," said Rabbi Arthur Schneier, founder and president of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation. "Under his stewardship, FedEx has advanced a culture of social and global responsibility and international cooperation that reflects ACF's mission."

Previous Honorees

The ACF has recognized prominent business leaders and public figures with the Appeal of Conscience Award including: Bernard Arnault, Mary Barra, Barbara Bush, Michael Bloomberg, Albert Bourla, Archbishop Elpidophoros, Robert Iger, Muhtar Kent, Coretta Scott King, Robert Kraft, Brian Moynihan, Virginia Rometty, Stephen A. Schwarzman, Masayoshi Son, Paul Volcker, Timotheus Höttges, Stephen M. Ross, Susan Wojcicki, Dr. Rong Yiren, Dr. Henry Kissinger, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Tony Elumelu.

Asit Rath, CEO & MD, Aviva Life Insurance, Krishnan R, Director & CEO, Wizzmoni Financial Services Ltd, Amir Nagammy, Founder & CEO, Wizz Financial

Under the partnership, Aviva Life Insurance proposes to make available a range of insurance solutions, including Aviva Signature 3D Term Plan, Aviva 3D Term Plan – Platinum, Aviva Smart Vital, and Group Credit Life products. By combining Aviva’s life insurance expertise with Wizz Financial’s distribution network, the partnership aims to make relevant insurance solutions more accessible to customers.

The partnership will initially focus on customers accessing gold-backed credit through Wizz Financial’s ecosystem, providing customers with access to suitable insurance solutions during their borrowing journey, subject to their choice and consent. Over time, the offering will also extend to customers accessing other financial and travel-related products, including forex, enabling customers to explore appropriate insurance solutions at different stages of their financial journeys.

Commenting on the partnership, Asit Rath, CEO & MD, Aviva Life Insurance, said, “For insurance to become more relevant, it needs to be present in the moments when people are actively making decisions about their financial future. A customer taking a loan is not simply accessing credit; they are taking on a responsibility that can have implications for their family as well. This partnership allows us to bring protection closer to that moment of decision. As an industry, the opportunity is to move insurance from being a standalone purchase to a more natural part of everyday financial planning. By working with Wizz Financial, we aim to make protection easier to access, understand, and consider as part of customers’ existing financial journeys.”

Amir Nagammy, Founder & CEO of Wizz Financial, said, “At Wizz Holidays, our focus is on making every customer journey more seamless and worry-free. Our collaboration with Aviva Life Insurance is a natural extension of that commitment, helping customers in India access trusted life insurance solutions more easily. By combining Wizzmoni’s reach with Aviva’s insurance expertise, we aim to support families in protecting what matters most at every stage of life.”

The partnership further strengthens Aviva Life Insurance’s focus on expanding access to insurance solutions in line with evolving customer needs. Alongside financial protection, Aviva continues to encourage individuals and families to build greater financial preparedness and adopt positive and preventive approaches to overall well-being. Furthering this commitment, Aviva Life Insurance recently launched its Term Insurance Plan with Return of Premiums, designed for customers seeking life protection along with the return of total premiums paid upon survival till maturity.

About Aviva Life Insurance

Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited is a wholly owned (100%) subsidiary of UK-based Aviva International Holdings Ltd. (AIH), an insurance group backed by a rich heritage that dates back to 1696.

Committed to moving the needle from protection to prevention, Aviva Life Insurance helps customers build healthier habits while securing their financial future. Through its range of Term Insurance, Savings, ULIP, and Retirement Solutions, complemented by wellness-led offerings and customer-centric initiatives, Aviva Life Insurance helps customers protect what matters most and plan confidently for the future.

Website: www.avivaindia.com.

About Wizz Financial

Wizz Financial is a neo-banking platform focused on cross-border money movement and lending across strategic economic corridors spanning India, the GCC, Southeast Asia and the United States. Combining digital infrastructure with physical service networks, the Group delivers financial services across multiple markets through a hybrid operating model.

MBD Group celebrated 70th Establishment Day

For seven decades, this growth has been accompanied by a continued commitment to giving back to society. Through My Best Deeds, MBD Group’s umbrella for its CSR initiatives, and the Ashok Malhotra Charitable Trust, the Group has supported causes spanning girl-child education, access to learning through Love to Learn, empowerment of specially abled children through Ashok Karya, disaster relief, environmental conservation and support for underserved communities. 

Commenting on the occasion, Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson, MBD Group, said, “Seventy years is a landmark in the journey of MBD Group and a reflection of the strong foundation laid by our founder, Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra. Our journey has always been about building institutions for the long term and growing without losing sight of the people and communities connected with us. The 70th Establishment Day is a moment to recognise that journey and the many people who have contributed to it over the years.”

Education has been central to MBD Group’s journey, and remains closely connected to its vision for the next generation. As the education landscape has evolved from publishing to technology-enabled and experiential learning, the Group has continued to expand access to new-age learning opportunities, particularly for students who may have fewer resources. Through initiatives such as Love to Learn and Robotics Lab on Wheels, students in budget schools are gaining hands-on exposure to robotics, coding, IoT, automation and emerging technologies, while the Group’s AI-STEAM initiatives are introducing students to the possibilities of artificial intelligence and future-ready learning.

In 2026, the Group launched the AASOKA Science Kit initiative, aimed at bringing practical science learning to 25,000 students across 400 schools. This focus on access and experiential learning also extends to Robotics Lab on Wheels, which takes technology-led learning directly to schools. The Group aims to reach 1,000 schools and one lakh students over the next five years, reflecting its larger objective of making future-ready learning more accessible. Together, these initiatives seek to equip young people with the skills, confidence and exposure to solve problems, innovate and contribute to a changing society.

The AI-STEAM Lab Championship, held on September 28 at MBD House, is a recent example of this approach. The Championship brought together four students each from 16 schools out of the many schools that participated to develop and present technology-led solutions to real-world challenges, with a prize pool of ₹3.25 lakh. More than a standalone event, the Championship gave students an opportunity to put sustained, hands-on learning into practice and demonstrate how access to emerging technologies can translate into confidence, creativity and problem-solving.

Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, MBD Group, shared, “Education has been an integral part of MBD Group’s journey and continues to shape the way we think about the future of youth. From our early years in publishing and learning resources, the education landscape has evolved significantly with technology, and MBD has continued to evolve with it. Through Love to Learn and our other initiatives, we want to make emerging technologies and experiential learning more accessible to students across communities, particularly those who may have fewer opportunities to access them.”

Winner of the MBD AI-STEAM Championship, Lavi Public School, Ghevra, New Delhi, said, “Lab on Wheels gave us the opportunity to understand robotics by actually working with the kits, building things and testing our ideas. The MBD AI-STEAM Championship was a chance to take everything we had learnt and put it into practice. The biggest takeaway has been the confidence to build something ourselves and see that our ideas can become real solutions.” 

The well-being of people and communities is an important part of MBD Group’s broader social responsibility approach. Over the years, the Group’s focus has extended beyond education and business growth to initiatives that support mental well-being, physical fitness, community participation, environmental stewardship, animal welfare and outreach to underserved communities. Through the Ashok Karya framework and its wider CSR efforts, MBD continues to recognise that healthier, more resilient communities are an important part of building a better society.

This year’s association with Run Yodha 2026 is one recent expression of that larger focus. The marathon brought employees together on September 27 and encouraged healthier, more active lifestyles while supporting awareness around hunger. The initiative reflects the Group’s belief that well-being is not limited to a single event, but is part of creating a culture in which people are encouraged to look after their physical and mental health and participate in causes beyond the workplace.

Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, said, “As MBD Group marks 70 years, our focus remains on building on the values that have guided us through our journey while responding to the needs of a changing India. The well-being of our people and communities is an important part of that responsibility. Whether through initiatives that encourage physical and mental well-being, create access to learning or give young people exposure to new technologies, we want our efforts to create meaningful and lasting opportunities. Run Yodha is one such example, but our larger commitment extends well beyond any single initiative.”

As MBD Group enters its eighth decade, it remains focused on building on its legacy while responding to the changing needs of people, businesses and communities. The journey ahead will continue to connect the Group’s roots in education and community development with new opportunities in technology, learning, well-being and innovation. For MBD, the 70th Establishment Day is not only a milestone to look back on, but a moment to reaffirm the responsibility of creating meaningful opportunities for the generations ahead.

The name change has been formally registered with the Registrar of Companies, Ministry of Corporate Affairs. While the company carries forward the experience and foundation built over the years, the Datakosa identity reflects its evolving strategic direction and its ambition to build a globally oriented technology organisation with capabilities across Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data, Cloud and digital transformation.

The Datakosa identity reflects the company's evolution toward a technology organisation built around intelligence, security, data and digital innovation, while carrying forward the experience and customer relationships developed under the Bodhtree name.

The company is now entering an accelerated phase of business development, with a particular strategic focus on strengthening its presence in the Australian and United States markets.

Accelerating International Market Development

Datakosa sees significant opportunities in Australia and the United States, where enterprises are increasingly adopting Artificial Intelligence, automation, data-driven technologies and advanced Cyber Security solutions.

Australia is an important market in the company's international strategy, with Datakosa working to develop stronger customer relationships, technology partnerships, and business opportunities. At the same time, the company intends to progressively expand its focus on the United States, one of the world's largest markets for enterprise technology, AI and Cyber Security services.

The company believes that India's strong technology talent ecosystem, combined with its developing capabilities and international market opportunities, provides a sound foundation for building a globally competitive technology business.

AI and Cybersecurity as Strategic Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence is expected to remain a key focus area for Datakosa. The company is working to develop AI-enabled solutions and technology services that help enterprises improve productivity, automate business processes, enhance decision-making, and derive greater value from their data.

The company's focus areas include Generative AI, AI-powered Business Intelligence, intelligent automation, enterprise AI applications, data analytics, and large language model-based solutions.

Cybersecurity is another important strategic area for the company. As enterprises increasingly operate across cloud, hybrid and distributed digital environments, the need for stronger security capabilities continues to expand. Datakosa intends to strengthen its capabilities and partnerships in this segment and meet enterprises' evolving technology and security requirements.

“The transition from Bodhtree Consulting Limited to Datakosa Limited marks an important new chapter for the company. We value the foundation and experience built over the years, while the new identity reflects the direction in which we are building the organisation.”

Prashanth Mitta, CEO of Datakosa, said, “Our focus is clear: to develop meaningful capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity and to increasingly participate in global technology markets.”

He further added, “Australia and the United States are important markets in our international strategy. We are approaching these markets with a long-term perspective, emphasising customer relationships, technology partnerships, talent, and delivery capabilities. We are confident about the opportunities ahead, while remaining conscious that sustainable growth is built through consistent execution, customer trust and strong technology capabilities.”

Management also expressed appreciation to the company's shareholders and investors for the confidence placed in the company's strategic direction. The resolutions placed before shareholders received 99% support, reflecting strong shareholder approval for the initiatives presented by the company.

“We are deeply appreciative of the confidence placed in the company by our shareholders. The support received for the resolutions is encouraging and, more importantly, gives us an added sense of responsibility as we enter this next phase. We see this support as an expression of confidence in the direction of the company, and our responsibility now is to translate that confidence into disciplined execution, stronger capabilities and sustainable business growth.”

Building for the Long Term

Datakosa's growth strategy will focus on strengthening its technology talent, solution development capabilities, international sales and business-development functions while progressively expanding its ecosystem of technology partners and customers.

The company recognises that the global technology landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by AI adoption, Cybersecurity requirements, cloud migration, automation, and increasing dependence on data-driven decision-making.

We see the Datakosa identity as a reflection of our forward direction. There is considerable work ahead, but we believe the foundation we are building provides a strong platform to pursue these opportunities in a focused and measured manner. Our objective is to build a technology organisation from India that earns the confidence of global customers through capability, reliability and execution.

Datakosa remains focused on creating long-term value for its customers, employees, partners and shareholders through innovation, responsible expansion and disciplined execution.

Datakosa enters this new phase with a clear ambition: to build a globally relevant technology organisation from India, with Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity forming key pillars of its international growth strategy.

About Datakosa

Datakosa Limited, formerly known as Bodhtree Consulting Limited, is a technology-focused company pursuing opportunities across Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data, Cloud and digital technology services. The company is focused on strengthening its technology capabilities and expanding its international presence, with particular strategic emphasis on Australia and the United States.

Website: www.datakosa.ai

Solinas Integrity appoints Gangapriya Chakraverti as Independent Director and Sunil Gupta as Head of Strategic Initiatives, strengthening its leadership team

The appointment marks a step in Solinas’ transition from an IIT Madras-incubated startup to a scaled infrastructure technology company. Gangapriya Chakraverti brings over three decades of leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, and large-scale operations at a multinational level.

Gangapriya Chakraverti currently leads Ford’s Global Business Services centre in Chennai, a 12,000-plus-strong organisation, having joined Ford in 2012 after over a decade at Mercer Consulting. She holds a postgraduate degree in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

"I am incredibly honoured and excited to join Solinas Integrity as an Independent Director. Solinas stands out not just for its pioneering AI and deep-tech robotics, but for its mission to radically improve critical urban underground infrastructure. I am eager to contribute to their vision and look forward to working closely with the board in transforming utility infrastructure while building a strong foundation of corporate governance,” said Gangapriya Chakraverti, Independent Director, Solinas Integrity.

Solinas’ solutions are currently deployed across 15-plus states and 30-plus cities in India, with international operations extending to the Middle East and expanding into Southeast Asia and Europe. The company’s flagship products, Endobot, Homosep, and Swasth AI, are used by municipal corporations, water boards, and industrial clients to inspect, clean, and digitise underground water and sanitation infrastructure. Solinas’ inspection and cleaning capabilities span water pipeline inspection, sewer pipeline inspection, stormwater pipeline inspection, and industrial pipeline inspection, supporting the assessment and management of underground utility and enclosed networks.

Solinas has also appointed Sunil Gupta as Head of Strategic Initiatives. Following his tenure as CEO of SEForge, Sunil Gupta joins after working with auto OEMs Tata Motors and Ford and leading industrial companies Dürr and SEForge. He brings 40 years of experience across world-class manufacturing and business leadership, strengthening Solinas’ leadership as the company scales its manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand for its robotic pipeline inspection and sanitation technologies across Indian municipalities and international markets.

“As Solinas moves from proving our technology to scaling it nationally and globally, the strength of our leadership team matters as much as the strength of our engineering,” said Divanshu Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, Solinas Integrity. “Gangapriya’s governance experience and Sunil’s operational depth will be central to building the institutional foundation this next phase demands.”

“My focus will be on strengthening Solinas’ manufacturing and operational capabilities as we scale. I look forward to supporting the company’s growth across India and international markets,” said Sunil Gupta, Head of Strategic Initiatives, Solinas Integrity.

About Solinas Integrity Private Limited

Solinas Integrity Private Limited is a leading pipeline inspection company in India and an IIT Madras-incubated deep-tech company transforming water and sanitation infrastructure through robotics and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2018 and headquartered at the IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai, the company develops indigenous robotic and AI-powered solutions including Endobot, Homosep Sewer (Manhole Cleaning Robot), and Swasth AI (Analytics Platform)  that enable municipalities, utilities, and industries to inspect, clean, and manage underground infrastructure with greater safety, efficiency, and precision. In August 2026, the company raised USD 5.5 million in a Series A1 funding round led by Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures and co-led by Mela Ventures. Solinas’ technology is deployed across 15-plus states and 30-plus cities in India, with international deployments in the Middle East and expansion underway into Southeast Asia and Europe.

Website: www.solinas.in

According to World Health Organization data, ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in Egypt in 2021, underscoring the country’s substantial cardiovascular disease burden.¹ By making SupraFlex Cruz available to Egyptian interventional cardiologists, SMT is expanding access to its clinically evaluated, coronary stent platform. This milestone also advances SMT’s commitment to improving access to cardiovascular care and saving lives.

“Egypt is an important addition to SMT’s international footprint and strengthens our presence in Africa. Expanding access to our coronary technologies in this market advances our commitment to supporting physicians, improving cardiovascular care and saving more lives around the world,” said Anil Suri, Chief Commercial Officer, at Sahajanand Medical Technologies.

At the TCT 2025, SMT reported findings from the TUXEDO-II and Multivessel TALENT trials. In TUXEDO-II, the one-year target-lesion-failure outcome for Supraflex Cruz was comparable with a contemporary, market-leading everolimus-eluting stent comparator. In Multivessel TALENT, Supraflex Cruz met the prespecified non-inferiority endpoint for the 12-month patient-oriented composite outcome when compared to an industry-standard contemporary drug-eluting control stent.

About Supraflex Cruz

Supraflex Cruz DES belongs to the Supraflex family of stents, which, through a series of clinical trials including the TALENT trial and has demonstrated safety and effectiveness comparable to the drug-eluting stents evaluated in these trials.

About SMT (Sahajanand Medical Technologies)

SMT (Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited) is a medical devices company with a portfolio of technologically advanced medical devices across vascular and structural heart intervention. SMT offers an extensive portfolio of products focusing on vascular intervention and was the first company in the world to receive CE certification for a DES with a biodegradable polymer. SMT has a global presence, exporting products to more than 75 countries, as on March 31, 2025.

For further updates, please the website or follow SMT on LinkedIn.

Disclaimer

Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a draft red herring prospectus dated July 25, 2025 (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) and the stock exchanges. The DRHP is available on our website at www.smtpl.com as well as on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited at www.motilaloswalgroup.com, Avendus Capital Private Limited at www.avendus.com, HSBC  Securities  and  Capital Markets (India) Private Limited at www.business.hsbc.co.in and Nuvama Wealth Management Limited at www.nuvama.com and and the websites of the stock exchange(s) at www.nseindia.com and www.bseindia.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and refer to the Red Herring Prospectus, including the section titled “Risk Factors” of the Red Herring Prospectus when available, for details. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision.

References

1. data.who.int/countries/818

Dr Vitor Mendes Pereira and team

The FDA’s Breakthrough Devices Program is designed to support the development of medical devices that have the potential to provide more effective treatment for patients with life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating conditions. For XCath, the designation provides increased opportunities to interact with FDA experts and receive support during the regulatory development and review process as the company advances the Iris System.

“FDA Breakthrough Device Designation is an important milestone for our mission,” said Eduardo Fonseca, Chief Executive Officer of XCath. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the FDA as we advance the development and evaluation of the Iris System. The real-world learnings from our investigational cases are helping us shape the system to expand access to life-saving stroke care for the millions of patients we ultimately hope to serve.”

The designation follows XCath’s landmark March 2026 achievement: the world’s first remote telerobotic mechanical thrombectomy in a living patient. During a clinical investigation known as Operation Robo Angel, renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira, operated the Iris System from a control station in Santiago, Panama, to treat a patient more than 120 miles away at The Panama Clinic in Panama City.

By enabling specialist physicians to operate on patients remotely, the Iris System could help break down the geographic barriers to specialist stroke care. Mechanical thrombectomy is widely regarded as the gold standard treatment for patients suffering a large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke – the deadliest and most disabling type of ischemic stroke. However, access to the procedure remains unequal.

The potential significance of remote treatment is particularly clear in India, which faces a growing stroke burden and significant disparities in access to specialist treatment. Stroke is the fourth biggest killer in India, resulting in 700,000 deaths each year. The country accounts for 10% of the global stroke burden, with cases rising 51% over the last three decades.

It is estimated that each year, more than 270,000 patients in India are eligible for a mechanical thrombectomy – but only 1,000-2,000 procedures are performed nationwide. Just 20% of the population lives within one hour of a stroke centre capable of performing a thrombectomy, while 55% of stroke and cardiac deaths are caused by a delay in seeking care.

For patients suffering an LVO stroke, the consequences of missing timely treatment can be devastating, with 77% of patients either dying or being left with severe disability. Globally, it is estimated that one in four adults will experience a stroke during their lifetime, yet the global median rate of access to mechanical thrombectomy is just 2.79%.

Next month, XCath is due to release a documentary about Operation Robo Angel.

DAC Developers launches BALMANDAISA - an ultra-luxury residence on the Porur–Poonamallee Main Road

The event was graced by Mr. Sathish Kumar Santhanam, Founder & Managing Director, DAC Developers, along with Mr. Kumar Vembu, Founder & CEO, Mudhal Partners Pvt. Ltd. and Co-Founder, Zoho; Mr. Hari Vignesh R, Senior Relationship Manager – Construction Finance, Aditya Birla Housing Finance Ltd.; and Mr. Manjunath Selvamani, Regional Sales Manager – Prime Home Loans, Aditya Birla Housing Finance Ltd, Mr.Kumarasekaran, Land Owner, was present at the event.

Positioned as an address for those who value space, sophistication and an elevated lifestyle, BALMANDAISA brings together expansive residences, premium amenities and strategic connectivity in one distinctive development.

Situated on Porur–Poonamallee Main Road and within walking distance from the metro station, BALMANDAISA offers seamless connectivity to key parts of Chennai while placing everyday conveniences and important destinations within easy reach. Its strategic location also adds to the project’s appeal as a strong long-term investment opportunity.

With the foundation complete, construction at BALMANDAISA is progressing steadily. For its two-level basement, DAC Developers has used DIAPHRAGM WALL TECHNOLOGY. This advanced method is typically seen in high-rise towers, large commercial developments and metro infrastructure, and adopted by only a select few residential developers. It offers high structural strength, superior resistance to groundwater seepage and minimal disturbance to neighbouring properties, reflecting DAC's commitment to building homes that stand the test of time.

BALMANDAISA comprises 194 exclusive residences, offering a thoughtfully planned mix of 2 and 3 BHK apartments and expansive 4 and 5 BHK duplex residences. Designed for larger, more comfortable living, the homes are complemented by private terraces, adding an enhanced sense of openness and exclusivity.

The residences are complemented by a standalone G+3 clubhouse spanning 10,000 sq. ft., thoughtfully designed to offer a host of 40+ premium lifestyle amenities. The clubhouse, aptly named “The Meridian,” serves as an exclusive recreational and social hub for residents. These have been curated across wellness, recreation, social and leisure spaces, including a podium swimming pool, indoor games room, multipurpose hall, coworking space, mini theatre, rooftop party area, yoga zone and more.

The project comprises two basement levels, stilt and 13 residential floors, creating a well-integrated residential community.

With homes starting from Rs. 1.19 crore, BALMANDAISA brings together a strategic location, generous spaces, private terraces, premium amenities and investment potential for discerning homebuyers.

The grand launch and logo reveal marked an important milestone for DAC Developers, introducing BALMANDAISA as a new benchmark in ultra-luxury living on the Porur–Poonamallee corridor.

Addressing the gathering and customers, Mr. Sathish Kumar Santhanam, Founder & Managing Director, DAC Developers, said that BALMANDAISA is one of the landmark projects in the company’s journey. He further shared that DAC Developers has completed over 150 projects and has expanded its presence to Sivaganga and Coimbatore, with an international presence through offices in Dubai and Singapore.

CARVINT - Next-Generation Insecticide for Advanced Pest Management 

Pest pressure remains a persistent challenge for vegetable farmers, particularly in high-value crops such as chilli and cole crops (cabbage and cauliflower). Thrips can reduce chilli yields by 25–50%, while Diamond Back Moth can cause significant losses in cabbage. Farmers also face challenges such as frequent sprays, shorter control duration, rising costs and growing resistance to existing chemistries.

CARVINT addresses these challenges through a new active ingredient i.e. Flometoquin 10% SC, which belongs to IRAC Group 34, a new class of insecticides for Indian markets. This provides farmers with a differentiated option for managing key pests and supports resistance-management programmes through rotation with existing insecticide chemistries.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Saket Bhatnagar, CEO India Brands, PI AgSciences, “Farmers today are navigating growing pest resistance, frequent spray requirements, shorter control duration and rising crop-management costs. CARVINT brings a differentiated mode of action that provides farmers with a new tool for effective and sustained pest management. Its novel mode of action also makes it a useful option within resistance-management programmes, enabling the responsible rotation of chemistries. Through innovations such as CARVINT, we remain committed to bringing differentiated solutions to Indian agriculture that address evolving challenges and support farmers in managing their crops more effectively.”

The launch adds to PI Industries' portfolio of differentiated agricultural solutions. With the launch of CARVINT, PI continues to expand its portfolio of innovative crop-protection and agricultural solutions. With its combination of a novel mode of action, targeted pest control, residual performance and suitability for resistance-management programmes, CARVINT represents PI Industries' focus on bringing differentiated crop-protection technologies to India's evolving farming community.

About PI Industries

Founded in 1946, PI Industries Limited is a global life sciences organisation with capabilities across agri-sciences, speciality chemicals, ag-biologicals, and pharmaceuticals. With over 4,000 employees and 10 international offices, PI operates state-of-the-art R&D centres in India and the United States, alongside world-class manufacturing facilities in India and Italy.

PI ranks among the world’s top five agrochemical custom synthesis and manufacturing (CSM) players, serving customers across 40+ countries. PI AgSciences provides differentiated crop solutions across key global markets, while PI Health Sciences delivers end-to-end CRDMO services worldwide.

Recognised for sustainability, safety, governance, and innovation best practices, PI ranks in the 98th percentile of the global chemical industry in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) and has been consecutively listed in the S&P Yearbook.

To know more: Website| LinkedIn

Rapyder representatives exchange the MoU with Innovation Hub UP officials at UP Startup Samvad 3.0, Lucknow, in the presence of the Hon'ble Governor of UP

The MoU was exchanged at UP Startup Samvad 3.0 in the presence of the Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel, marking a significant step towards strengthening the state’s technology-led startup and innovation ecosystem.

As part of the collaboration, Rapyder will provide:

• Cloud enablement and access to AWS Programs — helping early-stage ventures access AWS cloud infrastructure and startup credits without significant upfront investment

• Technical support for Generative AI and Agentic AI proofs of concept — helping founders move from experimentation and prototypes towards production-ready AI applications

• Go-to-market assistance — helping early-stage ideas progress from prototypes to market-ready ventures

The partnership builds on Rapyder’s continued focus on enabling India’s startup ecosystem through cloud migration, managed cloud services and AI. By working with Innovation Hub UP, Rapyder will extend these capabilities to founders, student innovators and emerging ventures across Uttar Pradesh, helping them access the technology, expertise and resources needed to build and scale.

“Uttar Pradesh has no shortage of ambition — what founders need is the right technology to turn that ambition into scale,” said Vamsi Krishna Yevvari, Chief Marketing Officer, Rapyder Cloud Solutions. “As Technical Partner to Innovation Hub UP, we’re putting the same cloud and Generative AI capabilities that power some of India’s fastest-growing businesses directly into the hands of the state’s next generation of builders — supporting them from the first prototype to market-ready innovation.”

“Partnerships like this one are how we turn ambition into infrastructure for India’s founders,” said Gunjan Agrawal, Head – BDR, Rapyder Cloud Solutions. “Working with Innovation Hub UP gives us a direct line to the innovators and student entrepreneurs shaping Uttar Pradesh’s future. We’re committed to backing them with the AWS cloud architecture, Generative AI and Agentic AI capabilities they need to build, validate and scale.”

About Rapyder Cloud Solutions

Rapyder Cloud Solutions is a born-in-cloud technology company and an AWS Premier Tier Services Partner, headquartered in Bengaluru, India. Rapyder helps enterprises and startups accelerate cloud transformation through cloud migration and modernization, managed services, data and AI, DevOps and Generative AI solutions. Rapyder has delivered more than 500 cloud transformations and 132+ Generative AI proofs of concept, alongside production-ready GenAI solutions across industries.

About Innovation Hub UP

Innovation Hub UP is an initiative facilitated by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) and supported by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, focused on strengthening the state’s innovation and startup ecosystem. Operating through a Hub & Spoke model, Innovation Hub UP provides infrastructure, incubation support and ecosystem linkages for innovation centres, students, startups and incubatees across Uttar Pradesh. Its mandate includes supporting technology development, commercialization, entrepreneurship and the creation of sustainable innovation-led enterprises.

BHIVE Unveils Its First-Ever Brand Film with Milind Soman, Turning Its Campus Workplace Vision into a Movement

The film brings to life BHIVE’s vision of a workplace ecosystem that goes beyond traditional office infrastructure to support how people work, move, connect and recharge.

Watch The Film: youtu.be/eGlVRZbY2FE

Built around humour and movement, the film challenges the conventional idea of an office. It opens with Milind in a cramped traditional workspace before moving into a BHIVE Campus, where the workday unfolds through walking meetings, pickleball, recreation, focused work and downtime. In one playful moment, BHIVE Founder & CEO Shesh Rao Paplikar shares a witty exchange with Milind that turns a conventional “elevator pitch” into Milind’s preferred “staircase pitch.”

The narrative reflects a broader shift in workplace expectations. As companies increasingly focus on employee wellbeing, experience, and community, BHIVE is building campuses around the belief that a workplace should enable more than productivity; it should support a more active and balanced way of living.

Shesh Rao Paplikar, Founder & CEO, BHIVE Workspace, said, “As the first campus workspace company in India to unveil a brand film, we wanted to use this moment to make a larger statement about how the workplace is evolving. This film is not just about showcasing BHIVE; it is about challenging the conventional idea of an office. With Milind, we could bring that vision alive as he’s someone who naturally represents fitness, discipline and an active lifestyle. Through the film, we want to show that the modern workplace can go beyond desks to become a campus ecosystem where people can work, move, connect and recharge. The film reflects our ambition to redefine the workspace landscape and set a new expectation for how people experience their workday.”

Milind Soman, Brand Ambassador, BHIVE Workspace, said, “Fitness has never been just about a workout for me; it is about discipline, purpose, resilience and most importantly how you choose to live every day, every moment. That is what made the BHIVE association a natural fit. The idea that you can work, move, play, meet people and recharge in the same environment feels very relevant to how people want to live today. In the film, I think people will recognise themselves in some of these situations and hopefully start asking whether their own workplace could be a little more energetic.”

The brand film builds on BHIVE’s association with Milind Soman, which is rooted in the shared philosophy of fitness, active living, and long-term performance, brought to life through BHIVE’s fitness-led workspace ecosystems.

The film marks the next chapter in BHIVE’s fitness-led journey with Milind Soman, positioning its campuses as workplace ecosystems where productivity, movement and active living come together. Through sports zones, pickleball, recreational facilities, cafés, lounges and community-led experiences, BHIVE aims to make it easier for people to move more, stay active and build healthier routines as part of the everyday workday, without having to step away from the campus ecosystem.

The film closes with BHIVE’s proposition: “Elevate your lifestyle at work.”

Watch the full BHIVE brand film featuring Milind Soman: youtu.be/eGlVRZbY2FE

#BHIVEMovesWithMilind

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Bengaluru, BHIVE Workspace is India's largest campus coworking company and one of the fastest-growing providers of managed office spaces in the country. BHIVE operates 28+ centres with 8 campuses across Bengaluru and Mumbai, covering 1.8 million sq. ft. of premium workspace and serving a community of over 1,000 client companies, from early-stage startups to large enterprises and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

BHIVE's campus-led model is what sets it apart from conventional coworking. Each campus integrates design-driven workspaces with sports infrastructure, wellness facilities, community programming, and Indian hospitality, built around the company's core philosophy of Work-Life Harmony. Amenities across campuses include cafés, recreation and sports zones, and 24x7 tech-enabled access, including on holidays.

Built around the philosophy of “Elevate Your Lifestyle at Work,” BHIVE promotes work–life harmony by combining productivity with well-being. Its design-driven spaces feature modern amenities such as cafés, recreation and sports zones, and 24x7 tech-enabled access, including holidays. BHIVE's Work From Anywhere feature allows members to access any BHIVE centre on a single membership, offering unmatched flexibility and mobility for modern, distributed teams. As a fitness-driven and active lifestyle coworking brand, BHIVE continues to integrate movement, sports, and wellness into the everyday work experience, enabling members to perform at their best both professionally and personally.

For more information, visit www.bhiveworkspace.com.

Vara Kumar - Co-founder and CEO, Whatfix

Since co-founding Whatfix alongside Batti in 2014, Vara has served as the architect of the company’s product and research strategy, guiding its expansion from an early-stage startup into a global leader in digital adoption serving Fortune 500 companies globally. As CEO, Vara will lead the company’s next phase of growth while preserving the core values and customer-centric culture established since its founding.

"Khadim was a visionary leader, a partner, and a dear friend," said Vara Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Whatfix. "Over the past twelve years, we built Whatfix on a shared conviction that technology should empower people, not stand in their way. As I step into the role of CEO, our executive leadership team and I remain deeply committed to realizing that vision, supporting our global customers and partners, and building an enduring enterprise anchored in strong fundamentals."

Under the unified leadership of Vara and the executive team, supported by the board, Whatfix continues to operate seamlessly across all regions, supporting its global customer base, technology partner ecosystem, and workforce.

About Whatfix

Whatfix is the AI-native Digital Adoption Platform built for the modern enterprise. It helps organizations close the adoption gap by enabling users to use software effectively in the flow of work, while providing visibility into where users struggle.

Whatfix delivers an AI-native platform that combines digital adoption, analytics, simulation training, and intelligent agents to help enterprises realize value from technology investments faster. Powered by AI and ScreenSense™, the platform understands user context and intent to provide real-time guidance, automate support, identify friction points, and drive continuous process optimization. This enables organizations to accelerate adoption, improve productivity, strengthen compliance, and unlock greater returns from enterprise software and AI initiatives.

Trusted by 600 enterprises globally, including 80+ Fortune 500 companies such as Shell, Schneider Electric, Mercedes Benz, Heineken, and UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Whatfix helps organizations accelerate software adoption, improve productivity, and maximize the value of digital transformation and AI investments. With a global presence spanning North America, UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Australia, Whatfix serves leading enterprises across some of the world's most complex and regulated industries. Backed by investors including Warburg Pincus, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Dragoneer, Peak XV Partners, Eight Roads, and Cisco Investments, software clicks with Whatfix.

For more information, visit the Whatfix website.

Asia’s growing industrial capacity, energy demand and investment in infrastructure are reshaping global energy markets, with China emerging as a major centre of global energy consumption and production, while Russia remains a key energy supplier and technology partner, Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft, said in his address at the VIII Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum in Vladivostok.

Asia's Energy Rise Reshapes Global Markets as Russia and China Deepen Cooperation

Sechin outlined the changing global energy landscape, highlighting Asia’s growing role, Russia-China energy cooperation and new risks facing energy markets amid geopolitical tensions, disruption of established trade rules and rapid technological transformation.

Asia’s Growing Energy Weight

Trade turnover between Russia and China increased by 26% in the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period last year. Russian energy resources account for more than 60% of Russia’s exports to China, while Russia remains China’s largest energy supplier, with a 22% share.

Russia has been China’s largest crude oil supplier for four consecutive years, with annual deliveries exceeding 100 million tonnes. Deliveries reached 67 million tonnes in the first seven months of 2026, while Russia’s share of China’s oil imports rose to a record 23%.

According to an estimate presented by Sechin, the economic benefit to China from the greater efficiency of purchasing Russian oil compared with Middle Eastern alternatives has amounted to $27 billion since 2022.

Russia is also China’s largest gas supplier. By the end of 2025, Russian gas accounted for almost 30% of China’s natural gas imports, including 47% of pipeline gas imports and 14% of LNG imports.

China’s Industrial Scale Drives Energy Demand

Sechin noted that China accounts for around 30% of global industrial production, almost twice the combined share of the United States and the European Union. China also accounts for 54% of global steel production, 85–90% of rare earth metal processing and more than 70% of renewable energy equipment manufacturing capacity.

China’s electricity consumption exceeded 10 trillion kWh last year, while installed generation capacity surpassed 4,000 GW, with more than 500 GW added in a single year.

Traditional energy remains important. China commissioned 78 GW of coal-fired generation last year, while new projects exceed 160 GW. According to the forecast cited by Sechin, coal will account for around 40% of China’s electricity consumption over the next decade. Russia supplies around 20% of China’s coal imports, delivering approximately 90 million tonnes last year.

Nuclear Energy and Electrification

China is implementing the world’s largest nuclear energy development programme, with 64 operating reactors and another 37 under construction.

Russia-China cooperation includes four power units at the Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant built with Russian participation, as well as new units at Tianwan and the Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant equipped with Russian reactors. Each plant is being equipped with two 1,200 MW units.

Russia also participated in the construction of China’s CFR-600 fast-neutron demonstration reactor and supplies up to 90% of China’s enriched uranium purchases. These supplies increased by 40% in 2025.

China’s renewable generation increased tenfold between 2015 and 2025, reaching 25% of total generation last year, with a target of 30% by 2030. China commissioned 162 GWh of new battery energy storage capacity in 2025 – around half the global total and 3.5 times the US figure.

Sechin also highlighted the growing link between energy and computing capacity and the rapid electrification of transport. Electricity sales through public charging infrastructure increased by more than 60% year-on-year in May 2026. According to the assessment presented by Sechin, electrification has reduced demand for motor fuel by 1 million barrels per day.

Energy Security and Alternative Routes

Sechin identified critical minerals and logistics as increasingly important elements of energy security. Around 90% of global rare earth processing capacity is concentrated in China, while Russia holds 10% of global reserves of these metals.

Russia doubled its supplies of copper concentrate and copper to China last year, while deliveries of copper ore and concentrate also doubled in the first seven months of 2026.

China’s strategic oil reserves are currently estimated at 1.4 billion barrels. Between February and June 2026, China reduced its oil imports by 5.5 million barrels per day. According to the estimate cited by Sechin, without these measures, oil prices could have been another $30 per barrel higher.

The Hormuz crisis highlighted vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains and the importance of alternative routes. The Northern Sea Route can reduce delivery times by 1.5–2 times and cut costs by one-third. Through the special relationship between Russia and China, China has the opportunity to obtain priority access to the route.

Strategic Partnership

Russia-China energy cooperation now spans oil, gas and coal, nuclear energy, renewables, energy storage and electricity grids, critical metals, transport electrification and alternative logistics. Bilateral settlements are now conducted almost entirely in rubles and yuan.

Against the backdrop of tariff wars, US dollar volatility, rising government debt in Western countries and the erosion of the international legal system, Sechin stressed the importance of risk management, trust, complementarity and continued cooperation.

“One string cannot make a melody; one tree cannot make a forest,” Sechin said, quoting a Chinese proverb.

Sechin stressed that the conditions for further development of the strategic partnership between Russia and China have been created and that both countries should maintain and strengthen them.

“We must win this race. The fate of our peoples depends on its outcome. As they say in China, ‘the eastern wind prevails over the western wind,’” Sechin said.

In a decisive move aligned with India’s nation-building priorities and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Amway India, a leading health and wellbeing company, today announced a landmark strategic push into Ayurveda with the launch of Nutrilite Ayurveda. The launch represents more than an expansion of Amway India’s wellness portfolio. It is an opportunity to contribute to the broader economic value chain around Ayurveda in India – from responsibly sourced botanicals and local agriculture to manufacturing, scientific research, innovation and employment. Driven by the growing consumer demand for plant-based, preventive healthcare, and supported by Government of India’s sustained focus on strengthening the AYUSH ecosystem, the company unveiled nine new Ayurveda innovations under the portfolio. Bringing together more than 90 years of Nutrilite’s botanical science expertise with a decade of local manufacturing capabilities, Amway India is combining the time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda with modern scientific validation creating a wellness proposition that is Made in India, for India, with the potential to take India’s traditional wellness to the world.

Amway India launches 'Nutrilite Ayurveda'

Speaking to the media at the launch, Mr Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, Amway India, said, “India is witnessing a significant transformation in traditional wellness, driven by the Government of India's visionary focus on strengthening the AYUSH ecosystem and advancing Ayurveda as an integral part of the country's health and wellbeing landscape is creating a robust foundation for Ayurveda to thrive in India and gain greater relevance on the global stage. Furthermore, as India strengthens its capabilities in Ayurveda-led innovation and manufacturing, this growing ecosystem has the potential to create new economic opportunities, strengthen India’s capabilities and support its emergence as a globally relevant hub for traditional wellness. This momentum aligns seamlessly with Amway India's next chapter of growth and our ambition to contribute meaningfully to India's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Reflecting our confidence in the immense potential of Ayurveda, we aim to build Nutrilite Ayurveda into a INR 100 crore category over the next two years. With our deep expertise in nutrition with more than 90 years of Nutrilite's botanical science legacy and scientific validation, Amway India is uniquely positioned to contribute the India’s strategic roadmap for Ayurveda.”  

“Today's consumers are increasingly embracing Ayurveda as an everyday choice for wellness; but they also seek the transparency, consistency and scientific validation they expect from modern wellness products. At Nutrilite, we believe trust is at the heart of what we offer. For Nutrilite Ayurveda, 'Every Herb Has a Story. We Make Sure It’s True' is more than a promise. It reflects our commitment to ensuring the quality and traceability of every botanical we offer to consumers so they can embrace Ayurveda with greater confidence," he further added.

The first phase of roll-out will introduce three Ayurveda formulations, Kalamegha, formulated to support healthy liver function; Shigru (moringa), which helps reduce extra fat deposition and inflammation; and Vrikshamla (garcinia), aimed at improving metabolism and satiety.

Today’s consumers have shifted from a reactive to a proactive approach to health and wellbeing, and demand complete transparency regarding ingredient sourcing, efficacy, and authenticity. Thus, at the heart of this portfolio is Nutrilite, which for more than 90 years has brought together the best of nature and science. With Nutrilite Ayurveda, this legacy meets the time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda to address a critical whitespace in the category: the growing need for greater trust, transparency and credibility.

The portfolio is built on authentic Ayurvedic botanicals responsibly sourced from organically cultivated Nutricert-certified farms, reflecting Nutrilite's enduring commitment to sustainable agriculture and responsible sourcing. Backed by Nutrilite’s R&D expertise and scientific validation, every formulation is supported by Nutrilite's rigorous quality processes, including DNA Fingerprinting, Active Ingredient Testing and Seed-to-Supplement Traceability, delivering authenticity, consistency and transparency. The products also undergo comprehensive, multi-step testing for contaminants, heavy metals, microbiological safety and consistency of key marker compounds, going beyond basic regulatory requirements to deliver the quality, authenticity and consistency consumers expect from Nutrilite. The portfolio also comprises AYUSH-registered formulations, reinforcing Amway India's commitment to developing products in line with the applicable regulatory framework while giving consumers greater confidence in the quality and authenticity of what they choose.

The launch builds on the company's earlier introduction of Nutrilite Chyawanprash in the category. Nutrilite Ayurveda is built on the idea of validating time-honoured Ayurvedic formulations through the same rigorous, science-backed approach that has defined Nutrilite for decades. Priced at an MRP of INR 449/-, INR 651/-, and INR 449/-, Kalamegha, Shigru and Vrikshamla respectively⁽¹⁾ , will be available from 8^th September 2026, across all Amway-authorised channels, through Amway Business Owners/Distributors, Amway stores and at www.amway.in.

About Amway India

Amway India, one of the leading FMCG Direct Selling companies supporting health and wellbeing, is an ultimate wholly owned subsidiary of Amway Corporation (Alticor Global Holdings Inc), USA, the world’s #1 direct-selling company. Globally, Amway is a 65+ years old, US $7.3 billion, manufacturer and direct seller of quality consumer goods. Amway’s innovation and industry-leading R&D have seen more than 750 global patents granted and a few more patents pending. Amway has more than 800 scientists, engineers, and technical professionals who extend its innovation and science capabilities to deliver global, regional, and local product research and development.

Amway India sells close to 140 daily-use products across categories like Nutrition, Beauty, Personal Care, Home Care and Consumer durables through Amway Direct Selling Partners who make personal recommendations regarding the use of distinctive quality products. Amway products are widely recognized and appreciated for their quality and value. These products are backed by a money-back guarantee for 100% satisfaction of use.

Amway’s first manufacturing facility in India, located at Nilakotai in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, has won the prestigious LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council as one of the most environment-friendly and sustainable facilities in the country.

Amway products are popular not just in India but across the world. Nutrilite, the world’s No. 1 selling vitamins and dietary supplement brand⁽²⁾, has established itself as a leading brand in the vitamins and dietary supplements category in India as well. The company also offers a range of beauty & skincare products under Artistry Skin Nutrition™, which is a blend of Artistry skin science and Nutrilite expertise, infused with Nutrilite ingredients that are clean and traceable.

(1) Kalmegha priced at Rs 449 for 30 tabs, Shigru priced at Rs 651/- for 60 tabs and Vrikshamla priced at Rs 449/- for 30 tabs

(2) gdretail.net/amway-claims/#claim1

 Bisleri Unveils Limited-Edition Packs Featuring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju from ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’

Timed with the film’s theatrical release, the collaboration celebrates the strong cultural influence of Malayalam cinema while extending the excitement around Bethlehem Kudumba Unit into everyday consumer experiences. By bringing the film’s distinctive identity to Bisleri bottles, the association creates a distinctive touchpoint for movie enthusiasts while strengthening the brand’s regional connection.

Commenting on the launch, Tushar Malhotra, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Bisleri International, said, “Kerala has a deeply engaged audience for cinema, with Malayalam films playing an important role in shaping conversations, culture and everyday entertainment. At Bisleri, our regional strategy is centred on building meaningful consumer affinity by aligning with properties that have a strong cultural resonance in their markets. Our association with Bethlehem Kudumba Unit brings together the excitement around a highly anticipated Onam release.”

The limited-edition Bethlehem Kudumba Unit bottles will be available across general and modern trade outlets in Kerala in 500 ml and 1 Litre packs.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

Bisleri International Becomes Official Hydration Partner of the Asian Speed Skating Championship 2026

As a high-performance sport that demands speed and stamina, speed skating presents a natural platform for Bisleri to reinforce its support for athlete hydration and performance. Through this association, Bisleri will provide dedicated hydration support to the participating athletes throughout the championship, while engaging with the sporting community through trackside branding, logo placements across event assets, athlete engagement, and shoot opportunities. The partnership will also extend to event-level digital coverage, including speed and endurance-themed content, athlete-focused storytelling, performance reels and event highlight videos, alongside dedicated social media posts in collaboration with the championship.

Commenting on the association, Tushar Malhotra, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Bisleri International, said, “India’s sporting landscape is evolving, with athletes and audiences embracing a wider range of sports beyond traditional formats. At Bisleri, we have built a strong sports marketing programme across genres, with hydration at the core of our associations. Our partnership with the Asian Speed Skating Championship is an extension of this commitment, enabling us to support athletes at the highest level while reinforcing the importance of hydration in peak human performance. Through such partnerships, we remain committed to nurturing Indian sport and encouraging a fit and active lifestyle.”

The association reinforces Bisleri’s continued focus on supporting athletes and building stronger connections with consumers through India’s evolving sporting landscape.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

MAHE, Microsoft & Hitachi Systems India leadership at the launch of the AI Lab at TAPMI Manipal

The Microsoft Labs will be established at T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal; T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Bengaluru; Manipal School of Commerce and Economics (MSCE), Manipal; Manipal Institute of Commerce, Finance and Economics (MICFE), Bengaluru; and Manipal Law School (MLS), Bengaluru. The labs will provide students and faculty with access to cutting-edge technologies and hands-on learning experiences, while supporting interdisciplinary research and industry-academia collaboration.

The labs will provide access to AI and other digital technologies, creating dedicated platforms for hands-on learning, experimentation, interdisciplinary research, and innovation. The initiative will also strengthen industry-academia engagement by enabling students and faculty to align academic learning with evolving industry requirements and real-world applications.

The event was attended by Mr Puneet Chandok, President and CEO of Microsoft India and South Asia; Mr Raj Kamal Singhal, CEO of Hitachi Systems India; and Mr Venkat Krishnan, Executive Director at Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd. Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, chaired the event.

The two-day programme included interactions between the leadership of Microsoft and Hitachi Systems India and the MAHE community. The discussions focused on emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital education, research, and the preparation for future skill requirements.

As part of the launch programme, MAHE also hosted a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Hype: How AI Is Reshaping Work, Business, and Society.” The discussion explored AI’s growing impact across workplaces, businesses, education, and society, and highlighted the need for responsible adoption and future-ready capabilities.

Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “MAHE has always believed in staying ahead of change rather than reacting to it. The launch of these AI Labs, in partnership with Microsoft and Hitachi, is a continuation of that founding vision, building an institution where innovation and ethics advance together.”

Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The MAHE-Microsoft Partnership marks an important step in our journey towards creating a technology-enabled and future-ready higher education ecosystem. Artificial intelligence and cloud technologies are transforming the way we learn, work, and innovate, and it is essential that our students and faculty engage with these technologies through meaningful, hands-on experiences. The establishment of Microsoft Labs across five of our constituent institutions will strengthen opportunities for experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and innovation.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia, said, “India’s young talent has the potential to shape the next wave of AI-led innovation, and partnerships between academia and industry are critical to unlocking that potential. Our collaboration with MAHE will bring students and faculty closer to the technologies, tools, and skills that are shaping the future of work. The Microsoft Labs across five MAHE institutions will provide a platform for hands-on learning, experimentation, and innovation, helping learners move beyond understanding AI to applying it responsibly to solve real-world challenges.”

Mr Raj Kamal Singhal, CEO, Hitachi Systems India, said, “The convergence of technology, education, and industry is essential to building the workforce and solutions needed for a rapidly evolving digital economy. We are pleased to be part of this initiative with MAHE and Microsoft, which brings together academic expertise and industry capabilities to create meaningful opportunities for learning and innovation. As AI and cloud technologies continue to transform businesses, initiatives such as these can help students develop practical skills, embrace continuous learning, and apply technology to address problems.”

“As AI rapidly moves from experimentation to real-world application, building the right combination of technology capabilities, practical skills and industry understanding will be critical. Our association with MAHE and Microsoft provides an opportunity to bring industry perspectives closer to academia and help students understand how emerging technologies can address real business and societal challenges. At Hitachi Systems India, we believe such collaborations can play an important role in developing future-ready talent while fostering responsible and meaningful technology-led innovation.”              

The MAHE-Microsoft Partnership enhances technology-driven education and innovation, creating an environment where academic knowledge, industry insights, and emerging technologies converge to equip learners for the evolving needs of the global economy.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In 2020, the Ministry of  Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3^rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life, as well as for national and multinational corporations seeking top talent.

About Microsoft India

Microsoft India enables individuals and organisations to achieve more through innovative cloud, AI, productivity, and digital transformation solutions. The company works closely with educational institutions, enterprises, startups, and government organisations to drive technology-led growth and innovation.

About Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd.

Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd. is a leading IT services and digital transformation company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Systems, Ltd., leveraging deep domain expertise, advanced technology capabilities, and the strength of the Hitachi Group. The company provides end-to-end services spanning cloud, cybersecurity, data centre, and network services, observability services, managed services, and enterprise technology solutions across India.

BBDU Strengthens Its Position as Lucknow’s Leading Placement Destination with Offers from Infosys and Wipro

In the latest placement drive, Wipro selected BBDU students for the role of Customer Service Representative, Human Resource Outsourcing. Meanwhile, students secured placements with Infosys at packages of Rs. 9.50 lakh per annum and Rs. 6.25 lakh per annum.
 

The students selected at Rs. 9.50 lakh per annum have been offered the role of Specialist Programmer L1 (Trainee), while those receiving Rs. 6.25 lakh per annum have been selected as Digital Specialist Engineer (Trainee). These placements reflect the University’s continued focus on equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge, technical expertise and the professional competencies required to succeed in a rapidly evolving employment landscape.
 

Commenting on the placements, Viraj Sagar Das, Pro-Chancellor, Babu Banarasi Das University, said, “At BBDU, our focus has always been to ensure that education translates into meaningful career opportunities. These placements with leading organizations such as Infosys and Wipro reflect the strength of our academic ecosystem, industry engagement and continued efforts to prepare students for the future of work. We are proud to see our students take confident steps towards successful professional careers and contribute to the growing talent ecosystem of Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh.”
 

BBDU’s strong placement ecosystem is supported by its industry-aligned curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, advanced academic infrastructure, career mentoring and structured corporate engagement. Through its robust Corporate Connect Programme, the University enables students to engage with industry experts, participate in internships and live projects, and gain exposure to evolving workplace expectations.
 

With a legacy of nearly three decades in education, BBDU continues to build a strong bridge between academia and industry. The University’s multidisciplinary approach, emphasis on emerging technologies, innovation-led learning, and extensive corporate engagement enable students to develop both domain expertise and workplace readiness.
 

To date, more than 1,200 companies have recruited from BBDU, resulting in over 12,500 placement offers, with the highest package reaching Rs. 48 lakh per annum. The latest placements further reinforce BBDU’s commitment to creating strong career pathways for its students and strengthening Lucknow’s position as a growing hub for skilled, future-ready talent.

About Babu Banarasi Das University (BBDU), Lucknow
Babu Banarasi Das (BBD) University, Lucknow, is a premier multidisciplinary institution committed to academic excellence, innovation and holistic education. Since its establishment in 2010, the University has built a strong reputation for delivering quality education across diverse disciplines, including engineering, management, law, pharmacy, architecture, dental sciences, applied sciences, humanities and social sciences. By integrating academic rigour with research, industry collaboration and experiential learning, BBD University equips students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to excel in an evolving global environment. Through its emphasis on scholarship, leadership and community engagement, the University continues to prepare graduates who contribute meaningfully to society and the nation's progress.

Ai+ Smartphone Partners with Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18

For over two decades, KBC and its legendary host Amitabh Bachchan have stood for credibility, knowledge and aspiration, earning the trust of generations of Indian audiences. For Ai+ Smartphone, the association reflects a shared belief that trust is not claimed, it is earned over time.

As a young Indian technology brand, Ai+ Smartphone is building its journey around transparency, privacy and consumer-first technology. Its association with KBC gives the brand an opportunity to take this vision to millions of households across India.

Archi Gogoi, Head of Brand, Marketing & Growth, Ai+ Smartphone and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said, “KBC is more than a television show; it is a part of India’s cultural fabric. Over the years, KBC and Mr. Bachchan have built an extraordinary legacy of credibility and trust. As a young Indian brand, that resonates deeply with us. We are building Ai+ with the belief that trust has to be earned every day through our products, our actions and our transparency. This partnership brings together an established legacy of trust with a new Indian technology brand aspiring to earn the same confidence from consumers.”

The association marks another step in Ai+ Smartphone’s journey towards building an Indian technology brand rooted in trust, privacy and transparency.

About Ai+ Smartphone

Ai+ Smartphone is a next generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company's Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

About Ai+ and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies

NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India's first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is designed, engineered and developed in India while remaining globally competitive.

Ai+ Smartphone commits Rs. 100 crore through Project Trust+ to enhance security through community participation

Through the initiative, the company is inviting independent researchers to actively test its systems, challenge its security architecture and highlight vulnerabilities that can be addressed before they impact consumers. 

Project Trust+ is driven by the belief that security is an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. As digital landscapes become more interconnected, Ai+ emphasizes that building secure smartphones requires collaboration, transparency, and active participation from the community. This initiative aims to go beyond traditional bug bounty programs, fostering an open environment where developers, security researchers, and ethical hackers can collectively contribute to the safety and resilience of Ai+ products.

Commenting on the announcement, Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said, "Most companies tell users their devices are secure. We want to prove it. The reality is that no smartphone, no platform, and no technology ecosystem can claim security as a finished destination. It evolves every day. Project Trust+ reflects our belief that trust should be built transparently and collaboratively. We are opening our doors to India’s technology community because we believe the safest products are built not in isolation, but together."

The initiative further strengthens Ai+’s broader philosophy around transparency, privacy, and user ownership, values that also sit at the centre of NxtQuantum OS, the company’s sovereign mobile operating system initiative.

With Project Trust+, Ai+ Smartphone aims to shift the conversation around smartphone security from claims and promises to continuous improvement and public accountability.

Because when it comes to trust, the work is never complete.

To apply for the programme, visit the link in bio on Madhav’s IG handle

Project Trust+ Because Trust Is Built Together.

About Ai+ Smartphone
Ai+ Smartphone is a next-generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company's Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

About Ai+ and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies
NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India's first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is designed, engineered and developed in India while remaining globally competitive.

Greaves Cotton posts a steady start to FY27, backed by resilient execution and its GREAVES.NEXT strategy

Greaves Cotton Limited, one of India's leading diversified engineering companies, announced its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, delivering a steady performance across its diversified businesses. During the quarter, the Company continued to execute its Greaves.Next strategy by strengthening its core businesses, expanding its international footprint and making strategic investments to support future growth. These actions reflect Greaves’ commitment to prudent capital allocation, portfolio diversification and building a globally relevant engineering enterprise positioned for sustainable long-term value creation.

Financial Performance
Consolidated

• Revenue for Q1 FY27 stood at INR 974 crore, up 31 percent YoY. 

• EBITDA stood at INR 56 crore. 

• Operating PBT stood at INR 27 crore. 

Standalone

• Revenue for Q1 FY27 stood at INR 629 crore, up 16 percent YoY. 

• EBITDA stood at INR 71 crore. 

• Operating PBT stood at INR 67 crore. 

Parag Satpute, MD & Group CEO, Greaves Cotton Limited, said, "We have begun FY27 on a strong note, delivering a solid performance on the back of disciplined execution across our businesses, while strengthening our strategic foundations under Greaves.Next. During the quarter, we expanded our international footprint with the establishment of a subsidiary in Dubai, UAE, enhanced our manufacturing capabilities through advanced automation, and continued to grow across our domestic and international businesses despite commodity price and supply chain pressures. We also reaffirmed our commitment to future-ready businesses through investments in Greaves Electric Mobility and Greaves Finance. Supported by a strong balance sheet, we are well positioned to drive organic growth, invest in our portfolio companies, and capitalise on emerging growth opportunities. Demand across segments remains encouraging and we remain focused on executing our strategy with discipline to build a stronger, more future-ready Greaves." 

Business Highlights
Energy Solutions continued its growth momentum during the quarter, delivering revenue growth of 21 percent YoY, supported by healthy demand across infrastructure, manufacturing and industrial applications. Domestic sales of the Medium Horsepower (MHP) genset portfolio grew by 32 percent on a YoY basis, and we commissioned a BESS pilot towards strengthening our integrated solutions portfolio.

The Mobility Solutions business delivered 18 percent year-on-year revenue growth, supported by strong performance across key segments. Automotive engines recorded robust growth of 36 percentYoY, while the Engineered Components businesses grew 14 percent YoY, driven by healthy domestic demand and steady export momentum. Demand for Euro V+ compliant engines remained encouraging in export markets. The Engineered Components domestic business also secured new orders from large OEMs such as Caterpillar UK and TAFE.

Industrial Solutions witnessed sustained demand across defence, marine and agriculture applications, strengthening engagement with OEM customers across specialised industrial applications.

Supported by strong market execution, the international business continued to contribute 13 percent to core business revenue. The Company incorporated Greaves International Trading FZE in Dubai, UAE establishing a regional hub to strengthen customer engagement and distribution capabilities across the Middle East and Africa.

Greaves Electric Mobility business strengthened its market position through sustained network expansion and portfolio enhancements. In electric two-wheelers, VAHAN volumes more than doubled, growing 101 percent year-on-year in Q1 FY27, while market share increased from 4.3 percent in FY26 to 5.6 percent in June ‘26. In three-wheelers, L5 VAHAN volumes grew 39 percent year-on-year, with electric L5 volumes nearly doubling, reflecting strong demand and continued market penetration across key segments. The Company has informed that its INR 530 Crore rights issue has been fully subscribed with its Board approving the allotment of equity shares to all eligible shareholders. Greaves Cotton Limited has subscribed to its full entitlement of approximately INR 331 Crore, and our shareholding in GEML remains unchanged at 62.48 percent.

Greaves Finance continued its growth trajectory with Assets Under Management crossing INR 560 crore, an increase from INR521 crore in Mar’26; and expanded its reach by 12 more locations. During the quarter, Greaves Cotton subscribed to the rights issue of INR 50 crore to support the company's next phase of growth.

Outlook
The Company remains focused on strengthening execution across its core businesses while continuing to invest in technology, international expansion and future-ready opportunities under the Greaves.Next strategy.

Supported by a strong balance sheet, disciplined capital allocation and a diversified engineering portfolio, Greaves Cotton remains well positioned to deliver sustainable long-term growth while navigating an evolving macroeconomic environment. The Company will continue to focus on operational excellence, innovation and customer-centric solutions to create long-term value for all its stakeholders.

Bisleri Brings the Magic of Spider-Man: Brand New Day to Consumers with Limited-Edition Packs and Merchandise

Timed perfectly with the film's theatrical release, the exclusive range transforms everyday hydration into a collectible experience. 'The Spider-Man: Brand New Day' association will feature across Bisleri's 250ml, 500ml, and 1-litre water bottles.

Commenting on the launch, Tushar Malhotra, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Bisleri International, said, "We are thrilled to associate with 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' the next chapter of one of the biggest and most iconic global movie franchises, and a significant part of today's global pop culture. The association will be brought to life through our limited-edition bottles, which will be an exciting collectible for our consumer base."

The launch will be supported by a high-octane, 360-degree marketing campaign spanning digital engagement and vibrant in-store retail visibility. Taking the excitement directly to the streets, a spectacularly branded Spider-Man x Bisleri Truck will traverse Mumbai, generating massive out-of-home (OOH) buzz and creating high-impact visibility in the lead-up to the film's release.

The limited-edition water bottles are now available across general and modern trade outlets pan-India.  

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd 

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water. 

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. 

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com. 

Tata Gluco+ joins the 135th Durand Cup as Official Beverage Partner, energising players, officials and fans at one of India's oldest football tournament

As part of the association, Tata Gluco+ will keep players, officials and fans refreshed throughout the tournament while engaging with football-loving communities across the country. The partnership reflects the brand's commitment to connecting with consumers through shared experiences and the growing popularity of football in India.

A popular glucose based instant energy drink from Tata Consumer Products Limited, Tata Gluco+ is available in refreshing flavours including Orangy Burst, Lemony Zing and Lychee Zap. Through the Durand Cup, the brand strengthens its presence across football-loving markets, from the passionate fan bases of West Bengal and the Northeast to emerging football hubs across the country.

The 135th Durand Cup promises another exciting season of football, featuring top clubs, emerging talent and passionate fan engagement across multiple host cities. As Asia's oldest football tournament and one of India's most celebrated sporting events, the Durand Cup has played a defining role in shaping Indian football since 1888.

The 2026 edition features 24 teams, including Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC, alongside clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, Services and international teams. Hosted across multiple cities, the tournament continues to bring top-tier football closer to fans while strengthening India's football ecosystem.

By partnering with the 135th Durand Cup, Tata Gluco+ continues to strengthen its connect with football-loving communities across India, bringing refreshing energy to fans through one of the nation's most enduring football legacies.

About Tata Consumer Products Limited

Tata Consumer Products Limited is a focused consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella. The Company’s portfolio of products includes tea, coffee, water, RTD, salt, pulses, spices, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, breakfast cereals, snacks and mini meals. Its key beverage brands include Tata Tea, Tetley, Organic India, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, Tata Copper+ and Tata Gluco+. Its foods portfolio includes brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Sampann, Tata Soulfull, Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones. In India, Tata Consumer Products has a reach of 290 million households, giving it an unparalleled ability to leverage the Tata brand in consumer products. The Company has a consolidated annual turnover of ~Rs. 20,290 crores with operations in India and International markets.

The name change has been approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India, and reflects the company's evolving business vision while continuing to operate with the same legal entity, management, values, and commitment to its stakeholders.

As VERITASOURCE Private Limited, the company will continue to strengthen its presence across its existing business domains while exploring new opportunities driven by technology, innovation, and customer-centric solutions. The new identity represents the company's long-term vision of building trusted, value-driven businesses for customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Speaking on the announcement, Vivek Khanna, CEO & Executive Director, said, "Our transition from OKAYA Infocom Private Limited to VERITASOURCE Private Limited marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. While our name has changed, our commitment to excellence, integrity, innovation, and customer satisfaction remains stronger than ever. This new identity reflects our future aspirations while preserving the legacy and trust we have built over the years."

The company clarified that this is only a change in the corporate name, and there is no change in the company's legal status, ownership, operations, contractual obligations, or business relationships. All existing agreements, commitments, and services will continue uninterrupted.

Customers, business partners, vendors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders are requested to update their records to reflect the company's new name: VERITASOURCE Private Limited

The company will gradually implement the new corporate identity across all communication channels, digital platforms, branding materials, and official documentation.

About VERITASOURCE Private Limited
VERITASOURCE Private Limited (formerly OKAYA Infocom Private Limited) is committed to delivering innovative business and technology solutions with a strong focus on quality, trust, and customer satisfaction. Backed by years of industry experience, the company continues to evolve its capabilities to meet the changing needs of businesses and consumers while building sustainable value for all stakeholders.

Over 60 million consumers across 850+ cities and towns have now checked their free credit score on Paisabazaar

Since launching its free credit score platform in 2017, Paisabazaar has focused on making credit information simple, accessible and actionable for every Indian. Consumers on the Paisabazaar platform can instantly access their credit scores from all four credit bureaus, free of cost, in multiple Indian languages, making it one of the country's most comprehensive credit awareness platforms.
 

Over the last decade, Paisabazaar has consistently invested in technology, consumer education and brand initiatives to deepen credit awareness across India. The platform has played a pivotal role in taking credit awareness beyond metropolitan India, helping consumers across smaller cities, towns and underserved segments understand, monitor and improve their credit health.

Santosh Agarwal, CEO, Paisabazaar, said, "Crossing 60 million consumers marks an important milestone in our mission to build a more credit-aware and credit-fit India. Going forward, our focus is on helping every consumer navigate their credit journey with confidence—whether it's building a credit history, improving credit health, or accessing the right financial products. We will continue to leverage technology and data-driven insights to make credit more transparent, inclusive and empowering for millions of Indians."

The Paisabazaar platform, over the years, has evolved beyond providing free credit scores. Consumers on the platform receive personalised insights through the Credit Health Report, which highlights the factors impacting their credit profile and recommends actionable steps to improve it. For consumers with damaged credit aiming to rebuild their credit history, Paisabazaar offers a comprehensive Credit Improvement Program, including AI-led insights, expert guidance and personalized advice.

Credit Progression is another key aspect of Paisabazaar’s commitment to expanding access to credit, helping consumers build healthier credit profiles. This includes large yet credit-starved segments like new-to-credit consumers, who are offered builder products such as secured credit cards, helping them build strong credit profiles over time and access formal credit.

Credit healthy consumers, on the other hand, benefit from personalised and pre-approved offers from lenders, supported by Paisabazaar's proprietary Chance of Approval model, which helps them identify and apply for offers with certainty.

Paisabazaar continues to enhance the platform with technology-led innovations and data-driven insights, making credit management more intuitive and accessible. As India's digital credit ecosystem matures, the company remains focused on empowering consumers across every stage of their credit journey—from first-time borrowers building their credit history to experienced borrowers seeking the best credit opportunities—while advancing its larger mission of building a more financially aware and credit-fit India.

About Paisabazaar

Paisabazaar, a part of PB Fintech (listed since 2021), is India’s leading marketplace for financial products and a free credit score platform. Over the last 12+ years, Paisabazaar has earned the trust and goodwill of over 58 million consumers from 850 cities and towns across India. Paisabazaar has built wide and deep partnerships across the ecosystem, to offer a broad range of financial products, ranging from loans and cards to investments and savings along with bill payments and mobile recharge. The platform also enables consumers to check their free credit score from all 4 CICs (Credit Bureaus) in India. Paisabazaar is an ISO (27001:2013) and PCI DSS certified organisation, with industry-best controls, to safeguard the best interest of consumers.

Eveready Industries India Ltd., the country's leading flashlight and battery brand, today announced the launch of its all-new Eveready Shor Torch DL190, a rugged, rechargeable, multi-utility torch equipped with an integrated 100 decibel animal alarm, powerful illumination and UV strobe functionality designed specifically to help farmers protect crops from animal intrusion during the night.

The Innovative Eveready Shor Torch DL190, helping farmers protect crops from animal intrusion with a powerful 100 dBA animal alarm

The launch of Shor Torch further strengthens Eveready's expanding rechargeable flashlight portfolio, reflecting the company's continued focus on developing innovative solutions that cater to evolving consumer needs and diverse usage occasions. Designed specifically for agricultural use, the Eveready Shor Torch, along with an integrated 100 dB animal alarm and UV strobe, features a powerful 5W front torch for long range visibility and a 3W side light to support farmers during nighttime farm surveillance. It is powered by a 3600 mAh rechargeable Li ion battery with Type C fast charging support, enabling reliable performance during prolonged farm usage.

Designed to withstand demanding rural usage conditions, the Eveready Shor Torch combines durability with functionality. The product features a powerful 1 km long-beam front torch with up to 5 hours of lighting time and integrated animal deterrence capabilities. The thoughtfully engineered design ensures dependable performance during extended outdoor usage under challenging field conditions.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Anirban Banerjee, Chief Executive Officer, Eveready Industries India Limited, said, "At Eveready, innovation has always been rooted in solving real consumer challenges. Farmers across the country face persistent crop losses due to animal intrusion, particularly during the night. The Shor Torch reflects our commitment to developing practical and relevant solutions for Indian consumers. By combining powerful illumination with an effective animal alarm and UV strobe functionality, we have created a unique product that can make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of farmers while helping them protect their livelihoods."

The Eveready Shor Torch has been developed keeping in mind the unique requirements of India's farming community, where protecting crops often extends well beyond daylight hours. During critical crop cycles such as sowing and harvesting, farmers routinely undertake nighttime field surveillance to safeguard cultivated land from animal intrusion. While flashlights have long been an essential tool for activities such as irrigation, fertilizer application, crop monitoring and harvesting after dark, keeping animals away from cultivated fields remains one of the biggest challenges they encounter.

Recognising this challenge, Eveready developed the Shor Torch as a practical, humane and non-intrusive solution for nighttime crop protection. Designed for use in open farmlands, where sound and light can travel over longer distances, the product helps farmers safeguard their crops more effectively during early morning and nighttime surveillance, without causing harm to animals.

The Eveready Shor Torch, an innovation at the grassroot level, addresses this challenge through a powerful 100 decibel alarm that emits a sharp warning sound, combined with a red UV strobe light. When directed towards approaching animals, the alarm and flashing light create sufficient disturbance to drive them away, helping protect crops.

Eveready has been actively expanding its rechargeable flashlight portfolio in line with evolving consumer needs and usage occasions. The launch of the Shor Torch further strengthens Eveready's growing portfolio of innovative flashlights. The portfolio also includes the Siren Torch with Safety Alarm, designed to empower women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities with an added sense of personal security. Additionally, Eveready offers a first-of-its-kind Hybrid Torch featuring patent-applied dual-powered operation through rechargeable and battery-powered modes, providing consumers with enhanced flexibility and reliability across varied usage situations.

All of Eveready’s flashlight manufacturing facilities follow stringent quality parameters and are Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified. The certification reinforces Eveready's long-standing commitment to product quality, safety, reliability and adherence to stringent industry standards.

Driven by feature-led innovation, consumer-focused product development and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, Eveready continues to strengthen its position as India's leading flashlight, battery and lighting solutions brand through products designed to address evolving consumer needs.

The Eveready Shor Torch DL190 will be available at Rs. 1,099 across leading retail outlets and e-commerce platforms.

About Eveready Industries India Ltd.

With a legacy of over 100 years, Eveready Industries India Ltd. (NSE Symbol: EVEREADY, BSE Scrip Code: 531508, CSE Scrip Code 000029) is a household name in batteries and flashlights, with an emerging presence in the consumer and professional lighting space.

Since its inception in 1934, Eveready has been at the forefront of the dry cell battery market, enriching the lives of millions with portable energy and lighting solutions. The company’s iconic catchphrase “Give Me Red” has become synonymous with trust and dependability, resonating with consumers across generations.

In 2023, the company embarked on a transformative journey, marked by the unveiling of its new infinity logo and the empowering tagline “Give Me Power, Give Me Red”. The pivotal year also witnessed the launch of its Ultima Alkaline battery range, designed to cater to the evolving needs of Indian consumers. In April 2026, Eveready has inaugurated India’s only operating alkaline battery facility in Jammu. Alongside Ultima Alkaline, Eveready today offers a comprehensive battery portfolio spanning carbon-zinc, alkaline, rechargeable, and lithium formats, making it India’s No. 1* battery brand.

Beyond batteries, Eveready also offers a wide range of flashlights and torches designed for everyday use, emergencies, and outdoor activities. This includes purpose-driven products such as the Eveready Siren Torch, which combines illumination with a built-in safety alarm, and India’s First Hybrid Torch, which offers dual power options via rechargeable and battery-based formats. Together, through these innovations, the company has emerged as India’s no. 1 flashlight brand.

The company has also strategically expanded its portfolio with an entry into the mobile accessories segment, mosquito racquets, small appliances, electrical accessories, wires, and MCBs to meet the dynamic needs of consumers.

Eveready’s manufacturing facilities are spread across India, namely Matia, Lucknow, Haridwar, Maddur, Kolkata, Jammu and they are equipped with globally benchmarked technology platforms and follow the best-in-class operating standards, with a relentless focus on quality (ISO 9000), environmental best practices (ISO 14000), and rapid adoption of technology. The company has a Research and Development (R&D) facility that is approved by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

For more information, please visit www.eveready.in

RSB Group Celebrates 4th Edition of 'Ek Pahal' Annual Day

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. S.K. Behera, Vice Chairman, RSB Group, along with family members Mrs. Sangeeta Behera and Mrs. Nalini Behera, whose presence added great significance to the celebration.

The celebration marked a major milestone as the Ek Pahal community grew significantly larger this year, warmly welcoming over 200 women employees from Setco into the RSB Parivar. The event brought together female employees from Jamshedpur and all other RSB centres across India.

The highlight of the day was an enriching and deeply inspiring round-table panel discussion. Trailblazers from diverse fields, Dr. Rekha Panda, Ms Singo Mardi, Mrs Leena Adesara, and Ms Deboshri Dutta shared their profound life experiences. The discussion focused on the hard work, passion and commitment required to turn big ambitions into daily actions, offering the audience a masterclass on how to translate raw dreams into concrete reality. These powerful stories deeply moved the audience, inspiring all the female employees to not just dream big, but to chase those goals with unwavering grit and determination.

The celebrations also featured some mesmerising cultural performances by RSB employees. Through creative storytelling, music, and dance, the performers brought immense emotion and vibrant life to the stage, beautifully mirroring the spirit of the movement.

Sharing his pride on the occasion, Mr. S.K. Behera, Vice Chairman, RSB Group, "At RSB, our philosophy is simple: talent and excellence have no gender. Our approach remains strictly gender-neutral, focusing entirely on merit and capability. However, for potential to truly flourish, the environment must be right. We stand absolutely committed to creating a safe, respectful, and deeply inclusive workspace where our women colleagues feel empowered to step out, break barriers, and confidently march toward their highest aspirations."
 

Launched four years ago under the leadership of Ms. Nirmala Behera, Ek Pahal has matured from a heartfelt internal initiative into a massive, transformative movement. Operating through four core pillars - Health & Hygiene, Safety, Learning & Development, and Community Service; the ecosystem continues to drive structural, holistic growth both within the organization and the wider community.

Reflecting on the evolution of the initiative and this year's theme, Ms. Nirmala Behera, Executive Director, HR & Branding, RSB Group, said, "Our theme this year, 'EK Pahal- Sapno Se Aage', is a powerful reminder that dreams are merely the starting line. Real empowerment begins when we move past the stage of just wishing for equality and step into the reality of executing those dreams with our own hands. I am immensely proud of our teams; the work done across our four pillars is no longer just reflected in dashboards, but lives in the daily confidence, resilience, and growth of our women colleagues."

The event concluded with a strong focus on future impact, recognizing outstanding contributions from the past year. The Community Initiative Pillar leaders were awarded the top honours for leading projects with deep social impact, while the Health & Hygiene Pillar leader was recognised as the runner-up for setting exceptional operational benchmarks.

With this fourth edition of Ek Pahal annual day celebration, RSB Group strongly reaffirms its commitment to building a purpose-driven corporate culture where individual dreams are nurtured into collective milestones, setting a benchmark for the manufacturing industry at large.

SPR India recently announced the launch of District 12, a smart office space development within the 63-acre SPR City, offering MSMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, professionals and growing businesses the opportunity to own premium office spaces in one of Chennai's fastest-emerging commercial destinations. Supporting the Tamil Nadu Government's "Perambur 2.0" initiative, District 12 is set to accelerate Perambur's transformation into a vibrant commercial, business and investment hub.
 

Mr. Hitesh Kawad, Managing Director and Mr. Navin Ranka, Director, felicitating Chief Guest Mr. Shelvi K. Dhamodar, Advocate, at the District 12 launch event at SPR City
 

In support of the Tamil Nadu Government's "Perambur 2.0" initiative, District 12 was officially launched in the presence of Thiru A.M. Vikram Raja, State President, Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangam Peramaippu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, along with leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders.
 

The launch witnessed an overwhelming response from Chennai's MSMEs, startups, IT/ITES companies, entrepreneurs, professionals, investors and business owners, reflecting the strong demand for professionally managed office ownership within an integrated commercial ecosystem.
 

Built around the compelling proposition, "Why Rent When You Can Own Your Office Space?", District 12 offers flexible office spaces ranging from 120 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft., enabling businesses to choose spaces that match their current requirements while providing room for future expansion. The development features premium commercial infrastructure, including a fully equipped business centre, exclusive clubhouse, modern elevators and escalators, 100% power backup, CCTV-enabled security systems, 24x7 security, concierge services, professionally maintained common areas and ample parking.
 

Businesses at District 12 also benefit from the integrated SPR City ecosystem, comprising the Market of India, shopping mall, restaurants, food courts, an eight-screen multiplex, entertainment zones, premium residences, Kauvery Hospital, The Shri Ram Universal School and other lifestyle amenities, creating a complete live-work-business destination that supports business growth while offering unmatched convenience.
 

Strategically located in Perambur, District 12 enjoys excellent connectivity, with the Perambur Bus Terminus just 500 metres away, Perambur Railway Station within 1 km and the proposed Perambur Metro Station only 800 metres away. Chennai Central Railway Station, the High Court and the Secretariat are also easily accessible.
 

District 12
 

Sharing SPR Group's vision for the project, Mr. Hitesh Kawad, Managing Director, SPR Group, said, "District 12 reflects SPR's vision of creating future-ready commercial infrastructure that empowers businesses to own, grow and thrive. As Perambur continues to evolve into a vibrant commercial hub, the launch of District 12 marks another significant milestone in the growth of SPR City while reinforcing Perambur's emergence as one of Chennai's most promising commercial and investment destinations. We are proud to offer entrepreneurs, MSMEs and professionals a premium business address within an integrated ecosystem designed for long-term growth and success.”
 

Highlighting the commercial value proposition of District 12, Mr. Shashie Kumar, CEO, SPR Commercial, said, "District 12 is designed to offer businesses much more than premium office spaces. It enables entrepreneurs, MSMEs and professionals to convert recurring rental expenses into long-term asset ownership while operating from a professionally managed commercial environment designed for growth, collaboration and enterprise. As part of the integrated SPR City ecosystem and the Market of India, businesses also benefit from greater visibility, wider customer reach, valuable networking opportunities and a vibrant business environment, making office ownership a smart investment for long-term success.”
 

Commenting on Perambur's growing prominence as a business destination, Mr. Navin Ranka, Director, SPR Group, said, "Perambur is fast emerging as one of Chennai's most promising commercial destinations, driven by strong infrastructure and excellent connectivity. District 12 is designed to meet the evolving needs of startups, MSMEs, professionals and enterprises seeking a premium business address in a high-growth location.”
 

The launch also featured an insightful panel discussion on "Perambur 2.0," moderated by noted journalist and television anchor Avudaiappan S. The panel featured Mr. Hitesh Kawad, Managing Director, SPR Group, Mr. Rahul Rajamuthiah, Business Head, Market of India, Dr. Sam Paul, Paulsons Group (TONI&GUY), and advocate and renowned astrologer Shelvi K. Damother. The discussion explored Perambur's rapid transformation into one of Chennai's fastest-growing commercial corridors, driven by infrastructure development, enhanced connectivity, employment generation and the growing demand for organised commercial spaces.
 

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Anirudha Srikkanth and actor Samyuktha also visited District 12, interacting with the SPR team and exploring the project's smart office formats, premium amenities and investment potential.

Under the agreement, Fikra Ventures is Glimmer’s exclusive commercialisation, marketing and distribution partner in the Gulf region. Fikra Ventures will use that position to build a new portfolio company to deploy Glimmer’s FinomeAI suite for enterprises across the region.

The new company will develop Arabic-language and regionally compliant solutions on top of Glimmer’s products, reducing the localisation and compliance burden on customers and shortening deployment timelines. Fikra Ventures will provide the venture-building, capital, and commercial infrastructure, with Glimmer providing the underlying technology.

Glimmer’s products already operate at production scale, processing more than 1,000,000 loan applications each month across live financial services deployments. To date, the suite has delivered:

• Fraud investigation turnaround reduced from one to two days to 20–30 minutes per case at a financial institution, with an audit-ready log trail generated automatically

• An 8% lift in onboarding conversion for a non-bank lender, with customer acquisition spend held flat

• A ~6% improvement in portfolio collection rate at low incremental cost per asset

Glimmer’s enterprise AI platform supports a broad range of complex and regulated workflows, spanning document intelligence, decisioning, conversational journeys, voice automation, personalised video, model development, policy intelligence and enterprise knowledge access. Its products include Data Quotient for explainable, audit-ready decisioning; ConvFlow for guided conversational journeys across customer acquisition, onboarding and servicing; Klaris for end-to-end voice automation across high-volume customer interactions; SynthVid for personalised video at scale; and Meridian for faster model development and deployment.

The new company will run regional go-to-market and customer support, from pilots through production deployment. Early focus areas span collections, customer acquisition, onboarding, servicing, marketing outreach, underwriting, fraud investigation and regulatory workflows.

“Fikra turns proven global technology into regional companies. Glimmer’s platform processes over one million loan applications a month, giving us the foundation to build a significant Gulf business,” said Wael Aburida, Founder & Managing Partner of Fikra Ventures. “Banks, lenders, telecom operators and large enterprises here are actively looking for solutions that improve conversion, reduce costs and deliver better customer outcomes at scale. This partnership gives us the technology, venture-building structure and commercial access to pursue that opportunity.”

The initial commercialisation effort will focus on financial services and lending, where institutions face pressure to modernise collections, customer communication, underwriting and operating workflows without compromising governance or control. Over time, the companies see scope to extend these capabilities to other high-volume enterprise environments facing similar challenges around automation, decision-making and customer engagement.

“Our partnership with Fikra Ventures gives us the regional relationships, market understanding and commercial platform to take our capabilities to enterprises across the Gulf,” said Saurabh Nigam, Chief Executive Officer of Glimmer Technologies. “Enterprise AI creates real value when it moves beyond experimentation and becomes part of the workflows that businesses depend on every day. We have built and proven our technology in complex, high-volume environments where accuracy, governance and measurable outcomes matter. Together, we can help enterprises use AI to make better decisions, automate critical processes and deliver more intelligent customer experiences at scale.”

The companies will begin with Arabic-localised product demonstrations and market-specific pilots for enterprise customers in the Gulf, with plans to extend into the greater MENA region. Initial demonstrations will include Arabic and bilingual use cases across collections, marketing outreach, conversational onboarding, voice automation and document-led decisioning.

The partnership extends Fikra Ventures’ model of turning commercially relevant AI into companies with clear pathways to regional adoption and international scale.

About Glimmer Technologies

Glimmer Technologies is an enterprise AI company building the future of financial intelligence. Operating at the intersection of deep AI capability and real-world enterprise workflows, Glimmer develops intelligent platforms that help businesses interpret complex data, make faster decisions, automate operations, and deliver better customer journeys.

Its ecosystem brings together FinomeAI, a GenAI intelligence platform for document processing, risk insights, compliance, customer journeys, and operational automation; Flo, a configurable lending stack for digital credit operations across LOS, LMS, and modular workflows; and ZestMoney, one of India’s widely known Buy Now, Pay Later platforms.

To know more, please visit: www.glimmertech.in

About Fikra Ventures

Fikra Ventures is a global AI-native venture studio that builds and scales applied AI companies. The studio combines venture ideation, technical execution, strategic partnerships, founder development, and commercialisation support to create ventures with clear market relevance.

Fikra Ventures works with founders, technical leaders, corporates, governments, universities, investors, and strategic partners to turn commercially relevant AI opportunities into scalable companies. Fikra Ventures Holdings Limited is registered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

For more information, visit www.fikra.ventures and follow us on @fikraventures #fikraventures.

Vibe Drive - One of Chennai's First Fully Integrated Automotive Destination

The facility was inaugurated yesterday by J. C. D. Prabhakar, Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, marking the launch of a new integrated automotive destination for customers in Chennai.

Spread across 13,000 sq. ft., the facility combines four specialist brands: Vibe Drive, HB Multibrand, Slick Lab by Vibe Drive, and Snack & Rack, creating a seamless experience for vehicle owners from purchase to long-term care.

The venture is founded by automobile entrepreneurs Ashvath Jacinth and Naveen Antony, whose complementary journeys shaped the vision behind the project.

Ashvath Jacinth brings experience across automotive manufacturing, vehicle sales and entrepreneurship. Through Vibe Drive, he has built a business focused on transparent buying, selling, sourcing and evaluation of pre-owned vehicles across every segment.

Naveen Antony, an electronics engineer by training, entered the automotive industry after successfully restoring his own flood-damaged car when others declared it beyond repair. He went on to establish HB Multibrand, earning a reputation for advanced diagnostics, ECU programming, electrical troubleshooting and restoration of complex vehicles. Despite setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, he rebuilt the business with renewed determination.

Together, the founders have created an automotive destination that caters to everything from routine maintenance and major mechanical repairs to premium detailing, ceramic coatings, paint protection films, performance upgrades and body repairs. Customers can also relax at Snack & Rack, an in-house lounge featuring refreshments, high-speed Wi-Fi and English pool tables while their vehicles are serviced.

The facility caters to all categories of vehicles, from everyday hatchbacks and family SUVs to commercial vehicles, luxury marques and high-performance automobiles.

"Our vision was to build more than a workshop. We wanted to create a destination built on trust, technical expertise and a genuine passion for automobiles, where every customer receives the same level of care regardless of the vehicle they own," said Ashvath Jacinth, Founder and Partner, Vibe Drive.

Vibe Drive
200 Feet Radial Road, Kovilambakkam, Chennai

Contact: Ashvath Jacinth - Founder and Partner - +91 96772 77775

Bisleri International Partners with Ultimate Table Tennis as Official Hydration Partner for the Second Year

Through this association, the brand aims to enhance fan engagement and visibility with an integrated presence across on-ground and media platforms. The partnership will feature prominent branding across LED boards & perimeter boards, showcasing brand film, television commercials, exclusive campaign shoots, visi coolers, iceboxes, and a robust digital campaign with amplification of videos across digital platforms, ensuring extensive engagement with audiences throughout the tournament.

Commenting on the association, Tushar Malhotra, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International, said,"We're proud to partner with Ultimate Table Tennis as its Official Hydration Partner. The league has played a key role in growing table tennis in India, and we're excited to support its journey. By helping athletes stay hydrated and connecting with fans, this partnership reflects our commitment to Indian sport and the role hydration plays in performance."

Commenting on the partnership, Vita Dani, Chairperson Ultimate Table Tennis said, "We are pleased to welcome Bisleri International as the Official Hydration Partner of Ultimate Table Tennis. As a brand synonymous with trust and quality, Bisleri's association aligns with our commitment to delivering a world-class sporting experience for players and fans alike. We look forward to working together over the next three years to elevate the league through impactful fan engagement and integrated brand experiences."

The partnership begins with Season 7 of Ultimate Table Tennis, taking place from July 9 to July 26, 2026, at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa. The long-term association reflects Bisleri's continued commitment to supporting Indian sport, promoting athlete wellness, and strengthening its presence across one of the country's premier table tennis leagues.

Link: www.instagram.com/reel/DbS5LF6zovc/?igsh=MWNkOWV6cTh0Mm9hMA==

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

The proposed transaction includes Oriflame India's manufacturing facilities located in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, and Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

As part of the agreement, Oriflame and Akums will enter into a long-term strategic manufacturing and supply partnership. Under this arrangement, Akums will continue to manufacture Oriflame products, ensuring continuity of supply and maintaining the high standards of quality expected by Oriflame Beauty Entrepreneurs and customers.

India remains a strategically important market for Oriflame. The company has operated in the country for more than 30 years and will continue to grow its fast-growing social selling business, serving consumers through its network of Beauty Entrepreneurs across the country.

The transaction forms part of Oriflame's ongoing efforts to optimise its global operations and sourcing footprint while maintaining strong product quality, operational resilience and service levels.

Anna Malmhake, CEO and President of Oriflame, said, "India is an important market for Oriflame and we remain fully committed to our long-term growth ambitions in the country. Through this strategic partnership with Akums, we are securing access to high-quality manufacturing capabilities while enabling greater operational flexibility and alignment with our sourcing strategy. We are pleased to be partnering with a trusted and reputable manufacturer that shares our commitment to quality and excellence."

Edyta Kurek, Senior Vice President and GM, Oriflame India, added, "Oriflame's manufacturing standards in India have been built over more than three decades of expertise at our Roorkee and Noida facilities. As a Swedish brand, we have always believed in building long-term, sustainable partnerships that uphold the highest standards of quality. Our partnership with Akums reflects that philosophy, bringing together Oriflame's global product expertise and uncompromising quality standards with Akums' manufacturing excellence to support our long-term growth in India. For our Beauty Entrepreneurs and customers, it is business as usual, with our commercial operations, products and services remaining unchanged. We are pleased that the partnership is intended to ensure continuity for employees while preserving the expertise built within these facilities. Together with Akums, we look forward to continuing to serve our Beauty Entrepreneurs and customers across India for many years to come."

Employees currently working at the manufacturing sites will be offered to continue their employment with the new owner on the same terms and conditions.

Oriflame's commercial operations, Beauty Entrepreneur network, trademarks and customer-facing activities in India are not part of the transaction and will continue to be operated by Oriflame India Private Limited.

About Oriflame  

As a globally renowned beauty and wellbeing company, Oriflame has empowered individuals since 1967 through its diverse portfolio of high-quality, innovative, and sustainable beauty and wellbeing products. It operates in over 60 markets.

Oriflame operates through a modern social selling model, enabling over 3 million Beauty Entrepreneurs and members worldwide to become beauty industry insiders through a ‘Plug and Play’ micro-entrepreneurship model. Oriflame’s product range spans skincare, cosmetics, fragrances, personal care, and nutritional supplements, all crafted with care to promote holistic wellbeing. Oriflame continues to make a positive impact on communities worldwide and has been named a European Climate Leader by the Financial Times and Statista for the past five years.

In India, Oriflame continues to build opportunities for women to achieve financial independence while promoting holistic wellbeing.

For more information, visit in.oriflame.com.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri D.K. Shivakumar with the Leadership of Aster DM Quality Care

Aster has significantly expanded its footprint in Karnataka through Aster CMI Hospital, Aster RV Hospital, Aster Whitefield Hospital, and Aster Women & Children Hospital. The company continues to invest in advanced healthcare infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the State.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Azad Moopen, Executive Chairman, Aster DM Quality Care, said,  “Karnataka has been a cornerstone of Aster’s growth in India and remains one of our most strategic markets. The State is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, supported by world-class clinical talent and a progressive healthcare ecosystem. Our planned investment of Rs. 1,315 crore reflects our long-term confidence in Karnataka. We remain committed to partnering with the Government of Karnataka to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand access to advanced medical care, promote medical education and research, and improve healthcare outcomes for the people of the State.”

Aster DM Quality Care currently operates 39 hospitals with over 10,600 beds and four hospitals in Karnataka with 1,329 operational beds, creating one of the strongest integrated healthcare networks in India and the State. As part of its expansion plans, Aster is developing the 550-bed Aster Hospital, Yeshwantpur, the 460-bed Aster Hospital, Sarjapur, and a 350-bed expansion at Aster CMI Hospital, substantially increasing access to advanced tertiary and quaternary healthcare services in Bengaluru.

During the discussions, Dr. Moopen highlighted Aster’s commitment to supporting Karnataka’s healthcare priorities through investments in healthcare infrastructure, medical education, skill development, employment generation, healthcare technology, medical tourism, research, innovation, and charitable healthcare initiatives.

Mr. Varun Khanna, Managing Director & Group CEO, Aster DM Quality Care, said, “The scale and capabilities of Aster DM Quality Care position us to accelerate the next phase of healthcare transformation in Karnataka. As we continue to strengthen our presence across the State, we aim to make complex and specialised care more accessible while reinforcing Karnataka’s position as one of India’s leading centres for healthcare innovation and medical excellence.”

Ms. Alisha Moopen, Director, Aster DM Quality Care, added, “Our focus extends beyond expanding capacity. We are building an integrated healthcare ecosystem that combines advanced clinical care, digital innovation, medical education, research, and compassionate service. Through these investments, we are committed to delivering world-class healthcare while creating sustainable value for patients, communities, and the State of Karnataka.”

The proposed investment of Rs. 1,315 crore underscores Aster DM Quality Care’s long-term vision of making Karnataka one of its most important centres for clinical excellence, innovation, medical education, and patient-centric healthcare.

About Aster DM Quality Care Limited*

Aster DM Quality Care Limited is one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers, formed through the merger of Aster DM Healthcare Limited and Quality Care India Limited. The merged entity will bring together four leading healthcare brands - Aster DM, CARE Hospitals, Evercare and KIMSHEALTH, creating a scaled and diversified healthcare platform with a network of 39 hospitals across 28 cities and over 10,600 beds. With a strong presence across South and Central India, the merged entity will deliver comprehensive healthcare services spanning primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary care, supported by centres of excellence across key specialties including oncology, cardiac sciences, neurosciences, gastro sciences, orthopaedics, nephrology, organ transplantation, mother and child care, and critical care.

*Name change subject to receipt of Certificate of Incorporation pursuant to the merger. Currently named Aster DM Healthcare Limited.

Glomo becomes a Visa Principal Member at GIFT IFSC

As Visa’s Principal member, Glomo can process Visa powered card payments directly for merchants acquired on its platform, helping businesses operating across markets accept and settle international card payments through compliant infrastructure based at GIFT City. This will also result in greater control over transaction approval optimisation, fraud and risk monitoring, and enable native dispute and chargeback handling through Visa’s platform. The company has launched these capabilities through its direct merchant acquisition and technology integrations.

The direct acquiring arrangement is also expected to improve operational speed by significantly reducing the time typically required for merchant onboarding and payment processing through traditional banking channels. This faster turnaround, combined with direct access to Visa’s network, will benefit businesses such as exporters, AI and marketplace platforms, SaaS companies, financial services firms and institutions, education platforms, and enterprises serving customers across multiple countries. Glomo also plans to leverage its membership to strengthen its card infrastructure capabilities, including the development of issuing products.

Commenting on the announcement, Akash Arun, Founder and CEO, Glomo, said, “Cross-border card payments often pass through multiple intermediaries, which can create friction across settlement, transaction approvals, risk management and dispute handling. Becoming Visa’s Principal Member gives us direct control over these critical parts of the payment chain. For merchants, this can translate into more predictable settlement, improved control over payment performance and a more consistent experience as they expand across markets. It is also an important validation of the financial infrastructure being built at GIFT IFSC. Our focus now is to use this capability responsibly and help businesses move money across borders with greater transparency, efficiency and control.”

Rishi Chhabra, Country Manager, India, Visa, said, “We are pleased to welcome Glomo as a Principal Member of the Visa network. As Indian businesses expand across borders, trusted and secure payment infrastructure becomes critical to enabling commerce that is seamless, reliable and resilient. Visa’s global payments network, built on decades of trust, security and scale, will play a crucial role in supporting this evolution by helping merchants accept payments confidently, manage risk effectively and serve customers across markets. Glomo’s direct participation in the Visa network strengthens merchant acquiring capabilities from GIFT IFSC and expands access to secure, globally connected payment solutions for businesses with cross-border ambitions. We look forward to working with Glomo as it develops solutions for merchants and enterprises with international payment requirements.”

Visa’s Principal Membership further enables Glomo to manage the commercial and operational aspects of acquiring directly rather than processing transactions through another institution’s acquiring licence. This provides the company greater control over merchant onboarding, payment processing, settlement, risk policies and the overall merchant experience. It can also help reduce unnecessary foreign exchange conversion costs and limitations associated with intermediary-led processing.

The announcement comes at a time when more Indian businesses are expanding internationally and seeking a robust payment infrastructure that can seamlessly manage multiple currencies, banking systems and regulatory requirements. Glomo is committed toward building a unified financial platform that brings together global payment collection, payouts, treasury management, outward remittances, identity verification and compliance infrastructure for businesses operating across markets.

The partnership reflects Sun Phu Quoc Airways’ strategic intent to establish cargo as a key pillar of its commercial growth, backed by technology that is purpose-built for the demands of the modern air freight industry. SmartKargo’s platform will equip the airline with end-to-end cargo capabilities, delivered through a single, unified cloud architecture.

As Sun Phu Quoc Airways continues to expand its international network and strengthen Phu Quoc's role as a new aviation gateway in the region, cargo will become an increasingly important contributor to network efficiency, commercial growth and long-term operational competitiveness. The airline's introduction of Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft from September 2026 will significantly increase belly cargo capacity across its international routes — making the deployment of a robust, scalable cargo management platform a strategic priority at this stage of growth. The deployment of SmartKargo also represents another milestone in the airline's broader digital transformation journey, supporting its ambition to become a five-star international airline.

Vietnam’s air cargo sector is experiencing accelerating growth, underpinned by the country’s booming export economy, rapid e-commerce adoption, and its emergence as a strategic manufacturing and logistics hub in Southeast Asia. By anchoring its cargo operations on the SmartKargo platform from inception, Sun Phu Quoc Airways is positioning itself to capture this momentum with the agility, operational precision, and commercial intelligence that the market demands.

Truong Ngo Quoc, Chief Information Officer, Sun Phu Quoc Airways, said,“We are building Sun Phu Quoc Airways’ cargo business with a clear mandate: to be technology-led, commercially agile, and ready to scale. After a rigorous evaluation, SmartKargo stood out as the partner that could not only meet our requirements today but grow with us as our network and ambitions expand. Their platform gives us the digital infrastructure to compete on a regional and global stage, and we look forward to bringing a new standard of cargo excellence to Vietnam’s aviation market.”

Olivier Houri, Chief Revenue Officer, SmartKargo, said,“Southeast Asia represents one of the most dynamic and high-potential air cargo markets in the world, and Vietnam sits at the very heart of that opportunity. We are proud to partner with Sun Phu Quoc Airways as they chart an ambitious course for their cargo business. This agreement is a testament to our shared belief that technology is the most powerful lever for building a cargo operation that is both commercially competitive and operationally excellent. We are committed to being the platform that powers their success.”

About SmartKargo
SmartKargo empowers airlines and small package shippers with the technology platform to leverage the speed only an airline can provide. Whether it's a cargo company shipping from Miami to Bogota, or a retailer looking to send a package from New York to Los Angeles – SmartKargo is the innovative solution that enables shippers to battle the status quo. With deep expertise in air cargo, technology, and e-commerce, SmartKargo enables airlines to open new revenue streams through e-commerce package shipping and delivery. SmartKargo is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with key offices in India, the Philippines, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Canada.

Learn more at: www.smartkargo.com

About Sun Phu Quoc Airways
Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) is Vietnam's premium full-service airline, launched by Sun Group in November 2025. With Phu Quoc as its strategic hub, the airline is building an international network connecting Vietnam with key destinations across Asia, including Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok, with further expansion planned to Malaysia, India, Japan, Russia and Kazakhstan, while delivering a five-star "Resort in the Sky" experience on every flight. Alongside passenger services, SPA is developing cargo as a strategic business pillar, supported by digital innovation and operational excellence.

For more information, visit: www.sunphuquocairways.com/gl/en.

The RAG Holdings Team celebrates its Great Place to Work Certification, recognizing a workplace culture built on trust, collaboration and shared success

Awarded entirely on confidential employee feedback, the Great Place to Work Certification recognizes organizations that consistently foster trust, collaboration, inclusivity, and professional growth.

For RAG Holdings, this recognition represents more than a workplace achievement—it reflects a philosophy that has guided the organization since its inception: Building great businesses starts with great people.

As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's leading destinations for entrepreneurship, innovation, and foreign investment, RAG Holdings believes that exceptional businesses are built on two foundations: an environment where companies can thrive and a culture where people can flourish.

Today, RAG Holdings has evolved beyond traditional business setup by creating a comprehensive business growth ecosystem. Through its network of premium business centres and flexible office spaces across Dubai, combined with integrated corporate services, RAG empowers entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and multinational organizations with everything they need to establish, operate and expand successfully in the UAE.

Its ecosystem includes premium office spaces, coworking environments, meeting facilities, Mainland and Free Zone company formation, PRO services, Golden Visa support, accounting and bookkeeping, corporate compliance, trademark registration, and strategic business advisory-all delivered through a seamless, client-centric experience.

“At RAG Holdings, we have always believed that our greatest investment is our people. This certification is particularly meaningful because it comes directly from the voices of our employees. It reflects the culture we have built together-one founded on trust, collaboration, learning and shared success. As we continue expanding our Business Growth Ecosystem and supporting entrepreneurs from around the world, our people will remain our greatest strength.” Rassal Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, RAG Holdings.

The Great Place to Work® Certification™ marks another significant milestone in RAG Holdings' journey as it continues to redefine how businesses establish and grow in the UAE.

More than a provider of business services, RAG Holdings has built an integrated ecosystem that supports businesses throughout every stage of their journey, from securing premium office infrastructure and launching operations to managing compliance, accessing strategic advisory, expanding into new markets and building long-term business success.

The milestone was celebrated with employees, founder & CEO Rassal Ahmed and the leadership team, recognizing the people whose passion and dedication continue to drive the organization forward. The celebration was further made memorable with a congratulatory message from Dr. Shashi Tharoor to the entire RAG team.

The company believes that exceptional employee experiences create exceptional client experiences. By continuously investing in its people, leadership, and workplace culture, RAG Holdings strengthens its ability to deliver outstanding service while contributing to Dubai's vision of becoming the world's preferred destination for entrepreneurs and global businesses.

As RAG Holdings continues its regional expansion, the company remains committed to attracting exceptional talent, developing future leaders and building a workplace culture that inspires innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth.

About RAG Holdings

RAG Holdings is a leading business growth ecosystem enabling entrepreneurs and enterprises to establish, operate and scale in the Dubai, India, Qatar & Singapore.

At the heart of its ecosystem are three flagship business centres across Dubai:

• RAG Global Business Hub – Al Qusais

• RAG Biz HQ – Sheikh Zayed Road

• RAG Tower – Al Barsha

Together, these flagship business centres provide premium office spaces, flexible workspaces, coworking environments, meeting facilities and business infrastructure designed to help entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and multinational companies build a strong presence in the UAE.

Complementing its workspace ecosystem, RAG delivers an integrated portfolio of business solutions including Mainland and Free Zone company formation, PRO services, Golden Visa solutions, accounting and bookkeeping, corporate compliance, trademark registration and strategic business advisory,providing everything businesses need to establish, operate and grow under one roof.

Driven by innovation, operational excellence and a people-first philosophy, RAG Holdings is redefining how entrepreneurs and enterprises build, grow and expand in one of the world's most dynamic business destinations.

About Great Place to Work®

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and leadership behaviours proven to drive business performance. Great Place to Work® Certification™ is awarded based entirely on confidential employee feedback and is recognised globally as one of the most credible employer recognitions.

Guaranteed news postings on USA Today
 

Through new strategic agreements, Media OutReach Newswire now provides clients with guaranteed online postings in flagship American media outlets like USA Today, Yahoo Finance, and The Associated Press, alongside more than 650 trusted news sites with domain authority. This latest service upgrade specifically targets guaranteed online news postings in media with domain authority to empower AI visibility. By combining distribution with JSON-LD Schema Markup that provides context and meaning to the press release for search engines and AI models to interpret its content accurately, Media OutReach Newswire's press release distribution structures answers for AI discoverability and AI citation. Media OutReach Newswire's press release distribution service has been helping companies and government agencies to actively build their AI visibility.

Media OutReach Newswire guarantees news release placements in the official, public-facing press release section of USA Today. With a Domain Authority (DA) rated between 92 and 94 out of 100, USA Today ranks as one of the most trusted news sources for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Attracting more than 120.5 million unique monthly visitors, this integration delivers the public visibility necessary to build client brand credibility and trust on a national stage. Additionally, the newswire has secured guaranteed news postings on real local and regional news websites, including The Arizona Republic, Detroit Free Press, Indianapolis Star, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Tennessean, and The Oklahoman.

"By improving the quality of our guaranteed news postings on trusted, Google-indexed news sites with domain authority, coupled with the direct delivery of press releases to journalists' inboxes, Media OutReach Newswire has successfully helped many Asian corporations to build their brand reputation in the US market," said Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire.

"We are pleased to have built a USA press release distribution network that focuses exactly on what PR professionals need, a distribution that reaches journalists and provides quality news postings on real media. Our comprehensive journalist database built by in-house media researchers covers more than 500 trade news categories and 65,000 journalists and editors across quality media titles. This has helped our clients secure earned media coverage and journalist inquiries from business, technology, ESG, automotive, travel, and many other media sectors in the USA. In addition, Media OutReach Newswire's partnership with The Associated Press delivers clients' news releases directly into newsrooms across the United States," added Jennifer.

Earned media coverage
 

Over the years, the newswire has cultivated brand trust with journalists at USA media outlets who actively engage with its client releases. Through its Media and Journalist Insights, Media OutReach Newswire is able to report on how many journalists by publication in the USA have opened its clients' press releases and the earned media write ups achieved.

Media and Journalist Insights per release

Through its Total PR and Communications Solution, Media OutReach Newswire's global distribution network delivers client press releases directly to journalists, guarantees verbatim news postings on trusted news sites with domain authority to empower SEO and GEO, and provides post-release reports packed with data insights and PR Campaign Intelligence that tracks performance over time.

PR Intelligence Report for all releases

This total solution addresses the needs of PR and communication professionals from press release distribution through to reporting with data insights and PR Campaign Intelligence across both in-country and global PR campaigns. It has been entrusted by hundreds of clients in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and across APAC to expand their business and brand awareness overseas to markets in Canada, USA, UK & Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, ASEAN, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Gulf States and Africa.

About Media OutReach Newswire

Media OutReach Newswire is Asia Pacific's first global newswire, serving as a trusted partner to media, corporations, agencies and governments across the region and the globe.

Founded in 2009 as a champion of the PR industry, Media OutReach Newswire leverages AI and SaaS technology to redefine press release distribution with a Total PR and Communications Solution. The newswire is focused on its core service of delivering press releases to journalists and editors in targeted media, posting client news releases on real media sites with domain authority (DA), and providing post release reports with data insights along with PR Campaign Intelligence that tracks performance over time. In March 2026, the newswire integrated JSON-LD Schema Markup into its online news postings to empower AI visibility for its clients.

With a global network of over 200,000 journalists and editors, 70,000+ media titles, 1,500+ media partners, and more than 40 languages, Media OutReach Newswire's focus on providing guaranteed verbatim posting on real media sites powers SEO and GEO for building brand trust and AI visibility, as press releases published on authentic media with domain authority are trusted by search engines and AI models.

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Agentforce Sales brings structure and visibility to the revenue engine. Instead of relying on spreadsheets, manual updates or one individual to maintain customer records, businesses get a real-time view of every lead, opportunity and pipeline. Automated lead assignment, workflow automation and mobile access help sales teams move faster, while built-in AI capabilities—including opportunity scoring, forecasting and intelligent recommendations—help teams focus on the opportunities that matter most without requiring specialist expertise.

For many SMBs, the biggest challenge isn't adopting new technology—it's getting people to use it. That's where Slack becomes a powerful advantage. Already familiar and loved by many growing businesses, Slack has evolved beyond team messaging to become the "work operating system" where employees collaborate, make decisions and keep work moving. From sales and customer support to HR, IT, operations and external collaboration, teams work together in one place. For smaller businesses, where employees wear multiple hats, every hour saved has an outsized impact on productivity and growth.

Tableau completes the picture by turning business data into actionable insights. Rather than waiting for static reports or manually compiled spreadsheets, founders and business leaders can monitor pipeline health, revenue trends and business performance through live, mobile-friendly dashboards. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes analytics accessible to every business user, while native connectivity with Salesforce provides real-time visibility into sales performance without the complexity of separate data warehouses or extensive integration projects.

Together, Agentforce Sales, Slack and Tableau create a connected operating system for growth—helping Indian SMBs sell smarter, collaborate faster and make confident decisions, all from a single platform that can be deployed in just four-six weeks. The SMB Growth Kit will be available immediately and includes structured onboarding, hands-on setup and post-go-live support. Teams can adopt AI-ready systems without turning implementation into another operational burden. The offering will be delivered in collaboration with select Salesforce reseller partners across India, helping ensure SMB customers receive a consistent onboarding, implementation and go-live experience.

Additional Comments on the News:

Mankiran Chowhan, Managing Director, Salesforce India, said, “India’s SMBs are moving quickly toward AI, but ambition alone is not enough. Many businesses are investing in AI, but far fewer have implemented it because their customer data, team conversations and business insights are still scattered. SMB Growth Kit gives growing businesses one connected system where sales activity, team conversations and live insights work together — helping teams act with more confidence, fewer blind spots and less guesswork.”

Swaroop Kaja, RVP - Sales, Salesforce India, said, “We launched SMB Growth Kit to give growing businesses one connected way to run sales, collaborate on deals and understand business performance in real time. With Agentforce Sales, Slack and Tableau working together, teams can spend less time chasing updates and more time moving customers forward. That is the immediate value: clearer pipeline, faster decisions and fewer blind spots. As these businesses grow, that connected data foundation also gives them a stronger base for using AI in ways that are trusted, useful and grounded in the reality of their business.”

Availability

SMB Growth Kit is available in India for small and medium businesses, exclusively through select Salesforce reseller partners. Salesforce teams support customers with structured onboarding, hands-on setup and post-go-live support, with businesses designed to be live and operational within four-six weeks of starting.

*Salesforce, the #1 CRM, powered by AI technology and capabilities.

About Salesforce

Salesforce helps organizations of any size become agentic enterprises - integrating humans, agents, apps, and data on a trusted, unified platform to unlock unprecedented growth and innovation.

Visit www.salesforce.com/in/ for more information.

Disclaimer: Pricing and packaging are subject to change. Availability may vary by region and is governed by customer agreements. Customers should base purchasing decisions on products and services currently available.

ANHAD Group Enters the Delhi-NCR Real Estate Market, Building on a Legacy of Over Three Decades

Today, ANHAD Group marks a significant milestone by entering the Delhi-NCR real estate sector through ANHAD Developers, bringing with it the same values that have defined its success for over three decades.

The Group’s transition into real estate is a natural evolution of its enduring philosophy: building with transparency, creating long-term value, and delivering with unwavering commitment.

Every development by ANHAD Developers will be guided by a customer-first approach, sustainable planning, superior quality, and timely execution.

Leading this vision, Mr. Pramesh Singh, Chairman, ANHAD Group, said: “Gurugram is one of India’s most dynamic and discerning real estate markets, where quality and credibility are valued above all else. Our entry into this sector is driven by a simple yet unwavering commitment - to deliver transparency, uncompromising quality, and projects completed on time. At ANHAD Developers, we aspire to build not just exceptional developments, but lasting trust an enduring relationships with our customers.”

ANHAD Developers aims to create iconic developments distinguished by thoughtful architecture, sustainable design, meticulous planning, and worldclass execution. Every project will reflect the Group’s long-standing philosophy of responsible growth while creating enduring value for customers and stakeholders alike.

Recognising Gurugram as India’s most vibrant luxury real estate destination, ANHAD Developers has established its corporate headquarters at Worldmark, Gurugram, and is assembling a highly experienced leadership team committed to redefining benchmarks in the sector.

As part of its initial growth strategy, the company is developing three flagship projects comprising a luxury residential development, a premium plotted township, and a landmark high-street commercial destination. Together, these projects represent an estimated development value of approximately INR 7,000 crore.

Every ANHAD development will be driven by four uncompromising principles:

• Prime and strategically connected locations

• Exceptional quality and craftsmanship

• Timely delivery with complete transparency

• Long-term value creation for homeowners and investors

With the strength of a trusted legacy and a clear vision for the future, ANHAD Developers is poised to emerge as a distinguished name in Delhi-NCR’s premium real estate landscape -building spaces that inspire confidence, enrich lifestyles, and stand the test of time.

L-R: Nitin Jain, Chairman & MD, Neo Group, Shajikumar Devakar, Co-Founder & CEO, Neo Wealth, Puneet Jain, Co-Founder & CIO, Neo Asset, Varun Bajpai, Co-Founder, Neo Group, Hemant Daga, Co-Founder & CEO, Neo Asset

Neo Group has built a differentiated and institutionalised Wealth and Asset Management platform in India. With nearly INR 3,000 Crore of equity capital, approximately INR 1,30,000 Crore of total client assets, and INR 50,000 Crore of annualised recurring revenue (ARR) assets, the platform today operates across 30+ cities through a team of over 850 professionals – including 150+ of the most respected senior Wealth Advisors in the country, drawn exclusively from the highest tiers of leading global private banking institutions.

Neo Group is a uniquely knowledge-driven, super specialised platform, with an unparalleled depth of management in the wealth and asset management industry, anchored in a hi-trust, hi-touch, hi-tech model. 

Neo’s wealth management advisory franchise combines deep investment expertise with a cutting-edge technology platform, ensuring clients have direct access to seasoned specialists with decades of experience in their respective fields. Their asset management platform complements this with a dedicated team of exceptional fund managers delivering strong performance across alternative investment strategies – Private Credit, Infrastructure, and Private Equity. This is precisely the kind of institution that India's rapidly expanding base of wealth creators demands.

Commenting on the development, Nitin Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Neo Group, said, "Our objective has always been to build an enduring institution with strong governance, disciplined capital allocation, and client-first alignment. This fundraise gives us the capital and long-term partnership to keep building for the future – investing in talent, technology, and new product capabilities as we expand our presence across India."

“We have believed in Neo’s vision from the early days, and continue to be impressed by the strength of the platform Nitin and the team are building. As India’s wealth management market evolves and demand for more sophisticated financial solutions grows, Neo stands out for its deep advisory talent, institutional approach, and strong client alignment. The scale they have built in a short span reflects both strong execution and the opportunity ahead. We’re excited to deepen our partnership as they continue building for the long term,” said Sakshi Chopra, MD, Peak XV Partners. 

Peak XV's latest commitment follows TVS Capital's recent INR 550 Crore investment in Neo Group – together reflecting the sustained and growing conviction of India's most discerning institutional investors in the platform. With the foundations of an enduring institution firmly in place, Neo Group now enters its next substantial stage of growth.

About Neo Group 

Neo is an integrated wealth and asset management platform serving family offices, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, high-net-worth individuals, institutions and corporates. The Group manages approximately INR 1,30,000 crore in total client assets across Assets Under Advice and Assets Under Management (as of June 30, 2026). Headquartered in Mumbai, Neo has a presence across key locations in India, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa and Jaipur, as well as an overseas presence in the United States. The Group has a team of more than 850 professionals. Neo offers capabilities across wealth management, asset management, private markets, fixed income, global investments, insurance, and estate planning.

For more information, please visit www.neo.group.