Hyundai Motor India Launches The New Hyundai EXTER Knight With Exclusive Black Styling

* More than 1,00,000 units of the Knight range sold since introduction in 2022

* New Hyundai EXTER Knight amplifies the SUV’s bold stance with exclusive blacked-out exterior styling elements

* Distinctive all-black interior theme with striking brass accents, exclusive black semi-fabric seat upholstery and amber colour footwell ambient lighting

* R15 (D=380.2 mm) sporty black alloy wheels with red brake calipers (front) and black emblems to enhance its confident road presence

* Offered across HX 6 1.2 l Kappa Petrol MT, HX 6 1.2 l Kappa Petrol AMT, HX 6 1.2 l Bi-fuel Kappa Petrol with CNG and HX 10 1.2 l Kappa Petrol AMT variants

* Available in five colour options: Titanium Black, Atlas White, Starry Night, Titan Grey and Golden Bronze

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) today announced the launch of the new Hyundai EXTER Knight, a bold and sporty black-themed avatar of the brand’s popular compact SUV. Building on the success of Hyundai's Knight range, which has surpassed 1,00,000 cumulative sales since its introduction in 2022, the new Hyundai EXTER Knight combines bold black styling, smart technology, comprehensive safety and comfort with exclusive dark-themed design elements that enhance its visual appeal and commanding road presence.

Crafted for young urban explorers who value distinctive design and bold SUV styling, the new Hyundai EXTER Knight brings together exclusive exterior and interior enhancements that accentuate its bold SUV character while maintaining the practicality, versatility and feature-rich proposition of the new Hyundai EXTER.

Speaking on the launch of the new Hyundai EXTER Knight, Mr. Amit Dhaundiyal, Head, Product Strategy & Planning, HMIL, said “Since its launch, the Hyundai EXTER has emerged as a strong choice for customers seeking a stylish, feature-rich and dependable SUV. The introduction of the new Hyundai EXTER Knight will further enhance its bold SUV character through a distinctive all-black theme, striking brass detailing and exclusive design elements. Our Knight range has received an overwhelming response from customers across our product portfolio, with over 1,00,000 Knight vehicles sold since its introduction. The new Hyundai EXTER Knight reflects HMIL’s commitment to offering differentiated products that resonate with evolving customer aspirations and lifestyles.”

What Makes the Hyundai EXTER Knight Stand Out?

The Hyundai EXTER Knight further enhances the SUV's bold stance through exclusive blacked-out exterior elements and distinctive styling enhancements.

Exterior Highlights:

Matte Black EXTER Logo (Front & Rear)

Matte Black Hyundai Logo (Front & Rear)

Dark Grey Bumper Garnish (Front & Rear)

Dark Grey Side Sill Garnish

R15 (D=380.2 mm) Sporty Black Alloy Wheels*

R15 (D=380.2 mm) Dark Grey Styled Steel Wheels*

Red Brake Calipers (Front)

Exclusive Knight Emblem

The combination of blacked-out elements, dark grey accents and red front brake calipers gives the Hyundai EXTER Knight a more distinctive road presence while further emphasizing its bold and confident SUV character.

How Does the Hyundai EXTER Knight Elevate the Cabin Experience?

Inside, the Hyundai EXTER Knight introduces an all-black interior theme crafted to deliver a more distinctive cabin ambience. Brass accents add a striking contrast across key touchpoints, further enhancing its exclusive Knight character.

Interior Highlights:

All Black Interiors with Brass Accents

Exclusive Black Semi-Fabric Seat Upholstery

Amber Colour Footwell Lighting*

Black D-Cut Steering Wheel*

These enhancements create a bold, driver-focused environment while complementing the sporty and commanding personality of the Hyundai EXTER Knight.

What are the Powertrain options offered in the Hyundai EXTER Knight?

The Hyundai EXTER Knight is powered by a refined 4-cylinder 1.2 l Kappa Petrol engine, available with Hyundai’s proven Petrol and Hy-CNG Duo powertrain options. Built to complement its bold SUV character, it delivers confident performance, dependable efficiency and everyday versatility, making it equally ready for city drives, open-road journeys and spontaneous weekend adventures.

Powertrain Options:

1.2 l Kappa Petrol engine with 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

1.2 l Kappa Petrol engine with Smart Auto AMT

1.2 l Bi-fuel Kappa Petrol with CNG and 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

What Colour Options Are Available on the Hyundai EXTER Knight?

The Hyundai EXTER Knight is offered in five colour options.

Titanium Black

Atlas White

Starry Night

Titan Grey

Golden Bronze

What Variants and Pricing Options Are Available for the Hyundai EXTER Knight?

Variant	Engine	Transmission	Price
HX 6 Knight	1.2 l Kappa petrol	MT	8 13 500
		AMT	8 73 500
	1.2 l Bi-fuel Kappa petrol with CNG	MT	9 09 500
HX 10 Knight	1.2 l Kappa petrol	AMT	9 60 500

Log on to hyundai.co.in for more informatio

Uber Drives Deeper Into Indian Market With Entry Into 100 More Cities

* Expansion with Uber Bike takes total city count to 225 cities

Uber has announced one of its largest expansions in India, bringing its services to 100 more cities and taking its footprint to 225 cities across the country. Powered by Uber Bike, the expansion takes affordable, reliable mobility deeper into smaller-town India while creating new flexible earning opportunities for tens of thousands of local drivers.

From Jammu in the north to Tirunelveli in the south, Silchar in the east to Jamnagar in the west, Uber will begin by launching Uber Bike operations across the new cities, providing an affordable option for everyday journeys and first- and last-mile connectivity. The expansion spans 18 states and one Union Territory, significantly deepening Uber's presence beyond large Indian cities.

Marking the expansion around India's Independence Day, Uber is also giving first-time riders across the country their first Uber ride free for a limited period, inviting more Indians to experience the convenience, transparency and safety features of app-based mobility that have helped make Uber one of India’s most loved mobility apps.

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon'ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, said: "India's growing road network is connecting smaller cities and unlocking new economic opportunities. I congratulate Uber on expanding to 100 more cities, bringing affordable mobility to more Indians while creating livelihood opportunities for thousands of people. The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 provide states with a clear path to embrace bike taxis and other new mobility solutions and I urge states to adopt the Guidelines and enable affordable first- and last-mile connectivity for their citizens while boosting livelihood creation at scale. Uber's partnership with the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan reflects the importance of ensuring that growth in mobility goes hand-in-hand with safer roads."

Rishant Ghosh, Director - Consumer & Growth, Uber India & South Asia, said: "Expanding to 100 new cities marks an important milestone as we take Uber deeper into India and strengthen access to reliable, affordable mobility to millions. The aspiration for convenient mobility is no different in a smaller city than it is in a major metro city, and we are investing to meet that demand. Uber Bike is particularly well suited to these markets, offering an affordable and convenient option for everyday journeys while creating flexible earning opportunities for local drivers. As we cross 220 cities in India, we remain excited about the opportunity to serve millions more across the country.”

The expansion builds on the growing role of two-wheelers in India's everyday mobility. For riders, Uber Bike offers an affordable way to travel short distances, navigate traffic congestion and connect to public transport. For drivers, it provides a low-barrier way to access flexible earning opportunities using an asset many already own.

Bike is also part of Uber's broader ambition to build a multimodal mobility platform for India, giving consumers greater choice based on how, when and where they need to travel - from Bike and Auto for everyday journeys to cars, airport rides and Intercity, alongside integrations with public transport.

Every Uber Bike trip is backed by Uber's suite of in-app safety features, including Realtime Driver ID Check, an in-app SOS Button, Share Trip Status and Uber's 24x7 Safety Line, helping riders travel with greater confidence.

Your first ride is on us

As part of its Independence Day celebrations, new riders across the country can enjoy their first Uber ride free* for a limited period.

How to book an Uber Bike

Download or open the Uber app

Enter your pickup and drop-off destination

Select Uber Bike from the available ride options

Confirm your ride and get matched with a nearby driver

Track your ride in real time through the Uber app

*Terms and conditions apply.

About Uber

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. Over a decade later, Uber is live in more than 125 cities and has become #IndiaKiRide - helping millions move the way they need to, every day. From Bikes and Autos to Cars, Metros, and even Buses, Uber brings together India’s diverse mobility options on a single app. Whether it’s a short trip across town or a journey between cities, with a single swipe Uber makes everyday mobility seamless for millions - while enabling more than 2 million Indians to earn a sustainable income behind the wheel. As we continue to reimagine how the world moves for the better, our ambition keeps expanding, and our commitment remains unwavering: to keep India moving forward.

Most GCC Leaders Cite Talent Upskilling As Critical To Maintaining Competitive Advantage Over The Next Four Years: Survey

* 72% of GCCs believe they must upskill more than 40% of their workforce to maximise their value.

Nearly 90% of India's Global Capability Centre (GCC) leaders are confident about retaining their global leadership position through 2030 but cite unresolved talent and skill gaps across AI and sector-specific knowledge as risks that could retard growth, according to PwC India-FICCI’s study titled, “Navigating the skills imperative for India's GCCs in the AI era.”

The report, based on a survey of 200 senior GCC executives across eight industries, finds that GCC leaders believe workforce upskilling is an urgent requirement. At least 72% of GCCs across sectors and sizes must reskill or upskill over 40% of their workforce. This entails enterprise-wide scale, not incremental programmes. Most GCCs currently allocate 3–5% of operating budgets to talent development. However, an overwhelming 94% believe investments must rise to at least 6%, with more than a quarter expecting spending to exceed 8%.

Rajesh Ojha, Partner and Leader - GCC Market Segment, PwC India, said, “India's GCC story is at an inflection point. GCCs are increasingly becoming the enterprise nerve centre where strategic decision-making, digital innovation, and AI-led transformation converge to create global business impact. But sustaining this shift will require a fundamental reimagining of workflows, leadership models, and skilling ecosystems. The GCCs that succeed will be those that build composite skills and capabilities, combining frontier AI skills with deep domain knowledge and human judgment.”

As enterprises increasingly deploy AI across core operations, the report finds that GCCs are shifting from being cost-efficient service providers to becoming AI-native intelligence cores with 86% of leaders expecting AI to bring substantial or transformational change to the nature of work by 2030. A blend of frontier AI capabilities (data engineering, machine learning, cybersecurity) and foundational competencies (domain expertise, business judgment, strategic leadership) will be the new competitive advantage.

Raghav Narsalay, Partner and Leader – Research and Insight Hub, PwC India, said: “ AI aspirations are outpacing leadership preparedness, and the gap between hiring talent and making it truly AI-ready needs to be bridged through deliberate, structured, and sector-relevant skilling pathways .”

Key insights from the report:

Top talent supply constraints for GCCs: 62% of leaders cite the absence of professionals combining domain expertise with tech capabilities as the biggest supply-side constraint, followed by intense competition for talent (55%) and a shortage of senior leaders with AI-era strategic competencies (52%).

AI literacy gap at the top: Leadership AI literacy stands at just 27% on average, with over 90% of GCCs reporting that 40% or fewer of their leadership team possess sufficient AI literacy for strategic decision-making.

Sector-specific pressure points: Reskilling needs are steepest in regulated, knowledge-intensive sectors like energy (87%), life sciences (80%), and healthcare (80%), though even the lowest-need sectors (BFSI, TMT, manufacturing) sit near 50%, making it a universal challenge.

Slow time-to-productivity: New hires take an average of 8.69 months to become fully productive and is a friction point which stands between talent ambition and execution.

Policy asks from industry: 57% of leaders want AI and digital modules embedded into engineering and management curricula, while 51% recommend government co-funding of GCC reskilling programmes.

About the report: The findings in this report are based on a primary survey of 200 senior GCC decision-makers, including C-suite executives, business leaders, and GCC heads, spanning eight industries across India's leading GCC hubs. The respondent base skews toward mature GCC operations, with nearly two-thirds representing organisations employing more than 500 professionals, and 45% operating as multi-functional centres of excellence delivering capabilities across multiple service lines. The survey data is supplemented by qualitative interviews with GCC leaders, industry experts, and policymakers, and is supported by PwC India's proprietary analysis of the sector.

About PwC India

At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We’re a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 364,000 people in 136 countries and 137 territories. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help clients build, accelerate, and sustain momentum. Find out more at www.pwc.com.

PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

Tata Motors Limited (Formerly TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd.) Q1 FY27 Announce Robust Revenue And Profit Growth

* Resilient margin delivery despite commodity headwinds

* Standalone Revenue ₹19.3K Cr (+23%), EBITDA ₹2.3K Cr (+17%), PBT (bei) ₹2.1K Cr (+26%) FCF

Tata Motors Ltd. (TML) announced its results for the quarter ending June 30, 2026.

 

Particulars	Standalone*			Consolidated
	Q1 FY26	Q1 FY27	YoY	Q1 FY26	Q1 FY27	YoY
Revenue (Rs. Cr.)	15,682	19,329	3,647 (+23%)	17,324	20,667	3,343 (+19%)
EBITDA %	12.3%	11.7%	(60) bps	11.8%	10.9%	(90) bps
EBIT %	9.6%	9.4%	(20) bps	9.3%	8.5%	(80) bps
PBT (bei) (Rs. Cr.)	1,635	2,057	422 (+26%)	1,684	3,049	1365 (+81%)
FCF (Rs. Cr.)	(1,796)	1,114	2,910	(1,954)	359	2,313

*Including Cummins JO

Summary:

Tata Motors (Standalone) delivered yet another strong quarter with healthy revenue and profitability growth. Quarterly revenue came in at ₹19.3K Cr (+23%), EBITDA at ₹2.3K Cr (+17%) and EBITDA margin at 11.7% (-60 bps). PBT (bei) for the quarter stood at ₹2.1K Cr (+26%) and Profit after tax was ₹1.5K Cr. Despite severe commodity headwinds, the business delivered resilient profitability owing to disciplined pricing, cost efficiency measures and improved operating leverage.

Strong operational performance and continued efficient working capital management resulted in positive Free Cash Flow of ₹1.1K Cr (+₹2.9K Cr) in the first quarter.Net cash for the domestic business stood at ₹7.1K Cr as of June 30, 2026, post dividend payout of ₹1,473 Cr in the quarter. Auto ROCE continues to be robust for the quarter and stood at 68% (72% in FY26).

Consolidated financials: Consolidated revenues for Q1 FY27 stood at ₹20.7K Cr (+19%), EBITDA at ₹2.3K Cr (+10%) and EBITDA margin came in at 10.9% (-90 bps). PBT (bei) for the quarter was ₹3.0K Cr (+81%) and Profit after tax stood at ₹2.6K Cr (+83%), led by mark to market gain on investments in Tata Capital Ltd. As at June 30, 2026, the Company was Net Cash positive at ₹13.5K Cr. This includes TMF Holdings gross debt less market value of TMF Holdings investments in Tata Capital Ltd.

Corporate Actions:

Iveco update: The regulatory approvals are in the final stage, with only one pending approval to be received by the Company. All the queries of the competent authority have been addressed, and the final clearance is expected to be received by end of August 2026. Accordingly, the Tender Offer is expected to be launched in early September 2026 with an expected closure by early November 2026.

Freight Tiger Subsidiarization: Freight Tiger is now a subsidiary with the acquisition of an additional ~18.1% equity stake in May 2026 for ₹95.66 Cr bringing its total holding to ~63.6%. This acquisition is aimed at bringing together FleetEdge and Freight Tiger to forge a comprehensive end-to-end digital ecosystem for the entire logistics value chain, covering both the trucks and the trip ecosystem.

Business Highlights for the quarter:

Total wholesales for Q1 FY27 stood at 108.7K units (+26%)

Domestic & Export volumes were up 26% and 35% YoY respectively

Overall domestic CV VAHAN market share for Q1FY27 stood at 36.8%, growing 100 bps sequentially

Category wise market shares - HCV 56.3%, ILMCV 36.9%, SCV PU 27.7%, CV Passenger 41.3%

Strengthened eCV leadership with over 3,400 electric vehicle orders across segments

Launched Ace Gold+ XL, Intra V40, Intra EV, expanding the SCV portfolio across ICE, CNG and EVs

Initiated deliveries against Indonesia order

Achieved 10 Lakh Commercial Vehicles Production Milestone at Lucknow Plant

Partnered with HPCL to develop a scalable circular economy model for used automotive lubricants

Tata Motors Foundation’s Integrated Village Development Programme reaches nearly 200 villages nationwide

Girish Wagh, MD & CEO, Tata Motors Ltd. said:

"The commercial vehicle industry remained resilient in Q1 FY27, supported by India's strong economic fundamentals, healthy fleet utilization, and sustained demand across key sectors. Tata Motors delivered a strong quarter, with volumes growing 26% year-on-year, driven by a winning portfolio, focused market interventions, and disciplined execution. These efforts helped us strengthen customer preference and further consolidate our market position.

Our ecosystem-led approach to electrification continued to gain momentum, reflected in a growing order pipeline across segments. The eSCV segment recorded its strongest-ever performance, achieving ~10% salience during May and June and ~47% market share in Q1, underscoring the increasing adoption of electric commercial vehicles and the strength of our integrated EV ecosystem.

Looking ahead, supported by a robust product portfolio, continued innovation, and a relentless focus on delivering better customer value, we remain confident of strengthening our market leadership and delivering sustainable, profitable growth in the following quarters."

GV Ramanan, CFO, Tata Motors Ltd. said:

“Q1FY27 was a strong quarter, with healthy growth in revenue, profitability and an EBITDA margin of 11.7% despite severe commodity headwinds amidst geopolitical tensions. Free cash flow for the quarter was robust at ₹1.1K crore. This performance reflects improved business fundamentals, continued working capital management, and sustained financial discipline across the organization. While commodity pressure continues to persist, we remain confident in our ability to navigate the environment through operational efficiencies, pricing discipline, and proactive supply chain management to deliver resilient margins and profitable growth.”  

Indian Bank Disburses ₹1,220 Crore Under Retail, Agriculture And MSME (RAM) Segments

Indian Bank distributed sanction letters aggregating to ₹1,220 crore across the Retail, Agriculture and MSME sectors at a Mega Disbursement and Customer Outreach Camp organised in Mumbai covering the regions of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa as part of its 120th Foundation Day fortnight celebrations.

Shri Binod Kumar, MD & CEO, Indian Bank, inaugurated the camp and handed over sanction tickets to the beneficiaries. Out of the total sanctions, the MSME segment accounted for ₹615 crore underscoring the Bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and the growth of the MSME sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Binod Kumar, MD & CEO, Indian Bank, said, “Indian Bank remains committed to delivering superior customer service while driving transformative initiatives across the RAM segments. Timely and adequate access to credit is critical to enabling individuals, farmers and entrepreneurs to realise their aspirations. These sectors are key drivers of employment generation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth, and we will continue to strengthen our efforts to provide customer-centric financial solutions that support their growth and development.”

The initiative is aligned with the Bank’s strategic objective of strengthening its presence across the RAM segments and contributing to inclusive growth through customer-centric banking, enhanced access to credit, and support for the financial aspirations of individuals, farmers and entrepreneurs.

Bank has undertaken various CSR initiatives across the country as part of the ongoing Foundation Day celebrations. While the Bank donated computers, laptops and essential infrastructure items to Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, financial assistance towards the development of sports activities was provided at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) by Executive Director Ms Mini T.M. in a function held at Cochin.

From Music To Movie Nights: Sony Devices To Elevate Your Monsoon Experience

Monsoon has a way of encouraging us to slow down and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Whether it's settling in for a movie marathon while the rain pours outside, discovering a new playlist during a quiet evening, catching up on your favourite series after work, listening to music on the go between unexpected showers, or stepping out to capture the beauty of the season through photos and videos, the monsoon creates countless opportunities to enjoy and create memorable experiences.

If you're looking to elevate your entertainment experience this monsoon, Sony offers a range of products designed for every way you listen and watch. From immersive televisions and home theatre systems to premium wireless headphones, open-style earbuds, and creator-friendly cameras, these devices combine innovation, comfort, and exceptional performance to help you make the most of every rainy day.

Sony BRAVIA 7 II: There's something special about watching your favourite films or binge-worthy series while it's raining outside. A great television transforms those quiet afternoons into immersive entertainment sessions, bringing every scene to life with remarkable clarity and colour. The Sony BRAVIA 7 II is designed to deliver a truly cinematic viewing experience, making every movie night feel even more memorable.

Powered by Sony's True RGB LED technology featuring RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro™, RGB Triluminos Max™, and the Cognitive Processor XR™, the BRAVIA 7 II delivers vibrant colours, exceptional contrast, and lifelike picture quality. Support for Dolby Vision®, Dolby Atmos®, and IMAX Enhanced further elevates every scene, while Google TV provides seamless access to your favourite streaming platforms, making it easy to enjoy entertainment throughout the season.

Price: INR 2,10,890 onwards

Sony BRAVIA Theatre Trio: A great picture deserves equally impressive sound, especially when you're watching action-packed blockbusters, live concerts, or gripping thrillers. The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Trio is designed to create an expansive audio experience that fills the room without the need for a complicated speaker setup, making it an ideal companion for cosy movie nights during the monsoon.

Featuring 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X®, and Sony's Vertical Surround Engine, the BRAVIA Theatre Trio creates immersive surround sound that makes movies, shows, and music feel more engaging. Its wireless design keeps your entertainment space clean and clutter-free, while seamless integration with compatible BRAVIA televisions further enhances the overall viewing experience.

Price: INR 1,69,990 (limited time offer)

Sony WH-1000XM6: Whether you're working from home, relaxing with your favourite playlist, or catching up on podcasts during your daily commute, uninterrupted listening makes every moment more enjoyable. The Sony WH-1000XM6 combines premium comfort with industry-leading noise cancellation, allowing you to stay immersed in your music wherever the day takes you.

Available in the new Olive Grey finish alongside an array of exciting colour options, the WH-1000XM6 features Sony's advanced HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, adaptive noise cancellation, and high-resolution audio support for an exceptionally detailed listening experience. With long battery life, crystal-clear call quality, and a lightweight, comfortable design, they're built for everything from long work sessions to extended music listening.

Price: INR 49,990

Sony WF-1000XM6: Whether you're listening to music during your commute, catching up on podcasts while working, or simply enjoying some quiet time at home, compact earbuds can make it easier to stay immersed wherever you are. The Sony WF-1000XM6 brings the flagship 1000X listening experience to a truly wireless form factor, combining powerful noise cancellation with high-quality sound in a compact design.

Equipped with an 8.4mm driver unit, DSEE Extreme™, and support for LDAC, the WF-1000XM6 is designed to deliver detailed, high-quality audio across different genres. With Noise Cancelling, Ambient Sound Mode, multipoint connectivity, and up to 8 hours of battery life with Noise Cancelling enabled, the earbuds are well suited for everything from daily commutes and work sessions to relaxed music listening at home. They are also IPX4 water resistant, making them a practical companion during the monsoon season.

Price: INR 35,990

Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION: Some listening experiences are as much about the quality of the sound as they are about the design and comfort of the headphones. The Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION brings a more refined approach to personal audio, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy premium music, movies, and immersive entertainment at home or on the go.

Featuring a 30mm driver unit, DSEE Ultimate™, and support for 360 Upmix across Music, Cinema, and Game modes, the headphones are designed to deliver a spacious sound experience with detailed lows, natural vocals, and clear highs. The 1000X THE COLLEXION also features Sony's 1000X series noise cancelling, Ambient Sound Mode, and multipoint connectivity, while its premium materials, crafted metal accents, and soft vegan leather give it a distinctive finish.

Price: INR 69,990

Sony LinkBuds Clip: Monsoon days don't always mean staying indoors. Whether you're stepping out for a quick coffee, walking through the neighbourhood after the rain, or moving between meetings, it's often important to enjoy your music while remaining aware of what's happening around you. The Sony LinkBuds Clip are designed to offer exactly that balance, making everyday listening feel effortless.

Their lightweight open-style design allows ambient sounds to remain naturally audible while you enjoy your favourite playlists or podcasts. Equipped with a 12 mm driver, Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), multipoint connectivity, and intuitive touch controls, the LinkBuds Clip deliver clear, balanced sound in a compact form factor that's comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.

Price: INR 18,990

Sony ZV-E10 II: From rain-soaked streets and misty landscapes to cosy café corners and spontaneous weekend outings, the monsoon offers countless moments worth capturing. The Sony ZV-E10 II is designed for creators who want to transform everyday experiences into engaging content, combining portability with powerful imaging capabilities that make shooting effortless wherever inspiration strikes.

Powered by a 26MP APS-C Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and Sony's latest BIONZ XR™ image processor, the ZV-E10 II delivers detailed 4K video recording, fast autofocus, and natural colour reproduction. Creator-focused features such as Cinematic Vlog, Creative Looks, and a fully articulating touchscreen make it easy to produce polished content, whether you're filming travel diaries, food reels, or everyday lifestyle moments this monsoon.

Price: INR 87,990

Whether you're unwinding with a blockbuster after a long day, rediscovering your favourite music, capturing the beauty of the season, or creating content inspired by the changing weather, the right technology can transform the way you experience every moment. From immersive home entertainment and premium personal audio to creator-focused cameras built for storytelling, these Sony devices are designed to make every monsoon moment more engaging, creative, and memorable.  

As More Indians Can Afford Premium Experiences, Getting In First Becomes The New Privilege: Kotak

* Demand for concerts, dining experiences and cultural events is growing faster than availability, making certainty of participation increasingly valuable, Kotak Mahindra Bank said.

For years, premium credit cards in India signalled affluent privilege through benefits such as golf access, concierge services, reward points and airport lounge access. These markers mattered when affluence itself was limited.

Kotak Mahindra Bank said that definition of privilege is evolving.

Across entertainment, dining and cultural experiences, affluent consumers are increasingly gravitating towards moments that are exclusive, memorable and difficult to recreate. A favourite artist performing after years, a front-row seat at a concert, or a limited tasting menu carries value that extends beyond the transaction.

The experience remains the aspiration. What has changed is the competition around it.

Experiences are increasingly valued because, unlike most products, they are tied to a specific moment in time. A product can be purchased later. A concert, a chef-led dinner or a cultural performance cannot, according to the bank. Their appeal lies not only in exclusivity, but also in the memories, conversations and stories they create long after the event itself.

As of 2025, India’s live-events market was valued at nearly ₹13,000 crore, and consumer studies continue to suggest a strong preference for spending on experiences over products, according to reports. As more consumers pursue similar experiences, demand is converging around a limited number of events, seats and moments.

When affordability is no longer the constraint

Kotak Mahindra Bank began associating with global artistes and premium live events over three years ago, when international performances in India were still relatively infrequent.

Since then, India has seen a wave of global performers return, in some cases after decades. As the events calendar expanded, a clear pattern emerged: the most sought-after ticket categories routinely sold out first.

Kotak observed this during Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma’s recent tour, where presales for the Mumbai and Delhi shows sold out within 24 hours. The tour attracted nearly one lakh attendees across ten cities.

As demand continues to outpace availability, participation itself is becoming increasingly valuable. In many cases, there are now more people who can afford the experience than there are seats available for it.

Through its interactions with affluent customers, Kotak Mahindra Bank is seeing this shift play out clearly. Experiences that were once occasional indulgences are now planned well in advance, particularly when availability is limited.

The bank said this helps explain why traditional markers such as lounge access, concierge services and golf privileges, while still valued, no longer carry the same signalling power they once did. Their wider availability has reduced their ability to distinguish one customer from another.

How affluent customers are expressing privilege

For Kotak Solitaire customers—an invite-only segment within the bank’s affluent franchise—this trend is particularly visible.

The bank provides pre-sale access across its credit-card portfolio, allowing customers to secure tickets before public sales begin. Demand has influenced ticket allocations as well. While presales typically account for 20–30% of inventory, allocations for select recent events increased to as much as 40%.

Kotak said affluent consumers are placing increasing value on certainty of participation. Securing a place has become an increasingly important part of the experience itself.

“We are seeing affluent customers place greater importance on participating in experiences that feel distinctive, memorable and difficult to recreate,” said Jyoti Samajpati, Head – Affluent & Salaried Proposition, Kotak Mahindra Bank. “As demand around these moments grows, certainty of participation becomes increasingly valuable. Customers want the confidence of knowing they can be part of experiences that matter to them, and access, timing and ease play an important role in enabling that.”

Kotak Mahindra Bank said that as affluence rises and competition around premium experiences intensifies, privilege is evolving—from being able to afford an experience to being assured of a place in it.