Airtel Payments Bank Partners With CSC To Expand Digital Banking And Financial Inclusion Across India

Airtel Payments Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited to strengthen financial inclusion and enable greater access to digital banking and bill payment services across the country. The partnership was formalized during CSC's 17th Foundation Day celebrations in Kolkata.

Through this collaboration, Airtel Payments Bank's banking and digital payment solutions will be made available at CSC's network of over 500,000 Common Service Centres (CSCs), significantly enhancing access to formal financial services for citizens in rural India. Set up by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to oversee the implementation of Government to Citizens (G2C) schemes, CSC e-Governance provides G2C services to citizens through its outlets, known as Common Service Centers.

Customers visiting CSC outlets will now be able to open an Airtel Payments Bank savings account, link their accounts to receive eligible government benefits, and conveniently make utility and other bill payments. The partnership is aimed to accelerating the adoption of digital financial services at the grassroots level.

Mr. Krishna Kumar Singh, Senior Vice-President at CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, said “At CSC, we are committed to ensuring that every citizen, especially in rural and underserved regions, has access to essential services. Our partnership with Airtel Payments Bank strengthens this commitment by bringing secure, convenient, and accessible banking and payment solutions closer to communities across India. Together, we aim to accelerate financial inclusion, simplify digital payments, and enable greater participation in the country's growing digital economy."

Mr. Pranav Kaushal, Chief Sales and Distribution Officer at Airtel Payments Bank said, "This partnership with CSC e-Governance marks an important milestone in our mission to make banking accessible to every citizen, regardless of where they live. For India's digital economy to grow inclusively, formal banking must reach the last mile, anchored by infrastructure that is secure, reliable, and built close to the citizen. By combining CSC's unparalleled grassroots network with our digital banking capability, we are creating a powerful channel to bring banking and digital bill payments within easy reach of millions. Together, we aim to foster trust, financial dignity, and lasting empowerment at the grassroots level."

This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding the reach of India's digital public infrastructure by combining CSC e-Governance's trusted citizen service network with Airtel Payments Bank's digital banking capabilities. Together, the two organisations will create a stronger ecosystem that simplifies access to formal banking, enables seamless delivery of government benefits, and supports the country's vision of a digitally empowered and financially inclusive India.

About Airtel Payments Bank

Airtel Payments Bank offers a diverse range of safe, simple, and rewarding digital banking solutions through its robust digital platforms and extensive network of over 5 lakh active banking points spread across the country. As one of the fastest growing digital banks in the country, it has built a strong and inclusive digital payments system that empowers millions of customers. Airtel Payments Bank is focused on contributing to the Government’s vision of Digital India and Financial Inclusion by taking digital banking services to the doorstep of every Indian.

For more details visit - https://www.airtelpayments.bank.in/      

Flying Flea Expands Retail Footprint In Bengaluru

Bringing the brand closer to its community across the city, Flying Flea, the new city+ electric mobility brand from Royal Enfield, has expanded its customer touchpoints in Bengaluru.

In addition to its first store in Jayanagar, which opened on April 10, 2026, the brand is now adding 10 new retail touchpoints. The swift network expansion comes in response to the exceptional interest in the Flying Flea C6, the first motorcycle from the brand. Strategically located, the new touchpoints will ensure easy accessibility to sales and after-sales support across key areas in Bengaluru. Underscoring Flying Flea’s commitment to building a connected, convenient, and seamless ownership experience, a hub-and-spoke ecosystem has been designed to deliver efficient and reliable service. A dedicated service hub in BTM Layout provides specialised technical support, while multiple spoke centres across Bengaluru cater to routine service and maintenance requirements.

Available in Storm Black and Flea Green colourways, the Flying Flea C6 is priced at ₹2.79 Lakh (ex-showroom); ₹1.99 Lakh (Battery-as-a-Service). Every FF.C6 comes with 24x7 Roadside Assistance.

 

New Flying Flea Touchpoints	Location	Status
Jagadamba Automobiles	Whitefield	Operational
HSR Enterprises	Rajaji Nagar	Operational
Avahan Motors	Kalyan Nagar	Operational
Electronic City Motors	Electronic City	Operational
Kwality Mobikes Private Limited	Banashankari	Operational
Acclaim Motors	Yelahanka	Operational from August 1st week
Ridecraft Ventures Pvt Ltd	Marathahalli	Operational from August 1st week
Shrish Motors LLP	Peenya	Operational from August 1st week
Torqua	Nagarabhavi	Operational from August 1st week
Sai Ram Auto Craft Pvt Ltd	B Narayanpura	Operational from August 1st week
Armour Motors	Kengeri	Operational from August 1st week

 

Inspired by the original Flying Flea of the 1940’s - the modern Flying Flea C6 is thoughtfully reinterpreted for today's rider. It seamlessly blends agility with advanced connected technology, delivering a deeply intuitive riding experience.

Flying Flea is an embodiment of masterful metallurgy, ingenious chemistry and rider-first wizardry where hardware and software work as one seamless organism. Every element of the FF.C6 is crafted not just to look distinctive, but to enhance how the motorcycle feels and functions in the city. While it is underpinned by top-notch engineering and advanced technology, the experience for the rider remains simple, intuitive and effortless. Designed to make urban exploration easy and accessible for people of all abilities, Flying Flea removes complexity without compromising capability. Engineered to connect, adapt and evolve with its rider, Flying Flea transforms technology into a meaningful, everyday advantage.

At its core, the FF.C6 brings together advanced material science, intelligent energy management and performance engineering for a truly exhilarating ride experience. The platform advances performance, intelligence, and connectivity with core components including the motor, battery, BMS, and vehicle control software, enabling deep integration and control. Built from the ground up as a fully optimised, rider-centric electric motorcycle, the FF.C6 delivers a compelling blend of performance, efficiency and neo-vintage design.

Powered by a team of 200+ engineers across India and the UK, and backed by 45+ patent applications, Flying Flea is a true greenfield innovation, developed entirely in-house at the Flying Flea Tech Centre. It is motorcycling-reimagined. In recognition and affirmation of the brand’s ethos, Flying Flea won the prestigious Red Dot Award for the FF.C6 under the ‘Design Concept’ category and the Good Design Award under the Transportation category in 2025.

Flying Flea continues to strengthen its customer-first approach, making electric mobility more accessible while laying the foundation for a robust ownership and service experience. Flying Flea C6 rollout will follow a phased, city-by-city approach.  

South Africa Makes Travel Easier With 48-Hour ETA Visa For Eligible Indian Travellers

From wildlife safaris and the Cape Winelands to scenic drives along the Garden Route and the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa continues to attract Indian travellers looking for a diverse range of experiences. Now, travelling there has become easier with the introduction of South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

The ETA enables eligible Indian passport holders to apply for travel authorization entirely online, with applications intended to be processed within 24 to 48 hours. Introduced for short leisure and work visits (up to 90 days), the digital system streamlines the application process, replacing lengthy paperwork to make the journey from holiday planning to departure faster and more seamless. The ETA is digitally linked to a traveller's passport, allowing eligible visitors to travel to South Africa for tourism and work purposes without the need for a traditional visa sticker, while also supporting multiple entries during its validity period.

Applying is simple. Travellers need to create an account on the official South African Department of Home Affairs ETA portal, take a photo of the passport you will use to travel to South Africa, complete the online application, upload the required documents, verify their identity using smartphone-based biometrics, pay the relevant application fee and submit the application electronically. Once submitted, applicants can track the status of their application online in real time.

The ETA is currently available for travellers arriving through O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport and Lanseria International Airport, with rollout to additional ports of entry to follow in the future. It is available to travellers holding valid ordinary passports who are eligible for the programme and is intended for visitor stays of up to 90 days. The ETA serves as pre-authorization to travel, with final admission completed by South African border authorities upon arrival.

The introduction of the ETA reflects South Africa's continued efforts to create a more efficient and digitally enabled immigration process. Powered by secure biometric verification and automated processing, the platform aims to simplify immigration procedures, while strengthening border security and improving the arrival experience for international visitors.

Commenting on the introduction of the ETA, Ms. Neliswa Nkani Hub Head MEISEA, South African Tourism, said, “Indian travellers are increasingly looking for destinations that combine extraordinary experiences with greater convenience. South Africa's new Electronic Travel Authorisation is an important step towards making travel planning simpler and faster for eligible visitors, allowing them to spend less time navigating paperwork and more time looking forward to everything our country has to offer. From iconic wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage, South Africa is ready to welcome Indian travellers with greater ease than ever before.”

To further support the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), South African Tourism launched a dedicated digital campaign, across its social media platforms this month.

The introduction of the ETA comes as outbound travel from India continues to grow, with travellers increasingly seeking destinations that offer memorable experiences alongside greater convenience. Travellers are encouraged to check their eligibility and complete their application through the official South African Department of Home Affairs ETA portal well ahead of their travel.

SonicWall Research Finds Manufacturing Cybersecurity At A Breaking Point As Factory Floors And Corporate Networks Collide

* New Manufacturing Protect Brief reveals 43 million camera attacks and the highest industrial control attack rate of any industry

SonicWall today released its 2026 Manufacturing Protect Brief, a vertical-specific companion to the SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report.

The findings show that factories are increasingly opening up critical new entry points for hackers. Consequently, while the total volume of cyberattacks on the manufacturing sector has actually decreased, hackers are executing much more precise, highly targeted strikes on these digital gaps.

Manufacturing recorded a 56.2% year-over-year decline in intrusion prevention (IPS) volume in the first half of 2026, the steepest drop of any tracked vertical. But the decline does not reflect reduced risk. Absolute volume remains significant at 474 million events, and as more operational technology connects to IT infrastructure, the attack surface is expanding even as attackers grow more selective about where they strike.

"Manufacturing’s attack surface looks nothing like it did even five years ago, and the security model hasn’t caught up," said Michael Crean, SonicWall SVP of Managed Services. "Every connection added for operational convenience, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, vendor access to production systems, is also a connection an attacker can walk through. A stolen credential shouldn’t be able to reach the production floor, but in most manufacturing environments today, it can."

SonicWall’s Manufacturing Protect Brief draws on data from SonicWall’s global network of more than one million security sensors to document the specific attack patterns, legacy vulnerabilities and ransomware campaigns defining the manufacturing threat landscape in the first half of 2026.

Key Findings from the 2026 SonicWall Manufacturing Protect Brief

The Hikvision IP Camera Command Injection vulnerability (CVE-2021-36260), disclosed in 2021, continued to generate 43 million hits in H1 2026, the single largest IoT attack signature across any industry SonicWall tracks.

IoT attacks were manufacturing’s second-largest attack category by volume, generating 46.2 million hits, with more than half of manufacturing networks detecting exploitation attempts.

Manufacturing recorded the highest SCADA attack detection rate of any tracked vertical.

Ten ransomware families were active against manufacturing networks in H1 2026; the Zhen family alone generated 22.2 million hits concentrated on just two devices, a pattern consistent with an active, ongoing incident rather than a broad campaign.

Apache Log4j2 generated 13.8 million detection events on manufacturing networks, more than four years after the vulnerability was first disclosed.

Unlocked Doors

Between networked security cameras, industrial sensors, and smart building controls, today's factories are packed with connected devices that were never designed with modern security in mind. They run on old software, are rarely patched, and sit on the exact same networks as critical production lines. This means old vulnerabilities never really go away. For example, a well-known Hikvision camera flaw from five years ago is still one of the most common threats detected on factory networks today.

The danger multiplied as companies connected their corporate offices to their physical plant floors to allow for remote monitoring and automated maintenance. Because these networks are linked, a single employee password stolen through a phishing email is often all a hacker needs to jump from the front office straight into the systems that control physical machinery.

"Manufacturing doesn’t have a sophistication problem, it has an architecture problem," continues Crean. "The factory floor is now part of the corporate network. Until we start continuously verifying every user and restricting their access to only the specific apps they need, one stolen password will continue to be enough to shut down a plant."

The Architecture Problem Has a Known Solution

The vulnerabilities documented in the Manufacturing Protect Brief are well understood, and the controls that address them exist. SonicWall Cloud Secure Edge applies Zero Trust principles to every access request, granting application-level access only and continuously re-verifying identity and device posture rather than treating a validated credential as a blanket pass to the network behind it.

For manufacturers managing vendor and maintenance access to production systems, remote monitoring tools and ERP integrations, replacing broad VPN-based access with application-level Zero Trust removes the condition that makes credential compromise consequential: a stolen login no longer grants a path to the systems that run the production floor.

About SonicWall
For more than 30 years, SonicWall has championed a partner-first model that combines purpose-built technology, cloud-delivered security services and real-time threat intelligence to help businesses prevent breaches, reduce risk and stay operational in the face of evolving modern threats. We are committed to deliver the best security outcomes for our customers where others deliver features and functions.  Through its unified cybersecurity portfolio and global community of over 17,000 partners, SonicWall enables managed service providers to actively manage, continuously optimize and measurably protect networks, cloud environments, endpoints and applications. The company is redefining cybersecurity around outcomes that matter to business leaders, including breach prevention, compliance achievement, cost efficiency and reduced human error, because protection is not about what a product can do but about what it actually delivers.

Axis Finance Launches Drishti To Accelerate Data-Led Credit Decisioning

* Configurable digital platform to enhance speed, consistency and data-led decisioning across loan journeys

* Aims to improve turnaround times and strengthen risk oversight across retail and MSME lending

Axis Finance Limited (AFL), one of India’s fast-growing non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), today announced the launch of Axis Finance Drishti, its in-house Business Rules Engine (BRE). The platform is designed to bring greater speed, consistency and intelligence to credit decision-making. In its first phase, Drishti has been rolled out for Personal Loans, Business Loans, Loan Against Property and Disha Home Loans.

Developed as a configurable digital platform, Drishti enables automated and policy-driven credit assessments by combining underwriting workflows with data-led insights and statistical scorecards. The platform incorporates real-time decisioning, dynamic policy implementation and integration with multiple data sources including alternate data to support both straight-through processing (STP) and assisted credit journeys.

The initiative has been introduced in alignment with AFL’s core strategy, ‘Grow the Good’, to strengthen its digital lending & technical capabilities and enhance the overall borrowing experience for customers. It is expected to drive operational excellence by enabling faster, smarter and more scalable credit decisioning, improving efficiency while delivering a more seamless and frictionless loan journey.

With Drishti, AFL aims to bring greater standardization to credit evaluation, thereby enhancing consistency and governance in lending decisions. This marks a key step in Axis Finance’s ongoing focus on leveraging technology and analytics to simplify lending processes while reinforcing disciplined risk management and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the development, Sai Giridhar, MD & CEO, Axis Finance Limited, said, “At Axis Finance, our focus is on building a more agile and analytics enabled lending ecosystem. With the launch of Axis Finance Drishti, we are strengthening our ability to deliver faster, more consistent credit decisions by embedding intelligence, advance analytics and automated credit workflows into our core decisioning frameworks, while maintaining strong governance and risk discipline. As we scale, investments in such capabilities will be critical to enhancing customer experience, improving portfolio quality and supporting sustainable portfolio growth.”

Axis Finance continues to prioritise customer experience through ongoing investments in technology and process improvements. Over the past year, the Company has introduced initiatives such as ABC Scorecards to enhance objectivity in credit assessment and an AI-assisted quality monitoring framework for collection, reinforcing fair and transparent customer interactions. Together, these efforts reflect AFL’s focus on combining analytics, technology and governance to drive more efficient and customer-centric lending journeys.

About Axis Finance Limited

AFL was incorporated in India on 27th April 1995 and is a subsidiary of Axis Bank. It is a non-deposit accepting non-banking finance company (NBFC) regulated by the RBI.

AFL is a diversified, AAA rated NBFC serving Retail, MSME and Corporates with a clear focus on lending to India’s enterprise ecosystem. On the retail front, AFL offers a diversified suite of products including Loans Against Property, Personal Loans, Business Loans, Shakti M-LAP, Disha-HL, Home Loans, Kushal Loans and Vyapar Loans. In the MSME segment, the Company operates through its dedicated Retail Banking Group (RBG), Business Banking Group (BBG), and SME verticals. The corporate portfolio includes Collateralized Lending, Corporate Financing, and Real Estate Funding.

www.axisfinance.in

Godrej Enterprises Group Strengthens Advanced Tooling Capabilities To Support Automotive Manufacturing Landscape

As India's automotive industry advances towards greater localisation, next-generation mobility platforms, and increasingly sophisticated manufacturing processes, Godrej Enterprises Group's Tooling business is strengthening its advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities to support the evolving requirements of OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. With over 85% of its business linked to the automotive sector, the company partners with customers across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and electric vehicle platforms through high-precision tooling solutions. Today, 95% of the tooling supplied to automotive customers is manufactured locally, reflecting the growing capabilities of India's domestic tooling ecosystem.

Government initiatives such as Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, coupled with a growing emphasis on supply chain resilience, are encouraging manufacturers to increase local sourcing and reduce dependence on imports. Godrej Enterprises Group's Tooling business supports customers through a wide range of solutions, including press tools, die-casting dies, and precision tooling systems, helping manufacturers achieve high levels of productivity, quality, and operational efficiency. Beyond automotive, the business also caters to sectors such as industrial machinery, railways, metro rail, and defence manufacturing, contributing to India's broader manufacturing ecosystem.

Mr. Pankaj Abhyankar, Business Head – Tooling, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, "India's automotive industry is evolving rapidly, driven by localisation, changing mobility technologies, and the need for greater manufacturing agility. As vehicle architectures become more advanced, tooling is playing an increasingly important role in enabling precision, productivity, quality, and faster product development cycles. Our focus remains on building advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities that help customers meet these evolving requirements while supporting India's manufacturing ambitions."

To address emerging industry needs, the business is expanding its adoption of advanced technologies including digital simulations, additive manufacturing, IoT-enabled monitoring systems, and large-tonnage die capabilities. The company is also leveraging specialised manufacturing technologies such as vacuum-assisted systems, thermo-regulation technologies, squeeze casting, and conformal cooling solutions to meet evolving performance, productivity, and quality requirements.

The Indian tooling industry is expected to witness steady growth over the coming years, driven by investments in automotive manufacturing, electric mobility, infrastructure development, and defence production. As manufacturers continue to localise supply chains and introduce next-generation products, the need for precision-engineered tooling solutions is expected to grow across sectors.

With increasing investments across automotive, railways, metro infrastructure, defence manufacturing, and industrial engineering, Godrej Enterprises Group remains focused on strengthening indigenous tooling capabilities, advancing manufacturing excellence, and supporting India's emergence as a globally competitive manufacturing hub.

About Godrej Enterprises Group:

Since 1897, Godrej Enterprises Group (which includes Godrej & Boyce and its affiliates) has contributed significantly to India’s economic growth and self-reliance by providing complex engineering, design led innovation, and sustainable manufacturing solutions. From the world’s first patented springless lock, and safes to pioneering Indian made typewriters and refrigerators, the conglomerate has also paved the way for the growth of key sectors like aerospace, energy, and security.

Today, Godrej Enterprises Group, has presence across 5 continents with a market-leading presence across diverse consumer and industrial businesses spanning Aerospace, Aviation, Defence, Energy, Locks & Security Solutions, Green Building Consulting, Construction and EPC Services, Intralogistics, Tooling, Healthcare Equipment, Consumer Durables, Engines and Motors, Furniture, Architectural Fittings, IT Solutions and Vending Machines.

To learn more visit: https://www.godrejenterprises.com/

Experience Everyday Comfort With Voltas Water Heaters Across India

Whether it's a refreshing morning shower or a relaxing bath after a long day, having instant access to hot water is an everyday essential. Designed to deliver reliable performance, superior safety, and energy-efficient heating, the Voltas Water Heater range offers the perfect solution for modern Indian homes. Available in both Instant and Storage variants across multiple capacities, the range caters to the diverse needs of households of all sizes.

Engineered with Quartzline Technology, the water heaters feature an advanced micro-coated inner tank that delivers enhanced durability and is specially designed to withstand Indian water conditions. The 100% copper heating element ensures faster and more efficient heating, while high-density polyurethane insulation helps retain heat for longer, reducing energy consumption. Users can also customize the water temperature between 30°C and 75°C using the adjustable temperature controller, supported by a pre-calibrated thermostat for accurate temperature regulation.

Built with safety at its core, the storage range features a 6-level safety system, IPX4 water splash protection, 8-bar pressure resistance for high-rise buildings, and a multi-function safety valve for enhanced protection. Combined with a 5-star energy rating, the Voltas Water Heater range delivers dependable performance, energy efficiency, and lasting comfort for every home.

Available at: All Voltas authorised dealers, retail stores, leading consumer electronics outlets across India, and online.

Price: Starts at Rs. 3150 in Instant and Rs. 5550 in case of Storage Water Heaters. Voltas runs a Standard Free Installation in select markets.

Explore the range: Voltas Water Heaters