ideaForge And C-DAC Sign Strategic MoU To Integrate Drones Into India’s Emergency Response Network

~Partnership to enhance Dial 112 operations with drone-led first response

ideaForge Technology Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of high-performance unmanned aerial systems, today announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to strengthen drone-led emergency response across India and jointly advance research in next-generation UAV, semiconductor and data-driven technologies.

The partnership brings together ideaForge’s FLYGHT platform, a ready-to-deploy, on-demand drone network delivered through a Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model, with C-DAC’s Emergency Response Support System (ERSS–Dial 112), which enables anyone to access emergency services such as police, fire or medical assistance through a single nationwide emergency number. With India’s average emergency response time nearing twenty minutes, integrating FLYGHT into ERSS will significantly improve response efficiency by enabling drones to serve as rapid first responders. Deployed ahead of ground teams, these drones can deliver immediate situational awareness, support faster threat assessment, improve responder and citizen safety, and overcome barriers caused by traffic, terrain or limited resources.

ideaForge’s FLYGHT platform allows agencies to access drone capability without owning hardware, managing software, or training specialised manpower, making scalable adoption easier for States and public safety departments. Apart from emergency response, FLYGHT is also used in urban environments for emergency response, traffic monitoring, asset inspection, mapping, sanitation inspection, urban disaster assessment, and infrastructure security. The service can be availed as per ‘pay per use’ model which helps organisations reduce the initial investment while achieving higher operational efficiency.

Beyond emergency response, the MoU establishes a broad framework for collaborative innovation between ideaForge and C-DAC across deep-tech and UAV domains. This includes the evaluation and potential integration of the indigenous VEGA processor into ideaForge’s UAV platforms, exploration of VEGA-based system-on-chip (SoC) architectures for flight control systems, and joint research into autonomous swarm drones leveraging AI and advanced computing. Both organisations will engage in shared research, development and training programmes to accelerate India’s deep-tech capabilities.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sachin Pukale, AGM, Product Management ideaForge, said, “Unmanned aerial systems are becoming central to how India manages security, governance and emergency operations. Integrating FLYGHT with ERSS will allow Automated Aerial Dispatch of drones to reach incidents within minutes and provide critical situational awareness intelligence to responders on the ground. FLYGHT is ideaForge's Integrated Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) Platform, designed to provide enterprises and government agencies with on-demand, reliable aerial intelligence and analytics without the burden of drone ownership, operation, maintenance, or manpower. Its open, analytics-ready architecture enables easy integration of specialised third-party solutions, making FLYGHT a robust end-to-end system for rapid, data-driven decision-making. This integration is a testament to ideaForge’s commitment to utilizing indigenous technology to serve national security and public welfare needs through its scalable, service-driven FLYGHT ecosystem.”

Speaking on the collaboration the C-DAC team, said,“C-DAC is committed to strengthening India’s digital public infrastructure by building secure, scalable and intelligent data services for critical sectors. Our collaboration with ideaForge opens new opportunities to harness drone-generated data for faster decision-making, especially in emergency response scenarios. Through this MoU, we aim to jointly develop frameworks that ensure drone data is efficiently processed, analysed and safeguarded while enabling advanced applications such as autonomous operations, AI-led analytics and real-time situational awareness. Together, we look forward to enabling a future where trusted data and cutting-edge UAV technology work seamlessly to enhance citizen safety and national preparedness.”

The partnership aligns with India’s priority of building secure and sovereign digital infrastructure. C-DAC plays a central role in enabling secure data management for government and mission-critical applications. Integrating ideaForge’s aerial intelligence with C-DAC’s data and compute frameworks creates a natural pathway for developing UAV systems that are not only operationally effective but also aligned with India’s data sovereignty goals and safety requirements. Through this MoU, both organisations aim to accelerate the use of drones in emergency response, advance India’s deep-tech ecosystem, and support the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by enabling scalable, secure and indigenous technology development.

About ideaForge Technology Limited

ideaForge is a pioneer and the pre-eminent market leader in the Indian unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry. With a mission-first approach, we deliver cutting-edge drones engineered for unmatched performance, autonomy, and reliability, redefining possibilities in security, mapping, surveillance, and disaster response applications across militaries and enterprises.

With India’s largest operational deployment of indigenous UAVs, an ideaForge drone takes off every 3 minutes, enabling over 7,50,000 successful flights. Ranked 3rd globally among the world’s Top Dual-Use Drone Manufacturers by Drone Industry Insights (DRONEII) Global Drone Review 2024, ideaForge continues to set benchmarks in innovation and excellence.

Since pioneering India’s first VTOL UAVs in 2009, we have expanded with advanced R&D and manufacturing hubs in Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and the USA, driving the development of indigenously designed and built solutions. Backed by marquee investors, including Qualcomm, Infosys, Celesta Capital, Florintree, EXIM Bank, and Infina Finance, ideaForge is at the forefront of revolutionizing unmanned systems.

Discover more: www.ideaforgetech.com

Consumer Spending Trends 2025: India’s Move Towards Digital Payment

India’s payments ecosystem is being reshaped significantly by digital transformation. A country once rooted in cash transactions has steadily pivoted itself to digital channels, driven by a powerful mix of innovation, digital infrastructure, and consumer confidence. The advent of UPI, paired with rapid smartphone penetration, and affordable internet access, has created the foundation for this shift. Consumers and merchants have adapted to changes and are embracing digital modes not just for big amount transfers but for everyday spending across retail outlets, online platforms, and departmental & grocery stores.
According to the RBI, in H1 2025, digital transactions accounted for 99.8% of total transaction volume and 97.7% of the value of all payments. UPI has been the key contributor to this expansion: in H1 2025, UPI processed 10,637 crore transaction volume, amounting to ₹143.3 lakh crore in value. As per reports, projections further indicate that UPI’s value will grow at a 14.7% CAGR, reaching ₹532.6 lakh crore by 2029.

Credit cards continue to play a vital role in India’s payments industry. As per RBI October 2025 data, India has around 114.02 million credit cards in circulation. As per reports, this number is projected to double to about 200 million by FY30, supported by product innovation and wider acceptance – a clear sign of rising consumer confidence and adoption.

This momentum is further strengthened by the growing integration of RuPay credit cards with UPI—a shift that has meaningfully expanded the utility and everyday relevance of credit cards. Credit card spending patterns also reflect this expanding reliance. Credit card spends rose 19.6% in October 2025 year-on-year to ₹2.14 lakh crore, up from ₹1.79 lakh crore a year earlier, driven largely by strong e-commerce sales and festive-season purchases.

These numbers reflect the sheer scale, besides the increasing confidence and trust consumers place on India’s digital payments ecosystem. According to SBI Card’s insights, Indian consumers are evolving into digital natives, seamlessly merging aspiration with access, and embracing an omnichannel lifestyle, which is redefining modern consumption patterns.
Online Spends Gain Momentum

As consumers increasingly prioritise speed, convenience, and seamless transactions, online spends continues to accelerate, underscoring the rise of digital-first consumer behaviour. At SBI Card the share of online spends in retail spends has grown to 62.5% in H1 FY26 compared to 58.4% in H1 FY25, reflecting digital purchasing becoming mainstream across both non-discretionary and discretionary categories.
Travel, Hospitality and Experiences Lead Discretionary Spends Surge

Travel-related categories continue to witness strong growth, highlighting customers increased propensity towards experience-driven spends. For instance, SBI Card’s Q2 FY26 data indicates that the total spends for the category including hotels, airline, railways, travel agents, entertainment & restaurant witnessed 79% YoY growth, supported by a significant surge in digital transactions. Specifically, online spends in this category recorded 111% and 125% YoY growth in Q1 and Q2 FY26, respectively, underscoring sustained momentum in travel and leisure demand. In line with this growing trend, SBI Card has strengthened its portfolio with travel-centric offerings such as KrisFlyer SBI Card, IndiGo SBI Card, SBI Card Miles and BPCL Octane SBI Card, delivering enhanced rewards, exclusive travel benefits, and superior value to frequent travellers.

Lifestyle and Durables Show Hybrid Consumption Model
Spending trends for the category comprising consumer durables, furnishing & hardware, apparel & jewellery displayed healthy growth across both online and offline channels. SBI Card’s Q2 FY26 data highlights total spends growth of 13% YoY for the category; PoS witnessed 16% growth and online witnessed 9% growth. This data reflects the evolution of consumers into informed, channel-agnostic buyers who navigate between online and offline channels to buy their favourite TV, washing machine, mobile phone, home appliance, jewellery, of their favourite brands. SBI Card has partnered with leading players to offer co-branded credit cards to address evolving lifestyle needs of discerning customers including Titan SBI Card, Tata Neu SBI Card, Reliance SBI Card, among others.
Non-Discretionary Categories Momentum Towards Digital Channels
Driven by convenience, speed, and accessibility online spends continue steadily across non-discretionary category such as groceries (departmental stores), health, utilities, rental, and education. The rapid evolution of quick commerce and e-commerce platforms has further accelerated this transition. Mirroring this, SBI Card witnessed online spends growth of 7%-10% on non-discretionary spend categories, across Q1 and Q2 during FY26. SBI Card continues to design and offer curated credit card offerings including Flipkart SBI Card, PhonePe SBI Card, Paytm SBI Card, SimplyCLICK SBI Card, among others, tailored to address many such evolving needs.

UPI Linked Credit Adoption Expands, Driven by Tier 2 and Beyond
A significant shift is evident in the rising adoption of RuPay credit cards on UPI, particularly in the Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. SBI Card data shows that 75% of UPI-active credit card customers and nearly 79% of UPI-credit spends originated from Tier 2+ cities, demonstrating deeper financial inclusion and digital credit penetration beyond metros. The rapid growth of RuPay credit-on-UPI has reshaped how consumers use credit—allowing QR-based credit usage even at small merchants. As per Q2 FY26 data, at SBI Card UPI spends on credit cards has grown 16% QoQ, led by segments such as departmental stores & groceries, utilities, fuel, apparel, and restaurants – indicating growing customer comfort with everyday credit-led payments. As India’s leading pure-play credit card player, SBI Card has a strong portfolio of RuPay credit cards, and partnerships with leading players in the domain, including PhonePe and Paytm.

Key Takeaway

India’s consumption landscape is rapidly shifting towards digital-first, experience-driven and hybrid spending behaviour. Rising travel and lifestyle spends, expanding UPI linked credit adoption in Tier 2+ cities, and accelerating online transactions highlight growing consumer preference for speed, convenience, and seamless payments. In this environment, SBI Card continues to strengthen its position in the credit card domain by aligning its product portfolio and partnerships with evolving consumer needs, reinforcing its role in powering India’s modern, digitally empowered payment ecosystem.

Tata Hitachi Showcases Power Of ‘Reliable Orange’ With Machines & Electric Excavators & Attachments At EXCON 2025

* Electric Machines: EX210LC Electric and 33e Electric

* Mining Machine: ZAXIS 890

* Attachments: Solar Panel Lifter, Crusher Bucket, SMART SM230 & Magnum Series Rock Breaker, Ripper Tooth, Tilt Coupler and Mini Excavator Grapple

* On Display: The equipment lineup includes the ZAXIS 23U, 33e Electric, ZAXIS 33U, NX 50, NX 80, SHINRAI Prime, SHINRAI Pro, TL340H Prime, ZW 225, ZAXIS 140H Ultra, EX 210 Infra, EX 210LC Electric, ZAXIS 220LC Ultra, EX 350LC Prime, ZAXIS 370LCH Ultra, ZAXIS 490H Ultra and the ZAXIS 890.

Live & static display of customised attachments and genuine spare parts section for meeting the demands of particular industry applications and machines.

* Technology showcase:

* Cutting-edge telematics solutions ConSite and InSite, and the e-Dost digital platform designed for real-time connect with customers and other relevant stakeholders for all their needs.

Tata Hitachi, one of India’s leading construction machinery manufacturers, officially opened its pavilion at EXCON 2025 — South Asia’s largest construction equipment exhibition — under the theme “Reliable Orange.”

Mr. Masafumi Senzaki, the Representative Executive Officer, President & Executive Officer, and COO of Hitachi Construction Machinery, Japan, inaugurated the Tata Hitachi Pavilion at EXCON 2025. His attendance was a notable event, as it marks renewed commitment to India’s infrastructure growth story and HCM’s support to Tata Hitachi for more than 4 decades. It also highlighted India’s pivotal role in Hitachi Construction Machinery Japan’s global growth strategy.

This year’s theme ‘RELIABLE ORANGE’ highlights Tata Hitachi’s unwavering promise of Quality, Durability, reliability, and consistent performance, built on a legacy of trust, engineering excellence, and customer commitment.

Reliable Orange is embodied in more than 120,000 units, working with our esteemed customers, who have come to experiencesuperior fuel efiiciency, durability and excellent resale value. As the company continues its journey with more than 120,000 machines sold, it reinforces its legacy of engineering excellence and customer trust. Tata Hitachi's portfolio is acknowledged for providing superior fuel efficiency across various categories, enabling customers to substantially lower operating costs while enhancing productivity, performance, and sustainability.

Mr. Masafumi Senzaki, Representative Executive Officer, President & Executive Officer and COO, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Japan said, “India is one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the world, and our collaboration with Tata Hitachi enables us to meet the expectations of Indian customers with world-class machinery and dependable support. With the innovations showcased at EXCON 2025, we aim to empower customers with machines that deliver high output, reduced operating costs, and long-term reliability—attributes that define our shared philosophy of engineering excellence.”

Mr. Sandeep Singh, Managing Director at Tata Hitachi, said, “Our customer-centric philosophy, people, processes have stood us in good stead in our journey of over 60+years. It is this ethos that has enabled us to build one of India’s largest customer-facing networks in the excavator segment’’.

Speaking about the participation at EXCON 2025, Mr. Singh said, “EXCON continues to be the most significant platform for the construction equipment industry, and we are proud to showcase our expanded portfolio under the theme ‘Reliable Orange.’ This theme reflects our long-standing promise of reliability, durability, and customer trust. With the introduction of electric machines, new attachments, and live demonstrations of advanced technologies, we are reinforcing our commitment to shaping the future of India’s construction ecosystem. These demonstrations will offer visitors a first-hand understanding of machine capability, efficiency, and operator comfort in real application scenarios. They will also highlight how smart systems, automation, and precision technologies are transforming productivity and safety on job sites.”

He further added ‘’As the country accelerates infrastructure development at an unprecedented pace, our focus remains on delivering machines that are reliable, efficient, and designed for real-world conditions.’’

Tata Hitachi’s participation at EXCON 2025 demonstrates its continued commitment in shaping the future of the construction equipment industry— with innovation, sustainability, reliability, and customer-centricity at its core.

Tata Hitachi also launched following Machines and attachments @EXCON 2025:

Newly Launched Machines:	Newly Launched Attachments:
1)       ZAXIS 890	1) Solar Panel Lifter
2)       EX210 LC Electric	2) Crusher Bucket
	3) SMART SM230 Rock Breaker
	4) Magnum Series Rock Breaker
	5) Ripper Tooth
	6) Tilt Coupler
	7) Mini Excavator Grapple

 

The equipment line-up at the Tata Hitachi booth included of ZAXIS 23U, 33e Electric, ZAXIS 33U, NX 50, NX 80, SHINRAI Prime, SHINRAI Pro, TL340H Prime, ZW 225, ZAXIS 140H Ultra, EX 210 Infra, EX 210LC Electric,
ZAXIS 220LC Ultra, EX 350LC Prime, ZAXIS 370LCH Ultra, ZAXIS 490H Ultra and the ZAXIS 890. Also, an extensive range of customised attachments and genuine spare parts section was also available for meeting the demands of particular industry applications and machines.

About Tata Hitachi: Tata Hitachi, one of India’s leading construction machinery companies and the largest Hydraulic Excavator manufacturing company, is longest standing Indo - Japanese joint venture between Tata Motors and Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCM). The partnership with HCM commenced in 1984 and is today one of the longest-standing JVs in the industry. The company has a manufacturing presence in Dharwad and Kharagpur and over 300 customer-facing touchpoints spread across the country.

Set up in 1961 as the Construction Equipment Business Unit of Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO), today, the company boasts a diverse portfolio of Mini Excavators, Construction Excavators, Mining Excavators, Backhoe Loaders & Wheel Loaders, apart from a wide range of Attachments, Parts, and expert Service solutions.

Tata Hitachi is a leader in providing world-class construction equipment to address India’s Infrastructure and Mining needs.

For any further details,  visit our website www.tatahitachi.co.in

Samsung Unveils New Innovation Vision As It Celebrates 30 Years In Indian Market

The next decade will see more products built in India, designed in India, and innovated for the world

The only company in India to offer a full AI product ecosystem — from smartphones and TVs to refrigerators and ACs

Over 14,000 patents filed from India, cementing its role as a global innovation powerhouse

One of the largest MNCs in India with revenue of INR 1.11 lakh crore

Samsung’s community engagement has benefited over 1.5 million individuals across India

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today unveiled a renewed strategic vision — #PoweringInnovationforIndia — that places people-centric innovation, Indian talent, and India-led product development at the heart of its next phase of growth in the country.

Marking 30 years of operations in India, Samsung’s new vision reinforces its commitment as a long-standing partner in India’s digital transformation, Make-in-India manufacturing ambitions, and innovation-driven economic growth. Since entering India in 1995, Samsung has expanded from introducing televisions that redefined home entertainment to establishing one of the world’s largest mobile manufacturing facilities in Noida, driving India-built innovations that now power its global ecosystem.

With revenue of INR 1.11 lakh crore, Samsung is the only brand in India with a truly end-to-end AI ecosystem, bringing Galaxy AI (smartphones, tablets, wearables), Bespoke AI (refrigerators, washing machines, and ACs), and Vision AI (televisions and smart monitors) together through SmartThings.

“From selling our first TV in India in 1995, when liberalisation was unlocking new possibilities to becoming the most trusted technology partner for Bharat today, Samsung’s journey has been shaped by India’s confidence, creativity, and limitless ambition. As the most loved and widely adopted brand inside Indian homes — through our smartphones, TVs, digital appliances, and a seamlessly-connected ecosystem — we are proud to make lives better every day for millions of Indian families. Young Indians expect technology to be secure, intuitive, and always evolving, and we are committed to delivering personalised innovations for them. We believe the next era of meaningful global innovation will be led by India — where the future of smart homes, connected living, and intelligent devices is rapidly taking shape with AI that understands India’s cultural diversity. We will continue to work closely with the Government of India for a Viksit Bharat, creating a digitally empowered nation where innovation fuels inclusive progress and co-prosperity. Our vision is clear: to build advanced technologies here that will shape how the world lives, works, and connects tomorrow,” said JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.

Powered by India: Innovation Begins with People

For 30 years, Samsung has believed in one simple philosophy: India powers innovation. Today, its two plants in Chennai and Noida, three R&D centres in Delhi, Noida, and Bengaluru, and a state-of-the-art design centre in Delhi NCR are shaping Samsung’s next era of people-centric technology — with India at the heart of its global roadmap.

Samsung Design Delhi is building experiences that feel uniquely Indian. These are innovations that understand the country’s culture and creativity. Breakthroughs born here — from Kids TV, which creates safe and meaningful learning for digital-native children, to vibrant CMF designs for Galaxy M and F Series — reflect Samsung’s belief that design must begin with people.

Similarly, across its R&D ecosystem, Samsung teams are leading advancements in AI, accessibility, streaming, and digital displays along with pushing the boundaries of language intelligence and next-generation networks. As one of India’s leading private sector patent filers, with over 14,000 patents, Samsung is also showcasing India’s role as an innovation powerhouse.

Investing in India’s Future Innovators

Samsung’s vision of #PoweringInnovationForIndia goes beyond just products, as the company is expanding its university collaborations and open innovation initiatives with Indian startups — ensuring that more ideas born in India scale globally.

Similarly, through initiatives such as Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung Innovation Campus, and Samsung DOST, Samsung is nurturing India’s next-generation workforce, aligned with the requirements of Industry 4.0. Samsung is providing students across the country access to grants, incubation support, skills in AI, IoT, digital technologies, and employment opportunities. Over our journey, Samsung’s CSR programmes have reached and benefited around 1.5 million individuals across India, advancing education, sustainability, and digital inclusion.

Samsung’s India journey began in 1995, and over three decades the company has grown with the nation to become its largest mobile phone and consumer electronics brand, with advanced manufacturing, robust R&D and design capabilities, lakhs of retail touchpoints, and a pan-India workforce. Over 3,000 authorised service points and 12,000 service engineers across urban and rural India showcase Samsung’s commitment to its customers.

Strengthening its India presence further, Samsung expanded its exclusive retail footprint beyond Samsung Opera House in Bangalore and opened its first flagship lifestyle store — Samsung BKC in Mumbai. Besides, it recently opened a state-of-the-art Business Experience Studio in the city, offering immersive consumer and enterprise technology showcases alongside its Business Experience Studio in Gurugram.

Samsung Newsroom India: Samsung Unveils New Innovation Vision as It Celebrates 30 Years in India

Samsung Newsroom Bharat: सैमसंग ने भारत में 30 साल पूरे होने पर पेश किया नया इनोवेशन विज़न

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in/

Turkish Airlines Opens Its First European Lounge Abroad In Edinburgh

Turkish Airlines has opened its first-ever European lounge at Edinburgh Airport, aside from the world-famous one at its İstanbul hub, bringing another dimension of its world-renowned hospitality to travellers in Scotland. The new lounge further elevates Edinburgh’s premium travel offering while reinforcing airport’s growing role as an international gateway.

Türkiye’s flag carrier, which flies to more countries than any other, hosted a celebratory event at Edinburgh International Airport on 10 December to mark the opening of its eighth lounge outside of Türkiye. Turkish Airlines continues to bring scaled down slices of its five-star Lounge in İstanbul to its international gateways to maintain a seamless and luxurious experience.

Spanning 673m² and accommodating 149 guests, the lounge offers a premium experience with facilities including an open buffet featuring a Turkish pide service at lunch and dinner; a luxury relaxation area with TVs and Wi-Fi; and two prayer rooms. The lounge also includes an accessible restroom for the guests with reduced mobility, a baby care room and flight information screens.

Turkish Airlines Chief Operations Officer M. Akif Konar said: “The opening of our new Turkish Airlines Lounge at Edinburgh Airport marks an important milestone for our airline. As our first abroad lounge in Europe and our eighth outside of Türkiye, this investment demonstrates our deep commitment to our European operations where we already possess a strong presence as the best airline* of the continent. Looking ahead, we will continue to build on our presence in the region and bringing our award-winning hospitality closer to travellers here.”

Edinburgh International Airport Chief Commercial Officer Stephanie Wear, said: "The opening of the new Turkish Airlines Lounge marks an exciting chapter for both us and the airline as they launch their first lounge in the Europe abroad at Edinburgh Airport. It demonstrates Turkish Airlines’ commitment to the airport and to enhancing the travel experience for passengers. Open to all travellers, the lounge offers a relaxing space with fantastic runway views and some great food and beverage options whilst you wait for your flight."

Located on Level 2 near gate 16, the lounge will be available to Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers, Miles&Smiles members (Elite, Elite Plus and Elite Corporate Club) travelling in any class; and holders of the carrier’s Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature Card issued in the United States. Guests with a Paid Lounge membership card can also enter the lounge ahead of their flight.

Turkish Airlines operates 10 weekly flights between Edinburgh and Istanbul which allows travellers from Scotland to connect via Turkish Airlines’ unparalleled global network to 356 destinations in 132 countries.

*According to Skytrax Awards for numerous years.

About Turkish Airlines:
Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 514 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 356 worldwide destinations as 303 international and 53 domestics in 132 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Star Alliance:

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers 17,837 daily flights to over 1,160 airports in 192 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines. Star Alliance Press Office: Tel: +65 8729 6691 Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com Visit our website or connect with us on social media:

Le Méridien Hotels And Resorts Debuts In Navi Mumbai As The City Enters A New Phase Of Urban Momentum

129-key Le Méridien Navi Mumbai opens as a new premium hub encouraging travellers to savour, explore, and connect to the destination

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, proudly debuts Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts in Mumbai. Le Méridien Navi Mumbai is a contemporary expression of the Le Méridien brand - crafted for the culturally curious and evolved traveller who finds inspiration in art, design, and the everyday moments that shape a destination. Set within Navi Mumbai’s evolving urban landscape, Le Méridien Navi Mumbai invites guests to take in the city with a sense of ease, through its calm design sensibility, expansive views, and the brand’s signature emphasis on savouring the moment.

As one of the tallest hotels in the city, it brings together global flair and the area’s distinctive coastal character, shaped by its vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural touchpoints. With seamless access to key business hubs and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, located approximately 12 kilometres away, the hotel is poised to become a compelling address for bleisure travellers, offering a place to work, wander, and truly savour Navi Mumbai.

Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International commented, “Navi Mumbai is on the cusp of tremendous growth, especially with the new airport nearing completion and opening the city to even greater opportunity. At Marriott International, we’re expanding at a strong pace in India, and it’s encouraging to see our pipeline progressing exactly as planned. Mumbai and the wider metropolitan region have always been a key area for us and the debut of Le Méridien brand in Mumbai with the opening of Le Méridien Navi Mumbai marks an important milestone.”

The hotel features 129 contemporary designed rooms and suites, each shaped by mid-century modernism and a calm, refined palette that reflects the brand’s design ethos. Framed by expansive views of the city and skyline, the suites offer an inviting retreat where artful details and intuitive touches create an atmosphere of effortless comfort. Anchoring the property’s visual narrative is a bespoke art installation inspired by the spirit of exploration. The lobby features a bespoke art installation crafted in wire mesh and canvas, showcasing hand-painted figures and small framed elements that nods to local culture. The piece adds a playful, artistic touch that complements the Le Méridien identity. For moments of relaxation, Tattva Spa offers treatments drawn from traditional therapies, complemented by a well-equipped fitness centre and an outdoor pool overlooking the hills.

Le Méridien Navi Mumbai presents a collection of culinary experiences that honors creativity, and the pleasure of savoring the moment. Hill View Café serves global favorites alongside serene vistas of the Parsik Hills. Mizuki, the hotel’s modern Asian restaurant, pairs contemporary flavors with sweeping skyline views from the top floor. At the lobby, Tasse et Café offers an inviting, European-inspired coffeehouse setting, while the signature Le Scoop programme brings a playful touch with handcrafted frozen treats that celebrate the joy and art of living well.

Le Méridien Navi Mumbai encourages guests to explore the destination through nature-led and cultural activities, whether admiring the seasonal spectacle at the Flamingo Sanctuary, taking in the scenic calm of the Parsik Hills, or immersing themselves in the meditative beauty of the Dhamma Vipula Buddhist Pagoda. Together, these experiences showcase the destination’s unique character. The Le Méridien Family Kids Club offers hands-on, engaging activities where children and their families can connect through creative activities, destination- inspired play and moments of shared exploration. Seasonal experiences and the year-round La Vie programme further bring the brand’s identity to life, celebrating the beauty of everyday moments.

With over 20,000 square feet of versatile event spaces, the hotel offers three banqueting spaces, including one of the largest outdoor venues in Navi Mumbai. Designed for easy transitions and thoughtful service, these venues are ideal for large and small conferences, board meetings, social gatherings, and weddings.

“Le Méridien Navi Mumbai is an invitation to experience this dynamic city through a new lens,” said Saurabh Chowdhury, General Manager, Le Méridien Navi Mumbai. “Anchored in the brand’s spirit of savouring the good life, we bring together thoughtfully designed spaces, curated culinary journeys and immersive programmes that celebrate Navi Mumbai’s distinctive character, while our commitment to the community ensures every stay feels connected to the destination, its people and its culture.”

For more information, visit http://www.lemeridiennavimumbai.com

Zuno General Insurance’s New Nationwide SmartDrive Campaign Reimagines Car Insurance For India’s Next-Gen Drivers

Zuno General Insurance, a new-age digital insurer committed to make insurance easy, friendly and transparent, has unveiled its latest mass media campaign, ”Good Drivers Choose Zuno”, created to spotlight its flagship product Zuno SmartDrive, India’s first telematics based, app-led car insurance program that rewards safe driving with tangible benefits from weekly and monthly gift vouchers to renewal premium discounts.

In a world where real and surreal are starting to look like twins, AI everywhere, viral chaos every minute, and attention spans on warp speed, Zuno flips the script.

The campaign is spearheaded by three digital films that drop audiences into delightfully unexpected scenarios from aliens lounging on a living-room sofa, to a seatbelt-conscious ghost, to a slightly confused genie trying to be helpful. The films show that nothing feels as unbelievable as a car insurance rewarding them for good driving. When insurance feels this good, everything else feels normal.

At its heart, the campaign brings alive a simple human insight: Good driving is an everyday act of responsibility, so it deserves real appreciation.

To share this benefit of usage-based car Insurance with a larger audience, Zuno has launched its flagship initiative of Zuno Driving Quotient (ZDQ) challenge to non Zuno users too. In this 5-day free trial, customers can simply download the Zuno app, complete a five-day driving assessment and receive a personalised driving score at no cost. This score unlocks additional discounts on car insurance and gift vouchers, making Zuno the first insurer in the country to offer a large-scale, app-based, pre-purchase driving test that delivers real, measurable financial benefits to customers.

Users earn weekly and monthly fuel or shopping vouchers, enjoy discounts on insurance renewal, receive a certified safe driver score (and bragging rights!), and get trip-by-trip insights to help improve their driving habits.

In short, Zuno SmartDrive makes insurance feel friendlier, more intuitive, and genuinely rewarding.

Commenting on the campaign, Ketan Mankikar, Head of Marketing & PR, Zuno General Insurance said, “Zuno SmartDrive is an extraordinary proposition. It rewards people for something as everyday yet meaningful as driving responsibly. And when the product itself breaks the category mould, the campaign must be equally disruptive. With ‘Good Drivers Choose Zuno,’ we wanted a clutter-breaking narrative that captures the delightful disbelief people feel when their car insurance rewards them for their safe and responsible driving. It’s bold, playful and reflects our core promise at Zuno: making insurance easy, breezy and surely rewarding.”

Gaurang Menon, Regional & Creative Head West, Hashtag Orange, said, “We’ve been doing some truly creative and strategic work with Zuno over the years, and this time we collectively made sure a standout product like Zuno Smart Drive gets the kind of communication it deserves. It’s not often that you get to build a campaign that flips every typical category trope on its head. We had a blast bringing the Good Drivers Choose Zuno campaign to life with characters as unexpected as aliens, a ghost, and even a genie. Work like this isn’t possible without a brand team that believes in bold ideas. Big thanks to Ketan and the entire Zuno team for backing the vision and taking it all the way.”

The campaign reinforces Zuno’s commitment to making insurance easier, friendlier and more meaningful for today’s consumers. By celebrating responsible driving in a fun, unexpected way, Zuno aims to inspire safer habits on the road while bringing a little delight to the everyday journeys of its customers.

The comprehensive 360° marketing campaign will run over 2–3 months starting December ’25, anchored in a digital-first strategy and amplified through high-impact ATL and BTL channels across priority markets.

On digital, the outreach spans across the entire Google suite, programmatic display networks, and leading social platforms including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube, ensuring precision targeting and high-frequency visibility. The campaign is further strengthened through OTT integrations, select premium publishers, influencer collaborations, meme marketing, and content-led platforms, designed to engage audiences natively where they spend their time.

To maximise mass awareness, digital is supported by a strategic layer of radio, outdoor, transit media, and cinema creating omnipresence across consumer journeys.

Together, the media mix ensures sustained reach, strong engagement, and consistent storytelling across every stage of the consumer funnel from awareness and participation in the 5-Day SmartDrive Challenge to app adoption and long-term program engagement.

Watch the campaign films here:

Film Link:

Ghost film: https://youtu.be/p8HFYVtIurI?si=oeEM__G-JC3xWk4F

Genie film: https://youtu.be/yV9TXVLSdeE?si=nzBcRVTTRD40_0Ip

Alien film: https://youtu.be/BQp1A_a-xdE?si=Q2KqATjr9Ohj_wbN

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates Supercomputing India (SCI) 2025 At MAHE Bengalur

The inaugural ceremony of Supercomputing India (SCI) 2025, an international conference on high-performance computing, was held from 11–14 December 2025 at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru. Organised by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and hosted by the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), MAHE, Bengaluru, the four-day conference brings together a distinguished global community of experts, researchers, industry leaders, innovators, and academicians. The event aims to shape the future of high-performance computing (HPC) and its convergence with AI and quantum technologies.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the virtual participation of Hon’ble Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, and Hon’ble Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. Both the ministers addressed the gathering through recorded messages, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to technological advancement.

The ceremony was also graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India; Shri E. Magesh, Director General, C-DAC; Dr. Hemant Darbari, Mission Director, National Supercomputing Mission (NSM); Dr. S. D. Sudarsan, Executive Director, C-DAC Bangalore; and Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor – Technology and Science, MAHE, along with other academic and industry leaders

In his address Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister (E&IT), Government of India, observed that, "This is India’s first global supercomputing conference and is a big milestone in our Deep Tech Journey. It’s a platform to showcase and share views about the advances in high performance computing. AI, quantum computing and semi-conductor, these are the fields which are redefining our economy and these are the technologies which are reshaping the entire world. We are focused on Made in India. Designed in India, and Made for the world solutions.” He concluded his address on a hopeful note, expressing confidence that the conference would lead to increased global collaborations, stronger policy–industry alignment, and a significant boost to India’s innovation ecosystem.

Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State (E&IT), Government of India in his message noted that this is “a landmark moment in our nation’s scientific and technological journey. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji has emphasized that Vikshit Bharat by 2047 is not merely a slogan, it is a vision of self-reliant, innovation driven that designs engineers and technologies of tomorrow.” He added that the Ministry is advancing this vision through transformative initiatives such as the National Supercomputing Mission, India’s Semiconductor Mission, India AI Mission, and Designing Initiatives.

Reflecting on MAHE’s contribution to boost India's innovation ecosystem Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor -Technology & Science, MAHE, noted, "we are deeply committed to the frontier of Quantum Computing: THE Q-HUB@MAHE’s Bengaluru Campus. The Q-HUB @MAHE Quantum Centre stands as a symbol of centrality, collaboration, and co-creation. The establishment of The Q-HUB — MAHE Quantum Centre at the Bengaluru campus is a powerful step toward realizing the vision of National Quantum Mission and fortifying India’s position in the global quantum ecosystem, which will house a 7-Qubit, extendable to 25-Qubit open-architecture facility. This centre also aims at integrating “Qniverse”, the indigenous quantum software developed by C-DAC.”

The event stood as a testament to the longstanding partnership between CDAC and MIT, as highlighted in the opening remarks by Shri E. Magesh, Director General, C-DAC. Some of the key areas of the partnership include capacity building through Faculty Development Programs at MIT and specialized HPC workshops. It also focuses on skill development via hands-on bootcamps on IoT device programming using indigenous technology. Additionally, the partnership provides researchers with direct access to C-DAC’s ‘Param Utkarsh’ supercomputing facility, enabling cutting-edge research in molecular simulations, AI, and other advanced areas.

SCI 2025 will continue over the next three days at MAHE Bengaluru, featuring technical sessions, workshops, and exhibitions that showcase India’s supercomputing capabilities and promote international collaboration in HPC, AI, quantum computing, and digital infrastructure.

Malaysia Airlines Ushers In A Season Of Merry Moments With Global Year-End Sale

Exclusive fares for 2025 holidays and 2026 adventures invite Indian travellers to plan meaningful journeys ahead

As the festive season approaches and travellers across Malaysia and beyond prepare for long-awaited reunions, Malaysia Airlines ushers in this special time of the year with its Global Year-End Sale – an invitation to plan ahead for meaningful journeys in 2025 and early 2026. Whether returning home for cherished celebrations, exploring new destinations, or rediscovering favourite cities, the airline’s exclusive fares open the door to reconnecting with the people and places that matter most.

These promotional fares are available from 11-22 December 2025, offering an exciting opportunity for travellers to plan their next trip. Meanwhile, Enrich members will enjoy exclusive early access from 9-10 December 2025, along with an additional 5% discount on top of the promotional fares. Those who are not yet members are encouraged to sign up for the airline’s award-winning lifestyle and loyalty programme, Enrich, to take advantage of these special fares and earn Points with every booking.

Travellers departing from India can enjoy all-in return Economy Class fares starting from INR 16,199 From Kolkata to Kuala Lumpur, unlocking a range of destinations perfect for year-end escapes and new-year adventures. From the winter charm of London to the neon energy of Tokyo and the modern energy of Shanghai, the sale provides access to some of the world’s most inspiring cities. Closer to home, travellers can explore regional favourites such as Bangkok and Jakarta, as well as leisure destinations including Krabi, Siem Reap, and Cebu - now easily accessible via sister airline Firefly’s jet services from KLIA Terminal 1 (KUL), offering sun-soaked beaches, cultural gems, and laid-back island escapes just a short flight away.

To offer even more value, travellers can take advantage of the Bonus Side Trip programme, which provides add-on flights to eight domestic destinations at no extra fare, including Penang, Langkawi, Alor Setar, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, and Kuching. For a limited time until 31 December 2025, the programme has also been expanded to include new routes operated by Firefly (Krabi, Siem Reap, and Cebu), giving travellers even more opportunities to explore additional destinations in a single itinerary via Kuala Lumpur.

On top of enticing fares, passengers can enjoy 20% off Seat Selection and Golden Lounge Access until 22 December 2025, whether opting for extra-legroom seating, securing bassinet seats on A330neo flights, or relaxing at the Golden Lounges at KLIATerminal 1.

The airline continues to refine its award-winning Economy Class experience—recognised in the Skytrax Top 10 for Best Economy Class Seats and Top 10 for World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew in 2025. On board the state-of-the-art A330neo, travellers can expect uncompromised comfort with ergonomically designed seats, each equipped with coat hooks, cup holders, and generous stowage space. For those who appreciate extra room to stretch, 24 extra-legroom seats are also available, offering passengers more space to relax during the flight.

Passengers can also look forward to a more enjoyable journey with 13.3-inch 4K entertainment screens, Bluetooth audio pairing, a dedicated Kids Mode, and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi via MHconnect, making it easier to stay entertained or connected throughout the flight. Families will appreciate thoughtful touches designed with young travellers in mind, including the fun-filled Pilot Parker Activity Pack for children aged 2–12 and dedicated support at the Special Assistance Counter (Row H18, KLIA Terminal 1). Selected flights also feature the airline’s signature “Cool Treats” ice cream, adding a sweet surprise to the journey. For added convenience, passengers may pre-select their meals ahead of time, while those seeking an elevated experience can explore MHupgrade, which offers priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, spacious seating, and other Business Class comforts for a more indulgent trip.

Travellers can also unlock additional value with Journify, Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) travel and lifestyle platform. By using their booking reference number as a promo code, customers can enjoy up to RM50 off tours, attractions, airport lounges, travel passes, and Malaysia Airlines merchandise.

Begin your next meaningful journey with Malaysia Airlines and experience the comfort, care, and connection that defines Malaysian Hospitality.

About Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering premium and full-service travel options to, from, and within the country. As the gateway to Asia and beyond, the airline carries up to 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Malaysia’s diverse heritage. Malaysia Airlines embodies the nation's rich traditions, cultures, and cuisines, delivering an unparalleled experience through its signature Malaysian Hospitality across every customer touchpoint.

Since September 2015, the airline has been owned and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. It is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) – a global aviation organisation comprising a range of aviation and lifestyle travel solution portfolios aimed at serving global air travel needs.

As a member of the oneworld® alliance, Malaysia Airlines offers enhanced connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories worldwide. For more information, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com or download the Malaysia Airlines app for the latest promotions at your fingertips.

Uber Forays Into B2B Logistics; Launches Namma Metro Ticketing Across Bengaluru

As per the company, unlike Uber Courier—which is booked directly by customers through the Uber app—Uber Direct functions behind the scenes as a logistics engine for businesses

Uber at a press meet in the city has announced its entry into the B2B logistics space with the launch of Uber Direct, powered by the ONDC.

The company has also rolled out metro ticketing on the Uber app for Bengaluru commuters through Open Network for Digital Commerce, effective December 10.

According to the company, unlike Uber Courier—which is booked directly by customers through the Uber app—Uber Direct functions behind the scenes as a logistics engine for businesses.

Orders are placed by users on a seller’s app or website, and deliveries are fulfilled by Uber Direct without any customer interaction with Uber until the delivery partner arrives.

"This makes Uber Direct, powered by ONDC, a standardised, plug-and-play solution for enterprises that need reliable, flexible and scalable delivery support," the company said.

Uber said the service went live here earlier in the day, on ONDC’s open digital rails, with drivers fulfilling grocery deliveries for brands such as Zepto and KPN Farm Fresh.

"Uber Direct will be expanded to food delivery within a couple of weeks, fulfilling orders for global brands such as KFC, Burger King and Taco Bell, as well as Indian brands like Rebel Foods," it added.

Speaking at the launch, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said Bengaluru—"a playground for innovation"—is a natural choice for deepening Uber’s integration with ONDC.

"The launch of Metro ticketing and Uber Direct in Bengaluru helps us bring alive our vision to help people ‘Go anywhere, Get anything’, and we are excited to build that at scale with ONDC," he said.

With this launch, after Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, Uber users in Bengaluru can purchase QR-based metro tickets and access real-time information for the Bangalore Metro (BMRCL) within the Uber app, using UPI as the exclusive payment method, the company added.

Propel Industries Unveils India’s Largest Portfolio Of Next-Gen Electric Tippers & Mobility Solutions At EXCON 2025

The Newly Launched EV Trucks comes with path-breaking battery warranty of up to 5,000 cycles or 5 years

Propel Industries Private Limited, India’s leader in Crushing and Screening equipment and a pioneer in Electric Tipper manufacturing - announces expansion of its electric mining and construction portfolio with the unveiling of "four new tipper models, all-new connectivity platform, and a comprehensive after-sales uptime solution at Excon 2025" in the presence of Chief Guests Dr. Soumya Ranjan Samal, Founder and CMD of Kalinga Commercial Corporation Limited and Mr. J Rudrasekar, Director - RAJIRAJ MINERALS PRIVATE LIMITED.

The launch includes four new electric tippers - 90CED, 70CED, 560HEV-X, 470MEV Gen-2, Pulse.ev – An all-new Connectivity Platform, and Pro EV Care – A comprehensive EV Service Program.

Speaking on the launches, Mr. V. Senthilkumar, Managing Director, Propel Industries Private Limited, said, every new platform we introduced today responds to the real needs of Heavy-Duty mining and construction environments. Our focus remains on productivity, long-term operating economics, reliability, and safety. With these additions we are strengthening India’s Electric Heavy- Duty eco system and giving operators technologies they can trust in demanding conditions.

Mr. Siddarth Kirtane, President – EV Sales, Marketing and Service, added that, the announcements reinforce Propel’s commitment to innovation, high-productivity for customers, zero-emission, and future-ready heavy-duty mobility. Since start of EV truck sale in 2023, the brand has expanded its presence across coal, overburden, limestone, iron-ore, stone quarry, marble & granites, and solid waste management segments. Propel trucks have cumulatively covered over 5 lakh operating hours and the first set of 8 trucks have clocked 12,500 hours in 2 years, which is equivalent to 20 hrs per day. This proves the reliability and uptime of the propel electric trucks.

Product Highlights

1. Launch of Four New Electric Tippers

90CED – India’s first ultra-fast charging 90T Electric dumper, with 34cu.m struck volume and battery options ranging from 310 to 650kWh, delivering unmatchable productivity and uptime.
The machine is packed with superior safety systems like ADAS level 1 safety through Electronic Braking System, Driver Fatigue Monitoring systems, Fail Safe Parking, Trunnion Jack, an Advanced Human Machine Interface with smart Infotainment suite, and meeting the DGMS safety requirements.

70CED – India’s First 8x4 Mining Tipper with 25 cu.m Rock Body – designed for high-output mining operations, delivering higher payload in every trip.

560HEV-x – India’s First 8x4 Construction Tipper with 25 cu.m Box Body - Built to dominate large-scale construction with higher capacity, advanced stability, and fast charging.

470MEV Gen-2 – India’s First 6x4 Tipper with 20 cu.m Rock Body – Upgraded with higher carrying capacity, 3 battery pack options, and meeting the DGMS-safety requirements, ready for mainstream mining adoption.

Industry leading 5,000 cycles battery warranty – the Propel trucks are equipped with state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries with In-built Battery firewall (Automatic fire detection & suppression system) is a significant example. Through advanced engineering, innovative architecture and data driven battery management systems, Propel has built a track record of high battery reliability even in various operating conditions. With this, the company is leading the industry with a path-breaking battery warranty of 5 years or 5000 cycles for their tippers.

Launch of Pulse.ev – Next-Generation Connectivity Platform

Propel introduced Pulse.ev, its new digital ecosystem built in-house specifically for electric mining and hauling operations.

Real-time vehicle health & diagnostics

Energy consumption insights

Predictive maintenance analytics

Fleet optimization suite - for multi-shift operations.

Launch of Pro EV Care – Comprehensive EV Service Program

A comprehensive five-tier service package to meet the diverse needs of customers and backed by an uptime assurance program to ensure higher productivity, availability and therefore profitability. This modular approach ensures predictable operating costs, unmatched lifecycle assurance for EV fleets and customizable on-site service tailored for their operations.

Industry Context & Leadership

India’s push for zero-emission heavy mobility is accelerating, with leading OEMs globally launching high-range and high-capacity EV trucks. Propel’s 2025 portfolio establishes India’s most comprehensive and indigenously engineered electric mining and construction range, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable heavy-duty transportation.

Diamond Fresh Chicken App Brings Fresh Chicken To Your Doorstep In Just 60 Minutes

Meat lovers now have a healthier, fresher, and more trustworthy option at their fingertips. The newly launched Diamond Fresh Chicken App aims to deliver fresh, high-quality chicken at affordable prices directly to customers’ doorsteps within just 60 minutes of placing an order.

The app has been developed with a strong focus on public health and food quality. Studies show that while our ancestors lived for 100 to 120 years, the average human lifespan today has decreased to 70 to 80 years, largely due to unhealthy dietary habits. The increasing consumption of fast food, junk food, and processed, preservative-rich products has been identified as one of the major causes of declining health.

In the meat industry, several large brands sell processed, frozen and preserved chicken, which is often stored for many days using ice, refrigeration and chemical preservatives. Attracted by colorful advertisements, many customers unknowingly purchase such chilled or frozen meat online. Scientific studies have confirmed that the long-term consumption of processed meat can have adverse effects on health.

Recognizing this growing concern, the founders of Diamond Fresh Chicken App have taken a traditional and transparent approach to provide customers with truly fresh, hygienic and chemical-free chicken.

Once an order is placed through the app, a healthy live chicken is procured from a nearby authorized outlet located within 2–3 kilometers of the customer’s home. The chicken is then freshly cut, cleaned and processed as per the customer’s preference and delivered to the doorstep within 60 minutes, ensuring maximum freshness and quality.

The app operates daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with Monday being a weekly holiday.

Initially, the service is available across Bengaluru, and plans are already in place to expand the operations to all district and taluk headquarters across Karnataka in the coming days.

In an effort to promote environmental responsibility, Diamond Fresh Chicken uses eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging for all deliveries, ensuring minimal impact on nature.

Customers are encouraged to download the Diamond Fresh Chicken App and experience a healthier, fresher, and more responsible way of consuming non-vegetarian food.

For fresh. For health. For a better tomorrow

Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited Partners With Tata Memorial’s ACTREC To Bring Advanced Cancer Treatment To Navi Mumbai

In a powerful step towards making cancer care more accessible, Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited (KMPL) has partnered with the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), part of the Tata Memorial Centre, to install the SDX® Voluntary Breath Hold System at its Proton Therapy Centre in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. The inauguration was done by Mr Suraj Rajappan (President & Whole Time Director, KMPL) with Mr. Muralidharan S (Business Head, KMPL).

This advanced technology will help doctors deliver high-precision radiation therapy by guiding patients to hold their breath during treatment—especially important for cancers in the lungs, liver, pancreas, and breast, where breathing can cause tumours to shift. The SDX® system ensures that radiation hits only the tumour, protecting healthy organs and improving treatment outcomes.

Why This Matters?

· Proton therapy is one of the most advanced forms of cancer treatment. This partnership ensures that even the most advanced cancer treatments are accessible to those who need them the most

· The SDX® system technology is compatible with ACTREC’s proton therapy setup and is thus essential for treating motion-sensitive cancers safely and effectively.

· Without this system, proton therapy for liver cancer, for example, may not be safe due to the organ’s movement during breathing (up to 3 cm)

· With this upgrade, ACTREC can now offer proton-based SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy)—a high-precision, high-dose treatment that improves survival and reduces side effects

A Commitment to Equitable Healthcare

ACTREC treats over 35,000 patients annually, with majority coming from economically weaker backgrounds. This partnership ensures that even the most advanced cancer treatments are accessible to those who need them most.

Dr. Rahul Krishnatry, Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, GI DMG, TMC, Mumbai, remarked, “The SDX system is a game-changer for motion-managed radiation delivery. For tumours that move significantly during respiration, such as those in the liver and pancreas, precision is non-negotiable. With this upgrade, we are now equipped to offer proton-based SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy) to patients who would have otherwise had limited options. This translates directly into survival benefit and reduced toxicity.”

Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Director, ACTREC, stated: The SDX® Voluntary Breath Hold system is the only technology compatible with ACTREC’s proton therapy setup, making it essential for treating motion-sensitive cancers safely and effectively. “I congratulate the department of radiation oncology, which constantly strives to upgrade and update their technology to provide the most cutting-edge treatment options to very deserving sections of patients. On behalf of TMC, I extend my gratitude towards Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited for realising the social cause and contributing to it. We welcome them with open arms to our campus and look for future opportunities to help our patients and our efforts in nation-building. The SDX® Voluntary Breath Hold system is like a smart breath-holding coach that helps patients and doctors work together to deliver high-precision radiation safely. It's a small change that makes a big difference in cancer treatment.”

CSR with Purpose

This initiative is part of KMPL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment under its focus area of Healthcare. KMPL supports projects that improve access to quality healthcare, including infrastructure upgrades and advanced medical technologies.

“At KMPL, we believe that world-class healthcare should be accessible to all who need it. Through this partnership with Tata Memorial Centre, we are proud to support their ACTREC in delivering globally benchmarked cancer care to every patient.” said Shahrukh Todiwala, Managing Director & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited.

About ACTREC

Located on a 60-acre campus in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) serves as a premier hub for integrated oncology care, research, and education. Home to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Proton Therapy Centre and the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), ACTREC represents the cutting edge of cancer treatment in India. With 465 inpatient beds, sophisticated modern radiotherapy technology, 14 modular operation theatres, sophisticated and dedicated units for Bone Marrow Transplant, ICU, and day care, ACTREC treats over 35,000 patients annually, with approximately 70-80% of them coming from economically weaker sections. The centre is uniquely positioned as the only government-funded proton therapy facility in the country, ensuring that even the most advanced cancer treatments are accessible to the unreached sector.

About Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited
Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited (KMPL) is a subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited and has been one of India's leading car finance company since 1996. In 2018, KMPL successfully kick-started its two-wheeler loan business and has also begun offering Loan Against Property since 2021. In the automobile space, KMPL finances new, preowned passenger cars and two wheelers for retail consumers as well as provides wholesale financing to automobile dealerships. The company has preferred financier relationships and tie-ups with various automobile manufacturers in India. KMPL provides Loans Against Property against both commercial and residential real estate, ensuring ready finance for business or personal needs. KMPL's retail distribution network comprises of 161 branches across 24 states in India that is further supported by a wide network of direct marketing associates and agencies across the country. https://www.primeloans.kotak.com.

Former Cricket Captain - Virat Kohli To Sell One8 To Abhishek Ganguly-Led Agilitas Sports

Agilitas Sports has officially acquired one8, the sportswear brand co-created by Virat Kohli. As part of the deal, Kohli joins Agilitas as an investor and co-founder of one8.

Agilitas, founded by Abhishek Ganguly, oversees manufacturing, R&D, brand-building and retail distribution; in 2023, it acquired Mochiko Shoes.

Virat Kohli said, “My relationship with Abhishek grew very naturally; it was never forced. One day, while casually talking about my desire to build something of my own, he simply said, ‘Let’s go for it,’ and that’s how one8 began. Sport has shaped my entire life. Movement, comfort, and performance define everything for me, and that philosophy naturally translates into the brand. I always wanted a sports-first approach to style, where functionality, comfort and identity come together.

What inspired me to bring one8 to Agilitas was the depth of its manufacturing, the strength of the people, the structure they’ve built, and Abhishek’s expertise. I am deeply involved in the creative process of everything that comes out. Nothing excites me more than building something that represents quiet confidence, gives me my Indian identity, and takes it from India to the world.”

Abhishek Ganguly said, “I first met Virat on the day he scored a double hundred in Mumbai and still went straight into training after a full day in the heat. That moment stayed with me. It defined his mindset. Our relationship has always been honest, open, and driven by a shared belief in pushing beyond limits.

The one8 mindset is about taking risks, trying the unknown and never settling. Agilitas is truly represented in one8, and Virat truly represents that mindset. Together, we are building a high-performance brand from India, rooted in sports functionality, best-in-class quality and a very clear reason to exist — with the ambition to be globally meaningful over the next decade.”

The Queen Of Hard Techno Comes To India: Why Sara Landry’s Sunburn Festival 2025 Headline Is A Cultural Shift

The World’s #1 Hard Techno DJ, Sara Landry isn’t just arriving at Sunburn Festival 2025, she’s arriving at a moment when India’s electronic music landscape is hungry for evolution. Globally hailed as the Queen of Hard Techno, Landry has redefined the genre with her explosive sets, occult-inspired aesthetic and fiercely independent artistic identity. Her headlining debut at Sunburn Festival marks the first time a pioneering hard-techno artist of her scale takes centre stage at the festival, signalling a bold expansion of what India’s largest dance music gathering represents.

Landry’s inclusion isn’t simply about sound; it’s about the cultural recalibration happening within India’s nightlife and festival circuit. Hard techno, once niche and underground, has been steadily rising with Gen Z audiences who gravitate toward high-BPM, high-intensity sonic experiences. Sara, with her unapologetic style, community-driven ethos and massive global following, embodies the current shift in dance culture, one that celebrates individuality, darkness, energy and freedom. Her Sunburn Festival 2025 set is poised to introduce a new wave of electronic music exploration, bridging the gap between India’s commercial EDM history and the global techno future.

For the Sunburn Festival, this isn’t just a headliner, it’s a statement. By placing Sara Landry alongside global heavyweights David Guetta, Axwell and Above & Beyond, the festival signals its intent to expand its sonic universe and embrace both the mainstream and the cutting edge. With its high-octane lineup, blockbuster production and a city ready to celebrate at full volume, Sunburn Festival 2025 is set to be India’s most definitive electronic music event of the year, one that audiences will talk about long after the final beat drops.

Sunburn Festival 2025 hits Mumbai from December 19th to 21st at Infinity Bay, Sewri, bringing together the biggest names, the wildest crowds and the most unforgettable vibes. Book your tickets now on BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination and be part of India’s biggest music festival.