Candere Announces Smriti Mandana As Its New Brand Ambassador

Candere, the lifestyle jewellery brand from the House of Kalyan Jewellers, has announced celebrated Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana as its new brand ambassador. Joining Shahrukh Khan as the face of the brand, Smriti’s association marks a significant step in Candere’s journey to strengthen its connect with young, modern Indian consumers.

One of India's most accomplished cricketers, Smriti has built a strong connection with audiences through her achievements, consistency and authenticity. At a time when women’s cricket continues to command growing attention across the country, her association with Candere reflects the brand’s focus on consumers who view jewellery not as something reserved for occasions, but as a natural part of how they present themselves every day.

Mr. Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Director, Candere, said, “Smriti Mandhana’s influence extends far beyond the cricket field. She represents a generation that values ambition, authenticity and confidence, and has become an inspiration to millions through her achievements and conduct. We are delighted to welcome her as the face of Candere alongside Shahrukh Khan. Together, they reflect the diversity of today’s India and the many ways consumers express themselves. As Candere continues to grow as a lifestyle jewellery brand, Smriti’s association will help us deepen our connect with audiences across the country.”

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, jewellery is increasingly becoming part of everyday dressing rather than being reserved for special occasions. Candere has built its offering around this shift, with contemporary collections designed to complement daily routines, personal style and modern lifestyles. From workdays and weekends to celebrations and milestones, the brand’s versatile designs enable consumers to wear jewellery more often, more effortlessly and more meaningfully.

Commenting on the association, Ms. Smriti Mandhana said, “I’m delighted to associate with Candere, a brand that truly understands the style sensibilities of today’s consumers. For me, jewellery isn’t something that’s reserved for special occasions; it’s something I wear every day. It’s a part of my personal style and often the finishing touch that makes me feel like myself. Candere’s contemporary designs fit effortlessly into that mindset, making jewellery relevant for everyday moments. I’m excited to be part of this journey and look forward to connecting with audiences through the brand’s campaigns.”

With over 130 retail stores across India and a rapidly growing presence nationwide, Candere continues to shape the evolving lifestyle jewellery category. The brand's omni-channel approach offers customers a seamless shopping experience across its expanding retail footprint and digital platform. Backed by the trusted legacy of Kalyan Jewellers, Candere combines craftsmanship, contemporary design and accessibility to create jewellery that becomes a natural part of consumers’ everyday lives.

About Candere:

Candere is an omnichannel lifestyle jewellery brand from the house of Kalyan Jewellers. With a growing retail presence of 130+ stores across India, Candere offers a seamless shopping experience through both its online platform and retail outlets. Known for its stylish, minimalistic, and contemporary designs, Candere caters to modern jewellery lovers who seek elegance and individuality in every piece.

To know more, visit www.candere.com   

Bank Of Baroda Supports 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan' To Promote A Drug-Free And Healthier India

Bank of Baroda, one of India's leading public sector banks, actively participated in the nationwide 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah' campaign organized by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, from June 17 to June 26, 2026, under the theme "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan". The campaign was conducted in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and aimed to create awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and encourage collective action towards a drug-free India.

As part of the initiative, Bank of Baroda amplified the campaign's message across its digital and physical touchpoints, including its website, social media platforms and branch network. Campaign creatives and awareness banners were displayed across branches to maximize outreach and encourage public participation in the movement.

The Bank leveraged its extensive customer and stakeholder network to promote awareness of the importance of leading a healthy, addiction-free life and supporting the vision of a progressive and responsible society. Through its participation, Bank of Baroda reaffirmed its commitment to social responsibility and nation-building initiatives that contribute to the well-being of communities.

About Bank of Baroda

Founded on 20th July, 1908 by Sir Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Bank of Baroda is one of the leading commercial banks in India. At 63.97% stake, it is majorly owned by the Government of India. The Bank serves its global customer base of over ~180 million through around 65,000 touch points spread across 15 countries in five continents and through its various digital banking platforms, which provide all banking products and services in a seamless and hassle-free manner. The Bank’s vision matches the aspirations of its diverse clientele base and seeks to instil a sense of trust and security in all their dealings with the Bank.

· Visit us at https://bankofbaroda.bank.in/

· Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bankofbaroda/

· Twitter https://twitter.com/bankofbaroda

· Instagram https://www.instagram.com/officialbankofbaroda/

· YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BankofBaroda

· LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bankofbaroda/

NEWME Strengthens Bengaluru Presence With Two New - Stores In Kamanahalli And Koramangla

* Expansion takes the brand's city-wide footprint to seven stores and reinforces its growing focus on high-street retail

NEWME, India's fast-growing Gen Z fashion-tech brand, has strengthened its presence in Bengaluru with the launch of two new stores in Kammanahalli and has announced plans to open another store in Koramangala next month. With these additions, the brand will operate seven stores across the city once the Koramangala store becomes operational, making Bengaluru one of NEWME's largest and most important retail markets in the country.

Located in two of Bengaluru's most vibrant youth and lifestyle hubs, the newly launched Kammanahalli store and the upcoming Koramangala outlet are designed to bring NEWME's digital-first fashion experience closer to its growing community of shoppers. The Kammanahalli store spans approximately 2,000 sq. ft. across 2 floors, while the Koramangala store will cover 1,200 sq. ft., offering consumers access to NEWME's trend-led collections, immersive shopping environment, and technology-enabled retail experience. To celebrate the Kammanahalli launch, customers visiting the stores can avail special inaugural offers, including Buy One Get One on launch day, followed by additional discounts over the weekend.

Speaking on the expansion, Sumit Jasoria, Co-founder & CEO, NEWME, said: "Bengaluru has always been at the heart of NEWME's journey. Not only it is our headquarters, but it is also one of our strongest-performing markets, with a highly engaged community of Gen Z consumers. The response to our stores in the city has consistently reinforced our belief that while discovery may begin online, consumers increasingly want physical spaces where they can experience the brand, engage with fashion, and be part of the community. As we continue expanding nationally, Bengaluru will remain one of our most strategic growth markets."

The expansion also reflects a broader evolution in NEWME's retail strategy. While the brand initially established a presence across leading malls in key markets, it is increasingly investing in high-street destinations that offer stronger visibility, accessibility, and everyday engagement with consumers. With the Kammanahalli launch and the upcoming Koramangala store, NEWME will operate three high-street stores in Bengaluru, further strengthening its ability to connect with shoppers beyond traditional retail environments.

The Bengaluru expansion marks another milestone in NEWME's rapid offline growth journey. Since its inception in 2022, the brand has evolved from a digital-first startup into one of India's fastest-growing omnichannel fashion players, serving over 20 lakh customers nationwide. By combining real-time trend insights, data-led design, and an agile supply chain, NEWME has built a differentiated fashion ecosystem tailored for India's digitally native consumers.

At the core of this model is NEWME's technology-led, inventory-light approach, which enables the brand to introduce over 500 fresh styles every week while maintaining speed, efficiency, and minimal inventory risk across channels. This has allowed NEWME to seamlessly integrate its online and offline operations, creating a retail experience that is both responsive and consumer-centric.

The latest store launch and upcoming opening form part of NEWME's larger retail expansion strategy as the company continues to deepen its presence across high-potential markets nationwide. Alongside expanding its physical footprint, the brand is also scaling initiatives such as NEWME Zip, further strengthening its omnichannel ecosystem and reinforcing its position as one of India's most dynamic Gen Z fashion brands.
About NEWME:

Founded in 2022 by Sumit Jasoria, Vinod Naik, Shivam Tripathi, and Himanshu Chaudhary, NEWME targets more than 500 Million Gen Z customers in India and Southeast Asia. The brand currently operates 27 stores across 9 different states in India. NEWME believes in the transformative power of technology to enhance designs and solve for accessibility and affordability in fashion. The brand celebrates the spirit of self-expression and individualism among youth and offers thousands of trend-led styles designed to help consumers become their 'NEWME' every day. 

The Perfect 9-To-5 Look: Mia By Tanishq And Lakmē Collaborate On The Ultimate Everyday Style Playbook

In a powerhouse partnership, Mia by Tanishq and Lakmē unite to redefine daily self-expression, blending fine jewellery and the Lakmē 9to5 Hya Beach Edit into the ultimate modern style ritual.

Mia by Tanishq and Lakmē today announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration that brings jewellery and beauty together to celebrate everyday style and sun-ready confidence. Centered on Mia's Sunkissed Collection and the Lakmē 9to5 Hya Beach Edit, the partnership mirrors how the modern Indian woman actually lives, experiencing beauty and style together every single day, from the morning coffee run through the entire 9-to-5.

The collaboration launches with a curated, influencer-led "summer styling stack" initiative. Creators across fashion, beauty, GRWM, travel, and lifestyle verticals will share immersive content showing how a sunkissed glow and effortless jewellery combine to shape personal style and self-expression. The creative focus is warm, wearable, and real; style cues that fit everyday moments, not just occasions.

The insight at the heart of this collaboration is both simple and culturally powerful: today's young Indian consumer no longer saves beauty and jewellery for weddings, festivals, or special occasions. She wears both every single day as extensions of her identity, confidence, and self-expression. Beauty and jewellery have historically existed in separate conversations. This collaboration is the first time a jewellery brand and a beauty brand have come together deliberately to own that everyday intersection, anchoring it in real lifestyle moments from the morning coffee run to the 9-to-5 workday and beyond.

Commenting on the partnership, Shyamala Ramanan, Business Head, Mia by Tanishq, said, "At Mia by Tanishq, we have always believed that jewellery is not an embellishment for special days; it is an extension of who you are, every day. Partnering with Lakmē, a brand that holds the same philosophy at the heart of beauty, feels completely natural. Together, we want to own the everyday moment where a sunkissed glow and effortless jewellery meet, and inspire Indian women to show up for themselves, not just for occasions."

Speaking about the collaboration, Ashwini Rao, Vice President, Lakmē, added, "For the modern woman, style isn't a calendar event; it's a daily reality. With the Lakmē 9to5 Hya Beach Edit, we wanted to deliver that ultimate, skin-hydrating, sunkissed glow that stands up to the daily grind. Partnering with Mia by Tanishq allows us to take that aesthetic a step further, showing how our high-performance beauty range and their effortless jewellery combine to elevate everyday styling and sun-ready confidence."

Beyond the launch phase, the partnership has a roadmap for cultural longevity. Over the coming months, Mia by Tanishq and Lakmē will roll out a series of campaigns, activations, and collaborations, including festive and holiday touchpoints, designed to keep the conversation alive around everyday style and self-expression.

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, Sets A New Industry Standard With Diamonds Of The Highest Sparkle

* Indriya’s focus on superior sparkle brings delight and trust to diamond buying — with only 1 in 5 natural diamonds making the cut, thus setting a new retail industry milestone

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, has set an industry-first benchmark in natural diamond selection, bringing greater delight and trust to the diamond buying experience. Rooted in the belief that exceptional sparkle is the most visible expressions of diamond quality, this approach builds on the brand’s best-in-class selection standards. Going beyond conventional grading standards, Indriya’s approach to diamond cut and selection evaluates how effectively a diamond reflects, refracts and returns light to deliver superior brilliance, fire and scintillation. Only 1 out of 5 natural diamonds meet these rigorous standards.

This shift comes at a pivotal moment for the category. India sits at the heart of the global diamond industry, with over 90% of the world’s diamonds cut and polished in regions like Surat and Mumbai. Yet, despite this deep-rooted expertise, diamond jewellery consumption remains below 15%. By prioritising diamonds with optimal proportions and superior light return, Indriya not only brings to the forefront some of the most brilliantly sparkling diamonds in the country but also aims to reshape how Indian consumers evaluate and choose diamonds, beyond the traditional 4Cs.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SPARKLE

While clarity, colour and carat come from nature as physical property, cut is the result of human artistry and precision. It determines how light enters, reflects within and exits the diamond, making it the true driver of brilliance. A well-cut diamond maximises light return, while sub-optimal cuts allow light to escape, creating a visible difference in sparkle.

At Indriya, cut is further understood through three key aspects of light performance: Brilliance, Fire and Scintillation, capturing how a diamond truly appears when worn:

Brilliance: the white light reflected from a diamond’s facets

Fire: the dispersion of light into spectral colours

Scintillation: the flashes of sparkle seen in movement of light

Only diamonds that meet Indriya’s exacting standards across these parameters are selected, with precise proportions, optimal light return and minimal light leakage. Near-colourless F–H–G diamonds and high-clarity tables further enhance reflection, ensuring exceptional sparkle across every moment of wear.

To help consumers and stakeholders experience this distinction firsthand, Indriya has introduced SparkleScope, an innovative in-store technology that enables customers to evaluate a diamond’s sparkle. By making sparkle visibly measurable, this experience brings greater transparency to the buying process, allowing customers to see, understand and trust the difference that defines Indriya diamonds.

Commenting on this innovative industry benchmark introduction, Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya said, “The diamond industry is evolving, and innovation is the need of the hour. For decades, quality assessments have focused on the 4Cs, but ultimately customers fall in love with a diamond that sparkle the brightest. It is the first thing they notice, the quality that instantly captures attention, and the reason a diamond feels truly special. At Indriya, we are bringing sparkle to the forefront, by offering a more visible, intuitive and consumer-first way to evaluate diamonds, while setting a new industry benchmark. Every diamond in Indriya is selected for its superior sparkle and is available across a wide range of categories and occasions. Our aim is to democratise access to, and understanding of, exceptional sparkle, enabling customers to discover the best, and most sparkling diamonds.”

Also sharing his perspective, Mr. Rajendran Ganapathy, Head of Supply Chain at Indriya comments, “At Indriya, we started with a simple belief: if sparkle is what customers cherish most, it should also be the defining benchmark of our diamond selection process. Indriya handpicks only 1 out of 5 diamonds available in the market to ensure that our customers get the most sparkling diamonds. The result is a collection of diamonds that are selected for exceptional visual sparkle that is captivating and enduring.”

Indriya is the first legacy-backed jewellery brand to enter the Indian market in over three decades; and is the fastest growing retail brand, crossing 80 stores in under 2 years. With over 32,000 + designs, Indriya plans to change the way Indians buy diamonds, with karigaari at the core; showcasing evocative expressions of heritage reflecting extraordinary skill and generational knowledge of India’s master craftsmen.

The launch is supported by Indriya's new campaign, ‘Sparkle Like No Other' featuring face of the brand, Aditi Rao Hydari. The campaign brings alive the allure of superior sparkle, capturing attention and celebrating what sets Indriya diamonds apart.

With this campaign, Indriya continues to strengthen its position as a modern jewellery destination, offering a wide spectrum of diamond jewellery, from elegant everyday wear to occasion, festive and wedding collections. The brand blends craftsmanship, innovation and consumer education, while championing a more transparent and experience-led approach to diamond buying.

The campaign is being amplified through 360-degree media, creating a seamless consumer journey from awareness to experience.

About Indriya

Indriya, the jewellery brand from the Aditya Birla Group, was launched in July 2024 and is the first legacy-backed jewellery brand to enter the Indian market in over three decades. Derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘five senses’, Indriya embodies timeless elegance, unmatched craftsmanship, and a deeply immersive sensorial experience. Rooted in karigaari at its core, Indriya showcases evocative expressions of heritage, brought to life through the extraordinary skill and generational knowledge of India’s master craftsmen. With an expansive offering of over 32,000 designs across diamonds, precious gemstones, and artisanal gold, the brand is redefining the way Indians experience and buy jewellery—particularly diamonds. In under two years, Indriya has emerged as one of the fastest-growing jewellery retail brands in the country, with a network of over 80 stores. Each store is designed as more than a retail space—it is a destination for discovery, celebration, and self-expression. From meticulously crafted bridal heirlooms to contemporary designs for everyday elegance and special occasions, Indriya brings together tradition and modernity with equal finesse. Beyond weddings, the brand positions jewellery as a powerful expression of personal identity and artistry, making Indriya a destination for life’s most meaningful moments.

Gautam Adani Launches Vande Bharatam, A Nationwide Movement To Discover India's Grassroots Innovators And Entrepreneurs

Editor's Synopsis

• Vande Bharatam will conduct a nationwide search for innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers across all 36 States and Union Territories and more than 800 districts.

• Seventy-five finalists will be selected through a multi-stage process and invited to Ahmedabad for an immersive programme culminating in a national Grand Finale around Independence Day.

• Designed to extend opportunity beyond established start-up hubs, the initiative aims to identify entrepreneurial talent across geographies, sectors, languages and communities.

Marking his 64th birthday, Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, today launched Vande Bharatam, a national initiative to identify and support innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers from across India.

The programme will reach all 36 States and Union Territories, more than 800 districts and multiple Indian languages. Open to participants of all ages and backgrounds, it aims to bring promising ideas and entrepreneurial talent from beyond India's traditional start-up centres onto a national platform.

India today ranks among the world's leading start-up ecosystems. Yet more than 80 per cent of start-up founders continue to emerge from just five cities, leaving many aspiring innovators without access to visibility, mentorship and networks.

Vande Bharatam seeks to widen that access. From metropolitan centres and emerging cities to small towns and rural communities, the initiative will look for individuals with ideas, solutions and enterprises capable of creating economic and social impact.

As India advances towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, expanding participation in entrepreneurship and innovation will be critical to driving economic growth, creating jobs and solving local challenges.

The initiative is open to anyone with an idea, innovation, solution or entrepreneurial ambition, irrespective of age, profession, educational background or stage of development. Participants may apply with a concept, prototype, early-stage venture or established business. A registered start-up is not required.

Entries are invited from a wide range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, traditional crafts and community-led solutions. Dedicated pathways will encourage participation from women entrepreneurs, tribal entrepreneurs, rural innovators, Divyang entrepreneurs and community-based innovators addressing local challenges.

Applications will undergo a structured evaluation process focused on innovation, entrepreneurial potential, impact and scalability. Additional details relating to assessment criteria, jury composition and selection stages will be announced in due course.

Following state and regional evaluations, 75 finalists will be invited to Ahmedabad for an intensive programme featuring mentorship, industry interactions and engagement with investors and business leaders. Together, they will represent a cross-section of talent from across regions, sectors and communities.

Launching the initiative, Mr. Gautam Adani said: “When I began my journey, I had nothing. Everything I am and everything I have achieved was given to me by the soil of Bharat. There is no shortage of talent in our nation, but opportunity has not always reached every corner of the country.

India has built one of the world's largest start-up ecosystems, yet most founders still emerge from a handful of cities. Vande Bharatam is our effort to discover the innovators, problem-solvers and entrepreneurs whose ideas deserve recognition, support and a larger platform. We invite every Indian with the courage to build and the determination to create to come forward and participate.”

Finalists will gain access to mentors, investors, industry leaders, incubation support and strategic partnerships that can help transform ideas into enterprises. The programme will also include prize money and category-based recognitions, details of which will be announced at a later stage.

The Grand Finale, scheduled around Independence Day, will mark the beginning of an ongoing engagement platform connecting participants with mentors, investors, industry leaders and fellow innovators.

“If I can do it, any Indian can do it. All they need is an opportunity and a stage,” Mr Adani added.

With outreach extending across every State and Union Territory, more than 800 districts and the global Indian diaspora, Vande Bharatam aims to become one of India's broadest platforms for entrepreneurial discovery and innovation.

Applications opened on June 24 at vandebharatam.org.

About Vande Bharatam

Vande Bharatam is a nationwide entrepreneurship and innovation initiative launched by Mr Gautam Adani to identify, nurture and showcase entrepreneurial talent from every State and Union Territory of India. Through a structured selection process, mentorship opportunities and a national finale, the programme aims to broaden access to entrepreneurial opportunity and support the next generation of Indian innovators.

Acclaimed actor, television host and entrepreneur Mr Rajeev Khandelwal will serve as the Ambassador and Host of Vande Bharatam. With a career spanning television, cinema and digital platforms, he will help champion the initiative's mission of identifying, celebrating and amplifying entrepreneurial talent from across India.  

Tree Cheers To EuroSchool Bannerghatta: Bengaluru School Named Among The World’s Top 10 For Environmental Action

* Recognised for embedding sustainability into campus design, everyday learning and student action

EuroSchool Bannerghatta has been named among the world’s Top 10 schools in the Environmental Action category of the World’s Best School Prizes 2026, organised by T4 Education.

The recognition places the Bengaluru school among a select group of institutions demonstrating how environmental responsibility can be embedded not only in what students learn, but also in how a school is designed, operated and experienced every day.

EuroSchool Bannerghatta is also among seven Indian schools featured across the Top 10 shortlists for the World’s Best School Prizes 2026, making India the most represented country this year.

Founded by T4 Education in 2022, the World’s Best School Prizes celebrate schools transforming lives in classrooms and communities around the world. The five award categories are Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity and Supporting Healthy Lives.

EuroSchool Bannerghatta has been recognised for creating a nature-inspired learning ecosystem in which academics, wellbeing, sustainability and life skills come together to nurture environmentally conscious, emotionally resilient and future-ready learners.

The school’s environmental journey began before the campus was built. Developed on land that was once a thriving orchard, the school was designed around the existing trees, including a jackfruit tree that had been promised protection. Rather than treating nature as an obstacle to development, the campus was shaped around it.

That philosophy now extends into everyday school life through outdoor learning, waste segregation, composting, Farm to Table activities, food-waste reduction and student-led environmental action.

Speaking on the recognition, Mr Sadashiv Nayak, CEO – K–12 Schools, Lighthouse Learning Group, said:

“Being named among the world’s Top 10 schools for Environmental Action is a proud moment for the entire EuroSchool Bannerghatta community. The school demonstrates that environmental responsibility becomes meaningful when it is built into the culture, systems and everyday experiences of students. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our students, educators, parents and teams.”

Ms Seethalakshmi Kartha, Senior Principal, EuroSchool Bannerghatta, said:

“This recognition belongs to our entire school community. From the way our campus was built to the choices our students make every day, environmental responsibility has always been part of who we are. We are honoured to be recognised alongside schools from across the world and remain committed to empowering our students to become thoughtful, responsible changemakers.”

The winners of the five World’s Best School Prizes will be selected by an expert Judging Academy, with the Top 3 finalists and winners scheduled to be announced in November 2026.

All 50 shortlisted schools across the five categories will also participate in a global Public Vote to determine the recipient of the Community Choice Award.

The shortlisted schools and winners will be invited to the World Schools Summit in London in January 2027, where they will share their experiences and best practices with policymakers and education leaders from around the world.

The recognition marks an important milestone for EuroSchool Bannerghatta and strengthens its commitment to making environmental responsibility a visible, participative and enduring part of school life.

Tree Cheers to EuroSchool Bannerghatta.

About EuroSchool

EuroSchool is one of India’s leading K–12 school networks, with 21 campuses across Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Surat.

30,000+ students | 1,800+ educators | 1,000+ digital classrooms | 480+ GPS-enabled buses | 111,000+ library books

Guided by the philosophy of Discover Yourself, EuroSchool empowers children to explore their potential and discover their dreams and talents. From Nursery to Grade 12, EuroSchool is dedicated to nurturing curiosity, building confidence and preparing every child for a rapidly evolving world.

Its Balanced Schooling approach—anchored in the proprietary Learn–Reinforce–Practice–Apply–Experience methodology—blends academic excellence with co-curricular and extracurricular learning.

EuroSchool also offers opportunities that develop life skills, creativity and leadership. With a strong focus on child safety, it is India’s first school network to earn the global Safe School certification.

All EuroSchool campuses are affiliated with either the Central Board of Secondary Education or the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.

For more information, visit the EuroSchool website.

About Lighthouse Learning Group

Lighthouse Learning Group, formerly known as EuroKids International, is one of India’s leading Early Childhood and K–12 education groups, backed by global investment firm KKR.

Driven by its purpose to unlock human potential by igniting the love for learning, the Group’s portfolio includes EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, Mother’s Pet Kindergarten, Early Learning Village, EuroSchool, Billabong High International School, Centre Point Schools, Heritage International Xperiential School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Finland International School Maldives and Phoenix Greens School of Learning.

Lighthouse Learning nurtures more than 200,000 students every day through a network of approximately 2,000 preschools and 60 K–12 schools. It also empowers 1,850 women entrepreneurs and supports a direct and indirect workforce of more than 25,000 people.  

Stayfree® Expands Its Menstrual Hygiene Portfolio With The Launch Of Xpert XL: Experience Redefined On-The-Go Period Protection

* The new product provides 3 in-1 protection!

Stayfree®, a leading menstrual hygiene brand announced the launch of Stayfree® Xpert XL – a new menstrual hygiene solution designed to offer superior protection and comfort to women during their periods along with ease of carrying and disposing it. With this launch, Stayfree® expands its portfolio in the feminine hygiene segment, offering a best-in-class solution tailored to support women through their changing lifestyles and evolving needs.

The introduction of Stayfree® Xpert XL reaffirms the brand’s continued focus on innovation to meet emerging needs of women in their overall period management. The Stayfree® Xpert XL is designed with 3-in-1 protection

Superior Protection: With Gel Lock Pockets for deep and instant absorption, locking in fluid quickly, giving a dry feel and protection throughout the day

Comfort: Air Soft^ Cover for breathable and gentle feel against the skin, ensuring comfort throughout the wear

Compact & Fits in Pocket - individually wrapped napkins that allow women to carry their pad conveniently with a wrapper for easy disposal

Commenting on expansion of Stayfree portfolio, Supriya Srinivasa, Marketing Director, Stayfree, said, "At Stayfree, we realize every woman has a different period experience and are constantly building solutions to improve the period experience for them. Stayfree® Xpert XL is one such disruptive innovation providing superior 3-in-1 protection with its: Gel Lock Pockets to provide deep and instant absorption, Air Soft Cover to improve how the pad feels on their skin and fitting-in-pocket design in individually wrapped napkins for ease of carrying and disposal. Stayfree remains committed to offer varied solutions for our consumers so they can choose what works best for them to manage their periods”.

To amplify the launch, Stayfree® has commenced a mega influencer campaign collaborating with voices from various walks of life, including Aditi Bhatia, Ashnoor Kaur and more to connect with younger, active digital-first consumers.

In Stayfree’s digital campaign with actress Aditi Bhatia, the film brings to life a regular day in any woman on her periods, the constant worry of leakage, skin irritation from using a pad, and the extra mental and physical baggage of carrying pads around when they are out and about. As the woman deals with her inner thoughts and anxieties, the film highlights how Stayfree Xpert XL plays an active role in helping her manage her period challenges more seamlessly!

Through such authentic and relatable content across digital platforms, Stayfree reinforces its role in supporting women through trusted menstrual hygiene solutions.

The new Stayfree® Xpert XL with 3-in-1 protection is available nationwide across retail channels, modern trade, general trade, pharmacies, ecommerce and quick commerce platforms. Priced at MRP ₹ 48/- (incl. of all taxes) for 6 Units, Stayfree® Xpert XL is available in packs of 6, 18 and 40Units.

Campaign link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZph3OHOwsk/

About Stayfree®:

Stayfree® knows that periods can be difficult. That’s why it has a long heritage of creating products that provide comfortable protection to help women feel at ease during their periods. The brand has been striving to build a healthy relationship between a young girl and her periods so that she can continue to pursue their dreams.  

One Millionth TVS iQube Rolled Out: Reflects TVS Motor’s Role In Shaping India's EV Transformation

* The milestone is a testament to India's accelerating transition towards sustainable mobility

* Built on strong in-house engineering, innovation and manufacturing capabilities, TVS iQube continues to drive the adoption of electric mobility across the country

TVS Motor Company, part of TVS VENU and a globally reputed manufacturer of two and three-wheelers, today announced the rollout of the one millionth TVS iQube from its manufacturing facility in Hosur. The milestone marks an important chapter in India's electric mobility journey and underscores the country's progress towards a sustainable, smart and self-reliant mobility future.

As India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, electric mobility is emerging as a key enabler of sustainable growth, energy transition and technological leadership. As one of the pioneers of India's EV journey, TVS Motor has played an important role in shaping the category through sustained investments in in-house engineering, R&D, product innovation and ecosystem development. Designed, engineered and manufactured in India for the world, TVS iQube embodies TVS Motor's focus on self-reliance and technological capability, combining Indian ingenuity with global standards of quality, performance and sustainability.

Commenting on the milestone, Sudarshan Venu, Chairman, TVS Motor Company said, “The rollout of one million TVS iQubes reflects the scale at which electric mobility is becoming part of everyday life in India. The milestone is built on years of investment in engineering, innovation and manufacturing capabilities that have enabled us to build world-class electric mobility solutions designed and manufactured in India for the world. As India progresses towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, it has a unique opportunity to emerge as a global leader in the future of mobility. At TVS Motor, we remain committed to advancing this vision through exciting and sustainable mobility solutions that strengthen India’s position as a global mobility powerhouse."

Since its launch in 2020, TVS iQube has grown into one of India's most preferred electric scooter brands and the country's favourite family EV. Built around the needs of Indian consumers, the portfolio has expanded across multiple battery capacities, range options and connected features, enabling customers to choose an electric scooter that best suits their mobility requirements. Supported by a robust sales and service network spanning over 3,300 touchpoints across more than 3,000 cities, alongside continuous investments in manufacturing and capacity expansion, TVS iQube has helped make electric mobility more accessible to customers across the country.

Collectively, the growing community of TVS iQube riders has contributed to a meaningful environmental impact while accelerating the adoption of sustainable mobility in India. Since launch, TVS iQube customers have collectively ridden over 14.94 billion kilometres, helping avoid 522,969 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The carbon savings achieved by the TVS iQube community are equivalent to planting nearly 20.9 million trees, underscoring the tangible impact that electric mobility can create at scale. These outcomes highlight individual mobility choices collectively contributing to India's broader sustainability and energy-transition targets.

Karnataka Gets A God Promise: Spinny And Sachin Tendulkar Make Car Selling Simpler, Fairer, And More Trustworthy

From Bengaluru, Spinny's largest market since inception to cities across Karnataka, the campaign highlights fair price discovery, instant payments and seamless RC transfer support for car sellers.

Spinny has extended its "God Promise" campaign featuring Sachin Tendulkar to Karnataka, strengthening its presence in one of India's most significant markets for organised used-car transactions.

Bengaluru has been Spinny's largest market since inception and continues to be one of the country's most dynamic pre-owned car markets. The city's strong preference for trusted, transparent and technology-enabled car transactions has played a pivotal role in shaping Spinny's growth journey and the evolution of the organised used-car category.

Campaign Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxbBe_cbAtc ;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F0ADHqsX-Q

The campaign spans television, transit and out-of-home media, and is centred around SellRight by Spinny, the company's seller-first proposition focused on simplifying and strengthening the car-selling experience. It offers fair price discovery, instant payment, free and fast RC transfer support, and end-to-end assistance aimed at improving transparency and reducing friction for car sellers.

At the heart of the campaign is the "God Promise"- a phrase widely understood across India as a symbol of sincerity and assurance. Spinny has reimagined it as a commitment to trust, transparency, and reliability in every car transaction. The campaign features Sachin Tendulkar, whose reputation for integrity and consistency mirrors the values that underpin the Spinny experience.

On the buying side, Spinny's commitment to quality is built into every car it delivers. Backed by Integrated Restoration Centres (IRCs), state-of-the-art facilities work in tandem with highly skilled refurbishment teams. Every car goes through rigorous multi-point inspections and structured refurbishment processes to ensure consistency, reliability, and quality.

Karnataka has also been a landmark market for Spinny's retail innovation. Bengaluru is home to the country's first experiential Spinny Park, a format designed to transform the used-car buying journey through transparency, convenience, and a customer-first experience.

Spinny today operates over 57 car hubs across India, with a total parking capacity of nearly 10,000 cars. Bengaluru is one of the company's largest operational markets, with six car hubs and parking capacity for more than 1,200 cars, making Spinny the largest organised used-car brand in the city.

Spinny continues to strengthen its presence across Karnataka through a growing network of retail and seller-service operations. The company operates retail hubs in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru, alongside a dedicated seller hub in Hubballi that supports vehicle evaluations, procurement and seller services across North Karnataka.

Through SellRight by Spinny, customers can choose between doorstep evaluations and hub visits to conveniently sell their cars across Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Shivamogga, Udupi, Hassan and Davanagere, as well as nearby catchment markets such as Hosur. Backed by data-driven price discovery, instant payments and seamless RC transfer support, Spinny is helping customers realise the right value for their cars with greater confidence and convenience.

Over the last few years, Spinny has built a customer base of over two lakh users, reflecting growing consumer preference for structured and transparent car buying and selling experiences.

Sachin Tendulkar added:

"The 'God Promise' connects naturally with people because it comes from honesty and trust—values I've always believed in. Cars carry memories and milestones, and this campaign reflects the emotional and practical confidence people look for today."

Speaking on the campaign, Niraj Singh, Founder and CEO, Spinny, said:

"Bengaluru has been Spinny's largest market since inception and has played a defining role in our journey. The city has consistently embraced innovation and trust-led experiences, helping shape the future of organised used-car transactions in India.

With SellRight by Spinny and the 'God Promise' campaign, we are strengthening our commitment to making car selling simpler, fairer and more transparent for customers across Bengaluru and the wider Karnataka market. As we continue to expand our reach across the state, our focus remains on delivering convenience, confidence and trust at every step of the journey."

Over the past decade, Spinny has continued to transform India's used-car ecosystem through certified processes, fair pricing, rigorous inspections and customer-first experiences, building a platform grounded in trust, transparency and consistency while staying locally relevant.  

Ishan Technologies Appoints Saibal Roy As COO To Drive Operational Excellence And Enterprise Growth

Ishan Technologies, a leading pan-India ICT and digital infrastructure provider, has appointed Mr. Saibal Roy as its Chief Operating Officer. His appointment marks an important step in strengthening the company's leadership as it continues to expand its digital infrastructure capabilities and enhance operational excellence.

Mr. Roy is a seasoned enterprise leader with more than three decades of experience across India's ICT and telecommunications industry. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale businesses, developed successful go-to-market strategies, and built high-performing teams across complex and competitive markets.

At Bharti Airtel, he spent nearly 14 years in leadership roles across Government Business, Enterprise Business and Carrier Wholesale, driving sustained business growth across each segment. Prior to joining Ishan Technologies, he served as India Vertical Head for Manufacturing, Retail and Distribution at ServiceNow India. His professional journey also includes leadership positions at Tata Communications, HFCL and Tulip Telecom, providing him with deep expertise across enterprise connectivity, digital transformation and customer-centric growth. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering and is an alumnus of ISB Hyderabad and INSEAD Fontainebleau.

Commenting on the appointment, Mrs. Purvi Kotecha, Director, Ishan Technologies said, “Over the past 25 years, we have built a business that our customers trust. As we continue to grow, strengthening our operational capabilities becomes increasingly important. Saibal brings extensive leadership experience, a deep understanding of the enterprise technology landscape, and a proven ability to build scalable organisations. We are confident that his expertise will play a significant role in supporting Ishan Technologies' next phase of growth.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Saibal Roy, Chief Operating Officer, Ishan Technologies, said, “Ishan Technologies has built a strong reputation through its customer-first approach, robust digital infrastructure and deep market understanding. I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen operational excellence, and build capabilities that support the company's long-term growth ambitions "

With over 25 years of experience, Ishan Technologies continues to strengthen its position as a trusted ICT and digital infrastructure partner for enterprises, government institutions and retail customers. The company remains focused on delivering secure, scalable and AI-ready digital solutions while driving operational excellence and long-term customer value.

About Ishan Technologies:

Founded in 2000, Ishan Technologies is a leading ICT company with a strong pan-India presence, enabling organisations to build and scale digital infrastructure for the AI era. The company delivers integrated solutions across network connectivity, data centre services, cloud, and a unified AI ready digital platform, serving enterprises, government institutions, and retail customers. With over 25 years of expertise, Ishan Technologies is committed to building secure, scalable, and sovereign digital ecosystems that power India’s next phase of digital and AI growth.

Ishan Technologies- www.ishantechnologies.com    

Insurance For All Begins With Awareness: Building Financial Resilience Across Bharat Rakesh Jain, CEO, IndusInd General Insurance

National Insurance Awareness Day underscores the critical role of insurance in advancing financial resilience and inclusive economic growth. With insurance penetration in India below global benchmarks, deepening awareness across Bharat, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, is vital to realizing the national vision of ‘Insurance for All’. As risks evolve across health, climate, and digital ecosystems, insurance must transition from a reactive risk mitigator to a proactive enabler of security and enterprise.

At IndusInd General Insurance, we are committed to leveraging technology and customer-centric innovation to enhance accessibility, strengthen trust, and empower every Indian to participate confidently in the growth journey.

Henkel Appoints Pradhyumna Ingle As Country President For India

Henkel has appointed Pradhyumna Ingle as Country President for India, reinforcing the company's commitment to one of its fastest growing and most strategically important markets. Based in Navi Mumbai, Pradhyumna will be responsible for driving the company’s growth strategy, strengthening market presence, and advancing innovation across its businesses in the country. He will continue to serve in his global leadership roles as Global Head – Infrastructure Protection & Repair and IMEA Head – Manufacturing & Maintenance within Henkel Adhesive Technologies.

The appointment comes at a time when India is emerging as one of the world's most compelling growth stories. Supported by converging trends of large-scale infrastructure investments, accelerating industrialization, and the rapid expansion of an upwardly mobile consumer market, the country is creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation and business expansion.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience across India, Asia Pacific, North America, and the Middle East & Africa, Pradhyumna has built a distinguished track record. He has accelerated growth, built high-performance organizations, driven acquisitions and integration, and fostered digital business models.

Pradhyumna succeeds S. Sunil Kumar, who has successfully led Henkel India over the past five years. Sunil will relocate to Dubai to take on an expanded role leading strategic projects across the IMEA region, in addition to his current responsibility as Director Packaging – IMEA.

Commenting on the appointment, Ashraf Elafifi, IMEA President, Henkel, said: “India is a key growth engine for Henkel globally. Pradhyumna brings a unique combination of global perspective, deep market understanding, customer-centricity, and proven leadership in driving transformation and sustainable growth. His extensive experience across multiple regions and industries positions him exceptionally well to lead Henkel India’s next chapter of growth.”

Speaking on his appointment, Pradhyumna Ingle, Country President, India, Henkel, said: "India is at the forefront of a remarkable economic and consumer transformation. With accelerating investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, mobility, electronics, energy, and digital technologies, alongside a young and aspirational consumer base, the opportunities for innovation and value creation are significant. Henkel is uniquely positioned to contribute to this growth through our strong brands, leading technologies, deep customer and consumer understanding, and partnerships across both Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands."

"I am excited to work with our talented teams across India to further strengthen our market position, expand our local innovation capabilities, and deliver sustainable growth for our customers, employees, partners, and communities. Together, we will continue advancing solutions that help build, maintain, and improve the industries that power India's future," he added.

Pradhyumna holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering from Government Engineering College, Ujjain, and an MBA from the Institute of Management Studies, Indore.

About Henkel

With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2025, Henkel reported sales of about 20.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.0 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com

About Henkel India

Henkel in India has two legal entities, namely, Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Private Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of Henkel) and Henkel Anand India Private Limited (a joint venture company of Henkel and Anand Group). The adhesive technologies business operates primarily in the business-to-business realm in the country, while in the consumer brands business, Henkel is present in the “hair” category. Headquartered in Navi Mumbai, the adhesive technologies business has a footprint comprising five manufacturing sites, two innovation centers, a customer experience center, a flexible packaging academy and three application centers serving the footwear, consumer electronics and electronics industries, respectively. Its hair business has five Schwarzkopf Professional academies across the country. Further enhancing Henkel’s innovation ecosystem is its Global Technology Center, designed to help implement innovations quickly and build future-oriented digital competencies at the company. Henkel employs over 1,700 employees across these sites. More information at www.henkel.in.  

75 Indian Students Awarded Erasmus+ Scholarships To pursue Higher Education In Europe

* 40 Indian Student Ambassadors selected to drive EU-India academic and people-to-people exchange; Deepening the people-centered dimension of the EU-India Strategic Partnership

The European Union has awarded 75 Indian students the prestigious two years-long Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) scholarships for the 2026–2028 academic cycle, cementing India’s position as the top recipient of these scholarships since 2004 and placing it among the top three countries globally for this year’s intake. With nearly 100,000 Indian students currently pursuing higher education studies across Europe, the continent continues to be a preferred destination for Indian students seeking world-class academic and research opportunities. To further strengthen academic and people-to-people connect, the EU also announced the launch of the EU-India Student Ambassadors’ Network, which will bring together 40 student ambassadors from 20 Indian universities. The network aims to raise awareness about European academic and research opportunities, while fostering deeper engagement about the EU-India partnership among youth across India.

To celebrate this year’s achievements, the Delegation of the European Union to India hosted a pre-departure ceremony in New Delhi, bringing together the selected scholars, EU Member State representatives, alumni, and key education stakeholders. The event served as a platform to prepare the students for their upcoming academic journey across Europe. The departing cohort will get an opportunity to study at leading universities in 15 European countries, including France, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Poland, Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, Greece, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Romania, and Lithuania, as well as affiliated institutions in other European and partner nations.

The 2026 cohort will pursue interdisciplinary master's programmes in cutting-edge fields that align with both the EU and Indian strategic priorities, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, smart urban development, renewable energy, nanosystems, vaccinology, pharmaceutical sciences, gender studies. Additionally, students have selected programmes in literature, cultural studies, and social sciences, reflecting the broad spectrum of academic exchange between the two regions. This year's selection also continues the positive trend of near-equal gender representation among Indian recipients, highlighting inclusive participation in higher education.

Congratulating the students, H.E. Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union, said, “Erasmus+ is more than a scholarship- it’s a passport to a first-class experience. This programme opens doors for Indian students to cutting-edge European education, to the richness and diversity of cultures, and to networks that bring our two continents closer. These students won’t just earn a degree; they will develop the skills and perspectives needed to facilitate the mobility of talent, which will power the India- Europe strategic partnership.” Reflecting on the EU-India Student Ambassadors Network, he added, “This initiative is about grounding our partnership at the people’s level and building a human bridge of knowledge and mutual understanding. Besides guiding them on opportunities to study in Europe and strengthening university collaborations, these ambassadors will be agents of positive change. They will inspire young minds across India to discover, connect, and engage with the EU, shaping a vibrant, shared future for our two regions."

AI Isn't Broken, The Way We Work With It Is: CambrianEdge.ai Launches In The UK At The House Of Lords To Prove It

Presented at the House of Lords, a sweeping global study of 775 professionals across 104 organisations reveals that collaboration infrastructure, not AI capability, is the defining variable between success and failure.

Millions of professionals now use AI daily, yet most organisations fail to translate individual experimentation into meaningful business productivity. A new global study released by CambrianEdge.ai, the world's first human-centred, AI-native marketing operating platform, reveals that 55% of professionals identify isolated solo use or the absence of a structured human-machine workflow as their primary operational bottleneck. This deficit represents a critical collaboration gap, the widespread lack of team workflows, quality standards, and formal handoffs required for people and AI to operate as a continuous system.

The preliminary findings from the AI AT WORK: THE COLLABORATION GAP 2026 survey were presented at the House of Lords, London, by Harjiv Singh, Founder and CEO of CambrianEdge.ai. This was followed by a panel titled "Working with AI: A Perspective on Organisational Transformation". The panel brought together Kristin Harlan, Head of Dean's Communications at Stanford Graduate School of Business; Dr. Siddharth Saxena, Research Professor at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge; Lord Raj Loomba CBE DL, Member of the House of Lords and Founder and Chairman of The Loomba Foundation; and Marcus Sigurdsson, Director at Typhoon 8, to discuss the research report and explore why collaboration remains the missing layer in how organisations are working with AI. The broader research was conducted in partnership with the Cambridge Central Asia Forum, Stanford SEED, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), Gutenberg, Digimentors, and Brand Communion.

The report highlights what it terms a "transformation illusion," referencing independent data from a concurrent BCG study of 300 global CMOs. While 96% of those executives claimed AI is driving end-to-end transformation, nearly half still limit its application to discrete, isolated tasks performed by individual employees.

"Most organisations spent the last two years asking which AI model to subscribe to, forgetting to ask how their teams were supposed to work with it," said Harjiv Singh, Founder and CEO of CambrianEdge.ai. "Adding AI to a system built for siloed work is like putting electric lights in a building designed for candles; the architecture needs to change, not just the bulbs. True economic value only materialises when companies abandon a fragmented stack of individual tools and build a shared, continuous workflow."

To compare survey perceptions with empirical data, the research tracked 775 users across 104 organisations, spanning enterprises, marketing agencies, startups, law firms, and educational institutions. The evidence reveals that the operational landscape shifts entirely when teams abandon disjointed tools for an AI-native collaborative platform. By consolidating research, creation, distribution, and analysis into a unified environment, organisations replace fragmented individual habits with a continuous team workflow. This transition yielded a 98% active engagement rate post-onboarding, causing foundational concerns regarding security, skills, and ROI justification to fade. Instead, 56% of these platform users report that their sole remaining obstacle is execution velocity, or how fast they can move.

"AI has arrived at a threshold where the technology is ready, but the organisational architecture has not kept pace," said Lord Raj Loomba CBE DL, Member of the House of Lords and Founder and Chairman of The Loomba Foundation. "If we do not address this through deliberate design, we risk reducing a transformative technology to a mere collection of individual tools. The conversations we must have now, in Parliament and in boardrooms alike, must ensure that as we shape this future, intelligence remains human."

The report also has direct guidance for enterprise executives and policymakers alike. Organisations must formally define how work moves from AI generation to human review and final deployment before attempting to scale adoption. Success depends on systematically introducing the missing layers of shared access, standardised prompts, and quality control, while national AI readiness metrics must evolve to measure workforce fluency over simple tool adoption rates.

Key Findings Include:

The Infrastructure Multiplier: Among organisations operating with no infrastructure layers, only 32% report significant impact from AI. That figure rises to 100% for organisations that have instituted all five critical layers: shared tool access, formal training, prompt libraries, quality standards, and mandatory review processes.

The Handoff Deficit: Defined handoff processes nearly double the likelihood of project success, driving significant outcomes at 71% compared to just 38% for unstructured workflows. Currently, 62% of organisations have no defined process for handing off AI-generated work to human review.

The Risk of Regression: The cost of failing to build this infrastructure is regression rather than stagnation. Eighteen per cent of surveyed organisations have already rolled back or abandoned AI initiatives entirely, citing severe quality collapses and systemic adoption failures.

The Collaboration Void: Twenty-seven per cent of organisations operate with zero collaboration infrastructure, lacking shared access, prompt libraries, training, or quality standards.

The full preliminary findings from the AI AT WORK: THE COLLABORATION GAP 2026 Survey are available at https://cambrianedge.ai/ai-at-work-collaboration-gap

About CambrianEdge.ai

CambrianEdge.ai is the world's first human-centred, AI-native marketing operating platform, built to replace the fragmented stack of tools most marketing teams have assembled over years with a single unified workspace where research, creation, distribution, collaboration, and analytics happen together. The platform is built on a single conviction: intelligence is human. AI does not think for organisations. It extends the reach of the people who do, so that the human sets direction and the platform executes with the speed and precision that modern marketing demands. For more information, visit www.cambrianedge.ai.  

KFC’s Double Chicken Dynamite Puts Noodles Between Crispy Chicken And We’re Not Questioning It

*Introducing the Double Chicken Dynamite - priced starting at just ₹299~

*Indulge in the all-chicken no bun burger, packed with Korean noodles, signature spicy mayo & cheese in the center, topped with bold spices~

Some things shouldn't make sense. And yet... somehow, they always do.

Chocolate samosas.

Paan ladoos.

Achar with ice-cream.

And now – Korean noodles, placed right between two crispy chicken fillets.

India has always had a love for unusual food combinations – ones that feel unexpected (and shocking) at first and then win you over after the first bite. From streetside innovations to food experiments for YouTube, unlikely pairings have a way of finding their way into India’s hearts.

KFC India taps into this instinct with the launch of the all-new Double Chicken Dynamite, where two worlds collide to create a new menu offering that is pure madness.

The all-chicken no bun burger has two crispy Zinger fillets loaded with droolworthy Korean noodles, signature spicy mayo & cheese and is topped with bold spices, creating a mad combination that's crunchy, cheesy and unapologetically indulgent.

Whether you are a chicken lover, a noodle lover, or simply someone who believes great food happens when rules are broken, the Double Chicken Dynamite is here to prove that sometimes "Why not?" is the best answer.

29th June onwards, the all-new Double Chicken Dynamite will be available across all 1400+ KFC restaurants in India for dine-in & takeaway, as well as via the KFC app, website (https://online.kfc.co.in/) and via leading food delivery apps.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to indulge in the madness with the Double Chicken Dynamite!

About KFC

KFC, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM.), is a global chicken restaurant brand with a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. It all started with one cook, Colonel Harland Sanders, who created a finger lickin’ good recipe more than 80 years ago, a list of secret herbs and spices scratched out on the back of the door to his kitchen. Today we still follow his formula for success, with real cooks breading and freshly preparing our delicious chicken by hand in more than 26,000 restaurants in over 145 countries and territories around the world.

For more information, visit https://online.kfc.co.in/ or contact Burson India BursonKFCBrandsteam@bursonglobal.com

Air India Express To Become The First Airline To Connect Northeast India Directly To West Asia

* Guwahati - Dubai and Guwahati - Abu Dhabi services to begin from 4th and 7th August 2026 respectively.

Air India Express today announced the launch of direct flights between Guwahati and Dubai, and Guwahati and Abu Dhabi, becoming the first airline to directly connect Northeast India with West Asia. The services will commence on 4 August and 7 August respectively, marking a significant milestone in expanding international travel options and strengthening global connectivity for the region.

Guwahati, widely regarded as the gateway to Northeast India, is one of the largest stations in the Air India Express network, with around 120 weekly flights. The launch of direct services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi marks the airline’s first international operations from the city, providing convenient access to two of the UAE’s leading economic and travel hubs. The new routes are expected to support tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, while bringing Northeast India closer to key global markets and opportunities.

Bookings for the new flights are now open on airindiaexpress.com, the Air India Express mobile app, and other major booking channels.With the addition of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Air India Express continues to strengthen its presence across Northeast India, where it now operates over 290 weekly flights from four stations in the region: Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Guwahati, and Imphal. Beyond enhancing connectivity and supporting the region’s economic and tourism potential, the airline also celebrates the Northeast’s rich cultural heritage through its ‘Tales of India’ initiative. Among the distinctive art forms featured on its aircraft tail designs are Assam’s iconic Gamosa and Jaapi motifs, alongside Tsüngkotepsü from Nagaland, Akyobi, Moirang Phee and Saphee Lanphee from Manipur, Idu Mishmi from Arunachal Pradesh, Khneng from Meghalaya, and Puanchei from Mizoram. Through these flying symbols of regional identity, Air India Express showcases the stories, traditions, and craftsmanship of the Northeast to audiences across India and beyond.

About Air India Express

Air India Express is A Tata Enterprise, operating over 500 daily flights that connect 43 domestic and 16 international destinations across South, Southeast and West Asia. The airline has a fleet of over 100 Boeing 737s and Airbus A320 aeroplanes. As India’s most vibrant and inclusive airline, Air India Express embodies the spirit and confidence of India - warm, expressive, and proudly authentic. Encouraging travellers to ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’, the airline transforms flying into an experience that is personal and memorable.

With thoughtfully curated touches - from ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, comfortable seats, and refreshed interiors to exclusive loyalty benefits for over 20 million members, Air India Express blends smart technology with heartfelt Indian hospitality.   

Vi Business MSME Growth Insights Study: 57% MSMEs view AI As A Vital Scale Driver; 25% Already Deploying AI Tools

• India's Digital Maturity Index Climbs to 60.8; Telangana and Karnataka Lead State Rankings, Andhra Pradesh enters the Top 10 for the first time in India Largest Digital Advisory for MSMEs –

Vi Business Ready for Next, Covering over 2.5 Lakh MSMEs

• Introduces Financial Readiness as the fourth pillar of assessment, beyond Digital Customer, Digital Workplace and Digital Operations

• Women-led MSMEs show strong digital progress, outperforming male led businesses

• 46.3% of Indian MSMEs have adopted cyber defence solutions to counter rising online threats

As India rapidly emerges as a global destination for AI adoption and a data centre hub, the growing MSME sector that contributes over 31 percent of the GDP, is accelerating its adoption. The latest edition of the VI Business MSME Growth Insights Study 2026, found that 57% of surveyed enterprises view AI as a core tool that can enhance and accelerate business growth, with 25% of enterprises having already integrated AI in their business practices and operational workflows.

The study maps insights from Vi Business's 'ReadyForNext' platform- India's largest digital advisory for small and medium businesses that engaged with over 2.5 lakh MSMEs across 16 sectors. This year, the Digital Maturity Index (DMI) increased to 60.8, up from 58.0 in 2025 and 55.9 in 2023. The study further identifies three technology vectors that will shape the next phase of MSME scale - AI to drive productivity and decision-making, SaaS-led workplace collaboration to enable scalable operations, and cybersecurity to build trust, resilience and business continuity.

Key highlights from the report include:

· Cybersecurity Adoption: Nearly half (46.3%) of Indian MSMEs have adopted cyber defence solutions to counter rising online threats, acting as a major driver for the country's overall DMI growth

· India's entrepreneurial landscape shows strong digital progress, with women-led MSMEs achieving a DMI of 61.6 and male-led businesses reporting 60.4. The sharp rise in digital maturity from 58 in 2025 to 60.8 in 2026 underscores how entrepreneurs are increasingly leveraging digital technologies to drive business growth, improve operational efficiency and build resilient enterprises.

· Digital Workplace has emerged as the fastest growing pillar of transformation, rising from 57.5 in 2023 to 65.7 in 2026, reflecting growing adoption of workplace collaboration platforms, productivity suites, HRMS solutions and digital ways of working. Digital Operations also recorded strong progress, increasing from 56.5 to 62.0 during the same period, as MSMEs increasingly leveraged technology to streamline processes, improve efficiency and strengthen business resilience.

To turn these digital gains into sustainable business growth, Vi Business has expanded its ReadyForNext assessment by introducing Financial Readiness. Serving as the fourth pillar alongside Digital Maturity, Digital Workplace, and Digital Operations, the Financial Readiness pillar will benchmark MSMEs funding readiness and risk coverage awareness. This strategic addition will allow next year’s study to map how effectively Indian enterprises are converting digital tools into financial strength.

Speaking on the occasion M P Sunil Kumar, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited. said "India's MSMEs are moving beyond basic digitisation towards building intelligent, secure, and future-ready enterprises. The growing adoption of AI, rising digital maturity levels, and increasing investments in workplace and operational technologies reflect a perceptible shift. By collaborating with global tech giants, Vi Business is scaling its capabilities to provide solutions across cloud, security, communication and other enterprise solutions leading to measurable, impactful outcomes. By introducing the Financial Readiness Pillar, we aim to provide an all-inclusive ecosystem blueprint that helps small and medium size businesses evaluate their resilience, secure funding, and scale sustainably in a highly competitive global market."

Addendum – Detailed insights of the Vi Business MSME Study:

Sectoral Rankings & Digital Evolution: Digital maturity continued to improve across sectors, although the pace of transformation varied significantly. Financial Services emerged as India's most digitally mature sector with a DMI of 67.3, overtaking IT & ITeS (66.2), while Transportation (63.6), Energy & Utilities (62.9) and Tourism & Hospitality (62.0) also ranked among the leading sectors.

• Looking at the longer-term trend since the study's inception in 2023, Financial Services recorded the strongest improvement since 2023, gaining 14.3 points, driven by widespread adoption of digital payments, online onboarding, customer engagement platforms and cybersecurity solutions. Retail emerged as the second-most improved sector, recording a 9.9-point increase in DMI from 52 to 61.9, reflecting growing adoption of omnichannel engagement, digital payments and online customer acquisition channels. IT & ITeS (+7.2 points), Tourism & Hospitality (+7.0 points) and Energy & Utilities (+6.9 points) also registered strong gains, supported by increasing adoption of AI, cloud technologies, workplace collaboration tools, smart infrastructure and digital service platforms.

• Despite this progress, digital transformation remains uneven across sectors. Manufacturing, Agriculture, Telecom, Logistics, Mining, Media & Entertainment and Professional Services continue to lag in digital maturity growth, highlighting opportunities for deeper technology adoption, capability building and digital enablement across India's MSME ecosystem.

Regional and State Highlights: The study points to an uneven digital transformation landscape across the country. While South and West India continue to dominate the digital maturity rankings, no Eastern state features among the top ten digitally mature MSME ecosystems, underscoring the need for greater technology adoption, digital enablement and ecosystem support across emerging business centres in the region.

• Andhra Pradesh entered the Top 10 rankings for the first time, a significant marker of digital adoption spreading beyond established tech hubs into emerging MSME markets

• Telangana (68.3) and Karnataka (65.7) emerged as India's most digitally mature MSME ecosystems, followed by Maharashtra (65.2), Kerala (63.7) and Gujarat (62.8)

• Maharashtra recorded the highest digital maturity among women-led MSMEs

• Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Delhi emerged as the top states for AI adoption and intent among MSMEs

• Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana reported the highest adoption of cybersecurity solutions

• Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala led in the use of digital payments for business transactions

• Telangana recorded the highest Digital Maturity Index in Manufacturing, while Maharashtra led in Financial Services and Haryana topped the rankings in IT & ITeS

Among the overall key takeaways from the report, it was found that four-fifths of MSMEs are now online in some form, with over 35% having their own websites. However, there exist certain gaps, such as one-fifth of MSMEs still being fully offline and a significant chunk without a website presence.

To read more Download the ReadyForNext MSME growth Insights Study 2026: https://www.myvi.in/content/dam/vodafoneideadigital/business/msme/RFN5.0-Vi.pdf

To Take the ReadyForNext assessment please click here: https://www.myvi.in/business/enterprise-segments/smb/msme-readyfornext-digital-assessment

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service providers. The company holds a large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave spectrum in 16 circles. The Company provides Voice and Data services across 2G, 4G and 5G platforms and is expanding 5G services across 17 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the Company is committed to delivering delightful customer experiences and contributing towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company’s equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India. For more information, please visit: www.MyVi.in

About Vi Business:

Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea Limited, is committed to providing innovative Telecom solutions that empower businesses across India. With a focus on connectivity, cloud, IoT, communication and security, Vi Business aims to be at the forefront of technological advancements that drive growth and efficiency. For more information, visit: www.myvi.in/business  

Air India Launches ‘Easy Connect’ Flights – Bringing The World Closer To Every Indian

· Operationalises Government’s Hub-and-Spoke model from Varanasi

· ‘Easy Connect’ flights to soon begin from 11 additional cities: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Patna, Vadodara, Visakhapatnam

Air India today marked a defining milestone in the Indian aviation industry with the inauguration of its first 'Easy Connect' flight under the Government of India's new hub-and-spoke framework, launching the transformative model aimed at linking the length and breadth of India seamlessly with the world, and vice versa.

The inaugural Easy Connect service, flight AI1111, departed Varanasi at 09:23 AM today, with international passengers on the flight connecting onward from Delhi to 9 destinations outside of India, such as Dubai, Colombo, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kathmandu, Phuket.

Mr Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, inaugurated the first ‘Easy Connect’ flight from Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. At the occasion, he said: “Today we take a major step forward towards realising our vision of making air travel more accessible and building a future-ready, self-reliant Indian aviation industry that is efficient, inclusive, and globally competitive. Our new hub-and-spoke model paves the way for a monumental shift in how our citizens travel - where regardless of the city one lives in India, one can begin their international journey from their home city and travel across the globe with ease and confidence, on India’s own wings.”

At the launch, the Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Mr Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, presented the first passenger to check-in for the inaugural Easy Connect flight with a commemorative boarding pass. Also present at the occasion were Mr Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Mr. Puneet Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Mr Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India; Mr Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India; Mr P. Balaji, Group Head – Governance, Risk, Compliance & Corporate Affairs, Air India; among other senior officials from government agencies and Air India.

Nationwide rollout

As the first airline to begin the hub-and-spoke services, Air India is leading a phased nationwide rollout that will progressively connect more domestic “spoke” cities in addition to Varanasi to the airline’s primary hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, unlocking seamless, end-to-end international travel for millions of Indians.

Over the next few months, Air India aims to introduce ‘Easy Connect’ services from several other Indian cities progressively, including Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Patna, Vadodara, and Visakhapatnam, thus fundamentally changing the way Indian travellers access destinations around the world.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India is a major force in global aviation, and yet, for decades a meaningful share of Indian travellers flying abroad have routed their journeys through overseas transit points - often at the cost of comfort and convenience. Air India’s ‘Easy Connect’ flights is a response to that reality, and we are grateful to the Government of India for its vision and support in enabling this framework.”

Wilson added: “In today’s India, a family in Varanasi, Amritsar, or Vishakhapatnam should not have to navigate unfamiliar transit environments to reach the world. They should be able to begin their international journey from their home city, on their own soil, feeling confident, comfortable, and proud as they connect seamlessly to global destinations.”

Nearly 25 million passengers travel long-haul to and from India annually, of which close to 20 million are connecting travellers – and around 85% (approximately 17 million) of whom currently transit through overseas hubs rather than Indian airports.

More about Easy Connect flights

Air India’s ‘Easy Connect’ services are flights from spoke airports to hub airports, earmarked to provide seamless connectivity to international destinations beyond the hub airports. This means travellers from cities that do not have direct flights to many international destinations can now begin their international journey from their home city with unprecedented ease:

· Through check-in to final destination at the origin airport

· Immigration clearance at the point of departure instead of doing so at the hub airport

· Seamless international transit through the hub airport, without having to re-check baggage

This enables travellers to fly via Delhi or Mumbai as international transit passengers, eliminating the need for repeated processes and significantly reducing travel complexity and unfamiliarity usually associated with the transit experience at a foreign hub.

Passengers travelling on Air India’s ‘Easy Connect’ flights are required to complete certain pre-departure and transit processes to ensure a seamless journey, including mandatory DigiYatra enrolment for Indian nationals. Indian passport holders connecting internationally on ‘Easy Connect’ flights are required to enrol in DigiYatra and ensure their boarding passes are uploaded on the app prior to departure. Web check-in and Customs declaration are not available at spoke airports.

Bookings for Air India’s Easy Connect flights under the new hub-and-spoke model are now open across all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, contact centre, and travel agents.

Flight AI1111 from Varanasi-Delhi offers seamless connections to 17 international destinations within four hours of arrival at Delhi, including London, Rome, Milan, Frankfurt, Zurich, Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, among others.

About Air India Group

The Air India Group – comprising full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India Group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries travellers to 60 domestic and 51 international destinations across five continents.

Returning to Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India Group is in the midst of a five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed orders for 600 new aircraft. In addition to taking new aircraft deliveries, Air India is progressively retrofitting all its legacy aircraft.

The Air India Group operates South Asia’s largest aviation training academy in Gurugram, India. The construction of a new flying school and a greenfield maintenance base is in progress.

With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.

For more news on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom