Friday, July 10, 2026

Hero MotoCorp Celebrates Ultimate Bond Of "My Dad, My Hero" In The New Hero Destini Campaign, "Hero Ka Scooter, Scooter Ka Hero

* Conceptualized by McCann India, the campaign transforms a simple scooter ride into an epic, heart-warming adventure

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, launched its latest campaign for Hero Destini scooter, conceptualized by McCann India, part of Omnicom Advertising India. Titled "Hero Ka Scooter, Scooter Ka Hero," the campaign breaks away from traditional ads that are heavy on features and instead takes the audience on a family ride through the magical lens of a child’s imagination. The campaign is also rooted in the universal truth that every child sees their father as an invincible superhero.

At a time when the scooter category is largely driven by conversations around functional benefits, Hero MotoCorp takes a distinctive storytelling approach – placing relationships at the heart of the narrative. Reinforcing Hero Destini’s promise as the dependable family scooter for every journey, this campaign reminds audiences that while every father is a hero in the eyes of his child, every hero deserves a dependable companion –which is the Hero Destini.

The campaign film follows a young girl narrating an imaginary evening ride with her father that turns into a grand jungle adventure where they encounter a fierce dragon. The imaginative adventure unfolds seamlessly as the vehicle's features become tools for survival and friendship. When the dragon attacks with a blast of fire, the Destini's robust metal body keeps them completely safe and unscathed. Instead of panicking, the father confidently challenges the dragon to a race, eventually exhausting the creature due to the scooter's superior, best in class mileage. Showing compassion, the father then pulls out a dragon fruit stored in the scooter’s spacious legroom to feed and comfort the tired beast. The adventure concludes in humour as they use the dragon's residual fire to toast corn stored in the generous under seat boot space, resulting in a celebratory popcorn rain.

The story ends with the dragon playfully acknowledging the father as the ultimate hero, perfectly cementing the campaign's core theme that every child sees their father as the ultimate hero, while the Hero Destini faithfully stands by his side through every adventure.

Speaking about the campaign, Aashish Midha, Head of Marketing at Hero MotoCorp, said, “At Hero MotoCorp, we believe the most meaningful stories are those rooted in everyday life. ‘Hero Ka Scooter, Scooter Ka Hero’ celebrates parents —the everyday heroes of every Indian family—through the boundless imagination of a child. The Hero Destini has always stood for trust, comfort and practicality, and this campaign brings those values to life in a way that is both emotionally engaging and deeply relatable. It reinforces our commitment to building products that become an integral part of our customers’ lives and cherished family moments.”

Prasoon Joshi, Chairman, Omnicom Advertising India, said, “The more memorable ideas rarely begin with what a brand wants to say. They begin with something people already feel, but may not have found the words for. When a brand captures that truth, it stops feeling like advertising and starts feeling deeply familiar.

Hero Destini expresses this in a simple but evocative manner. Every child sees their father as their first superhero, not because he has superpowers, but because he quietly shows up, overcomes obstacles and finds a way to keep the family moving. In the film, the scooter becomes part of that quiet magic. It isn’t just a ride. It helps turn an ordinary journey into an adventure, complete with a dragon, seen through a child’s eyes.

That’s what makes the film linger. It reminds us that true creativity doesn’t need to exaggerate reality; it elevates the genuine emotions already present. And this is where the brands then find a place in people’s hearts.”

Designed for modern Indian families, the Hero Destini blends premium styling with everyday practicality. From its robust all-metal body and spacious under-seat storage to its class-leading fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, the scooter is engineered to make every family ride safer, easier and more enjoyable. The campaign seamlessly integrates these strengths into an engaging narrative, reinforcing the Hero Destini’s positioning as the scooter families can trust for every journey.

Campaign Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shYxy0JKh88

Team Credits:

Creative: Sambit Mohanty, Anand Bhushan, Varun Popli, Chetan Kukreti, Mayank Sharma

Business: Srijib Malik, Pranav Kapur, Prasoon Saxena, Mansi Shukla, Aakriti Srivastava

Strategy: Sumeer Mathur, Madhavi Guha, Trishla Jhaveri

Films: Jeet Kalra, Ankur Mondal

Production House: RDP production, Neeta Shah

Director: Abhinay Deo

About Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp, headquartered in New Delhi, India, is the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters for 25 consecutive years with ~$5 billion revenue. The Company’s global footprint spans 52 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, Central and Latin America with a customer base of over 130 million. The Company operates eight manufacturing facilities - six in India and one each in Colombia and Bangladesh - along with two Research and Development centres: Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in India and Tech Centre Germany (TCG).  

Hero MotoCorp is driving the transition to electric mobility through VIDA, powered by Hero. Strategic alliances with Harley-Davidson and Zero Motorcycles support the design and development of premium and electric motorcycles, respectively. Further demonstrating its commitment to the EV future, the Company has made strategic investments in two- and three-wheeler EV manufacturers, Ather Energy and Euler Motors. Hero MotoCorp is the only Indian two-wheeler manufacturer listed on the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).

Hero MotoCorp’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Pawan Munjal, was named to the 2025 TIME100 Climate List of the 100 most influential leaders driving business climate action.

Beyond mobility, Hero MotoCorp is a major global promoter of sports, including golf, football, field hockey, and cricket. Hero MotoSports Team Rally is India's flag bearer in global rally racing.

Godrej Consumer Products Expands Park Avenue Fragrances Portfolio With Launch Of ‘For Her’ Eau De Parfum Range

Tapping into the growing demand for premium fragrances among women consumers in India, Park Avenue Fragrances, a leading men’s fragrance and grooming brand from Godrej Consumer Products, has expanded its portfolio and forayed into the women’s perfume category with tshe launch of ‘Park Avenue for Her’. The fragrance brand introduces four distinct Eau De Parfum variants for women such as Poise, Grace, Verve and Allure, each thoughtfully crafted to offer a unique olfactory experience with long-lasting notes spanning fresh, floral, spicy and warm woody accords.

As per insights from IMARC, overall perfumes market in India stands was estimated to be at USD 1,250 Million in 2025. Female leads the market with a share of 52% in 2025 reported IMARC. The launch of Park Avenue ‘for Her’ marks a significant milestone in the brands growth trajectory as it expands beyond its established men’s fragrance and grooming legacy and foray into India’s women’s perfume category.

Designed for the confident, modern woman with evolving lifestyles, The Park Avenue for Her fragrance seamlessly complements moods, occasions and everyday moments, from office hours, social evenings to personal celebrations and everyday life. The women’s range also makes for an elegant and indulgent gifting choice for women across celebrations and special moments.

Commenting on the launch, Samir Suryawanshi, Head of Marketing – Personal Care, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, “India’s fragrance category is growing rapidly. This shift is accelerating the premiumisation of the category and creating strong momentum within women’s fragrances as well, where female consumers are seeking sophisticated and long-lasting fragrances. With a strong presence in male perfumes category, Park Avenue Fragrances see this as an opportunity to expand and build a holistic fragrance portfolio that caters to female consumers as well. Park Avenue for Her range of perfumes is launched through modern trade and e-commerce channels with an aim to drive penetration in urban markets.”

Park Avenue for Her is available in elegant 100ml perfume bottles priced at INR 799 as well as a specially curated 4-in-1 discovery gift set costing INR 849 featuring 20ml bottles of each fragrance. Park Avenue for Her range is available across modern trade outlets and on leading e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Nyka, and Zepto.

Park Avenue Fragrances has steadily evolved within India’s growing fragrance landscape, building strong equity through a consistent focus on premiumisation and innovation-led offerings. As consumer behaviour shifts towards more personalised and experience-led fragrance choices, the brand has continued to stay ahead of the curve by offering fragrances that balance sophistication with everyday usability. The launch of Park Avenue for Her marks a natural extension of this journey, while deepening its penetration in India’s growing premium fragrance market.Bottom of Form

ABOUT GODREJ CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Godrej Consumer Products is a leading emerging markets company, driven by the purpose of bringing the goodness of health and beauty to consumers in emerging markets. As part of the Godrej Industries Group, we are fortunate to have a proud legacy of over 125 years, built on the strong values of trust, integrity, and respect for others. At the same time, we are growing fast and have exciting, ambitious aspirations.

Today, we enjoy the patronage of 1.4 billion consumers globally. We rank among the largest Household Insecticide and Hair Care players in emerging markets. In Household Insecticides, we are the leader in India, the second largest player in Indonesia and are expanding our footprint in Africa. We are the leader in serving the Hair Care needs of women of African descent, the number one player in Hair Colour in India and Sub-Saharan Africa, and among the leading players in Latin America. We rank number two in Soaps in India and are the number one player in Air Fresheners and Wet Tissues in Indonesia.

We believe that we are only as good as what we do next. So, we strive to continuously improve how we do business, and how we live in the world, shaping a more sustainable and responsible future by placing our planet and people alongside profit. Through Godrej Good & Green, we are helping create a more inclusive and greener planet, in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the needs of local communities. At the Godrej DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Lab, we work on empowering inclusion, help build DEI ecosystems across corporate India and aim to bring ideas and innovation related to DEI to the mainstream.        

L&T Technology Services Global EI Hackathon Sparks The Next Wave Of AI-Native Engineering Solutions



* Nearly 4,000 participants across 770+ teams from nine global locations became a part of the 24-hour innovation challenge

L&T Technology Services (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a global leader in Engineering Intelligence Solutions & ER&D Consulting Services successfully concluded Engineering Intelligence (EI) OpenHack 2026, a first-of-its-kind global innovation challenge conducted simultaneously across nine locations spanning India, the U.S. and Europe.

The hackathon brought together nearly 4,000 engineers (770+ teams) from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Vadodara, Mumbai, Dallas and Munich to tackle complex engineering challenges through AI-led innovation. More than 500 challenge statements were aligned with company’s strategic growth priorities, spanning Software Defined Mobility, Plant Buildout & Modernization, Energy & Automation, Next-Gen Compute & AI Infrastructure, Digital Manufacturing, MedTech, and Software Platforms & AI. By combining domain expertise with emerging technologies, participants developed AI-powered solutions across industrial automation, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, supply chain intelligence, enterprise optimization, and healthcare - all aimed at helping enterprises reimagine products, operations, and decision-making.

An esteemed jury comprising senior LTTS leaders and technology experts evaluated the solutions through multiple rounds, assessing entries on innovation, technical excellence, scalability, real-world relevance and effective use of AI. Winning teams were awarded cash prizes worth over INR 30 lakh, while standout innovations received opportunities for further development through Project Equinox, an LTTS platform that supports promising, scalable solutions. Patent-worthy innovations were also shortlisted for special recognition, enabling participants to transform breakthrough ideas into valuable intellectual property.

Congratulating the participants and winning teams, Mritunjay Kumar Singh, Chief Operating Officer, L&T Technology Services, said “The EI OpenHack 2026 reflects LTTS’ vision of Engineering Intelligence, where engineering expertise and AI come together to solve real-world industry challenges. What stood out was not only the scale of participation, but the ability of our engineers to apply contextual understanding, domain knowledge and AI prowess to develop solutions with tangible business relevance. Initiatives like OpenHack create opportunities for our talent to experiment, collaborate and develop solutions that will shape the future of engineering.”

About L&T Technology Services Ltd

L&T Technology Services (LTTS) is a global leader in Engineering Intelligence Solutions & ER&D Consulting Services. A listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), we offer design, development, testing, and sustenance services across products and processes. Purposeful. Agile. Innovation. is how we drive growth across the Mobility, Sustainability and Tech segments. Our client base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 top ER&D companies across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and process industries. Headquartered in India, we have over 23,800 employees across 22 global design centers, 31 global sales offices, and 98 innovation labs, as of March 31­, 2026.  

FZ Blue Flex Debuts: Yamaha Brings Ethanol-Ready Innovation To Indian Roads

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. today announced the launch of the FZ-Blue Flex, a significant step in its journey toward carbon neutrality and sustainable mobility. Aligned with India’s Viksit Bharat vision and the government’s push for alternate fuel technologies, the FZ Blue Flex introduces innovative flex-fuel capability to Yamaha’s popular FZ lineup. Yamaha FZ Blue Flex is priced at INR 1,24,240 (Ex-showroom – Delhi).

Powered by a reliable and trusted Yamaha’s FZ engine - 149cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine, the FZ Blue Flex is engineered to run on ethanol-blended fuels ranging from E20 to E85. This flexibility supports India’s increasing adoption of ethanol-based fuels, helping reduce fossil fuel dependency and contributing to environmental impact reduction while maintaining Yamaha’s hallmark performance.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said: “Achieving a carbon-neutral future requires a dynamic, multi-pathway strategy rather than a single solution. Having already commenced our electric vehicle journey in India, the introduction of our innovative Blue Flex technology marks another strategic milestone. This move is a deliberate alignment of Yamaha’s global sustainability vision with the Indian government’s progressive biofuel policies. By embracing multiple technological avenues, we reinforce our commitment to global carbon neutrality goals while providing versatile, high-quality products tailored to the evolving needs of Indian consumers.”

Drawing inspiration from the popular FZ series, the Blue Flex version of FZ features a bold full-LED projector headlamp with integrated position lamps, a sculpted fuel tank with aerodynamic styling cues, faux air vents, and a compact exhaust. A single-piece seat and sharp LED tail lamp enhance both comfort and its sporty, modern road presence. Delivering 8.6 kW of power and 12.8 Nm of peak torque, the FZ-Blue Flex is paired with a smooth 5-speed gearbox. It is equipped with front telescopic suspension and a rear swingarm setup for stable handling, along with ABS for enhanced braking confidence and safety across riding conditions. The FZ Blue Flex will be available in Metallic Black Colour and will be sold through Yamaha’s select Blue Square dealerships in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

India’s supportive policy framework—promoting ethanol blending, cleaner fuels, and reduced emissions—has accelerated the shift toward sustainable mobility solutions. Yamaha’s introduction of the FZ-Blue Flex reinforces its commitment to these national priorities, while also aligning with the company’s global ambition to achieve carbon neutrality across its product lifecycle.

About Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies

Yamaha Motor made its initial foray into India in 1985 as a joint venture. In August 2001, it became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM). In 2013, YMC established Yamaha Motor Research & Development India Pvt. Ltd. (YMRI) to provide R&D and Product development services to IYM for its domestic as well as export markets. IYM's manufacturing facilities comprise State-of-the-art plants at Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). The infrastructure at these plants supports the production of motorcycles and parts for domestic as well as overseas markets. Presently, its India product portfolio includes XSR155 (155cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc), MT-15 V2 (155cc); FZS-Fi Hybrid (149cc), FZS-Fi (149cc), FZ Rave (149cc), FZ-X Hybrid (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), AEROX Version S (155cc); Hybrid Scooters like Fascino 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid (125cc) and EV Scooter EC-06.

YES BANK's Credit Strength Recognised Across Domestic And Global Agencies

* S&P Global assigns inaugural rating of 'BB+/Stable'; ICRA and CARE upgrade domestic ratings

YES BANK has announced a series of positive rating actions from leading domestic and international credit rating agencies, reflecting the sustained strengthening of its credit profile.

S&P Global Ratings has assigned YES BANK an inaugural long-term issuer credit rating of 'BB+' with a Stable outlook – which is consistent with the 'Ba1' (Stable) that Moody's Rating had assigned while upgrading the Bank from 'Ba2' in May 2026. In assigning the rating, S&P has factored in expectation of ongoing and extraordinary support from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), the Bank's largest shareholder, underscoring the Bank's strategic importance to the SMBC group. This gives YES BANK a two-agency international ratings profile, with a stable outlook from both global agencies.

On the domestic scale, ICRA upgraded the Bank's long-term ratings on its Infrastructure Bonds and Basel III Tier II Bonds to 'ICRA AA (Stable)' from 'AA- (Stable)'. This follows the recent upgrade by CareEdge Ratings (CARE), which raised the Bank's long-term ratings to 'CARE AA+ (Stable)' from 'CARE AA- (Stable)'.

Commenting on this, Mr. Vinay M. Tonse, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK said, “These rating actions from leading global and domestic agencies reflect an independent validation of YES BANK's strong franchise and the steady progress on the path to profitability that the Bank has been making. The strategic partnership with SMBC, our largest shareholder, further reinforces our foundations of strong governance and long-term stability.”

The agencies have cited the Bank's improving asset quality, strengthened funding profile and capital position, consistent improvement in core profitability, and the strategic investment by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) - a global systemically important bank and the Bank's largest shareholder with a ~24.9% stake - as key factors supporting the actions.

He further said, “S&P's assignment of 'BB+', consistent with Moody's 'Ba1', underscores the growing confidence of international stakeholders in our credit profile, while the upgrades from CARE and ICRA reflect our steady progress on asset quality, capital and profitability. We remain focused on deepening our deposit franchise, serving our customers, and delivering sustainable growth.”

About YES BANK:

YES BANK is one of the leading new generation private sector banks in India, headquartered in Mumbai. The Bank offers a wide range of banking services such as Corporate & Institutional Banking, Retail Banking, MSME, Transaction Banking and Treasury. The Bank has over 1300 branches, 200+ Business Correspondent Banking Outlets (BCBOs) and more than 1350 ATMs (including CRMs and BNAs) spanning across 300 districts of India. YES BANK operates an International Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City and also has a Representative Office in Abu Dhabi, strengthening its cross-border capabilities.

YES Securities, a subsidiary of the Bank provides a wide range of broking and investment products to Retail, HNI, and Institutional clients. YES Foundation, the CSR arm of YES BANK drives social impact agenda across areas such as livelihoods, education, skilling, sustainability and community development, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and inclusive banking.

For more information, visit the Bank's website at https://www.yes.bank.in/      

Air India Ranks Among The World’s Top 5 Most On-Time Global Airlines

* Ranks #4 worldwide in Cirium's June 2026 On-Time Performance Report

Air India has been ranked the 4th most on-time airline in the world in June 2026 by aviation analytics firm Cirium, underscoring the airline's continued focus on operational reliability and schedule integrity.

According to Cirium's June 2026 On-Time Performance report, Air India recorded an on-time arrival rate of 86.85% across 15,135 flights tracked during the month. The airline also posted an on-time departure rate of 86.23% and a completion factor of 99.7%, meaning virtually all scheduled flights operated as planned.

The ranking reflects Air India’s sustained investments in operational resilience, improved network planning, and enhanced execution across its domestic and international operations.

As a hub-and-spoke network carrier operating a large number of domestic and international connections through India's two largest airports, Delhi and Mumbai, Air India manages significant operational complexity. The airline's operations can be impacted by congestion and air traffic control restrictions at these busy airports, which often have a cascading effect across the network.

Over time, Air India has introduced a range of measures to strengthen schedule reliability and deliver a more consistent travel experience for its customers. These include improving departure punctuality, streamlining aircraft turnaround processes, enhancing real-time network monitoring, and enabling faster operational decision-making across the airline.

The airline has also focused on building greater operational resilience through robust contingency planning, enhanced cross-functional coordination, and maintaining the operational flexibility needed to respond effectively to unforeseen disruptions such as weather events, airspace restrictions, airport congestion, or technical issues. These efforts help minimise the impact of disruptions, support network stability, and ensure customers reach their destinations with greater reliability.

Air India’s improving operational performance complements its broader transformation efforts underway, encompassing fleet modernisation, customer experience enhancements, digital innovation, and the strengthening of global connectivity through its growing hub-and-spoke network.

Ongoing fleet modernization efforts

As part of its transformation, Air India is undertaking one of the world's largest fleet renewal programmes, having placed orders for 600 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft, while simultaneously modernising its existing fleet. The airline has inducted three new Boeing 787-9 aircraft over the last six months, with additional Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A350-1000s scheduled to join the fleet later in 2026.

In parallel, Air India is progressing with the retrofit of its legacy widebody fleet. Two of its 26 legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft featuring completely refreshed interiors have already returned to service, while three more are currently undergoing upgrades in the United States.

By the end of 2026, more than 50% of Air India's widebody fleet is expected to feature new or upgraded interiors, significantly enhancing the customer experience across the airline's long-haul network.

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     

Samvaad Institute Organises Free Hearing Aid Distribution Camp In Bengaluru

* From July 11 to July 18, 2026, at its Hebbal centre in Bengaluru.

Marking its 21st anniversary, Samvaad Institute of Speech and Hearing is organizing a Free Hearing Aid Distribution Camp for eligible hearing-impaired individuals from July 11 to July 18, 2026, at its Hebbal centre in Bengaluru.

The camp will be held daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., including Saturdays and Sundays, ensuring maximum accessibility for beneficiaries.

The initiative aims to improve the quality of life of individuals with hearing impairment by providing hearing aids FREE OF COST to eligible beneficiaries and promoting awareness about early diagnosis and intervention for hearing and speech disorders.

Eligible applicants are requested to bring the following documents for verification: Aadhaar Card, BPL Card, UDID (Unique Disability ID) Card, Income Certificate, Two Passport-size Photographs

The camp will be conducted at :

Samvaad Institute of Speech and Hearing

#18, 1st Cross, 5th Main, Anandgiri Extension,

Near Hebbal Police Station, Hebbal,

Bengaluru – 560024.

For registration and more information, please contact 96633 88623 or 94802 95004.

The organisers said the programme reflects Samvaad's continued commitment to empowering the hearing-impaired community through accessible hearing care services and raising awareness about hearing and speech health. The institute has been serving children and adults with communication disorders for over two decades through comprehensive assessment, therapy and rehabilitation services.     

Fuelling Ambition of India's Women Entrepreneurs: Kotak BizLabs And NSRCEL Announce Next Edition Of Women Startup Program

* Implemented by NSRCEL, the programme now folds into the Kotak BizLabs programme, providing long-cycle support to help women entrepreneurs build confidence, networks, and scalable businesses, with a focus on non-metros

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“KMBL” / “Kotak”) today announced the upcoming edition of the Women Startup Program (“WSP”) by NSRCEL, powered by Kotak BizLabs. The programme, a CSR initiative by Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, provides critical, long-cycle support for women founders navigating the journey from ideation to scale-up, with a distinct focus on unlocking potential in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

WSP has till now brought 600+ aspiring and established women entrepreneurs under the vital ecosystem access and mentorship. While India’s startup base has expanded rapidly to reach over 223,000 recognised ventures, women entrepreneurs continue to face entrenched barriers such as limited access to credit and fewer mentorship opportunities. These challenges are particularly acute in non-metros, where social expectations, including caregiving responsibilities, further constrain women in terms of the time they can invest or risks they can afford to take.

Recognising that a woman’s entrepreneurial journey is often non-linear, the Women Startup Program moves beyond generic incubation. The programme's architecture spans four critical phases: a Foundation phase for exploring entrepreneurship; Pre-incubation to stress-test ideas; Incubation for evolving and pivoting ventures; and a Scale-up hub for founders navigating growth, credibility, and market access.

Himanshu Nivsarkar, Head – CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd said, “Capital is only part of the problem, and often not the first. For many women, the bigger challenge often is lack of peer ecosystem that supports them in long term decision making. The Women Startup Program under Kotak BizLabs is committed to building that self-reinforcing network, providing women founders with the capability, confidence, and continuity they need to ensure they don't fall out of the entrepreneurial pipeline.”

Rasika Prashant, Chief Executive Officer, NSRCEL, said, “The next wave of entrepreneurship in India will emerge from diverse geographies, sectors, and founder backgrounds. Women entrepreneurs, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, are solving critical challenges in their communities, but often lack access to the networks and support systems needed to scale. Through the Women Startup Program, we aim to bridge these gaps by providing structured, long-term support that combines mentorship, market access, peer learning, and ecosystem connections. With our continued partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank, we are building pathways that enable more women founders to transform ambition into sustainable and scalable ventures.”

To strengthen startup ecosystem beyond major urban centres, Women Startup Program is expanding outreach efforts across non-metro regions. Current cohorts include ventures working in regenerative agriculture, community-led education, waste upcycling, and applied technology. Building on the success of the 2025 cohort, which supported 30 startups with ₹3 crore in funding, the programme will continue to deepen partnerships with regional institutions and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The integration of the Women Startup Program into Kotak BizLabs marks the evolution of the programme into Kotak’s flagship entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, thus holistically catering to all types of entrepreneurs.

Pay10 Enabling Women Entrepreneurs To Overcome Cross-Border Trade Challenges

As women-led businesses emerge as one of the fastest-growing segments within India’s MSME ecosystem, Pay10 is strengthening its commitment towards enabling women entrepreneurs from Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities to participate more confidently in regional and global trade.

With increasing digital adoption across India, women entrepreneurs are building businesses across sectors, including textiles, handicrafts, beauty, food processing, lifestyle products, and digital services. However, access to seamless cross-border payment infrastructure, regulatory support, and faster settlements continues to remain a significant barrier to scaling internationally.

Women-led entities are also steadily increasing their contribution to India’s export ecosystem. Indian women entrepreneurs are progressively engaging in global trade and leveraging digital payment infrastructure, such as Pay10’s cross-border payment solutions, to expand their international footprint. Driven by the growth of digital commerce platforms and rising global demand for niche Indian products, women-led MSMEs are increasingly participating in international markets.

Recent export and logistics tracking data indicate that women-led businesses now contribute nearly 8% of India’s total export volume, with this share expected to grow further as more women entrepreneurs gain access to formal credit and digital business infrastructure. Export activity from women-led enterprises now spans over 40 countries globally. In specific categories such as apparel exports to the United States, Indian women-led businesses are estimated to hold nearly 33% market share in niche segments.

The leading destination markets where women entrepreneurs are actively collecting international payments include, United States of America with 33% share followed by UAE that is approximately 15% to 20% and Malaysia with just over 15% share.

Pay10 is addressing these challenges by simplifying cross-border payment processes for businesses through technology-driven financial infrastructure that enables faster, secure, and compliant transactions across regional markets.

According to a 2025 report by Aspire for Her, nearly 80% of women-led businesses in India face difficulties with international payments, while 60% struggle with export laws and compliance requirements. As more women entrepreneurs expand into global markets, fintech platforms such as Pay10 are helping address these challenges through streamlined cross-border payment infrastructure, improved transaction visibility, and integrated compliance capabilities. The report also highlighted that women-led enterprises account for only 15.4% of India’s 58.5 million businesses despite rising entrepreneurial ambition.

At the same time, digital entrepreneurship among women in Bharat is witnessing unprecedented growth. Data from Tide India revealed that 96% of women entrepreneurs adopting digital business tools are from Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, with a 282% surge in women-led business adoption over the last year.

India’s broader MSME ecosystem is also seeing a sharp rise in women’s participation. Government data shared in Parliament in 2025 showed that women-led MSMEs in India crossed 2.86 crore registrations, underlining the rapid formalization of women-owned enterprises across the country.

Commenting on the evolving landscape, Dr. Atul Mehta, CEO of Pay10 India, said: “Women entrepreneurs from smaller cities are becoming key contributors to India’s digital commerce and export growth story. However, most of them still face friction in international transactions, delayed settlements, a lack of transparency, and operational complexity. At Pay10, we are focused on enabling seamless cross-border payment experiences that empower these businesses to scale beyond local markets with greater confidence.”

Enabling Regional Trade Participation

Pay10’s cross-border capabilities are aimed at helping women-led businesses participate more effectively in high-growth regional trade corridors, India-GCC markets, Southeast Asia, South Asian trade ecosystems and emerging digital commerce routes

By enabling simplified payment workflows, faster transaction visibility, and compliant digital infrastructure, Pay10 aims to support entrepreneurs navigating international business expansion from non-metro India.

Consider a woman textile exporter in Jaipur selling handcrafted products to customers in the UAE and Singapore. While demand for her products continued to grow internationally, managing cross-border payments remained a challenge. Payment delays, limited transaction visibility, and complex settlement processes often impacted cash flow and made it difficult to plan inventory and fulfil orders during peak seasons.

By leveraging Pay10’s digital payment infrastructure, the business gained faster payment visibility, more predictable settlements, and a streamlined cross-border payment experience. Instead of spending time tracking incoming payments across multiple channels, the business could focus on production, customer relationships, and international expansion.

For thousands of SMEs and women entrepreneurs across India, the challenge is no longer finding customers overseas, but accessing financial infrastructure that moves at the speed of global commerce. This is where interoperable payment platforms like Pay10 play a critical role, helping businesses participate in international trade with greater confidence, efficiency, and control.

Tata Motors Showcases Next-Generation Passenger Mobility Solutions At Prawaas 5.0, Launches New Ultra Prime And Starbus Prime Range

* Unveils the LPO 1620 CNG, Ultra Prime LPO 412 and Ultra Skool 9/9 EV for safe and sustainable passenger transportation

* Showcases the Magic EV, electrifying India's most preferred last-mile passenger mobility platform

* Presents a comprehensive portfolio of intercity, intracity and institutional mobility solutions

Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today showcased its most advanced portfolio of commercial passenger mobility solutions at Prawaas 5.0, headlined by the launch of the all-new Tata Ultra Prime and Tata Starbus Prime range of buses. Designed to deliver superior comfort, enhanced safety and higher operational efficiency, the new-generation buses underscore the company's commitment to shaping the future of passenger transportation across India.

The company also presented a comprehensive range of mobility solutions spanning multiple applications and powertrains, including the LPO 1620 CNG, Ultra Prime LPO 412, Ultra Skool 9/9 EV, Magic EV, Winger Plus and Ultra Prime RE Concept. Together, the portfolio reflects Tata Motors' focus on delivering safe, sustainable and customer-centric mobility solutions for urban, intercity and institutional transport.

Commenting at the event, Mr. Anand S, Vice President and Business Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors Ltd., said, "Prawaas has been an important platform for us to engage with fleet operators and industry stakeholders, and gain deeper insights into how passenger transportation needs are evolving across the country. The showcase this year reflects our deep understanding of customer needs across applications, be it employee transport, leisure travel, school transport or last-mile connectivity. With lower operating costs of the LPO 1620 CNG, enhanced safety and comfort of the new Ultra Prime range, and the expansion of electric mobility through the Ultra Skool 9/9 EV and Magic EV, each solution has been engineered to address a specific customer requirement. Backed by our extensive service network and support ecosystem, these offerings help customers maximise uptime, improve operating economics and deliver a superior travel experience, enabling them to grow their businesses profitably."

At Prawaas 5.0, Tata Motors presented one of the industry's most comprehensive passenger mobility portfolios, spanning conventional and electric powertrains across school, staff, tourism, intercity, intracity and last-mile transportation applications. Key highlights include:

Highlights from Tata Motors' Passenger Mobility Portfolio at Prawaas 5.0

Tata Ultra Prime & Tata Starbus Prime

New-generation bus ranges for school, staff and tourism applications with refreshed styling and enhanced interiors

Improved ride quality, superior passenger comfort and lower NVH levels for a smoother travel experience

Equipped with 29 advanced safety features, including Driver Monitoring System, 360-degree camera, ITS and RPAS

Tata LPO 1620 CNG

CNG-powered solution for efficient intercity and intracity passenger transportation

Combines high passenger carrying capacity with lower operating costs

Supports cleaner and more sustainable mass mobility

Tata Ultra Prime LPO 412

Premium platform for tourism and long-distance transportation

Designed to deliver superior ride comfort and enhanced passenger experience

Ideal for operators seeking high-performance intercity mobility solutions

Tata Ultra Skool 9/9 EV

Electric school bus designed for safe, sustainable and reliable student transportation

Equipped with advanced safety features, fast-charging capability and extended operating range

Optional paint scheme and graphics designed to make travel more comfortable for neurodivergent children

Tata Ultra Prime RE Concept

Purpose-built for urban and city bus operations, unveiled in India for the first time

Delivers enhanced passenger comfort and operational reliability

Designed to maximise fleet productivity and uptime

Tata Magic EV

Zero-emission passenger mobility solution for last-mile and feeder transport applications

Delivers a range of up to 120 km on a single charge

Offers dependable performance with low operating costs

Tata Winger Plus

Premium people-mover for staff, institutional and tourism applications

Spacious interiors and enhanced comfort for an elevated travel experience

Combines versatility with superior operating efficiency

Backed by a Robust Customer Support Ecosystem

Tata Motors' passenger mobility solutions are supported by an extensive nationwide network of over 4,600 sales and service touchpoints. Customers benefit from Sampoorna Seva 2.0, the company's integrated service ecosystem offering 24x7 assistance, annual maintenance solutions and assured parts availability. Complementing this is the Tata Motors Fleet Management Solution, enabling enhanced fleet visibility, higher uptime and improved operating efficiency. Together with the assured availability of Tata Genuine Parts, this ecosystem helps customers maximise vehicle performance, improve uptime and enhance lifecycle value.

About Tata Motors Ltd (Formerly TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd):
Part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors Ltd., (BSE: Scrip code 544569; NSE: Scrip code TMCV) is India’s largest and a globally renowned manufacturer of utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses. With over eight decades of leadership in commercial mobility, the company is known for its innovation, reliability, and performance. Its advanced powertrains, connected technologies, and intelligent fleet solutions support a wide range of applications—from last-mile delivery to public transport while seamlessly driving the wheels of the nation’s economy. Guided by its brand promise Better Always, Tata Motors delivers future-ready solutions that enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth. The company operates in India and South Korea, with a global presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

As per the Composite Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench—amongst Tata Motors Limited, TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (the Company) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited—the Company’s name was changed to Tata Motors Limited from TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (effective 29 October 2025), and its equity shares are listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

Ageas Federal Life Insurance Launches IndiGenius Fund, A One-Of-Its-Kind Thematic Investment Solution

* A Unique 3-in-1 Thematic ULIP Equity Fund Built Around India’s Growth story, Indigenisation and Ingenuity

* Open-ended thematic equity fund with a diversified multi-cap investment approach, benchmarked to the BSE 500 Index

NFO opens on 10th July 2026, at a NAV of ₹10 per unit

Ageas Federal Life Insurance today announced the launch of the IndiGenius Fund, a one-of-its-kind thematic investment solution available through its Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). The fund invests in businesses aligned with three long-term structural themes - India Growth story, Indigenisation, and Ingenuity - through a diversified investment portfolio. Benchmarked to the BSE 500 Index, one of India’s broadest market indices, the IndiGenius Fund follows a diversified multi-cap investment approach, providing exposure across largecap, midcap and smallcap companies. The BSE 500 Index has been chosen as the benchmark because it represents a broad cross-section of India’s listed companies across sectors and market capitalisations, making it well aligned with the fund’s investment strategy. This enables the fund to identify opportunities across businesses aligned with its investment themes while benefiting from the breadth and diversity of India’s evolving corporate landscape.

The IndiGenius Fund is an open-ended equity fund that follows a predominantly equity-oriented investment strategy. It will allocate 80%–100% of its portfolio to equity and equity-linked instruments while the balance will be invested in cash and money market instruments to ensure adequate liquidity. The portfolio will be actively managed in line with the fund’s investment objectives and applicable regulatory guidelines.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Jude Gomes, Managing Director & CEO said, " India's next phase of growth will be shaped by businesses driving infrastructure development, manufacturing excellence, self-reliance and innovation. As these structural trends gather momentum, we believe customers should have access to investment solutions that enable them to participate in India's evolving growth story. The IndiGenius Fund brings together these themes within a single diversified ULIP fund, providing customers with a convenient way to invest in businesses aligned with these long-term structural trends. At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, we are committed to delivering on the promises we make to our customers by offering solutions that are relevant to their evolving financial needs. The IndiGenius fund reflects our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that help customers achieve their long-term financial aspirations with the assurance of life insurance protection.”

The New Fund Offer (NFO) opens on 10 July 2026 at a Net Asset Value (NAV) of ₹10 per unit. This thematic equity fund will be available through select Ageas Federal Life Insurance ULIP products, including AFLI Wealth Gain Insurance Plan, AFLI Platinum Wealth Builder Plan, AFLI ProGrow Plan and AFLI Smart Growth Plan, enabling customers to access a differentiated thematic investment strategy while benefiting from the life insurance protection offered by a ULIP.  

Legal Connect Conclave 2026 Showcases The Cpnvergence Of Research, Advisory And Legal Practice

The Directorial Advisors Consortium (DAC), through its Legal Research & Advisory Council (LRAC) successfully organised the Legal Connect Conclave 2026 at the NGO Hall, Cubbon Park, Bengaluru. Held under the theme "Bridging Research, Advisory and Practice," the conclave brought together an illustrious gathering of judges, senior advocates, corporate leaders, academicians, legal professionals, researchers, and law students to deliberate on the evolving role of the legal profession in an era of rapid technological and regulatory transformation.

The evening commenced with a welcome address by Adv. Anik M Iktear Uddin, Co-Chairman of the DAC Legal Advisory Council, who welcomed the distinguished gathering and outlined DAC's vision of fostering ethical leadership, legal scholarship, and institutional excellence. Emphasising the significance of the conclave's theme, he highlighted the need to bridge legal research, advisory, and professional practice to build a more responsive, innovative, and future-ready legal ecosystem.

Delivering the Special Keynote Address, Hon'ble Justice P. Krishna Bhat, former Judge of the High Court of Karnataka and Chairman of the Directorial Advisors Consortium, spoke on the indispensable role of ethical leadership, institutional integrity, and research-oriented legal practice in strengthening the administration of justice. He called upon legal professionals to continually adapt to changing times while remaining steadfast in their commitment to constitutional values and professional ethics.

The conclave was also graced by the presence of Shri Basavaraj S., Senior Advocate and Chairman of the DAC Legal Research & Advisory Council, who attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Under his guidance and supervision, the conclave was meticulously coordinated, reflecting DAC's commitment to excellence in organising platforms that foster legal scholarship, professional collaboration, and institutional development.

The programme also witnessed the formal launch of Justice Written in the Absence of Law, authored by Adv. Anik M Iktear Uddin. Unveiled in the presence of the distinguished dignitaries, the book explores the evolving dimensions of justice, legal reasoning, and the role of law in addressing contemporary societal and governance challenges, reflecting the growing importance of legal scholarship in shaping public discourse.

The common session featured the theme address by Hon'ble Justice Suraj Govindaraj, Judge of the High Court of Karnataka, on "The Integration of Artificial Intelligence in the Indian Judiciary: Navigating Efficiency, Ethics, and Equity." His Lordship examined the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in judicial administration while emphasising that technological advancement must always be balanced with fairness, accountability, transparency, and the principles of natural justice.

The conclave then proceeded to the presentation of the DAC Legal Luminaries Awards 2026, recognising distinguished members of the legal fraternity for their exemplary contributions to advocacy, legal research, corporate governance, public service, and the administration of justice. The awardees included Shri Suryanarayana Rao, Shri Ramaswamy Iyengar, Shri Kantharaj, Smt. Susheela, Smt. Anuradha, Shri Arvind Kamath, Shri Vivek Reddy, Smt. Prathima Honnapur, Shri Nandakumar, Shri Ameet Deshpande, Shri Anik M Iktear Uddin, Smt. Ayantika Mondal, and Shri Akshay Goel. The awards celebrated professional excellence, ethical leadership, and enduring service to the legal profession.

Throughout the conclave, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on contemporary legal developments, governance challenges, emerging technologies, and the increasing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping the future of law. The event also provided valuable opportunities for networking and the exchange of ideas among members of the Bench, the Bar, academia, corporate leaders, researchers, and aspiring legal professionals.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Vaibhav Malimath, Advocate and Director of the DAC Legal Advisory Council, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished dignitaries, speakers, awardees, delegates, organisers, and participants for making the conclave a resounding success.

The Legal Connect Conclave 2026 concluded on a note of optimism and purpose, reaffirming the importance of strengthening the link between research, advisory, and legal practice. By bringing together some of the country's most respected legal minds, the conclave reinforced the Directorial Advisors Consortium's commitment to advancing legal scholarship, recognising professional excellence, and fostering a collaborative, ethical, and future-ready legal ecosystem.

Bhima Jewellers Announces "Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival" With Exciting Offers And Grand Rewards

A month-long diamond celebration from July 9 to August 9, 2026, featuring exceptional diamond jewellery designs, exclusive exchange benefits, cashback offers, free gold bars, and a chance to win a BMW X1.

Bhima Jewellers, one of India's most trusted jewellery brands, has announced the launch of the "Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival," a month-long retail campaign designed to celebrate the timeless allure of diamonds while offering customers unmatched value on every purchase. The festival will be held across all Bhima showrooms from July 9 to August 9, 2026.

As families reunite during the annual July–August holiday season, BHIMA JEWELLERS is celebrating the return of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with a campaign curated for this special time of the year. Recognising that many overseas Indians prefer to purchase fine jewellery during their visit to India—whether for family celebrations, gifting, upcoming weddings, or long-planned investments- the Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival presents an exclusive range of contemporary, solitaire and timeless diamond jewellery, complemented by exceptional purchase benefits that reflect the brand's enduring legacy of purity, trust and craftsmanship.

During this period, customers purchasing diamond jewellery can avail up to 100% off on making charges, making it one of Bhima's most rewarding diamond campaigns of the year. Customers will also receive a cashback of ₹5,000 per carat on all diamond purchases.

To further enhance customer value, Bhima is introducing a special diamond exchange programme, offering an additional ₹5,000 per carat on the exchange of old diamond jewellery. Customers will also receive a free 24-karat gold bar on eligible purchases, making every diamond investment even more rewarding.

Adding to the excitement, every eligible customer will stand a chance to win the Grand Bumper Prize – a BMW X1, making the offer a celebration that extends beyond jewellery.

The Bhima Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Festival will showcase an extensive portfolio of certified diamond jewellery, including bridal collections, solitaires, contemporary designs, lightweight everyday wear and occasion jewellery. Every diamond is backed by Bhima's commitment to transparency, certified quality, ethical sourcing and exceptional craftsmanship, offering customers complete confidence in every purchase.

Speaking about the campaign, Bhima said that the offer has been conceptualised to celebrate the growing affinity for diamond jewellery by combining exceptional value with an elevated shopping experience. The campaign reflects the brand's continued commitment to making premium diamond jewellery more accessible while rewarding customers with exclusive offers and memorable experiences.

This exclusive offer is available from July 9 to August 9, 2026, across all Bhima showrooms.Terms & Conditions apply.

Relaxo Footwears Expands Retail Footprint In South India, Opens Four New Stores In Bengaluru

* Reinforces its retail expansion strategy with a more intuitive, engaging, and seamless footwear shopping experience

Relaxo Footwears Limited, India’s largest footwear manufacturer, has strengthened its retail presence in South India with the launch of four new Exclusive Brand Outlets in JP Nagar, Attibele, Channasandra, and Magadi Road, Bengaluru , taking the total number of stores to 429. The stores were inaugurated by popular and versatile Indian actress Adah Sharma, who joined the inauguration ceremony and interacted with consumers at the launch event. The expansion reflects Relaxo’s continued commitment to delivering a more engaging, intuitive, and seamless footwear shopping experience for the modern Indian consumer.

Designed in line with Relaxo’s refreshed retail identity, the new outlets feature a cleaner and more contemporary design language, elevated with bold brand accents that create an inviting and easy-to-navigate shopping environment. The upgraded format combines style, simplicity, and accessibility, enabling consumers to explore products effortlessly while enjoying a more immersive retail experience.

The stores house Relaxo Footwear’s leading brands- Sparx, Flite, Bahamas ,MaryJane and Boston , supported by enhanced visual merchandising that improves product visibility and discovery. The thoughtfully designed layouts feature clearly defined brand zones and categories, allowing customers to navigate seamlessly, browse comfortably, and make confident purchase decisions.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Aakash Koparkar, Vice President - Retail Business, Relaxo Footwears Limited, said, “Bangalore continues to be an important and fast-growing market for us. With these new stores, we are bringing our next-generation retail format closer to consumers, making the shopping experience more intuitive, contemporary, and engaging. Our aim is to further strengthen our presence in South India while delivering a consistent and elevated in-store experience across markets.”

The launch of these four stores aligns with Relaxo’s broader retail strategy focused on driving footfall, improving in-store conversions, and enhancing immersive customer experience. With a rapidly expanding network of Exclusive Brand Outlets across India, the company continues to invest in strengthening its omnichannel presence and reaching consumers across key urban markets.

About Relaxo Footwears Ltd.

Incorporated in 1984, Relaxo is the largest footwear manufacturer in India and has been serving the nation for four decades. Ranked among the top 500 Most Valuable Companies (Fortune 500 India), Relaxo is synonymous with quality products and affordable prices. It manufactures slippers, sandals, and sports & casual shoes.

Its most popular brands – Relaxo, Sparx, Flite, and Bahamas – each lead their respective segments. Relaxo, an iconic brand known for its rubber slippers, is a versatile choice for all sections of society. Flite offers a stylish range of fashionable and semi-formal slippers. Sparx reflects the attitude, style, and energy of young India through its sports shoes, sandals, and slippers. Bahamas captures the spirit of freedom, fun, and youth through its vibrant flip-flops.

With a pan-India distribution footprint, Relaxo also operates a strong network of 420+ exclusive retail outlets, and its products are widely available across major e-commerce platforms, large-format stores, and global markets.

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Edelweiss Life Reports 99.31% Claim Settlement Ratio In FY26, Marking 4 Years Above 99%

Edelweiss Life Insurance reported its highest-ever Claim Settlement Ratio of 99.31% in FY26, marking the 4th consecutive year its ratio has remained above 99% level. The company also achieved zero claim pendency, meaning every claim received was resolved during the financial year. This reaffirms the life insurer’s commitment to standing by its customers and their families when it matters the most.

Claim Settlement Ratio measures the percentage of death claims paid against the total claims received and is among the most important indicators of an insurer’s ability to honour its commitments to policyholders.

Sumit Rai, MD & CEO, Edelweiss Life Insurance, said, “Life insurance relies on trust because its value is realised several years after the purchase. It denotes a promise that the policyholder made to their loved ones and we consider it our utmost honour to deliver on that promise so that their aspirations remain intact. This number reflects our commitment to ensuring that genuine claims are settled with speed, care, and transparency.”

Under its Insta-Claims initiative, the life insurer settled 84% of eligible claims within 24 hours, helping beneficiaries access funds quickly and reducing uncertainty during emotionally challenging times.

The company’s claims performance is the outcome of a sustained focus on building trust at every stage of the customer journey. By combining robust risk assessment, digital innovation and a customer-first approach, Edelweiss Life continues to strengthen its ability to deliver on its promises - ensuring that when families need support the most, they can count on the company to deliver.

About Edelweiss Life Insurance

Edelweiss Life Insurance established nationwide operations in July 2011 with an immovable focus on protecting people’s dreams and aspirations. The company has been focussed on bringing innovation, simplicity, and a new-age approach to life insurance, aligned with the expectations of the customer today. With a customer-centric approach, the company has been operating as a multi-channel distribution business to effectively serve its customers across the country.

Awards:

The company has earned recognition from several reputed industry forums over the years. Here are some noteworthy awards:

· Recognized as Great Place to Work for 6 consecutive years

· Organ donation initiative recognised as Best CSR initiative – Life Category at FICCI Insurance Industry Awards 2023

· Golden Peacock Award 2023 for Risk Management

· Most Trusted BFSI Brands in 2023-2024 by the Marksmen Network

· ‘Bolt’ recognised under ‘Public & Private Collaboration’ category at NASSCOM Foundation TechForGood Awards 2024

· Recognized as Best Customer Retention Initiative of the Year at the 7th Edition Quantic India CX Excellence Awards 2025

· Recognized as BFSI Team for Excellence in Fraud Risk Management at FinCrimeExpert Conclave and Awards 2025

· GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for collecting the highest number of pledges for organ donation in a single day    

Millennials Now Represent 55% Of India’s C-Suite As Leadership Paths Become Less Linear: LinkedIn

* 84% of Indian C-Suite leaders say inputs from AI tools are now a key step in their decision making process

* 82% of CMOs say they feel the pressure to move faster on AI before they can effectively measure its impact

India’s path to the C-Suite is becoming broader and less linear as AI changes how businesses make decisions. Latest platform data from LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, finds that Millennials now represent 55% of India’s C-Suite, making them the largest generational cohort among senior executives in India. Millennial representation in India’s C-Suite has grown 14.5% over the last seven years, reflecting a broader shift in India’s leadership market.

Career breadth is becoming part of India’s leadership advantage

LinkedIn platform data shows that single industry experience among India’s C-Suite leaders has dropped from around 80% to 58%, pointing to a leadership market where exposure across companies, functions and business contexts matters more. New LinkedIn research finds that AI is adding urgency to this shift, with 84% of Indian C-Suite leaders saying it is creating new roles in their organisation, a sentiment felt most strongly by CMOs (94%). Leaders are also using AI more directly in decision making, with 84% saying inputs from AI tools are now a key step.

Kumaresh Pattabiraman, India Country Manager and VP LSS Product, LinkedIn, said, “India’s C Suite is entering a more demanding phase of leadership. AI is shortening the shelf life of old playbooks, which means leaders need to navigate this change, make faster decisions and measure success without a clear roadmap staying open to new evidence. The strongest leaders will be those who can use AI as a sharper input to judgment, bring technology, talent and business teams into the conversation earlier, and spot capability gaps before they become business gaps. The real advantage will come from leaders who keep learning as fast as the market is changing.”

Speed is becoming the new leadership tension

Nearly 4 in 5 Indian C-Suite leaders say they are under pressure to move faster on AI than they can effectively measure its impact. This pressure is highest among CMOs (82%) and CTOs (81%), reflecting how AI is rapidly changing customer engagement and technology adoption. At the same time, 39% of Indian C-Suite leaders cite making decisions at speed amid constant uncertainty as a top challenge, particularly among CMOs (46%) and CEOs (43%), showing that the biggest leadership test is decision quality at speed.

Workforce visibility is becoming a C-Suite blind spot

As AI changes roles and capabilities, 51% of Indian C-Suite leaders acknowledge a workforce blind spot around the future roles, skills and capabilities their organisations will need. This is most pronounced among CMOs at 58%. The data shows that workforce planning is no longer only an HR priority. It is becoming a shared leadership challenge that cuts across business growth, technology adoption, customer strategy and organisational design.

Innovation is the clearest expectation from AI investments

Nearly 9 in 10 Indian C-Suite leaders say innovation is the most important outcome of their organisation’s AI investments. This expectation is strongest among CMOs at 92%, followed closely by CEOs and CTOs at 91% each, and CHROs at 82%. As AI moves deeper into business operations, leaders are looking beyond productivity alone and focusing on how the technology can help organisations create new products, improve customer experiences, unlock new ways of working and build stronger competitive advantage.

AI skills are rising fastest at the top

As leadership roles evolve, the skills expected of senior executives are changing too. Four of India’s top five fastest growing C-Suite skills are AI related, including AI Agents, AI Productivity, Retrieval Augmented Generation and AI Strategy. AI Agents is the fastest growing C-Suite skill in India, with roughly 18.6% year-on-year growth. Specialised skills related to AI and technical expertise are also up 10.9% since 2020, pointing to a sharper shift in what senior leaders need as AI becomes more central to business strategy.

Methodology

C-suite Sentiment Research: The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,252 CEO, Chief Human Resources Officer / Chief People Officer, Chief Technology Officer / Chief Information Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Communications Officer (aged 22+) across the US, UK, and India (501, 501, and 250 respondents respectively). Minimum of 50 (India) and 100 (US and UK) of each four job titles: CEO, CHRO / CPO, CTO / CIO, CMO. The data was collected between 07.05.2026 - 13.05.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. Censuswide adheres to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.

LinkedIn Hiring Rate: The LinkedIn Hiring Rate is the percentage of LinkedIn members who added a new employer to their profile (in the same month the new job began), divided by the total number of LinkedIn members in the country.The global LinkedIn Hiring Rate is the median LinkedIn Hiring Rate across the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Australia, India, Singapore, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Executive Confidence Index: LinkedIn Executive Confidence Index is an online survey taken by 5,000+ LinkedIn members (at the VP-level or above) in 11 Countries (US, India, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Brazil, France, Spain, Italy, Net) every quarter. Members are randomly sampled and must be opted into research to participate. We analyze data in aggregate and will always respect member privacy. The results represent the world as seen through the lens of LinkedIn’s membership; variances between LinkedIn’s membership and the overall market population are not accounted for. Data is weighted by Seniority and Industry to ensure fair representation of executives on the platform.

The results represent the world as seen through the lens of LinkedIn’s membership; variances between LinkedIn’s membership and the overall market population are not accounted for.

About LinkedIn

LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms how companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has over 1.3 billion members and has offices around the globe. www.linkedin.com / mobile.linkedin.com

Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore’s Notebook Initiative Reaches Over 2 Lakh Students Across Karnataka

* Employee-led initiative has distributed nearly 15 lakh notebooks since 2015, supporting access to learning resources in government schools across Karnataka.

A decade ago, employees at Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore (SRI-B) noticed a recurring challenge during visits to government schools in Karnataka. While attendance remained high, many students lacked something fundamental to learning—basic notebooks and stationery.

That observation led to an employee-driven initiative that has since reached more than 2 lakh students across the state. Since 2015, SRI-B has distributed nearly 15 lakh notebooks, with this year’s drive providing 42,819 notebooks to 7,620 students across 195 government schools in Kolar district. More than 100 SRI-B employees volunteered in this year’s initiative, visiting schools to distribute notebooks and interact with students.

“At SRI-B, innovation and education go hand in hand. As engineers and innovators, we understand the transformative power of learning. A notebook may appear simple, but for a child it represents opportunity, confidence and the freedom to dream. Through this initiative, we hope to empower students with the resources they need to write their own success stories and build a brighter future,” said Mohan Rao Goli, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore.

The notebook donation initiative was launched in 2015 after SRI-B employees, during visits to government schools, found that many students attended classes regularly despite lacking basic learning materials such as notebooks and stationery. What began as a small employee-led effort has since grown into one of SRI-B’s longest-running community initiatives.

Over the years, SRI-B has expanded its support for government schools beyond notebooks. The institute has donated tablets, student desks, flipboards, school kits and RO water filters, while also undertaking infrastructure projects including rebuilding a government school in Kembodi, repainting school buildings and, most recently, refurbishing the Government Higher Primary School in Bodenahalli.

The notebook initiative reflects SRI-B’s long-term commitment to supporting education in communities around its Bengaluru campus. Through employee volunteering and sustained investment in learning resources and school infrastructure, the institute continues to help create better learning environments for students across Karnataka.   

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Air India’s Maharaja Club Partners With Professional Golf Tour Of India To Support The Growth Of Golf In The Country

* Air India Maharaja Club will be the Official Travel Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India

* Partnership will unlock curated experiences at select tournaments, including privileged access, hospitality and member engagement opportunities for Maharaja Club members

Air India’s award-winning frequent flyer programme, Maharaja Club, today announced a partnership with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), under which Maharaja Club will be the Official Travel Partner for DP World PGTI tournaments across India from August 2026 to April 2027.

The partnership brings together two brands committed to excellence and reflects Maharaja Club’s growing focus on delivering distinctive lifestyle experiences beyond travel. Through the association, Maharaja Club will support the continued growth of professional golf in India while offering members unique opportunities to engage with the sport.

As the Official Travel Partner, Maharaja Club will facilitate seamless travel support for players and officials participating in DP World PGTI events across the tournament calendar, enabling them to focus on performance and competition.

The partnership will also unlock curated experiences at select tournaments, including privileged access, hospitality and member engagement opportunities for Maharaja Club members. These initiatives further strengthen Maharaja Club’s positioning as one of India’s leading travel and lifestyle loyalty programmes.

Mr. Kapil Dev, President, DP World PGTI, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are delighted to welcome Air India as the Official Travel Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. As the Tour expands its footprint and continues to raise the bar for professional golf in India, having a trusted and iconic brand like Air India Maharaja Club by our side adds tremendous value. This partnership will ensure our players, officials and stakeholders enjoy seamless travel, allowing them to focus entirely on performance and excellence.”

Mr. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “We are delighted to partner with the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India and contribute to the development of golf in the country. At Air India, we are committed to supporting sporting excellence by enabling seamless travel experiences. Through this partnership, we aim to support players as they compete across the country while also creating unique and memorable experiences for our Maharaja Club members.”

The partnership will be activated across DP World PGTI tournaments throughout the season through curated fan engagement initiatives. Leveraging its extensive domestic and international network, Air India will also support DP World PGTI’s ambition of expanding the reach and profile of Indian golf, both within the country and on the global stage.

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     

Yamaha’s Performance EV Aerox E launched In India At Rs 2.81 Lakh

* Developed in India for premium urban mobility, the Aerox E delivers 117-km certified range and 95.5 km/h performance; sales beginning in select cities via Blue Square Showrooms.

Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility and building on the momentum of its expanding EV portfolio, India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. today announced the price and availability of the Aerox E, its high-performance electric scooter developed in India for premium urban mobility. Offered in Bluish White Cocktail, the Aerox E will be available at Yamaha Blue Square Showrooms in select cities at a price of Rs 2.81 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

The Aerox E further advances the electrification roadmap of IYM in India, combining engaging performance, premium design, and dependable technology tailored to evolving urban mobility needs. Building on the success of the Aerox lineage and Yamaha’s globally acclaimed Maxi Sports DNA, the Aerox E is powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivering 9.4 kW peak power and 48 Nm torque. This high-output system provides instant acceleration and confident manoeuvrability, enabling quicker overtakes and a more responsive ride. With a certified range of 117-km, customers benefit from practical daily commuting with fewer charging interruptions. A top speed of 95.5 km/h ensures a dynamic yet stable ride experience for urban commutes.

The Aerox E offers three ride modes – Eco, Standard, and Power – enabling riders to tailor performance to traffic conditions and range requirements, thereby improving efficiency without compromising responsiveness. A Boost function provides rapid acceleration when needed, while a reverse mode simplifies parking and handling in tight spaces. It is equipped with dual removable batteries (1.5 kWh each, 30Ah capacity) engineered for efficient power delivery and everyday convenience. Each battery charges in approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, minimizing downtime. Ergonomic grips allow effortless removal for home charging, and the ability to operate with a single battery provides added flexibility, ensuring uninterrupted mobility while the other battery is charging. The battery comes with a 3-year or 30,000 km warranty.

Retaining the core DNA of a true Maxi Sports Scooter, the Aerox E embodies Yamaha’s Heart-Shaking Speedster design philosophy through its proud body size, athletic proportions, and distinctive ‘X’ motif – enhancing road presence as well as rider confidence. Sharp LED headlights and an LED taillight with flashers improve visibility and safety while delivering a premium and innovative appearance. Revised ergonomics aligned with vehicle dynamics provide a comfortable yet sporty riding posture for daily commutes.

Additionally, the Aerox E is equipped with a Traction Control System (TCS) and front and rear disc brakes with single-channel ABS, enhancing rider confidence through improved grip and controlled braking. The scooter features a 5-inch colour TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation, enabling riders to stay informed without distraction. Y-Connect mobile app integration offers Multi-Information Display functions, maintenance reminders, and last parked location – delivering smarter ownership and everyday convenience. A smart key system and externally positioned charging port further enhance ease of use and accessibility.

Designed for modern urban achievers who value performance and exclusivity, the Aerox E sets a benchmark in the premium electric scooter segment. Through localized development and production, Yamaha aims to play a meaningful role in India’s evolving EV ecosystem.    

Sparx Launches Chunky Sole Sandals, Bringing Fashion-First Comfort To Everyday Style

Fashion today isn't just about what you wear, it's about how you move through the world. Chunky soles, once reserved for fashion runways, have become an everyday essential, effortlessly blending bold aesthetics with all-day comfort. Bringing this global trend to Indian consumers, Sparx, one of India's leading youth footwear brands introduces the new Sparx Chunky Sole Sandals—a collection designed for young consumers who see footwear as an extension of their personal style.

Confident, contemporary and unmistakably fashion-forward, the range combines elevated chunky soles with comfort, creating sandals that feel as relevant on city streets as they do on weekend getaways, vacations or everyday adventures.

Designed with a modern lifestyle in mind, the collection pairs sculpted soles with sporty construction, durable materials and versatile colourways that complement everything from relaxed denims and cargos to shorts and athleisure. Adjustable straps ensure a secure fit, while enhanced cushioning and lightweight engineering make the sandals comfortable from morning commutes to late-evening plans. The result is footwear that doesn't ask consumers to choose between style and comfort—it delivers both.

The launch marks another step in Sparx's evolving fashion-first design philosophy. The Chunky Sole Sandals embody a new generation of casual footwear, bold enough to stand out, versatile enough to fit seamlessly into daily life and comfortable enough to keep pace with every moment.

To introduce the collection, Sparx has partnered with actor Chunky Pandey in a campaign that cleverly plays on the unmistakable connection between his iconic name and the product itself. Infused with humour, personality and internet culture, the campaign transforms a simple play on words into a memorable celebration of contemporary style while keeping the spotlight firmly on the product.

With the launch of Chunky Sole Sandals, Sparx continues to expand its fashion-led portfolio, translating globally relevant trends into products that resonate with Indian consumers. As contemporary wardrobes continue to embrace statement footwear, the collection offers an effortless blend of confidence, comfort and modern style, proving that the right pair of sandals can be just as defining as the outfit itself.

About Relaxo Footwears Ltd.

Incorporated in 1984, Relaxo is the largest footwear manufacturer in India and has been serving the nation for four decades. Ranked among the top 500 Most Valuable Companies (Fortune 500 India), Relaxo is synonymous with quality products and affordable prices. It manufactures slippers, sandals, and sports & casual shoes.

Its most popular brands – Relaxo, Sparx, Flite, and Bahamas – each lead their respective segments. Relaxo, an iconic brand known for its rubber slippers, is a versatile choice for all sections of society. Flite offers a stylish range of fashionable and semi-formal slippers. Sparx reflects the attitude, style, and energy of young India through its sports shoes, sandals, and slippers. Bahamas captures the spirit of freedom, fun, and youth through its vibrant flip-flops.

With a pan-India distribution footprint, Relaxo also operates a strong network of 400+ exclusive retail outlets, and its products are widely available across major e-commerce platforms, large-format stores, and global markets.

For more information: https://relaxofootwear.com/collections/sparx