Friday, August 21, 2026

Air India Successfully Operationalises India's New Cargo Transshipment Framework

* Pilot project expanded to additional India-Europe corridors

* First Indian airline to operationalise the Government’s cargo transshipment reforms

* Eliminates mandatory piece-level re-screening of cargo during transit

* Reduced cargo connection times at Delhi Airport from 36-48 hours to 5-8 hours

Air India today announced the successful operationalisation of the Government of India's new cargo transshipment policy through an ongoing Proof of Concept (PoC) on the Chennai-Delhi-Frankfurt air cargo corridor, launched on 20 June 2026. The new policy allows eligible cargo shipments to remain securely packed during transit, eliminating the need for piece-level re-screening and significantly reducing connection times and handling requirements while enabling faster, more efficient cargo movement without compromising safety or security.

Following the Government's approval to expand the pilot, Air India will now enable seamless cargo movements via Delhi for eligible shipments originating from five points in India (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai) and connecting onwards to three points in Europe: Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and London (Heathrow).

As supporting infrastructure is progressively implemented across the country, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has authorised Air India's PoC to validate the new process ahead of wider rollout.
Cargo throughput doubles on Chennai-Delhi-Frankfurt corridor

Air India successfully operationalised the 90-day PoC for the new policy, approved by BCAS. Over the course of two months, the reformed policy helped Air India to:

· Double average cargo volumes on the Chennai-Delhi-Frankfurt corridor, from 2.2 metric tonnes (MT) per day to 4.5 MT per day

· Transport a total of 300 MT of cargo from Chennai to Frankfurt via Delhi between 20 June and 20 August 2026

· Reduce the average cargo connection time at Delhi Airport from 36-48 hours to 5-8 hours

· Improve Flown-as-Booked (FAB) performance from 76% to 100%, while recording zero cargo loss or damage during transit

· Deliver greater customer satisfaction, with top-tier freight forwarders like DHL, Dachser, DVS, and Kuehne+Nagel sharing highly positive feedback of their shipping experience

P. Balaji, Group Head - Governance, Risk, Compliance & Corporate Affairs, Air India, said: " The Honourable Prime Minister's vision for India’s aviation sector, and the Government’s broader agenda to strengthen logistics and connectivity extends beyond passenger growth to building world-class cargo and logistics capabilities that enable Indian airports to serve as global transit hubs. This new cargo transshipment policy is an important step towards that objective. By making cargo transfers faster and more efficient, it will help strengthen the competitiveness of Indian airports and support growth across the logistics value chain. We thank the Ministry of Civil Aviation, BCAS and all stakeholders for their partnership and support in making this pioneering initiative possible.”

Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India, said: "This reformed cargo transshipment policy has the potential to be a game-changer for India's air cargo sector. By enabling seamless cargo transfers through Delhi, it can help attract transit traffic that currently moves through foreign gateways, unlock additional cargo volumes for Air India, and significantly improve aircraft belly utilisation across our expanding network. Delhi alone has the potential to attract more than 2 million metric tonnes of additional annual transshipment cargo across 95+ addressable international air cargo corridors. Beyond the airline industry, the benefits extend across the logistics ecosystem, supporting growth for freight forwarders, e-commerce, warehousing providers, ground handlers and allied services, while reinforcing Delhi's position as India's premier air cargo hub."

How the new cargo transshipment policy simplifies cargo transit

Traditionally, a cargo consignment from Chennai to Frankfurt via Delhi would need to be unpacked at Delhi Airport, with each individual package undergoing mandatory security re-screening before the shipment is rebuilt and loaded onto an onward flight to Frankfurt. This additional handling can sometimes potentially add more than 24 hours to transit times, increase operational complexity, and expose the consignment to a greater risk of damage, pilferage and discrepancies.

Under the new policy, eligible cargo can remain securely packed within the same Unit Load Device (ULD) throughout its journey from Chennai to Frankfurt, subject to prescribed security controls. By eliminating the need for piece-level re-screening at Delhi, the process significantly reduces handling requirements and transit times while improving shipment integrity. The streamlined process enables faster, more reliable cargo connections through Indian airports, enhancing predictability for customers and strengthening India's competitiveness as a cargo transshipment hub.

Supporting India's emergence as a global cargo hub

The opportunity for India is significant. Delhi alone is estimated to have the potential to attract more than 2 million metric tonnes of additional annual transshipment cargo across 95+ addressable international air cargo corridors. By enabling faster and more efficient cargo transfers through Indian airports, the new framework can help capture a greater share of global cargo flows that are currently routed through established overseas transshipment hubs.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the new policy will be progressively extended across:

All domestic-to-international cargo movements through India, including narrowbody bulk cargo operations

International-to-domestic cargo movements

International-to-international cargo transshipment through Indian airports

The phased rollout has the potential to transform India's role in global air cargo networks by reducing transit times, simplifying cargo movement and positioning Indian airports as competitive transshipment gateways for global trade.

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  

Two Trusts Sign MoU To Establish The “Indian Institute Of Management Bangalore – Dorabji Tata School Of Undergraduate Studies”

* Record 12,000 applications make IIMB’s inaugural UG cohort a full house, with the first batch commencing on 31st August 2026

IIM Bangalore’s Undergraduate Programmes have been met with tremendous success, attracting a record 12,000 applications from across the country for the inaugural cohort of 80 students. The highly competitive selection process has brought together exceptionally high-calibre students in the first batch, many with outstanding profiles, marking a strong beginning for IIMB’s foray into full-time undergraduate education. With a full house, the inaugural batch of the programmes is set to commence on 31st August 2026. The success of the inaugural cohort comes alongside a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IIM Bangalore and the Tata Trusts (Sir Dorabji Tata Trust). The MoU formalizes a significant philanthropic contribution by the Tata Trusts towards the development of the School that is being named ‘Indian Institute of Management Bangalore – Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies’.

On 21st August 2026, Mr. Noel Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts, and Dr Devi Shetty Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIMB, signed the MoU in the presence of Mr Siddharth Sharma, CEO, Tata Trusts, and Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIMB. Under the MoU, the Tata Trusts will support the establishment and initial development of world-class academic infrastructure for the School of Undergraduate Studies, along with contributing to the strategic direction and vision-setting, policy formulation and governance oversight.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Noel Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts, said, “For over a century, the Tata Trusts have seeded some of India’s most defining institutions that have influenced generations, and continue to serve public good long after the initial investment. India’s next phase of growth will require institutions that can be ranked amongst the best in the world. Our partnership with IIM Bangalore reflects that approach. Through the IIMB- Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies, we hope to support an institution that can set new benchmarks for undergraduate education and make a lasting contribution to the country.”

Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIMB, expressed deep appreciation for the Trusts’ generous support. “IIM Bangalore is a public institution of eminence with a distinguished history of creating transformative educational opportunities. Our partnership with the Tata Trusts, a name synonymous with integrity, nation-building and innovation for the public good, will provide the IIMB – Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies with a strong foundation to develop an ambitious model of multidisciplinary education for a new generation of learners.”

The School of Undergraduate Studies is a key component of IIM Bangalore’s broader vision to contribute to undergraduate education in India with the same academic rigour and global orientation that characterize its postgraduate offerings. The campus is located approximately 23 kilometres from IIMB’s Bannerghatta Road campus and is being developed as a dedicated residential academic environment designed to foster interdisciplinary learning, research and innovation. The School will initially offer two four-year, full-time residential programmes: BSc (Hons) in Data Sciences with a minor in Economics, and a BSc (Hons) in Economics with a minor in Data Sciences. The inaugural cohort comprises 80 students, with 40 students in each programme.

Mr Siddharth Sharma, CEO, Tata Trusts, said, “In recent months, I have had the opportunity to visit and interact with students at several eminent institutions of higher education. These conversations have reinforced the importance of preparing young people for a world shaped by rapid advances in technology, data, and artificial intelligence. It is no longer enough to build specialised knowledge; young people also need the ability to think across disciplines, ask new questions, and apply what they learn to real-world challenges. Supporting the IIMB-Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies reflects our belief in the transformative potential of education and in creating the environment for this kind of learning to thrive.”

Prof. Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIM Bangalore, said, “This is a historic gift to IIM Bangalore and to the cause of institution-building. The School of Undergraduate Studies is being conceived at a time when AI is reshaping the way businesses, governments and society operate. Through world-class infrastructure, research capability and globally benchmarked learning, IIM Bangalore aims to nurture an ecosystem where students deeply engage with the defining challenges of an AI-driven world”.

The philanthropic contribution will underpin the development of the School’s new sustainable undergraduate campus in the Jigani-Anekal area. The development will integrate state-of-the-art academic facilities with modern student living, functional zoning, vertical scaling and contemporary construction methodologies. In keeping with its inclusivity mandate, the campus will incorporate accessible design and dedicated facilities for people with disabilities.

The support will also strengthen IIMB’s research and academic capabilities, including the development of research clusters at the intersection of emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, data science, algorithmic design, Indian Knowledge Systems, and applied business learning. It will contribute to building a dedicated, multidisciplinary faculty body and to advancing the School’s long-term academic objectives.

About Tata Trusts

Established in 1892, the Tata Trusts are India’s oldest and amongst Asia's largest philanthropic institutions. They have played a pioneering role in bringing about an enduring difference in the lives of the communities they serve, advancing equity, resilience, and shared progress. Inspired by the vision of the Founder Jamsetji Tata and guided by a legacy of proactive philanthropy, the Tata Trusts work to catalyse systemic and sustainable change across diverse areas by building institutions, strengthening public systems, and accelerating socio-economic development in a wide variety of areas- healthcare; nutrition; education; water, sanitation and hygiene; urban and rural livelihoods, amongst others. The Trusts build meaningful solutions, bridging tradition and innovation, through collaborations that nurture grassroots efforts, empower change makers, and touch lives across India.

For more information please visit: www.tatatrusts.org

About IIM Bangalore

The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is a leading EQUIS-accredited graduate school of management in Asia. It is recognized as an Institution of National Importance under the IIM Act of 2017. Located in India’s high-technology capital, IIMB’s role as India’s leading management educator is to guide the insatiable curiosity to learn by serving as a catalyst for purposeful change through teaching, research, practice and innovation for business, government and society. Over five decades, IIMB has built a legacy of excellence led by over 150+ distinguished faculty and a global network of over 25,000 alumni in leadership roles across various industries. Central to the Institute’s mission is a deep emphasis on internationalization, entrepreneurial thinking, social impact and lifelong learning.

For more information, please visit: www.iimb.ac.in/

On National Senior Citizens Day, Athulya Senior Care Champions Dignity, Purpose And Active Ageing

On National Senior Citizens Day, observed annually on 21st August, Athulya Senior Care, India’s largest assisted living provider, brought together residents, families and care teams across its centres for a series of activities focused on companionship, wellbeing and celebrating the contributions of senior citizens.

The celebrations reflected Athulya’s commitment to creating a senior-care environment that goes beyond clinical needs to foster dignity, independence, connection and a strong sense of community. With an integrated senior-care ecosystem spanning assisted living, rehabilitation, transition care, mind and memory care, palliative care and dedicated geriatric care hospital, Athulya supports seniors and their families across multiple stages of the ageing journey.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Srinivasan G., Founder & CEO, Athulya Senior Care, said, “National Senior Citizens Day is an opportunity to celebrate the experiences, contributions and individuality of our seniors. At Athulya, we believe that senior care must go beyond addressing medical needs to creating an environment where seniors feel connected, independent and valued. Every interaction and experience we create is guided by our commitment to ensuring that ageing is supported with dignity, purpose and a strong sense of belonging.”

Across Athulya’s centres, seniors participated in a range of community-centric and senior-friendly activities, including games, music, cultural performances, interactive sessions and cake-cutting ceremonies. The celebrations brought residents together with their families and care teams, creating opportunities for social connection, participation and shared experiences. The occasion reinforced Athulya’s belief that senior care should create space for joy, connection and active living at every stage of life.

About Athulya Senior Care:

Athulya Senior Care, India’s Largest Assisted Living Provider, headquartered in Chennai, India, with 1,500+ beds across 12+ locations in five cities – Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore – has proudly served over 50,000+ seniors. Athulya delivers a comprehensive senior care ecosystem encompassing Assisted Living, Mind & Memory Care, Transition Care, Rehabilitation, and Palliative Care. Designed to meet international safety & quality standards, Athulya is transforming eldercare in India by prioritising dignity, comfort, and compassionate support. To know more, log on to: http://www.athulyaseniorcare.com   

India’s Top 10 Burger Chains Expand Footprint To Over 2,000 Outlets

* Tier II & III Cities Emerge as Next Growth Frontier: Kennis Ventures

India’s organised burger Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) segment is entering its next phase of expansion, with leading brands increasingly moving beyond established metropolitan markets and deepening their presence across Tier II and Tier III India, according to QSR Watch – Edition II, the latest report released by Kennis Ventures Private Limited.

The report, which tracks the physical retail footprint of India’s top 10 organised burger chains, finds that their combined store network has increased from 1,481 outlets in 2023 to 2,018 outlets as of March 2026, representing a 10.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the period. According to industry estimates referenced in the study, India’s QSR industry is valued at approximately USD 30 billion in 2026, with the organised burger segment estimated at over USD 5 billion, reflecting a category that is growing both in scale and competitive intensity.

Of the top 10 chains covered in the study, McDonald’s and Burger King are the only two global brands and together account for 1,246 outlets, or 61.7% of the total footprint. McDonald’s remains the largest burger chain in India by outlet count, with 676 stores across 136 cities, while Burger King has the widest geographic presence, with 570 stores across 159 cities. At the same time, home-grown players are building meaningful scale, with the eight Indian-founded brands collectively operating 772 outlets, representing 38.3% of the top 10 network. Jumboking ranks third nationally with 172 outlets, followed by Burger Singh with 161, Biggies Burger with 113 and The Burger Company with 100 outlets.

Commenting on the findings, Saurabh Agarwal, Managing Director, Kennis Ventures Private Limited, said, “India’s burger QSR market is moving from being predominantly a metro-led category to becoming a much more geographically distributed consumer opportunity. While global players continue to command significant scale, the emergence of multiple Indian brands with meaningful regional and national footprints points to a deeper evolution of the category. The next phase of growth is likely to be shaped as much by expansion into underserved cities as by competition within established urban markets.”

The geographical spread of the category also points to a broader shift in growth momentum. North India remains the largest market with 837 stores, followed by West India with 624, South India with 438 and East India with 119. However, newer growth markets are expanding faster: between 2023 and 2026, South India grew 80.2% from 243 to 438 stores, while East India more than doubled from 59 to 119 stores, albeit from a smaller base. North and West India also continued to expand, growing 48.4% and 39.6%, respectively. Despite its rapid growth, East India remains the least penetrated region, highlighting significant headroom for further expansion.

A similar trend is visible across major cities. Delhi NCR remains the country’s largest urban hub with 364 stores, followed by Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) with 288, Bengaluru with 181, Pune with 100 and Hyderabad with 74. While Delhi NCR and MMR retain the largest store bases, Bengaluru and Pune are growing significantly faster, recording 53.4% and 56.3% growth respectively since 2023, while Hyderabad expanded by 32.1%.

Tier II and Tier III India Emerge as the Next Growth Frontier

Beyond the major metros, the report highlights an increasing push by organised burger chains into smaller and previously underserved markets. Burger King has expanded into cities such as Itanagar, Dimapur and Shillong, Burger Singh has established a presence in Ayodhya and Jhansi, while The Burger Company has penetrated markets such as Azamgarh, Hathras, Mau and Banda.

This widening geographic footprint signals a structural shift in the category as organised burger consumption becomes increasingly distributed beyond India’s traditional QSR hubs.

“The expansion story is no longer simply about adding more stores in Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru. Increasingly, the opportunity lies in identifying cities where rising purchasing power, younger consumer demographics and greater acceptance of organised QSR formats can support the next generation of outlets. For brands as well as investors, understanding these emerging geographic clusters will therefore become increasingly important,” added Agarwal.

About QSR Watch – Edition II

QSR Watch – Edition II is part of Kennis Ventures’ report series tracking the evolution of organised retail and consumer sectors in India. The latest edition analyses the physical retail footprint of the top 10 burger chains in India by outlet count as of March 2026, including their national, regional and major-city presence.

The report is intended to provide investors, financial institutions, businesses and F&B industry stakeholders with insights into the evolving competitive landscape, geographic penetration and emerging growth opportunities within India’s organised burger QSR segment.

About Kennis Ventures

Kennis Ventures is a Mumbai-based financial advisory and business consulting firm providing equity fundraising, transaction advisory and strategic growth advisory services to businesses and investors. The firm supports growth-stage companies in raising equity capital through private equity placements and IPO process management, while also advising on mergers and acquisitions, transaction structuring and execution. Its strategic growth advisory practice works with businesses on scaling, capital strategy and long-term value creation.

Positioned at the intersection of capital, strategy and execution, Kennis Ventures combines financial depth, transactional rigour and strategic insight to support businesses through their growth journeys.

To know more, please visit https://www.kennis.in/ and follow their LinkedIn

Air India SATS Signs MoU With Spicexpress And Total Solutions To Expand Freighter Operations At MMCH Noida International Airport

* Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the ACFI World Conclave 2026 marks a step toward positioning the AISATS MMCH as a major cargo hub

Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS) has entered into two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Spicexpress Logistics Private Limited (Spicexpress) and Totsol Aviation Private Limited (A Total Solutions Group Company) to explore and develop freighter operations at the AISATS Multi Modal Cargo Hub (MMCH) at Noida International Airport (NIA). The agreements were signed at the ACFI World Conclave 2026 in New Delhi.

The agreement with Spicexpress lays the groundwork for livestock freighter operations from AISATS’ cargo terminal at NIA, where the company is planning to operate approximately 200 freighters between September 2026 and August 2027. The initiative leverages the AISATS Cargo Terminal’s strategic proximity to major livestock-producing regions, like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, thus enabling cargo to reach its final destinations in a shorter time span. The integrated infrastructure of the hub further enables faster and digitally coordinated cargo movement, acting as a gateway to international markets.

Under the MOU with Total Solutions, AISATS plans to explore the feasibility of scheduled and non-scheduled cargo freighter operations from Noida International Airport. It's a timely move for the AISATS Multi Modal Cargo Hub, adding freighter capacity and connectivity at NIA just as cargo operations there start to ramp up.

Mr. Ramanathan Rajamani, CEO, Air India SATS, said: "The AISATS Multi-Modal Cargo Hub is positioned to support more efficient and predictable movement of livestock consignments to both domestic and international markets. The hub also offers the flexibility needed in handling non-scheduled operations. Livestock freighter capacity is central to the growth of the overall industry, and we will act as a catalyst to further enhance it by reducing the timeframe. Our technology-led infrastructure automates multiple processes which make it a reliable gateway for all sorts of cargo needs.”

He Further added, “The specialised infrastructure at our state-of-the- art facility has been designed to ensure optimal cargo conditions and uphold the highest quality standards across the supply chain. With digitally integrated operations and advanced automation at its core, the facility is equipped to provide a dependable and efficient gateway for specialised as well as general cargo. With partners like Spicexpress, Total Solutions and Noida International Airport, we are confident that this hub will strengthen the link between India’s livestock-producing regions and global destinations and play an important role in connecting North India’s cargo markets to global destination.”

Mr. Amit Chadha, Head of SpiceXpress & VP - Spicexpress and Logistics Private Limited, added: "This MOU partnership with AISATS is about creating a dependable operating model for a category of cargo where consistency matters as much as connectivity. Livestock movements require careful coordination across the journey, and dedicated freighter capacity gives us greater control over how these shipments are planned and handled. Our objective is to build a sustainable operation from the AISATS MMCH, with the right processes and scale to serve the requirements of customers across the region. The dedicated and specialized facilities at terminal will enable safe and healthy storage & carriage of livestock”.

Sandeep Datta, Managing Director, Total Solutions Group, added: " Our focus is on developing cargo propositions that are commercially viable, responsive to market demand and supported by strong engagement with airlines, freight forwarders and the wider cargo community. Through this collaboration with AISATS, we aim to bring our market knowledge, cargo development capabilities and operational experience to help build sustainable freighter connectivity from Noida International Airport. We will work closely with our partners to identify viable trade lanes, aggregate cargo demand and develop both scheduled and non-scheduled freighter opportunities that can progressively strengthen connectivity for customers across North India."

Christoph Schnellmann, Vice Chairman, Noida International Airport, further mentioned: “The AISATS Multi-Modal Cargo Hub brings world-class cargo infrastructure and operational capabilities to Noida International Airport. A strong cargo ecosystem is built on infrastructure, partners and connectivity. The proposed livestock freighter operations with Spicexpress highlight the versatility of the facility and its ability to support specialised cargo segments. As cargo demand continues to evolve, initiatives such as this will help maximise the potential of the hub and strengthen Noida International Airport’s strategic importance for cargo operators seeking efficient and reliable logistics solutions. This collaboration with Totsol Aviation highlights the versatility and capability of the facility to support a wide range of cargo operations while creating additional connectivity options for customers. We believe initiatives such as these will contribute meaningfully to the long-term growth of air cargo traffic through NIA.”

The collaboration between AISATS and Spicexpress and Total Solutions is expected to strengthen cargo operations at Noida International Airport (NIA) by establishing robust cargo handling protocols, streamlined terminal processes, and an efficient operating framework to support seamless movement of goods. It also supports the development of the AISATS Multi Modal Cargo Hub (MMCH) as a leading freighter hub capable of handling specialised and general cargo, including livestock. As NIA continues to attract additional cargo carriers, freighter volumes are expected to witness steady growth with freighter volumes are expected to increase steadily over the next few years, further strengthening the airport's role in India's air cargo landscape.

About Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd (AISATS)

AISATS is a 50:50 joint venture between Air India Limited (TATA Group entity), and SATS Limited, one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services and Asia’s leading airline caterer. As part of the Indian Government's initiative to upgrade its airports to world-class facilities and attract more airlines to fly into India, AISATS was formed with the vision to provide world-class airport services in ground and cargo handling that exceed customers’ expectations.

Since the start of its operations in 2008, AISATS has provided hassle-free and comprehensive solutions to its customer airlines in airports at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Ranchi, Raipur, Cochin, Noida and Trivandrum. Currently employing approx. 17,000+ staff, AISATS offers end-to-end ground handling services such as passenger and baggage handling, ramp handling, aircraft interior cleaning, load control and flight operations, and cargo handling services for general, perishable, transshipment, express courier and special cargo.

Totsol Aviation Private Limited (A Total Solutions Group Company)

Totsol Aviation Private Limited, a Total Solutions Group company, is a prominent aviation services company providing integrated support across airline representation, cargo GSSA, cargo charter and digital cargo services. The company works with airlines, freight forwarders, airports and other industry stakeholders to support cargo sales, market development, operational coordination and network development across domestic and international markets.

With a strong understanding of local cargo markets and international aviation operations, Total Solution focuses on connecting airline capacity with market demand and developing commercially sustainable cargo opportunities. Its capabilities span both scheduled and non-scheduled operations, enabling the company to support airlines across market entry, route development, cargo capacity utilisation and ongoing commercial representation.

About Noida International Airport

Noida International Airport (IATA code - DXN) connects the greater Delhi area and Western Uttar Pradesh with other cities in India and the world. This world-class airport offers rich experiences and comprehensive commercial attractions to its passengers. NIA is committed to an ambitious net zero emissions goal supported by sustainable design and operations principles.

Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) was established for the development, construction and operation of the greenfield project - the Noida International Airport. The company, a 100% subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, is responsible for the implementation of the public-private partnership project in close partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India. The concession period for Noida International Airport commenced on October 01, 2021, and will run for 40 years. The airport’s masterplan provides for further development over the duration of the concession to serve over 70 million passengers annually.  

Unlock Race-Day Speed For Everyday Runs With The Pegasus Plus 2, Nike’s New Tempo Trainer

What is it?

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 delivers speed without sacrifice: a fast tempo trainer powered by a visible Air Zoom engine with responsive ZoomX foam designed to make each stride feel lighter, quicker and more alive.

Who is it for?
The latest iteration of Nike’s storied Pegasus franchise is designed for runners who want speed, longevity and consistency each time they lace up, tapping into race-day energy with a fast, powerful and smooth run that demands less and delivers more.

What does it feel like?
The silhouette is light, smooth and built for speed, with a curved Air Zoom unit that helps ease each step into the next; a bouncy ZoomX foam midsole; a more accommodating forefoot and toe box; and a secure, comfortable fit.

When is it available?
The Pegasus Plus 2 will be available in late August at select retail partners and nike.com.

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 embodies speed without sacrifice: a fast tempo trainer powered by a visible Air Zoom engine with responsive ZoomX foam designed to make each stride feel lighter, quicker and more alive.

Refined to reveal what matters most, the Pegasus Plus 2 introduces a system of speed runners can both see and feel, whether they’re logging daily miles, building through long runs or picking up the pace.

The next-generation Pegasus is designed for runners who want speed, longevity and versatility each time they lace up, tapping into race-day energy with a fast, powerful and smooth run that demands less and delivers more.

At the heart of the shoe is an exposed, curved Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, fundamentally changing how a Pegasus feels and performs. Paired with a light and bouncy ZoomX foam midsole, this system helps creates a smooth, propulsive ride that delivers at least 18 percent more energy return than the inaugural Pegasus Plus.

Inspired by the fast feel of Nike road racing footwear, the Pegasus Plus 2 delivers the smooth, powerful sensation of a supershoe without the plate, helping runners lock in from the moment they take off.

“Our goal was simple: speed without sacrifice,” says Deepa Ramprasad, senior director, Nike Running footwear. “We spent years obsessing every ingredient in this system. Nothing more and nothing less than what a runner needs to feel fast, comfortable and confident to push their pace. This is a revolution for the Pegasus franchise, bringing inspiration from race-day sensation into a daily trainer.”

The Pegasus Plus 2 is engineered to enable a smooth, comfortable and versatile ride, making it a go-to option for runners who want a shoe with range across run types. The curved Air Zoom unit helps ease each step into the next, creating a rhythm that feels natural and uninterrupted, with inner tensile fibers that act like preloaded springs to pump out more of the energy runners put in.

A fine-tuned MR10 2.0 last, first introduced in the Pegasus 42, provides a more accommodating forefoot and toe box, while the midfoot system helps keep the foot secure yet nimble for peak comfort. Elevated materials around the ankle, reflective elements, and a modern waffle outsole with innovative flex zones round out the design for an experience that feels light, smooth and more connected to the road.

“I love a run where I’m locked in but still enjoying every step,” says Cameron Myers, Nike athlete and world leader in the 1,500 meter. “That’s the feeling I get from this shoe. Easy, fast, smooth. It just flows.”

The Pegasus Plus 2 was tested by more than 30 elite Nike athletes across disciplines, from top marathoners to leading track and field icons. The Nike Sport Research Lab rigorously evaluated how runners move and feel to inform design and help deliver the best on-foot experience. The silhouette’s Air Zoom unit features precise pressure tuning, with construction adapted across sizes to help maximize energy return and deliver a consistent experience for all runners.

The Pegasus Plus 2 also represents the latest evolution of Nike’s longest-tenured and best-selling running shoe franchise of all time, which is one of three distinct categories comprising the brand’s road running footwear lineup. Pegasus carries forward a legacy of responsive cushioning for all-day energy return, while Vomero offers maximum cushioning for ultimate comfort and Structure provides supportive cushioning for a stable ride.

The introduction of the Pegasus Plus 2 — and the innovation at the heart of Nike’s entire road running footwear lineup — reflects Nike’s history as the brand built by runners, for runners, and its continued commitment to creating the most technologically advanced products to help all athletes, from the elite to the everyday, unlock their breakthrough and greatest speed potential.

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 will be available in late August at select retail partners and on nike.com.

The Raksha Bandhan Gift Edit For Every Kind Of Sibling

Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the bond that makes growing up a little more fun, a little more chaotic, and infinitely more memorable. From childhood mischief and endless teasing to being each other’s biggest cheerleaders, siblings share a connection that only gets stronger with time. This Raksha Bandhan, celebrate that special bond with a thoughtful gift that reflects their personality, passions, and everything that makes them uniquely them.

Whether it’s a gift for the sibling who is always chasing their next milestone, the one who loves discovering new experiences, the trendsetter who is always ahead of the curve, or simply someone who deserves a little extra appreciation, these picks bring together style, functionality, innovation, and everyday indulgence to make Raksha Bandhan a little more special.

Nike Pegasus 42 - For the Sibling Who’s Always on the Move

The perfect gift for the sibling who finds joy in movement, whether they are training for their next race, exploring new running routes, or simply making fitness a part of their everyday routine. The latest evolution of Nike’s iconic running franchise, the Pegasus 42 delivers a responsive, lightweight and versatile ride designed to support every stride. Featuring a new curved full-length Air Zoom unit with 15% greater energy return than its predecessor, along with a plush ReactX foam midsole, enhanced forefoot cushioning and a breathable upper, it offers the ideal balance of comfort, support and responsiveness for daily runs and long-distance miles.

Curved full-length Air Zoom unit with 15% greater energy return for a more propulsive stride.

Plush ReactX foam midsole for responsive cushioning and everyday comfort.

Enhanced forefoot cushioning for a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Lightweight, breathable upper with a secure fit for daily runs and training sessions.

Modernised waffle outsole for smooth transitions and reliable traction.

Priced at ₹12,995.

Lumio Vision 9 - For the Sibling Who Loves to Unwind

The perfect gift for the sibling who turns every movie night, gaming session or weekend binge into an experience. The Lumio Vision 9 brings together a flagship QD MiniLED 4K display, powerful sound and smooth performance, making it an easy upgrade for their everyday entertainment. Its intuitive TLDR interface also makes discovering movies, shows, sports and music simpler.

QD MiniLED 4K display with up to 800 nits peak brightness and Dolby Vision.

Native 4K 144Hz and 1080p 240Hz refresh rates with VRR, ALLM and QMS.

50W DGS 2.2 audio with dual subwoofers and Dolby Atmos.

MediaTek Pentonic 700 chipset, 3GB RAM and 64GB storage for smooth performance.

TLDR experience with 32 features for smarter content discovery.

65-inch variant priced at ₹72,999 (NEP ₹64,999).

Lumio Arc 7 - For the Sibling Who Has Already Made Your Weekend Watchlist

For the sibling with a watchlist longer than their weekend, the Lumio Arc 7 brings a cinematic experience home without the hassle of a traditional setup. With Full HD visuals, up to a 100-inch projection, Dolby Audio and Google TV with native Netflix support, it makes an easy pick for movie marathons, match nights and weekend binges.

Full HD 1080p projection with 400 ANSI lumens brightness.

Up to 100-inch big-screen viewing for an immersive experience.

Google TV with native Netflix and access to 10,000+ apps.

16W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio for room-filling sound.

STR8 auto-focus, auto-keystone and obstacle avoidance for easy setup.

Sealed Arc Light Engine for dust protection and lasting picture quality.

Priced at ₹34,999.

OnePlus 15 – For the Sibling Who Never Says Game Over

For the sibling who's always ready for one more match, the OnePlus 15 is built to keep up with every gaming session. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, it delivers flagship performance for smooth gameplay, seamless multitasking, and ultra-responsive controls. Combined with a 165Hz display and a massive battery, it's the perfect companion for marathon gaming sessions, competitive battles, and everything in between.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform

165Hz ultra-responsive display for smooth gaming

7300mAh battery for extended gameplay

Up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage

Starting at ₹85,999

OnePlus Nord 6: For the Sibling Who Demands Flagship-Level Performance

For the sibling who appreciates cutting-edge technology and dependable performance, the OnePlus Nord 6 is designed to deliver a true flagship-like experience. From powerful performance and immersive gaming to long-lasting battery life and intelligent AI features, the device is built to keep up with work, entertainment, and everything in between.

Key Highlights:

Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 platform with flagship-level performance and up to 165 FPS gaming support.

Massive 9000mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging and Bypass Charging technology.

50MP Sony OIS camera with AI-powered editing features including AI Eraser, AI Unblur, and AI Perfect Shot.

Starting at INR 46,999, with up to 4 Android updates and 6 years of security updates.

OnePlus Nord CE6: For the Sibling Who Balances Work and Play

For the sibling who needs a smartphone that can keep up with both work and play, the OnePlus Nord CE6 delivers a balanced combination of performance, entertainment, and battery life. Designed as the "All-Round Beast," it offers smooth gaming, intelligent AI features, and dependable all-day performance in a sleek package.

Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor with up to 144 FPS gaming support and advanced VC cooling.

6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate and up to 1800 nits brightness.

Massive 8000mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC charging and bypass charging support.

Starting at INR 37,999 with AI-powered OxygenOS 16 and advanced AI imaging tools.

OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite: For the Sibling Who Values Everyday Reliability

Built for everyday reliability, the OnePlus Nord CE6 Lite combines smooth performance, long-lasting battery life, and intelligent software features at an accessible price point. It's an ideal choice for dads looking for a dependable smartphone that delivers great value without compromise.

MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Apex chipset for smooth multitasking and everyday performance.

6.72-inch display with a segment-leading 144Hz refresh rate and Aqua Touch 2.0.

Large 7000mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOC charging for up to two days of usage.

Starting at INR 28,999, with OxygenOS 16 and AI-powered photography and productivity features.

OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro: For the Sibling Who Loves Great Sound

For the sibling who enjoy music, calls, and entertainment on the go, the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro deliver a premium audio experience without compromise. Combining powerful noise cancellation, immersive sound, long battery life, and smart features, these earbuds are designed to elevate everyday listening.

Key Highlights:

Industry-leading 55dB Active Noise Cancellation with TÜV Rheinland certification.

Powerful titanium-coated drivers with Spatial Audio for immersive music, movies, and gaming.

Up to 54 hours of total battery life, with 10 minutes of charging delivering up to 5 hours of playback.

Available at a price of INR ₹4,299.

OnePlus Pad 4 – For the Sibling Who Does It All

For the sibling who effortlessly balances work, creativity, and entertainment, the OnePlus Pad 4 is a powerful companion designed to keep up with every task. Combining PC-level performance, a stunning large display, all-day battery life, and intelligent AI features, it delivers a premium tablet experience that's perfect for productivity, streaming, gaming, and everything in between.

Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 platform with up to 12GB RAM for flagship-level performance

Large 13.2-inch 3.4K display with a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and immersive eight-speaker audio

Massive 13,380mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC charging for uninterrupted productivity and entertainment

Starting at ₹59,999, bundled with the OnePlus Stylo Pro for a complete work-and-create experience

Native M3 Pro

For the sibling who’s always thinking ahead and making sure the family has the best of everything, the Native M3 Pro makes for a thoughtful Raksha Bandhan gift. Designed around the idea of simpler, more predictable ownership, it brings together advanced water purification, smart technology and a design-led approach to make everyday access to clean water more seamless.

With a 3-year filter life and a 3-year unconditional warranty, the M3 Pro takes away the hassle of frequent filter changes and routine servicing. Its advanced purification technology, mineralisation technology and connected monitoring make it a smart addition to the modern home. This Raksha Bandhan, gift your sibling something that quietly looks after the whole family, every single day.

Key Highlights:

3-year filter life + 3-year unconditional warranty — longest in the Native range, designed to minimise recurring filter replacement and servicing concerns

10-stage purification combining RO, UV, Alkaline and DualFlow Mineraliser for comprehensive water purification and mineral enrichment

Stainless steel tank with in-tank UV — eliminates food-grade plastic from the water storage tank while adding an additional layer of purification

On-device TDS display + feather-touch dispensing with preset modes for a more intuitive and convenient everyday experience

Advanced real-time app monitoring to track purifier performance and water quality, along with an in-built power backupfor uninterrupted access

Flexible installation with both wall-mount and countertop options, along with free delivery and installation

Price: ₹25,199 MRP

Bamboo Labs A1

For the sibling who’s constantly experimenting, creating and turning random ideas into something tangible, the Bambu Lab A1 makes for a Raksha Bandhan gift they’ll genuinely have fun with. Designed to make 3D printing more accessible, the A1 combines ease of use with precision, making it possible to bring everything from useful everyday objects to creative ideas to life at home.

Whether they’re already into 3D printing or simply love tinkering with new technology, the A1 opens up a whole new world of possibilities. From custom organisers and desk accessories to personalised gifts and quirky creations, it’s a gift that keeps giving long after Raksha Bandhan is over.

Key Highlights:

500mm/s high-speed printing with full-auto calibration, making it easier to get precise prints with minimal manual setup

256 × 256 × 256mm build volume, giving users enough space for everything from smaller everyday creations to larger, more ambitious projects

Quick-swap nozzle + active flow-rate compensation for easier maintenance and consistent print quality across different projects

Active motor noise cancelling keeps operating noise at ≤48 dB, making it suitable for use on a desk or in a home environment

Multi-colour printing capability with the AMS Lite/Combo version, allowing users to create more detailed and visually varied designs

LAN Mode for offline-first privacy, while access to the MakerWorld ecosystem gives users a wide library of models and projects to explore

Price: Starting at ₹30,999 for A1 Standard; ₹40,999+ for A1 Combo.

IHM Launches Its First Egg Bank In India To Provide Sustained Nutritional Support To The Underprivileged


* Students Distribute Over 700 Eggs to Visually Impaired Children

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) launched its first Egg Bank in India in Bengaluru to provide sustained nutritional support to underprivileged and needy people in the city. As part of the launch, IIHM first identified Sri Rakum School for the Blind, where the students identified as food soldiers distributed over 700 eggs to visually impaired children.

The student-led CSR initiative, undertaken in association with the Valmiki Foundation, will involve IIHM students, known as Food Soldiers, in supporting identified beneficiary institutions. Following its association with Sri Rakum School for the Blind, IIHM will progressively extend the programme to old-age homes, orphanages and other institutions serving underprivileged communities in Bengaluru. The initiative will subsequently be taken forward across IIHM campuses in India, with each campus identifying beneficiary institutions in its vicinity.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder & Chairman, IIHM, said, “As a leading hospitality education institution, our responsibility goes beyond creating successful professionals. Hospitality is fundamentally about caring for people. Through the IIHM Egg Bank, our Food Soldiers will help address nutritional deficiencies through meaningful action. We want our students to see CSR not as a one-time activity, but as a sustained responsibility towards the underprivileged.”

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, Director, IIHM Bengaluru & Head-South Operations, said, “Our Food Soldiers have always been encouraged to look beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society. The IIHM Egg Bank strengthens this spirit by making students active participants in community service. ‘One Child, One Egg, One Smile’ reflects our belief that even a simple act, when carried forward with empathy and commitment, can make a meaningful difference.”

Dr. Valmiki Hari Kishan, popularly known as the ‘Egg Man of India’, Founder of the Egg Bank Project and Co-Founder & Project Director, Valmiki Foundation, said, “The idea of the Egg Bank came to me during the second wave of COVID-19, when I was in the ICU thinking about how better nutrition could protect children from vulnerable communities. What began with that thought has grown into a larger movement. The Bengaluru initiative marks our 177th Egg Bank overall and the first under IIHM. By taking this initiative across its campuses, IIHM can help extend nutritional support to many more vulnerable communities.”

*Food Soldiers Drive an Ongoing Nutrition Programme*

Unlike a one-time donation drive, the IIHM Egg Bank has been structured as an ongoing programme. Since eggs are perishable, IIHM’s Food Soldiers will undertake distributions twice every month, providing the required quantity for each fortnight. Their participation will help maintain continuity while allowing students to connect personally with the communities they serve.

The initiative also strengthens IIHM’s commitment to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2-Zero Hunger. IIHM’s Food Soldiers have been involved in programmes focused on providing food and other essential support to people in need. The Egg Bank introduces a focused nutritional dimension to these community efforts.

The launch was graced by Mr. P. K. Mohan Kumar, Independent Director, Prestige Hospitality Ventures Limited, as Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. P. K. Mohan Kumar said, “Hospitality is fundamentally about caring for people and initiatives such as the IIHM Egg Bank take that spirit beyond the industry and into the community. The involvement of students in such service can help nurture professionals who understand empathy and social responsibility.”

Malnutrition remains a serious challenge in India, particularly among underprivileged children and other vulnerable sections with limited access to nutritious food. Through the Egg Bank, IIHM and the Valmiki Foundation are combining the Foundation’s experience with IIHM’s institutional network and student participation to help bridge this nutritional gap. Beginning with visually impaired children from Sri Rakum School for the Blind and subsequently reaching old-age homes, orphanages and other beneficiary institutions, the collaboration seeks to make a meaningful difference to Bengaluru’s underserved communities.

Thursday, August 20, 2026

CMF Launches Buds Neo; Most Accessible Entry Point Into The CMF Ecosystem

* New earbuds combine a distinctive dual-tone design, 12.4 mm dynamic driver, up to 35 dB Adaptive ANC, 4-mic Clear Voice Technology, and up to 52 hours of playback.

Today, CMF announced Buds Neo, its most accessible earbuds entry point yet, designed to bring the essential CMF experience to more people. Combining clear, engaging sound, practical everyday features and CMF's distinctive design language, Buds Neo focuses on what matters most while making it easier than ever to step into the CMF ecosystem.

Designed to make the CMF ecosystem more accessible, Buds Neo delivers a complete everyday audio experience without unnecessary complexity. From its distinctive dual-tone design and 12.4mm dynamic driver to Active Noise Cancellation, long-lasting battery life and the Nothing X app experience, Neo is made for people who want great everyday audio that simply works.

Designed to stand out

CMF Buds Neo brings CMF's signature geometric design language to a bold new form. The charging case combines a distinctive square shape with a tactile circular dial, creating a contrasting two-tone look that gives Neo its own visual identity.

The dial and case use contrasting colours to create a playful, distinctive finish, while the tactile surface makes the dial satisfying to interact with. A built-in lanyard hole also makes it easy to attach a strap and carry Neo wherever you go.

Available in Black, White and Dark Blue, the design brings CMF's playful approach to colour, form and materials to its most accessible earbuds yet.

A wider way to listen

At the heart of Buds Neo is a 12.4mm dynamic driver, designed to deliver deeper, fuller bass with the power to move more air. A titanium-coated PET dome helps keep vocals and details clear, while the flexible PEEK + PU surround gives the driver more room to move.

Neo also supports static spatial audio, creating a broad sound field that makes audio feel as though it is coming from in front, behind and beside you. Movies and concert recordings in particular become more engaging and realistic, giving users a wider way to experience their content.

For listeners who like to shape their sound, Buds Neo comes with six professionally tuned EQ presets, covering different listening styles from Pop and Rock to Electronic, Classical and Enhance Vocals. Users can also create their own sound profile with Custom EQ through the Nothing X app.

For those who want more impact, Bass Enhancement adds additional weight to the low end while keeping the rest of the music clear. Users can choose between Off, Level 1 at 50%, or Level 2 at 100% through the Nothing X app.

Less noise. Clearer calls.

Buds Neo features up to 35 dB of Active Noise Cancellation, with three levels to choose from depending on the environment. For a more effortless experience, Adaptive ANC can automatically find the right balance as surroundings change.

For calls, Buds Neo uses four HD microphones, with two microphones on each earbud, combined with Clear Voice Technology to help keep voices clear on calls, even outdoors or while on the move.

Built to keep listening

Buds Neo is designed to keep music going from morning commutes to late-night listening. With ANC turned off, it delivers up to 52 hours of total playback, giving users extended listening time without constantly reaching for a charger. Each earbud delivers up to 11 hours of music playback with ANC off, while total playback remains up to 30 hours with ANC on.

When time is short, fast charging provides up to 5.5 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging. The earbuds feature 45mAh batteries each, while the charging case houses a 460mAh battery. Full charging takes approximately 70 minutes through USB-C.

Unlock more with the Nothing X App

Buds Neo works with the Nothing X app, giving users more control over their listening experience.

Through the app, users can access ultra-low latency gaming mode, personalised touch controls, dual-device connection and pro-tuned sound presets. Custom EQ and Bass Enhancement also let users fine-tune their listening experience around their own preferences. The earbuds support 120ms Low Latency Mode, which can be manually activated through the Nothing X app for a more responsive gaming experience.

Touch controls can also be customized to manage functions including next and previous track, call rejection, Noise Cancellation and Transparency, as well as volume. Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair make connecting to compatible devices simple, while Bluetooth 6.0 provides reliable everyday connectivity. Buds Neo is compatible with Android 6.0 and above and iOS 13 and above, making the CMF experience accessible across a wide range of devices.

Pretty Perfect.

CMF Buds Neo is built around the idea that entering the CMF ecosystem should be simple.

It brings together the essentials of everyday audio, clear and engaging sound, practical features, dependable battery life and distinctive design, in a product designed to be accessible to more people.

With Buds Neo, CMF makes it easier to experience its approach to technology for the first time, bringing functionality, simplicity and style together in one of its most accessible products yet.

Pricing and Availability

CMF Buds Neo will be available in Black, White, and Dark Blue colorways and will be sold at an exclusive launch price of ₹1,999, starting 26 August 2026 in India at Flipkart and across leading retail partners, including Croma, Reliance Digital and Vijay Sales.

To stay updated on all the latest information, please follow CMF on Instagram and X.

About CMF

CMF is a consumer technology brand focused on making great design more accessible. Headquartered in India, CMF operates as an independent entity with end-to-end capabilities across design, R&D, manufacturing, and marketing, supporting its global ambitions.

Since its launch in 2023, CMF has scaled rapidly across key international markets, driven by a growing global community and a clear focus on delivering meaningful innovation and core functionality without compromise. Its products have received global recognition, including the prestigious iF Design Award and Red Dot Award, and have sold millions of units in over 60 countries.  

Drivn Signs MoU With Tata Motors To Offer Innovative Leasing And Financing Solutions For Its Electric Commercial Vehicles

* The partnership will offer customised leasing solutions to speed up EV adoption across commercial fleets

Drivn, an EV leasing platform focused on heavy commercial fleets has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, to explore leasing-based deployment of electric commercial vehicles in India for fleet operators. Under this partnership, Drivn will offer customised leasing solutions for Tata Motors’ electric commercial vehicle portfolio, enabling fleet operators to transition to electric vehicles through simpler and customised financing solutions.

Drivn offers bespoke operating lease solutions tailored to commercial fleet operators. By bridging long-standing gaps across financing, deployment and charging infrastructure, it is helping make the shift to electric simpler and more practical, accelerating fleet electrification across India.

Tata Motors is leading the commercial mobility transition with the widest electric CV portfolio and an ecosystem that makes electrification both practical and profitable. The company works closely with fleet owners to optimise performance, uptime, charging and financing across the lifecycle. As adoption deepens, Tata Motors remains focused on delivering end-to-end solutions that help customers transition confidently to zero-emission mobility.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “Tata Motors is committed to democratising clean mobility and accelerating India’s transition towards sustainable transportation. Together with Drivn, we aim to make electric trucks more accessible to our customers. Our electric trucks portfolio has been engineered to deliver performance, reliability and operating economics that meet the evolving needs of our customers, while helping them confidently transition to zero-emission technologies.”

Manav Bansal, CEO and Co-founder of Drivn, said, “Making electric fleets commercially viable is key to driving adoption at scale. While there is growing interest from operators, the shift ultimately depends on how practical and accessible these solutions are. Partnering with Tata Motors allows us to combine a strong vehicle portfolio with our leasing model, addressing key barriers such as upfront costs and deployment timelines. Through this partnership, we intend to deploy over 1,000 electric trucks over the next two years, offering fleet operators a clearer and more scalable path to electrification while contributing to the broader growth of the EV ecosystem in India.”

Alpna Jain, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer at Drivn, said, “Electric fleet adoption scales when the right ecosystem comes together for support. With Tata Motors’ strong market presence, fleet operators gain trust and access as we are getting the elements of maintenance of vehicles, uptime as a joint commitment from OEM and combining technology to monitor efficiencies.”

Tata Motors continues to lead the nation’s electric commercial vehicle transition with a robust portfolio. The company newly-introduced a comprehensive portfolio of electric trucks ranging from 7 to 55 tonnes, built on the new I‑MOEV (Intelligent Modular Electric Vehicle) Architecture under the Tata Trucks.ev brand. Engineered for sustainable, efficient and high‑performance operations, these trucks address a wide spectrum of applications including e‑commerce logistics, construction material movement and port operations. Backed by the rapidly growing EV charging infrastructure and a nationwide service network, Tata Motors remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and strengthening India’s green transportation ecosystem.

About Drivn:

Drivn is building India’s operational and financial backbone for commercial electric mobility. The company acquires, owns, and leases electric buses and trucks, supported by an integrated tech stack model that includes planning charging infrastructure, battery lifecycle management, fleet operations, and end-of-life solutions. Its OEM-agnostic approach is purpose-built for intercity transport operators, logistics providers, and asset-intensive industries transitioning to electric fleets at scale.

Backed by global institutional investors, Drivn combines institutional capital with deep tech capability. Its proprietary platform and on-ground operating data better asset utilisation, efficiency, and performance that large fleets demand, supporting customers across sectors such as intercity bus transportation, logistics, ecommerce, cement, and steel.

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.

'Rang Bana Rahe': Berger Paints Unveils A New Campaign Celebrating The Colour Within Us

The new campaign draws inspiration from Berger's legacy in making high-performance paints that keep their colour intact, to celebrate the resilience of humans to keep their colour alive, no matter what life brings.

Campaign live on:

YouTube

LinkedIn

Instagram

Berger Paints India Limited, the country's second-largest paint company unveiled a refreshed brand identity anchored in a powerful belief: that whatever life might test us with, it should never take away our colour. Brought to life through the thought, 'Rang Bana Rahe', the new campaign reinterprets Berger Paints’ long-standing promise of preservation of colour through a deeply human lens. In a category where brands have often looked alike and colour has been celebrated as an outward expression, Berger offers a different perspective with a distinctive brand identity and a visual treatment that stands apart.

For decades, Berger has protected colour with HomeShield, which defends against rain; WeatherCoat Anti Dustt, which keeps dust at bay; and Easy Clean, which resists everyday stains. That commitment has shaped the company's products, its innovations, and its place in millions of homes. With 'Rang Bana Rahe', Berger takes that enduring promise of safeguarding colours beyond walls to people. ‘Rang Bana Rahe’ is a perspective on life as much as it is about paints. Just as Berger's paint preserves colour throughout every season, the campaign celebrates the resilience to hold on to our colours within our individuality and spirit, even when life puts them to the test.

The campaign opens with a film featuring Khushrangi, whose colours never fade—literally or metaphorically. Unaffected by rain, dust or heat, just as his spirit remains unshaken through every twist and turn of life. As his day unfolds, the film reveals the power of human resilience. It reminds us that true strength lies not in avoiding life's challenges, but in preserving what makes us who we are despite them.

Commenting on the campaign, Abhijit Roy, MD and CEO, Berger Paints India, said, "For years, Berger has been known for protecting colour through our products like Easy Clean and Anti Dustt. As we looked to the future of the brand, we asked ourselves what protecting colour truly means. We realized it isn't just about walls—it is about people and the strength to hold on to who they are through life's ups and downs. That's the spirit behind 'Rang Bana Rahe', a distinctive identity that brings our promise of preservation of colour to life in a more human and meaningful way. Just as Berger's coatings defend colour through every season, 'Rang Bana Rahe' celebrates the resilience to face life's challenges without losing the colours that define us."

Abhijit Avasthi, Founder, Sideways Consulting, said, “The brief wasn’t to create another campaign about paints. It was to uncover an idea only Berger could own. Its leadership in protective coatings gave us an opportunity to make that promise deeply human. At its heart, Rang Bana Rahe’ is a celebration of resilience and defiant joy; the quiet determination to hold on to your colours no matter what life brings. Everything from the identity to the film flows from that single thought.”

The campaign film has also been developed in multiple Indian languages to connect with audiences across regions. The campaign will be rolled out across television, digital platforms, social media, and various other consumer touchpoints nationwide.

About Berger Paints India Ltd.

Berger Paints is among India's leading paint and coatings company and ranked among the top 15 coatings companies globally operating across India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Europe either directly or through its subsidiary companies. Berger is well recognized in India for its innovations in products and services which has helped reshape the industry over the course of the past few decades. These include the popularization of the tinting systems which redefined the Indian Paint market, launch of products like Easy Clean and WeatherCoat range, the introduction of the iTrain centers for training on paints, coatings and painting processes and Berger's innovations extends even to scaling up the concept of semi-automated painting tools under the Express Painting range which saw a significant change in the way painting contractors operated in the Indian market.

About Sideways Consulting

Founded in 2015 by Abhijit Avasthi, former National Creative Director at Ogilvy, and Sonali Sehgal, former Senior Vice President at Ogilvy, Sideways is a brand adoption agency. The firm makes it easier for people to adopt products, services, and ideas at scale.

Sideways believes adoption stalls when marketing solutions are approached in silos, without understanding real world behaviour. To solve this, they integrate diverse disciplines - strategy, design, tech, and storytelling - to diagnose the real barriers to growth. This approach allows them to follow the problem wherever it leads, delivering solutions ranging from advertising and brand architecture to product design and tech interventions for clients looking to enter new markets or shift entrenched habits.

Sideways has worked with over 100 clients across categories, including Pidilite, Google, P&G, Sleepwell, Kia Motors, Nykaa, Meesho, Navi UPI, Borosil, Suhana Masala, Federal Bank, TVS, Disney, Citibank, Urban Company, Taj Hotels, Hamleys, Croma, Axis Bank, and Ahmedabad University, among others.

Sideways also creates original IPs through Sideways Play, a division that designs and sells innovative games and toys.  

Netflix Brings Fans Its Biggest South Indian Slate This Year

* A new film from Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema every week this year

Netflix is doubling down on its commitment to South Indian storytelling, releasing an average of one new film every week across Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema for the rest of the year. Building on the momentum of a record-breaking first half of 2026, we're continually expanding one of the industry's most diverse and exciting film slates, bringing together celebrated filmmakers, beloved stars, and stories across every genre and mood. For entertainment fans, that means there's always something new waiting to be discovered on Netflix.

From big blockbusters to intimate and deeply felt stories, Netflix’s Indian film slate in the first half of 2026 made room for it all. Youth, With Love, Blast and Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam struck a chord with audiences, underscoring our commitment to stories that resonate deeply and travel widely. Recently, Made in Korea became the first South Indian title to take the No. 1 spot on our Global Non-English Films list. The film also reached the Top 10 in 54 countries, from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Venezuela, to Korea, Taiwan, and South Africa. Following this worldwide reception, lead actress Priyanka Mohan was appointed Honorary Ambassador for Korea Tourism, a sign of the Netflix Effect in action, where stories travel far beyond their origins and create meaningful cultural connections.

The slate continues to bring fresh stories to audiences, with Pyaar Prema Kalyanam set to flip the script on love, marriage, and everything that comes after “I do” when it premieres on August 21. The rest of our line-up this year also features highly anticipated theatrical films, including the recently released Ramcharan’s Peddi alongside upcoming films like Dhanush’s OM – Chapter 1: Udhiram, Vijay Deverakonda's Ranabaali and Nani’s Paradise among several other exciting films.

As Netflix’s South Indian catalogue grows, the platform is focused on going even deeper into culturally authentic stories with distinct local flavours that remain universally relatable.

Netflix is expanding its offering of films and series in South Indian languages, focusing on variety and experimenting across formats, genres, themes, and creative voices. Alongside bringing theatrical blockbusters to our members, we are also expanding our Originals slate for the region. From films like Stephen and Takshakudu to series like The Game (Netflix’s first Tamil original series), Super Subbu (Netflix’s first Telugu original series), and Legacy, we are pairing major licensed films with fresh originals to serve our growing audience with more choice and more of the stories they love, making Netflix a go-to destination for entertainment.

Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content, Netflix India, said,“Bringing audiences a new title from South India every week reflects the depth and variety of Netflix’s programming across Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. By working with both established and emerging talent, we are bringing audiences the range of genres they love. What we are seeing is remarkable: these stories are not only succeeding at home, but travelling around the world — a testament to the authenticity, craft and originality of storytelling from the region.”

Naveen Yerneni, Co-Founder Mythri Movie Makers, added, "Our partnership with Netflix began with Pushpa 2, a big-ticket spectacle on a massive scale, and the film went on to find renewed love from India and around the globe. With thought partners like Netflix in the market, we're excited to push the creative envelope and deliver not just epic hits like Pushpa, but also story-forward, character-driven films like Dude that have found genuine love with audiences on Netflix. That tells us there's room for both the big spectacle and the intimate story with heart. We don't have to choose one lane — we can keep making the big films Telugu audiences expect, while also backing stories that deserve to be told, knowing that with Netflix, these stories will reach the world."

Archana Kalpathi, Creative Producer, AGS Entertainment shared, “At AGS, we’ve always believed in small films with big hearts. That philosophy has kept us going as one of the long-standing production houses in Tamil cinema. What’s changed is finding partners who are willing to back that belief. Netflix stood behind Dragon when it was still just a story. It went on to become a top-five box-office hit and then found an entirely new audience on Netflix. When we wanted to make Blast—a female-led action film with very little precedent in Tamil cinema—Netflix backed that too. And with Love Today, we saw a simple gap: audiences wanted romantic comedies, but very few people were making them. At AGS, we’ve always believed in content-oriented cinema, and in using our films as a platform to introduce and support new actors and technicians in Tamil cinema. Having a partner like Netflix, who shares that willingness to bet on the story and the talent behind it, has helped us continue doing that. For us, it has always been about the story first. Having a partner willing to make that same bet has allowed us to take bigger creative risks, back new voices and talent, and still make the kind of films AGS has always set out to make.”

South Indian stories on Netflix continue to resonate strongly with audiences in India while reaching new fans around the world at a significant scale.

Every year since 2023, Netflix has licensed 50% or more of the top 10 highest-grossing Tamil and Telugu films at the box office.

Since 2025, a South Indian film has been featured in Netflix’s India Top 10 Films list every single week.

Globally, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films appeared in the Netflix Global Top 10 Non-English Films list for 39 out of 52 weeks in 2025, more than doubling their presence on the global list since 2023.

These stories are also reaching new audiences worldwide: South Indian titles made it to Top 10 lists in 59 countries outside India in 2025, compared to 26 countries in 2024 and 17 in 2023.

About Netflix:

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, offering series, films, games and live programming across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.  

Interio Scales Technology-Led Furniture Shopping As Its e-Commerce Business Grows 14x In Three Years

* AI-powered recommendations, 3D visualisation, Room Planner and configurable furniture help customers visualise, personalise and adapt their spaces ~

Interio by Godrej, a leading furniture brand from the Godrej Enterprises Group, is transforming furniture shopping experience by combining personalisation, digital engagement and physical retail at scale. Its digital engagement tools have contributed to 6% improvement in conversion rates, as the brand integrates AI-powered recommendations, 3D visualisation, room planning and configurable furniture solutions across the customer journey.

Interio's e-commerce business has grown 14x over the last three years and now contributes 15% to its furniture business. The brand has also expanded its delivery and installation network from 1,200 to 20,000+ pincodes, while enabling 24-hour delivery and installation across state capitals. Post rebranding, Interio has moved from a traditional product-led retail approach towards an experience-led model that connects physical stores, digital platforms and design consultations. The technology-led approach has been implemented across 137 stores using digital engagement tools situated in 20 cities.

Dr. Dev Narayan Sarkar, Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business, Interio said, “Furniture purchase is increasingly becoming a decision about how people want to use and experience their home space. The way Indians live and buy furniture is changing as urbanisation expands beyond the larger metros and households adapt to new spaces and evolving needs. Consumers are looking for furniture that works within their homes, serves multiple purposes and can adapt as their requirements change. This is driving us to move beyond a product-led approach towards more personalised and technology-enabled experiences. With digital visualisation, design consultation and configurable furniture, Interio is helping customers make decisions based on their space, lifestyle and changing requirements.”

The transformation extends beyond the customer-facing experience. Interio is investing in Robotic Process Automation (RPA), integrated supply-chain platforms and connected technology systems to improve operational efficiency, communication and fulfilment. The objective is to connect the customer-facing digital journey with the backend processes required to deliver a more consistent experience.

Interio's 3D Room Planner and 3D Configurator allow consumers and store teams to create room layouts using actual dimensions, visualise furniture in 2D and 3D and explore different configurations before making a purchase. The Measure & Recommend solution further supports space planning by helping customers identify furniture options based on available dimensions and layout requirements.

The brand also introduced UPMODS, a modular and upgradable furniture platform with more than 2,450 configuration combinations. The platform allows consumers to modify, expand and upgrade furniture as their requirements change, instead of replacing an entire product. This approach addresses the consumer problem of changing needs of the family.

About Interio by Godrej

Interio by Godrej is India’s leading furniture and design brand for homes and workspaces, from the Godrej Enterprises Group, offering products and solutions that combine style, functionality and durability. It offers a wide-ranging portfolio that spans residential interiors (furniture, soft furnishings, and services) and commercial and institutional environments including offices, schools, hospitals, laboratories, and turnkey AV solutions.

Today, Interio by Godrej enjoys the largest retail footprint across the country with 1000+ retail stores and serves customers both online and offline. It operates five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across Mumbai, Khalapur, Haridwar, Shirwal, and Bhagwanpur.

Driven by a passion for innovative and sustainable design, the brand has been recognised with 75+ design awards and has secured 900+ registered designs.  

Sony India Unveils The FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens

* Weighing just 654g, the new lens combines versatile 100-400mm reach, advanced optics and fast autofocus in a compact, lightweight design with up to 800mm reach using an optional teleconverter

Sony India today announced the launch of the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS, the latest addition to its full-frame Alpha™ E-mount lens lineup. Designed especially for the wildlife photography enthusiasts, travelers and creators, the new lens combines an ultra-compact, lightweight design with advanced optics and fast autofocus, making super-telephoto shooting more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.

Offering a versatile 100-400mm focal range, the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS brings distant moments and expressions closer with stunning clarity. Weighing just 654 grams and measuring 165.5mm in length, it is one of the most portable and easy-to-manage lenses in its category, enabling professionals to carry effortlessly for wildlife and sports photography, travel, and everyday adventures. The lens also supports optional teleconverters, extending reach up to an impressive 800mm reach for situations that demand even greater proximity to the action delivering excellent image quality.

Outstanding Optical Performance in a Compact Form:

The FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS is built to deliver clear, sharp images across the entire zoom range. Its advanced optical construction includes two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and two aspherical elements that deliver clear and sharp images, ensuring high resolution and contrast from the center to the edges of the frame.

With a 9-blade circular aperture, it helps create smooth, natural-looking bokeh that beautifully isolates subjects from the background, adding expressive depth to portraits, nature, and other telephoto scenes.

For close-up shooting, the lens offers a maximum magnification of 0.41x and a minimum focusing distance of just 0.86m, allowing users to capture fine details of small objects, and other subjects that benefit from tighter framing.

Offers Fast, Precise AF and Optical Stabilisation for Handheld Shooting:

The lens is equipped with dual linear motors that deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance, making it easy to track active subjects such as birds, wildlife creatures, and athletes in motion. With fast AF performance and built-in Optical image stabilization, its effectively reduces camera shake and helps deliver sharp, blur-free images when shooting handheld at long focal lengths.

Built with Practical Controls and Dependable Performance for Outdoor Shooting:

Designed with the outdoor photography in mind, the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS features practical on-lens controls, including a focus hold button, focus-mode/range switch, and zoom lock switch, enabling quick and intuitive operation. Its dust and moisture resistant design provides reliable performance when shooting in challenging outdoor conditions, giving users the confidence to take the lens wherever their adventures lead.

Sustainability-focused Design and Packaging:

As part of Sony’s Road to Zero initiative, the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS incorporates recycled materials across its built and design. Over 41% of the total plastic weight used in the lens is recycled, with more than 32% of the plastic in the lens barrel, over 89% in the lens hood, and over 88% in the lens caps being made from recycled materials. Additionally, Sony is transitioning towards non-plastic, recyclable packaging materials, with plant-based non-woven fabrics used for product bags.

Pricing and Availability:

The FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens will be available across all Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony authorized dealers, and major electronic stores across India, as well as on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, starting from 20th August 2026 onwards.


Model 

MRP (in INR) 

Availability

FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS

94,990/-

20th August 2026 onwards

 

About Sony Alpha Community

In an effort to build a robust Alpha community with a strong network of amateur and professional photographers on one platform, a special initiative has been undertaken by Sony India where users can now avail several benefits by simply registering their Alpha cameras, lenses and accessories on the Alpha Community. Some of the benefits of registration include an extended warranty of 3 years (2-year standard warranty + 1 Year extended warranty) and free exclusive workshops by Sony experts and Artisans. Customers can also avail attractive discounts on photo tours (50% discount on photo tours for their first trip and 25% discount for the consecutive trips) and a chance to participate in photography/videography contests to win exciting prizes like cameras, lens and professional camcorders and a lot more. The platform will be a one-stop destination to get all the latest updates, firmware updates, free service camps, workshops and new launches for Sony Alpha. For more information, visit Alpha Community.

Explore the new Sony Alpha Community App. We invite you to download, experience, and share feedback on the app.

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Alpha Classroom: Alpha Classroom is a series of tutorials where experts will take you through the nuances of photography & Videography, advise you on the right gear and help you explore your creative potential to reach its fullest expression. Come, learn with us and together, we will conquer the world of your dreams. https://alphacommunity.in/alpha-classroom/courses/

Ask an Expert: Ask an Expert is a one-stop platform to get all your questions related to cameras, lenses, gear and more answered by a Sony Alpha Expert. It’s easy, convenient, and free! Yup! You heard it right. Choose your slot and book an appointment with an expert today! https://alphacommunity.in/ask-an-expert/.

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Sony India Private Limited (Sony India), a private limited company with its ultimate holding company as Sony Group Corporation, Japan, has established itself as a premium brand in various product categories including television, digital imaging, personal audio, home entertainment, gaming, car audio, and professional solutions. The company places strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and maintains high standards in sales and services. Sony also prioritizes environmental sustainability, aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle of its products and business activities to contribute to a healthier and enriched life for all of humanity and future generations.

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