HDFC Bank Educated Over 1.8 Lakh Citizens Under Cyber Suraksha Awareness Campaign

* The Bank conducted over 8,800 cyber fraud awareness workshops pan-India

HDFC Bank, as a part of its commitment towards strengthening cyber fraud prevention and customer awareness, conducted over 8,800 workshops as a part of a nationwide awareness initiative titled 'Cyber Fraud Suraksha’. These workshops were conducted between July - Oct 2026, and the Bank reached over 1.8 lakh citizens across the country.

The objective of this campaign was to educate customers and the public at large about the latest cyber fraud trends, promote safe digital banking practices, and contribute to building a secure digital ecosystem.

These workshops were aimed at educating school and college students, senior citizens, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), corporate offices, community forums, self-help groups, customers, and employees. Through these interactive sessions, participants gained valuable insights on safe digital banking practices so that they don’t fall prey to cyber frauds.

The workshops included real-life examples, stories and videos that helped participants understand various Modus Operandi used by fraudsters and tips on how to stay safe from such frauds.

The workshop covered an array of pertinent topics, offering a better understanding of digital security:

1. Cyber Fraud Awareness: Detailed discussions were held explaining latest fraud trends, including Digital Arrest, Investment frauds, job scam, APK file scam, QR code scam, etc.

2. Secure Net-banking and Shopping Tips: The sessions highlighted best practices for secure online transactions, spotlighting the significance of Vigil Aunty and offering invaluable tips for safe online shopping.

3. Preventive Measures: Attendees were guided not to divulge sensitive information such as OTPs, CVVs, Debit/Credit card credentials and UPI PINs.

Commenting on this Mr. Manish Agrawal, Senior Executive Vice President – Credit Intelligence and Control – HDFC Bank said, “Cybercrime is a serious threat, and a lack of awareness often causes people to fall victim to cyber frauds. Therefore, it is essential to create awareness among citizens. The objective of this campaign was to educate participants on the various modus operandi used by fraudsters and the secure banking practices they should follow, so that they stay vigilant and are aware of such fraudulent practices and avoid falling prey to such scams.”

The Bank encourages customers to be cautious and adopt safe banking habits while transacting digitally and avoid sharing their confidential banking information with anyone. In case a customer falls prey to fraud, they must get in touch with their nearest branch immediately and call 1930 (Helpline number by National Cybercrime Reporting Portal).

About HDFC Bank

Please click here: www.hdfc.bank.in

MTR Expands its Sweets Portfolio With New Formats And Innovations

* Building on the iconic legacy of Mysore Pak and Gulab Jamun, MTR is taking its traditional favourites to a wider audience across India through differentiated offerings and new occasions for indulgence

MTR Foods, one of India’s most trusted food brands with a legacy spanning over 100 years, is strengthening its presence in the sweets category with the launch of 8 new products, taking its portfolio to a total of 27 offerings spanning traditional favourites, ingredient-led innovations and differentiated formats.

Building on its strong equity in the sweets segment, MTR is deepening its play in the category at a time when consumer preferences are evolving. While traditional sweets continue to hold an integral place in celebrations and culture, consumers are increasingly seeking greater variety, new experiences, mindful ingredients and formats suited to different lifestyles and occasions. Within this evolving landscape, MTR is focused not just on participating in the category, but on expanding its possibilities by taking its iconic products into newer formats and consumption occasions, while staying rooted in familiar tastes and traditions.

At the heart of this expansion are MTR’s timeless favourites, Mysore Pak and Gulab Jamun. Building on Mysore Pak’s strong equity, MTR has expanded the portfolio with variants including Milk Mysore Pak, Kaju Mysore Pak and now the Ghee Jaggery range, which includes Jaggery Ghee Mysore Pak, Jaggery Ghee Coconut Burfi and Ghee Dry Fruit Burfi. Its latest innovation, MTR Mysore Pak Date Bites, combines Mysore Pak with dates and dry fruits in a distinctive two-layered format, bridging traditional indulgence and everyday snacking. The Gulab Jamun portfolio has also evolved beyond its iconic mixes and ready-to-eat tins to include Dry Jamun, Kala Jamun and Kesar Badam Gulab Jamun, offering greater variety while retaining its familiar taste.

Commenting on the launch, Sunay Bhasin, CEO, MTR, said: “At MTR, innovation begins with understanding how consumer preferences are evolving. We are seeing strong momentum in the sweets category, supported by a growing demand for products that combine tradition with contemporary relevance. Sweets are becoming an increasingly important pillar of our business, and our focus is on creating new ways for consumers to enjoy familiar favourites. Through new formats, ingredient-led innovations and differentiated consumption occasions, we are bringing our iconic sweets such as Mysore Pak and Gulab Jamun to a wider audience across the country, while staying true to the taste, quality and convenience that define MTR.”

MTR’s new sweets range is available across the top metro cities through quick-commerce platforms and leading general trade and modern trade outlets.

Beyond portfolio expansion, MTR is fostering a larger cultural conversation around sweets. Through its 'India's Sweetest Language' campaign, the brand brings the category to life through storytelling, books, live experiences and immersive activations, celebrating the role sweets play in expressing emotions, marking occasions and bringing people together.

About MTR Foods

MTR Foods, a business unit of Orkla India Limited, is one of India's most trusted food brands, offering a wide portfolio of authentic and convenient food products across categories such as breakfast mixes, spices and masalas, ready-to-eat, beverages, sweets, and others. Backed by Orkla India’s multi-category food expertise, MTR continues to bring authentic Indian taste to consumers in India and across global markets. For more information, visit MTR Foods. 

SonicWall Opens New Pune Office, Strengthening India’s Role In Global Cybersecurity Innovation

*New facility reinforces focus on engineering excellence, talent development and next-generation security technologies

SonicWall, a global cybersecurity company, today announced the opening of its new Pune office, advancing its long-term investment and expansion strategy in India. The facility will strengthen the company’s engineering and development operations, broaden access to India’s technical talent and support product innovation for customers worldwide.

India’s deep talent pool, expanding digital economy and evolving cybersecurity needs make it a key hub for SonicWall’s research, engineering and next-generation technology initiatives.

The Pune office will support the already well-established Bangalore R&D centre to accelerate SonicWall’s global product roadmap by connecting local expertise with teams developing advanced cybersecurity solutions.

Rajnish Mishra, Chief Development Officer, SonicWall, said, “India is central to SonicWall’s growth and innovation strategy. Our Pune office will enable us to cultivate world-class talent, expand our development capacity and create cybersecurity solutions that address customers’ changing needs. We look forward to building a lasting presence and contributing to India’s technology ecosystem.”

“SonicWall is looking forward to adding 400 engineering roles in AI, cloud technologies, cybersecurity research and next-generation platform development, establishing its largest global development centers and positioning India as a major contributor to its worldwide product strategy,” shared Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President of Sales, APJ at SonicWall.

The expanded team will focus on security challenges arising from artificial intelligence, cloud adoption and increasingly distributed digital environments.

SonicWall will foster collaboration and continuous learning to develop specialised expertise and turn ideas originating in India into products and capabilities for global markets.

Anurag Kahol, EVP and GM, India Operations, SonicWall, said, “SMBs are a core part of SonicWall’s customer base, and Pune’s thriving technology and industrial ecosystem makes the region especially important. As local businesses become more connected, we are committed to helping them strengthen cyber resilience and grow securely.”

About SonicWall (www.sonicwall.com)

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

Gen Z Takes Off: Flight Bookings By 15–24-Year-Olds Up 60% Ahead Of Diwali & Bus Bookings Grew 80%: Cleartrip’s Peekaboo Trends

* Hotels Lead the Festive Boom: Leisure Stays Up 135% for Diwali~

* Budget to Luxury, Hotel Bookings Surge Across Every Segment~

* Taipei, Cebu, Dublin: Indians Go Off the Beaten Path This Festive Season~

Festive spending is moving deep into India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets this season. Data curated by Cleartrip PeekABoo travel trends tracker reveals that travel and hotel demand is decentralising rapidly across the country. Indians are officially swapping traditional metro holidays for offbeat getaways and regional hubs.

Booming demand across hotels and flights

Leisure hotel bookings have risen 135% for Diwali so far and 66% for Navratri. Udaipur’s hotel bookings have more than quadrupled at 316% for Diwali so far, while bookings in major tech and heritage hubs like Bangalore and Jaipur have nearly tripled with increases of 189% and 174%, respectively.

Flight bookings to Agatti grew 130%, Gaya 98% and Dimapur 80%. Other domestic destinations recording flight growth include Udaipur (59%), Dibrugarh (37%), Gorakhpur (34%), Jabalpur (29%), Imphal (24%) and Dehradun (9%).

Gen Z takes to the skies

Gen Z travellers are driving flight growth. Bookings among travellers aged 15–24 increased 60%, compared with 6% among those aged 25–34. Simultaneously, women’s share of bookings grew 44% over the same period.

Growth across price points, alongside bus travel

The holiday boom is evident across every hotel category. Budget stays are leading with a massive 201% jump in bookings, closely followed by luxury properties at 162%, mid-range accommodations at 148%, and premium hotels at 114%. This shows that travel demand is strong across all income segments this festive season.

Bus travel remains primarily driven by traditional festive migration as people head back to their hometowns. Bookings grew 80% for Delhi, 76% for Pune, 68% for Nagpur, 63% for Chennai and 57% for Mumbai.

Emerging unusual international destinations

International flight bookings are growing across less conventional destinations. Taipei leads with 146% growth, followed by Cebu at 117%, Dublin at 110%, Phu Quoc at 106%, and Osaka recorded 74% growth.

This year’s festive season points to a highly active holiday movement, signalling a broader shift in Indian consumer behaviour. There is a clear distribution of travel spending away from traditional hubs and hotel tiers. For many Indians, travel is becoming an increasingly important part of celebrating the festive season.

About Cleartrip:

Launched in July 2006, Cleartrip Pvt Ltd., a Flipkart company, has emerged as India’s fastest-growing online travel technology company. In April 2021, Flipkart acquired a majority stake in Cleartrip. Cleartrip recently emerged as the no. 2 OTA player as per a study by VIDEC. With an aggressive plan to emerge as a leading innovator in the industry, Cleartrip is on its way to building a differentiated value proposition for its customers looking for end-to-end travel solutions. With industry-first offerings including ClearChoice Plus and ClearChoice Max, Cleartrip has a clear vision to provide innovative solutions in the OTA segment. Combining intuitive products with a customer-centric approach and a wide selection of flights, hotels, trains and buses and holiday packages, Cleartrip brings a unique selling point to the market, offering its customers convenience, choice, competitive prices, and premium content. 

York And Bengaluru To Tackle Challenges Of Turning Waste Into Clean Energy

Transforming waste into clean energy is at the heart of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of York and Garden City University. The MoU, signed at an event at Garden City University’s Hoskote campus in Bengaluru, sets out the ambition to accelerate research into green technology and sustainable agriculture.

The signing was overseen by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith during his participation in the Great North trade mission to India.

The new MoU sets out the intent to begin a pilot study focused on anaerobic digestion and waste recovery systems, led by Professor James Chong, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Anaerobic Digestion (CEAD) - a research centre established between the University of York and Yorkshire Water.

Anaerobic digestion turns waste materials into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser and is seen as a crucial technology to increase the sustainability of industry and reduce carbon emissions.

The new project will create technologies that are optimised for their location, making them suitable for both British and Indian environments, and test them to recover more energy from waste, such as food waste, wastewaters, and animal slurries.

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) aims to use research from the trial to support its broader strategy to become a carbon-negative region.

Professor James Chong, Director of CEAD and Head of the University of York’s Department of Biology, said: "Turning waste into energy is a shared challenge for Yorkshire and for fast-growing regions like Karnataka.

“Our BioYorkshire initiative in the UK, alongside partners in Bengaluru, can work together to set up a real-world testing facility, providing us with a comparison of these challenges across two countries.

“This should then give us evidence on how well anaerobic digestion technologies perform and what they cost, giving businesses, governments, and investors in both countries the confidence to scale-up clean energy solutions."

Partners will work to expand high-growth sectors, including agri-tech and clean energy, whilst establishing more regular engagement between civic leaders, industry and academics in both regions.

GCU in Bengaluru has recently opened a new campus at Hoskote to the east of the city, where the pilot study will be hosted, and the University will support York experts in exploring the wider applications of anaerobic digestion research in Karnataka.

Dr Joseph V.G., Chancellor of Garden City University, said: “Waste management is a major challenge in India and across the globe, and finding sustainable solutions is a top priority. By leveraging the University of York’s pioneering research into anaerobic digestion, we aim to provide practical solutions for converting waste into clean energy.”

The pilot study will build on the work of the Centre of Excellence for Anaerobic Digestion, which forms part of the BioYorkshire programme, an initiative that aims to create jobs and boost the regional economy through green innovation.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said: “How we manage waste is a huge challenge around the world and I am proud to support the University of York’s pioneering work to tackle that.

“More than 10% of the UK's bioeconomy workforce is based in York and North Yorkshire, with thousands of businesses focused on agricultural technology to improve our environment.

“The work to connect world-leading knowledge from Bengaluru with the University of York’s advanced research will help to scale-up solutions to support our shared vision of a more sustainable future.”

Chem Ltd Announces Joint Venture With South Korea's Anytech Co To Turn Kiln Dust Into Potash

* Using Korean-Proven Carbon Utilisation Technology In India

Hughes & Hughes Chem Ltd. and South Korea's Anytech Co. have joined forces through Anytech Hughes Climate Solutions Pvt. Ltd., an Indo-Korean deep tech joint venture that will help India’s carbon-regulated industries turn CO₂ and plant waste into saleable products. Starting with cement and steel, the venture brings Korean-proven Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technology built to pay for itself, instead of burying carbon at a perpetual cost.

The launch comes as India’s carbon policy moves from guidance to legal obligation. Under the Greenhouse Gases Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules notified in October 2025, emission intensity is now a binding limit enforced through the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). The first notification covers 282 plants across aluminium, cement, chlor-alkali and pulp and paper, with cement plants required to cut intensity by roughly 4.7 to 7.6% over two years. Draft targets have also been issued for steel, fertiliser, refining, petrochemicals and textiles, and once all nine sectors are notified, around 740 entities will carry binding targets.

Cement carries the heaviest burden. Around 60% of a plant’s CO₂ comes from calcining limestone, which no fuel switch can touch, while the shift to alternative fuels has produced a growing stream of hazardous chlorine bypass system dust that is costly to store and dispose of. Steel plants, generating roughly 18.5 million tonnes of slag a year, also face the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Anytech Hughes treats these residues as feedstock. Its proprietary mineral carbonation process uses CO₂ from a plant’s own stack, at 15 to 20% concentration and without costly gas purification, to lock carbon permanently into stable carbonates. From cement bypass dust, it recovers potassium chloride (KCl) at 99% purity or higher, with 99.9% heavy metal removal verified by Intertek Korea, and a single installation can process up to 20,000 tonnes a year. Steel slag becomes carbonated aggregates, and fly ash becomes precipitated calcium carbonate.

Korean cement plants hit the bypass dust problem first, having adopted alternative fuels early. The process was developed there by Pyeongtaek-based Anytech with the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), validated with Korea’s leading cement producers and selected into Korea’s National CCU Mega Project. It runs stably on dust with 20 to 25% chloride content, well above typical Indian levels.

“Korea’s cement industry faced exactly what Indian plants are facing now: rising alternative fuel use, a growing chloride dust problem and tightening carbon expectations, and we spent years solving it with KIER before bringing it to market. What we learned is that the technology is only half the answer; the other half is a partner who can execute on the ground. In Hughes & Hughes, we found a partner with three decades of institutional project delivery across India, and in Anytech Hughes Climate Solutions, we have built the vehicle to localise our engineering with Indian equipment, Indian teams and Indian economics. India’s new carbon framework makes this the right technology in the right market at exactly the right time,” said Mr Jae-Yeol Lee, CEO, Anytech Co., Ltd., and Director, Anytech Hughes Climate Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Beyond compliance, a CCU installation cuts hazardous waste storage costs, creates product revenue and improves the plant’s GEI number. KCl adds strategic value, since India imports its entire potash requirement of roughly four million tonnes a year.

In April 2026, the venture signed an MoU with a leading Indian cement major for a joint bypass dust conversion facility, including a pre-purchase arrangement for the recovered KCl, and holds a KCl commercialisation agreement with UNID, a global potassium chemicals company. Engagements are also progressing with Indian steel majors on slag and energy-sector players on fly ash. Anytech contributes the engineering and reference-plant experience, while Hughes & Hughes Chem leads site assessment, installation, commissioning and operations.

Highlighting the opportunity, Mr Rajat Singhal, Managing Director, Anytech Hughes Climate Solutions Pvt. Ltd., said, “Every obligated plant in India now has two clocks running: a compliance clock, with about 40% of its reduction due in the first year, and a cost clock on every tonne of hazardous waste it stores. Our technology stops both. Storage asks a plant to pay forever for burying carbon; utilisation asks the same plant to make a product. NITI Aayog’s framework, the DST testbeds, the binding intensity targets and the ₹20,000 crore Budget outlay all point the same way: India has chosen utilisation-led decarbonisation, and we built this company for precisely that moment. Bypass dust, slag and fly ash have always been treated as something to get rid of. We want every obligated plant to start treating them as resources with real commercial value, delivered through Indian engineering, Indian equipment and Indian teams.”

Following cement and steel, the venture will take its technology to refineries, petrochemicals, aluminium, fertiliser, chlor-alkali, textiles and pulp and paper.

About Anytech Hughes Climate Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Anytech Hughes Climate Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is an Indo-Korean deep tech joint venture between Hughes & Hughes Chem Ltd. (India) and Anytech Co. (Korea), formed to serve the challenging-to-abate sectors covered by India's CCUS policy framework and Carbon Credit Trading Scheme. It delivers industrial carbon capture and utilisation solutions that convert CO₂ and industrial by-products, cement bypass dust, steel slag, fly ash, into value-added products including potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, and carbonated aggregates. Founded in New Delhi in 1991, Hughes & Hughes Chem brings over 35 years of institutional project delivery, more than 3,000 professionals, service across 118+ railway locations, and ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications. Pyeongtaek-based Anytech holds more than 100 registered patents.

For more information, visit anytechhughes.com.

Cybersecurity Experts Issue Advisory: Cybercriminals Target Festive Shoppers As Digital Fraud Surges

As India enters the height of the festive season marked by peak online shopping, high-volume digital transactions, and aggressive promotional sales, leading cybersecurity firm SecurEyes is urging citizens and businesses to exercise heightened vigilance. Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting festive enthusiasm and rapid purchasing behaviors to execute sophisticated digital fraud campaigns.

Highlighting the scale and timing of these threats, Mr. Karmendra Kohli, Co-Founder & CEO of SecurEyes, warned:

"The festive season has unfortunately become a prime operational period for cybercriminals. Attackers actively exploit consumer excitement, the sudden influx of online purchases, and high-volume discount offers to deceive individuals when their guard is down. In 2025 alone, Karnataka lost over ₹2,000 crore to cyber fraud—a stark reminder of how rapidly these threats are scaling."

The Anatomy of Festive Season Scams

Scammers systematically leverage rushed decision-making during flash sales and limited-time festive deals. Utilizing convincing brand visuals, spoofed landing pages, and psychological triggers like fake urgency, bad actors lure victims across several key vectors:

Phishing Links & Fake Vouchers: SMS, email, or WhatsApp alerts offering exclusive "Festive Gift Cards" or "Mega Deals" that direct victims to credential-harvesting sites designed to steal banking logins and UPI PINs.

Fraudulent Shopping Portals: Impostor e-commerce sites mimicking legitimate retailers with deep discounts on high-value electronics and jewelry. Post-payment, the sites disappear or dispatch counterfeit goods.

Impersonation & Support Fraud: Calls or messages from individuals posing as bank officials, delivery partners, or e-commerce customer support claiming urgent account or delivery issues to extract OTPs.

QR Code Traps: Deceptive QR codes distributed under the guise of festive cashback or rewards. Scanning these codes authorizes fund transfers out of the user's account rather than receiving money.

Critical Safety Guidelines for Safe Holiday Shopping SecurEyes advises shoppers to maintain strict digital hygiene and double-check transactional channels before committing funds.

Five Essential Digital Safety Rules:

Evaluate 'Too Good to Be True' Offers: Heavy markdowns (e.g., 80–90% off premium smartphones) are strong indicators of fraudulent storefronts.

Verify Portals Directly: Avoid clicking transactional links in SMS or messaging apps. Access platforms directly through official mobile applications or genuine website URLs.

Inspect Web Security Indicators: Ensure web addresses begin with https:// and display the lock icon. Carefully check domain names for minor misspellings.

Protect Confidential Credentials: Legitimate institutions, e-commerce platforms, and banks will never contact customers asking for One-Time Passwords (OTPs), PINs, or card details.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Activate two-step verification across banking, e-commerce, and primary personal accounts for secondary protection.

Commenting on the proactive stance needed to curb digital fraud, Mr. Kohli emphasized:

"Vigilance remains our strongest shield against digital threats. Cybersecurity isn't just a technical layer; it is built on simple, daily digital habits. By staying alert and verifying every transaction, we can ensure the festive season remains a time of celebration, not financial distress."

About SecurEyes

SecurEyes is a trusted global cybersecurity partner delivering specialized expertise across security assessments, managed security services, and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). The company's portfolio includes advanced software products that enable organizations to manage evolving regulatory, supervisory, and compliance mandates efficiently.

SecurEyes supports national regulatory bodies, government organizations, and major enterprises across critical infrastructure sectors. The organization is officially empanelled with CERT-In, the National Informatics Centre (NIC), and NICSI to provide accredited Information Security Auditing Services.

For more information, please visit https://secureyes.net/.

Saviynt Partners With Saint Fox To Build A Scalable, Trusted Identity Ecosystem For India

* Partnership strengthens Saviynt's presence in the Indian market and brings unified IGA, PAM, and Zero Trust capabilities to Indian enterprises

Saviynt, a global leader in AI-based identity security and governance solutions, announces a strategic partnership with Saint Fox a next-generation cybersecurity solutions provider, to drive its go-to-market strategy and execution in India.

This alliance marks a significant step in Saviynt's commitment to India as a priority growth market and reinforces its partner-first approach to co-create outcomes and value for customers.

As India undergoes rapid digital transformation, demand for intelligent identity solutions has surged across sectors. From securing hybrid IT environments to meeting evolving compliance mandates, Indian enterprises need agile and unified identity platforms. Together, Saviynt and Saint Fox will deliver an integrated suite of solutions — including Identity Governance and Administration (IGA), Privileged Access Management (PAM), Just-in-Time Access (JITA), and Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM) — combining Saviynt's cloud-native platform with Saint Fox 's local execution strength and cybersecurity delivery capabilities.

“Saint Fox is not just a new partner, we see them as a force multiplier,” said Nitin Varma, Managing Director, India and SAARC at Saviynt. “As we shape our India GTM strategy, building the right ecosystem becomes imperative. We are investing in a scalable, trusted partner ecosystem built on the foundational pillars of enablement, loyalty, and profitability — aligned solely to create meaningful outcomes for our customers. Together, as we co-create, we will help enterprises reimagine privilege, access, and trust, not around static perimeters, but around dynamic identities, transforming identity from a potential vulnerability into a competitive strength.”

Saint Fox will play a critical role in expanding Saviynt's regional reach and delivery capacity. The partnership will strengthen go-to-market efforts across key sectors such as banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. It combines Saint Fox 's cybersecurity expertise with Saviynt's modern identity platform to deliver practical solutions that support industry-specific compliance, manage access throughout the employee lifecycle, and help organizations adopt Zero Trust principles effectively.

“At Saint Fox, we recognize that identity has become the new perimeter. Cyber threats continue to evolve, and identity compromise remains a common pattern in all major breaches. Further, a strategy that relies only on MFA or SSO— i.e., ‘Access Management’ — is no longer enough, as the burden of compliance and reporting continues to increase,” said Sunil Tak, Co-founder & CEO at Saint Fox. “To address these challenges for our customers, we are proud to partner with industry leader Saviynt, a true cloud-native, identity-centric platform that converges IGA, PAM, JITA, and ISPM requirements into a single, unified platform.”

With this collaboration, Saviynt and Saint Fox are doubling down on their commitment to the Indian market — creating the coverage, capacity, and capability needed to help enterprises embrace Zero Trust, streamline identity operations, and future-proof their security posture.

About Saviynt

Saviynt is the identity security platform built to secure the modern enterprise. With Zuma, its complete AI security platform, Saviynt helps organizations build, run, and scale AI with confidence. The world’s leading brands trust Saviynt to reduce risk, improve visibility, and support compliance while enabling business agility.

For more information, visit www.saviynt.com.

About Saint Fox

Saint Fox delivers comprehensive, cloud-first security and engineering solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern businesses. Its expertise spans identity and access management, cloud infrastructure security, AI-safe environments, data governance, and threat detection. With end-to-end services built for tomorrow's challenges,

Saint Fox helps organizations build, scale, and thrive in a digital-first world. Protect relentlessly. Innovate fearlessly. Learn more at www.stfox.com. 

Nike And Mumbai Indians Announce A Multi-Year Kit Partnership

What’s happening?

Nike and Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful teams in T20 cricket across women’s and men’s competitions, are announcing a multi-year partnership that names Nike the official kit partner of both the women’s and men’s teams.

What does this mean for Nike’s presence in cricket?
The partnership marks a significant step in Nike’s continued investment in cricket and reflects the brand’s long-term commitment to athletes, fans and the future of sport in India.

When will Mumbai Indians debut their Nike kits?
Athletes and staff will begin wearing Nike team gear this month, and the women’s and men’s teams will reveal new Nike kits ahead of their upcoming seasons.

When will the new kits and team gear be available?
Fans will soon be able to experience Nike’s apparel offerings through both team kits and additional styles inspired by the identity, energy and culture of Mumbai. Additional details will be available in the coming weeks.

Nike and Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful franchises in global cricket, today announced a multi-year partnership that names Nike the official kit partner of both its women’s and men’s team in India, beginning with the 2027 season.

The partnership brings together the ambition, audacity and relentless energy of Mumbai with the leading brand in global sport, beginning a bold new chapter for the team, its athletes and the passionate Paltan fan community.

The announcement also marks a significant step in Nike’s continued investment in cricket, reflecting the brand’s long-term commitment to athletes, fans and the future of sport in India.

Nike will outfit both teams, including their coaches and technical staff, across match play, training and sportswear, bringing the brand’s innovative apparel offerings to athletes and the millions of fans who wear the Mumbai Indians’ blue and gold with pride.

“Cricket is woven into the heartbeat of India, and few teams capture its energy like Mumbai Indians,” says Tarundeep Singh, General Manager, Nike India. “The club embodies the ambition and belief that make sport so powerful. That's exactly what drew Nike to this partnership, which represents our effort to serve athletes, celebrate the game and help inspire the next generation.”

Mumbai Indians have built a legacy of identifying talent, backing potential and pursuing excellence across women’s and men’s cricket while building one of the world’s largest and most engaged fan communities. Nike and Mumbai Indians share a belief in the power of sport to unlock human potential and inspire the next generation, whether competing at the highest level or picking up a bat for the first time.

Beyond the pitch, Nike and Mumbai Indians will connect sport and culture through product and storytelling inspired by the identity of Mumbai. From the stadium to the streets, the partnership will celebrate the city’s identity and give fans new ways to express their connection to the team and the game.

“Mumbai Indians have always been about more than cricket,” says Devang Bhimjyani, Head, Reliance Sports. “We are one family — our players, our Paltan — built on nurturing talent, backing it fearlessly, and playing for a city that never stops. Nike shares our belief in athletes and in the power of sport to inspire. Together, we see an opportunity to connect cricket and culture, inspire the next generation, and take the spirit of MI and Mumbai to fans around the world."

Athletes and staff will begin wearing Nike team gear this month, and the women’s and men’s teams will reveal new Nike kits ahead of their respective 2027 seasons. Fans will soon be able to experience Nike’s apparel offerings through both team kits and additional styles inspired by the identity, energy and culture of Mumbai.

“Mumbai Indians backed me and gave me the opportunity to express myself on the big stage. Nike has been part of my journey too, so bringing these two families together feels personal,” says Tilak Varma, Nike athlete and member of the Mumbai Indians men’s team. “Wearing the MI colors with the Nike Swoosh will remind me of how far I’ve come — and how much more I want to achieve. Somewhere, there’s a kid in the nets dreaming of playing in blue and gold. I want them to see us and think, That could be me.” 

Axis Mutual Fund Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Index Fund With The Axis Nifty EV & New Age Automotive Index Fund

Photo Caption: Source: BSE/ NSE Indices/ Bloomberg/ RBI/ Axis MF Internal Research

* An open-ended index fund offering exposure to companies across the electric mobility and new-age automotive value chain

Key highlights:

Type: An open-ended scheme replicating/tracking the Nifty EV & New Age Automotive Index

Benchmark: Nifty EV & New Age Automotive TRI

New Fund Offer Period: October 16, 2026 to October 30, 2026

Fund Managers: Nandik Malik and Rohit Gautam

Minimum Application Amount: ₹100 and in multiples of ₹1 thereafter

Exit Load: 0.25% if redeemed/switched out within 15 days from the date of allotment; Nil thereafter

Axis Mutual Fund, one of India's leading mutual fund companies, announced the launch of the Axis Nifty EV & New Age Automotive Index Fund, positioned as India's first index fund tracking the Nifty EV & New Age Automotive Index. The open-ended scheme aims to replicate the performance of the Nifty EV & New Age Automotive TRI, subject to tracking error. The fund offers investors a passive investment avenue to gain exposure to companies across the evolving electric mobility and new-age automotive ecosystem. The New Fund Offer (NFO) will open on October 16, 2026 and close on October 30, 2026.

Commenting on the launch, B Gopkumar, MD & CEO, Axis AMC, said, “India's transition towards electric mobility represents a significant shift in the automotive landscape, with implications extending beyond transportation to energy security, domestic manufacturing and technological innovation. Improving EV economics, technological advancements, and supportive policy measures are further driving adoption. We believe these developments are reshaping the automotive industry and creating long-term opportunities across its supporting ecosystem.”

“At Axis Mutual Fund, our focus is on providing investors with access to emerging investment themes through simple, transparent and disciplined solutions. With the Axis Nifty EV & New Age Automotive Index Fund, we aim to offer a rules-based investment avenue that provides exposure to different segments of the automotive value chain. The launch further strengthens our passive investment offerings, enabling investors to participate in the industry's long-term development through a single fund”, he further added.

Understanding the Nifty EV & New Age Automotive Index

EV penetration in India has increased from less than 1% in FY21 to 9.4% in FY26. The Nifty EV & New Age Automotive Index represents companies involved in the development of electric vehicles and new-age automotive technologies. The index selects eligible companies from the Nifty 500 universe after applying prescribed liquidity and eligibility criteria. Its methodology covers six groups spanning vehicle manufacturers, battery makers, component manufacturers, raw material suppliers, advanced automotive technology providers and eligible companies under specified government schemes. As of September 30, 2026, large-cap companies accounted for 44% of the index, while mid-cap and small-cap companies represented 29% and 27%, respectively. The index is reconstituted and rebalanced semi-annually in March and September.

Axis Nifty EV & New Age Automotive Index Fund

The Axis Nifty EV & New Age Automotive Index Fund seeks to provide returns before expenses that correspond to the performance of the Nifty EV & New Age Automotive TRI, subject to tracking error. The scheme aims to invest in the constituents of the underlying index, providing exposure to companies operating across different parts of the electric mobility ecosystem through a single fund. Its passive investment approach is designed to reflect the composition of the benchmark, with portfolio adjustments made in line with changes to the index.

The fund offers investors an avenue to participate in the automotive industry's ongoing evolution, supported by developments in EV technology, battery economics and charging infrastructure. By following a predefined index methodology, the scheme provides exposure to the theme without requiring investors to select individual companies. It is designed for investors seeking long-term wealth creation through thematic equity exposure, while recognising the market risks associated with such investments. There is no assurance that the investment objective of the scheme will be achieved.

Note: The sectors mentioned above are used to explain the concept and is for illustration purpose only and should not be used for development or implementation of any investment strategy. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. Past performance may or may not be sustained in future.

Disclaimer: This document represents the views of Axis Asset Management Co. Ltd. and must not be taken as the basis for an investment decision. Neither Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Mutual Fund Trustee Limited nor Axis Asset Management Company Limited, its Directors or associates shall be liable for any damages including lost revenue or lost profits that may arise from the use of the information contained herein. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information and opinions contained herein. The material is prepared for general communication and should not be treated as research report. The data used in this material is obtained by Axis AMC from the sources which it considers reliable. The above should not be construed as an investment advise. Axis MF/AMC is not guaranteeing any returns on any investments.

While utmost care has been exercised while preparing this document, Axis AMC does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Investors are requested to consult their financial, tax and other advisors before taking any investment decision(s). The AMC reserves the right to make modifications and alterations to this statement as may be required from time to time.

Axis Bank Ltd. is not liable or responsible for any loss or shortfall resulting from the operation of the scheme.

Mutual Fund Investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

Avendus Wealth – Hurun India Uth Series 2026

* Launch of the U35 List: Celebrating the forward-thinking builders

U35 at a glance

Insights into the industries, geographies and founder profiles shaping the Avendus Wealth – Hurun India U35 List 2026:

The List features 180 entrepreneurs, up 16% from 155 in 2025

The cumulative valuation of companies represented in the List stands at INR 48 lakh cr, up 23% YoY

33 is the average age of founders on this year’s U35 List, one year younger than in the 2025 edition

First-generation entrepreneurs account for 71% of the cohort, followed by second-generation leaders at 16%, third-generation at 9% and fourth-generation or later at 4%

AI & ML representation increased fourfold, from 3 to 12. The cohort includes Aravind Srinivas (32) of Perplexity and Ashwin Sreenivas (31) of Decagon AI, alongside 2026 debutants Mayank Bhola (34) of TestMu AI and three Co-founders of Flam

DeepTech and HardTech account for 21 founders, about 1 for every 9 in the List – AI & ML (12), SpaceTech (4), Aerospace & Defence (3) and Cybersecurity (2)

Clean Energy & Renewables has 7 founders on the List, including Chirag Nakrani (33) and Hardik Kothiya (32), Co-founders of Rayzon Solar, and Neelesh Garg (34) and Manik Garg (31), Co-founders of Saatvik Green Energy

Anmol Bhansali (31), Managing Director of Goldiam International, is the youngest leader on the List

Romita Mazumdar (31), founder of Foxtale, is the youngest woman on the list

23 women feature on the 2026 List (12.8% of the cohort), up from 9.7% in 2025, representing a 53% rise in women's representation

Ayush Sinhal (35), co-founder of Kimbal, with 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, is the most seasoned founder on the U35 List

Wint Wealth, co-founded by Abhik Patel (35), Ajinkya Kulkarni (35), Anshul Gupta (35) and Shashank Chimaladari (35), is the most investor-backed U35 startup with 52 investors, followed by Perplexity (48) and Jar (45)

Among undergraduate institutions, IIT Delhi leads with 11 alumni, followed by IIT Kharagpur with 10 and IIT Madras and the University of Delhi with 7 each

IIT Madras and the Indian School of Business top the postgraduate rankings with 5 alumni each, followed by IIT Bombay with 4

Software Products & Services is the most represented industry, with 18 entrepreneurs, FinTech with 17 stands in second place, while Education & EdTech are in third place with 15

In terms of digital reach, Ritesh Agarwal of PRISM (OYO) tops the list with 14.97 lakh LinkedIn followers, followed by Aravind Srinivas (32) with 9.08 lakh

11 entrants are from non-metro cities, such as Surat, Indore, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik and Mohali

The U35 cohort employs over 5.88 lakh people. Reliance Retail Ventures is the U35 cohort's largest employer with 2,47,782 employees. The top 5 employers together account for over 72% of the cohort's total workforce

Listed companies account for 40 U35-led businesses, the largest group by funding stage, followed by Series B with 23 companies

U35-led companies are deploying capital towards growth, with 27% allocated to Product Development & Expansion and 23% to Market & Geographic Expansion

Avendus Wealth and Hurun India present the Uth Series 2026

Marking the second year of partnership, Avendus Wealth and Hurun India present the 2026 edition of the Avendus Wealth – Hurun India Uth Series, with the U35 List recognising 180 young leaders building and scaling businesses across India. Now in its second edition, the list has grown 16% from 155 entrepreneurs in 2025, reflecting the expanding cohort of young business leaders making their mark across the country.

Umang Papneja, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Avendus Wealth Management, said, “The decisions that shape a business rarely begin or end with the business itself. How entrepreneurs allocate capital, pursue growth and manage risk has implications for their investments, families and the legacy they build. The U35 List offers a compelling view of the people making these decisions and the ambition shaping India’s next phase of growth.

This year’s cohort has grown 16% to 180 entrepreneurs, with a combined valuation of INR 48 lakh crore, up 23% from last year. With 71% first-generation entrepreneurs and the number of founders in AI and Machine Learning growing fourfold, from 3 to 12, the list reflects the breadth of enterprise creation underway in India.

At Avendus, we work closely with entrepreneurs through the lifecycle of their businesses, from raising growth capital and accessing financial markets to managing and transitioning wealth across generations. At Avendus Wealth, we take a multidimensional approach, recognising that wealth extends beyond investments to encompass business interests, family priorities and the aspirations of successive generations. Understanding how this next generation approaches capital, growth and wealth creation will be increasingly important as these entrepreneurs shape the future of Indian enterprise.”

Anas Rahman Junaid, Founder & Chief Researcher, Hurun India, said, “The Avendus Wealth Hurun India U35 List 2026 puts a number to the economic weight of young entrepreneurship: 180 leaders whose businesses employ over 5.88 lakh people, including 37 companies valued at more than USD 1 billion.”

“The composition is equally revealing. First-generation founders account for 71% of the cohort, while 53 next-generation leaders are renewing established businesses. India’s entrepreneurial capacity is expanding through both new enterprise creation and the transformation of family businesses.”

“AI and machine-learning entrants have risen fourfold, alongside founders building in space, defence and manufacturing. This points to an ambition to own technology and products, serve international markets and capture more of the value they create.”

“The U30 list tells us where businesses begin; the U35 list shows how far they can grow. The next economic test is whether that scale delivers sustained productivity, profitable growth and skilled employment. This cohort gives India a substantial foundation to build on.”

“We thank Avendus Wealth for its continued partnership in recognising the entrepreneurs shaping India’s economic future,” concluded Anas Rahman Junaid.

About Avendus Wealth Management

Avendus Wealth Management, the wealth business of Avendus Group, manages an AUM of over USD 9 bn. Started in 2010, it caters to a wide range of clients, including leading family offices, UHNIs and corporates. The diverse profile of its clients is a testimony to its ability to serve them across life stages and business cycles by crafting bespoke and differentiated solutions to grow and protect wealth. Avendus Wealth Management has been consistently recognised by reputed global platforms such as Asian Private Banker, Euromoney and The Asset Triple A.

About Avendus Group

Avendus Group is a leading financial services firm with a presence in the areas of Investment Banking, Institutional Equities, Wealth Management, Credit Solutions and Asset Management. Established in 1999 in Mumbai, India, Avendus is today present in 12 cities across India, US and Singapore. Avendus partners with the Indian entrepreneur ecosystem to provide differentiated solutions that enable clients to meet their strategic aspirations.

For more information, visit: www.avendus.com

Avendus Wealth Management Disclaimer

This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe to any units, securities, investment/stocks, services in any jurisdiction and no part of it shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever. Any such offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any products or services shall be made solely pursuant to the related documents. This document is a summary only, is not complete and does not claim to contain all information that an investor or potential investor may require for the purposes of making an investment. Potential investors or existing investors should not construe any information contained herein as advice relating to business, financial, legal, taxation or investment matters and any decision to invest should only be made following consultation with the potential investor’s own legal, accounting, tax and other advisors in order to make an independent determination of the suitability and consequences of an investment. This is not a research report within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Research Analysts) Regulations 2014 as amended from time to time. All data used in the document have been derived from and are dependent upon information obtained from third parties or information available publicly. AWMPL cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information and has not independently verified the accuracy of such information. No representation or warranty (expressed or implied) is made as to, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of such information or opinions contained herein and nothing contained herein should be relied upon as a promise, representation or indication of the future performance.

View full disclaimer here

About Hurun Report

Hurun Report is a leading research, luxury publishing and events group established in London in 1999. With operations in India, China, France, the UK, the USA, Australia, Japan, Canada and Luxembourg, it is widely recognised worldwide for its comprehensive evaluation of the wealthiest individuals. Hurun Report is the largest compiler of the rich lists globally.

Hurun Report Inc. has four divisions: Hurun Report Media, a stable of digital media and four magazines; Hurun Research Institute; Hurun Conferences, an active events division targeting entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals; and Hurun Investments, an INR 191 Cr early-stage venture capital fund with investments in tech, media, retail and education.

About Hurun India

“Promoting Entrepreneurship Through Lists and Research”

Hurun India was launched in 2012 under the leadership of Anas Rahman Junaid, a graduate of the University of Oxford. Junaid met Rupert Hoogewerf, the founder of Hurun Global, through Oxford and the duo believed it was the right time to discuss wealth creation in India, as they saw the country booming. Since then, Hurun India has pursued celebrating the stories of India’s transparent wealth creation, innovation and philanthropy. The five core pillars of Hurun India are:

First, we spotlight Value Creation by companies, the heartbeat of a developing India. It is through their innovation and excellence that economic growth is fuelled, paving the way for a prosperous tomorrow.

Next, we focus on Wealth Creation. As these companies thrive, wealth is generated, birthing a new era of affluent entrepreneurs and businesses. This wealth is not just financial; it is a wealth of knowledge, experience and opportunity, essential for India’s next 10 to 15 years. For exponential growth, disruption is key.

Enter our third pillar: Start-Ups. These engines of innovation are the primary source of leapfrog growth, challenging the status quo and opening new doors of possibilities.

Our fourth pillar, Philanthropy, is about giving back and creating a balanced ecosystem where everyone progresses together. While economic development is crucial, philanthropy plays an equally vital role in ensuring broader prosperity.

Lastly, we celebrate our rich heritage with the fifth pillar: Culture. India, home to one of the oldest civilisations, is home to a myriad of artists. Yet, they remain undervalued on the global stage.

For the full details, please refer to www.hurunindia.com

Tata Motors Expands Future-Ready Manufacturing At Dharwad, Karnataka

* Inaugurates New Paint Shop And Advanced Manufacturing Lines

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has taken another significant step in advancing the future-readiness of its Dharwad plant with the inauguration of a new-generation paint shop and the commissioning of new Body-in-White (BIW) and E-Axle assembly lines. These additions go beyond expanding capacity, it enhances the plant’s manufacturing flexibility and strengthening its ability to produce vehicles across conventional and zero-emission powertrains.

The new facilities were inaugurated by Mr. Girish Wagh, MD & CEO, Tata Motors Ltd. in the presence of Mr. Vishal Badshah, Vice President & Head – Operations and Mr. DP Nambiar, Chief Human Resources Officer.

With women comprising more than 30% of its young, skilled shopfloor workforce, the plant also inaugurated an on-site crèche for employees’ children, reinforcing Tata Motors’ focus on creating an inclusive workplace that enables and supports a diverse workforce.

The Dharwad plant is the first such manufacturing facility in India to achieve ISO 30415 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) validation. The plant operates on 100% renewable electricity and is certified Water Positive and Zero Waste to Landfill, underscoring its focus on sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive manufacturing.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vishal Badshah, Vice President & Head – Operations, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “Dharwad has evolved into one of our most versatile manufacturing facilities, producing conventional and zero-emission vehicles on the same campus. The new capabilities inaugurated today further strengthen the plant with cleaner, more efficient and digitally enabled manufacturing, while enhancing the flexibility to respond to evolving product and customer requirements. This progress is underpinned by our young, skilled and diverse workforce. We thank the Government of Karnataka for its continued support and remain committed to contributing to the state’s industrial growth through sustainable and advanced manufacturing.”

Speaking on the new manufacturing capabilities, Mr. Vijay Battu, Senior General Manager and Plant Head – Dharwad, Tata Motors Ltd, said, “The commissioning of the new paint shop, BIW and E-Axle assembly lines marks significant technical and operational advancement for the Dharwad plant. With its modular design and scalable infrastructure, the new paint shop gives us greater agility to adapt to evolving manufacturing requirements and respond rapidly to changing business and customer needs. These capabilities also enable us to further elevate the benchmarks for quality, efficiency and sustainability.”

Since rolling out its first commercial vehicle in 2012, the Dharwad plant has evolved from a single-product facility into a versatile, multi-product manufacturing hub spread across an integrated campus of approximately 650 acres. It manufactures Small Commercial Vehicles (SCVs); Intermediate, Light and Medium Commercial Vehicles (ILMCVs); Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs); and commercial passenger vehicles across multiple powertrains. The facility also supports a network of MSMEs and suppliers across North Karnataka.

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.

Shahid Kapoor Brings Axis Bank And Visa’s ‘Iss Festive Season, Har Khushi Ko Banao Badi’ To Life

* ‘Dil Se Open Celebrations 2026’ brings together Shahid Kapoor, a magical dollhouse and an original Amit Trivedi score to turn festive aspirations into larger-than-life celebrations

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, in partnership with Visa, today unveiled its festive campaign under ‘Dil Se Open Celebrations 2026’, bringing alive the thought ‘Iss festive season, har khushi ko banao badi’. Anchored in the ethos ‘This festive season, make your celebrations bigger’, the campaign celebrates the instinct to make every festive moment more special for the people who matter, reimagining everyday wishes through a distinctive creative world.

The campaign unfolds through a distinctive narrative featuring Shahid Kapoor and a little girl whose magical dollhouse brings her wishes to life. Each time she places an object inside it, the object appears in the real world, turning imagination into reality. Shahid Kapoor, with his Axis Bank Visa Credit Card, enables these transformations. The dollhouse serves as a metaphor for the dreams and aspirations that take centre stage during the festive season, capturing how small wishes can grow into something more meaningful.

The creative idea builds on Axis Bank’s ‘Dil Se Open’ philosophy and its commitment to enable customers through relevant financial solutions and rewarding experiences. This year, Axis Bank and Visa come together to extend that philosophy into the festive season, bringing together engaging storytelling with tangible value for customers.

Extending the proposition from the screen to the shopping experience, Axis Bank and Visa are bringing customers 100+ offers across electronics, mobiles, travel, lifestyle and other categories. The festive proposition extends across leading brands, including LG, Samsung and Sony in electronics; Burberry, Boss, COACH, Tory Burch in shopping and lifestyle; MakeMyTrip, ixigo and Air India in travel; and vivo , OPPO in mobiles, among many others. Eligible Axis Bank Credit Cardholders on the Visa network can access discounts, and EMI benefits, including up to 20% off on Credit Card purchases and EMIs*.

Arnika Dixit, Group Head – Cards, Payments and Wealth Management, Axis Bank, said, “Customers increasingly look for their cards to deliver value that is relevant to how and where they spend. During the festive period, as spending extends across different needs and occasions, relevance, choice and flexibility become even more important. Our focus is to make festive and planned purchases more rewarding, while continuing to strengthen our cards proposition around evolving customer needs. Together with Visa, we are enabling customers to get more from their Axis Bank Credit Cards and make their spends work harder for them.”

Adding to the campaign’s creative identity is an original festive score composed by Amit Trivedi. Woven through the narrative, the music lends the film its own celebratory character while strengthening emotional connect and recall.

Commenting on the campaign, Anoop Manohar, Chief Marketing Officer, Axis Bank, said, “Festivals have always been about celebrating the people, moments and little joys that matter to us. This year, with ‘Iss festive season, har khushi ko banao badi’, we are taking that thought a step further by encouraging customers to make those moments even more special. Shahid Kapoor brings a distinctive energy to the narrative, helping us bring this idea to life in an engaging way. At Axis Bank, our endeavour is to complement the joy of the season with relevant value and rewarding experiences. Through our partnership with Visa, we are bringing customers compelling benefits across their festive spends, helping them make more of what matters to them.”

Gaurav Ramdev, Head of Marketing, India and South Asia, Visa said, “Festivals are a time to dream bigger and celebrate more. Together, this festive season, Visa along with Axis Bank are powering possibilities and offers that make festive moments and celebrations truly special.”

Conceptualised by Leo India, the digital-first campaign will run across owned and paid digital platforms, social media, outdoor media, direct-to-customer touchpoints, ATMs and Axis Bank’s expansive branch network. It will draw on the combined marketing ecosystem of Axis Bank and Visa to build reach across multiple consumer touchpoints.

To view the campaign, please Click Here

With ‘Dil Se Open Celebrations 2026’, Axis Bank and Visa bring together creativity, music and customer value to make the festive proposition come alive across both communication and commerce. By pairing ‘Iss festive season, har khushi ko banao badi’ with meaningful benefits on Axis Bank Visa Credit Cards, the campaign turns festive aspirations into more rewarding possibilities.

About Axis Bank:

Axis Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India. It offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture, and Retail Businesses. The Bank has 6,414 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 12,533 ATMs and cash recyclers spread across the country as on 30th September 2026. Axis Virtual Centres are present across eight markets with 1,669 Virtual Relationship Managers as on 30th September 2026. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge, Axis Pension Fund and Axis Bank Foundation.

For more information, visit the website: https://www.axis.bank.in

Daily Almond Consumption May Help Improve Perceived Sleep Quality Among Adults

* New research, funded by Almond Board of California, finds that Indian adults with poor sleep quality, eating almonds daily for 20 weeks, self-reported better sleep quality, higher sleep efficiency, and shorter time to fall asleep

A new randomised controlled trial among Indian adults with poor sleep quality has found that eating almonds daily may help improve perceived sleep quality, offering fresh insight into the potential role of almonds as part of a broader, food-first approach to supporting sleep health.

The research, published in Frontiers in Nutrition (Desai et. Al, 2026) conducted among 175 Indian adults aged 21–55 years who reported poor sleep quality. Participants were either given 60g of almonds (approximately 50 almonds) or a calorie-matched control snack such as khakra, chivda and crackers.

Key findings¹

Eating almonds daily was associated with:

Better overall self-reported sleep quality

Higher self-reported sleep efficiency, with participants spending more of their time in bed sleeping

Shorter self-reported time taken to fall asleep

Some encouraging signals towards reduced wakefulness during the night, although these findings were not consistently significant across the study population

Why might almonds help?

Almonds contain several nutrients that are biologically relevant to normal nervous system function and overall health, including magnesium and tryptophan. Magnesium is involved in normal nervous system and muscle function, while tryptophan is used by the body to produce serotonin and melatonin. Almonds also naturally contain small amounts of melatonin, as well as healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants.

What were some of the findings?

Participants who consumed almonds daily reported improvements across several aspects of their sleep compared with those consuming the control snack. These included better overall sleep quality, improved sleep efficiency and a shorter time to fall asleep.

The findings add to the broader evidence exploring the relationship between nutrition and sleep, while suggesting that almonds may play a role in supporting perceived sleep quality as part of a broader healthy lifestyle.

Commenting on the findings, Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, said, “Sleep is an important part of overall wellbeing, and nutrition can play a role as part of a healthy lifestyle. The findings from this study are encouraging in showing that adults with poor sleep quality who consumed almonds daily reported improvements in how they experienced their sleep, including sleep quality, sleep efficiency and the time taken to fall asleep.”

“Also, emerging evidence suggests that plant foods rich in unsaturated fats and sleep-supportive compounds may support sleep quality, and almonds contain unsaturated fats along with other nutrients that contribute to their overall nutrient profile. Almonds provide magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E, micronutrients known to support sleep via muscle relaxation and neuroendocrine regulation. While more research is needed to understand the effects on objective sleep measures, almonds can be a simple, nutrient-rich addition to everyday healthy eating habits.”

Summary

The findings add to the broader evidence exploring the relationship between nutrition and sleep, while also highlighting the importance of distinguishing between perceived sleep quality and objectively measured sleep physiology.

The strongest takeaway from the research is that among adults reporting poor sleep quality, daily almond consumption may help improve perceived sleep quality, as part of a broader healthy lifestyle. Further research is needed to confirm the effects of almond consumption on objective sleep physiology and to better understand the mechanisms behind these findings.

Study Details:

The study assessed sleep in two ways: through validated self-reported sleep questionnaires and through overnight polysomnography (PSG), an objective method widely considered a gold standard for measuring sleep.

Almonds from California are a natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds through its research-based approach to all aspects of marketing, farming and production on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond growers and processors in California, many of which are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organisation that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit www.almonds.in

Muscle & Strength India Expands Its Presence With A New Store In Bengaluru, Karnataka

* The new store strengthens the brand’s commitment to making quality nutrition and fitness supplements more accessible to fitness enthusiasts

Muscle & Strength India, one of the country’s leading retailers of fitness supplements & nutritional products has expanded its retail presence with the opening of a new store in Koramangala, Bengaluru making its range of nutrition and wellness products more accessible to consumers. Renowned bodybuilder Syed Israr inaugurated the store along with fitness model and influencer Mohmmad Iqbal. Muscle & Strength India is looking to expand aggressively in South India as it seeks to deepen its presence in India’s growing nutritional supplement space.

Bengaluru, known for its vibrant fitness culture and growing community of health-conscious consumers, represents an important market for Muscle & Strength India. The new outlet aims to bring the brand closer to local customers while offering a convenient and accessible destination for their fitness and nutritional needs. Muscle and Strength India currently have stores spread across multiple cities in the country and has the widest range with over 1000 fitness supplements and nutrition products from numerous world class brands. These products are used for athletic performance, fitness, and overall wellness.

“We are excited to expand our presence while building closer connections with our customers, and we will continue to expand our footprint in newer cities. Our new stores are also a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing genuine and economically priced supplements which have increased consumers’ trust in our brand. Apart from metros, we are also witnessing huge demand in smaller cities where the availability of the latest, genuine and economically priced supplements is still a challenge. It is also important to make the distinction between genuine and fake supplements and hence one should buy them from genuine dealers of reputed brands,” said Mr. Praveen Chirania, Founder, Muscle and Strength India.

“We are happy to join hands with Muscle & Strength India who has become one of the renowned retail chains in the health supplement market in India. In addition to providing access to a broad product portfolio, we aim to help customers make informed choices based on their individual fitness and nutritional requirements. Our ideal target audience are those who are interested in fitness and sports nutrition, gym-goers, sports enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, etc.” said Vikram Yesudas, franchise owner in Bengaluru, Muscle and Strength India.

Muscle and Strength India offer a comprehensive range of genuine high-quality fitness supplement and nutritional products across categories such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements etc manufactured by international brands under a single roof. With several stores across India and exclusive distribution partnerships with leading global nutrition brands, Muscle & Strength India has established itself as a trusted name nationwide.

Nielsen Showcased Product-Led Technology Innovations At AM Tech India Innovation Day 2026

Nielsen showcased 21 live technology innovations developed by its Audience Measurement Technology teams in India at AM Tech India Innovation Day 2026, demonstrating how artificial intelligence (AI), data science, automation and advanced measurement technologies are being applied to address complex business challenges and improve client outcomes.

Held in Bengaluru on October 13 and in Gurugram on October 15, the event featured live demonstrations of solutions designed to improve data processing, accelerate decision-making, strengthen data quality and enhance audience and campaign measurement. Karthik Rao, CEO, Nielsen, attended the event alongside Anil Goel, CTO, Nielsen, engaging with teams and reviewing the innovations showcased.

“The innovations showcase how our teams are developing practical solutions that address real-world challenges, improve operational efficiency and strengthen our measurement capabilities. The creativity and technical expertise demonstrated by our teams reflect Nielsen’s commitment to building scalable innovations that deliver value to customers globally.” said Karthik Rao, CEO, Nielsen

“As audience behavior and the media landscape evolve, technology is enabling us to rethink how we measure and understand media consumption. India is Nielsen’s largest global innovation base, with Bengaluru at its centre, where teams build end-to-end solutions for customers worldwide. By drawing on India’s deep technology and AI talent, we are developing innovations that scale globally. As AI reshapes how media is created, distributed and consumed, we continue to invest in automation and advanced measurement to stay ahead of this transformation,” said Anil Goel, CTO, Nielsen.

Nielsen Global CEO Karthik Rao (right) and Global CTO Anil Goel (far right) engaged with engineering team’s presentation during Nielsen Innovation Day

The innovations showcased reflected Nielsen’s focus on developing practical, scalable technology solutions that improve operational efficiency, support more informed decision-making and strengthen measurement capabilities. Key highlights included:

Key Highlights

Nielsen Sports: Real-Time Sponsorship Measurement: Nielsen Sports demonstrated an end-to-end computer vision pipeline that processed live video directly from event-floor cameras to identify and measure brand sponsorship exposure in real time. By enabling on-the-fly reporting, the solution can help stakeholders assess sponsorship visibility more quickly and gain timely insights into brand exposure during live events.

DataSure: AI-Powered Data Quality and Anomaly Detection: DataSure uses AI to simplify complex investigations across 10 audience measurement data pipelines. By reducing investigation time from eight hours to approximately 30 minutes, identifying around 80% of true anomalies and using generative AI to filter out noise, the solution helps teams investigate data issues more efficiently. Its feedback mechanisms also help predict downstream impact, supporting faster issue resolution and more reliable data operations.

Semantic Orchestrator: Faster, More Accessible Data Insights: Semantic Orchestrator translates natural-language business questions into trustworthy, traceable answers using a semantic layer built around Nielsen’s business rules. The solution is designed to make complex data more accessible to business users while improving the speed and cost efficiency of data-question processing. It delivers answers up to 65% faster at half the cost, with 90% accuracy and traceable data, helping enable more informed and efficient decision-making.

Beyond these solutions, the showcase featured innovations spanning agentic AI and Model Context Protocol (MCP) applications, data observability, automated campaign and engineering workflows, cloud-native platforms, legacy modernisation, scalable measurement infrastructure and client-facing self-service capabilities.

AM Tech India Innovation Day reflected Nielsen’s approach to connecting technology development with measurable business and client outcomes. By creating opportunities for teams to demonstrate working solutions and exchange ideas across functions, the initiative encouraged collaboration and advanced the development of technology that can be applied to real-world challenges.

About Nielsen

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Bengaluru’s Majestic Metro Transformed Into A Cultural Canvas Through Technology And Storytelling By Signpost India

* The 16,000 sq. ft. visual experience brings Karnataka’s mythical forms and cultural heritage to life through advanced 8K Japanese projection technology.

Signpost India Limited (BSE: 544117, NSE: SIGNPOST), one of India’s leading Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising and media solutions companies, unveiled Majestic Canvas, a 16,000 sq. ft. immersive visual experience at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station (Majestic Metro), Bengaluru, yesterday, with a midnight art soirée titled ‘Stone to Life’. The experience uses the Epson EB-L20000U Japanese projector, which delivers 20,000 lumens of brightness and WUXGA resolution. Through precision projection mapping, the technology transformed the existing metro wall into a canvas for cultural storytelling, bringing Karnataka’s mythical forms and temple heritage to life.

Curated by Team Gen O, Mumbai, Majestic Canvas draws on five mythical forms rooted in Karnataka’s architectural heritage: Yali, Vrishabha-Kunjara, Gandabherunda, Makara and Kirtimukha. Through contemporary digital techniques, the showcase brings these forms, their symbolism and the traditional narratives associated with them to life, offering a new perspective on Karnataka’s rich cultural legacy.

The event was graced by Mr. Maheshwar Rao M, I.A.S., Chief Commissioner, Greater Bangalore Authority, and the leadership of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), along with representatives from the cultural, creative and business communities.

The evening commenced close to midnight, with an introduction by historian Mr. Srinivas Sistla, Associate Professor, Department of Fine Arts, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, who spoke about the cultural and historical significance underpinning the immersive art experience. The programme continued with a historian-led walkthrough, during which Mr. Sistla guided guests through the origins, symbolism and cultural significance of the mythical forms featured in the experience. An interactive discussion with guests and addresses by Mr. Maheshwar Rao and Shripad Ashtekar, Managing Director, Signpost India Ltd., formed a key part of the evening. The discussion highlighted the potential of public spaces to become platforms for cultural expression and creative engagement through the integration of art and technology.

Speaking on the vision behind Majestic Canvas, Shripad Ashtekar, Managing Director, Signpost India Ltd., said: “The future of AdTech and digital advertising lies in rethinking the role public spaces play in a city’s everyday life. With Majestic Canvas, we set out to demonstrate how existing urban

infrastructure can be reimagined through technology and cultural storytelling, without altering the physical space itself. By bringing Karnataka’s architectural heritage to life through precision projection mapping, we have explored a new dimension of technology-enabled out-of-home media networks – one that moves beyond the conventional billboard to create something people pause to engage with and remember.”

The evening concluded with live musical performances, food and community interaction, bringing together art, culture and creative expression in an engaging setting. The showcase brought together public leadership, historians, creative professionals and industry representatives, highlighting the potential for collaboration between technology and arts to make cultural heritage more accessible through contemporary public experiences. This initiative has set the momentum for creating more engaging public-space experiences that connect communities with the cultural identity of the cities they inhabit.

About Signpost India

Signpost India is India’s first listed OOH company, officially recognized as being ranked top 1,000 highest-performing companies by the National Stock Exchange, with a CRISIL ratings upgrade its credit rating Long-term rating A- / Stable & Short-term rating A2+ due to proven cycles of robust financial profile, long-term revenue visibility.

At Signpost, we describe ourselves as #SignsOfTomorrow. Our ambition is to take outdoor media beyond conventional visibility and build platforms that brands can experience, participate in and talk about. Today, we have a presence across the trendiest hubs, neighbourhoods, transit environments and high-footfall destinations across 32+ cities, with asset-light solutions extending to 100+ cities. Our assets portfolio spans approximately 3.1 million sq. ft. and 10,850+ urban nodes, reaching economic centres and tourism destinations across India, with a strong mix of regional, corporate and PSU clients and a healthy base of repeat business.

What we believe differentiates Signpost is our ability to bring together media, technology, creativity and culture to create moments that move beyond the billboard Website | Instagram.

Hero Motocorp Accelerates Its Premiumisation Journey Launches All-New Xtreme 160R 4V And Refreshed Xtreme 250R

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, is accelerating its premium growth ambitions with the launch of the all-new Xtreme 160R 4V and refreshed Xtreme 250R. The twin launch marks a significant step in strengthening the Company’s premium motorcycle portfolio, bringing together sharper streetfighter styling, exhilarating performance and advanced rider-focused technology across two key segments.

While the all-new Xtreme 160R 4V expands the appeal of the Xtreme family with a comprehensive redesign and new technology, the refreshed Xtreme 250R builds on its performance credentials with enhanced equipment, refined detailing and greater riding versatility. Together, the two motorcycles reinforce Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to delivering aspirational, technology-led products and accelerating its premiumisation journey.

Speaking on the launch, Anuj Dua, Chief Business Officer – Premium Segment, Hero MotoCorp said, “Premiumisation remains one of the biggest growth opportunities ahead of us and we continue to strengthen our position in this segment through sharper product differentiation and enhanced riding experiences. The Xtreme family is a key pillar of this strategy.

The all-new Xtreme 160R 4V brings the Xtreme DNA to a larger community of young riders as the fastest motorcycle in its segment, with a complete redesign and segment-first cruise control and Panic Brake Alert, while the newly launched Xtreme 250R raises the bar in its segment with Ride-by-wire, four ride modes, traction control, a quickshifter, segment-first cruise control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and the industry's first Frequency selective damping suspension. Backed by our Hero Premia network of more than 130 stores, these launches reflect our commitment to creating world-class, aspirational products and further strengthening our premium portfolio.”

THE ALL-NEW XTREME 160R 4V

Since its debut in 2023, the Xtreme 160R 4V has been a key pillar of Hero MotoCorp's premium motorcycle portfolio. The all-new model is its most comprehensive transformation yet: a complete redesign carrying the Xtreme family DNA, segment-leading performance and a host of innovative technology. Conceived as a sporty naked motorcycle, the all-new Xtreme 160R 4V is youthful, muscular and aggressive, with a big-bike presence designed for riders who want thrill, individuality and technology from their motorcycle.

Xtreme DNA, Sharper Stance

The all-new Xtreme 160R 4V features a “Cybersharp” design language that is aggressive, with sharper tank shrouds, a muscular stance, and revised bodywork for increased road presence. The ergonomically contoured fuel tank enhances knee grip and rider comfort, with easy ground reach. Its Advanced Lighting Package features an auto-illuminating Class D full LED headlamp with ambient light sensor, projector high beam, and signature “H”-shaped DRLs complemented by an “H”-shaped LED tail lamp and full LED winkers. Red and black front wheel rim options add a personalised touch.

Fastest In Its Segment

The all-new Xtreme 160R 4V is powered by Hero MotoCorp's 163cc, 4-valve, oil-cooled engine, producing 17.1 PS @ 8,750 rpm of peak power and 14.6 Nm @ 6500 rpm of peak torque. Its short-stroke design revs quickly to deliver high peak power, while a finned oil cooler keeps the engine thermally stable through extended, spirited riding. The result is the fastest motorcycle in its segment with a top speed of 0 to 60 km/h in 4.4 seconds. It also delivers the best rear-wheel power in its segment. Ownership is easier too, with extended service intervals: no oil change and no tappet setting is required until 6,000 km.

Ride-by-Wire, Ride Modes & Segment-First Cruise Control

Electronic throttle control (ride-by-wire) delivers precise, smooth and predictable throttle response, and enables three ride modes. Rain mode offers a softer throttle response for slippery conditions, Road mode provides smooth, balanced power delivery for everyday riding, and Sport mode unleashes the motorcycle's full potential with sharp, direct throttle response. The Xtreme 160R 4V is also the first motorcycle in its segment to offer cruise control, making every day and long distance riding effortless.

Confidence On Every Ride

Dual-channel ABS, tuned for the best balance between braking stability and deceleration on all surfaces, works with a 276 mm front and 220 mm rear petal disc. The motorcycle also introduces a segment-first Panic Brake Alert, which enhances safety notifying surrounding traffic during sudden, hard braking. Suspension duties are handled by 37 mm KYB upside-down front forks and a 7-step preload-adjustable rear monoshock, delivering a planted ride with balanced comfort and body control. Radial tubeless tyres, including a wide 130/70 R17 rear, provide grip and confidence through corners.

All-New TFT Console & Rider-Focused Comfort

The new TFT console displays ride modes, gear position with shift advisory, cruise control status, distance to empty, and real-time mileage, with auto-adjusting brightness. Bluetooth connectivity enables call and message alerts, music, phone battery status, and turn-by-turn navigation. Illuminated soft-touch switchgear, an integrated kill-start switch, hazard lights, cruise control controls, and a Type-C fast charger enhance convenience. 5-step adjustable brake and clutch levers allow personalised reach, while a revised rider triangle, ergonomically contoured seat, and improved ground reach enhance comfort. The seat is 16 mm longer at 642.9 mm, with single and split-seat options.

THE REFRESHED XTREME 250R

The refreshed Xtreme 250R raises the bar in the 250cc performance segment with enhanced performance, advanced technology, sharper dynamics and premium design and finish. Combining track-inspired technology and confidence-inspiring handling with everyday usability, it delivers an exhilarating, well-rounded riding experience.

Bolder Style, Sharper Finish

The product sharpens its aggressive streetfighter stance with gold anodised front forks, carbon-fibre hydro-dipped panels, coloured rims with rim tapes, evolved graphics, and embossed detailing. The FSD branding on the rear suspension adds a distinctive performance cue. With 50+ fit and finish enhancements, the motorcycle delivers a more premium experience featuring refined component finishes, braided cables, and a new swingarm tail cover.

Dynamic Performance

At the heart of the new Xtreme 250R is the proven 250cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve DOHC engine, producing 30 PS @ 9,250 Revolution per minute of peak power and 25.3 Nm @ 7500 Revolution per minute making this the highest torque output in the 250cc segment. The motorcycle is the fastest in the segment with sprints from 0 to 60 km/h in 3.2 seconds.

Effortless Riding

The new Xtreme 250R introduces segment-first cruise control. It allows riders to automatically maintain a set speed without constantly holding the throttle, enhancing riding comfort and reducing fatigue. Adding to the experience is Hero MotoCorp's first sensorless bi-directional quickshifter. It allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts without closing the throttle, delivering faster shifts on the track and less fatigue on long rides.

Advanced Rider Aids for Total Control

The motorcycle now offers four ride modes, making the Xtreme 250R the best-equipped motorcycle in its segment for riding versatility. The modes are tuned to suit different riding conditions and preferences, with Rain mode offering smoother power delivery for wet and slippery surfaces, Road mode delivering linear performance for everyday riding, Sport mode sharpening the motorcycle's response for spirited riding, and Track mode unlocking its full performance potential for the race track. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) displays real-time tyre pressure and temperature, with colour-coded alerts when pressure is too high or too low.

Frequency Selective Damping Suspension: Comfort Meets Control

It is equipped with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) rear suspension, a first in the two-wheeler industry. An additional FSD piston provides two distinct rebound damping profiles that adapt to the frequency of road inputs. The result is a ride that smooths out broken roads while keeping the tyre planted for precise line selection through corners. The rigid trellis frame and 43mm USD front forks continue to deliver agile and precise handling.

Smart TFT Console & Connectivity

A new full-colour TFT instrument cluster displays all information in an easily readable interface that also looks good. Riders can also use the built-in lap timer and drag timer. Bluetooth connectivity brings call and message alerts, phone battery status and turn-by-turn navigation to the console. New soft-touch switchgear puts every function at the rider's fingertips, including a dedicated mode selector, an integrated kill-start switch, hazard lights and cruise control switches.

Colours, Pricing & Availability

The all-new Xtreme 160R 4V is available in three variants at special introductory prices: Standard at Rs.1, 27,000; Pro at Rs.1, 37,000 and Carbon at Rs.1, 41,000 (Ex-showroom, Delhi) and will be available at Hero MotoCorp and Hero Premia dealerships across the country.

The refreshed Xtreme 250R is available in three colourways: Carbon Red, Carbon White and Carbon Black. It is launched with a special introductory price of Rs.1, 98,000 (Ex-showroom, Delhi) and will be available at all Hero Premia dealerships across India.

Bookings for both motorcycles opens from 17th October, 2026 and deliveries commence from 1st November 2026.

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 53 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: Hero Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in India and Hero Tech Centre Germany (TCG). Hero MotoCorp is driving the transition to electric mobility through VIDA. 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.