HDFC Life Launches East-Focused Campaign in West Bengal and Odisha to Drive the Need for Financial Preparedness

 HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is known for campaigns that connect with audiences through relevant and insight-based communication. In its latest campaign, HDFC Life has reached out to audiences in the Eastern part of the country – across the states of West Bengal and Odisha - with the message 'Enjoy today while planning for your family’s tomorrow'. The ad film features Abir Chatterjee, one of West Bengal’s prominent actors. 

Given India’s cultural diversity, regional marketing plays a key role in building stronger connections. Recognizing this need, HDFC Life launched a unique region-focused campaign approach last year, starting with the Southern states. The campaign and other focused efforts saw the brand improve on its key health parameters like awareness across southern markets. After South, HDFC Life has decided to now focus on the Eastern states of India.

 

Consumer studies from the East indicate that lifestyle improvement is on top of the list in terms of financial goals. Individuals aspire to enjoy their life to the fullest with their families – outings, vacations, celebrating cultural events, etc. In order to ensure that the family’s goals and aspirations are not compromised, one needs to secure their future with timely financial planning. This is conveyed by the protagonist as he speaks about his childhood memories in the ad film.

 

Speaking about the campaign, Pritika Shah, Head – Marketing, HDFC Life, said, “India is a culturally diverse country. To reach out to such audiences across different regions, it is important to connect through cultural nuances and regional references, tailored towards their financial priorities and mindset. This has been the core thought behind our region-focused strategy.

 

The positive response to our earlier South-focused efforts has encouraged us to take this approach towards other parts of India. Our first-ever East-focused campaign, featuring Abir Chatterjee, has been launched for the audiences of West Bengal and Odisha. We believe that with our campaign, we will be able to connect and inspire more individuals towards financial independence.”

 

Adding to this, Vikram Pandey, Chief Creative Officer, Leo - South Asia said, "For our first conversation with key Eastern states of West Bengal and Odisha, we wanted to lead with a trusted voice who could be a catalyst for change towards responsible financial planning. We brought the conversation to life through the voice and journey of celebrated actor Abir Chatterjee. Through this campaign, we hope to capture the audience’s attention and mobilise them to secure their family’s future.”

 

The campaign will be available across multiple media platforms, including television, digital, and outdoor.

 

About HDFC Life

 

Established in 2000, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (‘HDFC Life’ or the ‘Company’) is a leading provider of long-term life insurance solutions in India. It offers a broad range of individual and group plans across the Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity, and Health categories, with a portfolio of products and optional riders designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

 

HDFC Life is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private banks. The Company has a nationwide presence, operating through its own branches and a network of over 300 distribution partners, including banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, and emerging ecosystem partners. HDFC Life also maintains a strong base of financial consultants.

 

Recognized as a great place to work, HDFC Life is deeply committed to governance and sustainability, ensuring responsible business practices that align with its long-term objectives.

 

For more information, visit www.hdfclife.com or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.

INDIA’S MOST POWERFUL 160 CC MOTORCYCLE – 2025 TVS APACHE RTR 160 NOW WITH DUAL CHANNEL ABS

 TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global leader in the two and three-wheeler segments, today unveiled the 2025 TVS Apache RTR 160. This new version is its boldest yet, featuring dual channel ABS for enhanced safety. 

The 2025 TVS Apache RTR 160 is OBD2B compliant and introduces dual channel ABS, delivering enhanced safety and control. The motorcycle offers best-in-class performance and precision handling, making it a true standout in its segment. Equipped with features that cater to the evolving demands of today’s riders, the TVS Apache RTR 160 combines cutting-edge technology, refined design, and enhanced capabilities.

 

Exhilarating Performance

 

The TVS Apache RTR 160 offers a peak power output of 16.04 PS at 8,750 rpm and a torque of 13.85 Nm at 7,000 rpm. It delivers a superior riding experience with segment-leading power-to-weight ratio, embodying TVS Apache's iconic racing DNA.

 

Smart Connectivity & Comfort

 

The motorcycle continues to offer three distinct ride modes (Sport, Urban, Rain), TVS SmartXonnectTM with Bluetooth and Voice Assist. The TVS Apache RTR 160 will be available in colours like Matte Black and Pearl White with red alloy wheels, complementing its sporty, race-inspired character.

 

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “The TVS Apache RTR 160 has consistently set benchmarks in its segment, evolving with every generation while staying rooted in Apache’s racing DNA. With segment-leading features like Ride Modes, SmartXonnect with Voice Assist, and now Dual Channel ABS, it continues to redefine what riders can expect from a performance motorcycle. TVS Apache is more than a machine, it’s a global community of over 6 million riders. The 2025 TVS Apache RTR 160 builds on this legacy with a sharper design, advanced tech, and track-inspired engineering for a truly thrilling ride.”

 

The 2025 TVS Apache RTR 160  will be available at TVS Motor Company dealerships across India, with prices starting at INR 1,34,320  (ex-showroom Delhi).

Yamaha Motor India Group Recognized as a Great Place To Work®; Celebrating 40 Years of Empowering People

 

Yamaha Motor India is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Great Place To Work® Certification™ for the year 2025-2026. This recognition reflects the organization’s continued efforts to foster a positive, inclusive, and high trust work environment across the Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies. 

This milestone comes at a special time as Yamaha celebrates 40 years in India. Over the past four decades, Yamaha has not only built a strong presence in the two-wheeler market but has also nurtured a workplace where people feel empowered, respected, and inspired. India has emerged as a strategic hub for Yamaha’s global operations – spanning technology, manufacturing, R&D, innovation, and talent development. At the heart of this growth story lies a diverse and inclusive environment that enables employees to thrive and contribute meaningfully.

 

The certification is based entirely on employee feedback and a comprehensive culture audit that assesses key dimensions like trust, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. These results stand as a testament to Yamaha Motor India Group’s ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where positivity, inclusivity, and trust thrive—empowering employees and driving excellence at every level.

 

Speaking on the achievement Mr. Atsushi Nagashima, Director, Yamaha Motor India said, "Yamaha is a Kando Creating Company – our mission is to deliver exceptional value and excitement, not just to customers and partners, but also to our employees. This certification reiterates our belief that a motivated and valued workforce is the foundation of sustainable success. We are deeply thankful to our employees for their trust, feedback, and commitment. We will continue to invest in a culture where everyone grows together, driven by shared purpose and mutual respect."

 

As Yamaha marks 40 years in India, this recognition holds special significance. It is a celebration of every individual who has shaped Yamaha’s journey — past and present. Whether on the road or within the workplace, Yamaha remains committed to creating meaningful experiences, empowering its people, and moving forward together. The Great Place To Work® Certification™ also reinforces Yamaha’s position as an employer of choice — helping attract, engage, and retain the right talent while continuing to build a high-performance culture for the future.

 

About Yamaha Motor India group of companies

 

Yamaha Motor made its initial foray into India in 1985 as a joint venture. In August 2001, it became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM). IYM's manufacturing facilities comprise State-of-the-art plants at Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). The infrastructure at these plants supports the production of motorcycles and parts for domestic as well as overseas markets. YMC has established its subsidiaries - Yamaha Motor Research and Development India Pvt Ltd. (YMRI), Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd. (YMIS) and Yamaha Motor India Pvt Ltd. (YMI) in India to independently support IYM in the development, sales & marketing of its products and overall business planning & regional control respectively. Presently, its product portfolio includes YZF-R3 (321cc), MT-03 (321cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc),  MT-15 V2 (155cc); FZS-Fi Hybrid (149cc), FZS-Fi (149cc), FZ-Fi (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), AEROX Version S (155cc), AEROX (155cc) and scooters like Fascino 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid (125cc).

Samsung to Launch New Foldables on July 9 in New York

 For years, Samsung has designed its devices around what people truly need, such as better performance, sharper cameras and smarter ways to stay connected. And, with Galaxy AI, it goes beyond what devices can do — it’s about how people interact with them. 

As AI rapidly becomes the new user interface, it’s redefining our relationship with technology. No longer just a collection of apps and tools, the smartphone is evolving into a smart companion that understands user intent and responds in real time. This transformation moves us from reaction to anticipation — where, as AI becomes the UI, intent becomes instant.

 

The next-generation Galaxy devices are being reimagined around a new AI-powered interface, supported by breakthrough hardware built to unlock their full potential. This future is already unfolding, and the best of Galaxy AI and Samsung craftsmanship is about to be unveiled.

 

On July 9, Samsung Electronics will host Galaxy Unpacked in Brooklyn, New York to launch its next foldables

Entrepreneur India EV 2025 Kicks Off with Power-Packed Keynotes and Industry-Defining Dialogues

 

* Powering India's EV Revolution: Insights, Innovation & Impact at the Forefront~

 

Entrepreneur India EV 2025 commenced with a powerful opening day, uniting industry pioneers, government leaders, technology innovators, and entrepreneurs to shape the future of electric mobility in India. The event set an ambitious tone for the nation’s rapid and sustainable shift toward an electrified transport ecosystem.

 

Opening the summit, Ms. Ashita Marya, CEO, Franchise India, remarked “We are at a turning point in India’s electric mobility journey. From a projected $27.7 billion battery market by 2028 to EVs accounting for 4.1% of total car sales this May, the shift is real, rapid, and irreversible. But this conference isn’t just about milestones, it’s about momentum. The next two days are about turning conversations into collaborations, and ideas into action.”

 

The day’s keynote address was delivered by Mr. Tin Hang Liu, Co-Founder & CEO of Open Energy, on “The DeepSeek Moment for the EV Charging Infrastructure – Ultra-Fast Charging (BYD)”. His talk emphasized the transformative role of ultra-fast EV charging in driving mainstream EV adoption, positioning it as a pivotal element of India’s mobility roadmap.

 

A marquee panel on “Transforming India’s Mobility Landscape: Global Insights and Strategic Solutions for a Sustainable EV Ecosystem” followed, offering a forward-looking blueprint for scaling EV adoption through innovation, collaboration, and inclusive policy.

 

“India today stands at a pivotal moment—where science, innovation, and sustainability must converge not just in policy papers, but in everyday life. Our challenge is not just to build advanced technologies, but to ensure they reach the last mile, touch real lives, and solve real problems. It is time we move beyond isolated excellence and embrace a collaborative ecosystem—where research institutions, industry, and government co-create solutions that are scalable, inclusive, and globally relevant. We are not just imagining the future—we are engineering it, right here, right now.”  Said, Dr. Anita Gupta, Scientist ‘G’ & Advisor, DST, Government of India

 

“We must stop thinking of electrification as a distant dream. The real crisis isn't just fossil fuels, it's our continued inefficiency and the way we design systems that waste energy by default. Unless we build an ecosystem powered by genuinely green electricity and supported by reliable infrastructure, EV adoption will be only half a solution. The goal is not just to replace petrol with power, but to reimagine how mobility, storage, and sustainability intersect at scale.” Said, Padmashri Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala Ex-Advisor, Ministry of Power, Prof: - IIT Madras.

 

One of the most anticipated segments of the day was the release of Frost & Sullivan’s exclusive market report, “Transformative Trends in the Indian Electric Vehicle Market – 2025 & Beyond,”

 

presented by Mr. Prajyot N Sathe, Research Director he stated, “India’s electric vehicle market is evolving rapidly—on track to touch over 700,000-unit sales annually by 2030. But growth alone isn’t enough. The focus must now shift to building resilient, localized supply chains, expanding charging infrastructure density, and accelerating battery innovation. With supportive policies like FAME, PLI, and reduced import duties, we have a window of opportunity to make India not just a consumer of EVs, but a global manufacturing hub.”

 

The summit also hosted deep-dive sessions on pivotal themes including:

 

·         EV Consumer Behavior: Understanding drivers, barriers, and shifting market forces

·         Technological Advancements: Emerging innovations shaping the next era of EVs

·         Autonomous & User-Centric Design: Reimagining the EV experience for future mobility

 

The day concluded with two impactful panels:

 

·         “The Evolution of EV Charging: Implications for Energy, Real Estate, and Mobility”

·         “Driving the Future: The Role of Electric Commercial Vehicles in India’s Green Transition”

 

Across keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions, Entrepreneur India EV 2025 Day 1 sparked strategic dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, paving the way for unified action across technology, infrastructure, and policy to accelerate India’s EV transformation.

Wit Gets Real as Urooj Ashfaq Headlines Bengaluru’s Comedy Scene at Phoenix Mall of Asia

 Get ready for a giggle-packed comedy ride as the effortlessly funny Urooj Ashfaq brings her signature humour to the Phoenix Mall of Asia on Saturday, 28th June 2025. Known for her unapologetic wit, viral sketches, and wildly relatable comedy, Urooj will take the stage at 8:00 PM onwards for an unforgettable evening.

Whether you’ve seen her shine on Comicstaan, laughed along with her quirky ‘If Apps Were People’ takes on YouTube, or followed her iconic All India Bakchod (AIB) sketches, this is your chance to catch Urooj live in action. With her whip-smart insights and awkwardly hilarious anecdotes, she will have you laughing till it hurts.

Bengaluru, clear your calendars! It is time to round up your gang, grab your tickets, and get set for a night of non-stop fun. Tickets available on BookMyShow. 

Event Details

Event: Urooj Ashfaq Standup Comedy Show
Date: Saturday, 28th June 2025
Time: 8:00 PM Onwards
Venue: Fan Park, 2nd Floor, Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru
Entry: Tickets available on BookMyShow

Tata Motors launches Ace Pro: India’s Most Affordable 4-Wheel Mini-Truck Heralds a New Era in Cargo Mobility to Empower Entrepreneurs

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, creating a new milestone in cargo mobility with the launch of the all-new Tata Ace Pro, heralding a transformative era in small cargo mobility. With an unbeatable starting price of just ₹X.99 lakh, the Tata Ace Pro is India’s most affordable four-wheel mini truck, delivering exceptional efficiency, unmatched versatility, and superior value. 

Designed to empower a new wave of entrepreneurs, the Tata Ace Pro is available in Petrol, Bi-Fuel (CNG + Petrol), and Electric variants – providing customers with the flexibility to choose the ideal solution for their business needs.

 

Customers can book their preferred Ace Pro variant at any of Tata Motors’ 1250 commercial vehicles sales touchpoints across the country or on Fleet Verse, Tata Motor’s online sales platform. To make ownership of the Tata Ace Pro convenient, Tata Motors has collaborated with leading banks and NBFCs to offer hassle-free financing solutions, including quick loan approvals, flexible EMI options, and enhanced funding support, tailoring to diverse customer needs.

 

Launching the Ace Pro, Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said, “The launch of Tata Ace had revolutionised cargo mobility in India. Over the past two decades, it has successfully empowered more than 25 lakh entrepreneurs to become a symbol of progress and possibility. With the all-new Tata Ace Pro, we are building on this legacy with renewed purpose for a new generation of dreamers. Engineered for stability, safety, and profitability, the Ace Pro unlocks greater earning potential to fulfil the ambitions of aspiring entrepreneurs ready to take charge of their future.”

 

Speaking about the Tata Ace Pro, Mr. Pinaki Haldar, Vice President & Business Head – SCVPU, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “The purposeful Tata Ace Pro has been developed with deep customer insights and engineered to meet a diverse range of applications. It has undergone rigorous testing across various terrains and weather conditions, covering lakhs of kilometres. With its multi-fuel options, easy affordability and enhanced drivability, the Tata Ace Pro delivers superior value across diverse use cases. It’s a strategic addition to our portfolio that strengthens Tata Motors’ commitment to enabling entrepreneurs and small businesses with dependable, future-ready mobility solutions. As India’s technology capital and startup hub, Karnataka offers a dynamic logistics environment driven by Bengaluru’s thriving e-commerce and digital ecosystems. In this urban heartland, the Ace Pro EV fits seamlessly into defined duty cycles, powering intra-city deliveries, LPG movement and closed-loop operations from warehouses of e-commerce brands. Along the Karavali coastal belt around Mangalore and in Northern Karnataka regions like Hubballi, the Ace Pro Bi-Fuel is a preferred choice for market load operators transporting water, parcels, fresh produce and general goods, thanks to strong CNG availability and focus on operating economics. For aspiring entrepreneurs across other regions of the state, the Ace Pro Petrol provides an accessible and dependable entry point into the transport business, especially for last-mile applications.”

 

Engineered to Deliver More

 

Exceptional Payload Capacity

The Tata Ace Pro sets a new benchmark with a best-in-class 750 kg payload and a versatile 6.5ft (1.98 m) deck. Available with factory-fitted load body options – half-deck or flatbed – tailored to maximize earnings across diverse applications. It is compatible for container, municipal applications, and reefer body fitment, amongst others. Its high-strength chassis and rugged aggregates ensure reliable performance under heavy loads.

 

Efficient, Versatile Powertrains

Built on a modular platform and designed for profitability, the Ace Pro is available in Petrol, Bi-Fuel, and Electric variants:

Petrol: A 694cc engine delivers 30bhp and 55Nm, combining power with fuel efficiency.

Electric: Tata Motors’ advanced EV architecture offers 38bhp, 104Nm torque, and a 155km range on a single charge, with IP67-rated battery and motor for all-weather reliability.

Bi-Fuel: Combines the cost-efficiency of CNG with the flexibility of a 5-litre petrol backup tank for uninterrupted operations. In CNG mode, it develops 26bhp of power and 51Nm of torque. 

 

Comfortable, Safe Cabin

Built for long hours on the road, the Ace Pro features a spacious, car-like cabin with ergonomic seating, ample storage, and modern conveniences. Safety is paramount with an AIS096-compliant crash-tested cabin. It is also equipped with digital instrument cluster, and optional infotainment system for added driver convenience.

 

Smart Connectivity & Driver Assistance

Complementing the advanced Ace Pro is Tata Motors’ connected vehicle platform, Fleet Edge, with over 8 lakh registered vehicles. It delivers real-time insights into vehicle health, driver behaviour, and predictive maintenance, empowering transporters to take proactive safety decisions. Features like Gear Shift Advisor and Reverse Parking Assistance make urban and rural navigation effortless.

 

Unmatched Support & Ownership Experience

With over 2,500 service and spares outlets nationwide, coupled with the Star Guru network in remote areas, the Ace Pro ensures you're never far from expert help. EV-specific service centres and a robust 24x7 roadside assistance program further enhance uptime and peace of mind.

  

About Tata Motors:

Part of the USD 165 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570; NSE: TATAMOTORS), a USD 52 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

 

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

 

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2025, Tata Motors’ operations include 93 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, four joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.