Friday, February 13, 2026

Skyscanner Launches ‘Run The World’ Tool To Tap Into The Growing Running Holiday Trend In India


Travel is becoming increasingly personalized in 2026, with more individuals planning trips centered around their passions. For the 11+ million runners in India*, this translates to lacing up for a running holiday. In line with Skyscanner's 'Altitude Shift' trend, runners are increasingly choosing destinations based on scenic trails and race opportunities, with nearly a quarter of Indians (24%)** planning to run on their next holiday.

Skyscanner is today launching Run The World, a new tool designed to help travellers seamlessly combine their passion for running with their love for travel.

The new tool empowers runners of all levels to make running the focal point of their holidays by searching for trips inspired by their preferred terrain and distance. Whether seeking a gentle 5K on a picturesque beach, aiming for a new personal best in a bustling city marathon, or embarking on a rugged trail adventure, ‘Run The World’ simplifies the planning process from discovery to booking.

“For millions in India, running is a huge part of their life, and ‘Run The World’ is our answer to that,”says Mohit Joshi, Travel Expert, Skyscanner India, Skyscanner Travel Expert. “We want to make it effortless for a runner to go from their local trail to the starting line of a race on the other side of the world, turning their personal passion into an unforgettable travel experience.”

Going beyond just race discovery, the tool is supported by comprehensive information on travel logistics, including visa requirements and flight and accommodation options, alongside expert tips for training and preparing for different climates.

Incredible running experiences you can find using Skyscanner’s Run The World tool in India:

Iconic Urban Run: Mumbai Marathon - Experience the vibrant energy of India's financial capital as you race through iconic city landmarks.

Challenging Trail Run: Himalayan Ultra Marathon - For the adventurous, tackle breathtaking mountain trails offering unparalleled views and a true test of endurance.

Stunning Beach Run: Goa Beach Run - Enjoy a refreshing run along the scenic coastline, with the sand between your toes and the ocean breeze.

Bucket List Run: Ladakh Marathon - A truly unique and challenging experience at high altitude, set against the dramatic landscapes of Ladakh.

Find more runs with Skyscanner’s Run The World Tool Dates and registration links update seasonally – plan ahead, secure your spot, and let Skyscanner find you the best flight and hotel deals.

About Skyscanner Skyscanner is a leading global travel app that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 52 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find the best flight, hotel or car hire options.

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed, powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching more than 80 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place.For more information please visit - https://www.skyscanner.co.in/about-us/why-skyscanner

Thursday, February 12, 2026

UIDAI Launches New Aadhaar App; Prudent Technologies Powers Secure Consent Architecture And Mobile Number Integration



· Consent-led mobile identity platform marks a shift to privacy-first, paperless verification nationwide.

As India rolls out its new Aadhaar mobile application, a significant transition is underway in how identity verification is executed across sectors - moving from document-based processes to real-time, consent-driven digital authentication. Prudent Technologies has played a key role in enabling enterprise-scale integration for the rollout, supporting secure connectivity between the Aadhaar app ecosystem and service provider verification systems nationwide.

Developed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the new Aadhaar app eliminates the need for physical copies and reduces reliance on OTP-based document sharing. Instead, it introduces secure, app-based authentication supported by dynamic QR verification and consent-led data sharing.

Enabling the Next Phase of Digital Identity

The new Aadhaar app introduces:

· App-based digital Aadhaar presentation

· Dynamic QR code authentication

· Offline verification capabilities

· Attribute-based sharing (e.g., age confirmation without revealing full DOB)

· Biometric lock/unlock controls.

· Secure SIM binding and mobile number updates

For enterprises across telecom, BFSI, fintech, hospitality, healthcare and government services, the shift requires robust integration frameworks capable of handling large transaction volumes while remaining compliant with evolving UIDAI protocols.

“India is redefining digital identity by shifting from document-centric verification to a consent-first, privacy-by-design framework,” said Bjas Murthy, CEO, Prudent Technologies. “This evolution strengthens citizen trust while creating a more efficient and compliant foundation for enterprises. At national scale, the true differentiator lies in building secure, resilient integration infrastructure that can support high transaction volumes without compromising privacy or performance. Our focus has been to enable that backbone - ensuring the Aadhaar ecosystem operates seamlessly across sectors while aligning with India’s broader digital public infrastructure vision.”

Prudent Technologies played a key role as a technology partner, enabling seamless integration between the Aadhaar app and verification systems through secure, scalable, API-driven frameworks. Prudent’s work focused on supporting real-time and offline verification flows, ensuring enterprise-grade performance and reliability across diverse use cases.

Implications for Enterprises and Compliance

The move toward consent-based authentication has direct implications for customer onboarding, data protection, and regulatory compliance.

For enterprises, the new framework:

· Reduces document handling and manual verification costs.

· Minimizes cybersecurity exposure linked to storing Aadhaar copies.

· Accelerates onboarding cycles.

· Enhances customer trust through controlled data disclosure.

As regulatory expectations around data minimization and privacy tighten globally, India’s updated Aadhaar framework reinforces its position as a scalable digital public infrastructure model.

A Track Record in Large-Scale Digital Enablement

Prudent Technologies has supported several high-impact digital initiatives, including early WhatsApp Business Voice Calling deployments in India & International markets and India’s first Google Wallet-based metro ticketing implementation for Kochi Metro.

The company focuses on secure API ecosystems, authentication infrastructure, and large-scale digital platforms for enterprises and public institutions.

About Prudent Technologies

Prudent Technologies is a global technology partner specializing in secure digital platforms, Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) solutions, API integrations, and large-scale authentication systems. The company enables enterprises, telecom operators, and public sector institutions to build scalable, secure, and future-ready communication and digital infrastructure.

With expertise in high-availability integration frameworks and compliance-aligned authentication ecosystems, Prudent supports mission-critical deployments across industries, helping organizations accelerate digital transformation while strengthening trust, privacy, and operational resilience.

For more information, visit www.prutech.in

Annapurna Swadisht Limited Launches ‘OFFSIDE’, A New FMCG Brand Endorsed By Sourav Ganguly


Annapurna Swadisht Limited, an FMCG company with a significant presence across Eastern India, launched its new brand OFFSIDE at an event held in Kolkata. The brand is endorsed by former Indian cricket captain Mr. Sourav Ganguly, who has been associated with the company as Brand Ambassador since September 2025.

OFFSIDE marks the company’s strategic expansion into urban and semi-urban markets, complementing its established rural distribution strength. The new brand aims to cater to evolving consumer preferences in the snacks and convenience food segment. The launch event was also attended by the company’s senior leadership, distributors, and many others.

Established in 2015, Annapurna Swadisht Limited manufactures and markets more than 100 snack and food products, including western snacks, traditional namkeens, instant noodles, fryums, potato chips, bakery products, and confectioneries.

The company has a distribution presence spanning over 80,000 villages and 250 towns across West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and the North Eastern states

As per company disclosures, in FY25 Annapurna Swadisht Limited reported revenue of ₹407 crore, registering a year-on-year growth of 54 per cent. Operating profit stood at ₹47 crore with a margin of 12 per cent, while net profit was reported at ₹22 crore. Earnings per share increased to ₹9.86 during the same period.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Ritesh Shaw, Chairman and Founder of Annapurna Swadisht Limited, said, "The launch of OFFSIDE is a defining step in Annapurna Swadisht Limited’s journey from a strong regional player to a brand-driven FMCG company. With changing consumer aspirations, especially in urban and semi-urban India, OFFSIDE has been created to deliver contemporary products while staying true to our core philosophy of quality, affordability, and trust. Having Sourav Ganguly associated with the brand further strengthens our commitment to excellence and national relevance."

On this Occasion, Mr. Rohit Singhania, Chief Executive Officer of Annapurna Swadisht Limited, said, "OFFSIDE is central to our long-term growth strategy as we expand our footprint in urban markets and modern trade channels. The brand reflects our focus on innovation, convenience, and evolving taste preferences of today’s consumers. Backed by our robust distribution network and manufacturing capabilities, we are confident OFFSIDE will emerge as a strong national FMCG brand in the coming years.

The launch of OFFSIDE marks a milestone in the company’s expansion plans in the Indian FMCG sector.

About Annapurna Swadisht Limited:

Annapurna Swadisht Limited is an Indian FMCG company established in 2015, engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of affordable food and snack products across Eastern India. ‎

Bhago Mobility, Honda Motorcycle And Honda Power Pack Partner To Launch Intelligent Sustainable Mobility Transport Platform


· Bhago to Deploy Electric Two-Wheelers Pan India, starting with Delhi and Bengaluru

· Platform enables EV ownership for Urban Mobility workers

Bhago Mobility has announced the launch of a comprehensive electric mobility platform designed to enable India’s growing urban mobility. In partnership with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) and supported by Honda Power Pack Energy India’s (HEID) battery-swapping infrastructure, the company plans to deploy electric two-wheelers in Delhi and Bengaluru, with a Pan India rollout over the next three years.

The platform is designed for delivery partners, ride-hailing drivers, and last-mile logistics workers, offering bundled access to electric vehicles, battery swapping, compliance, and technology support through a single subscription-based model.

The platform offers on-demand access to electric two-wheelers through a flexible ownership and usage model. The platform is available to individuals who choose to own an EV, either for personal use or to make it available for others to operate.

The initiative is also aimed at creating employment opportunities for individuals with minimal formal education, requiring only a valid driving licence for them to benefit from the platform enabling them to earn more than 20% on their current earnings.

The initiative addresses key challenges faced by urban mobility workers, including high upfront vehicle costs that are deterrents for ownerships, charging downtime, maintenance, and regulatory complexity. By integrating vehicle access and energy infrastructure, the platform aims to improve worker uptime and earning potential.

HMSI will supply electric two-wheelers for the deployment, bringing its manufacturing and engineering expertise to vehicles intended for high-utilisation commercial use. HEID’s battery-swapping network will enable near-instant battery replacement, allowing workers to continue operations with minimal downtime.

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Mutsuo Usui, Director - Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “At Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, our approach to electric mobility is rooted in creating solutions that are sustainable, reliable, and truly impactful for everyday riders. Our partnership with Bhago Mobility reflects this commitment, bringing together Honda’s trusted quality and innovation with a strong, technology‑driven battery‑swapping ecosystem. Through the Activa e: integrated with HEID’s robust swapping network, we aim to deliver safe, efficient, and productivity‑enhancing mobility solutions that minimize downtime for India’s mobility workforce. We deeply value the synergy of this collaboration and remain fully committed to comprehensive and dependable after‑sales support, ensuring long‑term trust and customer satisfaction.”

“Urban mobility cannot be solved by a single company or a single product. It requires a combination of people, technologies, and capabilities working together to address real, on-ground challenges. That is why bringing together like-minded, strategically aligned partners is critical. Our collaboration with Honda, built on a strong relationship spanning over two decades starting from the two-wheeler ecosystem, allows us to deliver robust engineering and a reliable mobility solution. By combining our strengths with partners such as HEID, we are able to offer a practical, scalable platform, whether individuals want to operate the vehicle themselves for work or someone who wants to make it available for others. The potential of this integrated approach is immense, both in terms of impact and opportunity." said Mr.Aditya Goyal, Managing Director of Bhago Mobility.

Bhago's proprietary technology platform integrates background verification, operations management, roadside assistance, and daily performance analytics to provide workers with actionable insights on optimizing their earnings. Real-time guidance helps drivers understand demand patterns, choose optimal routes, and improve their service quality, directly translating to higher income potential.

The initial rollout will focus on on-boarding delivery partners from e-commerce and food delivery platforms, with plans to expand into ride-hailing and logistics services. Operations will begin in Delhi and Bengaluru, with additional cities to be added as the battery-swapping network expands.

Also, Bhago Mobility is also focused on increasing women’s participation in India’s transportation and logistics workforce. Through targeted outreach, specialised training programmes, and dedicated support systems, the platform aims to enable more women to enter non-traditional mobility roles. By creating safe, flexible, and sustainable income opportunities, the initiative seeks to empower women and their families while contributing to broader efforts to improve women’s labour force participation in urban India.

About Bhago Mobility

Bhago Mobility is a comprehensive electric vehicle platform designed to empower India's urban mobility economy workers with access to sustainable, affordable transportation. Through strategic partnerships with leading vehicle manufacturers and energy infrastructure providers, Bhago delivers an integrated solution encompassing vehicles, energy, compliance, and technology to ensure maximum uptime and earning potential for workers. The platform serves e-commerce companies, quick commerce platforms, ride-hailing services, and delivery aggregators while creating economic opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs across India.

About Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI)

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Japan, began operations in May 2001 and is today one of India’s leading two‑wheeler manufacturers. 70 million customers.

HMSI operates four manufacturing facilities in Manesar (Haryana), Tapukara (Rajasthan), Narsapura (Karnataka), and Vithalapur (Gujarat), producing a wide range of scooters and motorcycles built to global quality standards. Committed to the vision of “Safety for Everyone,” HMSI drives nationwide road safety awareness through Traffic Training Parks, Safety Driving Education Centres (SDECs), and the IDTR in Karnal, collectively educating over 12 million citizens.

As it continues to grow, HMSI remains focused on delivering high‑quality mobility solutions, strengthening its customer network, and creating value that extends beyond mobility for people and communities across India.

32 Years Across Market Cycles: HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Delivers ~18% CAGR


HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund, an open-ended dynamic asset allocation fund, has successfully completed 32 years since its launch in February 1994. With assets under management (AUM) of ₹1,06,820 crore, HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund reflects sustained investor confidence in its dynamic asset allocation approach. The Fund has delivered healthy returns over 3- year, 5-year, and 10-year return horizons as on January 31, 2026, across market phases.

A monthly SIP of ₹10,000 invested in the Fund since inception* would have grown to approximately

₹15.89 crore as of January 31, 2026, translating into an XIRR of 18.40 percent. This highlights the power of disciplined investing and the benefits of staying invested across market cycles.

*February 01, 1994

At a time when market volatility, global uncertainties, and valuation concerns continue to influence investor sentiment, balanced advantage funds are increasingly being viewed as a prudent long-term investment option. Since its launch, HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund has navigated diverse market environments, including periods of market corrections, financial crises, bubbles, and recoveries. Over this period, the Fund has delivered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 18 percent, reflecting its ability to balance growth and stability through dynamic asset allocation.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Navneet Munot, MD & CEO, HDFC AMC, said, “At HDFC AMC, we believe disciplined investing, time in the market and patience are the key pillars of long-term wealth creation. As HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund marks 32 years, this milestone is a tribute to the trust of millions of investors. This journey reflects our commitment to investors—anchored in robust processes, transparency, and a consistent focus on delivering enduring long-term value.”

Mr. Gopal Agrawal, Senior Fund Manager, HDFC AMC, said, “HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund reflects our continued focus on helping investors navigate market cycles through a flexible and disciplined investment approach. Over its multi-decade journey, the fund has aimed to maintain a careful balance between growth opportunities and risk management, with the objective of delivering better outcomes across different market conditions. We remain committed to adapting to changing markets while keeping investors’ long-term financial goals at the centre of every decision.”

HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund aims to deliver long-term wealth creation for Indian investors.

#For latest riskometer, investors may refer to the Monthly Portfolios disclosed on the website of the Fund viz. www.hdfcfund.com

#Scheme and Benchmark Riskomter as on 31st January 2026.

About HDFC AMC

HDFC Asset Management Company Limited (HDFC AMC) is an Investment Manager to HDFC Mutual Fund, one of the largest mutual funds in the country. It was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956, on 10th December 1999 and was approved to act as an Asset Management Company for HDFC Mutual Fund by SEBI on 3rd July 2000. It has other SEBI licenses viz. PMS / AIF. HDFC AMC manages a diversified asset class mix across Equity and Fixed Income/Others. It also has a countrywide network of branches along with a diversified distribution network comprising Banks, Independent Financial Advisors and National Distributors.

Bhopal University And Johns Hopkins University Launch Health-Hack 2026


An Innovative Healthcare Technology Event Kicks Off on February 11-12,

VIT Bhopal University, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University (JHU), USA, proudly inaugurated Health-Hack 2026 on February 11, 2026. The prestigious two-day event, aimed at advancing healthcare innovation, brought together thought leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore ground-breaking solutions for the future of healthcare technology.

The event was inaugurated under the esteemed leadership of VIT Bhopal University’s Honourable Chancellor, Dr. G. Viswanathan, and supported by Vice President Mr. Sankar Viswanathan, Assistant Vice President Ms. Kadhambari S. Viswanathan, and Trustee Ms. Ramani Balasundaram. The opening ceremony, which featured the traditional Lighting of the Lamp and Prayer Ceremony, symbolized a strong commitment to innovation in the healthcare sector.

Dr. T. B. Sridharan, Pro Vice Chancellor of VIT Bhopal University, delivered a Welcome Address, emphasizing the importance of technology-driven solutions in transforming global healthcare. Dr. Siddhartha Maiti, Convenor of Health-Hack 2026, highlighted the event's role in bridging academia and industry to foster meaningful healthcare advancements.

Inspiring Keynote Addresses

The event featured insightful keynote speeches by industry leaders, including Dr. Youseph Yazdi, Executive Director at the Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design (CBID), Whiting School of Engineering, JHU, and Dr. Hedy Alvai, Associate Dean of Global Partnerships at JHU. These leaders discussed the role of innovation in making healthcare more accessible and efficient globally.

Special Guests

The Guest of Honor, Dr. Veerendra Kumar, Director of Technical Education, Madhya Pradesh, underscored the importance of healthcare innovation in shaping the future, while Chief Guest Dr. Arun Balakrishnan, Advisor to CEO, Chief Innovation Officer at OmniActives Health Technologies, stressed the need for deeper collaboration between industry and academia.

Event Highlights

Keynote Sessions: Leading experts from Johns Hopkins University shared valuable insights on the latest innovations in accessible healthcare technology.

Technical Sessions: Researchers presented transformative solutions aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility, telemedicine, and mental health care.

Workshops and Competitions: The event showcased novel solutions from young innovators, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning.

The first phase of evaluation in January 2026 saw 579 teams (2635 participants) from premier institutions across India, including IITs, NITs, IIITs, and government medical colleges, as well as international participants. From this, 231 teams (1160 participants) qualified for the main event and presented groundbreaking healthcare innovations in both the days.

The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Rajdeep Singh Payal, expressing gratitude to the management, organizing team, esteemed speakers, and participants. With an electrifying start, Health-Hack 2026 continued with engaging sessions and competitions, reinforcing VIT Bhopal University’s mission to drive research, innovation, and industry collaboration in healthcare technology.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Tata Motors Indonesia Secures Its Biggest Order For 70,000 Yodha And Ultra T.7 Vehicles For Deployment In Indonesia

PT Tata Motors Distribusi Indonesia, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Tata Motors Limited (Tata Motors Limited and PT Tata Motors Distribusi Indonesia together referred as ‘Tata Motors’), has informed that it has entered into an agreement for the supply of 70,000 vehicles for deployment in Indonesia. The vehicles will be used to support agricultural activities and rural logistics, including farm‑to‑market transportation and regional goods movement across the country.

Tata Motors will support with supply of 35,000 units each of the Yodha (pick-up) and the Ultra T.7 (truck), to its subsidiary PT Tata Motors Distribusi Indonesia. The vehicles will be delivered to PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara, an Indonesian state‑owned enterprise, focused on modernising agricultural supply chains, empowering rural cooperatives and advancing national food security initiatives. Through the Koperasi Desa and Kelurahan Merah Putih Project, major strategic projects of Indonesia, the vehicles will also support Indonesia’s broader nation‑building efforts by strengthening rural connectivity, livelihoods and economic resilience.

Engineered for operating in diverse and demanding conditions, Tata Motors’ trucks and pick-ups will lower logistics costs and enable efficient movement of goods across Indonesia. The fleet will be rolled out through agricultural cooperatives under a structured, phased delivery programme to ensure seamless integration and sustained operational impact across Indonesia.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Asif Shamim, Director, PT Tata Motors Distribusi Indonesia said, “This order reflects the continued acceptance of Indian commercial vehicles in international markets and the confidence of customers in their ability to operate reliably across diverse conditions. The Tata Yodha and the Ultra T.7 are designed for sustained performance, high uptime and efficient operating economics. Their deployment will support agricultural logistics in Indonesia by improving connectivity, enabling more efficient movement of goods across rural and regional networks. We remain committed to expanding the global footprint of Indian mobility solutions through vehicles and offerings that combine scale, reliability and sustained value creation for our customers.”

Tata Yodha: A rugged, last‑mile mobility platform, built to operate where terrain, load and reliability are non-negotiable—enabling productivity at the grassroots by seamlessly connecting farms, villages and rural enterprises to markets.

Tata Ultra T.7: A refined, high‑efficiency truck designed for modern logistics, combining durability, superior uptime and driving comfort to support dependable cargo movement across both urban and rural networks.

Tata Motors offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive commercial vehicle portfolios across over 40 countries, spanning sub‑1‑tonne to 60‑tonne cargo vehicles and 9‑seater to 71‑seater mass mobility solutions. Supported by advanced R&D, deep manufacturing expertise and rigorous validation standards, Tata Motors continues to reinforce India’s position as a trusted global source for purpose-built mobility solutions.

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 NSE Ltd.

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