ICICI Prudential Life Insurance And SK Finance Announce Strategic Partnership To Offer Credit Life Solutions

· Over 9.3 lakh customers of SK Finance will have easy access to credit life solutions to provide financial security to their families

· Strong rural and semi-urban presence of SK Finance will further bolster the distribution network of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance

SK Finance Limited, one of India’s leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), today announced a strategic partnership with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited. This collaboration will offer group credit protection insurance solutions to customers of SK Finance, enabling them with the necessary financial protection.

SK Finance with its strong presence across rural and semi-urban geographies, will offer customer centric credit life insurance solutions to over 9.3 lakh customers and enable them to provide financial security to their families.

This alliance will encourage responsible borrowing and provide better financial protection, especially in underserved communities by offering simple and seamless loan insurance. Credit life products equip customers to better manage risk and ensure the family’s financial plan is not disrupted.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Upendra Prabhu, Chief of Distribution - Credit Life & Protection, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited said, “We are happy to partner with SK Finance, a leading NBFC in the country. Distribution is key to enhancing penetration and achieving the ‘Insurance for All’ objective. This collaboration aligns with our Company’s focus on improving accessibility to life insurance while supporting customers’ long-term financial protection needs.

Both organisations have been built on the ethos of customer centricity and aim to deliver greater value to customers. Importantly, a credit life product ensures that, in case of an eventuality, customers leave behind an asset for their families and not a liability in the form of an outstanding loan.”

On the strategic partnership, Mr. Yash Setia, Whole Time Director, SK Finance Limited, commented, “Our mission extends beyond providing credit. We aim to make our customers financially resilient and protect their families from financial disruption as well as loan liabilities. A significant milestone in that direction, this partnership with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance aligns with our broader vision under our insurance vertical, SK Bima, to deliver integrated credit and risk protection solutions for Naya Bharat.”

The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to simplify life insurance and promote long-term financial wellbeing for its customers.

About SK Finance Limited (www.skfin.in)

SK Finance Limited is a 31-year-trusted NBFC, with a diversified portfolio of asset-backed and secured lending products, including Commercial Vehicle Loan, Car Loan, Tractor Loan and Secured Business Loan, among others. Maintaining a strong presence across rural and semi-urban geographies, the NBFC is serving over 9.3 lakh customers through 700+ branches across 12 states and 2 union territories.

About ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited (www.iciciprulife.com)

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited is promoted by ICICI Bank Limited and Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited. The Company began its operations in fiscal year 2001 and has consistently been amongst the top private sector life insurance companies in India on Retail Weighted Received Premium (RWRP) basis. The Company offers an array of products in the Protection and Savings category which match the different life stage requirements of customers, enabling them to provide a financial safety net to their families as well as achieve their long-term financial goals. The digital platform of the Company provides a paperless buying experience to customers, empowers them to conduct an assortment of self-service transactions, provides a convenient route to make digital payments and facilitates a hassle-free claims settlement process.

The Company has introduced ICICI Pru Stack, a first-of-its kind suite of platform capabilities that combines digital tools and analytics. This innovative suite aims to enhance the understanding of customers' requirements and enable distributors to offer suitable insurance products, deliver seamless experiences, and provide exceptional pre- and post-sale services. By deploying this comprehensive solution, the Company aspires to transform into the most customer-friendly and partnerable insurance provider in the country.

At December 31, 2025, the Company had an AUM of Rs. 3.31 lakh crore and a total in-force sum assured of Rs. 43.44 lakh crore. ICICI Prudential Life is also the first insurance company in India to be listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Limited.

Samsung Innovation Campus Launched At Christ University With ₹1 Crore Investment, Boosting Bengaluru’s AI Talent Pipeline

In a significant boost to industry–academia collaboration in the city, the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) was inaugurated at Christ University, Kengeri Campus, on Wednesday. Supported by a ₹1 crore investment from Samsung R&D Institute India Bangalore Private Limited, the initiative aims to strengthen advanced technology education in Bengaluru. The program, a global CSR initiative of Samsung operating in over 40 countries, equips students with future-ready skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Coding & Programming.

What makes the Bengaluru chapter distinctive is the launch of a state-of-the-art AI simulation laboratory, equipped with high-end computing systems and specialised IoT kits. The facility enables students to undertake advanced simulations, real-time data modelling, and applied AI research through hands-on learning. At present, 80 students from the Department of AI and Data Science Engineering are undergoing structured training delivered by Samsung engineers and industry experts, blending academic theory with corporate-level practical exposure.

The programme also offers students the opportunity to work on live R&D projects, address real-world industry challenges, and complete mandatory capstone projects. In addition, participants may contribute to joint research publications, patent development, and internships within Samsung’s global R&D network. Aligned with the Government of India’s Skill India and Digital India missions, the initiative further reinforces Bengaluru’s standing as India’s leading innovation hub

ICAI Bengaluru Branch SIRC Announces New Office Bearers For The Year 2026 - 2027

The Bengaluru Branch of the Southern India Regional Council (SIRC) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced its newly elected Office Bearers and Managing Committee Members for the year, ushering in a dynamic leadership team committed to professional excellence and inclusive growth. The newly constituted team includes

CA Kavitha Paramesh as Chairperson;

CA Tuppad Virupakshappa Muppanna as Vice-Chairman;

CA Narayan Shripad Hulgol as Secretary;

CA Nischal Reniguntla Badarinath as Treasurer;

CA Garg Vinod as SICASA Chairman;

CA Shree Raksha K N as SICASA Co-opted Member;

CA Hallur Manjunath Mahanthappa as Immediate Past Chairman; and

CA Chandra Prakash Jain T G T and CA Raghavendra Hegde as Managing Committee Members.

The newly appointed office bearers bring with them rich professional experience, proven leadership capabilities, and a shared vision to strengthen member services, enhance student support initiatives, expand professional development programs, and intensify outreach activities.

The Bengaluru Branch, being one of the largest and most vibrant branches in the country, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the Chartered Accountancy profession through quality programs and capacity-building initiatives.

*Chairperson CA Kavitha Paramesh* has outlined a progressive roadmap focused on inspiring budding commerce students to pursue Chartered Accountancy as a career by enhancing student engagement initiatives, expanding academic support systems, and promoting greater awareness about the CA profession.

She has also emphasized empowering women Chartered Accountants and fostering inclusive leadership within the fraternity. As part of her forward-looking agenda, she has proposed leading a professional delegation to the United Kingdom and Dubai to study global best practices in Chartered Accountancy — including professional culture, regulatory frameworks, technological integration, and work methodologies — with the objective of strengthening the branch’s innovation capacity and global outlook.

Members of the branch have extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the newly elected team for a successful and impactful tenure ahead.

Tata Motors Signs MoU With V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority To Deploy 40 Green Hydrogen-Powered Heavy-Duty Trucks

Marking a pivotal step in the country’s journey toward net‑zero emissions, Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, to deploy 40 Green Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine-powered (H2 ICE) prime movers at the port. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon'ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

As part of the MoU, Tata Motors will commence trials with a hydrogen-powered prime mover, followed by the phased deployment of H2 ICE-powered prime movers over the next two years. The project will be funded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which underscores the Government of India's commitment to accelerating green energy adoption and building a sustainable, future-ready maritime ecosystem.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Mr. Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOCPA, said, “Our partnership with Tata Motors marks a transformative step in VOC Port’s push to achieve net-zero emissions. The deployment of green hydrogen-powered trucks will significantly decarbonise our cargo handling operations while setting a benchmark for sustainable port-led logistics in India. To support the phased induction of these Green Hydrogen trucks, the port is also progressing plans to establish a 2 MW electrolyzer and a dedicated hydrogen refueling station. This project along with various other initiatives related to green fuels reinforces our commitment towards building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem and positioning VOC Port as a leader in sustainable maritime infrastructure.”

Speaking on the MoU announcement, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd, said, “Our collaboration with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Association marks an important milestone in bringing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucking into real-world port operations. Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the port authorities to assess pathways for hydrogen trucks in cargo handling applications. This pilot will help demonstrate the potential of assessing the TCO parity and with Green Hydrogen in supporting the transition of India’s ports towards cleaner and more sustainable logistics solutions.”

The fleet for the project includes the Tata Motors Prima 55-tonne prime mover, engineered for sustainable, cost-efficient and high-performance transportation. Featuring the premium Prima cabin and advanced driver-assist safety features, they enhance driver comfort, reduce fatigue and improve productivity while setting new benchmarks for safety.

Tata Motors is at the forefront of developing innovative mobility solutions powered by alternative fuel technologies such as battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell. It offers a robust portfolio of alternate-fuel powered commercial vehicles across various segments, including small commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and vans. In 2025, Tata Motors commenced hydrogen-powered truck trials across key freight corridors in India. The company had also won a tender of 15 hydrogen FCEV buses, which are successfully deployed on Indian roads.

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.

Raptee.HV, A First HV-Tec Motorcycle Company, Commences Large-Scale Customer Deliveries With A Strong Focus On Experience

Priced at ₹2.39 lakh (ex-showroom), the T30 comes with an industry-first 8-year battery warranty and 3-year vehicle warranty, supported by a dedicated service SPOC and Roadside Assistance for a seamless ownership experience

Raptee.HV, the Chennai-based electric motorcycle startup pioneering the use of electric car high-voltage technology (HV-Tec) in two-wheelers, has officially commenced large-scale customer deliveries of its motorcycle, T30. This milestone marks the culmination of over 7 years of customer-focused R&D, as the company transitions from engineering and validation to full-scale customer deployment.

Commenting on the milestone, Dinesh Arjun , CEO & Co-Founder said: “With the commencement of large-scale customer deliveries, we’re excited to be sharing our product to a larger audience, a product that’s been 7 years in the making. This moment is built on the trust of our earliest customers, those who believed in our vision, our technology, and our team before anyone else. We carry deep gratitude for that faith, and our commitment is to honour it not just with a motorcycle, but with a seamless ownership journey from day one. We are not only delivery-ready; we are service-ready. Every T30 customer is supported by a structured service ecosystem, a trusted Roadside Assistance partner, and a dedicated single point of contact for service, ensuring confidence and convenience at every step. For us, this milestone is more than handing over motorcycles. It is about setting a new benchmark in customer experience, where every ride begins with trust and continues with care.”

Chennai becomes Raptee.HV’s first operational market, with deliveries and customer support infrastructure now active in the city. As part of its phased expansion strategy, the company will enter Bengaluru from April 2026 with a dedicated showroom and authorised service centre, marking its second key market. By the end of the year, Raptee.HV aims to establish its footprint across all major South Indian state capitals and will also begin its foray into Western India.

The T30 reflects how Raptee.HV is bringing industry-first technology to the performance electric segment. Engineered for consistent top performance, instant torque , the motorcycle supports one of the fastest home-charging solutions in its category and is compatible with India’s widely available public charging network delivering car-grade charging convenience to riders. Positioned at price parity with comparable ICE motorcycles, another industry-first in the segment, the T30 is further backed by an 8-year standard battery warranty and an all-inclusive ex-showroom pricing structure designed to provide long-term ownership confidence.

Reflecting its engineering-led approach, Raptee.HV has received recognition from the Asia Book of Records for achieving the highest average distance covered by a production electric motorcycle, as well as the longest distance covered by a production electric motorcycle in India. These validations underscore the real-world capability and endurance of the T30 platform.

Industry Must Power India’s March To Viksit Bharat: His Highness Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar

* Mysore Royal Scion Unveils BCIC 50th Year Logo

“As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee of BCIC, we must recognise that the strong 50-year foundation that has been built is not merely a milestone of the past, but the launchpad for the next 50 years of India’s growth journey. In the halfway mark of that journey, we will witness our Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat becoming a reality. This transformation, however, will not happen automatically it requires the active participation, insight and leadership of our industry,” said His Highness Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, while unveiling the Golden Jubilee Year logo of the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) in Bengaluru.

He stressed that as the world advances rapidly, India cannot remain content with the label of a ‘developing nation.’ To build Viksit Bharat, the country must match global standards and lead wherever possible, staying competitive and innovative while navigating the realities of an emerging economy. Green technology, he noted, is central to this journey, with India needing to be at the forefront of sustainable, future-ready growth. Achieving this vision will require bold thinking, long-term commitment and strong government-industry alignment, with industry’s role being indispensable to translating ambition into tangible national outcomes.

Sri Yaduveer traced BCIC’s roots to its inspirational predecessor established in the erstwhile State of Mysore under the leadership of Maharaja Nalwadi Krishna Raja Wadiyar and guided by Diwan Sir M. Visvesvaraya, with the support of Yuvraja Kantirava Narasimharaja Wadiyar. He noted that this early institution laid the foundation for structured industry-government collaboration in Karnataka. Drawing a parallel, he said BCIC continues that legacy by serving as a vital platform supporting policymakers and strengthening industry engagement.

The logo was unveiled at a special ceremony held at the Grand Ballroom, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel, Rajajinagar, in the presence of industry leaders, senior officials, past presidents, members and invited guests. The event formally marked the beginning of BCIC’s 50th year celebrations.

Founded in 1976, BCIC has grown into one of Karnataka’s leading industry bodies. Over five decades, the Chamber has served as a platform for policy advocacy, industry representation and dialogue between business and government. The Golden Jubilee year celebrates this journey and the collective contribution of its members and leadership.

Prashant Gokhale, President of BCIC, reflected on the Chamber’s evolution and its continued relevance in a changing economic environment. He noted that BCIC has consistently adapted to new developments while remaining committed to supporting industry and contributing to the state’s growth.

CA. K. Ravi, Senior Vice President and Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Committee, outlined the roadmap for the commemorative year. “Reaching fifty years is a proud and significant milestone for BCIC. This journey has been shaped by the vision of our founders, the leadership of those who guided the Chamber over the decades and the strong support of our members. The Golden Jubilee year will honour this legacy while also focusing on the future, strengthening engagement, encouraging innovation and deepening our contribution to Karnataka’s development,” he said.

During its Golden Jubilee year, BCIC has unveiled a transformative agenda focused on innovation and global collaboration. Key initiatives include a Smart Manufacturing Summit with the Osaka Government, an India-Japan MSME portal supported by SMRJ and a Centre of Excellence in Smart Manufacturing with Karnataka and Japanese partners. The year will also feature a major industry conference in Mysore, multiple sectoral events, deeper startup engagement and expanded global outreach to markets like Singapore, Dubai and Australia positioning the Jubilee as a launchpad for BCIC’s next phase of growth.

Photo Caption: His Highness Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar unveils the BCIC 50th Year logo, in the presence of Mr. Prashant Gokhale, President, BCIC and Managing Director, Buhler (India) Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. K. Ravi, Senior Vice President, BCIC and Director, VR e-Biz Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; and Dr. Prashanth Reddy, Vice President, BCIC and Managing Director, FunderMax India Pvt. Ltd.

The New Indian Plate: Why Protein Day Hits Closer To Home

For years, most Indians never planned meals around protein. Food was cooked based on habit, taste, budget, and what was available at home. Dal was dal. Milk was milk. Eggs were just eggs. No one counted grams or checked labels. Protein was not part of daily conversation, and it did not need to be. That began to change slowly. As lifestyles shifted, work hours got longer, and health conversations moved from doctors to social media, protein started entering everyday language. What was once taken for granted became something people actively talked about. From fitness conversations to family WhatsApp groups, protein moved from being invisible on the plate to becoming a buzzword, as more people began questioning whether their daily diets were getting enough of it.

One of the lesser-known realities of Indian diets is that protein is not necessarily missing, but unevenly distributed across the day. Many everyday meals provide energy and fullness but fall short on protein unless supported by the right additions. The gap often comes from eating patterns rather than lack of access, making small, familiar adjustments far more effective than drastic dietary changes.

Dr. Manika Singh, Nutritional Consultant at Godrej Industries Group Commented “Protein awareness in India has improved significantly over the past few years, but the opportunity now lies in translating awareness into everyday practice. Many people assume their regular meals provide enough protein, when in reality the distribution across the day often falls short. The focus should be on including a reliable protein source consistently through meals, especially at breakfast, lunch and dinner using familiar and accessible foods. These small, sustainable adjustments can play an important role in supporting strength, recovery, and overall health over time, without requiring drastic changes to traditional eating habits.

Mr. Shantanu Raj, Head of Marketing, Godrej Jersey Commented “On World Protein Day, we are reminded that protein is no longer the concern of only gym goers; it is a daily need for every Indian household, especially mothers planning family meals. At a time when surveys show that a majority of Indians still fall short on quality protein and remain unaware of their actual daily requirement, closing this “protein awareness and access gap has become a family nutrition priority. As a dairy brand, our responsibility is to help families move from everyday dairy to everyday protein in forms they already love.

Through value-added products like our Badam Milk in an affordable twenty-rupee pack, we are bringing familiar, tasty nutrition within reach of more children and young adults on the go, at a time when India is actively looking for convenient, on-the-move protein options. Equally, our new paneer pack at Rs 99 offers around thirty grams of protein in a convenient format that fits seamlessly into regular home cooking, without asking families to change their habits or compromise on softness and taste; paneer is already one of the most preferred vegetarian protein sources in Indian cuisine. With 76% of households preferring paneer according to Godrej Jersey India Lactograph Findings FY25-26 study, this becomes a powerful lever to improve protein intake at scale. By combining accessibility, trusted quality and meaningful protein delivery across milk drinks, curd and paneer, Godrej Jersey aims to make meeting daily protein needs simpler for every Indian family, not just serious fitness enthusiasts.”

Meals that are filling but often low in protein on their own include:

Breakfast staples like poha, upma, idli, toast, or plain paratha

Roti-sabzi combinations without curd, dal, paneer, or other protein additions

Rice-heavy meals where dal or protein portions are minimal

Bread-based snacks such as sandwiches made without protein fillings

· Common evening snacks like Namkeen

This is why protein balance often depends less on changing the meal itself, and more on what accompanies it whether that is a chicken, a portion of paneer, eggs, pulses, or convenient ready protein options that fit into everyday routines.

Lesser-Known Protein Reality: It’s Not Just What You Eat, But When You Eat It

Most people focus on protein sources, but timing and distribution play an equally important role.

What many people don’t realise:

The body uses protein better when intake is spread across meals, not concentrated in one meal

Breakfast is typically the weakest protein meal in Indian diets

Protein consumed earlier in the day supports sustained energy and reduces hunger later

Late evening protein intake supports overnight repair and recovery

Small additions across the day are more effective than one large protein-heavy meal

This means protein is not just about adding new foods, but about strengthening existing meals.

The basic protein numbers people now recognise

Roughly 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight for most adults

For those who work out regularly, around body weight multiplied by 2

This is why protein balance often depends less on changing the meal itself, and more on what accompanies it whether that is a chicken, a portion of paneer, eggs, pulses, or convenient ready protein options that fit into everyday routines.

While many foods contain small amounts of protein, only a few qualify as true protein sources foods where protein forms a significant part of their nutritional value. These foods play a central role in helping meet daily needs and are far more efficient than relying on staples where protein is only present in minor quantities. Including even one or two of these in daily meals can make a meaningful difference.

Practical Protein Sources

· 100 g cooked chicken → ~25–27g protein

· 2 whole eggs → ~12g protein

· 100 g paneer → ~18g protein

· 1 bowl Greek yogurt / hung curd (200 g) → ~15–18g protein

· Prawns (100 g) - 23–24 grams protein

· 100 g tofu → ~10–15g protein

· 1 bowl cooked dal (200 g) → ~12–14g protein

· 50 g soy chunks (dry weight) → ~25g protein

· 1 glass milk (250 ml) → ~8g protein

Unconventional Protein Source

· Edamame (soyabean phali ) - 11 grams protein per 100 grams

· Amarantha ( Rajgira) (100g) - ~13–14 grams protein

· Green Peas (100g) - 5 g protein

· Sardines (100g) - 24–25 grams protein

· Chicken Nuggets (100g) – 16 Gram Protein (The ones Preserved using IQF Tech like Godrej Yummiez)

These foods stand apart because protein is not incidental to them, but it is a primary component. Building meals around such sources, rather than relying only on carb-heavy staples, is what helps create more balanced and effective daily protein intake.

This shift in thinking changed how protein was approached. Instead of being tied to one food or habit, it started being seen as something that can be spread through the day, leaving room for easier and more convenient ways of meeting daily needs.

As daily routines get busier, convenience has started playing a bigger role in how people think about protein. Long work hours, shorter cooking windows, and changing eating patterns have pushed people to look for options that fit into real life rather than ideal routines. This has led to a wider mix of protein choices entering everyday consumption, from dairy based products and ready to cook foods to newer packaged formats that focus on ease. Across categories, brands like The Whole Truth, The Health Factory, and Godrej Jersey reflect this shift in different ways, each catering to specific moments through the day. Together, they point to how the protein conversation in India is evolving, not around perfection or strict rules, but around access, familiarity, and making protein easier to include without overthinking meals. As World Protein Day approaches, the focus is less on chasing numbers and more on how protein fits naturally into everyday routines.