Genrobotics Clinches ₹17 Crore Landmark Deal To Automate Ahmedabad’s Sewer Networks

* Transforming Urban Sanitation: To Deploy Advanced Bandicoot Mobility+ Robotics Across 7 Zones

Genrobotics, the pioneering Indian deep-tech leader, transforming sanitation through advanced technology, has secured a ₹17 crore tender from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for the deployment of its advanced Bandicoot Mobility+ robotic sewer cleaning systems. As per the tender, 7 robotic units will be deployed across 7 zones in Ahmedabad, along with a 5-year operations and maintenance (O&M) contract.

A key innovation of the system is its detachable robotic unit, which can be deployed independently from the vehicle. This enables access to narrow urban spaces and gullies as small as 80 cm wide, where conventional sewer cleaning machines are unable to operate. This capability is particularly critical in dense urban environments like Ahmedabad, where accessibility constraints have historically led to manual interventions there by casualties. This initiative streamlines sewer maintenance operations, establishing a new benchmark for safety and efficiency in AMC urban infrastructure.

The Bandicoot Mobility+ is an advanced, vehicle-mounted robotic sewer cleaning system that integrates powerful robotic cleaning capabilities with an onboard waste management system. This will enables a complete mechanized workflow from sludge and debris extraction inside manholes to transferring waste into an integrated collection unit and helps in transporting it to treatment facilities eliminating all need for human contact with hazardous waste at any stage of the process.

Speaking on the development, Arun George, Co-founder, Genrobotics, said: "Securing the AMC tender validates our 'Made in India' approach to complex engineering. With this partnership, Ahmedabad is setting a new benchmark for smart city infrastructure. Our goal is simple: zero human entry into sewers. By deploying advanced robotics—complete with gas sensors and waterproof robotic arms—we are turning a traditionally hazardous task into a safe, tech-driven operation. We’re proud to see Indian cities scaling with indigenous technology that is now being exported to the world."

Genrobotics has already demonstrated the effectiveness of its robotic systems across multiple cities in Gujarat including recent deployment in Rajkot and Maharashtra and other 23 states, supporting municipal bodies in managing complex sewer networks and enabling safe cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.

With this latest tender, Genrobotics continues to expand its footprint both in India and globally, reinforcing its mission to eliminate manual scavenging through cutting-edge robotic innovation while building scalable, technology-driven solutions for critical infrastructure challenges.

Genrobotics’ Bandicoot robots are currently deployed across 23 states and union territories in India, supporting over 180 urban local bodies in transitioning from hazardous manual sewer cleaning practices to safe, mechanized, and technology-driven sanitation management.

By ensuring zero human entry and zero direct contact with waste, the system aligns with the provisions of the Manual Scavenging Prohibition (MS) Act, supporting the elimination of manual scavenging in urban sanitation operations and increasing safety and efficiency.

About Genrobotics Innovations

Genrobotics Innovations is a deep-tech robotics company focused on healthcare robotics, mechanised sanitation systems, and high-risk robotic platforms, with a growing international presence. It was founded by We believe our Founders could add meaningful insights to discussions around innovation-led growth, scalable manufacturing, and building globally competitive technology ventures from India. Genrobotics Innovations was founded Vimal Govind MK, Arun George, Rashid K, and Nikhil NP. The team was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2023, focuses on creating AI-powered robotic solutions for social impact, such as ending manual scavenging and developing healthcare rehabilitation robots like G-Gaiter.

Goldmedal Introduces Mayra Ceiling Fan With Premium Design And Powerful Airflow

Goldmedal Electricals, one of India’s leading Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) companies, has unveiled the Mayra Ceiling Fan, a stylish new addition for modern homes. With its decorative design and dependable functionality, the fan is designed to enhance everyday comfort while complementing contemporary interiors.

The Mayra Ceiling Fan stands out with its refined design, highlighted by elegant metallized trims and rings that add a premium touch to any space. Built with an energy-efficient motor, the fan delivers consistent airflow while maintaining efficient power usage. Its quiet operation ensures a peaceful environment, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and workspaces alike.

Built for lasting performance and style, the fan features specially coated blades that extend durability and reduce maintenance efforts. With a powerful motor supported by double ball bearings, Mayra provides consistent air circulation and smooth operation even during extended use.

Key features of the Mayra Ceiling Fan include:

· High-speed performance of up to 350 RPM for powerful airflow

· Energy-efficient operation with 52W power consumption

· Elegant decorative design enhanced with metallized trims and rings

· Robust motor with double ball bearings for smooth and noiseless operation

· Wider blades engineered for superior air delivery

· Durable blade coating for enhanced longevity and easy maintenance

· Available in stylish colours including White, Smoke Brown, Granite Grey, and Ivory

· 1200 mm sweep with BEE 1-star rating

· 2-year product warranty with customer care support for service and installation

Speaking on the launch, Bishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals said, “With Mayra, our focus was to deliver a fan that brings together sophisticated design and strong performance for today’s homes. Our aim is to bring products to the market that enhance everyday experiences while maintaining high standards of quality.”

The Mayra Ceiling Fan comes in stylish colour options such as White, Smoke Brown, Granite Grey, and Ivory, making it a versatile choice for modern homes. Its decorative motor design with metallized accents enhances the overall aesthetic of living spaces. Priced at Rs.4500, the Mayra Ceiling Fan is available across leading online platforms and retail outlets nationwide.

Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) Announces Strategic Partnership With SAP To Accelerate AI-Powered Manufacturing & Supply Chains

Hon Hai Technology Group (“Foxconn”) (TWSE:2317) plans to accelerate the adoption of next generation enterprise AI across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in strategic partnership with SAP SE, a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI. The partnership, announced at NVIDIA GTC 2026 in San Jose, builds on Foxconn’s ongoing AI Factory initiative, aimed at reshaping the future of manufacturing processes and supply chain management and opening new pathways for global deployment. With this partnership, Foxconn and SAP will bring together their respective technologies to help accelerate go-to-market initiatives across the APAC region and advance the deployment of AI technologies that support Foxconn’s journey toward becoming a fully digitized and AI-empowered organization. The companies will also explore new coinnovation use cases for Physical AI, SAP Supply Chain Management, and Foxconn Smart Manufacturing.

“Our strategic partnership with SAP is an important step toward realizing the vision of intelligent and AI-powered manufacturing,” said Young Liu, Chairman of Foxconn. “By bringing together Foxconn’s AI computing capabilities with SAP’s expertise in enterprise applications, we are addressing one of the most complex challenges facing global industries today.”

"AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and our partnership with Foxconn represents a powerful opportunity to accelerate enterprise AI adoption across the Asia-Pacific region," said Christian Klein, CEO of SAP SE. “Together, we are helping organizations harness technology that helps them move faster, operate more efficiently, and scale with confidence as they transform in the AI era."

Looking ahead, Foxconn aims to work with SAP to help redefine how industries harness enterprise AI. By bringing together enterprise intelligence, AI infrastructure, and new pathways for real-world industrial deployment, the collaboration aims to establish a new blueprint for AI-powered manufacturing.

About Foxconn

Established in 1974 in Taiwan, Hon Hai Technology Group (“Foxconn”) (TWSE:2317) is the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and leading technological solutions provider, ranking 28th among the Fortune Global 500. In 2025, revenue, unaudited and consolidated, totaled TWD8.099 trillion (approx. USD260 billion). The Group’s market share in electronics manufacturing services (EMS) exceeds 40% and covers four major product segments: smart consumer electronics; cloud and networking; computing; and components and other. The Group operates over 230 campuses across 24 countries and is one of the world’s largest employers with approx. 900,000 employees during peak manufacturing season. The Group has expanded its capabilities into the development of electric vehicles, digital health, and robotics, and three key technologies – artificial intelligence, semiconductors and next-generation communications technology. Pulling it together with its three intelligent platforms – Smart Manufacturing, Smart EV, Smart City – the “3+3+3” strategy is key to driving the Group’s long-term growth. Foxconn is dedicated to championing environmental sustainability in the manufacturing process and serving as a best-practice model for global enterprises. To learn more, visit www.honhai.com

SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. 
Watch https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

PNB Housing Finance And IMGC Join Hands To Expand Access To Affordable Home Loans Through Mortgage Guarantee

* Aims to strengthen responsible lending in India’s housing finance ecosystem

PNB Housing Finance Ltd, one of India’s largest housing finance companies, announced a strategic partnership with India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC), India’s first mortgage guarantee company, to provide responsible access to home loans for the affordable housing segment. The association will enable PNB Housing to offer its affordable home loans through IMGC’s mortgage guarantee-backed solutions, enabling aspiring home owners, particularly first-time borrowers, to fulfil their home buying dreams in India.

As part of this collaboration, IMGC will offer Mortgage Guarantee (MG) solutions supported by a First Loss Default Guarantee (FLDG) structure to home loan borrowers of PNB Housing Finance. This framework enables lenders to enhance borrower eligibility while maintaining prudent risk management and portfolio resilience. The structure provides an additional layer of credit protection, allowing lenders to responsibly expand home loan access while maintaining strong portfolio quality.

Mr. Ajai Shukla, MD & CEO, PNB Housing Finance said, “At PNB Housing Finance, our vision is to make homeownership more accessible, inclusive and sustainable for home buyers across India. Our partnership with IMGC marks a significant step in strengthening this commitment, particularly to deserving borrowers who may not otherwise qualify for traditional financing options. By combining our underwriting expertise and distribution footprint with IMGC’s robust guarantee frameworks, we can confidently expand our affordable housing portfolio, and contribute strongly to nation building.”

Mr. Mahesh Misra, MD & CEO, IMGC, said, “India’s housing finance market continues to present a significant opportunity, particularly as mortgage penetration remains relatively low compared with global benchmarks. At IMGC, we have facilitated mortgage guarantees on home loans exceeding ₹44,000 crores, supporting over 1,70,000 households across more than 400 locations in India. Our partnership with PNB Housing Finance represents an important step in expanding the role of mortgage guarantees as a risk-sharing framework that enables lenders to responsibly extend housing finance while maintaining strong credit discipline.”

About PNB Housing Finance Ltd (PNBHFL)

PNB Housing Finance Limited (PNB Housing) is a registered housing finance company with National Housing Bank (NHB). It was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 and commenced its operations on November 11, 1988. PNB Housing is promoted by Punjab National Bank (PNB). The Company came out with a public issue of equity shares in November 2016. Its equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) with effect from 7th November 2016. The Company further raised capital through Rights Issue in May 2023. With over three decades of specialised experience in housing finance, PNB Housing has a robust network of branches spread across the country which help its customers avail financial services (loans and deposits) seamlessly. PNB Housing provides housing loans to individuals and corporate bodies for purchase, construction, repair and upgradation of houses. It also provides loans for commercial space, loan against property and loan for purchase of residential plots.

About India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC)

IMGC is India’s first mortgage guarantee company (incorporated in 2012). IMGC is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) guidelines for mortgage guarantee companies (2008).

Born out of a vision for making housing affordable, its primary objective is risk mitigation for lending institutions by providing a backstop against credit defaults.

IMGC currently has Enact MI, Sagen, National Housing Bank, International Finance Corporation, and Asian Development Bank, as its shareholders. It provides mortgage guarantees on retail home loans to various mortgage lenders. IMGC has achieved significant success since its commencement of operations in 2014, which is reflected in its existing book size, growth, and partnerships with lenders. It has surpassed ₹44,000 crores in home loan guarantees for over 170,000 customers across 400 locations nationwide. The firm has collaborated with over 23 lending institutions, including banks, housing finance companies (HFCs). 

Axis Finance Launches AI Monitoring Of Collection Calls, Sets New Benchmark In Customer Protection

Axis Finance Limited (AFL), one of India’s fastest-growing non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), today announced the rollout of a fully AI-led quality monitoring framework for its collection calls, aimed at elevating customer protection, strengthening compliance, and reinforcing fair, transparent and responsible communication during repayment interactions.

Collection calls are among the most critical customer touchpoint in the lending lifecycle. With this implementation, outbound collection call is now monitored, analysed and assessed to ensure conversations are conducted in an appropriate, respectful and consistent manner, aligned with responsible collection practices and internal governance standards. This transition marks a shift from limited manual call sampling to technology-enabled monitoring at scale, enabling stronger and more consistent supervision across customer interactions.

This AI-enabled framework provides deeper insights into customer conversations, guiding teams on appropriate follow-up actions. It enables standards-driven communication, compliant and conduct-led interactions, and higher-quality customer conversations, while supporting proportionate engagement, reducing repeat outreach and improving clarity across the collections process.

By transitioning from limited sampling to larger call coverage, Axis Finance has significantly strengthened accountability and oversight across customer interactions. The framework has been designed with a governance and compliance-first approach, reinforcing responsible collection practices and strengthening customer protection across the collections process. Calls flagged for potential deviations from expected conduct are identified and escalated through a structured review process, enabling prompt and appropriate corrective action, where required.

The initiative also supports a more uniform and trustworthy customer experience. Insights from monitored conversations help address recurring customer concerns and reduce friction during repayment discussions. The AI-led monitoring framework has been deployed in a live, high-volume collections environment as part of Axis Finance’s broader efforts to strengthen operational governance across customer-facing functions.

Commenting on the initiative, Sai Giridhar, Managing Director & CEO, Axis Finance Limited said, “At Axis Finance, we remain committed to strengthening customer trust through responsible and transparent practices. The introduction of our AI-led monitoring framework reinforces this commitment by ensuring every interaction is conducted with fairness, clarity and respect. Technology continues to play an important role in deepening governance across our processes, and this initiative further supports our focus on building customer-centric, compliant and well‑supervised operations.”

This development is part of Axis Finance’s broader commitment to responsible lending, customer-first operations, and governance-driven processes, supported by technology-enabled monitoring across customer-facing functions.

About Axis Finance:

Axis Finance Limited (AFL) is a non-deposit accepting non-banking financial company (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India. It was incorporated on 27th April 1995 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axis Bank Limited.

Axis Finance provides both wholesale and retail lending solutions to corporate and retail customers. On the retail front, Axis Finance offers products including Loans Against Property, Business Loans, Personal Loans and Axis Finance Disha Home Loans. On the wholesale front, the products offered are Collateralized Loans, Corporate Financing, and Real Estate Financing.

For further information on Axis Finance Limited, please refer to the website: https://www.axisfinance.in

Honda Expands Two-Wheeler Production Capacity In India With New Line At Tapukara Plant

Strengthening capacity to meet India’s growing mobility needs

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), Honda’s motorcycle production and sales subsidiary in India is advancing its capacity expansion to meet the growing and diversifying demand for two-wheelers in the country.

HMSI is expanding its manufacturing capacity with the installation of a new third production line at its Tapukara plant in Alwar District, Rajasthan. This milestone underscores HMSI’s unwavering promise of The Power of Dreams, aimed at empowering millions of Indians to achieve their ambitions with confidence.

The new production line at Tapukara is planned to begin operations in 2028 with an annual capacity of 6,70,000 units. With this addition, the total capacity of the second factory will increase to 2.01 million units per year. It will also generate employment opportunities for over 2,000 people, further contributing to development of the region.

Commenting on the capacity expansion, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, mentioned, " India is entering a new phase of mobility transformation, and HMSI is committed to leading this journey with responsibility and purpose. Strengthening our production ecosystem at Tapukara is an important step towards building greater resilience, flexibility, and future readiness across our supply chain. This expansion will help us respond more effectively to market demand and continue delivering value that supports the aspirations of millions of customers. In line with our commitment to safer, cleaner, and more accessible mobility, we remain focused on long-term sustainable growth that advances mobility and strengthens the company’s foundation for the future.”

Sh. Bhajan Lal Sharma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan added, “Rajasthan continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for world-class manufacturing. The capacity expansion by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India in their Tapukara situated manufacturing plant is a step forward in that direction. HMSI’s continued investment in the region will not only enhance manufacturing capabilities but also generate employment and contribute to growth of the automotive ecosystem in the region. We welcome this move and look-forward to the industry’s continued contribution towards mobility, innovation and economic development.”

HMSI operates four manufacturing plants across India with a total annual capacity of 6.25 million units. Since starting operations in 2001, the company has produced over 70 million units, reflecting its scale and long-term commitment to India’s mobility sector. As announced in May 2025, HMSI is adding a fourth production line at its Vithalapur plant in Ahmedabad district, Gujarat. This new line, scheduled to begin operations in 2027, is progressing as planned and will further strengthen HMSI’s production network.

The second factory began operations in July 2011 with an annual capacity of 0.6 million units, which was expanded to 1.2 million units in March 2012. Since 2023, HMSI has been introducing automation in machining and production efficiency technologies, and the current annual capacity stands at 1.3 million units. These efficiency improvements will continue, with plans to reach 1.34 million units by FY2026.

HMSI will make a total investment of approximately INR 15 billion to establish a highly flexible third production line capable of manufacturing commuter models of scooters and motorcycles. For this HMSI will purchase 73,700 m² of land at Tapukara including this third line and additional planned expansions at other plants, HMSI’s overall annual production capacity will increase from the current 6.25 million units to approximately 8 million units by FY2028.

Aligned with Honda’s global vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, HMSI integrates sustainable practices across operations, from solar-powered factories to water conservation and recycling initiatives, ensuring that environmental stewardship and business growth go hand in hand.

MMTC-PAMP Appoints Rachna Jindal As New Chief Financial Officer

MMTC-PAMP, India's only LBMA-accredited Gold & Silver refiner, has announced the appointment of Rachna Jindal as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), strengthening its leadership team as part of the company’s commitment to building a future-ready and high-performing organisation.

With over 25 years of extensive experience in finance, treasury, supply chain, and business transformation verticals, Rachna will lead the Finance function at MMTC-PAMP, driving financial governance, strategic planning, capital allocation and profitability. She will report to Mr Samit Guha, Managing Director & CEO, MMTC-PAMP. Furthermore, to bring operational synergies, she will also be leading the Supply Chain function at the company.

Speaking about her appointment, Mr. Samit Guha, Managing Director & CEO, MMTC-PAMP, said, “Rachna brings a wide range of experience across finance with supply chain and business transformation experience, making her an ideal and transformative leader for us. Her cross-industry experience across manufacturing, consumer businesses and multinational environments will be instrumental as we strengthen governance, enhance supply chain integration and scale our growth agenda. We are confident that her leadership will further reinforce MMTC-PAMP’s strategic plan and long-term value creation.”

Commenting on her latest appointment, Ms. Rachna Jindal, Chief Financial Officer, MMTC-PAMP, said, “I am pleased to join MMTC-PAMP a leader in the Precious metal ecosystem in India. The company’s commitment to excellence, governance, transparency and innovation aligns closely with my overall professional experience. I look forward to working with the leadership team to build robust financial frameworks, drive operational efficiencies and support the company’s next phase of sustainable growth.”

Previous to her recent appointment, Ms Jindal served as CFO and Supply Chain Head, India at Yara International, leading financial governance, strengthening audit and analytics frameworks, and enhancing supply chain agility through improved tracking, tracing and anti-counterfeiting initiatives. Prior to Yara, Rachna was CFO at Farmley, a direct-to-consumer food start-up, where she gained hands-on experience in e-commerce, omni-channel distribution, Series B fundraising, treasury management and NBFC-led debt financing. As Senior Vice President, Finance and Accounts, at Jindal Poly Films Limited, a listed Indian packaging manufacturer (part of the BC Jindal Group), she led a large team in accounts and finance, gaining exposure to capital restructuring, fund raising, ESG roadmap and business acquisition projects.

Her longest stint, nearly 14 years at Pernod Ricard India, saw her gaining experience across corporate accounting, internal audit, taxation and treasury, before serving as Finance Controller for supply chain and manufacturing, overseeing large-scale operations across multiple warehouses and production units. Additionally, she had held leadership roles with organisations such as Honda and Alcatel.

Rachna is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Commerce graduate from the University of Delhi. Outside of work, she is the State President of Haryana Finance Council, Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), a premier National Business Chamber for Women in India.