Young India Hustles. NESCAFÉ Puts It To A Beat

* NESCAFÉ teams up with Spotify to give a soundtrack to young India’s many hustles with an iconic anthem

What does hustle sound like? For some, it is late-night study sessions. For others, it is chasing a creative passion, building something of their own, or simply refusing to stop moving. NESCAFÉ is bringing these many expressions of hustle together with its new Hustle Anthem – a rap track created as the soundtrack to the energy, ambition and individuality of young India.

In collaboration with Spotify, the anthem takes NESCAFÉ’s long-standing connection with youth into culture through music. Reinforcing the culture-first approach, the launch was led by an immersive brand experience with creators and cultural trendsetters, designed to spark participation and conversation among young audiences.

The song is accompanied by films celebrating different hustles – from coding and music to art and group study. Promoted across Meta, Spotify, and YouTube, these films reinforce the Anthem’s relevance with 360-degree cross-platform visibility.

Mr. Sunayan Mitra, Head – Powdered and Liquid Beverages, Nestlé India, said, "Young India is redefining what it means to hustle. It is no longer just about work or ambition, but about pursuing what matters to you, in your own way. With the NESCAFÉ Hustle Anthem, we wanted to capture that spirit in a form that feels truly native to youth culture — music. It is our way of saying: whatever your hustle, we are with you as you keep creating and making your world."

The initiative marks a shift in how NESCAFÉ speaks to Gen Z – from being a brand that talks about their hustle to one that empowers it. With creators adding their own voices to the campaign, the Hustle Anthem aims to travel beyond advertising and become part of the everyday rhythm of young India.

Link to Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/52nMSXYHJpQIl2h5H9GYS3?si=K76Pi298Q22jxqd6F1AIew&utm_source=whatsapp&nd=1&dlsi=1a9f600c8b074635#login

Link to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tec1S9Z4_Mg&list=RDTec1S9Z4_Mg&start_radio=1  

Zudio Crosses 1,000-Store Milestone In 10 Yrs, Expands To 300 Cities

* The value-fashion chain, launched in 2016, has served more than 100 million customers over the past decade as Trent rapidly expands its retail footprint across India.

The value-fashion chain, launched in 2016, has served more than 100 million customers over the past decade as Trent rapidly expands its retail footprint across IndiaTata Group retail firm Trent Ltd on Saturday said its value-fashion retail chain Zudio has crossed the 1,000-store milestone in the country.

Zudio offers affordable propositions and has expanded rapidly since its launch in 2016, according to a regulatory filing by Trent.

The brand's network now spans over 300 cities and has served more than 100 million customers over the past decade, the company said.

Besides Zudio, Trent operates Westside, which is a large-format fashion store. It also pwns grocery business Star.

As of June 30, 2026, Trent's store portfolio included 301 Westside and 29 stores across other lifestyle concepts, operated with a footprint of over 18 million sq ft across its fashion brands.    

Five SST Students’ Built Drone To Help Solve Bengaluru’s Civic Challenges

*  Built entirely in-house at Scaler School of Technology’s Innovation Lab, the hexacopter was flown over  * Bengaluru to capture aerial video that ELCIA used in its ELCIA Smart City Drone AI hackathon, where 183 teams developed AI-led solutions for traffic congestion, waste management and road conditions.

Five students from Scaler School of Technology’s (SST) deep tech innovation lab have built a hexacopter drone that has now been taken from the lab into a real-world civic application in Bengaluru. Developed entirely in-house by these students, the drone was flown over the city, in collaboration with the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA), capturing aerial video footage that was subsequently used as an input for ELCIA’s annual hackathon.

The drone was developed in-house by students Joe Daniel, Shreyansh Malviya, Raaghav Rathi, Pushkar Desai & Rama Krishnan. An indigenous chip serves as the drone’s main flight controller. The hexacopter is capable of flying autonomous missions and carrying payloads of up to 2 kg. It uses sensors for self-levelling and heading, along with GPS-based waypoint navigation, allowing it to follow pre-defined flight paths. An indigenous chip serves as the drone’s main flight controller. For the field exercise, the drone carried a camera mounted on a two-axis gimbal to capture aerial footage of traffic movement, waste accumulation and road conditions.

“Building a drone in the lab is very different from flying it in a real neighbourhood. Once we took it out of the lab to fly, we started seeing the city differently and understood how it really operates. It made me realise that the real challenge is not just building drones, but understanding how the information it captures can be used to solve real-world problems.” said Joe Daniel, a third-year student at Scaler School of Technology and part of the team that built the drone.

The footage was subsequently used by ELCIA as part of its annual Tech Summit and Drone AI Hackathon, where 183 teams comprising around 650–700 participants worked on technology-led solutions to real-world civic challenges. Teams were provided with the drone footage and data and tasked with using AI and other technologies to address the civic challenges.

“At ELCIA, we support innovation and startups… The entire ecosystem has evolved in such a way that there is a lot of scope for co-creation, collaborative manufacturing and support for innovative products and ideas. So, with this kind of innovative thought and problem statement of solving basic problems of smart cities, I believe that the concept that technology should be for public good.”, said V Sriram Kumar, President & CEO, ELCIA

Following the initial rounds, five teams were shortlisted as finalists and presented their solutions at the ELCIA Tech Summit in the presence of industry leaders and the wider audience. The finalist solutions included AI-powered waste and illegal-dumping detection, fire and smoke intelligence, road-hazard detection and civic-risk monitoring. ELCIA will now take three of the five finalist solutions forward for further refinement, with the aim of making them deployable for tech enabled government operations.

About Scaler School of Technology

Scaler School of Technology (SST) is a full-time, residential undergraduate institution in Bengaluru focused on training the next generation of engineers and AI professionals. Founded by IIIT Hyderabad alumni Anshuman Singh and Abhimanyu Saxena, SST offers four-year undergraduate programmes in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence and AI & Business, designed for an AI-first world.

Its curriculum is co-developed and continuously updated by over 100 engineers, founders, and technology leaders from companies such as Google, OpenAI, and PhonePe. Through practitioner-led learning, hands-on projects, startup incubation, and advanced AI and robotics labs, students gain real-world experience alongside academic training.

Based in Bengaluru, SST brings together high-potential students from across India in a collaborative residential environment with direct access to the country's technology and startup ecosystem, preparing graduates to build and lead in the AI era.

For more information, visit www.scaler.com/school-of-technology

Rivaah by Tanishq, Launches Wedding Signatures, Complete Bridal Jewellery

* Trousseaus Across Six Indian Bridal Communities

* Created around the way today’s bride curates her wedding, with jewellery for every moment and celebration, brought to life through a wider wedding ecosystem

Rivaah by Tanishq, the wedding jewellery focused sub brand from the house of Tanishq, has launched Wedding Signatures, a collection of complete bridal jewellery trousseaus across six distinct Indian bridal communities representing Tamil, Telugu, Rajasthani/Marwadi, Gujarati, Marathi and Pan India/Metro. The collection is rooted in Rivaah’s insight that today the modern Indian bride celebrates her cultural roots but in her own unique way.

Over 8 to 12 months, a bride makes choices across the destination, venue, functions, fashion, photography, decor, beauty and jewellery that together shape her wedding. This has also changed the way she approaches bridal jewellery, with a move towards selecting pieces for individual occasions rather than relying on a single set. Wedding Signatures responds with a complete jewellery wardrobe designed to cater to the different functions and celebrations of the wedding.

Each bridal look has been developed through its own distinctive jewellery vocabulary. The Marathi trousseau draws on key elements such as the Vati Mangalsutra, Tushi necklace and Vajra Teek Choker, the Rajasthani/Marwadi trousseau includes the Borla, Tevta, Aad and Panchlada Haar, while the Gujarati trousseau draws on forms such as Chandan Haar, Dodi, Mor and Keri. The Tamil and Telugu trousseaus explore distinctive South Indian forms and temple inspired vocabulary. The Pan India/Metro trousseau offers a contemporary expression for brides influenced by multiple cultural and stylistic references. The collection further expands Rivaah’s jewellery vocabulary with Kaleeras, Matha Patti, Vankis, Surya and Chandra, Nethi Chutti and Mattal, alongside contemporary interpretations of established regional jewellery codes.

Developed by Tanishq’s Design Excellence Centre (DEC), Wedding Signatures brings together regional understanding, design expertise and craftsmanship across the six bridal worlds.

The collection is brought to life through the campaign “One Wedding. Many Stories.”, extending the idea into the wider wedding ecosystem through destination, photography and film. Celebrated wedding photographer Joseph Radhik captures the bridal looks at Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur, while acclaimed filmmaker Shoojit Sircar brings the stories to life through a series of regional films. For the South market, actor Anupama Parameswaran is the face of Rivaah, bringing the campaign to life for brides across the region. The campaign places the jewellery within the setting, atmosphere and storytelling of a wedding, creating a connected expression of the celebration around the collection.

Speaking on the launch, Ms. Pelki Tshering, Chief Marketing Officer, Tanishq, said, “At Rivaah, we believe that marriages are crafted uniquely by every bride. As brides curate their weddings with greater intention, every choice right from the destination and celebrations to fashion, photography and jewellery, contributes to the experience they envision. We wanted to reflect this in the way we approached bridal jewellery. Wedding Signatures brings together complete jewellery wardrobes across six distinct Indian bridal looks, with pieces designed for the different occasions that make up the wedding journey. Through ‘One Wedding. Many Stories.’, we bring the collection into the wider world of destination, photography and film, creating a more holistic expression of the wedding around the bride.”

The Rivaah by Tanishq Wedding Signatures collection is available across Tanishq stores and online.

iPhone 18 Pro Lineup Pre-Bookings And Never Before Prices On iPhone 17Pro And 17 ProMax At Croma

* Croma Opens Pre-Bookings for New iPhone 18 Pro Line-Up with Exclusive Exchange Bonus of up to ₹12,000

* Simultaneously Unveils Never-Before Prices on iPhone 17 Pro Starting at ₹69,990* ~

Croma, India's leading omni-channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group, have announced the pre-booking for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max is live. Customers can secure Apple’s latest devices through a flexible pre-booking offer available nationwide across Croma stores, croma.com, the Tata Neu app, and Big Basket.

The new Pro lineup brings Apple’s latest advances in performance and photography, including the powerful A20 Pro chip, Apple’s in-house C2 wireless modem and a new 48MP Fusion main camera with a physical variable aperture.

Pre-bookings will be available across more than 560 Croma stores in over 200 cities, as well as on croma.com, the Tata Neu app and Big Basket. For complete pricing and availability details, customers can visit their nearest Croma store or croma.com.

Pre-Booking Details for the iPhone 18 Pro Lineup

Customers can pre-book the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max at Croma stores for ₹5,000. Pre-bookings through croma.com, Tata Neu and BigBasket will require full payment

Customer can avail an exclusive exchange bonus of up to ₹12,000 at Croma

Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods can be pre-booked at Croma stores for ₹2,000. Pre-bookings through croma.com, Tata Neu, and Big Basket require full payment and is going live already.

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max continue to deliver value

Exclusive Offers for iPhone 17 Pro:

iPhone 17 Pro 256 GB available in stores at ₹69,990* and 512 GB at ₹88,490*. How to get this offer:

Avail ₹4,000 bank cashback on select credit cards

Exchange your old iPhone15 pro for up to ₹44,500 (depending on condition and model)

Avail ₹12,000* exchange bonus

The phone can also be availed on croma.com at ₹1,26,490* (256GB) and ₹1,45,990* (512GB) inclusive of ₹4,000 bank cashback starting 15th September.

Exclusive Offers for iPhone 17 Pro Max:

iPhone 17 Pro Max 256 GB available in stores at ₹74,990* and 512 GB at ₹94,990*. How to get this offer:

Avail ₹4,000 bank cashback on select credit cards

Exchange your old iPhone15 pro max for up to ₹53,000 (depending on condition and model)

Avail ₹12,000* exchange bonus

The phone can also be availed on croma.com at ₹1,39,990* (256GB) and ₹1,59,990* (512GB) inclusive of ₹4,000 bank cashback starting 15th September.

Commenting on the announcement, a spokesperson at Infiniti Retail Ltd. said, “A new iPhone Pro launch is always met with strong anticipation, and customers increasingly want a simple and seamless way to secure their preferred model. Through our nationwide store network and digital platforms, we are making the pre-booking journey easier, from choosing the right model to exchanging an existing device and completing the purchase. Alongside the new lineup, the continued availability of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max at compelling prices allows customers to select a Pro model that best suits their priorities and budget.”

For more information about the exclusive offers and to explore the full range of products, customers are encouraged to visit their nearest Croma store, or shop online at Croma.com and through the Tata Neu app. With an expansive presence across more than 560+ stores across 200+ cities, Croma remains committed to delivering the latest technology, unmatched service, and rewarding shopping journeys to its customers.

*Disclaimer: Offers are time-bound and valid only subject to eligibility, availability, and brand guidelines. NeuCoin issuance/redemption is governed by Tata Neu's programme rules. Please check in-store or on Croma.com for the latest details.

About Croma:

Infiniti Retail Ltd. is India’s first large-format electronics retailer in India operating under the brand name Croma. With over 560+ stores across 200+ cities, the company continues to open new stores to expand its presence nationally. Croma offers its customers a world-class ambience to shop both in-store and staged at www.croma.com, and allows for a seamless omnichannel shopping experience. Through its deep integration with the Tata Neu ecosystem, products from Croma are also available on the Tata Neu app and Big Basket. Croma has been featured among the 100 most valuable Indian brands by Brand Finance India 100 report for three years in a row. 

Hero MotoCorp Launches Glamour X With Integrated-ABS Across India

* India’s most tech-forward 125cc motorcycle now combines uncompromised safety with bold new aesthetics

Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, today announced the launch of the highly anticipated Glamour X with Integrated-ABS. Setting a new industry benchmark, the Glamour X becomes the first motorcycle in 125cc segment to feature Single-Channel ABS paired with an Integrated Braking System (IBS). This feature drastically improves vehicle stability and reduces braking distance, reinforcing Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to democratizing advanced technology and delivering rider-first mobility solutions.

Speaking on the launch, Ashutosh Varma, Chief Business Officer - India Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, "The 125cc segment is witnessing a rapid evolution, with customers increasingly demanding a blend of contemporary styling, advanced technology and uncompromised safety. The Glamour X has already disrupted this space with category-first features including Ride Modes and Cruise Control. By introducing first-in-segment integrated ABS, we are not just upgrading a motorcycle; we are reshaping the safety standards for the entire category. This launch strengthens our portfolio and offers intelligent, future-ready mobility solutions that empower the new-age Indian rider."

Enhanced Safety with ABS

The Glamour X 125 features Integrated Anti-lock Braking System technology for the first time, delivering sharper, more responsive and more assured braking performance across varied road conditions. This adds to the Glamour X's existing safety suite, which includes Panic Brake Alert - fast-flashing LED winkers that instantly alert trailing traffic during emergency braking and Hazard Lamps for signaling emergencies.

Futuristic Styling and Bold Design Language

The Glamour X 125 arrives with a muscular, sculpted design language crafted for riders who want their motorcycle to command attention. It’s Full LED Lighting Package with ‘H’ Signature and sporty graphics give the motorcycle a distinctive on-road presence.

Smart Technology and Connected Riding

Elevating its appeal is a 10.7 cm adaptive multi-colour console that comes with ambient lighting and with over 60 features - including Gear Shift Advisory, Distance-to-Empty and Real-Time Mileage Indicator. Riders stay connected with Bluetooth connectivity, Turn-by-Turn Navigation with ETA display, along with call and SMS alerts, bringing a truly tech-enabled riding experience to the segment.

Performance and Efficiency

The Glamour X 125 with integrated ABS is powered by the Sprint-EBT engine, delivering 11.4 BHP (8.5 kW) at 8250 rpm, engineered for smooth power delivery and low NVH. Riders can also choose between three Ride Modes - Eco, Road and Power, to suit different riding needs. Cruise Control reduces fatigue and improves fuel efficiency on longer journeys.

Convenience and Comfort

Designed for effortless everyday riding, the Glamour X 125 offers a wide handlebar for a relaxed riding posture, a long flat comfortable seat and a low seat height for easy accessibility. Adding to rider convenience is dual under-seat mobile storage along with a C-Type USB charging port.

Colours & Pricing

Complementing its futuristic design, the Glamour X 125 with ABS has been introduced with two new colour options - Gun Metal Grey and Matt Axis Grey in addition to two existing colours – Black Pearl Red and Black Teal Blue, expanding the Glamour X's next-gen colour palette. The new variant is available at Hero MotoCorp dealerships across the country at an attractive price of INR 101000/- (Ex-Showroom, Delhi).

Axis Bank And Hitachi Payment Services Unveil AI-Powered Solutions For Smarter Banking And Merchant Payment Experiences

* Launches Express Banking: Digital Banking Point 2.0 and AI Soundbox with conversational, multilingual and real-time intelligent capabilities

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, in collaboration with Hitachi Payment Services, a leading end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider, unveiled two AI-powered innovations—Express Banking: Digital Banking Point 2.0 and AI Soundbox.

Extending AI across key customer and merchant touchpoints, Express Banking: Digital Banking Point 2.0 enables customers to access banking services and receive assistance through natural-language interactions, while the AI Soundbox allows merchants to ask payment-related questions by voice and receive real-time responses. Together, the solutions embed conversational intelligence into everyday banking and payment experiences, making them more intuitive, accessible, and connected.

Express Banking: Digital Banking Point 2.0: From navigating screens to having a conversation

Express Banking: India’s first Digital Banking Point was unveiled at Global Fintech Fest 2025. Taking the next leap, Express Banking: Digital Banking Point 2.0 embeds conversational AI into the physical banking experience. The earlier version of the solution has been deployed across high-footfall educational institutions and corporate campuses, including IIM Ahmedabad, Lovely Professional University, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Capgemini and Sattva Knowledge City. These deployments have validated a scalable, 24x7 branch-lite banking model that brings banking closer to customers where they study and work. The platform has served diverse segments including students, salaried professionals and corporate employees, while reducing dependence on traditional branch formats for everyday banking needs.

With the latest proposition, customers can interact with an AI assistant using natural language, with multilingual capabilities and receive guidance to access services, and fill, validate and complete forms, reducing the need to navigate multiple screens and menus. The solution also incorporates responsible AI principles and built-in guardrails to help ensure interactions remain secure, relevant, and appropriate.

Available in both self-service and assisted modes, Express Banking: Digital Banking Point 2.0 enables services including account opening, instant card issuance, fixed deposit booking, loan applications, utility bill payments, cheque deposits and passbook printing among others. The solution can be customized according to branch layouts, service requirements, and customer journeys.

The enhanced design also improves serviceability and seamlessly integrates with Hitachi Payment Services’ Android-based ecosystem, including Cash Recycling Machines (CRMs), enabling a more connected omnichannel banking experience.

AI Soundbox: From payment notification to intelligent merchant assistant

The new AI Soundbox takes the familiar payment notification device a step further by transforming it into an intelligent, voice-enabled assistant for merchants.

With the press of a button, merchants can ask payment-related questions and receive instant voice responses – for example, “What is my total sale value today?” The service is available in 12 Indian languages, making everyday interactions more convenient for merchants and customers alike across diverse markets.

The AI Soundbox brings proactive intelligence to merchant operations by dynamically adapting to the merchant’s counter environment, optimising power and connectivity, identifying and resolving select operational disruptions on its own. By keeping the device transaction-ready, it helps reduce the risk of missed sales caused by connectivity or device-related issues.

Sanjeev Moghe, Group Head – Branch Banking, South, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we are focused on using technology to make everyday banking simpler, smarter and more responsive to customer needs. Developed in collaboration with Hitachi Payment Services, Express Banking: Digital Banking Point 2.0 marks another step towards building more seamless and future-ready banking experiences.”

Vinit Bajaj, Group Head – Acquiring & Cards, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we are focused on building solutions that simplify business operations and create meaningful value for merchants. Our partnership with Hitachi Payment Services on the AI Soundbox brings together trusted payments infrastructure and intelligent, voice-led technology to help merchants access business insights, manage daily operations, and transact with greater confidence. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to making innovation practical, accessible, and impactful for businesses across India.”

Sumil Vikamsey, MD and CEO – Cash Business, Hitachi Payment Services, said, “With Digital Banking Point 2.0, we are bringing conversational AI into the branch banking environment, enabling customers to access banking services with greater ease. Together with Axis Bank, our focus is on creating intelligent, accessible banking touchpoints that bring more services closer to customers while enabling banks to deliver a more connected experience.”

Anuj Khosla, CEO-Digital Business, Hitachi Payment Services, said, “With the AI Soundbox, we are taking merchant payments beyond transactions, transforming the Soundbox into an intelligent assistant at the merchant counter. Together with Axis Bank, our focus is to make AI practical and purposeful—helping merchants spend less time managing technology and more time serving customers and growing their businesses.”

About Axis Bank:

Axis Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture, and Retail Businesses. It has 6,295 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 12,564 ATMs and cash recyclers spread across the country as on 30th June 2026. The Bank’s Axis Virtual Centre is present across eight centres with 1,700 Virtual Relationship Managers as on 30th June 2026. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge, Axis Pension Fund and Axis Bank Foundation.

For further information on Axis Bank, please refer to the website: https://www.axis.bank.in/

About Hitachi Payment Services:

Hitachi Payment Services is an end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider empowering banks and fintechs with a comprehensive array of solutions focused on security, reliability and innovation. A pioneer in the Indian payments space, it has over 70,000 ATMs under management (including 40,000 Cash Recycling Machines and 10,200 White Label ATMs). In addition, it manages over 3.5 Mn POS devices and processes over 10 Mn transactions daily. The company is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving financial inclusion across India.

For more information on Hitachi Payment Services, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi-payments.com/