ICICI Life Insurance Launches - ‘Har Kal Aasaan’ New Brand Identity

* Unveils new brand identity with a promise to make tomorrow easier to navigate

* The tagline ‘Har Kal Aasaan’ captures the brand’s commitment to make life insurance simpler, more transparent, more flexible and easier for Indian customers

ICICI Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited, today announced its new brand identity and tag line — ‘Har Kal Aasaan’.

Commenting on the new brand identity and tag line, Mr. Srinivas Balasubramanian, Chief of Marketing, Digital & Bancassurance, ICICI Life Insurance Limited, said, “The ICICI name holds an enduring place in the lives of millions of Indians, serving as a symbol of trust, strength, and financial accessibility. Over the past 25 years, we have had the privilege of helping secure the dreams and futures of more than 20 crore Indians. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed India’s incredible growth, along with a significant evolution in the aspirations of its people.

In today’s fast-paced environment, the world has become increasingly complex and unpredictable. Changing career paths, evolving family structures, longer lifespans, and shifting financial priorities have made long-term planning more challenging than ever. While life insurance plays a critical role in navigating these uncertainties, the traditional experience of securing one's financial future has often been perceived as complicated.

At ICICI Life Insurance, we firmly believe that preparing for tomorrow should bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind, rather than adding to life's complexities. Our new brand identity goes far beyond a change in name. It reflects our broader commitment to make the experience of securing one’s financial future simpler, more transparent, more flexible and with ease. Building on our strong 25-year foundation, we will continue to deepen customer relevance, establish new benchmarks of excellence in the industry, and actively contribute toward the national goal of 'Insurance for All by 2047'."

With the new brand promise, the company aims to move the conversation around life insurance beyond simply protecting against what may go wrong, towards enabling people to make more informed and confident choices about what they want tomorrow to look like with ease and convenience. Thus, making Har Kal Aasaan for its stakeholders.

About ICICI Life Insurance:

ICICI Life Insurance Limited (formerly known as ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited) commenced operations in FY2001 and has since established itself as one of India’s leading life insurers, consistently ranking high on both sum assured market share and new business premium market share. Over the years, it has earned the unwavering trust of millions of customers, becoming an integral part of India’s financial ecosystem.

Customer centricity has remained the foundation of its philosophy, with products, processes and distribution strategies all aligned to a single objective: delivering a strong and differentiated value proposition for customers. The Company offers a comprehensive suite of Protection, Savings & Retirement solutions designed to meet the evolving life stage needs. These offerings enable customers to safeguard their families’ financial security while also achieving long term financial goals.

As on June 30, 2026, the Company protects 69.53 million lives (in-force) across India covering both individual and corporate segments, making it one of the leading insurance companies in the country. Over the years, the Company has delivered on its promise of financial protection by settling ₹ 343.90 billion in death claims and paying ₹ 3.81 trillion in overall benefits as of June 30, 2026. In FY2026 alone, it settled ₹ 51.49 billion in death claims and disbursed ₹ 153.63 billion in maturity and survival benefits. Its claim settlement ratio of 99.3 percent and average turnaround time of 1 day underscore its commitment to swift, reliable service.

The Company is also the first among Indian Insurance industry to get listed on both the NSE and BSE. Its continued investments in data analytics and digitisation across the policy lifecycle have enabled superior efficiency, innovation and seamless experiences for customers and distributors alike.  

A Unique Coffee Table Book -"Stamps, Coins, and Banknotes Issued During Premiership Of Shri Narendra Modi" Part 2 Launched

* It will be launched on 7th October 2026, which marks 25 years of his combined tenure as the Prime Minister & Chief Minister. It will showcase the various initiatives undertaken by him through Stamps, Coins & Currency Notes.

* It compiles the successful initiatives implemented by him during his second tenure from 2019 to 2024, making it a perfect ode to the longest-serving Prime Minister of India

The Book *"Stamps, Coins, and Banknotes Issued During the Premiership of Shri Narendra Modi" Part 2* is inspired by the remarkable transformation India has undergone under the visionary leadership of our *Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi*. The book documents the significant stamps, coins and banknotes issued during the *second term (2019-2024) of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi*, presenting them as visual markers of India’s development journey & contemporary history. These are depicted through stamps, coins & currency notes issued by the Indian Postal & Mint Departments. This Book is curated & published by *Mintage World*, World’s first online museum on vintage and new Coins, Stamps & Notes. *It will be available on amazon, flipkart & other e-commerce websites & bookstores & also on: www.mintageworld.com*

This 172-page compilation documents & presents*, in chronological order, the historical importance of the key issues he undertook. Each Coin, Stamp & Currency Note captures a particular initiative, institution, cultural theme or national milestone, collectively creating a visual narrative of India’s journey towards development & progress. *Like: Atmanirbhar Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Covid 2019 warriors, 75 years of Indian Independence,125 years of Subhash Chandra Bose, 75 years of CBI, 100 years of Jamshedpur- the first Industrial City in India, 100 episodes of Mann ki Baat, Siachen Glacier- the highest battlefield in the World & many more...

The Book is both timely & significant & offers stunning visuals & symbolic representation of our nation’s historical insights, changing priorities & aspirations. It documents New India's mission, from Independence to the battle against Covid and its emergence as a global superpower. It is designed specifically for collectors, hobbyists, historians, researchers and those interested in India’s contemporary heritage

The stamps featured are in various sizes, shapes, colours & designs, with pictorial representations highlighting individual initiatives & themes. The coins featured have been minted at facilities in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad & Noida and include both circulation and commemorative series across multiple denominations. The Bank Notes are produced at various currency printing facilities across India & spanning different denominations.

Affordably priced at *Rs 999 /,* this book not only functions as a means of transaction, but also as a visual representation of the nation's cultural legacy. It captures a living history of transformation where governance meets culture & policy finds expression through symbols of pride.

The first Part of this 2-book series, which was launched last year, was a huge success & chronicled the 1st term of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from 2014 - 2019 & it covered various initiatives undertaken by him like *Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Digital India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the International Day of Yoga, women-led development, tribal empowerment, Viksit Bharat & others.

This novel idea is of Sushilkumar Agrawal, a first-generation entrepreneur & CEO of Mintage World. It is his aim to bring such a priceless book to life and to give all Modi ji lovers & followers a beautiful compilation of all the legal & commemorative tenders during his tenure.

*Mr. Sushilkumar Agrawal, Publisher & CEO, Mintage World,* said: “I am deeply inspired by the remarkable transformation India has undergone under the pioneering guidance of Modi ji. The idea was to preserve a visual record of an important period in India’s contemporary history through the language of stamps, coins & banknotes. These are objects that people encounter in their everyday lives, yet they often carry stories of national achievements, public initiatives and cultural milestones. I wanted to bring these issues together in a valuable manner, while also introducing younger generations to the fascinating world of philately and numismatics. The book is dedicated to all those who admire and follow Modi ji across the world, with our collective best wishes for his continued success in igniting curiosity, learning and a sense of national pride.”

Earlier, Mintage World has also published 3 distinctive Coffee Table Books: *"Global Collectibles Of Mahatma Gandhi through Bank Notes, Coins & Stamps": This is the only book in the world which showcases & explains the various Stamps, Coins & Notes issued by 144 countries around the world on Gandhiji . “Endangered Parrots of the World on Stamps, Coins and Banknotes.” This unique compilation celebrates the vibrant beauty of parrots while shedding light on the critical conservation challenges these beloved birds face. "Stamps, Coins and Banknotes Issued During The Premiership Of Shri Narendra Modi Part- 1, First Term 2014-2019.

*About Mintage World:*

Mintage World is the world’s first online museum for ancient & modern Coins, Stamps & currency banknotes. It was launched with an objective of reintroducing the joy and fun of collecting coins, banknotes & stamps to the modern world's young and old generations alike. It’s an effective platform to educate about ancient, medieval & modern India and the world about their rich historical heritage, tradition & culture. For further information, please visit: www.mintageworld.com

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital Becomes Karnataka’s First To Introduce 'Envision' Technology For Dry Eye

* Advanced non-surgical treatment by InMode offers a root-cause solution for dry eyes and periorbital aesthetics, now available in Bengaluru.

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, under the leadership of renowned ophthalmologist Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, has become the first hospital in Karnataka to launch Envision by InMode. This breakthrough, non-surgical technology provides a comprehensive dual solution: effectively treating the root cause of dry eye disease while simultaneously addressing cosmetic concerns around the eyes.

With screen time, pollution, and changing lifestyles at an all-time high, dry eye has become a rapidly growing issue across India. While conventional eye drops often provide only temporary, symptomatic relief, Envision stands out by directly treating factors such as meibomian gland dysfunction and eyelid inflammation. Powered by Forma-I technology, the treatment gently unblocks these glands to restore the eye's natural tear production. Furthermore, it utilizes Lumecca-I, the world’s leading Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, to safely target and reduce the associated eyelid inflammation.

Designed for patient convenience, the Envision treatment goes beyond masking daily symptoms to deliver clinically proven, long-lasting relief. The sessions are quick and comfortable, taking only 10 to 12 minutes to complete, and require absolutely no downtime for recovery.

Developed by InMode, a recognized global leader in minimally invasive technologies, Envision brings world-class innovation to Karnataka. Alongside Forma-I and Lumecca-I for ocular health, InMode is globally renowned for pioneering devices like Morpheus8, an acclaimed treatment for addressing under-eye bags, droopy eyelids, surgical scars, and overall skin rejuvenation. Mr. Mohit Dawar, Head of the Ophthalmology Business at InMode India Pvt Ltd, noted that the launch of Envision at Nethradhama marks a critical milestone in expanding patient access to top-tier dry eye and ocular aesthetic treatments across the region.

Available Now At: Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital 256/14, Kanakapura Main Rd, 7th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560070 Website: www.nethradhama.org

Neuhof School Band Wins Yamaha Teens Rock 2026 Grand Finale, Celebrating India's Young Music Talent

Yamaha Music India successfully concluded the Grand Finale of Yamaha Teens Rock 2026 – The Battle of Bands, powered by Trinity College London, at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts, Bengaluru. Bringing together young bands from across India, the event celebrated creativity, collaboration and live performance, while providing young musicians with an opportunity to express themselves and showcase their music.

After an exciting evening of performances, Neuhof School Band from Neuhof English Medium School, Mizoram was crowned the winner of Yamaha Teens Rock 2026. CS Howlers from CS Academy, Tamil Nadu was named First Runner-up, while The Apricity from Shri, Hanuman Mandir Dharamshala School, West Bengal was named Second Runner-up.

The Grand Finale featured performances by finalist bands, alongside special performances by students from KM Music Conservatory, The Sunshine Orchestra and Yamaha Artists. The young musicians also had the opportunity to perform in the presence of A.R. Rahman, Brand Ambassador of Yamaha Music India, making the event a memorable milestone in their musical journey.

A.R. Rahman, Brand Ambassador, Yamaha Music India, said, "Music gives young people a space to express, and platforms like Teens Rock give that expression a stage. It was wonderful to see these talented bands come together, perform with passion and bring their unique identities into their music. I congratulate all the finalists and hope this experience inspires them to continue learning, creating and developing their own musical voices. Initiatives like Teens Rock play an important role in encouraging more young people to experience the power of music and performance."

The Grand Finale marked the culmination of a nationwide journey that attracted more than 680 registrations and over 270 video submissions from young bands across India. Following a rigorous, multi-stage selection process involving multiple rounds of online and offline auditions, including the semifinals held at 13 Yamaha Music Square across the country, six bands earned their places in the Grand Finale, with five qualifying as zonal winners and one securing a place through public voting.

Performances were evaluated by a jury comprising Yamaha Artists Mr. Ranjit Barot, Mr. Gulraj Singh and Mr. Rhythm Shaw, alongside Mr. Stuart Briner, Director of Music and Performing Arts, Trinity College London. The jury assessed participating bands on musicality, creativity, stage presence and overall performance quality.

Beyond the competition, Yamaha Teens Rock aims to support young musicians in their musical development by creating opportunities to learn, collaborate and perform. Through these experiences, the initiative seeks to encourage greater youth participation in music and contribute to a stronger foundation for band culture in India.

Mr. Kennei Sakai, Managing Director, Yamaha Music India, said, “At Yamaha, we believe music can bring people together, build confidence and inspire creativity. Teens Rock was created not simply as a competition, but as a platform that encourages young people across India to experience the joy of making music together, expressing themselves freely and performing with confidence.”

“Together with our partners, including Trinity College London, we remain committed to expanding access to music learning and performance experiences. Our long-term vision is to develop Teens Rock into one of India’s leading youth band events, inspiring more young people to engage with music and contributing to the growth of India’s music culture,” Mr. Sakai added.

Mr. Sachin Das, India Head, Trinity College London, said, "Teens Rock provides a valuable bridge between music learning and live performance. It offers young musicians an opportunity to build confidence, collaborate with their peers and experience the excitement of sharing their music with a live audience. We are delighted to partner with Yamaha Music India in creating an initiative that celebrates not only musical ability, but also creativity, teamwork and self-expression. Congratulations to all the participants and winners who made this year's journey truly memorable."

Through this partnership, Yamaha Music India and Trinity College London aim to connect music education with meaningful performance opportunities, helping young musicians develop their skills and confidence while contributing to the continued growth of India's music culture.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train From Bengaluru To Mumbai From October

Indian Railways has approved a new overnight Vande Bharat Sleeper service connecting Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) with Bengaluru’s KSR station, offering a faster and more premium travel option between the country’s financial and tech hubs.

The decision, confirmed in an April 5 letter from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan, paves the way for a journey time of approximately 16-17 hours, with the train expected to pass through major cities in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Here’s a complete breakdown of what this new service means for travellers.

Overview

The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to be India’s second Vande Bharat sleeper service, designed specifically for long-distance overnight journeys. It aims to significantly cut travel time while offering modern, high-comfort travel.

Mumbai – Bangalore Vande Bharat Train: Travel Time

Currently, Uday Express, the primary rail link between the two cities, takes about 22 hours to complete the journey. Additionally, the bus journey takes about 16 hours. The proposed Vande Bharat is set to cover the distance in about 17 hours.

Some reports even suggest the journey could be completed in as little as 15 hours, depending on final scheduling and stops.

This puts rail travel much closer to bus travel times, while offering far superior comfort.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Features

The Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for overnight comfort and modern travel:

Fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches
Ergonomic berths for better sleep
Automatic doors and vestibules
Advanced suspension for smoother rides
Modern toilets and onboard amenities

Bengaluru – Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Current Status

Approved by Indian Railways

Likely to operate with dedicated sleeper rakes from both cities

Final timetable, stops, and launch date yet to be officially announced

Operational details:

Unlike the existing Vande Bharat Express trains that operate with chair car seating, the sleeper version will feature dedicated berths designed for overnight journeys, with a strong emphasis on comfort, safety, and modern design.

Passengers can expect upgraded interiors, more ergonomic sleeping arrangements, and enhanced onboard facilities compared to traditional sleeper trains.

The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper is part of Indian Railways’ broader push to modernise long-distance travel. With more sleeper variants planned, travellers across the country are likely to benefit from faster, more comfortable overnight train options in the near future.

600+ Fitness Enthusiasts Complete Kauvery BEATS Circuit As Hospital Takes Heart-Health Campaign Beyond The Marathon Format

* Continuing the support for the Sankalpa 2.0 initiative, the new functional-fitness race, curated for active health seekers, combines performance with cardiovascular-risk awareness

More than 600 gym-goers, runners, cyclists and functional-fitness enthusiasts completed the inaugural Kauvery BEATS Circuit at Sports Garden, Embassy TechVillage, Bellandur, on Friday morning, as Kauvery Hospitals, Bengaluru expanded its annual heart-health campaign beyond the familiar marathon and walkathon format.

Curated specifically for people who already exercise regularly, the Circuit combined six 200-metre runs with six functional-fitness stations: Farmers Carry, Goblet Squats, Walking Lunges, Push Press, Front Carry and Dumbbell Snatch. This format is the first hospital-led functional-fitness event in India designed specifically for active health seekers, creating a new engagement model for preventive heart health beyond conventional mass-participation runs.

Before entering the Circuit, participants underwent a pre-participation physical fitness assessment. Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and medical teams from Kauvery Hospitals supervised the event, with emergency-response preparedness in place throughout. The race design drew from large-format international functional-fitness events, with structured stations, prescribed loads and controlled participation.

The event was attended by Sri Shankar Mahadev Bidari, IPS (Retd.), former Director General and Inspector General of Police, Karnataka. “Fitness is built through discipline and consistency, but responsible fitness also means knowing one’s limits and paying attention to health. It was encouraging to see hundreds of people take on a demanding challenge while also engaging with the larger message of prevention,” said Sri Bidari.

Looking fit does not reveal every heart risk

The Circuit was built around a question increasingly relevant to Bengaluru’s growing fitness community: does being able to train hard necessarily mean the heart is free of risk?

Dr Manjunath Pandit, Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Kauvery Hospitals, Marathahalli, said regular exercise remains one of the most important contributors to cardiovascular health, but physical performance cannot reveal every underlying risk factor. Dr Pandit’s clinical practice includes complex coronary interventions, structural heart disease and prevention of sudden cardiac death.

“A person may train regularly, look fit and perform well, yet still have hypertension, abnormal cholesterol, diabetes, a strong family history or an underlying cardiac condition. The message is certainly not to exercise less. It is to exercise intelligently, know your numbers and understand your own cardiovascular risk,” said Dr Pandit.

The Circuit formed the second leg of Kauvery BEATS 2026 Edition 6, following the September 27 Run, Walk and Cycle event in Electronic City that brought together more than 6,000 people.

Dr S. Vijayabaskaran, Executive Director, Kauvery Hospitals, Bangalore, said the two formats were intentionally created for different audiences.

“BEATS began six years ago as a community heart-health initiative. The Run, Walk and Cycle format makes movement accessible to everyone. With BEATS Circuit, we wanted to engage people who already consider fitness part of their lifestyle and take the conversation further. For them, the issue is not simply becoming active but understanding that fitness and cardiovascular risk are not always the same thing. We believe this opens a new direction for healthcare-led preventive engagement.”

Fitness with a larger purpose

Kauvery BEATS 2026 also supported Sankalpa 2.0, Kauvery Hospitals’ initiative to enable complex surgical care for eligible children from economically disadvantaged families in Karnataka.

The programme aims to support 25 children requiring surgery for congenital heart conditions and 25 children requiring complex spine surgery. Participants and supporters at the Circuit were invited to make voluntary contributions towards the initiative. The hospital did not disclose the amount raised.

With the completion of the Circuit, Kauvery BEATS 2026 brought together two distinct approaches to one idea: encouraging Bengaluru to stay active, while reinforcing that preventive heart health goes beyond outward fitness alone.

About Kauvery Hospitals

Kauvery Hospitals Bengaluru delivers tertiary care through its hospitals at Electronic City and Marathahalli. Its six Centres of Excellence are supported by critical care, advanced diagnostics, multi-organ transplantation, robotic and minimally invasive surgery, and robotic joint replacement. The Bengaluru region is part of the Kauvery Hospitals network, founded in 1999 with a mission to make great healthcare affordable.

Beyond clinical care, Kauvery Hospitals undertakes community-health initiatives focused on prevention, awareness and improving access to specialised treatment. 

East Point College Of Engineering & Technology Celebrates VTU Gold Medal Achievement

East Point College of Engineering & Technology (EPCET) has added another glorious chapter to its legacy of academic distinction as B Likitha Sree secured the prestigious VTU Gold Medal. A student of the Computer Science & Engineering (IoT & CSBT) batch (2022–2026), Likitha achieved top academic honors under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU).

East Point College of Engineering & Technology - An Autonomous Institution Affiliated to VTU, approved by AICTE, accredited by NBA (CSE, ECE, & ISE), and a NAAC Grade 'A' accreditation continues to foster high standards of technical education and student accomplishment.

Applauding the gold medalist, Sri S.V. Pramod Gowda, CEO & Trustee of East Point Group of Institutions, said "Securing a VTU Gold Medal is a stellar landmark that highlights what can be achieved when talent meets grit and rigorous academic training. Likitha has set a benchmark of excellence for her peers and future generations of East Point students”.

Extending his warm congratulations, Sri S.V. Rajiv Gowda, CEO & Trustee of East Point Group of Institutions (EPGI), said "Likitha’s extraordinary achievement brings tremendous pride to the entire East Point family. Her success is a reflection of hard work, discipline, and an unwavering passion for learning. We wish her immense success as she steps out to make a meaningful mark on the technology landscape."

“Securing the VTU Gold Medal is a dream come true. This achievement is a tribute to my parents and teachers at East Point. The supportive learning environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and practical exposure at EPCET gave me the confidence to aim high and achieve academic excellence,” said B Likitha Sree who secured the prestigious VTU Gold Medal.

Likitha’s specialization in Internet of Things (IoT) and Cyber Security including Blockchain Technology (CSBT) highlights the institution's emphasis on emerging, technology-driven sectors. By providing an environment focused on research, innovation, and industry alignment, EPCET continues to empower its graduates to lead and excel in complex, global technological environments.

The entire East Point community wishes B Likitha Sree continued success and outstanding achievements in all her future academic and professional pursuits.

About East Point Group of Institutions

Established in 1997 under the visionary leadership of Dr. S.M. Venkatpathi and under the auspices of the M.G. Charitable Trust, the East Point Group of Institutions (EPGI), Bengaluru, has emerged as a beacon of excellence in higher education. Today, it is one of Karnataka's leading multidisciplinary academic ecosystems comprising 12 premier institutions, with over 10,000 students pursuing programmes in Medicine, Engineering, Management, Commerce, Computer Applications, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Allied Health Sciences, and other disciplines. Spread across a sprawling 100+ acre lush green campus, EPGI is supported by a state-of-the-art 1,200-bed Multi-Specialty Hospital within the campus, providing an integrated environment for quality education, research, innovation, and healthcare.