Ageas Federal Life Insurance Launches GIFT City’s First Multi-Currency Life Insurance Plan - Aurum Advantage

* Offers investment options in USD, EUR and GBP, with exposure to global equities, fixed income and gold

* Marks Ageas Federal Life Insurance’s entry into GIFT City

* Provides exposure to international equities, fixed income and gold, along with life insurance protection

Ageas Federal Life Insurance (AFLI), one of India’s leading private life insurers, today announced the launch of Aurum Advantage Plan, the first multi-currency life insurance plan offered by a life insurer in GIFT City. Customers can invest in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds while receiving life insurance protection.

The launch marks AFLI’s commencement of operations at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), and expands the company’s offerings for internationally mobile customers.

Aurum Advantage Plan is a Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) that offers access to multiple asset classes, including international equities, fixed income and gold, enabling diversification across geographies and investment categories.

The plan offers multiple premium payment options and fund strategies. It also provides a partial withdrawal facility with no lock-in period, along with maturity benefits, loyalty additions and death benefits, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Aurum Advantage Plan is available to customers of any nationality, irrespective of residential status, including NRIs, OCIs and PIOs, subject to applicable terms and conditions. The minimum ticket size is USD 3,000, EUR 3,000 or GBP 3,000, depending on the currency selected.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Jude Gomes, Managing Director & CEO, Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said, “Customers with international financial interests are increasingly seeking solutions that allow them to invest across currencies and markets. Aurum Advantage Plan addresses this need by combining multi-currency investment options with life insurance protection. Our entry into GIFT City gives us a strong platform to serve customers across international markets with solutions designed for their evolving financial needs.”

Through its GIFT City operations, Ageas Federal Life Insurance will cater to customers across key international markets, including the Middle East, North America, Europe, the UK, Singapore and Australia.

The company also plans to add term insurance and pension products to its GIFT City portfolio in the near future. To know more about Aurum Advantage, please visit (Aurum Website Link). 

Brigade Group Completes 40 Years, Unveils Ambitious Growth Roadmap For The Next Three Years

Photo Caption: L-R: Pradyumna Krishnakumar, Executive Director, Brigade Group. Nirupa Shankar, Jt. Managing Director, Brigade Group. M R Jaishankar, Executive Chairman, Brigade Group. Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director, Brigade Group. Amar Mysore, Executive Director, Brigade Group. Yogesh Patel, Chief Financial Officer, Brigade Group.

* With Investment Outlay Of Around ₹ 40K Crores

Leading real estate developer, Brigade Group, today marked the completion of 40 years in business. Outlining its growth plans for the next three years, the company said that it will invest approximately ₹ 40K crores over the next three years for a development pipeline of 40 million sq. ft. across its markets. Over the past four decades, Brigade has developed more than 110 million sq. ft. across 300+ projects and established its presence across 10 cities. The Group has built a diversified portfolio that includes residential communities, office developments, retail destinations, hotels. Brigade’s operating leasing portfolio has scaled to approximately 10 million sq. ft. and is growing with additional launches and development underway.

Commenting on four decades of operations, M R Jaishankar, Executive Chairman, Brigade Group, said, “Brigade was built on the belief that real estate is ultimately about creating places that have enduring value for people, businesses and communities. Over four decades, we have grown with the cities and markets in which we operate, adapting to changing aspirations and economic realities. Our next phase will be about taking that experience into new markets and new opportunities while remaining grounded in the values that have shaped Brigade.”

Over the next three years, Brigade plans to invest across residential, commercial, retail, hospitality and its emerging businesses including warehousing. The investments will be funded through a combination of internal accruals, project-level financing, strategic partnerships and other appropriate funding avenues, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation.

The World Trade Centre (WTC) platform will remain a key pillar of Brigade’s commercial growth strategy. Building on its successful portfolio of WTC developments, the Group has secured licences for three new World Trade Centres in Devanahalli and Whitefield, Bengaluru, and Coimbatore. At the same time, Brigade is extending the footprint of its flagship Orion brand beyond Bengaluru, with upcoming developments in Chennai and Hyderabad, marking a significant expansion into two of South India’s most dynamic commercial and consumption markets.

Brigade is also fostering innovation with Brigade REAP, India’s pioneering real estate accelerator that has supported 100+ startups, and Earth Fund, a first-of-its-kind venture and growth fund in the country, focused on investing in sustainable innovation within the built environment. The Group is deploying artificial intelligence, Building Information Modelling, IoT-enabled systems, data analytics, automation, construction technology and smart-building platforms across different stages of the development lifecycle.

Brigade is also expected to have a significant employment impact across its operating markets. Over the next three years, Brigade estimates that its planned developments and new businesses will generate approximately 23,000 direct and indirect gross employment opportunities across construction, engineering, hospitality, retail, facility management, technology.

The Group has set a target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2045 and is working towards this through a combination of energy-efficient design, renewable energy, water conservation, responsible waste management and sustainable construction practices across its developments.

Brigade Foundation, the Group's CSR and social impact arm is set to take up one of its most significant civic infrastructure initiatives yet, the comprehensive development of Pipeline Road in Yeshwanthpur, under the Government of Karnataka's “Namma Bengaluru, Namma Koduge” scheme, implemented in association with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Brigade Foundation remains central to the Group’s vision of creating enduring value beyond business. Through focused interventions in education, healthcare, community development and environmental sustainability, the Foundation works to strengthen communities and foster inclusive growth across its areas of operation.

As Brigade enters its fifth decade, the Group’s focus will be on combining the strength of its established businesses with new growth opportunities emerging from India’s changing economic and urban landscape. With a growing development pipeline, investments across multiple asset classes, expansion into new markets and the creation of new business verticals, Brigade is positioning itself for the next phase of its journey while continuing to build on the platform created over the past 40 years.

BCIC And CSGAK Sign MoU To Launch Quad-Series Golf Tournaments

* Golden Jubilee initiative to bring together corporate leaders, civil servants and international trade representatives through sport and networking

The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) and the Civil Services Golf Association, Karnataka (CSGAK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bengaluru on Wednesday to jointly conceptualise, organise and conduct the Quad-Series Golf Tournaments, aimed at strengthening engagement between industry, government and the international business community.

The partnership assumes special significance as BCIC celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year. The tournament series will bring together industry captains, corporate leaders, senior State and Central Government officials, serving and retired civil servants, including IAS, IPS, IFS and IRS officers and international trade representatives on a common platform for networking, camaraderie and sporting engagement.

CA K. Ravi, President, Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), said, “Industry and administration are the two wheels of development-one drives enterprise, investment and innovation, while the other provides governance, policy and stability. The Quad is more than a sporting initiative; it is a bridge for dialogue, better understanding and stronger collaboration between industry leaders and civil servants. We believe this partnership will help deepen Industry-Government engagement and contribute to a smoother Ease of Doing Business environment in Karnataka.”

Shri Umesh Kumar, President, Civil Services Golf Association, Karnataka (CSGAK), said, “This partnership with BCIC brings together two important communities that contribute and significantly to Karnataka’s growth and development. Golf provides a natural setting for interaction, mutual understanding and fellowship. Through this series, we look forward to building stronger connections between civil servants, industry leaders and other stakeholders while promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie.”

*Golf to Create New Avenues for Industry-Government Engagement*

The Quad-Series has been conceived as more than a sporting initiative. It will create opportunities for participants from the corporate, administrative and international communities to engage outside formal institutional settings, while promoting wellness, sportsmanship and long-term relationship-building.

The tournament series is scheduled to begin on October 10, 2026 at Bangalore Golf Club, followed by the second event on December 12, 2026 at Karnataka Golf Association (KGA). The next leg will be held on January 23 and 24, 2027 at JWGC, while the concluding tournament is planned for

February 2027 at Pilikula.

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework under which BCIC and CSGAK will work together to plan and execute the tournament series and build sustained engagement among participating stakeholders.

BCIC, a premier apex Chamber of Commerce representing large and medium-scale industries in Karnataka, has played an active role in promoting trade, investment, policy dialogue and corporate networking. Its Golden Jubilee celebrations mark five decades of engagement with industry, government and the wider business ecosystem.

CSGAK comprises senior bureaucrats and serving and retired civil servants and promotes wellness, fellowship and sportsmanship through golf.

The partnership is expected to add a new dimension to public-private engagement by using sport as a platform for dialogue, networking and relationship-building among leaders from industry, administration and the international business community.

Air India Elevates International Travel Experience With Tata Communications-Powered EasyRoam Travel Sim

* Easy and affordable international roaming access in 30 countries

Air India, India’s leading global airline and Tata Communications, a leading global communications technology player, today announced the launch of EasyRoam – an Air India-branded travel SIM, offering international roaming service, developed in partnership with Tata Communications.

EasyRoam is an ancillary product available for purchase as a physical SIM as well as eSIM on a dedicated Air India-branded webpage. It allows Air India guests access to voice and data services on roaming while travelling internationally.

Inaugural offer and geographical coverage

In its inaugural phase of the rollout, the EasyRoam SIM is available free of cost, but roaming pack charges will apply. The roaming packs – available for 30 countries across North America, Europe (including the UK), Australia, Asia Pacific and the Middle East - start from INR 241 (excluding taxes), with prices varying by destination and plan selected.

Customers purchasing a data plan can also avail up to 1GB of additional complimentary data, applicable in all countries except Maldives and Mauritius.

The EasyRoam SIM’s geographical coverage will progressively expand to up to 190 countries in total. Air India guests can choose from destination-specific or worldwide travel plans, with options for data-only or voice + data connectivity, based on their travel needs.

“Today’s travellers expect travel experience to be seamless, instant and secure,” said Vivek Manglik, Executive Vice President – Interaction Fabric, Tata Communications. “Through our collaboration with Air India, we’re bringing travel connectivity into the booking journey itself, enabling customers to choose and activate their mobile plan before departure and go online the moment they arrive. Together, we’re making international connectivity simpler, more secure and more transparent, giving travellers greater control, visibility and peace of mind wherever they travel.”

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “The way people travel has evolved over the years. Today’s travellers increasingly live, work and socialise across borders, and they expect uninterrupted access to the digital services that power their daily lives. EasyRoam addresses this need by enabling our customers to stay connected effortlessly while travelling internationally, without the hassle of arranging for connectivity after arrival. It is another step in our effort to create a more seamless, digitally enabled travel experience in partnership with Tata Communications.”

Simple purchase and activation process

Designed as a digital-first travel connectivity service, EasyRoam offers customers a simple activation process, along with greater transparency and control over their mobile usage. Travellers will receive timely notifications and alerts to help them monitor consumption and manage costs while travelling abroad. Air India customers opting for the SIM can retain their number for up to one year at a nominal cost.

Tata Communications’ extensive global footprint and partnership with 600+ mobile network operators enables travellers to access high-quality connectivity and choose mobile plans best suited to their destination and travel needs.

Easy Roam is currently available for purchase through the Air India website and will subsequently be available through the Air India mobile app, offering customers a convenient way to stay connected while travelling internationally.

The EcoGram Project Marks A Decade Of Impact, Saves 19,623 Cubic Metres Of Landfill Space

* The programme has recycled 1,524 MT of dry waste and reduced 5,583 MT of CO₂ equivalent emissions since 2016

The EcoGram Project, an initiative of The Anonymous Indian Charitable Trust (TAICT), has completed a decade of work with the Bettahalasuru Gram Panchayat in North Bengaluru to build a replicable model for sustainable waste, water and soil management. What began as a pilot in Tarahunise village in 2016 now spans 10 villages and 4,802 households. Over the past decade, EcoGram has saved 19,623 cubic metres of landfill space, equivalent to approximately 16 acre-feet, while recycling 1,524 MT of dry waste. Its interventions have also saved 8,647 trees through paper recycling, conserved 3,343 MWh of energy, saved 1,505 KL of fuel and reduced 5,583 MT of CO₂ equivalent emissions through FY26.

Myriam Shankar, Managing Trustee, TAICT, said, “Introducing source segregation in a locality where the practice had never existed was an uphill task. It required sustained engagement with local government representatives, villagers and commercial establishments, alongside the infrastructure, people and operations needed to make the system work. Over the past decade, we have built an end-to-end model spanning collection, transportation, secondary segregation and processing, with the active involvement of the local community.”

Mr. Jitendra Virwani, Chairman, Embassy Group, who has supported the project since its inception, said, “The most important lesson from EcoGram is that lasting environmental change begins with local ownership. Over the last decade, the people of Bettahalasuru, the Panchayat and project partners have shown that when communities are equipped with the right systems, solutions can become part of everyday life. What has taken shape here is a practical model that other communities can learn from and adapt to their own needs.”

The decade milestone was commemorated at the EcoHub in Bettahalasuru, the Panchayat’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Centre, bringing together community members, waste workers, Panchayat representatives and project partners. Smt. Meena Sheshadri, wife of Shri Krishna Byre Gowda, Hon’ble Minister for Greater Bengaluru Development, Government of Karnataka, attended as Chief Guest, with Mr. Virwani as Guest of Honour. Frontline workers were felicitated, while 30 Gram Panchayat members were recognised for their contribution to local environmental initiatives.

A key pillar of EcoGram is its integrated waste management system, built around the 2Bin1Bag model and the EcoHub. The system covers source segregation, collection, sorting and processing, with primary segregation crossing 96% in recent years. Wet waste is processed through biomethanisation and composting, while dry waste is sorted for recycling.

The initiative has also supported with the upkeep and beautification of Tarahunise and Thimmasandra Lakes, through measures including bund strengthening, vetiver planting and floating treatment wetlands. Biodiversity assessments at Tarahunise Lake have documented 469 species. In addition, agroforestry interventions have converted 11 acres of eucalyptus plantations into Malabar Neem and Silver Oak.

EcoGram has combined environmental action with opportunities for local livelihoods. Threads of Life, launched in 2022 with the Yuvalok Foundation, has enabled 169 local women to graduate from tailoring and skill-building programmes. Through its ReThread initiative, trainees have since upcycled more than 1,280 products from post-consumer textile waste.

The Bettahalasur Gram Panchayat, through EcoGram, has received several national accolades over the years, including the Gandhi Grama Puraskar Award for Sanitation, recognising its work in improving sanitation and environmental practices. 

Sprite Turns Up The Heat With ‘Sprite Truth & Spice’, Bringing Celebrity, Food And Challenges Together

* Marking Sprite’s first foray into the game-show format, the series extends Sprite’s association with spice into a new world of celebrity entertainment and pop culture.

Link to the trailer: https://youtu.be/VtkdgQIMTDs?si=Ej_gBxd4fkrWd5t0

Sprite, Coca-Cola’s billion-dollar lemon-lime flavoured beverage brand, today announced the launch of Sprite Truth & Spice - an eight-episode digital entertainment series inspired by India's shared love for spicy food and authentic conversations. Designed for today's digital-first audiences, the series brings together celebrity pairings as they take on iconic spicy dishes through playful challenges, candid conversations and unscripted moments, turning everyday spice into a fresh pop-culture experience.

The series features an eclectic mix of personalities, including comedian Aaditya Kulshreshth, popularly known as Kullu, and travel creator Larissa D’sa; digital creator Shreya Kalra (winner of Lock Upp Season 2) with Rishabh Jaiswal; Indian cricketer Arshdeep Singh with Samreen Kaur; music producer and singer-songwriter Garv Taneja with Nandini Nayal (Gini); actors and dancers Shantanu Maheshwari and Shruti Sinha; Varun Sood and Vihaan Samat; stand-up comedians Swati Sachdeva and Gurleen Pannu; and Nayani Pavani with Mehaboob Dil Se.

Two episodes of Sprite Truth & Spice will be presented in association with Tinder, bringing together two brands that celebrate connection, conversation and shared experiences. The partnership adds a fresh cultural layer to the series, creating relatable moments that resonate with young audiences.

Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head - Sparkling Flavours, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Sprite’s crisp lemon-lime taste has always been a natural match for spicy food. Today, spicy is more than just a flavour; it’s a social experience, a challenge to take on, and a reason to come together. That’s 'Sprite Truth & Spice', a format built on truth-or-dare, our own love for card-games and a serious amount of spicy food. Viewers can expect unfiltered truths, confessions nobody saw coming, chaotic chemistry, and it all starts with a can of Sprite or Sprite Zero, bringing a refreshing twist to every spicy moment. It’s a fun, spontaneous hangout ritual that lets friends, families and even strangers to play along.”

The season trailer has premiered, with weekly episodes rolling out from 17 September to 5 November 2026. Sprite Truth & Spice will be available on Sprite’s YouTube channel, supported by creator collaborations, social-first content and amplification across Sprite and partner digital channels.

About Coca Cola:

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’ offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Thums Up XForce, Charged, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Kinley Soda, Rimzim, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Kinley Copper, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water. Premium products constitute Schweppes’ range and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of over six million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities, and the planet through water and packaging initiatives, sustainable agriculture and emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Samsung Announces ‘Samsung Week’ 2026: The Ultimate AI-Powered Shopping Extravaganza

Samsung India today announced the launch of ‘Samsung Week’ 2026, a festival bringing together its connected AI ecosystem across Galaxy AI, Bespoke AI and Vision AI through SmartThings, with exclusive offers and benefits across its portfolio. Going live today on Samsung.com, the Samsung Shop App and at Samsung Exclusive Stores, Samsung Week offers discounts ranging from 31% to 60%, along with cashback of up to INR 25,000, across smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables, accessories, TVs, monitors and digital appliances.

As part of ‘Samsung Week’ 2026, consumers can also access enhanced warranty benefits, including a one-year extended warranty with an additional two years at no additional cost on eligible products.

Built around the theme of ‘Your Companion to AI Living’, ‘Samsung Week’ 2026 brings together Samsung’s AI experiences across the devices and products that are part of consumers’ everyday lives. Galaxy AI supports more intuitive ways to communicate, create, and stay productive, while Vision AI enhances the viewing experience, and Bespoke AI brings greater intelligence and convenience to everyday home routines. Connected through SmartThings, these experiences come to life across Samsung’s AI-powered ecosystem, helping consumers experience a more connected approach to AI in their daily lives. The latest Galaxy devices bring Galaxy AI experiences across communication, productivity, creativity, and everyday tasks.

During ‘Samsung Week’ 2026, eligible consumers can benefit from the highest online exchange value* and any-condition exchange when upgrading to select Galaxy devices. Galaxy Forever also offers eligible consumers long-term EMI options, while multi-bank cashback, first-purchase rewards, and loyalty benefits provide additional value across Samsung’s direct channels.

Consumers can avail up to 34% off on select Galaxy smartphones, including flagship Galaxy S series devices, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and a wide range of Galaxy A series and Galaxy M series smartphones. Customers can also avail instant bank discounts of up to INR 10,000^, along with multi-buy benefits of up to INR 9,500, Galaxy Forever benefits including up to 55% assured buyback and free Samsung Care+.

Consumers looking to expand their connected Galaxy experience can avail up to 60% off on select Galaxy tablets, wearables and accessories, along with instant bank discounts of up to INR 6,500^. Select first-time purchases on Samsung.com and the Samsung Shop App can also receive benefits of up to INR 2,000*, while eligible customers under the Student & Corporate Program can receive up to 5% off.

The latest Galaxy Book series laptops are available at up to 31% off, with instant bank discounts of up to INR 5,000^. First-time purchases on Samsung.com and the Samsung Shop App can receive additional benefits of up to INR 2,000*, while eligible customers under the Student & Corporate Program can receive up to 10% off.

In the visual display segment, select Micro RGB, OLED, Neo QLED, Mini LED, QLED and Crystal UHD TVs are available at up to 51% off. Additional benefits include free* TVs or soundbars on select models, free* bezels with select Frame TVs, exchange bonuses of up to INR 5,000+, zero-down-payment options and up to 12-month No Cost EMI options. Select TVs also come with a free 3-year comprehensive warranty (1 Year Standard + 2 Year Extended) during the limited-period offer. Samsung’s Vision AI experiences bring intelligent features to the viewing experience, with select TVs designed to optimize picture and sound based on content and the viewing environment.

Select audio products are also available with additional promotional benefits, including a 5% Add To Cart benefit up to INR 5,400* on eligible products.

Samsung’s digital appliances portfolio is available with offers across categories. Refrigerators are available at up to 48% off, along with Samsung Care+ benefits, instant cart discounts of up to INR 3,000*, Buy More, Save More benefits, up to 12-month No Cost EMI and a 10-year compressor warranty. Select products also come with long-term EMI options of up to 30 months, with the lowest EMI starting at INR 990. Bespoke Package benefits include 7.5% off on the purchase of two eligible products and 10% off on the purchase of three or more.

Washing machines are available at up to 49% off, supported by Samsung Care+ benefits, instant cart discounts of up to INR 2,000*, ‘Buy More, Save More’ benefits and Bespoke Package offers. Select products include a 10-year motor warranty, long-term EMI options of up to 30 months and lowest EMI starting at INR 890.

Select microwaves also come with no-cost EMI options, zero-down-payment offers, and a 5-year warranty on the enamel cavity.

Select air conditioners are available at up to 58% off, with a 5-year comprehensive warranty comprising one year of standard warranty and four years of extended warranty. Additional benefits include 5% off on the purchase of two eligible WindFree models, a fixed EMI of INR 1,990 and long-term EMI options of up to 30 months.

Customers can also access up to 60% off on select monitors, including Odyssey OLED gaming monitors, with instant cart discounts of up to INR 5,000. Select monitors also feature Smart TV experiences with AI. Consumers can also benefit from Samsung Care+, which offers extended protection across select appliances.

Across categories, customers can access bank cashback and discounts of up to 22.5%##, with maximum benefits varying by category. These include cashback of up to INR 25,000 on select panels, up to INR 20,000 on select video display products, up to INR 21,000 on digital appliances, up to INR 21,500 on refrigerators, up to INR 9,000 on washing machines, up to INR 6,000 on microwaves and up to INR 14,000 on air conditioners.

Customers can also access loyalty points of up to 2%, alongside exchange options, first-purchase benefits, Student & Corporate Program benefits and EMI options across eligible products and channels.

Consumers can visit Samsung.com, the Samsung Shop App, or their nearest Samsung Exclusive Store to explore the latest AI-powered devices and offers available during ‘Samsung Week’ 2026.