Tesla Launches Its Much-Awaited Flying Roadster Concept Car With Live Demo In Texas

Electric car company Tesla has unveiled its flying Roadster vehicle with a demonstration in which the car drove upside down, flipped off a ramp and briefly flew, using compressed-air thrusters that Tesla claims will make it the world's quickest production car.

During a live event in Texas, the two-seat Roadster model drove up a half-pipe ramp and launched off the top, remaining in the air for a few seconds before landing

It also became airborne after building up speed on flat ground, launching over a row of parked vehicles. It then lifted off from a stationary position.

A series of thrusters in the bottom and back propelled the car into the air and cushioned the landings.

It was designed by Tesla and SpaceX, both companies led by businessman Elon Musk, who called the second-generation Roadster "a collaboration with the world's best car company and the world's best rocket company".

The thrusters can also fire rearward to boost acceleration. Tesla demonstrated the car reaching 60 miles per hour in a claimed 0.81 seconds, and said it would be the "quickest" production vehicle to 60 miles per hour.

On the half-pipe ramp, the vehicle was able to remain upside down due to a fan suction system. The air tanks in the vehicle are rechargeable and can be recompressed without fuel, according to Tesla.

Long term, Musk said the car will be the "only manual" vehicle in its lineup, referencing plans for driverless vehicles. Though the demonstration used a pre-programmed sequence with no driver.

Tesla chief designer Franz von Holzhausen said the car was designed with an "aerospace aesthetic". It has an angular supercar exterior with scissor doors and a deployable spoiler, and is a coupe with a hard top.

Mantri Square Mall Launches Mantri Shopping Festival 2026 With Bollywood Actress Bhumi Pednekar

Mantri Square Mall, one of Bengaluru’s prominent shopping and lifestyle destinations, launched Mantri Shopping Festival 2026 (MSF 3.0) with Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar at the mall in Malleshwaram, Bengaluru. The launch marked the beginning of a festive shopping celebration running from 16 October 2026 to 3 January 2027, bringing together shopping, entertainment and exciting rewards for visitors.

Bhumi Pednekar joined Kamakshi Mantri, Chief Strategy Officer – Retail, Commercial & Hospitality, Mantri Developers, for the launch. The occasion featured the unveiling of the festival’s shopper rewards and campaign highlights, setting the tone for the festive shopping season at the mall.

The festival aims to make festive shopping more engaging and rewarding, with exciting offers across participating brands, a lucky draw featuring a Yezdi Bike, and weekly rewards for the highest shopper. As part of the lucky draw, two winners will get a chance to win a Yezdi Bike, subject to the campaign’s terms and conditions.

Speaking about the festival, Kamakshi Mantri, Chief Strategy Officer –Mantri Group, said, “The festive season presents an opportunity to bring people together through shopping, celebrations and shared experiences. With Mantri Shopping Festival 2026, our focus is on creating an engaging and rewarding experience for shoppers while supporting our retail partners during one of the most important periods of the year. Through exciting offers, shopper rewards and a vibrant festive environment, we look forward to welcoming visitors to Mantri Square Mall over the coming months.”

Bhumi Pednekar said, “The festive season is all about celebrating with the people you love, discovering something special and creating memorable experiences. Shopping is a big part of those celebrations, and initiatives like the Mantri Shopping Festival add to the excitement with attractive offers and rewards. I'm delighted to be part of the launch and wish everyone a wonderful festive season.”

Anupam T., CEO, said, “Mantri Shopping Festival 2026 reflects our continued focus on making Mantri Square Mall a destination that offers more than shopping. We want visitors to enjoy a complete experience that brings together retail, leisure and festive celebrations. The festival is an opportunity to welcome shoppers, create memorable experiences and strengthen our relationships with both customers and retail partners.”

With its diverse retail mix, dining options and entertainment offerings, Mantri Square Mall continues to cater to a wide range of shoppers and families. Through Mantri Shopping Festival 2026, the mall aims to build festive excitement, encourage repeat visits and give customers more reasons to make the mall part of their seasonal celebrations.

Shoppers can visit Mantri Square Mall, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, throughout the festival period to explore participating brands, discover festive offers and participate in the campaign’s shopper rewards.

About Mantri Square:

Mantri Square Mall is one of India’s largest retail destinations, offering a complete shopping, dining, and entertainment experience under one roof. With a curated mix of over 300 international and Indian brands, a multiplex, and extensive food and leisure options, it continues to be a preferred destination for families and fashion-forward shoppers alike.

For more information, visit www.mantrisquare.com

MSM Unify Joins Team Canada Trade Mission To India 2026, Calls For Deeper Cooperation In AI, Higher Education And Cybersecurity

MSM Unify is participating in the Team Canada Trade Mission to India 2026, with Mr. Mahir Laul, Global Strategist and Partnerships, joining nearly 300 Canadian delegates to advance bilateral trade, investment and strategic cooperation. Led by Canada's Minister of International Trade, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, the mission spans Mumbai and Bengaluru from October 12 to 17, bringing together business leaders and policymakers at a pivotal moment in Canada-India economic relations.

With both countries pursuing an ambitious expansion of bilateral trade and renewed engagement on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the mission signals an opportunity to build partnerships beyond traditional sectors, particularly in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced technologies and the knowledge economy.

Representing MSM Unify, Mr. Mahir Laul brought attention to the strategic convergence of technology, higher education and international trade. His discussions focused on how Canada and India can move beyond conventional education partnerships toward deeper institutional cooperation, joint innovation, AI-driven workforce transformation and stronger digital resilience.

Commenting on the evolving Canada-India economic relationship, Mr. Mahir Laul said:

"The next chapter of Canada-India trade must be defined not simply by the volume of commerce, but by the intellectual and technological capabilities we build together. Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping economic competitiveness, while cybersecurity has become a prerequisite for digital trust and cross-border growth. Higher education sits at the intersection of both. The real opportunity is to move from talent mobility to talent co-creation, where universities, industry and technology ecosystems jointly develop the expertise, research capabilities and innovation infrastructure that both economies will need over the next decade."

He also emphasized that sustainable technology partnerships require more than market access. They depend on trusted digital systems, responsible AI adoption, industry-aligned education and the ability to translate research into commercially relevant innovation.

The Team Canada Trade Mission provides a platform for Canadian and Indian organizations to explore these opportunities through sector-specific discussions, bilateral business meetings and engagement with India's expanding technology and innovation ecosystem.

MSM Unify's participation underscores the increasing relevance of international education within broader economic diplomacy. As Canada and India deepen their commercial relationship, collaboration in knowledge, emerging technologies and human capital will be essential to building long-term competitiveness and shared economic value.

Four Teams Win ₹2 Crore At Samsung Solve For Tomorrow 2026

· Participants across 648 cities, 28 states and 7 UTs identified challenges in their communities and developed tech solutions to address them

· Winners were shortlisted by Samsung R&D and Design MDs and an external jury from NITI Aayog, IIT Delhi, MeitY and Office of Principal Scientific Advisor, GoI

· Top 20 teams were awarded ₹20 lakh in grants and a smartphone for every member; the programme also facilitated an Investor Meet for potential funding of their ideas

Samsung India today announced the winners of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026, with this year’s entries spanning 648 cities across 28 states and seven union territories. At the Grand Finale in New Delhi, four teams won incubation grants totaling ₹2 crore from Samsung to take their technology-led solutions forward.

The winning teams — QuantHunt from Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh; morphism from Raipur, Chhattisgarh; InnoBotix from New Delhi and Somatrace from Hyderabad, Telangana — will also receive mentorship and incubation support at FITT, IIT Delhi, to develop their prototypes towards market-ready solutions, with the potential to evolve into startups of the future.

This year’s finalists in India were selected through a six-month journey that included 184 design thinking workshops across 135 cities, intensive bootcamps, prototype development and pitch evaluations. They presented solutions across four themes: AI Living for India, Health and Education, Sport and Tech and Environmental Sustainability.

Now in its fifth edition in India, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is part of a global programme. Since 2022, around 80,000 students have participated, using science, technology, engineering and mathematics to identify challenges in their communities and develop solutions.

Four winning solutions

AI Living for India: QuantHunt – Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh: An AI-based cybersecurity solution designed to identify encryption vulnerabilities and help organisations prepare their digital systems for emerging quantum-computing risks.

Health and Education: morphism – Raipur, Chhattisgarh: An AI system designed to help autistic individuals better understand emotions by analysing subtle facial expressions and other behavioural signals.

Environmental Sustainability: InnoBotix – New Delhi: Sentinel, a solar-powered AI edge device that uses cameras, radar and seismic data to detect wildlife approaching human settlements and provide early warnings.

Sport and Tech: Somatrace – Hyderabad, Telangana: A wearable IoT training tool that measures spinal angles and load during training to help precision-sport athletes and coaches better understand injury risk.

The Top 20 teams received ₹20 lakh in grants, and each member received a Samsung Galaxy flagship smartphone. The Grand Finale also recognised teams through two Community Choice Awards of ₹1 lakh each and a Digital Impact Award of ₹50,000.

This year’s entries featured human-centred solutions using artificial intelligence, wearable IoT and sustainable design. Over 50% of the ideas came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, demonstrating that innovation is not confined to urban centres and that promising solutions to real-world challenges can emerge from every corner of Bharat.

The finalists received mentorship from Samsung, startup founders and experts from FITT, IIT Delhi to refine their hardware and software prototypes.

“India’s next wave of innovation will depend on how well we connect technology to people’s needs and give young people the opportunity to take ideas from the problems they see to solutions they can test and build. Sustaining that journey strengthens the country’s capacity to innovate and is an important part of nation-building. This year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow finalists have brought curiosity, empathy and purpose to challenges in their communities, applying emerging technologies to real-world problems. As Samsung celebrates 30 years in India, we are proud to support their journey. The four winning teams reflect a confident, inventive Bharat, ready to turn ingenuity into impact,” said Mr. JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung South West Asia.

Partnerships to support the next stage

Samsung has strategic partnerships with United Nations in India, FITT, IIT Delhi, Startup India (DPIIT), MeitY Startup Hub, Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog) and Manthan, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

These partnerships connect young innovators with wider support across India’s startup and innovation ecosystem. Through these collaborations, Samsung is helping build a culture of problem-solving and entrepreneurship, empowering young innovators to transform their ideas into market-ready solutions.

The Grand Finale also featured an Investor Meet for all Top 20 teams. The interaction gave the young innovators an opportunity to engage with the startup and investment ecosystem and explore pathways to take their innovations to the next level.

Distinguished guests at the awards ceremony included Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Technology, Government of India, Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India and Nikhil Agarwal, Managing Director, FITT, IIT Delhi.

“Innovation advances sustainable development when it is guided by inclusion, empathy and a clear understanding of people’s needs. India’s young innovators are at the heart of achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow gives young people the opportunity to have these values frame their solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable future. I congratulate the winners and all participants, and commend Samsung for encouraging young people to engage with the challenges shaping our shared future,” said Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India.

“Science and technology create the greatest value when they address challenges in people’s lives. This year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow finalists have brought that approach to a wide range of issues, from healthcare and sustainability to sports, using curiosity and problem-solving to shape their ideas. Platforms that take young people from identifying a challenge to designing and testing a solution strengthen the ecosystem with a culture of innovation across the country,” said Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

“Innovation takes more than a promising idea; it requires a deep understanding of the user and the discipline to test, refine and scale a solution. This year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow finalists have demonstrated both technological ingenuity and a strong sense of purpose. The next step is to help the winning teams move beyond prototypes towards solutions with measurable impact. I congratulate them and look forward to seeing how they use the incubation support to contribute to India’s startup ecosystem,” said Dr. PS Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub.

The Grand Finale jury comprised Mohan Rao Goli, Managing Director, Samsung R&D Institute India-Bengaluru; KY Roo, Managing Director, Samsung R&D Institute India-Noida; Demian Hyun, Managing Director, Samsung R&D Institute India-Delhi; and Yuran Kim, Managing Director, Samsung Design Delhi. The external jury included Himanshu Joshi, Director, AIM, NITI Aayog; Dr. Srinivasan Venkatraman, Assistant Professor, IIT Delhi; Dr. Sapna Poti, Director, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; and Saurabh Ranjan, Scientist, MeitY.

Through its global CSR vision, “Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People”, Samsung works to expand access to knowledge, skills and resources. In India, its citizenship programmes are guided by “Powering Innovation for India”, supporting young people as they build a better future for their communities. 

Vi Disrupts With India’s First Prepaid Family Plan

* Introduces a first-ever proposition that lets prepaid customers create A Vi prepaid family on the Vi app, enabling data sharing, assured savings and exclusive offers from anywhere in the country

At Vi, the thought ‘Vi Pe Sab Hain VIP’ is built on the belief that meaningful benefits should be accessible to everyone. Continuing to bring this promise to life, Vi today announced the launch of Vi prepaid family plan, India’s first proposition that challenges conventional plans, by enabling family members to share data benefits with one another from anywhere in the country. The new proposition reimagines the traditional prepaid experience giving users flexibility to share data with family members, whenever someone is running low on data.

In today's digital-first world, running out of data can mean missing an important video call, pausing an online class, getting stranded without maps, or losing access to essential apps and services. While families routinely support one another in countless ways every day, mobile data has largely remained an individual resource. Vi prepaid family plan changes that.

All active Vi prepaid subscribers can use the Vi App to create a family group, of up to four members— one being the primary member and up to three secondary members. Each member retains their own prepaid plan and validity while gaining the flexibility to share data and help the family stay connected. Vi Prepaid Family members can share 500 MB of data at a time to help another family member stay connected when they are running low on data.

Each of the family members will enjoy guaranteed discounts of up to 10% on every recharge made through the Vi App.

Speaking about the launch, Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer, Vi, said: "At Vi, we believe the best innovations are often rooted in simple human truths. We believe the future of prepaid is not just about offering more data but about giving customers greater flexibility on how they use it. Vi Prepaid Family plan challenges the traditional approach to mobile plans in the segment and is a bold step towards making prepaid more relevant to the way people live, work and stay connected. This plan demonstrates our inclusivity stance, again, by ensuring families stay connected and share data whenever one of them needs it from anywhere in the country.”

A new campaign featuring Shah Rukh Khan brings the proposition and the brand’s ‘Vi Pe Sab Hain VIP’ promise to life. In the film, Shah Rukh Khan shows how Vi prepaid plan keeps his family, spread out across cities in India, always connected.

Consumers can create a family across telecom circles, add eligible family members, and enjoy shared connectivity, family management and exclusive rewards. Learn more with the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/8H8Sx5M452A?si=KgZ_yh52Vod-Uar8

Link to the campaign: https://youtu.be/N2cxYMrs4MY?si=WAyPid0q0lIynPi1

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service providers. The company holds a large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave spectrum in 16 circles. The Company provides Voice and Data services across 2G, 4G and 5G platforms and is expanding 5G services across 17 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the Company is committed to delivering delightful customer experiences and contributing towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company’s equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India. For more information, please visit: www.MyVi.in  

Home Entertainment Upgrades From Sony Worth Bringing Home This Dussehra

Dussehra brings with it the excitement of festive gatherings, family traditions, good food, and time spent creating memories with loved ones. From welcoming guests and enjoying a festive meal to unwinding with a movie after the celebrations or setting the mood with music, these moments often continue long after the festivities themselves. It is also a time when many look to refresh their homes, making everyday spaces more comfortable and enjoyable for the season ahead.

For those considering a home upgrade this festive season, entertainment technology can be a thoughtful place to start. A television that brings films and favourite shows to life, a soundbar that makes movie nights more immersive, or headphones that offer a more personal listening experience can each add something different to everyday routines. Here are some home entertainment upgrades from Sony worth considering this Dussehra.

Sony BRAVIA 7 II: When movie nights are a highlight of family time, a television that brings out the detail, colour and atmosphere of every scene can make the experience more rewarding. The Sony BRAVIA 7 II is suited to those looking to take their home entertainment setup a step further, with its True RGB technology and advanced picture processing designed to bring greater depth and vibrancy to on-screen content.

The television combines RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro with RGB Triluminos Max and the Cognitive Processor XR to deliver vivid colours, detailed highlights and realistic picture quality. With 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and Google TV, it offers a feature-rich setup for enjoying films, series and live entertainment at home.

Price: INR 2,01,390

Sony BRAVIA 3 II: Festive holidays often mean more time spent together at home, whether it is catching up on favourite television shows, watching festive programmes, following live sports, or settling in for a family movie night. The Sony BRAVIA 3 II is a practical upgrade for households looking to make everyday viewing more engaging, bringing 4K picture quality and smart entertainment features into the living room.

Powered by Sony's XR Processor, the BRAVIA 3 II uses AI scene recognition to optimise picture quality according to the content being watched. Its XR Triluminos Pro technology delivers a wider range of colours, while XR Clear Image helps improve clarity and reduce noise. The television also supports 4K at 120Hz, Dolby Atmos and Google TV, offering a versatile setup for everything from streaming favourites to watching live sporting action.

Price: INR 90,240

Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 5: A television upgrade can transform the viewing experience, but sound also plays an important role in bringing films and shows to life. Whether it is the dialogue in a family favourite, the soundtrack of a film, or the atmosphere of a live concert, the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 5 helps create a more immersive entertainment experience without requiring a complicated home theatre setup.

The 3.1-channel soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS, with S-Force PRO Front Surround and Vertical Surround Engine helping create a more dimensional sound experience. A dedicated centre speaker and Voice mode make dialogue easier to follow, while the included wireless subwoofer adds depth to bass. The BRAVIA Connect app also simplifies setup and control, and pairing the soundbar with a compatible BRAVIA television helps bring the audio and visuals together for a more cinematic experience.

Price: INR 37,990

Sony WH-1000XM6: Amid the activity of the festive season, there are also moments when a little personal downtime is welcome. Whether it is listening to music while travelling, catching up on a podcast, or enjoying a film without disturbing others at home, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones offer a premium listening experience with advanced noise cancellation.

Powered by Sony's HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, the headphones use a 12-microphone system and Adaptive NC Optimizer to adjust noise cancellation in real time. Their sound has been co-created with mastering audio engineers, while support for High-Resolution Audio and LDAC helps deliver detailed wireless listening. With a foldable design, multipoint connectivity and an AI-based beamforming system for clearer calls, the WH-1000XM6 is suited to both everyday listening and moments when you want to focus on your own entertainment.

Price: INR 35,990

Sony LinkBuds Clip: From helping with festive preparations to stepping out for a walk or catching up with friends, there are plenty of occasions when listening to music while staying aware of your surroundings is useful. The Sony LinkBuds Clip offer an alternative to conventional in-ear earbuds with an open-ear, clip-on design that supports everyday listening without completely isolating you from the world around you.

The earbuds feature three listening modes: Standard for everyday listening, Voice Boost for noisier environments, and Sound Leakage Reduction for quieter settings. AI Voice Pickup Technology helps keep calls clear, while the lightweight design is intended for comfortable wear throughout the day. With up to 37 hours of total playback and water resistance, the LinkBuds Clip can accompany everyday routines throughout the festive season.

Price: INR 15,990

The best home entertainment upgrades are those that continue to add value well beyond the occasion for which they are chosen. A television can bring family members together over films and favourite shows, a soundbar can make shared viewing more immersive, and personal audio devices can offer a welcome escape during a busy day.

From everyday family viewing and more cinematic entertainment to premium headphones and open-ear listening, Sony's range offers options for different spaces, routines and preferences. This Dussehra, upgrading your home entertainment setup can be a way to make everyday moments. 

Indriya Expands Bangalore Retail Network With A New Store In Jayanagar

* The latest Indriya store offers over 37,000 jewellery designs across bridal, festive, contemporary, and everyday wear collections in an elevated retail setting.

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, has expanded its footprint in Bangalore with the opening of its seventh store in Jayanagar. Coming shortly after the launch of its store in Forum Mall, the expansion is part of a deliberate strategy to deepen the brand’s reach across the city, creating a robust retail network that serves diverse neighbourhoods and consumer catchments.

The latest store has been designed to bring together Indriya’s design-led approach with a more considered and personalised retail experience. Traditional craftsmanship sits alongside contemporary designs, while dedicated spaces including the kaarigari room and bridal lounge allow customers and families to spend time exploring pieces, particularly for significant purchases such as bridal and occasion jewellery. The store also offers a selection of lightweight and contemporary pieces for consumers looking beyond traditional occasions.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya, said, “As a city grows, the way consumers shop also becomes more localised. Bangalore has very distinct retail catchments, and consumers often have strong preferences around where they shop, what is accessible to them and how they want to experience a category like jewellery. For us, expanding across these different parts of the city is therefore an important part of building the brand here. Jayanagar gives us an opportunity to be present in a very different retail environment and, more importantly, to be closer to consumers in another part of Bangalore. Over time, we want our store network to reflect the city itself rather than be concentrated around a few destinations.”

With its Bangalore network taking shape across different retail environments, Indriya is looking beyond store expansion to build a more nuanced understanding of the city’s consumers. The Jayanagar store marks another step in that approach, bringing the brand closer to the distinct communities and consumption patterns that make up Bangalore.

About Indriya

Indriya, the jewellery brand from Aditya Birla Group, was launched in July 2024. Derived from the Sanskrit word for 'five senses,' Indriya embodies timeless elegance, unmatched craftsmanship, and a captivating sensorial experience. With an exquisite range of diamonds, precious gemstones, and artisanal gold, the brand offers jewellery that transcends traditional artistry and modern aesthetics. Indriya stores are more than just a jewellery store—it is the ultimate destination for bridal collection and celebrations of life’s most cherished moments. For brides-to-be, Indriya is a treasure trove of meticulously designed wedding jewellery, where each piece is a timeless heirloom, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity, ensuring every bride feels radiant on her special day. Beyond weddings, Indriya redefines jewellery as an expression of personal identity and artistry, cementing its position as the go-to destination for all occasions.