Wit Gets Real as Urooj Ashfaq Headlines Bengaluru’s Comedy Scene at Phoenix Mall of Asia

 Get ready for a giggle-packed comedy ride as the effortlessly funny Urooj Ashfaq brings her signature humour to the Phoenix Mall of Asia on Saturday, 28th June 2025. Known for her unapologetic wit, viral sketches, and wildly relatable comedy, Urooj will take the stage at 8:00 PM onwards for an unforgettable evening.

Whether you’ve seen her shine on Comicstaan, laughed along with her quirky ‘If Apps Were People’ takes on YouTube, or followed her iconic All India Bakchod (AIB) sketches, this is your chance to catch Urooj live in action. With her whip-smart insights and awkwardly hilarious anecdotes, she will have you laughing till it hurts.

Bengaluru, clear your calendars! It is time to round up your gang, grab your tickets, and get set for a night of non-stop fun. Tickets available on BookMyShow. 

Event Details

Event: Urooj Ashfaq Standup Comedy Show
Date: Saturday, 28th June 2025
Time: 8:00 PM Onwards
Venue: Fan Park, 2nd Floor, Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru
Entry: Tickets available on BookMyShow

Tata Motors launches Ace Pro: India’s Most Affordable 4-Wheel Mini-Truck Heralds a New Era in Cargo Mobility to Empower Entrepreneurs

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, creating a new milestone in cargo mobility with the launch of the all-new Tata Ace Pro, heralding a transformative era in small cargo mobility. With an unbeatable starting price of just ₹X.99 lakh, the Tata Ace Pro is India’s most affordable four-wheel mini truck, delivering exceptional efficiency, unmatched versatility, and superior value. 

Designed to empower a new wave of entrepreneurs, the Tata Ace Pro is available in Petrol, Bi-Fuel (CNG + Petrol), and Electric variants – providing customers with the flexibility to choose the ideal solution for their business needs.

 

Customers can book their preferred Ace Pro variant at any of Tata Motors’ 1250 commercial vehicles sales touchpoints across the country or on Fleet Verse, Tata Motor’s online sales platform. To make ownership of the Tata Ace Pro convenient, Tata Motors has collaborated with leading banks and NBFCs to offer hassle-free financing solutions, including quick loan approvals, flexible EMI options, and enhanced funding support, tailoring to diverse customer needs.

 

Launching the Ace Pro, Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said, “The launch of Tata Ace had revolutionised cargo mobility in India. Over the past two decades, it has successfully empowered more than 25 lakh entrepreneurs to become a symbol of progress and possibility. With the all-new Tata Ace Pro, we are building on this legacy with renewed purpose for a new generation of dreamers. Engineered for stability, safety, and profitability, the Ace Pro unlocks greater earning potential to fulfil the ambitions of aspiring entrepreneurs ready to take charge of their future.”

 

Speaking about the Tata Ace Pro, Mr. Pinaki Haldar, Vice President & Business Head – SCVPU, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “The purposeful Tata Ace Pro has been developed with deep customer insights and engineered to meet a diverse range of applications. It has undergone rigorous testing across various terrains and weather conditions, covering lakhs of kilometres. With its multi-fuel options, easy affordability and enhanced drivability, the Tata Ace Pro delivers superior value across diverse use cases. It’s a strategic addition to our portfolio that strengthens Tata Motors’ commitment to enabling entrepreneurs and small businesses with dependable, future-ready mobility solutions. As India’s technology capital and startup hub, Karnataka offers a dynamic logistics environment driven by Bengaluru’s thriving e-commerce and digital ecosystems. In this urban heartland, the Ace Pro EV fits seamlessly into defined duty cycles, powering intra-city deliveries, LPG movement and closed-loop operations from warehouses of e-commerce brands. Along the Karavali coastal belt around Mangalore and in Northern Karnataka regions like Hubballi, the Ace Pro Bi-Fuel is a preferred choice for market load operators transporting water, parcels, fresh produce and general goods, thanks to strong CNG availability and focus on operating economics. For aspiring entrepreneurs across other regions of the state, the Ace Pro Petrol provides an accessible and dependable entry point into the transport business, especially for last-mile applications.”

 

Engineered to Deliver More

 

Exceptional Payload Capacity

The Tata Ace Pro sets a new benchmark with a best-in-class 750 kg payload and a versatile 6.5ft (1.98 m) deck. Available with factory-fitted load body options – half-deck or flatbed – tailored to maximize earnings across diverse applications. It is compatible for container, municipal applications, and reefer body fitment, amongst others. Its high-strength chassis and rugged aggregates ensure reliable performance under heavy loads.

 

Efficient, Versatile Powertrains

Built on a modular platform and designed for profitability, the Ace Pro is available in Petrol, Bi-Fuel, and Electric variants:

Petrol: A 694cc engine delivers 30bhp and 55Nm, combining power with fuel efficiency.

Electric: Tata Motors’ advanced EV architecture offers 38bhp, 104Nm torque, and a 155km range on a single charge, with IP67-rated battery and motor for all-weather reliability.

Bi-Fuel: Combines the cost-efficiency of CNG with the flexibility of a 5-litre petrol backup tank for uninterrupted operations. In CNG mode, it develops 26bhp of power and 51Nm of torque. 

 

Comfortable, Safe Cabin

Built for long hours on the road, the Ace Pro features a spacious, car-like cabin with ergonomic seating, ample storage, and modern conveniences. Safety is paramount with an AIS096-compliant crash-tested cabin. It is also equipped with digital instrument cluster, and optional infotainment system for added driver convenience.

 

Smart Connectivity & Driver Assistance

Complementing the advanced Ace Pro is Tata Motors’ connected vehicle platform, Fleet Edge, with over 8 lakh registered vehicles. It delivers real-time insights into vehicle health, driver behaviour, and predictive maintenance, empowering transporters to take proactive safety decisions. Features like Gear Shift Advisor and Reverse Parking Assistance make urban and rural navigation effortless.

 

Unmatched Support & Ownership Experience

With over 2,500 service and spares outlets nationwide, coupled with the Star Guru network in remote areas, the Ace Pro ensures you're never far from expert help. EV-specific service centres and a robust 24x7 roadside assistance program further enhance uptime and peace of mind.

  

About Tata Motors:

Part of the USD 165 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570; NSE: TATAMOTORS), a USD 52 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

 

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

 

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2025, Tata Motors’ operations include 93 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, four joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

TKM Culminates Environment Month 2025 with Strong Emphasis on Sustainable Business Practices and Eco-Conscious Living

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  Transitioning to green logistics, adopting resource-conscious approach, fostering eco consciousness amongst stakeholders, thereby promoting sustainable living and amplifying positive environmental impact

 

Reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship across the value chain, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today marked the successful culmination of Environment Month 2025, under the theme ‘Sustainable Resource Management Drive’ through ‘Zero-Base Thinking’ including plastic elimination efforts.  This year’s edition featured a series of impactful initiatives aimed at embedding sustainability into every facet of the organisation – from green logistics to promoting resource-conscious behaviour and driving community sensitization on environment protection. Engaging over 3,100 participants, the initiative united employees, partners (suppliers, dealers) and community members in collective commitment to sustainable practices – both within the workplace and across the broader community.

 

In a significant stride towards green logistics, 17 electric trucks of the logistic partner were flagged off at TKM, set to operate across five critical supply routes. This initiative aligns with the global Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050 consisting of six challenges, announced in 2015, wherein TKM is accelerating the transition toward carbon neutrality, by going beyond products, embedding sustainable practices in manufacturing operations and across our entire value chain. In the above context, Challenge 1-3 is attributed to various clean technology-driven products and green manufacturing operations, aimed at bringing down carbon emissions to as close to zero as possible in every stage of the vehicle lifecycle (production of materials/parts, vehicle assembly, logistic operations, energy consumption/conservation and adoption of renewable energy in manufacturing, etc.). Furthermore, TKM is also advancing their efforts under Challenge 4-6 which are aimed at minimizing water usage, promoting a recycling-based society, and fostering a future society in harmony with nature.

 

As part of the company’s broader commitment to minimizing environmental impact across the value chain, adoption of electric trucks for the company’s logistics operations is set to significantly lower tailpipe emissions, improve energy efficiency, under its challenge 2 - Lifecycle Zero CO2 Emissions Challenge (Green Supply Chain, Eco-dealership, and Green Logistics).

 

TKM has made remarkable strides in enhancing its logistics activities with a clear focus on sustainability and innovation. Under this, ‘Mixed Logistics Model’ was implemented in collaboration with its group companies - optimizing vehicle delivery logistic routes and improving the operational efficiency therein. Continuing this commitment to eco-friendly logistics, TKM initiated ‘Return Logistics Reduction’ approach, significantly minimizing empty return trips lowering the carbon emissions. Furthermore, TKM strengthened its green logistics drive by introducing CNG trucks.

 

Complementing various eco initiatives, undertaken during the environment month, TKM hosted a green exhibition at its Bidadi plant under its ‘Sustainovation Hub’ platform. The exhibition highlighted the vital role of corporate efforts in fostering environmental consciousness and driving grassroot impact. The stall featured a thoughtfully curated range of eco-friendly lifestyle products, including everyday essentials crafted from natural ingredients, biodegradable materials, and sustainable textiles—spanning personal care, home cleaning, food & grocery, and reusable packaging solutions.

 

Additionally, a student-led eco exhibition was organized during this Environment Month, showcasing over 30 creative, sustainability-driven models on display, focused on themes such as waste, water, energy, and sustainable living. All models were developed using zero-cost materials and commonly available waste items. The models were conceptualized and built by students from the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), under the mentorship and training of TKM expert trainers, with valuable support from the corporate environment team. This initiative not only fostered hands-on, resourceful innovation but also helped instill strong environmental values among the students. Furthermore, the products on display across both exhibitions were natural, chemical-free, and eco-friendly, supporting to promote a healthier lifestyle by eliminating toxic substances that may impact overall well-being. Their adoption in daily life can significantly reduce plastic waste, curb pollution, conserve water and energy, and foster more sustainable resource management.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. B. Padmanabha, Executive Vice President and Director, Manufacturing- Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we view sustainability as a shared responsibility that extends beyond our product and manufacturing operations, includes the entire value chain driving collective eco-efforts with greater agility to realise the carbon neutral goals. From transitioning to green logistics and promoting eco-conscious living, to nurturing young changemakers and engaging communities, Environment Month 2025 reflects our integrated approach to sustainability stewardship. By embedding sustainable thinking and actions across our value chain, we are not only contributing to Toyota’s global vision but also advancing towards India’s national priorities of creating a more inclusive, resilient, and carbon-neutral future.”

 

Additionally, the environment month also featured a range of sustainability-driven activities including expert eco-sessions & awareness campaigns, tree plantation drives, eco-idea contests, etc., aimed at deepening environmental consciousness across TKM’s ecosystem and stakeholders. Moving forward, TKM remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability by driving actionable changes, thereby enhance its contributions towards building a future where mobility, people, and the planet thrive in harmony.

Curefoods Strengthens Board with Mala Todarwal and Natrajan Ramkrishna

Curefoods announced the onboarding of two directors, Mala Todarwal and Natrajan Ramkrishna, to its Board of Directors. Their association commenced in April 2025. Both directors bring experience across finance and accounting having held leadership positions at premier accounting and advisory firms, as well as on the board of various listed companies. 

Mala Todarwal, a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, holding Certificate of Practice since more than 15 years and is currently a Partner at Arun Todarwal & Associates LLP and Arun Todarwal & Co LLP. She has served as the Chairperson as well as member in various audit committees and has been on the boards of multiple organizations across sectors, offering insights into financial compliance and risk governance. At Curefoods, she chairs the Audit Committee, overseeing financial reporting and internal control systems.

 

Natrajan Ramkrishna, also a Chartered Accountant and Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, has experience in accounting and advisory services and holds the Certificate of Practice for over 40 years. His past tenures include Country Head of Audit and COO at KPMG, Partner roles at S. R. Batliboi & Co. LLP, Price Waterhouse LLP, and RSM & Co., Chartered Accountants. At Curefoods, he leads the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, playing a key role in board diversity, succession planning, and performance evaluation.

 

Ankit Nagori, Curefoods, said, “We are privileged to have professionals of Mala’s and Natraj’s caliber contribute to Curefoods’ governance framework. Their domain expertise and strong track records in board leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build a resilient, future-ready organization.”

 

About Curefoods:

Curefoods is a Bangalore-based house of food and beverages brands, founded by Ankit Nagori in 2020. It houses brands like Kitchens of EatFit, CakeZone, Nomad Pizza, Sharief Bhai, Olio Pizza, Frozen Bottle, Krispy Kreme, Arambam, and many more. Additional information on Curefoods is available at https://curefoods.in.

Curefoods Strengthens Board with Mala Todarwal and Natrajan Ramkrishna

Curefoods announced the onboarding of two directors, Mala Todarwal and Natrajan Ramkrishna, to its Board of Directors. Their association commenced in April 2025. Both directors bring experience across finance and accounting having held leadership positions at premier accounting and advisory firms, as well as on the board of various listed companies. 

Mala Todarwal, a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, holding Certificate of Practice since more than 15 years and is currently a Partner at Arun Todarwal & Associates LLP and Arun Todarwal & Co LLP. She has served as the Chairperson as well as member in various audit committees and has been on the boards of multiple organizations across sectors, offering insights into financial compliance and risk governance. At Curefoods, she chairs the Audit Committee, overseeing financial reporting and internal control systems.

 

Natrajan Ramkrishna, also a Chartered Accountant and Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, has experience in accounting and advisory services and holds the Certificate of Practice for over 40 years. His past tenures include Country Head of Audit and COO at KPMG, Partner roles at S. R. Batliboi & Co. LLP, Price Waterhouse LLP, and RSM & Co., Chartered Accountants. At Curefoods, he leads the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, playing a key role in board diversity, succession planning, and performance evaluation.

 

Ankit Nagori, Curefoods, said, “We are privileged to have professionals of Mala’s and Natraj’s caliber contribute to Curefoods’ governance framework. Their domain expertise and strong track records in board leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build a resilient, future-ready organization.”

 

About Curefoods:

Curefoods is a Bangalore-based house of food and beverages brands, founded by Ankit Nagori in 2020. It houses brands like Kitchens of EatFit, CakeZone, Nomad Pizza, Sharief Bhai, Olio Pizza, Frozen Bottle, Krispy Kreme, Arambam, and many more. Additional information on Curefoods is available at https://curefoods.in.

HerKey & KDEM unveils “Code of Her Own” Coffee Table Book at HerRising 2025

 * A powerful showcase of 32 trailblazing women shaping Karnataka’s tech ecosystem

HerKey, India’s largest AI-powered career engagement platform for women, in collaboration with the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), today unveiled “Code of Her Own”, a landmark coffee table book celebrating 32 trailblazing women technologists from Karnataka. Launched at HerRising 2025 at The LaLiT Ashok, Bengaluru, the book honours women shaping the future of innovation across AI, agritech, fintech, healthtech, and beyond.

 

Curated as a powerful testament to HerRising’s steadfast commitment to championing women’s impact in the workforce, Code of Her Own celebrates compelling stories of innovation, leadership, and resilience. The book showcases the transformative journeys of 32 exceptional women driving change across high-impact sectors such as AI, fintech, healthtech, agritech, and biotech. Beyond excelling in their fields, these leaders have also been actively involved in shaping Karnataka’s digital future through inclusive and forward-thinking leadership.

 

Among the inspiring women featured are Kavita Krishnan, Chief Technology Officer, Customer Innovation Services, SAP Labs., Madhurima Agarwal, Managing Director, Microsoft for Startups, India, Mythily Ramesh, Co-Founder & Director, NextWealth;, Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan, Professor & Chairperson, Digital Learning, Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore;, & Ranjita Ghosh, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Wipro LTD.;  Shradha Sharma, Founder & CEO Yourstory,Jaya Jagadish Senior Vice President & Country HeadAMD India to name a few.

 

Speaking at the launch, Neha Bagaria, Founder and CEO, Herkey commented, “Code of Her Own isn’t just a showcase of  inspiring women, it’s a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and ambition. It captures the  spirit of Karnataka’s digital transformation through the lens of women who are not only breaking  barriers but boldly redefining what’s possible in tech.”

 

Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of KDEM, added, “To truly unlock India’s $1 trillion digital economy vision, we must amplify women’s participation across every level—entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. This requires not just platforms and programs, but a mindset shift, community-driven outreach, and local champions who can inspire and mobilize others. The opportunity is massive, and women must be at the forefront of this movement—from Bengaluru to every tier-two town across India.”

 

Ekroop Kaur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and S&T, Government of Karnataka, joined the book launch virtually and, shared her thoughts with an inspiring message, “Code of Her Own’ is more than just a book—it’s a tribute to the remarkable journeys of women in technology across Karnataka. At the Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering ecosystem through initiatives like Elevate, Shakti, and DE-Accelerate. Our mission is to ensure every woman—whether re-entering the workforce or launching a startup—has a level playing field to thrive and lead in the digital economy.”

 

The coffee table book will be available both digitally and in print across leading educational institutions, government bodies, and influential industry networks—serving as a catalyst to ignite ambition among the next generation of women in STEM. More than just a publication, it stands as a beacon of inspiration and possibility, spotlighting trailblazing women who are reshaping the contours of technology and innovation. By amplifying these powerful narratives, the initiative seeks to fuel a nationwide movement toward building a more inclusive, future-forward digital economy.

 

About HerKey:

HerKey is India’s largest AI-powered platform dedicated to unlocking women’s earning potential. Founded in 2015, HerKey (formerly JobsForHer) connects over 5 million women to opportunities at over 20,000 companies, learning from over 2 lakh experts and networking with each other. With a vision to support 30 million women in India, HerKey continues to expand its impact. As India’s largest AI-powered platform dedicated to unlocking women’s earning potential, HerKey is committed to enabling women’s growth, opening doors to new opportunities, and fostering a supportive ecosystem. Through expert-led sessions and networking, women can enhance their careers, achieve financial independence, and strengthen their decision-making power—onwards and upwards.

 

About KDEM:

KDEM is a Section 8 organization accelerating Karnataka’s digital economy by bridging government and industry. With a goal to contribute US$300 billion to India’s US$1 trillion digital vision, KDEM drives tech investments, startup growth, and policy innovation across IT, BT, and S&T sectors. Its flagship Beyond Bengaluru initiative fosters regional tech clusters in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, and more—attracting 25+ companies, enabling 5,000+ jobs, and supporting 300+ startups through the Startup Grid. KDEM also leads skilling, investor connects, and Centres of Excellence to unlock future-ready digital jobs in AI, cybersecurity, and more.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India inaugurates its “First-Ever EV Concept Store” in Bengaluru

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  Announces new BaaS Lite Plan for ACTIVA e: starting at just Rs 678/month 

In a significant step towards electric mobility journey, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) inaugurated its first-ever “EV Concept Store” in India, located at Mantri Square Mall, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru. This one-of-a-kind Concept Store is designed to offer customers an immersive & futuristic experience, giving them a glimpse into Honda’s world of mobility, technology, and innovation. HMSI also announced a new BaaS Lite Plan for ACTIVA e: where customers can pay just Rs 678/month, making EV ownership more accessible than ever before.

A Glimpse into the Future: Inside Honda’s EV Concept Store

Honda’s new EV Concept Store is designed to offer a fascinating experience of the company’s technological advancements. From electric mobility to personal aviation, it captures the essence of Honda’s global innovation. At the heart of the store is a main LED Display, which serves as a digital focal point to engage visitors through interactive content, brand storytelling, and product highlights. It provides dynamic insights into Honda’s electrification journey. A history wall is also on display, exhibiting the remarkable journey and key milestones of Honda over the years.

The Product Display Zone showcases Honda’s latest electric offerings in India – the ACTIVA e: and QC1. Visitors can get up close with these models, explore their features, and understand the engineering that powers them. For families and younger visitors, the Kids Interaction Zone offers engaging experiences. This section has been specially designed to make the store welcoming to all age groups, reflecting Honda’s inclusive brand philosophy.

The Safe Tech Zone gives a detailed look at the core components behind ACTIVA e: and QC1, including the PMS motor, hub motor, charger, battery and Mobile Power Pack (MPP). Visitors will also witness Honda’s advanced battery swapping technology at the dedicated Honda Power Pack Exchanger e:. This innovative system enables seamless battery replacement for the ACTIVA e:, providing unmatched convenience to users. Live demonstrations of the system will showcase the efficiency and user-friendliness of this technology. 

Adding an international flair, the store features a scale model of the Honda Jet, symbolizing the excellence in personal aviation. Honda’s Electric Racing Go-Kart (eGX), showcasing the company’s innovative approach to sustainable performance, is also on display. Powered by Honda Mobile Power Pack e: swappable batteries, the electric Go-Kart delivers impressive acceleration & precision handling. Another exciting highlight is the Honda Moto Compacto, a foldable electric scooter. Weighing just 19 kg, it is ideal for urban commuting with a top speed of 24 kmph and range of 20 km per charge. This display illustrates how Honda blends nostalgia with cutting-edge tech to create modern solutions.

Honda ACTIVA e: New BaaS Lite Plan

Marking a pivotal moment in HMSI’s journey towards sustainable mobility, the all-new ACTIVA e: aims to redefine urban transportation in the country. The ACTIVA e: features Honda Mobile Power Pack e: - a swappable battery system developed by Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Japan and managed by Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt. Ltd (HEID). It is equipped with two 1.5 kWh swappable batteries, delivering a range of 102 km* on a full charge. 

As part of commitment to make electric mobility convenient for customers, Honda has introduced a new BaaS Lite plan, wherein the customers will have to pay just Rs. 678 per month (for 20kWh energy usage per month), making EV ownership accessible for users. This affordable subscription model is tailored specifically for users with lower daily running, offering them an economical entry into EV ownership. With the BaaS Lite plan, customers can easily swap batteries at Honda’s battery swapping stations, ensuring seamless and hassle-free usage. The new BaaS Lite plan has been launched in addition to the existing Basic and Advance subscription packages.