Thursday, July 2, 2026

India’s First Private Orbital Rocket, Skyroot’s Vikram-1, To Launch Between July 12 And August 4

Skyroot unveils the Mission Aagaman patch, honouring India's space journey while marking the arrival of a new era in private orbital launches.

The mission is named Aagaman, Sanskrit for "Arrival". It marks the arrival of India's private orbital launch capability for the world. The primary objective of capturing critical flight data foundational to creating a high-cadence, on-demand launch capability for the fast-growing global space economy.

Skyroot Aerospace today announced the opening of the launch window for the maiden test flight of its Vikram-1 launch vehicle — India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket. Test Flight-1 is targeted for no earlier than July 12, subject to the completion of assembly and testing operations at the launch site in SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota, and weather, safety, and range clearance. The window extends till 4 August.

The single most important objective of Mission Aagaman is to capture the real in-flight performance data from every system on Vikram-1. We want to understand how the vehicle performs from lift-off through every phase of ascent. This data cannot be fully replicated through ground testing. It will help us validate our designs and inform subsequent vehicle development as we build a reliable, high-cadence commercial launch programme. The moment Vikram-1 lifts off, India's private space industry will cross a threshold it has never crossed before.

— Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace.

Mission Aagaman, meaning “the arrival”, marks Skyroot’s second mission following the successful suborbital flight of Vikram-S, the first private rocket to reach space from Indian soil, on 18 November 2022.

This will be partially commercial flight, with the company planning to commence full commercial flights after one or two successful demonstrations to orbit. Joining the test flight is a mix of domestic and international customers.

From a dream to build a launch vehicle in India to now attempting an orbital flight has been a journey like no other. With Vikram-S in 2022, we validated the foundation of our technology stack; With Vikram-1, we take our biggest step, yet toward a reliable, high-cadence launch programme built in India, for India and the world. This mission is designed as both a technology demonstration and a learning mission. This has been made possible by the collective confidence of the Government of India, IN-SPACe, ISRO, our investors, our customers and a dedicated team of 1000+ individuals.

— Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & COO, Skyroot Aerospace

All stages of Skyroot's Vikram-1 have been successfully integrated and stacked at the launch pad.

The mission will gather critical data across propulsion, stage separation, guidance, navigation, control and overall vehicle performance, supporting the evolution of Skyroot into a commercially operational launch company.

Vikram-1 is a seven-storey-tall, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Vikram-1's maiden mission will target an orbit at an altitude of 450 km with a 60-degree orbital inclination. The flight-ready rocket was unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November 2025 during the inauguration of Skyroot’s Infinity campus.

For India, the ability to reach orbit reliably and frequently is a strategic capability that only a handful of nations possess. Today, access to space remains a major bottleneck, with satellite operators often waiting months or even years for a launch opportunity. Backed by IN-SPACe's efforts to open India's space sector and ISRO's technical infrastructure, Skyroot's Cab to Space model aims to provide dedicated and precise access to orbit.

Satellites support services that millions rely on every day, from agriculture and fisheries to disaster management, communications, connectivity, navigation and national security. Frequent and affordable access to orbit is what enables these capabilities to be built and scaled within India.

The economic opportunity is equally significant. India's space economy is expected to grow from around USD 8.4 billion today to USD 44 billion by 2033. Indigenous launch capability will be a critical enabler of this growth, unlocking opportunities for India's rapidly expanding private space ecosystem. The emergence of companies such as Skyroot, India's first spacetech unicorn, signals both the scale of investor confidence in the sector and the growing maturity of the country's commercial space ambitions.

About Skyroot Aerospace

Skyroot Aerospace is a private space launch company, building the Vikram-series of launch vehicles to provide on-demand and dedicated access to space for small satellite operators worldwide.

Founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, the company aims to democratize space access by designing, developing and launching a family of launch vehicles.

Skyroot made history in 2022 with the launch of Vikram-S, India's first privately built rocket to reach space. The company is now preparing for the maiden flight of Vikram-1, its orbital launch vehicle, which will mark India's first private attempt at an orbital mission.

Vikram-1 is designed to deploy small satellites of up to 350 kg to Low Earth orbit. Built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed solid and liquid propulsion systems — including 3D-printed engines — the rocket is engineered for rapid manufacturing and high launch cadence. Skyroot's technology stack spans carbon composite rocket structure, and solid (Kalam series), liquid (Raman series), and cryogenic (Dhawan series) propulsion systems, all developed in-house at its 250,000 sq. ft. Max-Q and Infinity campuses in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Valued at over USD 1.1 billion, Skyroot is backed by marquee global investors including GIC, Temasek, Sherpalo Ventures, and funds managed by Blackrock. Its mission: to make spaceflight as regular, reliable, and affordable as air travel — Opening Space for All.

Air India Elevates Mumbai-London Heathrow Services With Brand-New B787-9 Featuring New Premium Cabins

· Introducing Premium Economy, private Business Class suites, latest-generation inflight entertainment systems, and enhanced long-haul travel experience

Air India today began deploying its newest Boeing 787-9 aircraft between Mumbai and London Heathrow, bringing its latest-generation onboard product to one of its flagship international routes.

Effective today, Air India flights AI131/AI130 between Mumbai and London Heathrow will be operated by the airline's new Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring all-new cabin interiors designed exclusively for Air India and installed directly on Boeing's production line. These line-fit aircraft are the first Boeing 787s purpose-built for Air India, embodying the airline's new standards of comfort, technology, and customer experience.

The deployment also introduces Premium Economy Class on the route, offering customers a broader range of travel choices across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.

Air India’s second daily service between Mumbai and London Heathrow will continue to be served by its upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring First Class, ensuring customers on both services enjoy an enhanced onboard experience.
Elevated onboard experience

Air India’s brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature a three-class cabin configuration with 30 Business Class suites, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy seats, blending contemporary design, advanced technology, and Indian-inspired aesthetics.

Guests travelling on Air India’s Mumbai-London Heathrow route will now enjoy a wide range of enhancements, including:

· Luxurious Business Class suites, direct aisle access, 79 inches fully flat beds, wireless charging, generous personal storage and immersive inflight entertainment on a large 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen – all designed to provide a comfortable and restful long-haul experience.

· A dedicated Premium Economy cabin with wider seats in a 2-3-2 layout, 38-inch pitch providing ample legroom, generous recline, adjustable headrests, adjustable leg and calf rests, 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, offering enhanced comfort and personal space.

· Economy Class experience, with ergonomically designed seats designed for long-haul travel, 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, and improved comfort and thoughtfully integrated personal electronic device holders.

· Next-generation inflight entertainment, powered by the Thales AVANT Up system with high-definition touchscreens, Bluetooth audio connectivity, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, AC power outlets and an intuitive user interface across all cabins.

· Bluetooth headphone pairing, enabling guests to enjoy an entertainment content library of over 3,000 hours on board using their own Bluetooth-enabled headphones.

· New mood lighting in the cabins inspired by ancient Indian wellness traditions.

· A refreshed onboard product, including thoughtfully curated menus showcasing Indian and international flavours, premium chinaware, glassware and tableware, plush bedding, redesigned amenity kits and other signature touches that together deliver a more refined and consistent onboard experience.
Connecting India with the UK and beyond

The United Kingdom is one of Air India's most important international markets, with strong demand from business and leisure travellers as well as the Indian diaspora. Air India currently operates 57 weekly non-stop flights between India and the UK, connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Amritsar with London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Birmingham.

Air India’s UK services provide customers with greater choice, convenient schedules and seamless onward connectivity via Air India’s hubs in India to and from destinations across the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

About Air India Group

The Air India Group – comprising full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India Group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries travellers to 60 domestic and 51 international destinations across five continents.

Returning to Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India Group is in the midst of a five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed orders for 600 new aircraft. In addition to taking new aircraft deliveries, Air India is progressively retrofitting all its legacy aircraft.

The Air India Group operates South Asia’s largest aviation training academy in Gurugram, India. The construction of a new flying school and a greenfield maintenance base is in progress.

With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.

For more news on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom

Athulya Senior Care Launches Free Dementia Awareness Initiative In Bengaluru

Athulya Senior Care, in association with Dementia India Alliance (DIA), the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), and the Centre for Brain Research (CBR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), will host "Mind Your Brain Health," a free interactive session on brain health, dementia and healthy ageing on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Bengaluru.

The session will be held between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM at the Centre for Brain Research, IISc Bengaluru, and will focus on raising awareness about maintaining brain health, recognising the early signs of dementia, understanding dementia risk reduction strategies, and promoting healthy ageing. Experts in neurology, psychiatry and dementia care will share practical insights and interact with participants during the session.

The programme is open to adults aged 45 years and above, family caregivers, geriatric care professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about brain health and dementia prevention.

By bringing together experts and the community, the initiative aims to encourage early detection, promote informed caregiving, and empower individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining cognitive health and improving quality of life as they age.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Venue: Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru

Registration & Enquiries: 8585990990

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Axis Bank And GoSports Foundation Partner To Launch ‘The Performance Institute’

* The facility will integrate sports science, research and capacity building to help advance India’s sporting ecosystem

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GoSports Foundation to launch Axis Bank-GoSports Foundation ‘The Performance Institute’ (AGTPI), a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at scaling India’s sports science capabilities and advancing research and innovation that contributes to the long term growth of Indian sports.

AGTPI shall be housed at the state-of-the-art Centre for Sports Excellence (CSE) in Bengaluru. The institute will focus on athlete performance, talent identification, building India’s capacity in sports science and medicine, as well as analytics and research focused on the Indian athlete.

As the founding partner, Axis Bank’s CSR grants shall be directed towards the establishment and growth of the institute, with GoSports Foundation leading its administration, programme implementation, and strategic partnerships.

AGTPI shall be built around three core pillars – People, Analytics, and Research.

The People pillar will focus on developing India's sports science and performance workforce through training programmes, fellowships, mentorship opportunities, and professional development pathways. The initiative will help build a stronger pool of qualified practitioners across federations, academies, and high-performance environments.

The Analytics pillar will establish an athlete testing and assessment facility offering performance testing, biomechanics analysis, recovery monitoring, injury-risk assessment, and data-driven performance planning. The institute will also contribute to building India-specific athlete performance databases across sports and demographics.

The Research pillar will focus on helping generate indigenous sports science knowledge through applied research, innovation, industry and university collaborations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Its objective is to develop evidence-based solutions that support athletes while contributing to the broader advancement of sports science in India.

Commenting on the partnership, Vijay Mulbagal - Group Head - Wholesale Bank Coverage, Corporate Salary, Sustainability & CSR, Axis Bank, said, “India’s sporting ambitions are entering a defining phase, and ensuring sustained success for Indian athletes globally will require not only talent and training but also a strong foundation of domestic sports science and medicine. Despite India’s rising sporting successes, it still relies largely on foreign performance data and benchmarks which are not entirely aligned with the needs and realities of Indian athletes. At Axis Bank, we are proud to partner with GoSports Foundation to help build an institution that can play a pioneering role in bringing together data, research, analytics, and expertise, to create a robust domestic sports science ecosystem.”

Nandan Kamath, Managing Trustee, GoSports Foundation, said, “This collaboration reflects a shared belief that sustained sporting success is built on strong foundations. Great athletes emerge from great systems, and those systems depend on people, knowledge, and continuous innovation. Our goal is to build a faster, higher and stronger future for Indian sport — together."

Saugato Banerjee, CEO, GoSports Foundation, added, “We thank Axis Bank for believing in GoSports Foundation’s track record and future commitment to powering the Indian sports ecosystem. We look forward to announcing initiatives under The Performance Institute that truly unlock India’s sporting potential — from participation to podium.”

Vivek Kumar, Founder and Promoter, Centre for Sports Excellence, said, "CSE was built to give every athlete an environment that helps them be their best. The AGTPI strengthens that environment, adding world-class capability in sports science, testing and research. We thank Axis Bank and GoSports Foundation for choosing to house the institute at CSE."

By bringing together long-term institutional support, in-depth expertise, and a shared commitment to building a robust domestic sports science ecosystem, this collaboration seeks to help in constructing a sturdy impact across athlete development and performance excellence.

About Axis Bank:

Axis Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture, and Retail Businesses. It has 6,275 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 12,796 ATMs and cash recyclers spread across the country as on 31st March 2026. Axis Virtual Centres are present across eight locations with 1,591 Virtual Relationship Managers as on 31st March 2026. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge, Axis Pension Fund and Axis Bank Foundation.

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

About GoSports Foundation

GoSports Foundation is a national award-winning non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering Indian athletes through athlete scholarships, high-performance support, knowledge creation, and ecosystem development. The Foundation has supported some of India's leading Olympic and Paralympic athletes and continues to work towards strengthening India's sporting ecosystem.  

ABB Innovation Center (AIC) Brings Together 1,000+ Innovators From 37 Countries To Accelerate Industrial AI

* ABB Accelerator harnesses the power of frontier cutting-edge technologies, with domain and application knowledge, to create solutions which address today’s real-world problems

* 1000+ Technocrats from ABB and partners, 25+ distinguished industry and academic thought leaders, 80 startups, 350+ universities joined forces to create meaningful impact

Held over five days in ABB AIC Bengaluru, the sixth edition of ABB Accelerator showcased how collaboration between the finest minds can accelerate the development of products and solutions while strengthening the future-ready talent needed to power industrial transformation. This comes at a time when enterprises are leveraging technologies to sharpen their focus on making the world safer, more productive, and more sustainable.

"ABB Accelerator is a global innovation program where ideas are transformed into impactful solutions for our customers. The innovations developed here move beyond experimentation to become scalable products and solutions that help industries perform better. By combining cutting-edge R&D, domain and application engineering strength, digital and AI capabilities, we are helping customers unlock greater value while building the capabilities that will shape the future," said GNV Subba Rao, Whole-time Director, ABB Innovation Center (AIC).

The ABB Innovation Center (AIC) is one of ABB's largest global technology and engineering hubs, home to nearly 4,000 technologists across R&D, engineering, digital technologies and global operations. Combining deep domain expertise with AI, cloud and digital capabilities, AIC develops next-generation industrial technologies, accelerates product innovation and supports customers on their journey towards increasingly autonomous operations.

“At ABB, we see the Accelerator as a powerful platform, where innovation meets industrial impact,” said Rajesh Ramachandran, Global Chief Digital Officer, Automation, ABB. “By bringing together ABB experts, partners, startups, academia and thought leaders, we are accelerating the ideation and development of scalable solutions that harness industrial AI to shape the future of more autonomous, efficient and sustainable operations.”

Building on the success of previous editions, ABB Accelerator has evolved into one of the company's flagship innovation platforms. Over the past two years, it has engaged more than 2,000 participants and generated nearly 700 approved use cases across AI, automation, cloud and digital technologies.

ABB Accelerator's impact has also earned global recognition. In 2025, the program received three prestigious international awards, including a Gold Stevie® Award in the Event Award – Hackathon category, a Bronze Stevie® Award for Achievement in Global Collaboration, and the International Innovation Award in the Service & Solution category. The accolades recognize the program's success in bringing together talent, technology and innovation across geographies to solve complex business challenges through collaboration.

About ABB

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com     

'Hoor’ Takes Coke Studio Bharat To Kashmir In Season 4

Continuing its journey of spotlighting India's rich folk and regional musical traditions through contemporary collaborations, Coke Studio Bharat returns with its fourth release of Season 4, travelling this time to the valleys of Kashmir with Hoor, a folk tale inspired by the region's centuries-old oral storytelling tradition, where musicians would gather in intimate mehfils to sing tales of kings, lovers, wanderers and the mystical.

The song draws from Kashmiri storytelling traditions and the spiritual essence of Afsana Gori, following Sheikh and Hoor, two characters whose journey unfolds through melody and narration. Moving between themes of love, longing and devotion, the story carries a mythical quality often found in Kashmiri folklore. These influences are woven into the composition through layered vocals, evocative instrumentation and rock soundscape that preserve the essence of the tradition while presenting it to a new generation of listeners.

Bringing this story to audiences are singer-songwriter Faheem Abdullah, Composer, Singer, Arsalan Nizami, and Composer, Singer, Ustad Qaiser Nizami. Inspired by Kashmir's tradition of musical storytelling, Hoor moves between narration and melody, unfolding much like a live mehfil. While the song follows the structure of an old Kashmiri fable, its sound is built around contemporary production, allowing the story to feel current without losing the atmosphere and emotion that define the tradition. The track culminates in a Kashmiri passage that grounds the narrative in the landscape it comes from.

Through each season, Coke Studio Bharat has explored the richness of India's regional music traditions, collaborating with artists who reinterpret cultural narratives for contemporary audiences while preserving their original spirit. Hoor continues that journey, bringing a Kashmiri folk tale to listeners across geographies and generations.

Shantanu Gangane, IMX (Integrated Marketing Experience) Lead, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, " At Coke Studio Bharat, we believe India’s most powerful stories emerge from its regions, shaped by culture, memory and lived experience. Kashmir’s storytelling tradition carries its unique emotional and poetic legacy. With Hoor, we set out to honour this authenticity, contemporizing it for today’s audiences. Faheem, Arsalan and Qaiser bring rare depth to the narrative, and the sounds allow the story to travel beyond geography without losing its essence. It brings to life our belief in celebrating India’s cultural diversity while creating relevance across generations.”

Faheem Abdullah said, “The storytelling in Hoor is what drew me to the song. It comes from a tradition that has existed in Kashmir for generations, where stories are carried through music and passed from one voice to another. With Coke Studio Bharat, we had the chance to bring that tradition to a wider audience while keeping the feeling of the original story intact."

Arsalan Nizami said, "There is something in the way Kashmiri folk music moves between narration and melody that I find unlike anything else. Through Coke Studio Bharat, we were able to explore those layers with authenticity, preserving the character of the tradition while bringing our own musical interpretation to it. That freedom, within a deeply rooted form, is what made working on Hoor so rewarding."

Ustad Qaiser Nizami said, "Hoor carries the feeling of a story being told to you in the moment, the way music in Kashmir has always worked in a mehfil, where the room holds its breath for what comes next. That intimacy is easy to lose when a song moves to a bigger stage. What Coke Studio Bharat understood was that it had to be preserved, not produced away."

With Hoor, Coke Studio Bharat Season 4 continues its journey into India's folk and regional traditions, finding in each one a story worth retelling. Following Ae Ajnabee, Bulleya Ve, and Kachaudi Gali, the season adds another distinct voice to its growing archive, this time from the valley, and in a language that carries centuries of melody within it.

An Afternoon Of Carnival Brunch At Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru

An afternoon of curated indulgence awaits at Machan, where a playful yet refined culinary narrative unfolds through the Carnival Brunch. Designed to capture the vibrancy of festive dining with a sophisticated lens, the experience brings together bold flavours, artisanal preparations, and a sense of theatrical flair, creating a setting that is both dynamic and effortlessly elegant.
The menu showcases a compelling medley of comforting classics and globally inspired signatures. Guests can indulge in hearty Pork Stew, alongside an array of hot dogs and sliders, complemented by perfectly crisp assortments of fries. The live grills lend depth to the experience with charcoal-grilled chicken drumsticks, while distinctive offerings such as Feijoada (fried fish) and prawns al ajillo introduce nuanced, flavourful accents. Each dish is thoughtfully presented to balance familiarity with finesse.

The overall experience is crafted to engage the senses, where the warmth of slow-cooked dishes meets the energy of a lively spread, all set within the timeless surroundings of Machan. It is an invitation to savour a leisurely afternoon defined by richness, variety, and understated luxury.

Date: 5th July 2026
Venue: Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru
Time: 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Pricing:

INR 3,300 plus taxes – Food with soft beverages

INR 5,300 plus taxes Food with select premium beverages

INR 8,999 plus taxes – Inclusive of select champagne

For reservations, please call 080 6660 5660.

Total Pageviews