Instagram Has Just Announced The 2026 Rings Winners And Two Of Them Are From India!

Instagram has just announced the 2026 Rings winners, celebrating 25 creators from around the world for their creativity and impact, with two Indian creators making it to the list - Bhavitha Mandava and Muhammed Riswan!

Bhavitha Mandava (@bhavithamandava) is an Indian model who made history as the first Indian model to open Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show. Discovered by Matthieu Blazy, she continues to make her mark on the global fashion scene.

Muhammed Riswan (@riswan_freestyle) is a freestyle footballer from Kerala who has built an international audience through his skills and creative content, bringing greater visibility to India’s freestyle football community.

The global list also features a diverse mix of creators, including footballer Erling Haaland (@erling), comedian Jordan Firstman (@jtfirstman), rapper Little Simz (@littlesimz), fashion designer Salehe Bembury (@salehebembury) and photographer Renell Medrano (@renellmedrano), among others.

Commissioner For Persons With Disabilities Felicitates PHYSIS By TALC Student Sohursh Shankar For Winning Gold

* At AWPC World Powerlifting Championships in Manchester, UK

* PHYSIS calls for redefining inclusion through supportive learning environments

The Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Karnataka, Dr. Mahesh Babu, felicitated 19-year-old Sohursh Shankar, a former student of PHYSIS by TALC-The Alternative Learning Community, for winning a gold medal at the 2026 Amateur World Powerlifting Congress (AWPC) World Championships held in Manchester, UK, here today. Organised by PHYSIS (physis.talcworld.com), the felicitation celebrated Sohursh's international achievement while highlighting the need to redefine inclusion by creating environments that recognise the individual needs, abilities and aspirations of children with special needs.

Sohursh, an athlete with Down syndrome, won gold in the 75 kg Junior Special Olympics Classic Raw category with a combined lift of 242.5 kg, comprising a 90 kg squat, 50 kg bench press and 102.5 kg deadlift. The championship, held in September, brought together participants from 15 countries. His achievement reflects years of perseverance, dedicated training and the collective support of his parents, coach, sponsors, school and the wider community.

Also present on the occasion, were special guests, Ms. Yamuna D, Assistant Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Karnataka and Dr. Malathi Krishnamurthy Holla, Padmashree and Arjuna awardee.

While felicitating Sohursh, Dr. Mahesh Babu, said, “Discrimination should never deny anyone the right to live with dignity, equality and purpose. Every individual deserves the opportunity to be an integral part of society. While nurturing a child is a responsibility, empowering children with special needs to find their voice, unlock their potential and claim their rightful place in the world is an extraordinary act of love, courage and humanity. Behind every such child is often a mother whose strength inspires us all. As a society, we must move beyond sympathy to inclusion, understanding and action because every life matters, every voice deserves to be heard, and everyone has the right to belong.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Malathi Holla, said, “Disability does not define a person; talent, determination and opportunity do. Every individual, irrespective of physical challenges, has the potential to achieve greatness when given the right encouragement, support and platform. Instead of offering sympathy, let us recognise their abilities, nurture their talents and create opportunities for them to excel. Behind every champion is not just hard work and perseverance, but also the support of parents, society, the media and the government, who believe in their potential.”

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Latha Gangadharan, Founder, PHYSIS by TALC, said, "We need to redefine what inclusion means. Inclusion is not about making a child fit into an existing environment. At PHYSIS, we believe every child deserves a fulfilling childhood with opportunities for academics, sports, friendships and social experiences. Sohursh's achievement is a wonderful occasion for celebration and our larger message is that every child deserves acceptance and the freedom to pursue their own goals. When parents and communities work together, children receive the support they need to develop their abilities and lead meaningful lives."

Redefining Inclusion Beyond Academic Achievement

PHYSIS believes that children with special needs should have access to the everyday experiences and opportunities that contribute to a fulfilling childhood. Rather than focusing exclusively on academics, the institution encourages participation in sports, creative activities, friendships, celebrations, overnight stays and other social experiences that promote overall development. The institution works with children from the age of three to approximately 20 years, supporting their academic, physical, emotional and social development.

The institution follows TALC's Transformative Education Model (TTEM ©) which adopts a body-mind-intellect approach to learning. Physical activities, including sports, gymnastics, dance, unstructured play and occupational therapy, help children develop physical awareness and regulation. Creative pursuits such as art and pottery, along with emotional learning sessions, support their mental and emotional well-being. Academics are integrated through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), enabling students to complete their Class X and XII examinations.

From Early Challenges to International Sporting Success

Born with low muscle tone, Sohursh experienced delays in several developmental milestones, including walking and speech.

Years of early intervention, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and consistent family support helped him progressively overcome these challenges. Coming from a family with a strong sporting background, where fitness and physical activity have always been a way of life, Sohursh developed a keen interest in sports. His passion for tennis eventually led him to powerlifting, where he progressed from becoming a Karnataka champion to winning gold for India on the international stage.

His parents, Anitha and Uday Shankar, have encouraged him to pursue sports alongside education and other interests. At PHYSIS, Sohursh found a child-centred learning environment that provided opportunities to participate in sports, trekking, dance, meditation, social outings and overnight stays, while developing meaningful friendships. He also successfully completed his Class XII examinations through NIOS earlier this year.

Sharing her experience, Anitha Shankar, Sohursh's mother, said, "Sports and fitness have always been an integral part of our family's lifestyle, so we naturally encouraged Sohursh to be physically active. His interest in tennis eventually led him to powerlifting. From being a child with low muscle tone and delayed developmental milestones to lifting 242.5 kg at a world championship, his journey has involved years of perseverance, training and support. PHYSIS played an important role in his growing years by providing an inclusive, child-centred environment where he could learn, participate in sports, build friendships and enjoy experiences that every child deserves. Completing Class XII through NIOS was another important milestone for him. We never set out with the sole ambition of winning medals. Our focus has always been on helping Sohursh lead a happy, active and fulfilling life. His gold medal is a proud moment for our family and we hope his journey encourages other parents to explore more possibilities for their children."

Ms. Anitha also emphasised the importance of creating more opportunities for young people with special needs beyond school. While Sohursh continues to pursue tennis and powerlifting, the family is exploring higher education and vocational opportunities to help him develop greater independence and prepare for adulthood.

Through the felicitation, PHYSIS seeks to encourage a wider conversation about the responsibility of families and communities in creating meaningful opportunities for children with special needs. Sohursh's success is a moment of pride for everyone involved in his journey and it also reinforces a larger message: inclusion is not defined by exceptional achievements alone. Every child deserves dignity, acceptance, companionship and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.

Karnataka Rajyotsava: A Cultural Extravaganza At Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru

An Ode to Karnataka: Experience The Magic Of Folk Tales And The Melody Of Carnatic Music On 1st November

Get ready to join us on 1st November at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru as we proudly celebrate Karnataka Rajyotsava, a day dedicated to the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and unifying spirit of Karnataka. Immerse yourself in a memorable day, filled with traditional ceremonies, captivating performances, and soulful music, honouring the state's formation.

The day begins with a Flag Hoisting Ceremony at 7 AM, marking a moment of unity and pride for all. From 5 PM onwards, witness a vibrant showcase of folk dance performances, featuring the powerful Dollu Kunitha, energetic Huli Vesha, and intricate Yakshagana, each reflecting Karnataka’s rich artistic heritage. As evening descends, immerse yourself in the soulful strains of Carnatic music from 6:30 PM onwards, promising a truly classical experience. Rounding off the day are fun, interactive games hosted by an engaging emcee, ensuring delightful moments for all age groups.

Karnataka Rajyotsava is a time to celebrate the very essence of the state, its rich history, vibrant arts, and spirited people. Bring your friends and family and join us for a day filled with cultural splendour, musical joy, and shared pride. It’s the perfect occasion to connect with Karnataka’s traditions and create lasting memories together.

Event Details:

Date: 1st November, 2026

Time: 5 PM onwards

Venue: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

Free Entry For All.

Uber Reveals New Features For Its 20 Lakh+ Earners In India

Uber today unveiled a suite of driver-first innovations at the third edition of Uber Pragati, aimed at making earning on its platform easier, safer and more rewarding. The initiatives span more flexible ways to earn, new income opportunities and stronger safety features when drivers are behind the wheel. Uber also showcased the real-world impact of its unmatched safety technology, including ambulance assistance in emergencies and in-app encrypted video recordings that have helped establish facts in disputed incidents.

Aditya Kapoor, Director – Supply Operations, Uber India & South Asia, said, “Our ambition is to continue being the platform of choice for flexible earning opportunities in India. That means giving drivers the freedom to work on their own terms, the confidence of industry-leading safety protections and more ways to earn. We want to continue setting the benchmark for what drivers should expect from a platform.”

Key enhancements based on driver feedback:

Easier: More flexibility, less hassle

Flexible Drive Pass | Industry-first
Uber offers drivers maximum choice through subscription passes ranging from just six hours to 180 days, catering to the needs of both part-time and full-time drivers.

Quickstart | Industry-first in ride-hailing space
Drivers can now join Uber seamlessly through WhatsApp, making onboarding simpler and more convenient through a chat app they already use every day.

With ‘Earn First, Pay Later’, unlike pay-first models on other platforms, Uber allows eligible drivers to continue taking cash trips even when their balance runs out, within an additional credit limit, reducing interruptions to their working day. Given the preference for audio over text, Uber drivers can now communicate with the riders through Voice Notes in Uber's in-app chat. All this while using the new simplified Driver App which brings earnings, trip details and important updates together for easier access.

Safer: From innovation to real-world impact

Ambulance Assistance | Industry-first in ride-hailing space
Accessible through Uber's 24×7 Safety Line in partnership with Dial 4242, Uber now facilitates ambulance assistance. It was pressed into service on 25 occasions in less than four months, helping riders and drivers access timely medical support following accidents.

Record My Ride| Industry-first
The encrypted video-recording feature takes guesswork out of what happens during a ride. It has already helped clarify a disputed incident involving a rider and driver, with the recording assisting police in establishing the facts.

Safety Content Flag
Uber is introducing real-time chat protections that identify potentially inappropriate language and prompt riders to reconsider messages before sending the hit button. Drivers receiving inappropriate messages can cancel eligible trips without affecting their cancellation statistics.

In addition, the in-app Driver Safety Hub brings safety tools and support together in one place, allowing drivers to keep select protections, including audio recording and trip-sharing, enabled automatically.

More Rewarding: Expanding earning opportunities

More ways to earn for Bike drivers
Uber is expanding earning opportunities beyond conventional bike trips. Bike Intercity enables shorter trips between neighbouring towns and cities, including routes such as Delhi-Meerut. With Uber Direct, bike drivers can also fulfill delivery orders for businesses, while Uber Parcel enables them to deliver personal packages within cities.

Uber Pet creates another earning opportunity for participating car drivers, enabling them to welcome riders travelling with their pets. Uber's Refer & Earn programme also rewards drivers for bringing new earners onto the platform.

About Uber
Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. Over a decade later, Uber is live in 225 cities and has become #IndiaKiRide - helping millions move the way they need to, every day. From Bikes and Autos to Cars, Metros, and even Buses, Uber brings together India’s diverse mobility options on a single app. Whether it’s a short trip across town or a journey between cities, with a single swipe Uber makes everyday mobility seamless for millions - while enabling more than 2 million Indians to earn a sustainable income behind the wheel. As we continue to reimagine how the world moves for the better, our ambition keeps expanding, and our commitment remains unwavering: to keep India moving forward.

Lights, Camera, Bollywood! Get Ready To Dance Into Diwali At Bhartiya Mall In Bengaluru

Get ready to dance the night away at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru’s Pre-Diwali Bollywood Party on October 31, 2026, from 6:30 PM onwards. Bringing together festive glamour, Bollywood beats and energetic dance moves, the evening promises a fun-filled celebration for friends and families.

The evening will bring Bollywood chartbusters and dance-floor favourites together for a lively night of music and celebration.

Dress up in your best festive outfits, groove to popular Bollywood tracks and soak in the excitement of the festive season. With music, dance and a lively party atmosphere, the event offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate Diwali a little early.

Event Details:

Event: Lights of Joy – Pre-Diwali Bollywood Party

Date: 31st October, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM onwards

Entry Fee : Rs. 199/-

Link to book: https://in.bookmyshow.com/activities/lights-of-joy-bollywood-diwali-party/ET00465841

Venue: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru.

Nike Vegam Run is Built for India’s Next Generation of Runners

What is it?

Nike’s first running shoe for India. Nike Vegam Run is designed to serve India’s next generation of runners by combining cushioning, breathability and durability with the versatility needed for everyday movement.

Who’s it for?
As more athletes* across India take up running, they need a shoe that can support the run without being limited to it. Vegam Run is made for daily miles, frequent wear and everything that comes before, during and after the run.

How did Indian athletes inform the design?
Nike shaped Vegam Run in partnership with Indian athletes, whose insights about running, training and navigating daily life informed the development of a silhouette that reflects the brand’s commitment to growing sport across India.

How was Vegam Run created?
Nike moved from design brief to confirmed product in 55 days and from concept to launch in roughly five months, offering a blueprint for how the brand can work with greater speed, focus and responsiveness to bring athlete-centered innovation to market.

When is it available?

Vegam Run is priced at INR 3,795 and will be available in India beginning November 1, with additional markets around the world planned for 2027.

Nike is introducing Vegam Run: a running shoe created to serve India’s next generation of runners by combining cushioning, breathability and durability with the versatility needed for every moment of the day.

Shaped by insights from runners across India, Vegam Run, Nike’s first running shoe for India, offers a more accessible entry point into running and everyday movement — supporting the continued development of one of the fastest-growing running communities in the world.

The silhouette is made for daily miles, frequent wear and everything that comes before and after the run, powering athletes on every step of their journey, whether they’re training for their first, fastest or farthest race.

“Our ambition with the Vegam Run was simple: honor the voice of the runner in India and build what they need,” said Deepa Ramprasad, Sr. Director of Nike Road Running Footwear. “The result is a shoe that brings Nike Running, cushioning, comfort and versatility to more athletes while reflecting our long-term commitment to growing sport in India.”

Nike developed Vegam Run in partnership with runners across India, gathering insights on how they run, train and navigate their daily lives. Those conversations highlighted the need for a running shoe that’s equally at home on a run and throughout the rest of the day, delivering comfort, breathability and versatility at a more accessible Nike Running price point.

The resulting silhouette takes its name from the idea of speed, momentum and velocity, reflecting the forward movement at the heart of running. It pairs an engineered mesh upper with Full-Length Foam and a stacked, textured rubber outsole. The upper offers lightweight breathability and a comfortable fit, while the plush bed of foam provides a responsive ride and all-day cushioning. Perimeter rubber adds durability and longevity, and pull tabs make the shoe easy to take on and off.

A clean, modern and approachable design aesthetic reflects the realities of how athletes in India move through their day, and bold, locally inspired colorways, including an After Dark Tour colorway to celebrate the Mumbai stop taking place in December, were selected to stand up to the elements.

“There’s an incredible energy around running in India today, with a new generation embracing movement in ways that are deeply personal, expressive and community-driven," said Tarundeep Singh, General Manager, Nike India. "Vegam Run is an invitation to running for more athletes in India and around the world. This new innovation represents our commitment to serving a broader spectrum of athletes, from those taking their first steps into sport to lifelong runners.”

Vegam Run also represents a faster, more focused approach to serving athletes. Nike moved from design brief to confirmed product in 55 days and from concept to launch in roughly five months by aligning product, marketplace and manufacturing partners around a clear, focused assignment.

The process reflects the power of listening closely to the voice of the athlete and acting with urgency to serve their needs. Beyond creating a shoe shaped by the needs of local runners, the project offers a blueprint for how Nike can work with greater speed, focus and responsiveness to bring athlete-centered innovation to market.

Nike Vegam Run is priced at INR 3,795 and will be available November 1 in India at Flipkart and select retail locations, followed by wider distribution across Nike’s partners in India in spring 2027. The silhouette will expand to additional markets around the world in 2027.

*If you have a body, you are an athlete  

About NIKE, Inc.  

NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Converse, a wholly owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brand, designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. 

For more information, NIKE, Inc. individuals can also visit https://news.nike.com and follow @NIKE.  

Montra Electric’s SUPER AUTO FX Gets 15-Minute Rapid Charging With Exponent Energy, Extending It’s "Pehle Aap" Promise

* Powered by Exponent Energy’s rapid charging technology, the 15-minute rapid-charge option cuts waiting time, so that customers spend more time on the road and more time earning. Available initially in Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi NCR ~

Montra Electric, India's full-spectrum electric commercial vehicle brand, today announced a 15-minute - rapid charge option for the SUPER AUTO FX, its electric passenger three-wheeler, powered by Exponent Energy’s rapid-charging technology. The collaboration helps drivers minimise charging downtime and get back on the road sooner. This will be introduced initially in Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi NCR, where customers can access compatible Exponent Energy charging hubs.

Fast charging is still uncommon in the L5M electric passenger three-wheeler category. With the SUPER AUTO FX, Montra Electric is bringing a segment-leading proposition to it: rapid charge in just 15 minutes.

The announcement follows from the thinking behind ‘Pehle Aap’, the philosophy that guides everything Montra Electric builds. It means putting the customer first, understanding the realities of their everyday work, and designing solutions around what matters to them. Behind it sits the brand's belief in Izzat: that those who earn their living behind the wheel of a SUPER AUTO deserve respect, and products that respect their time.

For these customers, range and charging downtime have a direct bearing on how much they can earn in a day. Every hour spent waiting to charge is an hour without a fare. Montra Electric listened to that challenge and worked with Exponent Energy to engineer an answer around it.

The SUPER AUTO FX already offers a 150+ km true on-road range, with the option of a 15-minute rapid charge. This makes the proposition even more compelling: less time waiting, more time on the road, and a greater opportunity to earn, without the worry of charging downtime.

Commenting on the launch Mr. Deependra Sharma, CEO, e-3W, Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility), said, "Pehle Aap is how every conversation at Montra Electric begins. We start by asking what matters to our customer, and for the people who run a SUPER AUTO every day, and one of the biggest worries has been the time lost waiting to charge. The more the vehicle is on the road, the more customer can earn. A full charge in 15 minutes gives that time back to them. We did not see this as adding one more feature. We saw it as solving a real problem that our customers face, and that is what Pehle Aap means to us."

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arun Vinayak, Founder & CEO, Exponent Energy, said, “We’re proud to partner with Montra Electric once again. Our work together in electric cargo three-wheelers has shown what’s possible when the vehicle and its energy ecosystem are designed to work together. We’re excited to now take this partnership into passenger mobility with the SUPER AUTO FX. Exponent’s battery technology, city-wide charging network and 2.25 lakh km battery warranty help make electric mobility more practical for drivers. Montra has brought a fresh design sensibility to the auto segment, raising the bar for what an Indian auto can look and feel like. We’re glad to bring our energy technology to it.”

Earlier this month, Montra Electric, Exponent Energy and Exponent ONE introduced ONE Pass, a fully variable, pay-per-use Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solution for Montra Electric's three-wheelers, further extending Montra Electric’s Pehle Aap philosophy by aligning energy costs with vehicle usage and making electric mobility more practical for the drivers.

SUPER AUTO FX: Built around the customer

Along with fast charging, the SUPER AUTO FX strengthens the overall product proposition with:

15-minute rapid charge, enabled through the collaboration with Exponent Energy

150+ km on-road true range

32% segment-leading gradability

60 Nm torque

Hill Hold Assist

Car-like start with a push button

In-cabin light, 12v mobile charging socket

Best in class warranty: 5 years / 2.25 lakh kms *

Other comfort, convenience and performance features that reinforce the SUPER AUTO's customer-first proposition

Together, these features reflect a simple idea: technology should work for the customer, not the other way round.

SUPER AUTO FX customers can access rapid charging through Exponent Energy’s network of 200+ chargers across Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi NCR.

About Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Private Limited, Murugappa Group)

Montra Electric (Company Name: TI Clean Mobility Private Limited) is a pioneering clean mobility brand from the Murugappa Group, one of India's oldest and most respected business conglomerates, with a legacy spanning 126 years. Drawing on deep expertise in converting 'Metal to Mobility', earned over decades of manufacturing high-precision automotive and industrial components for India and global markets, and a track record of building strong brands, Montra Electric has set out with a vision of clean mobility. The company operates under four business verticals: e-3Wheelers, e-Small Commercial Vehicles, e-Tractors and e-Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles. Montra Electric's fast-expanding portfolio includes India's first 55-tonne electric truck trailer RHINO, the 3.5-tonne small commercial vehicle EVIATOR, the last-mile passenger vehicle SUPER AUTO, the last-mile delivery solution SUPER CARGO and India's first electric tractor, E-27.

To know more, visit the official Montra Electric website: www.montraelectric.com

About Murugappa Group

A 126-year-old conglomerate with presence across India and the world, the INR 1,056 billion (₹105,582 crore) Murugappa Group has diverse businesses in agriculture, engineering, financial services and more.

The Group has 10 listed companies: Carborundum Universal Limited, CG Power & Industrial Solutions Limited, Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Limited, Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Limited, Coromandel International Limited, E.I.D.-Parry (India) Limited, NACL Industries Limited, Shanthi Gears Limited, Tube Investments of India Limited, and Wendt (India) Limited. Other major companies include Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited and Parry Agro Industries Limited. Brands such as Ajax, Hercules, BSA, Montra, Montra Electric, Mach City, Chola, Chola MS, CG Power, CG Semi, Shanthi Gears, CUMI, Gromor, Paramfos, Parry’s are part of the Group’s illustrious stable.

Abrasives, technical ceramics, electrominerals, electric vehicles, auto components, fans, transformers, signalling equipment for railways, bicycles, fertilisers, sugar, tea, and several other products make up the Group’s business interests.

Guided by the Five lights — integrity, passion, quality, respect, and responsibility — and a culture of professionalism, the Group has a workforce of 1,06,224 employees.

For more information, see www.murugappa.com

About Exponent Energy:

Exponent Energy, founded in 2020, is a Bengaluru-based full-stack energy company enabling safe and rapid charging for commercial EVs. The proprietary platform combines the battery pack, pump, and connector to deliver 0-to-100 charges in 15 minutes. With a mission to make electric the better energy choice, Exponent’s stack seamlessly integrates to deliver a holistic charging ecosystem. Its technology, built on standard lithium-ion cells, is scalable and adaptable across multiple commercial vehicle categories.