October 2026

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading packaged drinking water company, has been conferred with the prestigious Mahatma Award for the second time. The CSR Excellence Award recognises Bisleri’s commitment to water conservation, plastic waste management, and community engagement under Greener Promise, its flagship sustainability program. This year, the Mahatma Award received over 1,900 entries, of which only 70 winners were recognised across diverse categories.    Bisleri Wins Mahatma Awards 2026 in CSR Excellence for its Greener Promise initiative   The award ceremony was graced by Dr Santrupt Mishra, Rajya Sabha MP, Dr Kiran Bedi, the first woman IPS Officer of the country, as the Chief Guest, along with Guests of Honour Ms Sukanya Bharat Ram, Mahatma Gandhi Ji’s Great-Granddaughter. The Mahatma Award draws its inspiration from the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi. Embodying the spirit of his enduring legacy, this prestigious award recognises and celebrates individuals and organisations that catalyse positive change, dedicate their efforts to making the world a better place, and exemplify Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals through their transformative work. The award was instituted by Gandhian and lawyer Mr Amit Sachdeva, CSR Man of India and supported by Ms Rajashree Birla, Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Rural Development and Communication Initiatives. Speaking on the achievement, Dr Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “Receiving the Mahatma Award for the second time is especially meaningful, as it reflects the consistency and commitment of Bisleri’s sustainability efforts. Our Greener Promise is shaped by the choices our teams make, the partnerships we build, and the communities we work with. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our employees, partners and people on the ground who continue to translate our sustainability ambitions into meaningful, measurable action. As we grow, our focus remains on building a responsible business that contributes meaningfully to India’s sustainable progress.” As part of the event, Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, participated in a panel discussion on Corporate Environmental Responsibility: How businesses can adopt and champion eco-friendly practices, sharing insights on Bisleri’s approach to embedding sustainability across its business operations. The event also saw the launch of CSR Good Book, a compendium of Sustainable and Socially Responsible Brands, Corporations, Public Sector enterprises and foundations. The edition featured Bisleri’s sustainability journey, including the extensive work the company has done to advance circular economy models, water stewardship, and a water credits framework to encourage water conservation across industries and sectors. For Bisleri, the consecutive Mahatma Awards reflect how the company has made Greener Promise integral to business growth, value chain, and stakeholder interactions.  By linking environmental responsibility to people’s participation, community livelihoods, and scalable systems, the company continues to foster positive, long-term change for individuals and communities to maintain greener planet.   About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 90 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water. Bisleri International has a strong presence with 130 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation, and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

SRM University-AP has made its debut in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, securing a place in the 1001-1200 band in its very first year of participation. Established less than a decade ago, SRM University-AP says the recognition makes it the youngest private university in India to achieve this distinction within 10 years of its inception. The milestone marks a significant step in the University’s emergence as a research-led institution with a growing global presence. This also makes SRM AP Andhra Pradesh’s first university, to achieve this honour in this span.   SRM University-AP, Amaravati Campus   Other than achieving a strong position overall, SRM University-AP’s performance was particularly strong in International Outlook, where it recorded a score of 58.5 and was placed fifth in India on this indicator, above some of best academic institutions. Its Research Quality score of 55.4 further reflects the strong reach, influence and growing impact of the University’s scholarly output within the global research community. Dr P. Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor, SRM AP, expresses, “Entering the Times Higher Education World University Rankings within a decade of our founding affirms that we are moving in the right direction. It reflects the quality, purpose and ambition that define SRM University-AP. With a focused roadmap for research and academic growth, we will build on this foundation by further strengthening academic quality, global engagement and meaningful impact.”   For Vice-Chancellor, SRM AP, Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, the recognition reflects the culture of inquiry the university has built in under a decade: “To be placed in the 1001-1200 bracket of the THE World University Rankings so early in our journey is a moment of real pride, and it deepens our resolve toward the vision we have set for this university. It reflects the culture of curiosity we have nurtured at SRM University-AP, where faculty and students pursue questions that matter and share their findings with the global scholarly community. We will now strengthen every pillar, with re-energized focus so that the university increasingly transforms as a global destination for learning and research.”   The University’s inaugural participation was coordinated by its Quality Assurance and Rankings (QAR) team. Dr Karthik Rajendran, Associate Dean, Quality Assurance and Rankings, said, “This was our first submission to THE, and securing a place in the rankings on our first attempt is deeply encouraging. It validates our efforts to benchmark teaching, research and international engagement against global standards. More importantly, it gives us a meaningful international baseline from which to measure progress and build further.”   With its schools spanning engineering and sciences, liberal arts, and business, as well as dedicated institutes in artificial intelligence and quantum technology, SRM University-AP continues to build a research-driven academic community with global ambitions. The THE World University Rankings 2027 recognition provides an important international reference point as the University expands its research ecosystem, academic collaborations and global partnerships.   SRM University-AP is a multidisciplinary private university in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, committed to advancing knowledge through high-quality education, research, innovation and international collaboration.

MBD Group, a diversified business group marks its 70th Establishment Day today. Established on September 30, 1956, by Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra with a small bookshop in Jalandhar, the Group has evolved over seven decades across businesses including printing, publishing, EdTech, hospitality, real estate, retail, food and beverage, robotics and coding.    MBD Group celebrated 70th Establishment Day For seven decades, this growth has been accompanied by a continued commitment to giving back to society. Through My Best Deeds, MBD Group’s umbrella for its CSR initiatives, and the Ashok Malhotra Charitable Trust, the Group has supported causes spanning girl-child education, access to learning through Love to Learn, empowerment of specially abled children through Ashok Karya, disaster relief, environmental conservation and support for underserved communities.  Commenting on the occasion, Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson, MBD Group, said, “Seventy years is a landmark in the journey of MBD Group and a reflection of the strong foundation laid by our founder, Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra. Our journey has always been about building institutions for the long term and growing without losing sight of the people and communities connected with us. The 70th Establishment Day is a moment to recognise that journey and the many people who have contributed to it over the years.” Education has been central to MBD Group’s journey, and remains closely connected to its vision for the next generation. As the education landscape has evolved from publishing to technology-enabled and experiential learning, the Group has continued to expand access to new-age learning opportunities, particularly for students who may have fewer resources. Through initiatives such as Love to Learn and Robotics Lab on Wheels, students in budget schools are gaining hands-on exposure to robotics, coding, IoT, automation and emerging technologies, while the Group’s AI-STEAM initiatives are introducing students to the possibilities of artificial intelligence and future-ready learning. In 2026, the Group launched the AASOKA Science Kit initiative, aimed at bringing practical science learning to 25,000 students across 400 schools. This focus on access and experiential learning also extends to Robotics Lab on Wheels, which takes technology-led learning directly to schools. The Group aims to reach 1,000 schools and one lakh students over the next five years, reflecting its larger objective of making future-ready learning more accessible. Together, these initiatives seek to equip young people with the skills, confidence and exposure to solve problems, innovate and contribute to a changing society. The AI-STEAM Lab Championship, held on September 28 at MBD House, is a recent example of this approach. The Championship brought together four students each from 16 schools out of the many schools that participated to develop and present technology-led solutions to real-world challenges, with a prize pool of ₹3.25 lakh. More than a standalone event, the Championship gave students an opportunity to put sustained, hands-on learning into practice and demonstrate how access to emerging technologies can translate into confidence, creativity and problem-solving. Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, MBD Group, shared, “Education has been an integral part of MBD Group’s journey and continues to shape the way we think about the future of youth. From our early years in publishing and learning resources, the education landscape has evolved significantly with technology, and MBD has continued to evolve with it. Through Love to Learn and our other initiatives, we want to make emerging technologies and experiential learning more accessible to students across communities, particularly those who may have fewer opportunities to access them.” Winner of the MBD AI-STEAM Championship, Lavi Public School, Ghevra, New Delhi, said, “Lab on Wheels gave us the opportunity to understand robotics by actually working with the kits, building things and testing our ideas. The MBD AI-STEAM Championship was a chance to take everything we had learnt and put it into practice. The biggest takeaway has been the confidence to build something ourselves and see that our ideas can become real solutions.”  The well-being of people and communities is an important part of MBD Group’s broader social responsibility approach. Over the years, the Group’s focus has extended beyond education and business growth to initiatives that support mental well-being, physical fitness, community participation, environmental stewardship, animal welfare and outreach to underserved communities. Through the Ashok Karya framework and its wider CSR efforts, MBD continues to recognise that healthier, more resilient communities are an important part of building a better society. This year’s association with Run Yodha 2026 is one recent expression of that larger focus. The marathon brought employees together on September 27 and encouraged healthier, more active lifestyles while supporting awareness around hunger. The initiative reflects the Group’s belief that well-being is not limited to a single event, but is part of creating a culture in which people are encouraged to look after their physical and mental health and participate in causes beyond the workplace. Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, said, “As MBD Group marks 70 years, our focus remains on building on the values that have guided us through our journey while responding to the needs of a changing India. The well-being of our people and communities is an important part of that responsibility. Whether through initiatives that encourage physical and mental well-being, create access to learning or give young people exposure to new technologies, we want our efforts to create meaningful and lasting opportunities. Run Yodha is one such example, but our larger commitment extends well beyond any single initiative.” As MBD Group enters its eighth decade, it remains focused on building on its legacy while responding to the changing needs of people, businesses and communities. The journey ahead will continue to connect the Group’s roots in education and community development with new opportunities in technology, learning, well-being and innovation. For MBD, the 70th Establishment Day is not only a milestone to look back on, but a moment to reaffirm the responsibility of creating meaningful opportunities for the generations ahead.

MYCPE ONE has been awarded in the Service Export: EdTech category at the Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026 for its technology-led approach to serving CPA and accounting firms globally. The awards, presented by Payoneer in association with The Economic Times, are a jury-led program honoring Indian businesses and entrepreneurs driving India’s cross-border growth.    MYCPE ONE awarded in the service Export EdTech Category at the Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026   Shalin (Shawn) Parikh, Co-Founder & CEO, and Nemin Vora, VP of Client Relationship Management, received the award on behalf of MYCPE ONE at the ceremony in New Delhi.   Shalin (Shawn) Parikh and Nemin Vora represented MYCPE ONE at the Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026 in New Delhi   The award recognizes MYCPE ONE’s approach to combining AI, automation, digital learning, and compliance technology to support the evolving needs of CPA and accounting firms.    Unlike traditional EdTech platforms focused primarily on course delivery, MYCPE ONE combines professional education with technology and operational capabilities designed for the day-to-day needs of accounting firms.    At the center of its learning ecosystem is MYCPE ONE’s CPE platform, providing CPA and accounting firms with access to professional education across 100+ qualifications, along with tools for CPE compliance and learning management. The platform brings together 15,000+ hours of content, 50-state compliance tracking, automated reminders, audit-ready reporting, and a centralized Learning Management System for managing users, learning plans, assignments, practical training, assessments, and performance. It also supports customized learning paths, firm academies, and AI-powered learning tools to help firms develop skills across their teams.    The company is also developing practical training programs, AI-focused academies, and AI-monitored assessments to help accounting professionals build skills for an increasingly AI-driven workplace. Its assessment platform uses AI-based monitoring to strengthen assessment integrity.    Beyond learning, MYCPE ONE is developing an AI-first, technology-enabled offshoring model that combines offshore talent with structured workflows, digital productivity tools, candidate assessments, centralized management, and technology-enabled operations. Through its offshoring solutions, accounting firms can build their own offshore teams or use managed offshoring models while accessing accounting professionals across multiple locations.    “This award reflects the journey we have taken at MYCPE ONE to bring technology, talent, and learning together to create more meaningful solutions for accounting and professional services firms,” said Shalin (Shawn) Parikh, Co-Founder & CEO, MYCPE ONE. “We are proud to be awarded in the Service Export: EdTech category. It reinforces our belief in building solutions that help firms access the right talent, develop skills, and embrace technology as they grow globally.”    MYCPE ONE’s technology and processes are backed by a SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001:2022-certified Information Security Management System covering technology, development, operations, and offshore staffing activities.    As accounting and professional services firms look beyond geographic boundaries for talent, technology, and learning, MYCPE ONE continues to expand its capabilities across AI-enabled education, compliance, and cross-border service delivery.    About MYCPE ONE  MYCPE ONE is a full-stack accounting and business services platform headquartered in Ahmedabad, India, serving 3,000+ CPA and accounting firms, along with 300+ growing businesses across North America, the UK, and Europe.    Founded by Shalin (Shawn) Parikh and Valay Parikh, the company has evolved into an integrated platform offering offshore staffing, continuing professional education and learning and development, digital marketing, website solutions, managed IT, cybersecurity, AI implementation and other professional solutions. With SOC 2 Type II certification, ISO 27001 compliance, GDPR readiness, and a proven track record of zero data breaches, MYCPE ONE delivers secure, scalable workforce, education, and business enablement solutions.    Backed by a talent pool of 500,000+ vetted professionals and a global team of 3,000+ members, MYCPE ONE operates as a unified ecosystem supporting firms and businesses at every stage of growth.

Kerala took its war on drugs to the grassroots on Monday. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala inaugurated Toofan Thaddesham, the second phase of Operation Toofan, at Malabar College in Vengara, Malappuram. It is the state’s largest mass mobilisation against drugs so far. The programme turns the anti-narcotics campaign into a people’s movement in association with the local self-government institutions, led by the Kerala Police, with Kudumbashree networks working alongside them.   Toofan Phase 2 Begins: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala hoists the Toofan flag in Vengara, inaugurating Toofan Thaddesham in collaboration with the Local Self-Governments   As the state-level launch took place, the Toofan flag was raised in local bodies across Kerala. Everyone present at the venue was declared a Toofan Warrior.   Chennithala called the programme a mass mobilisation against drugs that goes all the way down to the grassroots, and said the women of Kerala would be at its centre.   “The biggest strength in this fight is the participation of our mothers and sisters,” he said. “A mother is the first to notice when something changes in her child. That is why mothers will play a decisive role in this people’s movement. Mahatma Gandhi dreamt of Gram Swaraj: villages strong enough to govern and protect themselves. That is what we are building against drugs. Every ward will become its own first line of defence. It is time for every one of us to say, ‘Njan ente naadinte kaavalaal’: I am the guardian of my land.”   What Toofan Thaddhesham brings Toofan Thaddesham is built on two tiers, so that the anti-drug campaign reaches every home in Kerala.   Toofan Jagratha Samithis in every local body: There will be 1,034 committees, one in each of Kerala’s 941 grama panchayats, 87 municipalities and 6 corporations. Each is headed by the panchayat president, municipal chairperson or mayor. The local Station House Officer, the local body secretary and elected representatives sit on each committee, which plans, coordinates and monitors anti-drug work in its area.   Toofan Janasabhas in every ward: Each ward will have a people’s assembly led by the ward member or councillor. It brings together residents, enrolled Toofan Warriors, Kudumbashree members, ASHA workers, Haritha Karma Sena members, rural employment scheme workers, residents’ associations and local volunteers. Their job is to carry the anti-drug message to every family, run awareness sessions and keep a close watch on the neighbourhood.   Ward volunteers will be trained with audio-visual modules covering five areas: the medical, social and economic harm of drugs, rehabilitation, and the law and safety. On the ground, the Janasabhas will run awareness classes with doctors and local police officers, hold follow-up programmes in schools and special PTA meetings, and convene Toofan neighbourhood group meetings. They will also keep watch around schools and residential areas, and help people struggling with addiction get treatment through rehabilitation and palliative care centres. Ward and local body committees will review their work every month, and the state will review it every quarter.   The aim, in the programme’s own words, is to make every Keralite a Toofan Warrior and turn Kerala into a ‘lahari-mukta desham’, a drug-free land.   Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty presided over the function, and Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji delivered the welcome address. Dr. Divya S. Iyer, Principal Director of the Local Self-Government Department, administered the anti-drug pledge.   About Operation Toofan Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala launched Operation Toofan on 2 June 2026 as Kerala’s flagship anti-narcotics mission. It rests on three pillars: Toofan Strike (enforcement), Toofan Warriors (student and community mobilisation, which has reached over 1 lakh school children in person) and Toofan Care (treatment and rehabilitation). The mission has since grown into an interstate coordination effort across South India.

Group 108, a prominent name in the real estate sector, showcased its strong presence at MAPIC India 2026, held on 29th and 30th September at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The event brought together leading retailers, developers, investors, brands, and industry stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of Retail Real Estate in India.   Group 108’s team at MAPIC India 2026, Mumbai, showcasing its vision for experience-led retail and commercial destinations across NCR Group 108 drew industry attention with its forward-looking commercial developments, Grandthum and One FNG, which reflect the growing demand for well-planned, experience-led retail and commercial destinations in the NCR. Grandthum, located in Greater Noida West, and One FNG, situated along the Noida Expressway, are designed to bring together retail spaces, lifestyle experiences and business opportunities within strategically positioned developments. The company’s participation at MAPIC India 2026 provided an opportunity to engage with leading retail brands, investors and industry stakeholders, while exploring emerging opportunities across India’s evolving retail ecosystem. Commenting on the company’s participation, Mr. Sanchit Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, said, “MAPIC India continues to be an important platform for meaningful conversations and collaborations across the retail and real estate ecosystem. Our participation this year reflects our commitment to creating commercially vibrant destinations that respond to the evolving expectations of brands, businesses and consumers. We look forward to building stronger partnerships and contributing to the next phase of retail growth in India.” As MAPIC India 2026 concludes, Group 108 continues to focus on developing high-quality commercial destinations that combine strategic location, contemporary design and evolving retail and business needs. About Group 108 Group 108 is a real estate development company focused on creating high-quality commercial developments that cater to the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. The company is developing commercial and IT/ITeS spaces with an emphasis on design, functionality and global standards. With a focus on quality, transparency and long-term value creation, Group 108 aims to contribute to the growth of emerging commercial destinations.  

The festive season is one of the biggest smartphone upgrade moments of the year. But choosing a new phone increasingly comes down to a simple question: what matters most to you?   For some, it is a battery that can comfortably keep up with long days. For others, it is a better display, a capable camera, more immersive entertainment or simply a dependable smartphone that gets the everyday essentials right.   BBD 2026 Smartphone Buying Guide: Ai+ Smartphones to Consider This Festive Season   Ai+ Smartphone currently has a portfolio of devices across its Nova and Pulse series available on Flipkart, catering to these different priorities. With the ongoing festive sales and Big Billion Days giving consumers another reason to consider an upgrade, here are five Ai+ smartphones to look at based on how you actually use your phone.    1. Want a phone that keeps going? Consider the Ai+ Nova 2 Power 5G Battery anxiety can quickly become a deciding factor for travellers, gamers, heavy users or simply anyone who spends most of the day away from a charger.   That is where the Ai+ Nova 2 Power 5G makes its case. Its headline feature is a massive 7000mAh battery, paired with 33W fast charging for consumers who prioritise endurance.   The phone also features a 120Hz display, 48 MP Sony IMX582 camera, VC cooling for sustained performance and IP65 protection against dust and everyday splashes.   For consumers whose smartphone needs to survive a long commute, workday, entertainment and everything in between, Nova 2 Power puts battery life at the centre of the experience.   Why consider it: 7000mAh battery | 120Hz display | 48 Sony IMX582 camera | VC cooling | IP65 BBD price: Rs. 15,999* | Available on Flipkart 2. Upgrading for a more premium experience? Look at the Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra 5G Sometimes an upgrade is not about one particular feature, but about wanting a noticeable step up in the overall smartphone experience.   The Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra 5G combines a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 50MP Sony IMX752 main camera and customisable lights in the back panel, adding a distinctive visual element to the device experience.   It also features IP68 protection and a 6000mAh battery supports upto 40W fast charging, balancing a more premium everyday experience with practical durability and battery life.   Why consider it: 1.5K AMOLED display | 50MP Sony IMX752 camera | Customisable lights in the back panel | 40W charging | IP68 protection BBD price: Rs. 18,999* | Available on Flipkart 3. Spend hours watching, gaming and creating? The Ai+ Nova 2 Pro 5G goes puts the screen first For consumers who spend more time streaming, gaming, scrolling and consuming content on their phones, a bigger and smoother display can make all the difference.   The Ai+ Nova 2 Pro 5G puts the viewing experience at the centre with its expansive 6.9-inch FHD+ display and 144Hz refresh rate, delivering a large, fluid canvas for entertainment, gaming and everyday multitasking.   A 6000mAh battery with 33W charging is designed to keep up with longer viewing and gaming sessions, while the dedicated Ai key and customisable lighting add greater convenience and personality to the experience.   Why consider it: 6.9-inch FHD+ display | 144Hz refresh rate | 6000mAh battery |Dedicated Ai key | Customisable lighting BBD price: Rs. 16,999* | Available on Flipkart   4. Buying someone’s first smartphone this Diwali? Start with the Ai+ Pulse 2 FE Festive smartphone shopping is not always about buying the most powerful device. For many families, it is about choosing someone’s first smartphone, replacing an ageing device or gifting a practical everyday phone to a parent or family member.   Built around the idea of a “First Step to a Smarter World,” the Ai+ Pulse 2 FE brings together the essentials that matter for everyday smartphone use.   It features a 120Hz display, 50MP main camera and 5000mAh battery, while practical additions such as a 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio retain features that remain relevant for many users.   For first-time smartphone users or families looking for a straightforward festive purchase, Pulse 2 FE focuses on accessibility without stripping away the essentials.   Why consider it: 120Hz display | 50MP camera | 5000mAh battery | 3.5mm headphone jack | FM radio BBD price: Rs. 9,999 | Will be available on Flipkart from 8th October midnight *Prices and offers are applicable during the promotional period and may be subject to applicable terms, conditions and availability.

The Prime Minister has lauded India’s hospitality saying that it is rooted in the timeless philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, and credited the hotel industry with carrying this legacy forward for domestic and global travellers. He noted that technology is helping travellers discover new destinations and enjoy more immersive experiences. At the same time, he stressed that “the warmth of human emotions will always be at the heart of hospitality.”    07th HAI Hoteliers’ Conclave    In his message to the apex body, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has extended his congratulations to the Hotel Association of India (HAI) on the Hoteliers’ Conclave 2026 and highlighted that HAI has an important role to play in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 in ensuring that the tourism potential of every region contributes to the prosperity of the people.   In addition, he expressed hope that the Conclave’s deliberations would contribute meaningfully to the future of the industry and the nation.   The Conclave, themed ‘Re-engineering Hospitality‘, brought together leaders from hospitality, tourism, business and policy. They discussed the sector’s opportunities, its challenges, and its role in India’s growth story.   Speaking on the same, KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India (HAI) and Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said “We are deeply encouraged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s message and his recognition of the transformative role of hospitality in India’s tourism and economic journey. His emphasis on skills, technology, regional tourism potential and the enduring importance of human warmth closely reflects the priorities discussed at the meet. As an industry, we remain committed to working with all stakeholders to unlock the full potential of Indian hospitality.”    The conclave reaffirmed HAI’s commitment to strengthening collaboration across the hospitality and tourism ecosystem and creating an enabling environment for the sector to contribute more significantly to employment, investment, regional development and India’s global tourism proposition.

The healthcare needs of Indians are changing, shaped by longer working lives, more active lifestyles, evolving family-planning choices and a growing focus on preventive care. What customers seek from health insurance today can be very different from what they may need as they move through different stages of life. This is driving a shift towards health protection that can adapt to changing priorities and provide comprehensive coverage rather than being limited to hospitalization alone.   Health Alpha offers holistic, flexible health cover designed to evolve with India’s young, growing families and their changing healthcare priorities   As lifestyles and life circumstances change, the nature of health risks and the protection customers seek can change as well. For a younger individual, health protection may need to account for an active lifestyle and fitness-related needs; as customers enter family-building years, maternity and family-planning needs may become more relevant; while with age, the focus may increasingly shift towards preventive healthcare, specialized treatment and protection against critical illnesses. This changing pattern of healthcare needs is creating greater relevance for health insurance solutions that can offer protection across different life stages and adapt to the priorities of customers over time.   Against this backdrop, SBI General Insurance’s Health Alpha brings together comprehensive health protection under one product, reflecting the changing healthcare needs of today’s customers. Designed to adapt to different life stages and priorities, the product combines a range of benefits that go beyond conventional hospitalization-led coverage, offering customers a more holistic approach to health protection.   Key Health Alpha features include: Assisted Reproduction Treatment & Maternity and New Baby Care: Recognising the evolving healthcare and family-planning needs of customers, Health Alpha includes Assisted Reproduction Treatment, particularly relevant to the 26–30 age group, along with Maternity & New Baby Care expenses, addressing healthcare needs particularly relevant to customers in the 30–45 age group.  Preventive Health Check-up & e-Opinion: As customers become more conscious of managing their health proactively, preventive healthcare is becoming relevant across life stages from younger adults looking to establish healthier habits to older customers seeking to monitor and manage evolving health risks. Health Alpha includes Preventive Health Check-up and e-Opinion benefits, supporting customers in taking a more proactive approach to their health and making informed healthcare decisions. Adventure Sports, Gym & Sports Injury Cover: Designed to support customers aged 25 years and above with active lifestyles, particularly those in their working years, this benefit extends protection to hobby sports and daily fitness activities. It covers common sports and fitness-related injuries such as fractures, stress fractures, sprained ankles, shin splints, muscle pulls/groin pulls and sprains. The cover also supports associated healthcare expenses, including specialist consultations, diagnostics, medicines and physiotherapy. Global Cover & Critical Illness: Health Alpha provides broader protection through Global Cover, supporting eligible healthcare requirements beyond India. Particularly relevant for working professionals aged 30–50 who travel internationally for work or other commitments, the benefit extends eligible healthcare protection overseas. The product also includes Critical Illness protection, addressing significant health risks that become increasingly relevant with age, particularly for customers aged 50 and above. Unlimited Sum Insured Reinstatement & 10X Cumulative Bonus: Designed for long-term protection across life stages, Health Alpha offers unlimited restoration of the base sum insured after the first admissible claim. Customers can also build their health cover over time with a cumulative bonus of up to 10 times the base sum insured for every claim-free year. Customisable Health Protection & Plan Ahead Benefit: For customers aged 25 years and above, as they begin taking on greater financial and personal responsibilities, the need for health protection can evolve over time. Health Alpha offers flexible coverage aligned to individual needs and life stages. Through the Plan Ahead Benefit, eligible new policyholders can upgrade to a higher sum insured at key milestones without fresh medical underwriting, allowing their coverage to grow with their changing healthcare needs.   The future of health insurance will be shaped by its ability to evolve alongside the people it serves. As India’s health priorities shift towards prevention, wellness and personalised care, insurers have an opportunity to redefine their role from being financial risk protectors to long-term health partners. Through Health Alpha, SBI General Insurance continues to advance this vision by developing customer-centric solutions that reflect the changing realities of healthcare and the aspirations of a more health-conscious India.    About SBI General Insurance SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India’s most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 182 branches. In FY 2025-26, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Direct Premium (GDP) of INR 15,904 crores, recording a YOY growth of 14.5%.   The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include winning the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at the Insurance Asia Awards 2025 in Singapore, Smart Insurer for the year 2025 at the ETNOW Insurance Summit & Awards 2025, India’s Leading General Insurance Company (Mid) for its outstanding performance at the 18th edition of the Dun & Bradstreet BFSI & Fintech Summit 2026 and Best General Insurance Company of the Year at 4th Edition of Future of Insurance Summit 2025.   Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2025, the company also excelled at 8th ICC Social Impact Award 2026 for its commitment to CSR Activities in Project Mission for Vision in Meghalaya, and “ET NOW Champions of CSR” at the ET Edge ET NOW Champions of CSR 2025.   With a team of over 9,900+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over

As EV buyers weigh unfamiliar battery and technology risks, a long factory warranty can offer valuable reassurance. VinFast’s warranty and ownership package in India shows how that protection can fit into a wider EV ecosystem.   VinFast offers a battery warranty of 10 years or 200,000 km, whichever comes first   Buying a new car has always involved a small leap of faith. You hand over a fairly large cheque and, in return, get a machine containing thousands of parts that are expected to behave themselves for years.   With electric cars, there is one extra source of anxiety: some of the most expensive and unfamiliar parts of the car are also the ones buyers cannot easily inspect. That makes the warranty more important, as it can reduce the financial uncertainty around what happens if something expensive does go wrong.   A warranty can make a new technology feel less risky Research into car buying suggests that consumers do put a value on warranty protection. One study of the U.S. automobile market found that buyers were willing to pay a median of about USD850 for one additional year of warranty coverage. That was around 3.1% of the median vehicle price in the study. It also found that longer warranties mattered more when product quality was lower.   Another study, looking at more than 9,000 used-car auctions on eBay, found that cars sold with a warranty attracted an average price premium of about 11%. The effect was stronger when the seller had a weaker reputation, suggesting that a warranty can give buyers some extra confidence when they have less information about the vehicle.   The logic is fairly simple. A buyer knows what they are paying today, but cannot know exactly what will happen to the car five or 10 years from now. A warranty shifts at least some of that future risk back to the manufacturer or seller.   For EVs, the battery makes this particularly relevant. In a 2024 UK study by the Green Finance Institute, 31% of consumers without an EV said a battery warranty longer than eight years would encourage them to switch to an electric car. That was close to the 34% who said price parity and the 34% who cited more charging infrastructure. The concern also shows up when people think about buying used EVs. In Strategy&’s 2024 eReadiness survey, a battery warranty, either from an OEM or a third party, was identified as a key factor encouraging consideration of a used EV by 80% of respondents in India.   There is an interesting twist here: experience appears to reduce some of these worries. Plug In America’s 2025 EV Driver Annual Survey found that 19.1% of respondents considered battery warranty a concern when they bought or leased their EV. The figure fell to 9.1% among current owners. Concerns about battery lifetime also fell, from 26.7% at purchase to 19%.   For an experienced EV owner, the technology is no longer quite so mysterious. For someone buying their first one, a long warranty can provide some reassurance before that experience has been built.   Still, a long warranty is only useful if customers can actually make use of it. For an EV buyer, the practical questions go beyond battery life. Where can the car be serviced? How easy is it to charge? What will routine maintenance cost? And if something does go wrong, is there somewhere nearby to get it fixed?   This is why a warranty works better when it sits alongside other forms of ownership support. The customer gets protection against major repair costs, while other services can reduce the smaller sources of friction that come with owning a car.   This is where VinFast’s approach in India comes in The company offers a vehicle warranty of seven years or 160,000 km and a battery warranty of 10 years or 200,000 km, whichever comes first. The battery coverage is particularly relevant to the concerns identified in the research. For someone considering an EV for the first time, 10 years or 200,000 km gives a clear time and distance limit around one of the vehicle’s most expensive components.   VinFast is also pairing that coverage with other ownership measures. Its India programme includes free maintenance for three years or 36,000 km, as well as free charging at V-Green charging stations until March 31, 2029.   At the same time, the company is building out the supporting network, through partnerships with MyTVS, RoadGrid and Global Assure to work toward a planned 120 service workshops, while V-Green has announced partnerships with RoadGrid and HPCL to expand EV charging infrastructure in India.   None of this changes the basic reality of buying a new car: there is always some uncertainty. But for EV buyers, the warranty can put a clearer boundary around part of that risk. And that may be its biggest value. A buyer does not need to know exactly what a battery will look like 10 years from now. They just need to know who is taking responsibility if something covered by the warranty does not go according to plan.