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Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., one of India’s most trusted consumer electrical brands with leadership in fans, pumps, lighting, and appliances announced the launch of Crompton Armor Wires, marking its entry into the house wires category. At launch events held across Tamil Nadu, Telangana & Karnataka, the company’s leadership unveiled the new range of Crompton Armor House Wires, designed to serve as the core electrical backbone of Indian households. This expansion is a natural adjacency to Crompton’s existing portfolio, building on a trusted 85-year legacy of engineering excellence.   Crompton launches Armor Wires, marking its foray into the house wires category   To capture the massive opportunity in the cables and wires sector valued at nearly Rs. 1.25 lakh crore – Crompton is deploying a robust South-first go-to-market plan. Starting with Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka, the brand is leveraging its strong distribution network to ensure a seamless entry into this new category. By extending its proven Crompton 2.0 playbook anchored in premiumization, consumer-first innovation, and deep trade engagement—the company aims to raise benchmarks in performance, safety, and reliability within the residential ecosystem.   The Crompton Armor range includes multiple variants designed to address diverse household needs, with differentiated safety, insulation, and performance features. At the premium end is Crompton Armor Ultra, engineered with 10% more copper and the ability to operate at higher temperatures (up to 90°C). The range will include flexible house wires, designed to meet relevant quality standards while reinforcing Crompton’s reputation for reliability and innovation.   As Indian homes continue to evolve with higher appliance usage and increased electrical loads, the need for durable and safe wiring solutions has become more critical than ever. Crompton Armor Wires are designed to meet these evolving demands, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.   Future-ready wires. More current. Higher heat tolerance. Safer homes. Optimized Performance Across Needs: Multiple variants designed to meet varying household electrical requirements Superior Material Quality: 99.9%+ pure copper ensures efficient and consistent power flow Enhanced Safety: Low-smoke and low-toxic-gas properties for safer indoor environments Reliable Performance Under Stress: Armor Ultra operates at up to 90°C, ensuring stability under heavy load and varying environmental conditions. Long-Term Durability: Flame-retardant, anti-termite, and anti-rodent properties for sustained protection Global Standards: 100% RoHS compliance and adherence to rigorous national safety norms   The go-to-market strategy goes beyond retail, focusing on a comprehensive engagement model that empowers electricians, contractors, and key retailers, while also building strong preference among architects and builders. South India has been chosen as the launchpad owing to Crompton’s strong brand equity and distribution strength, making it the ideal region to build early national momentum.   Promeet Ghosh, MD & CEO, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., said, “At Crompton, consumers and electricians have trusted us for over 85 years to deliver safety, quality, and performance across core electrical categories. Our foray into residential house wires is a natural extension of that legacy and a strategic growth opportunity. This category offers a compelling business model, and we are investing in building a strong and scalable presence through product quality, distribution expansion, and deeper engagement with the ecosystem. At the same time, there is a clear need to drive greater awareness around the importance of choosing the right wiring solutions, given its direct impact on household safety and long-term performance. We are focused on establishing a strong presence in South India before expanding nationally, leveraging our brand strength, distribution network, and proven execution capabilities.”   Shaleen Nayak, Business Unit Head – Lighting, Solar, Wires & Cables, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., added, “Residential wires is a critical yet often under-considered part of home infrastructure, where product quality directly impacts safety and long-term performance. With Crompton Armor Wires, we are focused on scalability and durability and compliance with safety standards that modern households expect. Our Crompton Armor Ultra range, with 10% more copper and superior insulation, is designed to support the evolving power needs of modern homes. As we enter this category, our priority is to ensure strong availability, support our channel partners, and build confidence across electricians and consumers alike. Along with Crompton Armor we are also launching the Crompton Saathi App for electricians, this app will act as a one stop shop for all information related to the product and applicable incentives. This marks a significant step forward towards strengthening our decades long association with electricians.”   The cables and wires sector is a large and fast-growing market, valued at nearly Rs. 1.25 lakh crore. According to the 2024 research report by Motilal Oswal, residential house wires alone account for Rs. 30,000–35,000 crore and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 12–14% from 2024 to 2029. Crompton’s entry expands its total addressable market while bringing its reputation for trust, quality, and durability into a new category.   Today, homeowners, especially those building new or first homes are increasingly seeking trusted brands for safety and peace of mind. With this launch, Crompton strengthens its role in the residential electrical ecosystem, bringing its trusted promise of safety and reliability to a core household category. Already present in over 500 million homes, the brand’s enduring legacy, proven execution, and strong go-to-market network position it well to succeed in this segment.   About Crompton With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer

Solinas Integrity Private Limited, a deep-tech robotics company incubated at IIT Madras, has been selected as the subject of a case study published on Harvard Business Publishing – the world’s foremost repository of business school teaching cases used by institutions across six continents. Authored by Dr. Suresh Srinivasan from the Great Lakes Institute of Management, the case thoughtfully captures Solinas’ journey, innovation, and growing impact across India.   ENDOBOT enables robotic inspection to detect defects inside water, sewer, & stormwater pipelines, while HOMOSEP eliminates manual scavenging through mechanized manhole cleaning Operating at the intersection of public infrastructure and industrial systems, Solinas has emerged as a key player working closely with municipal corporations across multiple states, as well as leading industries. The company focuses on solving critical challenges in underground infrastructure, ranging from manual scavenging, water pipeline leakages, and contamination risks to unsafe sewer systems, areas that are often invisible yet vital to public health and sustainability. Through its advanced robotics, AI, and digitization solutions, Solinas is enabling cities to reduce non-revenue water, improve service delivery, and make data-driven decisions. At the same time, its solutions are helping industries ensure operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure reliability. Solinas is among a small cohort of Indian startups — and fewer still from the WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) sector — to be featured in this publishing ecosystem. The case is now available as a teaching resource for MBA programs and business schools worldwide. The HBS case study highlights how Solinas is building a scalable and impact-driven business model in a traditionally underserved sector. It explores the company’s approach to navigating complex government ecosystems, establishing credibility in industrial markets, and leveraging technology to create measurable outcomes. “There is no playbook for building a technology company in the water and sanitation sector. Solinas has been built through constant experimentation and learning. Having studied Harvard Business School case studies during my education, it is incredibly meaningful to now see our journey featured as one,” said Divanshu Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, Solinas. The case is expected to serve as a global learning resource for students, policymakers, and business leaders, offering insights into innovation, public-private collaboration, and building a startup in critical infrastructure sectors in WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene). About Solinas Integrity Private Limited Solinas is a deep-tech startup in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, incubated at IIT Madras. The company focuses on underground urban water and wastewater infrastructure, developing robotics and AI-led solutions for the inspection, cleaning, digitization, and management of underground networks. Its portfolio includes robotic inspection systems, AI-powered analytics platforms, and the Manhole Cleaning Robot designed to enable safer and mechanized sewer maintenance. These technologies allow cities and utilities to visualize, assess, clean, and manage infrastructure that is otherwise invisible, improving safety, reducing non-revenue water, and eliminating the need for manual scavenging. Recognized and honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Solinas partners with urban local bodies, water utilities, and industries to enhance the safety, efficiency, and resilience of critical public infrastructure. Solinas’ solutions have been deployed across more than 30 cities in India, enabling large-scale inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of underground water and wastewater systems. The company has worked with leading urban utilities and municipal bodies including Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Sangli, Miraj Municipal Corporation, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, Tripura Jal Board, Greater Chennai Corporation, and Noida Authority. Its technology supports significant reductions in water loss, saving up to 600,000 litres per kilometre of inspection per day while lowering operational costs by up to five times. Through solutions such as the Manhole Cleaning Robot, ENDOBOT Robotic Crawler, and AI-driven analytics platforms, Solinas enables a proactive, data-driven approach to infrastructure management while advancing worker safety, operational efficiency, and climate resilience. The company has also expanded internationally, with its ENDOBOT robotic solution deployed with Dubai Municipality, and is now planning to scale its presence across the Middle East. Solinas aims to further expand its footprint across India and global markets, with a continued focus on enabling safer, more sustainable, and resilient urban infrastructure systems through robotics, AI, and intelligent underground infrastructure management. 

The combination of severe obesity, difficult tumour location deep, prior surgeries or radiotherapy, and multiple co-existing medical conditions increased complexity. The robotic minimally invasive approach avoided large abdominal incisions, enabled greater surgical precision, faster recovery, and discharge within just four days of surgery.   Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, has successfully performed complex robotic colorectal cancer surgeries on three overweight and medically high-risk patients between 45-60 age group. Each patient weighed over 100 kilograms and had a BMI exceeding 38-40, along with associated medical conditions including diabetes, underlying cardiac issues, previous abdominal surgeries, and prior radiotherapy. Despite these added complexities, all three patients recovered rapidly and were discharged within four days of surgery.   Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani   The patients were diagnosed with complex colorectal cancers, including very low rectal cancers and colon tumours located deep within the pelvis, an anatomically challenging region to operate on, particularly in overweight individuals and those with a history of prior abdominal surgeries or radiotherapy.   The surgeries were performed over three consecutive days by renowned robotic GI and colorectal surgeon Dr. Swaminathan Sambandham along with a multidisciplinary surgical and critical care team. The procedures were completed without large abdominal incisions. In an advanced minimally invasive approach aimed at reducing surgical trauma, the cancerous specimens were retrieved through the stoma site itself, thereby avoiding the need for additional abdominal cuts.   Despite the complexity and high-risk nature of the procedures, all three patients were mobilised early after surgery, experienced significantly less pain, and were discharged within just four days, an outcome considered highly notable in complex colorectal cancer surgeries involving obese and medically compromised patients.   Speaking about the procedures, Dr. Swaminathan Sambandham said, “These were among the most technically challenging colorectal cancer surgeries because of the patients’ obesity and associated medical conditions. Operating deep within the pelvis in overweight patients, especially those with previous surgeries or radiation history, is extremely demanding. Robotic surgery provides enhanced precision, better visualisation, and greater control, allowing us to perform these procedures safely while significantly reducing trauma to the patient.”   In his comments, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “Traditionally, such cases are considered surgically demanding due to restricted operating space, higher chances of blood loss, wound complications, infections, prolonged recovery, and increased post-operative risks. However, the surgical team at our hospital chose to manage all three cases using a completely robotic minimally invasive approach. The patients’ early mobilisation and discharge within four days despite the complexity of their condition reflects the advantages of advanced robotic surgery when combined with meticulous surgical planning and multidisciplinary care.”   The successful completion of these three consecutive complex robotic cancer surgeries further strengthens Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani’s growing expertise in robotic gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer surgery. The hospital continues to advance minimally invasive cancer care by combining cutting-edge robotic technology with highly specialised surgical expertise to deliver safer procedures, faster recovery, and improved patient outcomes even in the most challenging cases.

EasyShiksha, one of India’s leading online learning and career development platforms, has announced the expansion of its Online Internship Programs with Certificates, aimed at helping students, graduates, and early professionals acquire practical skills and improve employability in an increasingly competitive job market.   Online Courses & Internships with Certificates As industries continue to seek candidates with hands-on experience and job-ready competencies, EasyShiksha’s online internships are providing learners with an opportunity to gain practical exposure without geographical limitations. Thousands of students from engineering, management, commerce, science, arts, and computer applications streams are already leveraging the platform to strengthen their resumes and prepare for future careers. Addressing the Growing Skill Gap According to industry reports, employers are increasingly prioritizing practical knowledge and demonstrable skills over conventional academic credentials. Recognizing this shift, EasyShiksha has developed internship programs designed to complement formal education while enabling learners to gain experience in emerging and high-demand domains. The platform offers internship opportunities across multiple disciplines, including: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Data Science and Analytics Python Programming Web Development Cybersecurity Digital Marketing Finance and Accounting Human Resource Management Business Analytics Cloud Computing Java Programming UI/UX Design Blockchain Technology Entrepreneurship and Soft Skills Learn Anytime, Anywhere EasyShiksha’s fully online model enables learners to complete internships at their own pace from anywhere in the country. The programs are particularly beneficial for students seeking to enhance their academic profiles, prepare for placements, and gain industry exposure alongside their studies. Participants receive: Internship Completion Certificates Flexible Self-Paced Learning Project-Based Training Industry-Relevant Curriculum Lifetime Access to Learning Resources Resume Enhancement Opportunities Skill Development in Emerging Technologies Supporting Career Readiness EasyShiksha’s mission has always been to democratize quality education and make skill development accessible to every learner. Through its internship initiatives, the platform aims to prepare students for the evolving demands of the digital economy and support India’s vision of becoming a global talent hub. “Students today need more than theoretical knowledge. They need practical skills, exposure to real-world concepts, and credentials that strengthen their career prospects. Our Online Internship Programs with Certificates are designed to empower learners with industry-relevant capabilities and help them become future-ready professionals,” said EasyShiksha CEO Mr. Sunil Sharma. Trusted by Learners Across India Over the years, EasyShiksha has built a strong reputation in the education ecosystem by offering online courses, certifications, internships, and career-focused learning opportunities. The platform continues to attract learners from schools, colleges, universities, and working professionals seeking continuous upskilling. With digital transformation accelerating across industries, EasyShiksha remains committed to delivering affordable, accessible, and high-quality education solutions that support lifelong learning. About EasyShiksha EasyShiksha is an online learning platform dedicated to making education accessible and career-oriented. The platform offers thousands of online courses, certification programs, and internship opportunities designed to help students and professionals acquire in-demand skills and advance their careers. Through innovative learning experiences and industry-focused programs, EasyShiksha is empowering the next generation of learners and contributing to India’s skill development ecosystem.

Rustomjee Group, one of Mumbai’s most trusted real estate developers, has partnered with the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport to support the Kawale Check Dam project in Vikramgad Taluka, Palghar District, Maharashtra. The project, which will be inaugurated on June 7, 2026, is expected to improve water security, boost agricultural productivity, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for nearly 1,800 farming families across 18 villages. Developed as a long-term water resilience solution, the check dam is designed to capture and conserve rainwater, addressing the region’s persistent challenge of water scarcity despite seasonal rainfall abundance.   Rustomjee Partners with Rotary Club of Bombay Airport to Advance Water Security and Sustainable Livelihoods in Palghar   As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable community development, Rustomjee is supporting this transformative initiative in a tribal belt of Maharashtra where limited year-round water availability has constrained livelihoods and agricultural growth. The dam is expected to store water for nearly two kilometres upstream, enabling groundwater recharge and improving access to water throughout the year. Implemented with active community participation, the project promotes local ownership while helping ensure its long-term sustainability and impact.   With a total project investment of approximately Rs. 70.58 lakh, the initiative represents a collaborative effort between development stakeholders, local communities, and institutional partners to create lasting impact through sustainable water infrastructure. The project has been designed not only to address immediate water needs but also to generate long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits for the region.   Commenting on the initiative, Mrs. Namrata Nulwalla, Chief Sustainability Officer, Rustomjee Group said, “At Rustomjee, we believe meaningful sustainability is rooted in creating lasting impact for communities. Water security remains one of the most critical enablers of economic resilience and social progress, particularly in rural regions where livelihoods are closely linked to natural resources. The Kawale Check Dam project demonstrates the power of collaborative, impact-driven interventions in addressing systemic challenges while creating opportunities for growth and self-reliance.   Being a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport, I have seen firsthand the impact that collaborative, purpose-driven initiatives can create. Through its support of the Kawale Check Dam project, Rustomjee aims to contribute to the development of resilient rural ecosystems that generate long-term social, economic, and environmental value. This initiative reflects our broader commitment to sustainable development through solutions that are community-led, scalable, and built to create lasting change. “   Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Pragna Mehta, President of Rotary Club of Bombay Airport, said, “The Kawale Check Dam project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose and a long-term vision for community development. At the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport, we strongly believe that sustainable change begins by addressing fundamental needs, and water security remains one of the most critical enablers of health, livelihoods, education and economic progress.   We are deeply grateful to Rustomjee Group for its generous and visionary support towards this transformative initiative. More than a water conservation structure, the Kawale Check Dam has the potential to become a lifeline for local tribal and farming communities, driving socio-economic development, strengthening livelihoods, supporting year-round agricultural activity, and contributing to environmental restoration through groundwater recharge and ecosystem preservation.   Our partnership with Rustomjee reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful and enduring impact. What makes this initiative particularly significant is that it is not merely an infrastructure project, but a community-led effort designed to strengthen resilience, empower local communities and create opportunities for future generations.   By combining Rotary’s ethos of Service Above Self with Rustomjee’s commitment to responsible development, we hope to create a model of collaboration that delivers lasting social, economic and environmental value for the region. This project truly embodies the spirit of ‘Together We Rise’ and ‘Unite for Good’, demonstrating how purpose-driven partnerships can create lasting change for generations to come.”   Through initiatives such as this, Rustomjee continues to advance its commitment to creating value beyond real estate by strengthening communities, promoting environmental stewardship, and contributing meaningfully to India’s sustainable development goals.   About Rustomjee Group Incorporated in 1995, Rustomjee Group (Keystone Realtors Limited) is one of the prominent MMR based real estate developers and a leader in the redevelopment space. The company has a substantial portfolio of projects spanning the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with 39 Completed Projects, 17 Ongoing Projects and 21 Forthcoming Projects that cover all price points from Mass Market to Luxury. So far, the company has delivered over 29+ million square feet of construction area, with a pipeline of over 46 million square feet of construction area in the works. A strategic asset-light approach, an integrated real estate development model, and a strong eye for quality and detail gives the Company’s management team an edge over its peers. By successfully housing 19000+ families including re-housing 1900+ existing families through several redevelopment projects, the company has detailed understanding of (re)development process and is committed to generating value for all its stakeholders.

Hong Kong To welcome the peak summer travel season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will launch a brand-new promotion, “Hong Kong Summer Fun”, from June 19, 2026 connecting a series of citywide highlight events and enticing offers to energise the summer season. The HKTB will work with the business community to roll out a wide range of offers covering attractions, dining, transportation and shopping, enhancing Hong Kong’s appeal as a summer destination, attracting more overnight visitors and boosting overall spending.   From dragon boats to dining deals, Hong Kong invites the world to its most vibrant summer ever   Kicking off the summer season will be the 50th-anniversary edition of the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races,” organised by the HKTB, co-organised by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA), and proudly title-sponsored by Sun Life. The event will be fully upgraded into the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival” and will debut at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade this month.   HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “The summer holidays are a golden period for travel, and with a wave of mega events this summer, the HKTB is proud to present the new summer promotion ‘Hong Kong Summer Fun’, leveraging different events to strengthen promotion and partnering with the business community to roll out hundreds of thousands of offers covering attraction, dining, transport and shopping. We aim to attract more overnight visitors to Hong Kong and boost consumption across more sectors. As the headline international flagship event of ‘Hong Kong Summer Fun’, the ‘Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival’ not only runs over a longer period, but also features a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programme than in previous years, offering an experience found only in Hong Kong for locals and visitors, while showcasing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.”   Kicking Off the Summer Season: Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival Debuts in an Upgraded Format   Over 220 Dragon Boat Teams from Around the World Compete in Victoria Harbour This year’s races will be held on 27 to 28 June, with the number of participating teams, countries and regions higher than last year. Teams from 16 countries and regions will take part, including the Chinese Mainland, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Qatar and Indonesia. Over 220 teams and more than 4,500 athletes will compete in 21 races. Special “50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup” Preserves the Traditional Spirit of Dragon Boat Racing First held in 1976 by the then Hong Kong Tourist Association (the predecessor of the HKTB), the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races began as competitions among fishermen’s dragon boats in the Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter. They have since developed into a unique international mega event in Hong Kong, bringing together top teams from around the world in Victoria Harbour and integrating sport, culture and entertainment.   This year, the “50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup” has been introduced, inviting six local fishermen teams from areas such as Aberdeen and Chai Wan to compete using traditional wooden dragon boats. In addition, a new “50th Anniversary Championship” has been added, bringing together champions from nine major race categories to compete for the title of “Ultimate Dragon Boat Champion”.   Extended to 13 Days with Double the Dragon Boat Festival Excitement For the first time, the Dragon Boat Festival held at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade will be extended to 13 days (19 June to 1 July), spanning from 19 June (Dragon Boat Festival) to 1 July to encourage visitors to stay longer and enjoy a cultural experience that blends tradition and modernity.   The Avenue of Stars will feature a Dragon Boat Food Lane, complemented by four themed photo spots: Sun Life HK Dragon Boat Co-Creation Zone, a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat; a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters; and a Giant Coca-Cola® Bottle and Dragon Boat-themed Photo Spot. Together, these elements offer a new festive experience for locals and visitors. The festival will also debut a series of intangible cultural heritage workshops, where visitors can experience activities such as fishing net plaiting, blown sugar making and lye rice dumpling making. Visitors can experience dragon boat racing through virtual reality (VR), using innovative technology to explore this traditional festival. On weekends and public holidays, there will be a vibrant lineup of intangible cultural heritage performances, including Wing Chun, diabolo, ruan and guzheng. As evening falls, the atmosphere will come alive with a series of live music performances. In addition, a dedicated live broadcast viewing zone will allow both the public and visitors to watch the thrilling action of the Victoria Harbour races up close.   The Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival has received support from 14 sponsors. The HKTB has also partnered with the Tsim Sha Tsui East Property Developers Association, collaborating with over 30 shops to roll out hotel, dining and shopping offers during the festival period to boost spending in the area.   “Hong Kong Summer Fun” Offers Hundreds of Thousands of Deals to Attract Overnight Visitors and Boost Spending   Exclusive Travel Packages Featuring Attraction Tickets and Transport Discounts During the “Hong Kong Summer Fun” promotion period, the HKTB will collaborate with Trip.com Group, the Quality Tourism Services Association (QTSA), the Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA), Alipay, and various merchants to launch “Summer Deals,” offering hundreds of thousands of offers.   The offers start the moment visitors begin planning their trip to Hong Kong. The HKTB will partner with Trip.com Group to launch promotions worth over HK USD 20 million, covering 19 local attractions and three transport operators. From 15 June to 31 August, visitors who book hotels in Hong Kong via Trip.com or Ctrip for the period from 1 July to 14 September, with a single transaction of HK USD 1,500 or above, will enjoy double rewards: one attraction

AI has not just changed how people search. It has changed who answers. And for the first time, that answer is not a list of links – it is a single response, generated by a model, citing sources it has chosen to trust. For enterprise brands, that shift is not coming. It has arrived.   Industry leaders and marketing executives at INDEX’26 New York, Pepper’s summit focused on the future of AI-driven search and brand discovery That was the ground truth at INDEX’26 New York, hosted by Pepper on May 27. More than 200 CMOs, VPs of Marketing, growth leaders, investors, and technology builders convened for the New York edition of what Pepper bills as the world’s first The GEO Growth Summit – a forum built not to debate whether generative AI is disrupting search, but to determine what winning looks like on the other side of that disruption. The results were unambiguous. Across every conversation – from the boardroom to the brand team – the same inflection point kept surfacing: organic discovery has been structurally rewired, and the strategies that drove growth for the past decade are losing their footing fast. CAC is climbing. Traditional SEO signals are weakening. Buyer journeys now fracture across seven or more touchpoints before a decision is made. And through all of it, AI models are forming opinions about brands – from reviews, citations, third-party content, and web authority – long before a human ever enters a search bar. “INDEX was created to bring together operators who are actively rethinking how growth works in a world where AI has become the primary interface for discovery. Search is no longer about ranking pages – it is about being retrieved, cited, and trusted by AI systems. INDEX’26 is where leaders come together to understand this shift and build practical strategies to win in the new era,” said Anirudh Singla, Co-Founder & CEO, Pepper. The urgency extended well beyond the marketing function. Investors and board members, as surfaced in one of the day’s most candid conversations, are already asking their portfolio companies about AI search visibility – often without the CMO in the room. For enterprise leadership teams, the message was pointed: Generative Engine Optimization is no longer a content team initiative. It has become a business continuity question. That reality landed differently for regulated industries. In financial services, the stakes of AI getting it wrong go beyond brand damage. A misattributed claim, a hallucinated product detail, an AI-generated answer that contradicts compliance policy – these are not PR problems. They are regulatory ones. Leaders from DTCC and Arbor Realty Trust gave texture to what it means to navigate brand authority in an environment where no single team controls what an AI says about you. “I think of myself as much more of an operations and architect of the department than a traditional marketer. We’ve gone from Chief Marketing Officer to Chief Architect,” said Lauren Wagner Boyman, CMO, KPMG US. The CMO role itself was on trial. Lauren Wagner Boyman of KPMG US and Drew Neisser of CMO Huddles – drawing on data from more than 600 CMO conversations – made the case that the function has been permanently restructured. Speed, agility, and content efficiency have displaced traditional brand stewardship as the core mandate. Consumer brand leaders from Uber, Unilever, Major League Soccer, and Samsung Ads confirmed the same pattern from a different angle: when AI compresses buyer choice to a single recommendation, the brand that wins is the one the model has learned to trust, not the one with the biggest media budget. “The physical shelf had 100 options. E-commerce became endless but we shop above the fold – so 100 became 5. AI-led search is about to compress 5 into 1. You want to be that one – every time, in every platform,” said Deepak Subramanian, Global VP Marketing, Unilever. Pepper used the summit to unveil Atlas, its agentic OS for organic growth – positioned not as a GEO tool but as an outcome engine built to own traffic, citations, velocity, and pipeline in the AI era. Guy Yalif of Webflow separately debuted the AEO Maturity Model, grounded in data from millions of B2B websites, giving attendees a diagnostic framework to benchmark where their organizations actually stand. Practitioners from RocketReach, Optimizely, Stacker, and G2 closed the day with a ground-level view of what is working inside the GEO stack right now. INDEX’26 New York follows the sold-out San Francisco edition in April, which drew more than 200 senior leaders from Salesforce, NVIDIA, Intel, Snowflake, Gong, and Demandbase. Future editions of the summit are planned for additional markets.

91Wheels.com, in collaboration with Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited (MEAL), has successfully completed a landmark cross-border electric vehicle expedition from New Delhi, India, to Thimphu, Bhutan.   10 Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs travelled from New Delhi to Thimphu   The expedition saw a convoy of 10 Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs undertake the 1,850-kilometre journey to Bhutan’s capital, demonstrating the growing capability of electric mobility for long-distance and international travel. The achievement has been recognised by the India Book of Records as the “Largest EV Convoy on a Cross-Border International Road Trip.”   Adding to the significance of the expedition was the participation of real-world customers. Families, friends, siblings, and solo drivers joined the journey in a fleet comprising Mahindra XEV 9e, XEV 9S, and BE 6 electric SUVs, bringing together authentic ownership experiences across borders.   The drive showcased the long-distance touring capabilities of Mahindra’s INGLO EV platform, with participants covering diverse terrain and weather conditions while relying entirely on public and planned charging infrastructure. By successfully completing this demanding journey, the drive also helped build greater confidence for EV adoption in India, demonstrating that electric SUVs can support long-distance, intercity and cross-border travel with the right planning and charging access.   The convoy also visited Bhutan’s first Mahindra Electric Automobile showroom in Thimphu, marking a symbolic milestone for the brand’s international EV footprint.   Commenting on the achievement, Bunny Punia, Group Editor, 91Wheels.com, said, “At 91Wheels, we constantly push vehicles beyond conventional test conditions to understand their true capabilities. This New Delhi-to-Thimphu expedition showcased that modern electric vehicles are no longer limited by the myths that surround them. Crossing international borders, mountains and long highway stretches, the Mahindra Origin Electric SUVs and its customers proved that sustainable mobility is ready for real-world adventures.”   Reeti Nageshri, Head of Business Operations – Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, said, “People still ask if an EV can handle a real road trip. Our customers just answered that question by driving nearly 4,000 kilometres each across two countries, through extreme heat, mountain roads and changing terrain. The story here isn’t just the vehicles. It’s the confidence customers now have to go further than they ever thought possible.”   “At 91Wheels, our goal has always been to simplify personal mobility by helping consumers make informed decisions with confidence. In a category where trust plays a critical role, we continue to invest in expert-led content, technology-driven experiences, and unbiased guidance that empower millions of vehicle buyers across India. As mobility evolves, our focus remains on building a trusted ecosystem that puts the consumer first,” said Sunish Kumar, Founder, 91Wheels.   Route Overview Day 1: New Delhi – Agra – Lucknow – Gorakhpur (882 km) Day 2: Gorakhpur – Muzaffarpur – Siliguri (647 km) Day 3: Siliguri – Jaigaon – Phuentsholing (151 km) Day 4: Phuentsholing – Thimphu (170 km) Day 5: Thimphu – Paro – Thimphu (additional)   Collectively, the convoy covered nearly 40,000 kilometres by the time all participating customers returned to New Delhi, creating one of the most demanding real-world endurance demonstrations undertaken by customer-owned EVs in the region. Throughout the expedition, the electric SUVs were subjected to consecutive DC fast-charging sessions, temperatures reaching 47°C across the northern plains, and elevations approaching 9,000 feet, further highlighting their ability to handle demanding real-world conditions. The most meaningful border crossed on this journey, however, wasn’t India to Bhutan, but the one between belief and confidence.

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water company, represented India at the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) Training Programme on Demonstration of EPR and Plastic Credit Systems in India held in Kathmandu, Nepal from 8–10 June 2026.   Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, represented India at the South Asian Cooperative Environment Program at Kathmandu Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International participated as a key resource person and industry representative, sharing India’s practical experience in implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging. The programme brought together government officials, ministers, regulators, producers, brand owners, recyclers, waste operators and sustainability experts from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to exchange knowledge and strengthen circular economy frameworks across South Asia. As part of the programme, Mr. Ganesh led a practitioner session titled “Experience Sharing: How Indian PIBOs Operate under EPR“, that provided first-hand insights into how Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) navigate India’s evolving EPR ecosystem. The discussion covered registration and compliance management through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portal, engagement with recyclers, aggregators and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), documentation and verification processes, as well as practical challenges relating to data quality, recycler capacity, cost and regulatory compliance. The session formed part of the conference agenda focused on demonstrating India’s EPR framework and operational learnings for South Asian Nations exploring on strengthening similar systems.    Representatives from South Asian countries discussed circular economy frameworks at SACEP Mr. Ganesh also contributed to a high-level discussion on the alignment between EPR regulations and emerging plastic credit mechanisms, highlighting opportunities for collaboration between governments, industry and waste management stakeholders to accelerate circularity and improve plastic waste management outcomes across the region. Commenting on his participation, Mr. K. Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, “Extended Producer Responsibility has emerged as one of the most important policy instruments for creating accountability, improving traceability and driving investment into waste management infrastructure. India’s EPR journey has generated valuable learnings on collaboration between producers, recyclers, regulators and the informal sector. Platforms such as SACEP provide an important opportunity for South Asian countries to share experiences, strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy. As sustainability challenges increasingly transcend borders, collective action and robust EPR frameworks will play a critical role in building resource-efficient and environmentally responsible societies.” Bisleri has consistently championed sustainable waste management practices through its initiatives in plastic circularity, recycling partnerships and responsible packaging. Through participation in regional and international forums, the company continues to contribute to policy dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaborative solutions that support a more sustainable future for the region. 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 114 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 128 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 Rev, Bisleri Spyci Jeera, 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 a 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.

Astera Ventures, an India-based advisory firm focused on researching and supporting high-growth emerging companies through strategic consulting and investments, today announced the appointment of Prashant Hoskote as a Non-Executive Director on its Board.   Prashant Hoskote   Hoskote brings over 35 years of expertise in customer experience and quality leadership. His appointment strengthens Astera Ventures’ board at a pivotal moment in its growth as a strategic enabler in the global hospitality sector.   Astera Ventures is a key shareholder in Sunday Proptech, a new-age hospitality owning and operating platform focused on building and scaling hotels under PRISM, parent of OYO, Townhouse, SUNDAY and other brands globally. Sunday Proptech already owns and operates 38 hotels across the US and is focused on rapid expansion across key markets including the US, India and Europe. The platform combines hospitality operations, real estate partnerships and brand-led growth to create high-quality guest experiences at scale.   Commenting on his appointment, Prashant Hoskote said, “I look forward to enabling strong governance and providing the right steer as Astera Ventures grows its portfolio and its key investment Sunday Proptech builds its next phase of growth in global hospitality. Astera Ventures plays an important role in this journey, and I am excited to contribute at the board level.”   Prashant Hoskote currently serves as CEO of PH Factor, a board advisory and organizational excellence consulting practice based in Delhi NCR, and was previously President – Global Engagements at Striking Ideas. Earlier in his career, he served as Senior Director – Quality, Service Excellence, and Innovation at Max India Group, and also held leadership roles at Mashreq Bank (Dubai), Standard Chartered Bank, and the Taj Group of Hotels. He began his career with Qimpro Consultants, the Indian affiliate of Juran Institute Inc., USA.   Prashant has served on the National Board for Quality Promotion at the Quality Council of India, as Vice-Chair of ASQ’s Quality Management Division – Global (Asia and Australia), and as Chairperson of ASQ’s Organizational Excellence Technical Committee. He was named among the “50 Most Talented Quality Professionals” at the World Quality Congress in 2014. He is also a published author and international speaker.