newsvoir

The Levi’s brand continues its global Behind Every Original campaign in India with Chapter Two: Many Ways, One Original, once again starring Global Brand Ambassador Alia Bhatt. Building on the first chapter, the new campaign celebrates the many moments, influences and perspectives that come together to shape who we are, and the many ways we choose to express those different sides of ourselves.   Many Ways, One Original Starring Alia Bhatt For over 150 years, Levi’s has been part of the way people express themselves. From music and fashion to art and everyday life, the brand has remained a canvas for individuality, evolving with the people and culture around it. The campaign builds on this legacy with a simple thought: there is no single version of who we are. We are constantly shaped by our experiences, our surroundings and the moments that stay with us and personal style can evolve right alongside us. The campaign is led by a new brand film inspired by the idea of a mixtape where different sounds, memories and influences come together to tell the story behind an original. Following Alia through a subway corridor, a bustling street corner and a neighborhood pub, the film captures different moods, moments and expressions of personal style. At the heart of the campaign is the versatility of Levi’s and the freedom to make every look your own. Through a range of fits, silhouettes and pieces that can be styled together in different ways, the campaign brings to life the approach to dressing showing how one wardrobe can move across different moods, moments and versions of you. Because originality isn’t about having one signature look; it’s about having the freedom to express yourself in many ways. “Originality has never been about fitting into one version of yourself, and Behind Every Original has always celebrated the mindset that shapes individuality,” said Hiren Gor, Managing Director, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Levi Strauss & Co. “With Many Ways, One Original, we wanted to celebrate the many influences and expressions that come together to shape who we are. Alia embodies that spirit effortlessly, and through this chapter, we are also bringing to life the versatility of Levi’s from different fits to complete looks that give people the freedom to style, experiment and express every version of themselves.”  Speaking about the campaign, Alia Bhatt said, “We’re all made up of so many facets, shaped by our varied experiences, the things we love, the people we meet and the places we discover along the way. In a way, it’s a bit like a mixtape, every song adding something different to who we are and who we become. I love that this campaign celebrates all those different sides of us and the many ways they come together to make us who we are. There’s no one way to express yourself. You can play with different fits, pieces and looks to create something that feels personal, lived-in and uniquely yours.” With Behind Every Original: Chapter Two, Levi’s celebrates the many ways personal style can take shape. The latest collection is designed to offer versatility across fits, silhouettes and styling making it easy to create looks that feel true to you, whatever the mood or moment.  The latest Levi’s collections are available across stores nationwide and online at www.levi.in. Link to the film: www.instagram.com About the Levi’s brand The Levi’s brand epitomizes classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873, Levi’s jeans have become one of the most recognizable garments of clothing in the world—capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. Today, the Levi’s brand portfolio continues to evolve through a relentless pioneering and innovative spirit that is unparalleled in the apparel industry. Our range of leading denim and accessories are available in more than 110 countries, allowing individuals around the world to express their personal style. For more information about the Levi’s brand, its products and stores, please visit levi.in. About Levi Strauss & Co. Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi’s, Levi Strauss Signature, and Beyond Yoga brands. Its products are sold in approximately 120 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 3,300 retail stores and shop-in-shops. Levi Strauss & Co.’s reported 2025 net revenues were USD 6.3 billion.   For more information, go to www.levistrauss.com, and for financial news and announcements go to www.investors.levistrauss.com.

Built around insights from its consumers, Ai+ Smartphone’s revamped website brings a simpler and more intuitive way to discover products, access information, and connect with the brand. The refreshed website brings a cleaner interface, simplified navigation, and easier access to essential product and support information, making it more intuitive for consumers to discover, understand, and engage with Ai+.   Ai+ Smartphone’s new website reflects its consumer-first approach with a cleaner, seamless experience The revamp reflects Ai+’s approach to building its ecosystem by listening to consumers and translating their feedback into tangible improvements. From discovering products and understanding their features to accessing service and support information, the new website has been designed to make every interaction more seamless.  Key Updates Feedback-Led Redesign — The website has been redesigned based on direct input from Ai+ customers, enhancing navigation, product discovery, and site speed. Simplified Navigation & Structure — A streamlined menu structure make it easier for visitors to browse different product portfolios, support resources and learn about the entire Ai+ ecosystem without unnecessary clicks Faster, More Responsive Experience — Performance optimisations across the site deliver quicker load times and a smoother browsing experience across desktop and mobile devices.   With the revamped website, Ai+ continues to strengthen the digital layer of its consumer ecosystem, while keeping the focus firmly on accessibility, transparency and ease of use. The new Ai+ website is now live at www.aiplusstore.com. About Ai+ Smartphone Ai+ Smartphone is an Indian technology brand delivering high-performance, accessible mobile experiences powered by NxtQuantum OS — India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. By combining clean design, long battery life and privacy-first software across its smartphone and Connected AIoT ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is establishing a new standard for trust, performance and user-owned technology.

Solutions for product development, higher yields, premiumisation and scalable production Enabling manufacturers to turn ideas into successful products and enter new categories with confidence   Tetra Pak, a world-leading food processing and packaging solutions company, is showcasing its end-to-end ice cream processing capabilities at the Indian Ice Cream Congress & Exhibition (IICE) 2026, being held in Chennai from September 10–12 2026.     Tetra Pak® Rotary Moulder 27 A4 complete line, designed for reliable, flexible and high-capacity manufacturing   Under the theme “Designed for Growth. Engineered for Efficiency,” Tetra Pak will showcase solutions designed to address some of the most important priorities for new-age and established ice cream manufacturers today: maximising overrun control, improving production efficiency and increasing output while maintaining product quality and enabling better returns on investment. The booth is designed around the complete ice cream journey, from idea and product development to manufacturing excellence and business growth.   Parmod Kandwal, Processing Director, Tetra Pak, said, “For an ice cream manufacturer, growth is ultimately about getting several things right together, developing products consumers want, achieving the right yields, maintaining consistency and building operations that can scale profitably. At IICE this year, we are demonstrating how Tetra Pak brings these pieces together. Our portfolio combines product development expertise with advanced processing technologies including global innovations as well as Made-in-India solutions, enabling us to support businesses from their first formulation to high-capacity production. The theme of the event – ‘Designed for Growth. Engineered for Efficiency’ – reflects exactly that ambition: helping our customers turn product possibilities into stronger, more efficient and scalable businesses.”   From idea to market-ready product At IICE, Tetra Pak will showcase the capabilities of its Product Development Centre (PDC), demonstrating how it supports customers from concept creation and formulation development to trials and market-ready products. Visitors will be able to explore PDC-developed formulations and product concepts, market samples, consumer and category insights, and possibilities across different ice cream formats and textures.   Reliable, flexible, and high-capacity manufacturing At the centre of the showcase will be the Tetra Pak® Rotary Moulder 27 A4 complete line, featuring filler, stick inserter and back suction systems. Designed for reliable, flexible and high-capacity manufacturing, the solution enables growing ice cream businesses to scale production while maintaining product consistency and operational efficiency.   Efficiency and consistent quality For manufacturers looking to optimise production while maintaining consistent quality, Tetra Pak will showcase: Tetra Pak® High Shear Mixer R200-200 Tetra Pak® High Shear Mixer (Vacuum)   The solutions are designed to improve operational reliability while helping to reduce product variation and deliver consistent quality batch after batch.   Higher yields and production efficiency Yield has a direct impact on profitability in ice cream manufacturing. Tetra Pak’s freezing solutions on display will include: Tetra Pak® Continuous Freezer S 700 A2 – CFS 700 & CFS 1500 Tetra Pak® Ammonia Freezer range   The solutions enable manufacturers to maximize overrun control, improve production efficiency and increase output while maintaining product quality and enabling better returns on investment.   Premiumisation and product innovation As consumers increasingly seek differentiated flavours, inclusions and textures, Tetra Pak will showcase technologies that enable manufacturers to create more sophisticated product experiences, including: Tetra Pak® Ingredient Doser 2000/3000 A3 Tetra Pak® Pump Station M3 for ripple applications Tetra Pak® Pump Station 150 M1 for chocolate applications   These solutions enable manufacturers to work with large inclusions (like dry fruits, chocolate chunks, berries etc), ripples, sauces while protecting ingredient integrity and ensuring consistent distribution throughout the product.   Made-in-India, designed to scale A key highlight of Tetra Pak’s showcase will be its Made-in-India portfolio of ice cream processing solutions, reflecting the company’s focus on combining global technology and engineering expertise with local manufacturing capabilities.   Read more about our ice cream solutions at: Indian Ice Cream Expo 2026 | Tetra Pak India   About Tetra Pak Tetra Pak is a world-leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working with our customers and suppliers, we provide access to safe, nutritious food for hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries every day. With over 24,000 employees worldwide, we commit to making food safe and available everywhere, and we promise to protect what’s good: food, people and the planet. More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com.

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, announced a partnership with Pine Labs Ltd., a leading global payments technology company, to integrate Agentic Storefront into the L&T Finance PLANET App at the Global Fintech Fest 2026. This collaboration will enable agentic commerce by allowing AI agents to interact and execute transactions securely within a governed framework.   L&T Finance and Pine Labs enable a new model of commerce on the L&T Finance PLANET App   The partnership commences with flight ticket bookings as the debut use case, elevating customer interaction beyond conversational chatbots to complete end-to-end, autonomous transaction fulfilment.   Commenting on the development, Mr. Manish Kumar Gupta, Chief Executive – Urban Unsecured Assets, Payments & Digital Partnerships, L&T Finance Ltd. said, “Our endeavor at L&T Finance has always been to leverage cutting-edge digital innovations to simplify financial and lifestyle journeys for our customers. Partnering with Pine Labs to introduce an Agentic Storefront on the L&T Finance PLANET App marks a major shift from conversational assistance to true transaction execution. By empowering customers with autonomous AI agents that operate securely within user-defined guardrails, we are building a hyper-personalised, effortless commerce & payments experience. Flight bookings are just the beginning; this architecture will scale to multiple merchant categories in the near future.“   Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Technology Officer, Pine Labs Ltd., said, “We are entering a new era where commerce is increasingly driven by intent rather than clicks, searches, and manual decisions. For that shift to scale, trusted AI agents must be able to move from consumer intent to transaction execution securely and autonomously. With P3P and the Grantex protocol, Pine Labs is building the trust infrastructure that enables buyer and seller agents to transact securely and autonomously. Together with L&T Finance, we are enabling a new model of commerce on the L&T Finance PLANET App that combines the intelligence of AI with the trust and accountability consumers expect from financial institutions, helping establish the foundation for agent-to-agent commerce at scale.”   Redefining Commerce & Payments with Autonomous AI Agents The Agentic Storefront brings together Buyer-side and Seller-Side AI agents to create a seamless transaction lifecycle:   On the buyer side, customers can provide their intent to buyer agents on the L&T Finance PLANET App with defined guardrails. The buyer agent can then discover and purchase a flight on the customer’s behalf, completing the payment journey autonomously within a secure, trusted, and governed framework.   On the seller side, the seller agent makes the transaction actionable and resolvable. The seller agent connects to the airline’s underlying systems to access real-time flight availability, fares, and booking information, enabling it to respond to the buyer agent with options that can actually be booked and fulfilled.   The payment is completed autonomously by the buyer agent using P3P (Pine Labs Payments Protocol) using the UPI payments functionality within the L&T Finance PLANET App. The experience is enabled by Pine Labs Grantex, the authorisation delegation and compliance layer that supports verifiable identity, spend controls, and auditability.   About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’ — the highest credit rating — by four leading domestic rating agencies. In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3”. Fitch Ratings has affirmed LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project – “Digital Sakhi”- which focuses on women’s empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on transforming into a Risk-first, Technology-first, AI-native Retail financial services institution as part of the Lakshya 2031 plan. The Company has over 2.9 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.   Facebook: www.facebook.com/LnTFS X: x.com/LnTFinance LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance Instagram: www.instagram.com/lntfinance YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance   About Pine Labs Limited Pine Labs is a technology company building the Commerce OS that powers digital commerce across South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and the United States. The company’s platform connects merchants, enterprises, financial institutions, and consumers through a unified suite of payments, issuing, credit, and fintech solutions. Serving businesses across online and in-store commerce.   Pine Labs simplifies payments, enables financial services, and creates seamless commerce experiences.Its Commerce OS combines financial platforms, payment orchestration, issuing capabilities, prepaid and stored value solutions, and payment and credit rails, enabling businesses to move money, create customer value, and deliver increasingly intelligent commerce experiences, at scale.   As commerce becomes increasingly real-time, intelligent, and embedded, Pine Labs is building the technology infrastructure that powers the next generation of digital commerce.   To know more, please visit www.pinelabs.com.

Sisecam, a global leader in the glass and chemicals industries is proud to announce a significant investment in India’s fast-growing economy. As part of its long-term commitment to the country, Sisecam is introducing a state-of-the-art Magnetron Sputtering Coater, reinforcing its position as a leader in innovation, sustainability and advanced glass solutions.   The new machine will enhance the energy efficiency, durability and aesthetics of coated glass   Investing in India’s Growth Story India stands as the world’s fastest-growing economy, with the largest middle-class and young population in the world. As global manufacturers increasingly turn their focus towards India, Sisecam recognises the immense potential of the Indian market and aligns itself with the Make in India. India’s robust domestic consumption, rapid urbanisation and a thriving manufacturing sector supports India’s growth trajectory.   The flat glass market in India is witnessing significant expansion, driven by the booming construction, automotive and white goods sectors. Energy-efficient glass solutions are gaining prominence, aligning with India’s green building norms and energy efficiencies targets. Advanced technologies such as Magnetron Sputtering Coating are enhancing product performance, making India a key player in the global glass manufacturing landscape.   This investment highlights Sisecam’s dedication to local manufacturing, job creation and technological advancement in the glass industry. The new coater facility will enable Sisecam to produce a diverse range of high-performance glass solutions tailored to the Indian market. Key product features include: Energy-Efficient & Green-Rated Glass – Designed to reduce energy consumption and adhere to international green building standards across India, Europe and beyond. Enhanced Performance & Durability – Engineered to withstand diverse climatic conditions while durable coatings support wider applications with ease of handling and processibility. Aesthetic & Functional Wellness – A perfect fusion of design and functionality, ensuring superior aesthetics while promoting well-being in modern living spaces. Diverse Colour Options & Expansive Product Basket – Providing architects and designers with a variety of choices for residential and commercial projects. Supporting them in converting their visions to reality. Robust R&D Backing – Leveraging Sisecam’s 25 research laboratories worldwide, the products are meticulously developed to cater to the unique needs of Indian consumers.   State-of-the-Art European Technology Sisecam will set new benchmarks in India for precision glass coatings, with flexibility to support multi layered complex layer stacks. With world-class coater, Sisecam will help improving India’s glass industry towards global standards.   Sisecam has invested in four new coater lines across the world this year, out of which two have been commissioned and two are yet to be commissioned including India. This strategic expansion demonstrates Sisecam’s unwavering commitment to innovation and leadership in the high-performance glass segment. Sisecam believes in the potential of the Indian market and is exploring further investment opportunities in the future.   A Legacy of Excellence and Global Reach Sisecam is a global leader in the glass and chemicals industries, providing solutions that integrate innovation, sustainability and functionality. With a strong commitment to research and development, Sisecam continues to set new standards in glass manufacturing, driving a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.   With a 90-year corporate history, Sisecam operates 43 production facilities across 13 countries on four continents, employs more than 22,000 professionals and generates an annual turnover of approx. $6 billion. Sisecam is among the world’s top 5 producers of flat glass and glass packaging, among top 3 producers of soda ash, while holding No. 1 position in glassware production.   About Sisecam Sisecam is a story of progress…   Founded in 1935 by Is Bank, Sisecam was established to build Turkiye’s glass industry. Over the decades, Sisecam has grown from a local initiative into a global player in glass and chemicals.   As the only global company operating in all core areas of glass production, Sisecam is one of the world’s top five producers in its sectors.   Sisecam operates across four continents and 13 countries, including Turkiye, India, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Egypt and the United States. Sisecam plays a pioneering role in flat glass, glassware, glass packaging, chemicals, auto glass, glass fiber, mining, energy and recycling industries. By placing innovation and technology at the core of its operations, Sisecam delivers its products to customers in over 150 countries through its robust supply chain.   Sisecam makes a meaningful difference in its industries with 90 years of expertise, a skilled workforce and the use of smart technologies. Supported by more than 22,000 employees, Sisecam is steadily advancing towards its goal of becoming one of the top three global producers in its core industries.   With its CareForNext strategy, Sisecam works to ensure the sustainability of the glass and chemicals industries from the perspectives of protecting the planet, empowering communities and transforming lives in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.   Sisecam is pursuing a better future through technology and innovation and continues its story of progress together with its entire ecosystem.   Learn more: www.sisecam.com.

The Ramaiah Group of Institutions has made a significant contribution to building a knowledge society in India through its longstanding commitment to education, said Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri D.K. Shivakumar at the inauguration of the Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management (RISM) and the foundation laying ceremony of Nareyana Pragnalaya – ‘Abode of Wisdom,’ held in Bengaluru on Monday, 7th September 2026.   CM Shri D.K. Shivakumar was welcomed by Dr. M.R. Jayaram, Dr. Seetharam and Dr. Havidan Rodríguez at the inauguration of RISM and the foundation laying of Nareyana Pragnalaya The ceremony marked an important milestone in the Ramaiah Group’s continuing journey in education and brought together eminent academic and institutional leaders, including Dr. M.R. Jayaram, Chancellor, RISM; Dr. Seetharam, Chairman, Gokula Education Foundation; Dr. Havidan Rodríguez, President, University at Albany, State University of New York; Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, Member, Board of Management; Prof. B.N. Raghunandan, Chairman, RISM Task Force; and Mr. Gurucharan Gollarkeri, IAS (Retd.), Chief Strategy Officer, GEF (Medical), among others.   Ramaiah Legacy of Building a Knowledge Society Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar appreciated the contribution of the Ramaiah Group of Institutions to education and the development of Bengaluru and Karnataka. He highlighted the role played by the institutions in creating generations of professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders and in contributing to the building of a knowledge-driven society. He also emphasised the importance of educational institutions preparing young people not merely to seek employment, but to become entrepreneurs, innovators and job creators who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s future.   RISM: Global Knowledge Meets Technology Dr. M.R. Jayaram, Chancellor, RISM, highlighted the vision behind the new institution and its focus on global academic engagement, research, innovation and emerging technologies. A key pillar of RISM’s academic vision is its collaboration with the University at Albany, State University of New York. The partnership is intended to provide students with access to global academic expertise, knowledge, research and emerging technologies, while creating opportunities for international exposure and industry-relevant learning. The collaboration brings together the educational legacy of the Ramaiah Group and the global academic strengths of the University at Albany, creating an environment designed to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.   Nareyana Pragnalaya – Abode of Wisdom Dr. M.R. Jayaram also highlighted the significance of Nareyana Pragnalaya, the name given to the new RISM campus for which the foundation stone was laid. Nareyana Pragnalaya means ‘Abode of Wisdom’ and envisions a transformative space where knowledge becomes wisdom, learning inspires discovery, and education shapes enlightened minds. Rooted in timeless values and driven by a vision for tomorrow, the campus is envisioned to nurture intellect, creativity, character and compassion, empowering generations to learn, lead and shape a better world. The foundation laying therefore represents more than the creation of a new campus. It marks the beginning of a new academic environment where knowledge, technology, research and human values come together. The inauguration of RISM and the foundation laying of Nareyana Pragnalaya extend the enduring legacy of the Ramaiah Group of Institutions and Gokula Education Foundation into a new generation of global, technology-enabled and future-ready education.

SDLG India is set to showcase its construction machinery range at the bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2026, world’s leading International trade fair for construction machinery, mining machines, and construction vehicles to be held from September 15-18 at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida.   SDLG India’s next-generation construction equipment range, engineered for power, performance, reliability and sustainable infrastructure development At Hall H16 – Booth B31, SDLG India will showcase a powerful portfolio of its next-generation construction equipment including electric wheel loaders, motor graders, excavators and dozers for the Indian construction industry giving customers and industry stakeholders an opportunity to experience the company’s capabilities across earthmoving, electrification and fuel-efficient construction machinery. The product range demonstrates SDLG’s growing capabilities across high-performance construction equipment while highlighting its focus on productivity, reliability, electrification and solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Indian customers. Mr. Wang Xiaohui, Vice General Manager, Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (SDLG), said, “India remains a strategically important market for SDLG and presents significant opportunities as the country continues to advance its infrastructure and industrial development. Guided by our core philosophy of ‘Efficiency First, Leading Technology’, we remain focused on bringing continuous technological innovation and operational excellence to the Indian market.” Mr. Soumyaranjan Dash, Head of Dealer Development and Brand Marketing, SDLG India, said, “The company’s focus is on manufacturing machines that deliver high productivity, dependable performance and lasting value for our Indian customers. At SDLG India, we are strengthening our product range, expanding our dealer and service network to attend the needs of Indian customers.” With more than 15 years of presence in India, SDLG India has been steadily expanding its product portfolio and market reach, strengthening its ability to serve the country’s diverse construction and infrastructure requirements. SDLG’s participation at bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2026 comes as the company continues to expand its presence in India, with a focus on combining its global product and technology capabilities with a deeper understanding of local applications and customer requirements.   About SDLG India SDLG has been present in India since 2009, supporting the country’s growing construction, infrastructure and mining sectors with a portfolio of reliable, efficient and value-driven equipment. Its product range includes Wheel Loaders, Hydraulic Excavators and Motor Graders, engineered and customized for Indian operating conditions and serving a wide range of demanding applications, including quarrying, mining, road construction, railways and port infrastructure.   In 2026, SDLG further strengthened its commitment to India by establishing full-fledged operations in the country to meet growing industry demand. Supported by a strong nationwide dealer network, the company provides dedicated after-sales support, including parts and service, to help customers maximize equipment uptime and returns on investment.   As India continues to invest in large-scale infrastructure development, SDLG is focused on expanding its product portfolio, deepening localization, and strengthening its manufacturing and service capabilities. Backed by its global journey and the Lingong Group ecosystem, SDLG is entering its next phase of growth with a renewed focus on innovation, manufacturing and customer-centric solutions, while building a stronger and more significant presence in India’s evolving construction equipment landscape.

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, inaugurated the International Innovation Challenge (IIC) 3.0, a 36-hour innovation and entrepreneurship challenge aimed at encouraging young innovators to develop technology-driven solutions to pressing societal and industry challenges.   IIC 3.0- Chief Guest Mr Virendra Chaudhary was felicitated by Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar, Manipal University Jaipur   Organised by the Department of IoT & Intelligent Systems, AIC-MUJ, E-Cell MUJ and DoIC-MUJ, the challenge is co-powered by Unstop, mlHealth 360 Pvt. Ltd., Mahindra & Mahindra Pvt. Ltd., MongoDB, InterviewBuddy, Internshala and Code Crafters, with ICAR, Mysore as a partner.   The inaugural ceremony brought together university leadership, industry experts, mentors, partners and participating teams. The session was graced by Prof. Amit Soni, Registrar, MUJ, Prof. Vijaypal Singh Dhaka, Dean, IQAC, MUJ and Convenor, IIC 3.0 and Shri Virendra Choudhary, Director, 1st India News as the Chief Guest.   Prof. Amit Soni, Registrar welcomed the guests and participants from across the country and introduced the rich legacy of Manipal University Jaipur.   The Chief Guest Shri Virendra Choudhary, Director, First India News, who opened the problem statement for IIC 3.0. Addressing the participants, Shri Choudhary emphasised the need to build a robust and future-ready agricultural ecosystem and encouraged young innovators to explore entrepreneurship and technology-led solutions in the agriculture sector.   Dr. Geeta Rani, HoD, IoT & Intelligent Systems and Program Chair, IIC 3.0, welcomed the mentors, partners and participating teams and outlined the journey ahead for the 36-hour challenge. Dr. G. L. Saini proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contribution of dignitaries, mentors, partners, volunteers, participants and the organising team.   The third edition has witnessed an impressive response, with 259 teams comprising more than 900 registered students participating in the first round out of these, 154 teams are from MUJ and 105 teams are from institutions outside the university, representing 15 states and more than 70 universities and colleges across India and globe. The participating institutions include premier institutes such as IIT Bombay, IIT Jodhpur and NIT Lucknow. The challenge has also attracted an international team from Italy, adding a global dimension to the competition.   The participating teams are working on solutions across 10 critical themes, including EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech, AgriTech, Cybersecurity, Women and Child Safety, Aerotech and Aerospace Innovation, Transportation and Mobility, and Smart Cities and Urban Development.   Building on the success of IIC 2.0, organised last year, IIC 3.0 has been expanded into a comprehensive innovation platform combining a 36-hour hackathon and expert-led panel discussions.   The challenge is supported by an experienced panel of mentors and judges, including Mr. Ankit Jha, Founder, Awarno Technologies; Ms. Swati Bansal, SDE, Amazon; Ms. Nandini Sharma, Founder, Aparajita Foundation; and Mr. Prince Yadav, SDE, GreyOrange, Dr Ester Zumpano, University of Calabria, Italy; Dr Eugenio Vocaturo, CNR-Nanotec, Italy, Dr Haiming Liu, Southampton University, UK. The discussions will explore contemporary issues and opportunities around artificial intelligence, industry requirements and career planning, innovation and entrepreneurship, higher education, and global opportunities, providing participants with perspectives beyond the competition itself.   The competition offers attractive rewards to recognise innovative ideas and promising solutions. The first prize carries a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh, the second prize Rs. 75,000 and the third prize Rs. 50,000. In addition, participants will receive goodies and opportunities for paid internships, providing them with avenues to further develop their skills and connect with industry.   With participation from across India and an international team, IIC 3.0 represents MUJ’s continued efforts to create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable development. The 36-hour challenge provides young innovators with a platform to transform ideas into solutions while engaging with mentors, industry leaders and peers from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

PayGlocal, India’s leading cross-border payments company, today introduces Flash, a new express checkout experience that allows international customers to carry their verified checkout details across participating Indian merchants. With the customer’s permission, Flash securely recognises previously verified information, so customers who have already completed a checkout through PayGlocal can make subsequent purchases without having to enter the same details from scratch.   PayGlocal launches Flash, an express checkout experience for cross-border commerce   Today, every new purchase from an Indian business can mean starting the checkout process again. Customers may have already entered and verified their personal and payment information with one merchant, only to repeat the same process when they shop with another. Flash is designed to make that journey simpler, allowing customers to move between participating Indian businesses with fewer steps and a more familiar checkout experience.   Making Cross-Border Checkout Simpler Cross-border payments have made it possible for Indian businesses to reach customers around the world. Flash focuses on the next part of that journey: making it easier for those customers to complete a purchase.   Rather than repeatedly entering the same information, customers can use their existing verified details, with their consent, when shopping with other participating Indian businesses.   On the occasion, Yogesh Lokhande, Co-founder & CTO, PayGlocal said, “For an Indian business selling to the world, every customer has to be won from scratch. It has to spend to get discovered, build trust with every new buyer, and earn the right to make the sale. And when another Indian business reaches that same customer, the journey starts all over again. PayGlocal changes that.”   He added, “Millions of global shoppers who already buy through PayGlocal can now become a shared customer base for every Indian business on our network. A first-time visitor can arrive already known, trusted, and just one tap away from completing a purchase. For the first time, an Indian business doesn’t have to win the world alone.”   Flash has been built from the ground up for cross-border commerce, taking into account the needs of international customers shopping with Indian merchants. The aim is to reduce friction at checkout while giving participating businesses a simpler way to serve returning global shoppers.   Building the Infrastructure for India’s Global Commerce PayGlocal has spent more than the last five years building payment infrastructure that enables Indian businesses to accept payments from customers around the world.   Flash builds on this foundation to create a more consistent checkout experience across participating merchants. As the network grows, customers can discover and shop with more Indian businesses without having to repeatedly start the checkout process from scratch.   For Indian businesses, the opportunity goes beyond accepting international payments. It is about making it easier for global customers to complete purchases and return to shop again.   For the first time, Indian businesses selling to the world can share a global customer network.   And that is the larger opportunity PayGlocal sees beyond payments, to help Indian businesses build lasting relationships with customers around the world.   Flash to Debut at Global Fintech Fest 2026 PayGlocal is set to unveil Flash at Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, giving the fintech ecosystem its first look at the product and the experience it enables.   The launch will also be part of a broader series of innovations PayGlocal will showcase at GFF across cross-border payments, commerce, payment intelligence and AI.   Together, these launches represent PayGlocal’s next phase of building the infrastructure that makes global commerce feel more like a connected experience.

American Wave Machines is pleased to announce the formation of Eastern Swell Dynamics, a new joint venture established with China Tourism Group to support the growth of PerfectSwell® surf pools across China. The new company will serve as the official licensed platform for PerfectSwell® projects in the region, bringing together AWM’s proven surf technology with CTG’s deep tourism infrastructure, development capabilities, market access and longstanding presence across Greater China.   Signing Ceremony for the joint venture between American Wave Machines and CTG Commercial Management   China Tourism Group is one of the most significant tourism enterprises in China, with a history dating back more than a century and a business network spanning mainland China, and international markets. Its platform includes travel services, scenic destinations, hotels, duty free retail, tourism transportation, real estate, cultural tourism and related destination businesses. CTG’s development of Riyue Bay Surf Resort, anchored by PerfectSwell® surf technology, offers an early signal of what this partnership is designed to scale: destination experiences driven by surf. China’s Insane PerfectSwell® Surf Park: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1cSXFRD6-I   Riyue Bay Surf Resort powered by PerfectSwell® surf technology   “The formation of Eastern Swell Dynamics reflects the next phase of PerfectSwell® growth,” said AWM Founder Bruce McFarland. “AWM brings the surf technology, enthusiasm for the sport and surf park experience. CTG brings extraordinary regional capability, destination development experience and institutional reach. Together, we believe the joint venture is positioned to support a new generation of surf park projects.”   Eastern Swell Dynamics logo   The launch comes as PerfectSwell® Surf Parks continue to emerge as powerful destination anchors, hospitality drivers and next generation recreational assets. Through Eastern Swell Dynamics, AWM and CTG intend to create a focused regional platform for long term market development, localized project support and premium surf experiences. “Riyue Bay Surf Resort has already demonstrated the appeal of high-performance PerfectSwell® surf within a destination experience developed by CTG,” said Wei Li, CFO of CTG Investments. “Through Eastern Swell Dynamics, we look forward to building on that success and supporting the development of new PerfectSwell® surf destinations across China.”   About American Wave Machines American Wave Machines, Inc. is the inventor and developer of PerfectSwell® Surf Technology, the patented surf platform powering world-class surf destinations across real estate, hospitality, private club, resort, and commercial surf markets. PerfectSwell® helped pioneer the modern surf park category by delivering the wave surfers want: authentic, repeatable, high-performance surf with the variety, progression, and quality required to drive long-term demand.   As the inventor of sequence-based pneumatic surf technology, AWM has built a deeply protected platform backed by over 50 patents worldwide, extensive operating data, and proven destination performance. PerfectSwell® innovations including Split Peaks, A-Frames, Peeling Waves, Air Sections, Barrels, Infinite Ocean, and other signature wave and design capabilities are supported by AWM’s robust intellectual property portfolio.