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  • Google Deepens AI Push in India with New Tools and Strategic Partnerships

    New Delhi, July 14: Google has announced a series of new artificial intelligence (AI) tools and strategic partnerships to accelerate AI adoption and innovation across India, reinforcing its commitment to the country’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem.

    The technology giant said the new initiatives are aimed at empowering developers, startups, businesses, researchers, and students with advanced AI capabilities. The partnerships will focus on expanding access to AI technologies, promoting responsible AI development, and supporting the creation of innovative solutions for real-world challenges.

    Google noted that the initiatives will help strengthen AI applications across key sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, financial services, and public administration, enabling organisations to improve productivity and deliver better digital services.

    The company also plans to work closely with industry partners, academic institutions, and the startup ecosystem to enhance AI research, encourage skill development, and prepare a future-ready workforce equipped with emerging technologies.

    The latest announcements underscore Google’s long-term commitment to India’s digital transformation and are expected to boost innovation, create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and developers, and further position India as a leading global hub for artificial intelligence.

  • MRF Named India’s Most Valuable & Strongest Tyre Brand and Ranked Among the World’s Top 3 Strongest Tyre Brands

     

    Brand Finance India 100 – 2026 report places MRF among the nation’s most valuable and strongest tyre brands and in the Global Tyres 2026 ranking confirms MRF in the world’s Top 3 strongest tyre brands

    MRF Ranks as India’s Most Valuable & Strongest Tyre Brand And Among the World’s Top 3 Strongest Tyre Brands

     

    CHENNAI, July 14 –MRF Tyres, India’s largest tyre manufacturer, has been ranked as India’s Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brand, also features as the 3rdStrongest Tyre Brand in the World and among the Top 50 most valuable brands in India across all industries – from Automobiles, Hospitality, Banking. Foods, Oil and Gas categories – in the Brand Finance India 100- 2026 report, launched on 13 July 2026 at a landmark event held at The Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, Mumbai. The report, unveiled under the theme “Powering India’s Global Ascent,” recognises the country’s most influential and valuable brands, with the combined value of the Top 100 crossing USD 236.5 billion this year.

    The recognition caps a defining year for the brand. In Brand Finance’s dedicated global Tyres 25- 2026 report, MRF was named amongst the TOP 3 strongest tyre brand in the world, with a Brand Strength Index score of 87.7 out of 100. In India, MRF continues to stand unmatched as the country’s Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brand, a position built on decades of consumer trust, product performance and engineering excellence.

    “This recognition belongs to every Indian who has trusted MRF. To be named as India ‘s Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brand in India, amongst India’s Top 50 brands across all sectors, and among the world’s Top 3 Strongest tyre brands, is both an honour and a responsibility. It reaffirms our commitment to safety, innovation and the everyday journeys of millions of families and businesses across the country,”said Mr. K. M. Mammen, Chairman and Managing Director MRF Tyres Chennai.

    Brand Finance’s methodology, grounded in international standards (ISO 10668 and ISO 20671), evaluates brands on both financial brand value and brand strength – assessing consumer trust, familiarity, reputation, marketing investment and business performance. MRF’s strong showing was attributed to its expansive distribution network, deep OEM relationships, Brand Reputation built over the years with World class Products, Involvement with Cricket and motorsport pedigree, and consistently high recall and loyalty among consumers.

     

  • Gulmohar Celebrated Five Remarkable Years with the Gulmohar Anniversary Gala 2026

    Gulmohar Celebrated Five Remarkable Years with the Gulmohar Anniversary Gala 2026

    New Delhi, July 14: Gulmohar proudly celebrated a significant milestone as it marked five successful years of excellence with the Gulmohar Anniversary Gala 2026, held on 6 July 2026 at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, East Delhi. The prestigious celebration brought together industry leaders, business associates, media professionals, and distinguished guests to honour the company’s inspiring journey and its vision for the future.

    The gala was attended by Founder Mr. Ujit Singh and Co-Founder Ms. Juhi Singh, whose leadership and dedication played an instrumental role in establishing Gulmohar as one of the emerging names in celebrity management and production.

    Over the past five years, Gulmohar established itself as a trusted name in the entertainment ecosystem by successfully connecting leading brands with renowned celebrities and delivering impactful campaigns across television, digital platforms, live events, and brand collaborations. The company also expanded its footprint in production, offering end-to-end creative and execution solutions for brands and entertainment partners.

    Beyond business success, Gulmohar remained committed to the larger purpose of youth empowerment and women empowerment. The company believed that talent deserved opportunity, regardless of background or prior industry exposure. Through its mentorship-driven work culture, Gulmohar opened doors for aspiring professionals who dreamed of building careers in the entertainment industry. By providing practical training, professional guidance, and real-world exposure, the company empowered young talent and created meaningful career opportunities, especially for women, helping them build confidence and achieve professional growth.

    The Gulmohar Anniversary Gala was not only a celebration of the company’s achievements but also served as the annual celebration of Team Gulmohar. The event recognized and felicitated team members for their dedication, commitment, and contribution to the company’s growth. It reflected Gulmohar’s people-first philosophy by appreciating individual and collective achievements while inspiring the team to continue striving for excellence, innovation, and greater milestones in the years ahead.

    Speaking on the occasion, Founder Mr. Ujit Singh shared that Gulmohar’s journey had always been about creating opportunities while building a successful business. He emphasized that the company’s vision was to nurture talent, encourage entrepreneurship, and contribute to shaping the future of India’s entertainment industry through innovation, integrity, and meaningful collaborations.

    The celebration also reflected on Gulmohar’s consistent growth over the years. In 2025, the company marked the launch of its office at a prestigious five-star property in the presence of celebrated television personalities Tejasswi Prakash and Himanshi Khurana. Continuing that legacy, the fifth anniversary stood as another proud milestone, celebrating not only achievements but also the people, partnerships, and aspirations that shaped the company’s journey.

    As Gulmohar entered its next chapter, the company reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its presence across celebrity management, production, brand partnerships, and talent development while continuing to create opportunities that inspired the next generation of entertainment professionals.

  • India’s Financial Sector Sees Strong Investor Interest as BFSI Deals Rise 58 pc

    New Delhi, July 14: India’s Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector witnessed a significant rise in deal activity during the second quarter of 2026, with the total deal value increasing by 58 per cent to $3.2 billion.

    The growth highlights the growing confidence of investors in India’s financial ecosystem, driven by digital transformation, technology adoption, and the expanding reach of financial services.

    Companies in the BFSI space continued to attract investments through strategic partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and expansion initiatives aimed at strengthening their capabilities and market presence.

    Experts said the surge in deal value reflects the sector’s strong fundamentals and the increasing role of innovation and digital solutions in reshaping banking and financial services.

    With continued growth in digital banking, fintech adoption, and financial inclusion, India’s BFSI sector is expected to remain an attractive destination for investors in the coming years.

  • India’s Digital Infrastructure Expansion to Drive 1 Lakh Engineering Jobs by 2030

    New Delhi, July 14: India’s growing data centre ecosystem is expected to create nearly 1 lakh engineering job opportunities by 2030, supported by rising digital adoption, cloud services, and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence technologies.

    The increasing demand for secure data storage, high-performance computing, and advanced digital services is driving large-scale investments in data centre infrastructure across the country.

    The expansion is expected to create new career opportunities for engineers and technology professionals in fields such as data management, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure operations.

    Industry experts said the data centre boom will strengthen India’s digital economy while creating a skilled workforce to support future technology needs.

    With businesses increasingly adopting cloud platforms and AI-powered solutions, India’s data centre sector is set to become a major contributor to employment generation and technological growth in the coming years.

  • India Poised to Become Global Hub for AI-Native Talent: Nasscom

    New Delhi, July 14: India is well-positioned to emerge as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI)-native talent, driven by its strong technology ecosystem, skilled workforce, and growing focus on digital innovation, according to Nasscom.

    The industry body highlighted that India’s large pool of technology professionals, expanding AI capabilities, and increasing investments in emerging technologies are creating new opportunities for the country to lead in the global AI landscape.

    Nasscom said the development of AI-ready skills, advanced research, and collaboration between industry and academia will play a crucial role in preparing the workforce for the future.

    With rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across sectors, India is expected to play a significant role in developing AI solutions, fostering innovation, and meeting the rising global demand for AI expertise.

    The growing AI ecosystem is also expected to generate new employment opportunities and strengthen India’s position as a key technology destination worldwide.

  • Tata Motors and UCO Bank partner to strengthen India’s commercial vehicle financing ecosystem

    Tata Motors and UCO Bank partner to strengthen India's commercial vehicle financing ecosystem

    Bengaluru, July 14: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UCO Bank, one of India’s leading public sector banks with a strong nationwide presence and extensive branch network, to provide customers across the country with access to organised financing solutions for commercial vehicles. The partnership brings together UCO Bank‘s deep financial outreach and Tata Motors‘ unparalleled commercial vehicle portfolio, with the shared goal of making vehicle ownership more accessible and financially rewarding for customers and businesses nationwide. 

    Under this collaboration, customers will have access to attractive interest rates designed to minimise the cost of ownership, along with quick loan approvals and fast-tracked processing that ensure rapid vehicle delivery. The partnership also brings simplified, customer-friendly documentation for a seamless buying experience, high loan-to-value funding options that lower upfront capital requirements for businesses, and flexible, structured repayment tenures tailored to the cash flow needs of fleet operators. Both organisations will work in close alignment across branches, dealerships, and market outreach to ensure that this competitive financing reaches customers wherever they are, particularly in underserved urban and rural markets. 

    Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Shashikant Kumar, General Manager & Zonal Head – Mumbai, UCO Bank, said, “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Motors Limited marks another significant milestone in UCO Bank’s commitment to delivering innovative and customer centric financing solutions. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to provide seamless, competitive and timely financing for TATA motors commercial vehicles, enabling entrepreneurs, fleet operators and businesses to expand with confidence.” 

    Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “We are pleased to partner with UCO Bank to further strengthen the financing ecosystem for our commercial vehicle customers. Access to organised and competitive financing is a key enabler for our customers’ growth, and UCO Bank‘s strong nationwide presence makes them an ideal partner in this endeavour. This MoU reinforces our commitment to delivering end-to-end solutions, from world-class vehicles to organised financing that empower our customers to grow their businesses with greater confidence and convenience.” 

    Tata Motors offers the widest commercial vehicle portfolio spanning from sub-1-tonne to 55-tonne cargo vehicles and 10-seater to 51-seater mass mobility solutions. These robustly engineered vehicles are complemented by a range of value-added services for comprehensive vehicle lifecycle management through its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative. Fleet Edge, Tata Motors‘ connected vehicle platform for optimal fleet management enabling operators to maximise uptime and reduce total cost of ownership, and 24×7 support from a nationwide network of over 4,500 sales and service touchpoints, Tata Motors continues to set new benchmarks in end-to-end transportation solutions.

  • Garuda Indonesia Strengthens Service Transformation with Piece-based Checked Baggage Policy

    Offering up to 64 kg for tickets issued from 1 September 2026 

    Jakarta, July 14: National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is further advancing its service transformation and modernisation with the introduction of a piece-based checked baggage policy, commonly known as the Piece Concept. 

    The new policy will apply to tickets issued on or after 1 September 2026 for travel commencing on or after that date. Passengers whose tickets are issued before 1 September 2026 will continue to receive the baggage allowance stated on their tickets, including for journeys scheduled on or after the implementation date. 

    Garuda Indonesia Strengthens Service Transformation with Piece-based Checked Baggage Policy

     

    Garuda’s new “Piece Concept” checked baggage policy provides greater clarity on the number and maximum weight of baggage pieces, while offering enhanced allowances based on route, travel class and fare category. 

    The introduction of the Piece Concept marks an important milestone in Garuda Indonesia’s ongoing service transformation. Under the new policy, checked baggage allowances, which were previously calculated based on the combined weight of all baggage under the Weight Concept, will instead be determined by the number of pieces and the maximum permitted weight of each piece. 

    This modernised approach provides passengers with greater clarity and certainty when planning their baggage, while offering enhanced value through checked baggage allowances of up to two pieces weighing a maximum of 32 kilograms each, or up to 64 kilograms in total, depending on the route, travel class and fare category. 

    Garuda Indonesia Director of Transformation Neil Raymond Mills said the implementation of the Piece Concept reflects the Company’s commitment to delivering a travel experience that is increasingly modern, consistent, transparent and easy to understand. 

    “The implementation of the Piece Concept forms part of Garuda Indonesia’s broader transformation to modernise our services and provide passengers with greater certainty. Clearer limits on the number and maximum weight of baggage pieces will allow passengers to plan and prepare their baggage more easily, from the initial stages of their journey through to departure,” Neil said. 

    For tickets issued on or after 1 September 2026 for travel commencing on or after that date, passengers travelling on domestic routes in Economy Class will receive an allowance of one checked baggage piece weighing up to 23 kilograms. Business Class and First Class passengers will receive an allowance of two pieces weighing up to 32 kilograms each, or up to 64 kilograms in total. 

    On international routes, Economy Class passengers will receive an allowance of two checked baggage pieces weighing up to 23 kilograms each. Business Class and First Class passengers will receive an allowance of two pieces weighing up to 32 kilograms each, or up to 64 kilograms in total. 

    Compared with the previous Weight Concept, the Piece Concept provides increased total baggage allowances, with the level of increase varying by route and travel class. 

    On domestic services, the Economy Class baggage allowance will increase from 20 kilograms to 23 kilograms, while the Business Class allowance will increase from 30 kilograms to 64 kilograms and the First Class allowance from 40 kilograms to 64 kilograms. 

    On international services, the Economy Class baggage allowance will increase from 30 kilograms to 46 kilograms, while the Business Class allowance will increase from 40 kilograms to 64 kilograms and the First Class allowance from 50 kilograms to 64 kilograms. 

    As a result, passengers may receive up to 34 kilograms of additional checked baggage allowance compared with the previous policy, subject to the applicable number of pieces and the maximum weight permitted for each piece. 

    Neil added that the new policy would also support greater consistency across Garuda Indonesia’s domestic and international networks.“The Piece Concept is widely adopted across the global aviation industry. Its implementation at Garuda Indonesia is expected to strengthen service standardisation, support more efficient baggage handling and provide passengers with greater certainty, including when connecting to international flight networks,” Neil continued. 

    To ensure a seamless transition, Garuda Indonesia encourages passengers to familiarise themselves with the permitted number of baggage pieces and the maximum weight allowed per piece. This will help passengers plan their journeys more easily and make optimal use of their baggage allowances. 

    The implementation of the Piece Concept will continue to be reviewed and refined based on passenger feedback, reflecting Garuda Indonesia’s commitment to delivering a more convenient and comfortable travel experience. 

    Passengers are encouraged to review the Piece Concept provisions, including the applicable baggage allowances based on route, travel class and fare category, through Garuda Indonesia’s official website at https://www.garuda-indonesia.com/id/en/new-baggage-policy. 

    Passengers may also verify their applicable checked baggage allowance based on the ticket’s date of issue and date of travel through Garuda Indonesia’s official information channels. Further information is available through the Garuda Indonesia Contact Centre and the Company’s official social media accounts. 

    “The implementation of the Piece Concept represents another important step towards delivering services that are more transparent, consistent and aligned with passenger needs. Through this modernisation, we aim to provide greater value and a more comfortable and seamless travel experience, while continuing to uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance with applicable aviation regulations,” Neil concluded. 

  • Dr Anil Menon Set to Become First Astronaut of Kerala Descent for NASA Mission

    Thiruvananthapuram, July 14: Dr Anil Menon, the first astronaut of Kerala descent selected for a NASA mission, is preparing for his upcoming journey into space, marking a proud moment for the Indian-origin community and Kerala.

    A physician, engineer, and experienced aerospace professional, Dr Menon has been selected as part of NASA’s astronaut programme and is undergoing extensive training for future space missions.

    His journey reflects years of dedication in the fields of medicine, technology, and space exploration. Dr Menon’s selection has inspired aspiring scientists and space enthusiasts, especially among young people in Kerala.

    With advanced training in spacecraft systems, space operations, and emergency medical support, Dr Menon is expected to contribute valuable expertise to future human spaceflight missions.

    His upcoming NASA mission represents a significant milestone and highlights the growing global contributions of professionals of Indian origin in the field of space exploration.

  • Karnataka Plans India’s First Government-Led AI University to Drive Future Innovation

    Bengaluru, July 14: Karnataka is preparing to establish India’s first government-led Artificial Intelligence (AI) University, aiming to strengthen research, innovation, and skill development in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology fields.

    Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the proposed institution will focus on advanced AI education, emerging technologies, and creating a skilled workforce equipped for future opportunities.

    The AI University is expected to serve as a centre for research, industry collaboration, and technological innovation, bringing together students, experts, and organisations to develop AI-based solutions across sectors.

    The initiative is part of Karnataka’s broader vision to maintain its position as a leading technology hub and support India’s growing digital economy.

    The proposed university will also play a key role in preparing young professionals for the evolving demands of artificial intelligence and next-generation technologies.