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Nestlé Professional, the Out-of-Home business unit of Nestlé India, has expanded its footprint in the travel segment with the opening of a new NESCAFÉ kiosk at Thrissur Railway Station in Kerala. This is Nestlé Professional’s first kiosk as a part of its partnership with Indian Railways. It aims at introducing premium branded catering experiences at railway stations and enhance passenger convenience through trusted food and beverage offerings.

Talking about the association, Mr. Saurabh Makhija, Head, Nestlé Professional said

 “Indian Railways touches the lives of millions of Indians every day and has earned a place of immense trust in the hearts of consumers across the country. Being associated with such an iconic institution is a matter of great pride for us. With the launch of our NESCAFÉ outlet at Thrissur Railway Station, we are delighted to bring travellers a comforting and familiar experience through quality coffee and trusted food and beverage offerings during their journeys.”

Mr. Jinraj Adyanthaya, Sales Head, Nestlé Professional, added,

“Railways is a very important channel for Nestlé Professional, given its scale and ability to connect with millions of consumers on the move every day. This new initiative with Indian Railways will enable us to further expand our presence across the network while bringing a wider range of Nestle’s food and beverage offerings to consumers on the move. 

We intend to participate in as many tenders as possible across railway divisions throughout India under this initiative, helping us strengthen our footprint in the travel segment and make our trusted brands more accessible to consumers. All outlets will be operated through Nestlé-authorized operators to ensure consistent quality, service, and consumer experience

Located within one of Kerala’s busiest railway stations, the outlet offers travellers access to a range of hot and cold coffee beverages along with a curated selection of food options. Designed to deliver quality, convenience and consistency, the outlet aims to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers seeking reliable refreshment options while on the move.

The launch further strengthens Nestlé Professional’s commitment to creating meaningful out-of-home consumption occasions and making trusted brands accessible across consumer touchpoints. It also builds on the growing Retail ONE network, which has crossed 1,000 kiosks across India, spanning educational institutions, healthcare facilities and travel destinations.

June 22: Ambuja Cements has partnered with UK-based Leilac to develop and scale up commercial solutions for low-carbon cement production, marking a key step toward reducing emissions in one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.

The collaboration aims to advance carbon capture and reduction technologies that can be integrated into cement manufacturing processes. The focus is on enabling scalable solutions that support large-scale deployment of cleaner production methods in the future.

Cement production is a major contributor to industrial carbon emissions, and the partnership reflects growing efforts within the sector to adopt more sustainable practices without compromising production efficiency or quality.

Under the initiative, the two companies will work together on developing technologies designed to capture and reduce carbon emissions during the manufacturing process, with an emphasis on commercial viability and industrial-scale application.

The move aligns with the global transition toward greener industrial operations and highlights increasing industry participation in climate-conscious innovation and decarbonisation efforts.

Experts note that such collaborations are becoming more important as companies face rising pressure from regulators, investors, and consumers to reduce environmental impact while maintaining competitiveness.

The partnership is expected to support long-term advancements in sustainable cement production and contribute to broader climate goals across the construction and infrastructure sectors.

June 22: A recent industry report highlights that operational efficiency has become a key focus area for 78% of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), reflecting a broader shift toward productivity improvement, cost management, and sustainable growth across the sector.

The findings indicate that MSMEs are increasingly working to streamline operations, improve workflow systems, and adopt digital tools to enhance overall efficiency. This shift is being driven by rising competition, evolving customer expectations, and the need to maintain profitability in a rapidly changing business environment.

The report notes that many enterprises are investing in technology-led solutions, automation, and process optimisation to reduce inefficiencies and strengthen output. In addition, a growing number of MSMEs are focusing on workforce training and better resource allocation to improve long-term performance.

Experts say the focus on operational efficiency reflects a wider transformation within the MSME ecosystem, as businesses adapt to digitalisation and changing market dynamics.

The study also highlights that improved efficiency is helping MSMEs reduce costs, scale operations, expand market access, and enhance competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.

Industry observers believe that continued emphasis on efficiency and innovation will play a crucial role in strengthening the resilience and growth prospects of the MSME sector.

June 22: The Indian rupee is expected to appreciate against the US dollar in the first half of FY27, supported by improving global risk sentiment and a more stable macroeconomic environment, according to a recent market report.

The outlook reflects expectations of reduced external volatility, easing inflationary pressures, and moderating commodity prices, which together are likely to support emerging market currencies, including the Indian rupee.

Analysts note that a more favourable global backdrop could encourage stronger capital inflows into Indian equity and debt markets. Combined with steady domestic economic fundamentals, this may provide additional support for the currency in the near term.

However, the report highlights that currency movements remain vulnerable to global uncertainties, including US Federal Reserve policy decisions, crude oil price fluctuations, and geopolitical developments. Any unexpected shifts in these factors could influence short-term volatility.

Market observers will continue to track foreign portfolio investment trends, trade balances, and macroeconomic indicators to assess the sustainability of the rupee’s potential gains.

Overall, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with improving global conditions seen as a key driver for potential rupee strength in H1 FY27.

June 22:  Since its market debut last year, the Aprilia Tuono 457 has transformed expectations for what a mid-performance motorcycle can deliver. It has proven that the sophisticated engineering and technical prowess of a world-renowned brand can be perfectly tailored for the demands of the open road and the urban landscape. Tuono 457 is not just a standard bike; it is a true mid-performance naked, stripped of excess fairings and engineered to provide a raw, authentic connection between the rider and the asphalt.

Today, Aprilia India announces the 2026 Special Edition Tuono 457, a machine refined for the everyday rider who demands precision, character, and absolute reliability.

Introduced on World Motorcycle Day, this new iteration pays homage to the legendary 2006 Aprilia Tuono 1000R, a motorcycle that earned its reputation by mastering the street. By leveraging the proven, responsive 457cc parallel-twin platform, Aprilia has crafted a motorcycle designed specifically to conquer the diverse realities of Indian commuting.

Available in the striking Mamba Black and Puma Grey, the special edition is an evolution of the original concept, focused entirely on elevating comfort and rideability. With a contemporary aesthetic and updated hardware, it once again redefines its category, establishing itself as the technical benchmark for the naked segment and the clear leader among twin-cylinder motorcycles.

Designed for motorcyclists who prioritize real-world usability and high-level riding satisfaction, this Aprilia is the fastest machine in its class. It is a motorcycle that understands the needs of the modern rider, offering a balance of punchy performance and effortless control.

Thanks to innovations developed by Aprilia’s engineering team, the special edition Tuono 457 sets a new standard for high-performance street machines. Here are the key upgrades:

• Distinctive New Colorway: The Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries draw from the iconic spirit of the 2006 Tuono 1000R, providing a sophisticated and athletic look suited for any street environment.
• Modernized Graphics: Fresh, sharp decals and a redesigned brand logo create a clean, contemporary visual signature.
• Upgraded Comfort Pack: Optimized ergonomics ensure a premium, effortless riding experience, specifically designed for daily use:

o   Aerodynamic flyscreen for wind protection

o   Adjustable brake lever for personalized control

o   Enhanced rider saddle for superior long-distance support

o   Increased handlebar height for an intuitive, upright posture

o   Refined suspension geometry for maximum comfort over varied surfaces

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., said: “The Special Edition Tuono 457 has been developed with a clear focus on enhancing rider comfort and everyday usability while preserving the high performance, precision and character that define Aprilia motorcycles. With the plethora of enhancements like the aerodynamic flyscreen, revised suspension setup, upgraded saddle, raised handlebar position and adjustable brake lever, the motorcycle is more comfortable and confidence-inspiring across urban rides and longer journeys.

The new Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries add an even stronger visual identity, making this a distinctive expression of Aprilia’s naked DNA. At the attractive pricing we are launching it, we believe this is most value-for-money naked twin cylinder mid-performance motorcycle available to Indian riders. With its segment-defining 47.6 hp twin-cylinder engine, electronic ride-by-wire throttle, and multi-level traction control, the Special Edition Tuono 457 firmly re-establishes itself as the absolute technical benchmark for the naked segment.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

THE DESIGN:

·       A new, aggressive flyscreen incorporates a very close headlight. It has been designed to cleanly integrate into the aggressive streetfighter design and reinforce its premium, authentic naked character. The Flyscreen has been crafted from a premium high-impact material with smoked finish that helps reduce rider fatigue at high speeds, Every detail has been designed to attract the eyes with its refined style, but also and above all to be functional.

·       Inspired by the 2006 Tuono1000R, the liveries for the special edition are a result of the utmost attention to detail. Mamba Black and Puma Grey emphasize aggressiveness, radical new graphics for an unmistakeable Tuono feel

THE ‘ELEVATED’ HANDLEBAR:

·       The elevated handlebar has been thoughtfully engineered to enhance overall riding comfort and control. By shifting the rider’s torso into a more relaxed, upright posture, it significantly reduces strain on the wrists, shoulders and lower back, while also improving steering leverage for effortless manoeuvrability in urban conditions.

·       At the same time, it enhances long-distance riding endurance, with factory-optimised geometry ensuring seamless integration without compromising cable routing or steering lock.

ENHANCED COMFORT PACK:

·       Engineered specifically for Indian riding conditions, the Tuono 457 incorporates a comprehensive suite of comfort enhancements designed to deliver superior ride quality across varied terrains.

·       A softer initial suspension stroke effectively absorbs potholes and speed breakers, while factory‑recalibrated compression damping ensures adaptability across diverse road surfaces.

·       Preload adjustability at both ends allows riders to tailor the setup to their preference, further elevating control and confidence.

·       Complementing this is an advanced seat construction featuring a high‑resilience foam core that significantly dampens engine and road vibrations.

ADJUSTABLE BREAK LEVER:

The new special edition Tuono 457 features customizable lever positioning designed to enhance rider comfort and control across every journey. It improves control in very tangible ways:

·       Optimised reach = better modulation: When the lever span matches the rider’s hand size, fingers can apply pressure more progressively rather than overreaching or gripping awkwardly. This results in more precise braking input.

·       Stronger grip and stability: A comfortable hand position allows the rider to maintain a firm, confident hold on the controls, especially during sudden braking or quick adjustments, reducing the chances of jerky inputs.

·       Reduced fatigue = consistent control: Less strain on the fingers and wrist means the rider can maintain consistent braking performance over longer durations, whether in traffic or on highways.

·       Improved feedback from the brakes: With better finger placement and leverage, the rider can more clearly feel the braking response, enabling quicker and more accurate adjustments.

ENGINE, ELECTRONICS AND CHASSIS:

·       At the heart of the new special Edition Tuono 457 edition lies the same trusted 457cc parallel-twin engine producing max power of 35 kW and 43.5 Nm of torque, delivering a responsive and exciting riding experience across the rev range.

·       Paired with a lightweight aluminium chassis, best in class power-to-weight ratio, ride-by-wire throttle and sophisticated rider aids, the new naked motorcycle embodies Aprilia‘s philosophy of delivering race-inspired road performance with precision and control.

·       What particularly characterizes and distinguishes the special edition Aprilia Tuono 457 is the care and attention dedicated to every single element and detail that makes it up. Attention that allows improved performance and functionality.

·       The dashboard: TFT digital instrument, receives all the information from the CAN line and becomes an integral part of the self-diagnosis system as it has a historical memory. It retains all the indications of the previous one (including the possibility of self-timing with memory of the last 40 laps) with an extremely modern and compact design

·       The LED lighting is adjustable to three levels.

·       The front headlight ensures perfect vision when driving in the dark.

·       The rear sports an innovative design and is equipped with LEDs.

·       The ignition key has internal coding, and the ignition lock is equipped with an immobilizer as standard.

QUALITY:

·       All Aprilia performance, with sure shot peace of mind. The endless durability tests during the development phase have made it possible to create a bike with total reliability in every component. Aprilia now able to offer a 4-year warranty or 48000 KM (whichever is earlier) to protect its value for longer.

·       Passenger Seat Cover

·       USB Socket

·       Helmet Cable Lock

·       TPMS

·       Outside Vehicle Cover

·       Electronic Antitheft

·       Fork Sliders

·       Shorter Mudguard

·       Quick Shifter Up/Down

·       Front Brake Pads Sintered