The programmes bring students, professors and researchers from seven Indian universities into one platform. The work will cover vehicle technology, in-car experience, batteries, electrification and future mobility.

Students get four areas to choose from

The Mobility Innovation Ideathon will run from September to early December 2026. Students have been asked to develop ideas around the theme “Enhanced In-Vehicle Experience”.

The four categories are:

• India-Smart Interaction
• AI-Powered & Digital In-Vehicle Experience
• Next-Generation In-Vehicle Interface
• Smart Value Innovation

The competition will look at areas such as artificial intelligence, digital systems, software-defined vehicles, user experience and personalised mobility services. Ideas are expected to consider Indian customers and local mobility conditions.

How the competition will work

Students will submit their ideas through the dedicated microsite. Each university will first select its preliminary winners.

The seven finalist teams will present their ideas in the final round on December 16. A Hyundai Motor Group jury will select the grand prize winner.

Research forum also announced

Along with the student event, Hyundai CoE will conduct the Research Synergy Forum. This programme will bring Hyundai researchers and university faculty together to share research and discuss future projects.

The discussions will include:

• Battery technology
• Electrification
• Future mobility
• Research networking
• Collaboration with Hyundai R&D divisions

Hyundai CoE was established in 2025. Its university network includes IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, VNIT Nagpur and Tezpur University.

The company says these programmes will expand its work with Indian universities into talent development, new ideas and wider research collaboration.

Positioned right above the CB350 range in Honda’s premium BigWing lineup, the new CB500 boasts the benefit of local manufacturing. Honda is offering the motorcycle in three distinct versions, with the price going up to Rs 3.02 lakh for the top – spec model.

Honda CB500 Prices

The prices are ex showroom.

The three versions mainly differ in their wheel setup and cosmetic treatment. The entry model gets alloy wheels, whereas the other two versions use cross spoke tubeless wheels. The most expensive version adds special graphics to the motorcycle.

Engine And Mechanical Details

The CB500 uses a new 501cc single cylinder engine. It is air and oil cooled and produces 28.1 PS and 43.3 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a five speed gearbox.

Some important mechanical details include:

• Telescopic front fork
• Twin gas charged rear shock absorbers
• Disc brakes at both ends
• Dual channel ABS
• 19 inch front wheel
• 17 inch rear wheel
• Slipper and assist clutch

Honda has also added selectable torque control, giving the motorcycle an electronic aid that can be useful on different road surfaces.

Retro Styling With A Bigger Road Presence

The CB500 uses the same broad family design seen on Honda’s CB350, but several parts give it a larger appearance. It gets a bigger fuel tank, larger fenders, a ribbed seat, a revised tail section and a bigger exhaust.

There is also a reference to the older CB750 in its styling. The motorcycle will be available in several colours, depending on the variant.

The Alloy version gets Pearl Deep Ground Gray and Pearl Igneous Black. The Spoke version is offered in Rebel Red Metallic 2 and Mat Steel Silver Metallic. The top version gets Pearl Igneous Black with its own graphics.

Features And Connectivity

Honda has given the CB500 a semi digital instrument console. It supports Honda RoadSync, which brings smartphone related functions such as turn by turn navigation, calls and SMS alerts. Other equipment includes:

• Honda Selectable Torque Control
• Slipper clutch
• RoadSync connectivity
• Semi digital console
• Dual channel ABS

Honda has not released every specification of the motorcycle yet. More details are expected to be shared in the coming financial year, with different versions scheduled to receive their detailed specifications at different stages.

Where The CB500 Fits

The motorcycle enters a part of the market that has been relatively empty for the past few years.

Its direct competition includes the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and BSA Gold Star 650. Honda is also using its BigWing network to sell the motorcycle.

Bookings for the CB500 are now open, with deliveries expected to begin after the launch.

Royal Enfield has added the new shade to the Classic 350 range at a time when buyers are looking for more colour choices. The new version costs Rs 2,23,275 ex-showroom and sits at the top of the Classic 350 price range along with the Emerald colour.

What is new with the Signature White?

This update focuses purely on aesthetics and exterior detailing. Beneath the fresh styling, the mechanical core remains unchanged, carrying forward the exact same engine, gearbox, brakes, and suspension. The motorcycle continues to rely on the proven J-series platform shared across the rest of the Classic 350 lineup.

The white finish is paired with several black parts, giving the motorcycle a different look from the darker colours already available.

• White fuel tank and side panels
• Black front and rear mudguards
• Black headlamp housing
• Black frame
• Brown seat
• Chrome-finished exhaust and mirrors
• Wire-spoke wheels
• Tubed tyres

The tank and side panels also get dark pinstriping. Royal Enfield badges and Classic lettering add the usual retro touches.

Same 349cc engine

The Signature White version uses the familiar 349cc single-cylinder J-series petrol engine. It produces 20.2hp at 6,100rpm and 27Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. A five-speed gearbox sends power to the rear wheel.

The motorcycle also gets an assist-and-slipper clutch. Braking hardware includes disc brakes at both ends, while dual-channel ABS is offered as standard.

Where it sits in the range

The Classic 350 is available in several versions, with colours, wheel types and equipment separating them. Most variants use wire-spoke wheels, while Gun Grey and Stealth Black are available with alloy wheels.

The new Signature White uses spoke wheels with tubed tyres. It also sits alongside Emerald at the higher end of the range.

The Tripper navigation pod is another feature that separates the higher variants from the lower versions. It provides turn-by-turn navigation and is available on selected versions.

Classic 350 price range

The range starts at Rs 1,87,434 for the Redditch Red colour. Halcyon Black costs Rs 1,90,195, while Madras Red and Jodhpur Blue are priced at Rs 1,93,668.

Medallion Bronze costs Rs 1,98,040, followed by Commando Sand at Rs 2,09,684. Gun Grey and Stealth Black sit higher at Rs 2,18,423.

Signature White and Emerald are priced at Rs 2,23,275, making them the most expensive Classic 350 options in the current range.

Bookings are now open

Royal Enfield has opened bookings for the new Signature White colour through its website.

Since the motorcycle retains its original engine performance and hardware configuration, this fresh launch primarily offers enthusiasts a brand-new aesthetic choice.

The event series will begin in Pune on October 3, 2026, before moving to Lucknow, Ludhiana, Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad over the following months until December.

Five Cities On The 2026 Schedule

Hyundai has planned the Carnival as a customer-only event. Owners can attend with their families and take part in different activities planned at the venues.

The cities included in this year’s programme are:

The company expects thousands of Hyundai customers and family members to take part across the five locations.

Games, Food And Live Activities

The Carnival will not be limited to one type of activity. Hyundai has planned a mix of entertainment and customer experiences for visitors.

Some of the activities mentioned by the company include:

• Family entertainment: Interactive games and activities for customers and their families
• Live experiences: Performances and other attractions at the event venues
• Food and hospitality: Food experiences for visitors
• Customer community: A chance for Hyundai owners to meet and interact with other owners
• Special activities: Exclusive experiences and rewards for attendees

The company has not shared the complete list of activities for every city yet. The exact programme may also vary depending on the venue.

More Than A Regular Owner Meet

Hyundai Explorers Carnival is a customer engagement programme from Hyundai Motor India. It gives owners a place to spend time with their families while also meeting other Hyundai customers.

The Carnival was first introduced in December 2023 and is now entering its third season. Hyundai’s customer-event platform also describes the experience with activities such as drives, games, food, music and entertainment.

This gives the company another way to interact with customers after they have purchased a vehicle. For owners, it adds a social part to the usual experience of buying, servicing and using a car.

Registration Details

Hyundai customers from the five participating cities can register for the 2026 Carnival through the company’s designated Explorers Carnival platform.

The events will be held only for Hyundai customers and their families. Since the programme will run across several cities, customers will have different opportunities to attend depending on their location.

What Hyundai Says

Nilesh Shah, National Head, Service, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said the Carnival is part of the company’s effort to build relationships with customers beyond vehicle ownership.

He added that the event has grown into a platform where Hyundai customers and their families can meet, share experiences and spend time together.

The new version features a striking black exterior, darker badging, and a premium cabin finished with subtle purple detailing. Tata is offering the Dark Edition across six distinct trims, giving buyers a wide variety of engine and gearbox combinations to choose from.

Tata Sierra Dark Edition: What Has Changed?

The Dark Edition gets a new Friesian Black paint shade. The SUV also gets black chrome treatment for the Tata logos and other badging.

The 19-inch alloy wheels have not received a new design. They are painted black to match the rest of the exterior.

Inside, Tata has used a black cabin theme with Violet Eclipse elements. Purple chrome detailing adds some colour to the dashboard and other areas.

Some of the equipment available on higher variants includes:

• Triple-screen setup
• 360-degree camera
• Boss mode for the front passenger seat
• Dual-zone climate control
• Level 2 ADAS
• Connected car features
• Leatherette upholstery
• Full LED lighting

There are no mechanical changes announced specifically for the Dark Edition. The SUV continues with the same engine and transmission choices available with the corresponding regular variants.

Six Trims Available

The Dark treatment can be bought on six Sierra trims. These are Pure L, Pure L (O), Pure+ L, Adventure+ L, Accomplished and Accomplished+.

The availability is not limited to the most expensive versions. Buyers can pick the Dark look from the Pure L trim itself.

The naturally aspirated petrol engine is offered with manual and DCA gearbox options. The turbo-petrol engine is paired with an automatic gearbox, while the diesel engine gets both manual and automatic choices.

Diesel Gets The Widest Choice

Buyers choosing the 1.5-litre Kryojet diesel have the largest number of Dark Edition combinations. The diesel manual is available across all six trims, with prices ranging from Rs 15.44 lakh to Rs 20.59 lakh.

Diesel automatic versions start at Rs 17.34 lakh and go up to Rs 21.59 lakh for the Accomplished+ Dark.

The petrol DCA range starts at Rs 15.29 lakh and reaches Rs 18.59 lakh for the Adventure+ L Dark. The turbo-petrol automatic is available on Adventure+ L, Accomplished and Accomplished+ trims.

Dark Edition Adds To The Sierra Lineup

The Sierra range has expanded sharply with the arrival of the Legend Series and Dark Edition. Tata now offers 65 trim, engine and gearbox combinations across the complete Sierra range.

The breakdown includes:

• 27 naturally aspirated petrol combinations
• 7 turbo-petrol combinations
• 31 diesel combinations
• 34 manual options
• 31 automatic options

The Dark Edition itself accounts for 23 combinations. These include nine naturally aspirated petrol versions, three turbo-petrol versions and 11 diesel versions.

The wider Sierra range now starts at Rs 11.49 lakh and goes up to Rs 21.59 lakh, ex-showroom.

Price Difference

The Dark Edition carries a premium over comparable standard versions. Depending on the variant, the additional amount ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000.

Most versions get a Rs 30,000 premium. The Pure L manual gets a Rs 20,000 increase, while the Pure L (O) diesel automatic costs Rs 35,000 more.

Bookings for the Sierra Dark Edition have opened, with deliveries expected to begin next month.

The SUV will face other dark-themed versions such as the Kia Seltos X-Line, Hyundai Creta N-Line, Tata Curvv Dark and Honda Elevate Signature Dark Edition.

New Name And Fresh Design

The first teaser gives a small look at the front and rear sections of the sedan. Tata has also shown the car in a new purple colour. The complete design is still covered, but several details are now visible.

• Headlamps: Slim LED units with LED DRLs
• Fog lamps: LED units are expected on the bumper
• Grille: New design with a sharper appearance
• Bumpers: Revised at both ends
• Tail lamps: New LED units are expected
• Wheels: Fresh alloy wheel design, likely 15-inch units

The Aeris will continue with the familiar compact notchback shape. It will also use the same basic platform as the Tiago and Tigor, although Tata is expected to make sheet metal changes to the updated sedan.

More Equipment In The Cabin

The cabin is expected to receive several new features. The list could include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a digital driver display and a 360-degree camera. Other expected equipment includes:

• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Wireless charging
• Cruise control
• Automatic climate control
• Ventilated front seats
• Rear AC vents
• Type-C charging ports
• Auto-folding ORVMs
• Push-button start
• Keyless entry

Six airbags, ABS, EBD and ISOFIX mounts are also expected. ADAS is not expected to be offered.

Petrol And CNG Engines

The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is expected to continue. It could produce around 86 PS and 113 Nm, with a five-speed manual and five-speed AMT gearbox.

A factory-fitted CNG version is also expected.

Tata could also introduce an Aeris.ev later. Reports suggest it may use the Tiago EV’s 19.2kWh and 24kWh battery options, although Tata has not confirmed its battery, motor or range.

Price And Rivals

The Aeris is expected to cost around Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, ex-showroom. It will continue to compete with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze.

The full details, variants and prices will be announced on September 25, 2026.

The latest work is part of the H₂OPE initiative. The project has been carried out with an investment of Rs 2.95 crore and is expected to benefit around 26,000 students, teachers, school staff and people from nearby communities.

Water facilities added at schools

The new phase has brought several water-related facilities to the schools. These include:

• RO units: ISO-certified systems have been installed for water purification.
• Water coolers: Students and staff will have access to drinking water at school.
• Storage tanks: Six-layer tanks have been provided for storing water.
• Water testing: TDS and pH meters have been supplied to check water quality.

The work was formally handed over at Kamlatai Munghate High School in Sonapur, Gadchiroli. The ceremony was attended by Avishyant Panda, IAS, District Collector and District Magistrate of Gadchiroli, along with Rajendra M. Bhuyar, Additional Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad, Gadchiroli. Representatives from Hyundai Motor India and government schools were also present.

H₂OPE now covers 384 schools

The latest addition takes the H₂OPE programme to 384 government schools in Gadchiroli. Before this phase, the foundation had worked with 250 schools in the district.

The programme was started in FY2023-24. According to Hyundai Motor India Foundation, the initiative has received a total investment of Rs 8.36 crore so far and has reached more than one lakh students across the district.

The new phase alone covers around 26,000 beneficiaries. This includes children studying in the schools, teachers, other school employees and members of local communities.

Training given to school staff

Installing the equipment is only one part of the programme. Hyundai Motor India Foundation has also provided training to school staff on how to use and maintain the systems.

The schools also held hygiene awareness sessions for students. Activities such as drawing competitions were conducted as part of the programme.

This can help students understand basic water and hygiene practices along with using the new facilities.

Support for students and communities

Safe drinking water can be useful throughout the school day, especially in a district where students may spend several hours at school. The project also covers teachers, staff and people from nearby communities.

The foundation said the programme is linked with the Government of India’s Jal Jeevan Mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which deals with access to clean water and sanitation.

Avishyant Panda said that safe drinking water is important for creating a healthy school environment. He also said the project can help improve water access for children and communities in the district.

Puneet Anand, AVP and Vertical Head, Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication and Social, Hyundai Motor India, said the project is part of the company’s work with the Government of Maharashtra. He also said the latest phase has been handed over to the district administration for continued use by the schools.

A wider reach in Gadchiroli

The latest phase shows how the H₂OPE programme has expanded from its first set of schools to a much larger network. With 384 government schools now covered, the project has reached students across different parts of Gadchiroli.

Ultraviolette has handed over 183 units of the X-47 Skyforce to the Kolkata Police. The motorcycles were formally received at the Lalbazar Police Headquarters in Kolkata. They are meant for regular policing work and are not being used only for ceremonial duties.

X-47 Skyforce Gets Police Equipment

The Skyforce is based on the X-47 crossover but has been modified for the requirements of police personnel. Its electronic system has been adapted to support several pieces of equipment used during daily duty. The motorcycle gets:

• Sirens and hooters
• Public Address system
• LED blinkers
• Microphone holders
• Walkie-talkie holders
• Special decals
• Side panniers for carrying equipment

These additions give the motorcycle a more practical role during patrols. The X-47 already has a crossover design suited to different types of roads, which can be useful for police operations across city streets and rougher surfaces.

X-47 Skyforce Specifications

The basic performance figures are carried over from the standard X-47. The Skyforce can cover up to 211 km on a single charge under the IDC test cycle and has a claimed top speed of 145 kmph.

The motorcycle uses a 41mm USD fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Both ends offer 170mm of wheel travel. Braking hardware comes from Bybre, with a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc.

Technology From The X-47

The X-47 platform itself comes with a long list of technology. It gets UV Hypersense radar-based safety features, including blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, overtake alert and rear-collision warning.

Other equipment includes two cameras, dual displays, three levels of traction control, nine levels of brake regeneration and dual-channel ABS.

The X-47 is based on the F77 platform, although it has received considerable changes for its crossover format. Depending on the version, the motorcycle is offered with 7.1kWh and 10.3kWh battery options. The larger battery claims up to 323km of IDC range.

Why Electric Bikes For Police Use?

For a police fleet, fuel, servicing and daily running costs are important. Ultraviolette and Kolkata Police have pointed to the lower running and maintenance costs associated with electric motorcycles as one reason for this deployment.

While the new model is not expected to undergo a major mechanical makeover, significant updates are anticipated for its exterior design, feature list, and cabin comfort.

What the teaser shows

The first teaser does not reveal the full SUV. It gives a close look at the front grille covered in mud, keeping most of the details hidden. Based on earlier test vehicles and the latest reports, the facelift could get:

• New grille design with revised detailing
• Circular projector LED headlights
• C-shaped LED daytime running lights
• Reworked front bumper
• New fog lamp design
• New alloy wheel design
• LED tail lamps inspired by the Thar Roxx
• Tweaked rear bumper
• Possible return of the soft-top version

The basic three-door shape is expected to stay familiar. The tailgate-mounted spare wheel and split rear opening are also likely to continue.

More features for the cabin

The cabin could see more changes than the exterior. Mahindra is expected to add some features already seen on its larger Thar Roxx.

A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster could be offered along with automatic climate control. A 360-degree camera is also expected, which would make parking and tight off-road sections easier.

Other possible additions include ventilated front seats and an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror. Some reports have also mentioned Level-2 ADAS, but Mahindra has not confirmed this feature.

The SUV could continue with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, a six-speaker audio system and power-adjustable ORVMs.

Engine options

There is no major change expected under the bonnet.

The smaller diesel is expected to continue with rear-wheel drive, while the larger engines should continue with four-wheel drive options.

Expected price

The current Thar three-door is priced from around Rs 10.32 lakh to Rs 18 lakh, ex-showroom. The facelift could get a small price increase, with the expected range starting around Rs 11 lakh and going up to Rs 18 lakh.

The Force Gurkha three-door will continue to be its closest rival, while the Thar can also be compared with the Maruti Jimny and other off-road SUVs.

Three races are planned across the weekend. With only one round completed in the six-round season, the points table is already starting to take shape.

Kyriakou Leads After Round 1

Aris Kyriakou has 51 points after the opening round and sits at the top of the championship. He collected three podium finishes across the three races, including a win in Race 3.

His Round 1 record was also notable for another reason. Kyriakou took pole position, won Race 3, set the fastest lap and led every lap of that race. This gave him the first Grand Slam of Indian F4 Season 5.

Luviwe Sambudla is second with 38 points. He won Race 1 and also scored points in the other two races. Aaron Mehta holds third place with 32 points after finishing on the podium in both Race 1 and Race 3.

More Young Drivers To Watch

The opening round also produced milestones for Aaron Mehta and Aaryan Narola.

Mehta became the youngest driver in Indian F4 history to start from the front row, finish on the podium and lead laps in a race. Narola became the second-youngest race winner in the championship after taking victory in Round 1.

Other drivers will also have their first-round experience to build on. Since the second round is being held at the same track, teams have another opportunity to work on their car setups and race plans.

Round 2 Driver Line-up

• Kolkata Royal Tigers: Aaron Mehta, Swarnav Das
• Chennai Turbo Riders: Sai Aditya, Anay Doshi
• Hyderabad Blackbirds: Bhuvan Bonu, Shravan Shanmugavel
• Speed Demons Delhi: Krishay Gutte, Ntiyiso Mabunda
• Goa Aces JA Racing: Aryan Narola, Luviwe Sambudla
• Godspeed Kochi: Mahlori Mabunda
• Ahmedabad Apex Racers: Mathias Alexander Forland
• Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru: Enzo Rujugiro, Aris Kyriakou

The championship is powered by JK Tyre and forms part of the Indian Racing Festival. The F4 series is FIA-certified and provides young drivers with experience in single-seater racing. It also gives competitors an opportunity to earn Super Licence points as they progress in motorsport.

Where To Watch F4 Indian Championship Round 2

Fans in India can watch the races on STAR Sports KHEL in Hinglish, STAR Sports 2 Kannada in Kannada and STAR Sports 2 Tamil in Tamil. The races will also be streamed on JioHotstar in English, Hinglish, Kannada and Tamil.

The STAR Sports YouTube channel will stream the races for viewers outside India.

Tickets for the Coimbatore round are available through the District app and website.