City News Ludhiana

IndiGo BluChip Turns Two: Airline Celebrates with the Launch of Blu October Festival exclusively for its members

2026-10-01T13:27:13.188+05:30

Ludhiana, October 01, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India's preferred airline and one of the fastest growing carriers in the world, is celebrating the completion of two successful years of its rapidly expanding loyalty programme – IndiGo BluChip. In just two years since its launch in October 2024, IndiGo BluChip has emerged as one of the country's fastest-growing loyalty programmes, supported by an expanding ecosystem of more than 25 partners.

To commemorate the occasion, the airline has introduced a member-exclusive festival - The Blu October Festival, a month-long celebration that offers remarkable rewards, earning opportunities and member milestones to IndiGo BluChip members. The campaign features a range of benefits including guaranteed bonus IndiGo BluChips, accelerated earnings, and a grand prize lucky draw, reinforcing IndiGo BluChip's commitment to delivering unmatched value to its members.

Gaurav Hazrati, Business Head – Loyalty, Marketplaces & Financial Services, IndiGo, said, "As IndiGo BluChip marks its second anniversary, we are grateful for the trust and engagement of our members, which has helped make it one of India's fastest-growing loyalty programmes. Over the past two years, we have built a loyalty ecosystem that extends well beyond travel, connecting members with a growing network of partners across dining, retail, technology, banking and experiences. Our vision has always been to reward life, not just flights, so that everyday engagement translates into future journeys. The launch of the Blu October Festival is our way of thanking members, giving them more opportunities to earn IndiGo BluChips and enjoy enhanced benefits across the ecosystem. Two years on, the journey of IndiGo BluChip is only beginning. We remain committed to making the programme a more rewarding and meaningful part of our members' everyday lives."

During the month of October 2026, members can unlock exclusive milestones:

The Grand Prize Draw: One lucky winner will receive 200,000 IndiGo BluChips, enabling extensive future travel across IndiGo’s network
Assured 2,000 IndiGo BluChips: Members will get guaranteed bonus of 2,000 IndiGo BluChips upon completing any two out of the three qualifying activities during the offer period.

(a) Earn IndiGo BluChips by travelling on IndiGoStretch flight
(b) Redeem IndiGo BluChips for IndiGo flight
(c) Earn IndiGo BluChips on any five of IndiGo BluChip’s partners including IndiGo Cobrand Credit Cards.

Additionally, the celebratory offer brings substantial point acceleration for members throughout October.

(a) 2X accelerated earnings applicable to participating partners including all IndiGo Cobrand Credit Cards

These core incentives will be supported by a rotating calendar of exclusive surprise offers unveiled periodically throughout the month across different categories.

Members can make bookings and participate in the Blu October Festival on IndiGo’s official website, www.goindigo.in, mobile app, and 6Eskai, the airline’s AI-powered chat assistant.
*Terms & conditions apply.

IndiGo Appoints Gaurav Hazrati as the Business Head – IndiGo BluChip, Travel Marketplaces and Financial Services

2026-09-30T18:56:27.551+05:30

Ludhiana, September 30, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India's preferred airline, and one of the fastest-growing carriers in the world, has announced the appointment of Gaurav Hazrati as Business Head – Loyalty, Marketplaces & Financial Services. In this role, he will be responsible for driving growth across IndiGo BluChip, expanding the rewards ecosystem, and scaling the airline's travel marketplace and financial services businesses.

Gaurav brings with him, over 18 years of experience in building and scaling loyalty and financial services businesses across banks and digital platform ecosystems. He has built multi-product businesses from inception and scaled them to revenue and profitability.

Welcoming Gaurav Hazrati to IndiGo, Willie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “As IndiGo continues its transformation journey, creating greater value and deeper engagement for customers across and beyond travel will become increasingly important. With extensive experience of developing and scaling loyalty and financial services businesses, I am confident that Gaurav is well-equipped to drive these critical functions at IndiGo and his expertise will play a valuable role as IndiGo evolves as a global airline of scale in the coming years.”

Commenting on his appointment, Gaurav Hazrati, Business Head- Loyalty, Marketplaces & Financial Services, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo connects India like no other airline and has become the trusted choice of an aspirational India that is flying more, spending more and expecting more. My mandate is to extend that trust into a consumer platform where we bring loyalty, marketplace and financial services together for the customer. IndiGo BluChip will reward people not just for how they fly, but for their everyday choices. I am glad we are already gaining altitude."

Prior to joining IndiGo, he served as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Tata Payments Limited, President, Financial Services at Tata Digital, and Non-Executive Director on the board of Tata Fintech Limited. As part of Tata Digital’s founding leadership team, he played a key role in conceptualising, launching and scaling the Tata group’s loyalty and financial services businesses across payments, credit cards, lending, insurance, and investment products. Earlier in his career, Gaurav Hazrati was part of the founding team at Axis Direct, the broking business of Axis Bank. He subsequently held senior leadership roles at IndusInd Bank, where he established the bank’s digital banking business across customer servicing and acquisition, payments, investments, and lending platforms.

Property registration in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur becomes faster and efficient with Model Sub-Registrar Offices

2026-09-30T12:32:44.919+05:30

Jalandhar, September 30, 2026 (News Team): Building on the successful launch of Maharashtra's first Model Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) in Pune, the Government of Maharashtra, in partnership with VFS Global and WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., has expanded the initiative with the launch of three new Model Sub-Registrar Offices in Mumbai (Bandra Kurla Complex), Navi Mumbai and Nagpur.

Residents of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Nagpur will now be able to register their property-related documents such as sale deeds, lease deeds, gift deeds, powers of attorney, wills and other documents, in a modern and comfortable environment through newly launched Model Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs).

Designed to make property registration faster, simpler and more convenient, the new centres combine modern infrastructure, digital systems and citizen-focused service delivery to enhance the overall registration experience. The centres seek to improve efficiency, reduce waiting times and ensure greater transparency while maintaining the highest standards of governance and regulatory compliance.

Ravindra Binwade, Inspector General of Registration (IGR), Government of Maharashtra, said, “Following the successful launch of Maharashtra's first Model Sub-Registrar Office in Pune, we are pleased to expand this citizen-centric initiative to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Nagpur. These centres have been designed to provide a faster, more transparent and more convenient property registration experience through modern infrastructure, digital systems and streamlined service delivery. By reducing waiting times and enhancing service standards, we are making government services more accessible and efficient for citizens while maintaining strong governance and oversight. This expansion is another important step in our commitment to modernizing registration services across Maharashtra.”

In early 2026, VFS Global, in consortium with WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., had won a five-year contract from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and Controller of Stamps under the Government of Maharashtra to launch 60 state-of-the-art Model Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) across the state in a phased manner. The consortium will undertake the end‑to‑end setup of Model Sub‑Registrar Offices across Maharashtra, deploying cutting‑edge digital infrastructure and trained service delivery teams to modernise property registration services. These centres would be an optional service and government offices will continue to operate.

Enhanced benefits of Model SROs for applicants:

Faster turnaround times through streamlined processes and technology-enabled service delivery.
Spacious, modern and fully air-conditioned facilities designed for a comfortable citizen experience.
Comfortable waiting lounges with Wi Fi connectivity for added convenience during visits.
Robust digital infrastructure and systems enabling seamless and efficient processing of registrations.
Trained service delivery executives available to guide and assist citizens throughout the process.
Citizen-friendly amenities, including refreshments and water dispensers, to enhance comfort and convenience.
Transparent and efficient service environment focused on improving the overall property registration experience.
Customer-centric service model combining technology, infrastructure and professional support to deliver a modern registration service experience.

Centre details

Model Sub-Registrar Office – Mumbai (Bandra Kurla Complex)

Address: Unit No. 309-A, 3rd Floor, Trade Center, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) Mumbai, MH, 400051
Business Hours: 1000 hours to 1800 hours

Model Sub-Registrar Office – Navi Mumbai

Address: 104, Ground Floor, A wing, Building no. 7, Millennium Business Park,Sector 2, Mahape, Navi Mumbai, MH, 400710
Business Hours: 1000 hours to 1800 hours

Model Sub-Registrar Office – Nagpur

Address: 1st Floor, Crosswind Building, Plot No, 380c Corp. House No. 1019, North Ambazari Road, Gandhi Nagar, Opposite Wockhardt Hospital, Near Dharampeth, Nagpur, MH, 440010
Business Hours: 1000 hours to 1800 hours

Model Sub-Registrar Office – Pune

Address: Office No. 14, 4th Floor, Revolution Mall, Paschkmanagari, Kothrud, Pune, MH, 411038
Business Hours: 1000 hours to 1800 hours

IndiGo and Unicorn Enter Partnership to Make Purchasing Apple Products More Rewarding for IndiGo BluChip Members

2026-09-30T10:57:18.286+05:30

Ludhiana, September 30, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India's preferred airline, and one of the fastest-growing carriers in the world, and Unicorn, India’s largest Apple Premium Partner and Authorised Service Provider, today announced their partnership, offering IndiGo BluChip members the opportunity to earn IndiGo BluChips on eligible purchases of Apple products made at participating Unicorn Stores across the country. Available across an extensive lineup of Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, and select premium accessories, the offer elevates the benefits associated with these high-value technology purchases.

This collaboration expands the IndiGo BluChip ecosystem into the retail and lifestyle category, allowing its members to unlock significant value from lifestyle technology purchases. Featuring attractive tier rates, under this structure, members can earn up to 18% on iPhone Air and 10% on older-generation iPhones and other Apple products.

Gaurav Hazrati, Business Head – Loyalty, Marketplaces and Financial Services, IndiGo, said, "Our vision for IndiGo BluChip is to reward our members' life, not just the flights they take. An iPhone, a MacBook, a pair of AirPods: each can now earn a member IndiGo BluChips that convert into their next journey. Our partnership with Unicorn brings one of India's most established Apple retail networks into that ecosystem, and it is exactly the kind of partnership that turns an everyday purchase into a travel experience."

Baljinder Paul Singh, Director, Unicorn, said, “This partnership further strengthens IndiGo BluChip's presence in the consumer electronics segment and expands its growing network of trusted Apple retail partners across India. By adding Unicorn to its portfolio, IndiGo BluChip continues to create more opportunities for members to earn IndiGo BluChips through premium lifestyle purchases while making the programme increasingly valuable and accessible.”

Members can earn IndiGo BluChips by sharing their 9-digit IndiGo BluChip ID with the Unicorn store representative at the time of billing, before the invoice generation. Following successful validation of the eligible transaction, IndiGo BluChips will be credited to the members’ IndiGo BluChip account within seven days.

Škoda Auto India to increase prices across its product portfolio

2026-09-30T09:26:09.637+05:30

Ludhiana, September 30, 2026 (News Team): Škoda Auto India has announced a price revision of upto 1.2% across its range of vehicles, effective October 1, 2026, owing to rising input and operational costs. This revision will see an increase of upto 1.2% at ex-showroom level across the brand’s India portfolio. The price revision varies by model and variant with the maximum increase capped at ₹20,000.

The brand began 2026 with a promise of 10 product actions and has delivered in the form of the new Kushaq, the new Slavia, updates to the Kodiaq, the introduction of the Kodiaq RS and the Octavia RS and the introduction of new trims and features across the Kylaq, debut of the Sportline trim in the Kylaq and the launch of the Classic+ and Prestige+ trims across its portfolio among others.

The brand recorded its Biggest Year of sales in 2025 with 72,655 cars sold. It also registered its highest ever H1 sales in 2026 and as of August 2026 has sold over 50,000 units with a growth of over 8% compared to the same period last year. Škoda Auto India has witnessed the sale of over 250,000 locally manufactured cars in this growth surge, which includes the Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia. Off these, over 75,000 units are of the Kylaq. The company’s growth has also been driven by the expansion of its network which numbers over 345 touchpoints across 193 cities as of date.

Škoda Auto India remains committed to offering customers strong value, world-class safety and European engineering while continuing to deliver high-quality products and ownership experiences to its customers and fans.

16-Time Skytrax Winner: IndiGo’s Consistent Excellence Recognised Again as ‘Best Low-Cost Airline in India and South Asia’

2026-09-19T14:50:48.609+05:30

Ludhiana, September 19, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India's preferred airline and one of the world's fastest-growing carriers, has once again been named the 'Best Low-Cost Airline in India and South Asia' at the coveted 2026 World Airline Awards by Skytrax. With this, IndiGo has been recognised 16 times as the best low-cost airline, across different regional definitions including India, Central Asia and South Asia, in its 20-year journey so far. This underscores IndiGo’s consistent commitment to delivering accessible, affordable, on-time and hassle-free travel experiences. Additionally, IndiGo won several other accolades including ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ and ‘Cleanest Airline in India and South Asia’.

Since its inception in 2006, IndiGo has remained steadfast in its commitment to operational excellence and cost leadership, growing significantly in scale, reach, and capabilities while providing seamless connectivity across the largest and most extensive network in India and beyond. Having flown nearly 900 million customers since inception, IndiGo has played a key role in democratizing air travel in India. Today, the airline flies over one million customers every three days.

Receiving the award at the event, Willie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “Being recognised as the Best Low-Cost Airline for the 16th time by Skytrax, in IndiGo’s journey of 20 years so far, reflects our relentless focus on operational excellence and hassle-free experiences. It is also a testament to the enduring trust and confidence our customers have consistently placed in us over the last two decades and we thank them for their continued patronage and support. This recognition belongs to our committed workforce, whose unwavering dedication, passion, and professionalism bring our brand promise to life every day and make achievements like these possible. We are grateful to Skytrax for recognizing our efforts and inspiring us to continue our pursuit of excellence.”

Congratulating IndiGo for these awards, Edward Plaisted, CEO, Skytrax said, "We congratulate IndiGo on this fabulous achievement by winning the award as the Best Low-Cost Airline in India and South Asia which the management and staff should be very proud of. With a dominant domestic market share in India and over 40 international destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, IndiGo is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world which has developed a strong reputation for providing reliable, affordable and on-time flights.”

The World Airline Awards by Skytrax are based on the world's largest annual airline passenger satisfaction survey, operated from September 2025 to August 2026, attracting 24.8 million eligible entries from customers across more than 100 nationalities. The survey featured over 300 airlines from around the world.

House of McDowell’s Soda Reimagines Yaari with ‘Yaari Ki Nayi Vibe’

2026-09-18T15:39:26.260+05:30

Ludhiana, September 18, 2026 (News Team): House of McDowell’s Soda has unveiled ‘Yaari Ki Nayi Vibe’, its latest campaign featuring long-time brand ambassador Kartik Aaryan. Building on the brand’s long-standing association with friendship, the campaign reflects a shift in how a new generation experiences yaari, moving beyond simply spending time together to creating experiences that make every get-together more memorable.

For House of McDowell’s Soda, yaari has always been about an easy, instinctive connection between friends. With ‘Yaari Ki Nayi Vibe’, the brand takes this familiar territory forward, recognising that today’s friendships are shaped by spontaneity, shared experiences and the constant desire to do something new together. The campaign captures this spirit through a simple idea: when friends come together, even an ordinary plan can turn into an experience worth remembering.

The new brand film brings this thought to life with Kartik Aaryan and his friends as an everyday plan takes an unexpected turn, with the twist of the McDowell’s Soda can becoming the catalyst for new experiences. Set to a reimagined version of the iconic “Aao Twist Karein”, the film gives a contemporary expression to a familiar cultural cue.

The campaign also marks a refresh of the McDowell’s Soda visual identity, with a redesigned can featuring a more premium aesthetic and distinctive touches of orange, teal and silver. Together, the refreshed identity and new campaign signal a more contemporary expression of the brand while retaining its strong association with friendship.

Commenting on the campaign, Aanandita Datta, VP Marketing and Category Head, Diageo India, said: “Yaari has always been at the heart of House of McDowell’s Soda. With ‘Yaari Ki Nayi Vibe’, we wanted to take that equity forward by reflecting how friendship is evolving today. It is no longer just about being together, but about the experiences you create and the memories you make along the way. This refresh gives that thought a bigger and more distinctive expression across our identity and communication."

Kartik Aaryan, brand ambassador, added: “For me, some of the best memories with friends come from plans that were never really planned. ‘Yaari Ki Nayi Vibe’ captures that feeling of taking an ordinary plan and turning it into something unexpected. That spontaneity is what makes the campaign feel very real to me.”

Kartik Smetacek, Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi India, said: “The House of McDowell’s brand has undergone its most significant and comprehensive reinvention in years. The key task for the campaign was to signal this change. The House of McDowell’s Soda can symbolically became the catalyst of the new, with every twist transporting our yaars into a world of new experiences and new energy.”
Watch the brand film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTn_ZoY9TcY

IndiGo Announces, ‘Great Connections Sale’ Offering Special Fares on Connecting Flights Across its Network

2026-09-15T14:02:15.853+05:30

Ludhiana, September 15, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India’s preferred airline and one of the fastest growing carriers in the world, has launched its Great Connections Sale, offering special fares and discounted ancillaries on connecting flights. Available across all channels, until 17 September 2026 for travel between 18 September 2026 and 31 March 2027, the offer is applicable only on connecting flights booked at least three days before the date of departure. Travellers can book all inclusive, one-way fares starting INR 3,999 for domestic flights and INR 8,999 for international flights.

The sale aims to make multi-city and connecting journeys more affordable, encouraging customers to experience seamless, accessible, and convenient air travel. This also reinforces IndiGo’s promise of a well-connected travel network. In addition to special fares, IndiGo has also announced special prices on select add-on services including IndiGo Switch starting at INR 199 and 6E Fare Hold starting at INR 49, when booked directly through IndiGo; and Fast Forward starting at INR 299 across all channels including travel partners.

Bookings can be made conveniently through the IndiGo website (www.goindigo.in), mobile application, AI-powered assistant 6Eskai, IndiGo WhatsApp (+91 70651 45858), in addition to select travel partner websites and apps.

*Terms & conditions apply. Refer to http://www.goindigo.in/ for more information.

Bank of Baroda Launches Its Next-Generation Mobile Banking Platform bob World 2.0 Powered by AI

2026-09-14T13:44:27.015+05:30

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, September 14, 2026 (News Team): Bank of Baroda, one of India's leading public sector banks, announced the launch of bob World 2.0, its next-generation mobile banking application. The app was demonstrated to Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Govt of India along with Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda and Executive Directors of the Bank at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026 in Mumbai on 11th September 2026.

Representing the next phase of the Bank’s digital transformation journey, bob World 2.0 - Powered by AI, delivers a future-ready banking experience and lays the foundation for a unified omni channel digital banking ecosystem that will progressively extend across mobile and internet banking channels. Built on a modern microservices-based digital architecture and designed as an intelligent financial ecosystem, bob World 2.0 delivers a smarter, more personalised, conversational and secure banking experience.

At the heart of bob World 2.0 are four key capabilities – voice-enabled payments and navigation allow customers to initiate transactions and access functionalities through voice command, a comprehensive Personal Financial Management (PFM) module that enables customers to gain a holistic view of their finances and improves financial wellness; enhanced hyper-personalisation and persona-based customer experience tailored to individual customer needs such as Senior Citizens, Women, NRIs, Millennials and a multi-layered security framework that provides real-time protection.

Speaking on the launch, Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, “As banking becomes increasingly digital, customers expect experiences that are intuitive, intelligent, secure and highly personalised. With bob World 2.0, we have reimagined mobile banking around our customers' needs, combining financial wellness tools, voice-enabled AI-driven engagement and personalised customer experiences on a single platform. As a forward-looking, customer-centric institution, we remain committed to continuously innovating and building a future-ready digital banking ecosystem that will continue to evolve with the changing needs and expectations of our customers."

RBI Deputy Governor Introduces Multicurrency Capabilities for Forex Services on Bharat Connect at GFF 2026

2026-09-11T18:06:21.738+05:30

Ludhiana, September 11, 2026 (News Team): The RBI Deputy Governor, Rohit Jain,today announced the introduction of multicurrency capabilities for forex category on Bharat Connect at Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026. The initiative is being undertaken as a softlaunch. Following the successful completion and assessment of the testingphase, the offering is proposed to be extended across more Bharat Connect channels and participating banks.

The platform, which is operated by NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL),integrates with FX-Retail, operated by Clearcorp Dealing Systems (India) Limited (Clearcorp),wholly owned subsidiary of The Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL)will now support Euro (EUR), British Pound (GBP), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Swiss Franc (CHF) and UAE Dirham (AED). The initiative aims to extend the existing forex proposition beyond the US Dollar and provide customers access to a wider range forex services through a single platform.

Customers using participating Bharat Connect channelscan access multiple forex services, including foreign currency purchase, overseas remittance, and forex card reload while continuing to benefit from live rates, transparent pricing powered by FX Retail, and a seamless booking experience. Fulfilment continues through the customer’s trusted relationship bank, providing reliability and confidence across transactions. Customers can also add multiple relationship banks to their Forex Retail profile and choose the bank through which they wish to fulfil their transactions, offering greater flexibility to those who maintain relationships with more than one bank.

The offering expands customer choice while leveraging the existing FX-Retail infrastructure and Bharat Connect transaction journey.Forex transactions through Bharat Connect surpassed INR 100 million in value between April and July 2026.The multicurrency capability enables customers to access a broader range of currencies for travel, education, business and international payment needs without changing the existing onboarding experience.

As part of the soft launch, customers can access the multicurrency service through participating Bharat Connect channels, including MobiKwik, BHIM, bob World, PNB, Federal Bank, SBI, and Axis Bank. Participating fulfilment banks include Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Federal Bank.

“Today’s launch marks an important milestone in our commitment to making retail foreign exchange more accessible, convenient, and inclusive for all market participants. The expansion of the FX-Retail platform across multiple currencies will provide customers with greater choice, while its integration with Bharat Connect will significantly enhance the ease of accessing retail forex services through the digital channels of participating institutions. By bringing fair and transparent forex markets directly to customers within an interoperable digital ecosystem, the aim for a simplified user journey and wider market access is now a reality for the foreign exchange markets in India", said Nand Kishore, MD, CCIL.

Speaking on the development, Dr. Noopur Chaturvedi, MD and CEO, NBBL, said "The way customers access international financial services is evolving rapidly, creating a need for experiences that are simple, transparent and interconnected. The introduction of multicurrency forex capabilities on Bharat Connect gives customers greater choice while retaining the convenience and trust that define the platform experience. By combining transparent pricing and greater visibility into transactions, we are helping make forex services more accessible. We believe the future of cross-border retail financial services lies in creating open networks where customers can choose from multiple providers and services through familiar digital channels."

With the RBI’s guidance and the close collaboration between NBBL and CCIL, the multicurrency expansion broadens the addressable forex opportunity for banks and front-end partners while ensuring a robust, transparent, and seamless customer experience.

The Architecture of Trust: Moving Beyond Payments into Intelligence and Programmability | Ajay Kumar Choudhary, Non-Executive Chairman and Independent Director, NPCI at GFF 2026

2026-09-11T15:14:00.380+05:30

Ludhiana, September 11, 2026 (News Team): “The next financial infrastructure must be intelligent enough to understand intent, programmable enough to coordinate value, resilient enough to withstand future threats, and inclusive enough to serve every citizen," said Ajay Kumar Choudhary, Non-Executive Chairman and Independent Director, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), delivering the keynote address at the 7th Global FinTech Fest (GFF) 2026.

Speaking on the theme "The Architecture of Trust: Moving Beyond Payments into Intelligence and Programmability,” Choudhary said the financial system is entering a phase where systems are becoming more intelligent, assets and transactions more programmable, and digital trust itself is being redefined. He added that "The question is no longer whether new technologies will affect finance, but how effectively we navigate this transition, and capture the opportunities without losing control of the risks.”

Marking 10 years of UPI, Choudhary highlighted that UPI processed more than 24.5 billion transactions worth Rs 29.8 lakh crore in August 2026 alone, through 752 participating banks. UPI has evolved from a payment interface into infrastructure embedded in everyday life, he said, crediting national leadership that placed digital payments at the heart of India's development journey. He paid tribute to Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's consistent efforts in championing UPI globally, making it one of the most visible expressions of India's technological capability and confidence.

Speaking on the future of financial infrastructure, Choudhary outlined three key transitions that will define the next phase of transformation. The first, he said, is the shift from Instructions to Intent, where Agentic AI could enable systems to interpret objectives and act within authorised mandates. However, he stressed that human authority must remain fundamental to financial systems. "The objective should be bounded and accountable agency, not unlimited machine autonomy," he said, adding that NPCI is examining protocols to identify and authorise digital agents within the UPI ecosystem while preserving interoperability and settlement finality.

The second is from Moving Money to Coordinating Value. Programmability can link the movement of money or assets to agreed conditions. He referred to NPCI's open-source enterprise blockchain platform, Drunix, designed to support tokenisation platforms, digital asset ecosystems and multi-organisation networks. Common standards and interoperability, he said, will be essential to preventing fragmentation.

The third is confidence that money will retain its value, transactions will complete as intended, data will be protected, and responsibility will remain identifiable when something goes wrong. It is also the movement from Present Security to Future Resilience. Choudhary flagged that advances in quantum computing require financial institutions to prepare well before existing cryptographic protections are threatened. He described the shift toward post-quantum cryptography as "a long-term, ecosystem-wide exercise," involving boards, regulators, banks, Fintechs and cybersecurity specialists.

He mentioned that the real transformation will emerge when intelligence, programmability, and trust operate together. He, however, cautioned that as these technologies converge; their risks may also become interconnected. He noted that “model risk can turn into payment or conduct risk, cloud dependence can create operational and sovereignty concerns, and errors in programmable conditions can become settlement problems”. Risk management must therefore follow the activity across the entire chain rather than assess each technology in isolation.

On sovereignty risk, he stressed that financial institutions must retain control and meaningful choice over critical technology, avoid excessive dependence on any single model, cloud or technology provider, preserve portability across providers, and build the skills and institutional capacity required to deploy and supervise new technologies responsibly. He added that “sovereignty is ultimately a combination of control, capability, choice and preparedness” and further noted that “at sovereign level, regional or global cooperation on the issue is another way forward.”

Concluding his address, Choudhary emphasised that the true value of technology lies not merely in driving efficiency, but in enabling better decisions, stronger resilience, greater inclusion, and improved outcomes for society. Reflecting on ten years of UPI, he congratulated the leadership and staff of NPCI, and acknowledged the support of the Reserve Bank of India and the Government of India in the UPI journey over the past decade. Expressing confidence in the road ahead, he said, “NPCI will continue to provide leadership in the emerging, scalable and inclusive technological progress to redefine the finance of tomorrow.”

Bharti Airtel Foundation Celebrates 25+ Years of Transforming Education, Touching 7.8 Million Lives Across India

2026-09-10T16:23:58.044+05:30

Punjab is the largest hub of the Foundation’s school network with 85 Satya Bharti Schools serving 21K+ students
Ludhiana has 42 Satya Bharti Schools, offering free quality education to 10K+ students from 150 villages
TheTeacherApp is one of India's largest free-for-life teacher-development platforms, empowers ~3 Lakh users across India across 36 States and Union Territories
25+ years of impact: 43 lakh+ students across 20 states, 37,000+ schools and 25,000+ villages

Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Co Chairman, Bharti Airtel Foundation and Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises interacting with the students of Satya Bharti Adarsh Sr. Sec. School, Sherpur Kalan, Ludhiana

Ludhiana, September 10, 2026 (News Team): Bharti Airtel Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, today reaffirmed its commitment to nation-building through education as it marked over 25 years of impact across India. Since inception, the Foundation has positively impacted over 7.8 million beneficiaries, including more than 4.3 million students and 3.62 lakh teachers, across 37,000 schools and 25,000 villages in 20 states, through an integrated portfolio of initiatives spanning school education, teacher development, government school partnerships, scholarships and higher education.

Punjab is the largest hub of Bharti Airtel Foundation's school education initiatives, accounting for nearly 60% of its Satya Bharti School network. The Foundation operates 85 schools across the state, serving over 21,000 students (51% girls), while its Quality Support Program reaches more than 42,000 students in 105 government schools. The impact of these efforts is reflected in strong academic outcomes, with five Satya Bharti Adarsh Senior Secondary Schools recording a 99.6% Class X pass rate in the 2025-26 CBSE examinations, including a 100% pass rate among girls and 99.53% class XII pass rate, including 98.6% pass rate among girls. Ludhiana remains central to this journey, with 42 Satya Bharti Schools serving 10,764 students from 150 villages. The district is also home to more than 4,400 TheTeacherApp users, the Foundation’s free-for-life platform for teachers, school leaders, educators, and parents, and has recently expanded its engagement, in Ludhiana, through the Quality Support Program in 12 government schools, benefiting over 4,000 students and 160 teachers.

Teachers are an integral part of the Foundation’s approach to strengthening education outcomes. TheTeacherApp now reaches nearly 3 lakh users across all 36 States and Union Territories, including over 20,000 users in Punjab. Through partnerships with NITI Aayog, state governments and leading education institutions, the platform combines AI enabled tools, professional learning resources and peer to peer collaboration to support educators in improving classroom outcomes.

Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Co Chairman, Bharti Airtel Foundation and Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, said, " The future of any nation is shaped by the potential of its people. At Bharti, we believe education is the foundation of human capital development and one of the greatest enablers of progress. As India charts its journey towards becoming a developed nation, investing in quality education, empowering teachers and preparing young people with the skills and confidence to thrive in a changing world must remain a shared commitment. Over the last 25 years, Bharti Airtel Foundation’s work has evolved from supporting schools and institutions to help strengthen the broader education ecosystem, reaching millions of students, teachers and communities across the country. Punjab holds a special place in this journey, it is where our first schools opened, and where this story began. Through Bharti Airtel Foundation, we aspire to help create opportunities that enable every child to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully to India's growth story."

Driven by the belief that education is one of the most powerful enablers of social and economic progress, the Foundation has built an integrated approach that combines direct interventions with systemic change. Its flagship Satya Bharti Schools provide free quality education to more than 35,000 children across 147 schools in rural India, while equipping them with future-ready skills through digital learning, robotics, experiential education, career programs and pre-vocational education. Beyond its own schools, the Foundation's Quality Support Program (QSP) has extended proven teaching-learning practices to over 1,200 government schools across 13 States and Union Territories. The Foundation also supports higher education through world-class university infrastructure and scholarship initiatives, including the Bharti Airtel Scholarship, which empowers over 1,400 scholars, 44% of whom are girls.

With a growing footprint across schools, government partnerships, teacher development and higher education, Bharti Airtel Foundation continues to advance its mission of strengthening human capital and expanding educational opportunities across India, underscoring the shared belief of Bharti Enterprises and Bharti Airtel that investing in people is fundamental to nation-building.

IndiGo Adds Dar es Salaam to its Growing Global Network, Strengthens Connectivity to Africa

2026-09-10T13:59:28.435+05:30

Ludhiana, September 10, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India’s preferred airline and one of the fastest growing carriers in the world, announced the launch of daily, direct flights between Mumbai and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, effective 20 November 2026. With this addition, IndiGo becomes the only Indian airline to offer direct connectivity between Mumbai and Dar es Salaam, reinforcing its ambition to connect India with the world. Bookings for the flights are open on IndiGo’s official website www.goIndiGo.in, mobile app, or through authorised travel partners.

India and Tanzania share a longstanding relationship built on trade, commerce and cultural exchange. India is among Tanzania's largest trading partners, with growing engagement across sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, among others. The introduction of daily direct flights is expected to further facilitate trade, investment, tourism, and educational exchanges by enhancing connectivity between India and East Africa.

Commenting on the announcement, Aloke Singh, Chief Strategy Officer, IndiGo, said, “The launch of direct daily flights between Mumbai and Dar es Salaam underscores our commitment to building stronger connections between India and fast-growing global markets. Tanzania is an important economic partner for India and a gateway to East Africa, with growing demand for travel driven by trade, investment, tourism and cultural ties. By enhancing direct connectivity, we aim to facilitate greater mobility, deepen economic engagement and bring people and businesses closer. The launch of this route is a significant step in our mission to connect India with the world through an unparalleled domestic and increasingly global network.”

This new destination further strengthens IndiGo's connectivity across Africa. The airline currently operates direct services from India to Nairobi, Mauritius, and Seychelles, and continues to expand its international network in line with growing demand for global connectivity.

Schedule of flights between Mumbai-Dar es Salaam, effective 20^th November 2026

Sector	Flight No.	Days of Operation	Departure	Arrival
Mumbai – Dar es Salaam	6E 1851	Daily	02:20	06:05
Dar es Salaam – Mumbai	6E 1852	Daily	07:05	15:55
* All timings are in local time zones ** Schedule is subject to regulatory approvals

Customers can plan and book their travel through IndiGo’s official website www.goIndiGo.in, mobile app, or authorised travel partners. They can also pre-book their meals and beverages, including alcoholic beverages. Additionally, they can personalise their travel experiences by opting for offerings that suit their respective preferences, including UpFront and Flexi, which give best value, comfortable seats, complimentary snacks, and hassle-free adjustment to itineraries.

IndiGo Announces International Operations from Northeast India with Direct Connectivity between Guwahati and Bangkok Starting 27 October 2026

2026-09-07T18:33:55.997+05:30

Ludhiana, September 07, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India's preferred airline and one of the world’s fastest growing carriers, has announced the launch of non-stop, bi-weekly flights between Guwahati and Bangkok, effective 27 October 2026. Marking the launch of IndiGo's international operations from Guwahati and commencing direct international operations from Northeast India, this new route further expands IndiGo's growing India-Thailand network. Customers can plan and book their travel through IndiGo’s official website www.goIndiGo.in, mobile application, or authorised travel partners.

For IndiGo, the new route marks a significant milestone, as Guwahati has been part of the airline's growth story since its early days, including its inaugural Delhi-Guwahati-Imphal flight in 2006. Beginning international operations from the city underscores IndiGo's continued commitment to enhancing connectivity from the region.

The introduction of direct flights between Guwahati and Bangkok will open new opportunities for leisure and business travel, while serving as a catalyst for boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Northeast India and Thailand. The service will also strengthen Guwahati's position as an emerging international gateway, improving access to Southeast Asia and supporting inbound tourism to the region.

Thailand remains one of the most sought-after international destinations for Indian travellers. IndiGo connects Bangkok from Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai; has direct services to Phuket from Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai; and to Krabi from Delhi. IndiGo will also commence direct flights between Gaya and Bangkok from 26 October 2026, creating a direct air bridge between one of Buddhism's most sacred pilgrimage sites and Thailand.

Schedule of flights between Guwahati-Bangkok, effective 27 October 2026

Sector	Flight No.	Days of Operation	Departure	Arrival
Special inaugural flight on 27 October 2026
Bangkok-Guwahati	6E 1086	Tuesday	8:50	10:25
Guwahati-Bangkok	6E 1085	Tuesday	18:15	22:45
Effective 31 October 2026
Bangkok-Guwahati	6E 1086	Wednesday, Saturday	8:50	10:25
Guwahati-Bangkok	6E 1085	Wednesday, Saturday	18:15	22:45
* All timings are in local time zones ** Schedule is subject to regulatory approvals

Bank of Baroda Undertakes Major Recruitment Drive for 2,482 Local Bank Officers to Support Regional Growth

2026-09-04T15:27:29.850+05:30

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, September 04, 2026 (News Team): Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced a major recruitment initiative to appoint 2,482 Local Bank Officers (in Grade JMG/S-I) on a regular basis across 20 States and Union Territories. The recruitment drive is aimed at creating meaningful career opportunities for young banking professionals, strengthening the Bank’s local talent pool and enhancing its ability to serve customers and support economic activity at the grassroots level.

The recruitment initiative covers several states, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha, among others. A key feature of the recruitment is that selected officers will be posted in the State for which they have applied for the first 12 years of their service or until their promotion to SMGS-IV Grade, whichever is earlier. This state-based deployment will enable Bank of Baroda to build a workforce with strong local language proficiency, cultural understanding and knowledge of local markets, helping deepen customer relationships, strengthen service delivery and support the banking needs of customers across the respective regions.

By creating opportunities for local talent to build a career in banking while serving their respective states for a significant part of their early careers, the initiative also seeks to align the Bank’s growth with regional development priorities. It will further strengthen the Bank’s presence in local markets. As a public sector bank with a wide presence across the country, Bank of Baroda continues to play an important role in supporting inclusive growth, employment generation and broader economic development.

Speaking on the occasion, Lal Singh, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “This recruitment drive represents an investment not only in our workforce, but also in the communities and economies we serve. By bringing in young banking professionals with strong local understanding and language capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to respond to the evolving needs of customers in different markets. At the same time, the initiative creates opportunities for local talent to build rewarding careers while contributing to the economic development of their respective states. This is aligned with our broader role as a public sector bank in advancing inclusive growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities.”

Key Recruitment Details

Position: Local Bank Officer (Junior Management Grade/Scale-I (JMG/S-I))
Total Vacancies: 2,482
Age Limit: 21 to 30 years (as on 01.08.2026; standard relaxations apply)
Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university
Work Experience: Minimum 1-year post-qualification experience as an officer in a Scheduled Commercial Bank listed in the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India
Local Language Proficiency: Candidates are required to be fluent in the local language of the State from which they are applying, including reading, writing, speaking and understanding
Posting Terms: Initial posting in the state for which the candidate has applied for the first 12 years of service or until promotion to SMGS-IV, whichever is earlier
Application Period: Till September 7, 2026

Eligible candidates can apply for the post online through the Bank of Baroda website during the application period.

IndiGo Strengthens Connectivity to Hanoi: Announces Daily Direct Flights from Mumbai Starting 25 October 2026

2026-09-02T16:45:21.284+05:30

Ludhiana, September 02, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India's preferred airline and one of the world’s fastest growing carriers, has announced the launch of daily, direct service between Mumbai and Hanoi, effective 25 October 2026. This new route further expands IndiGo’s international network, enhancing connectivity to Vietnam’s capital city and offering customers greater flexibility, choice, and convenience when travelling between the two countries. Customers can plan and book their travel through IndiGo’s official website www.goIndiGo.in, mobile app, IndiGo 6Eskai – the airline’s AI chat assistant – or authorised travel partners.

Hanoi is a dynamic metropolis that beautifully balances its rich cultural heritage with contemporary economic advancement. While its centuries-old architecture, vibrant cultural landscape and distinctive culinary traditions make it an attractive leisure destination, Hanoi is also an important centre for trade and commerce, driving growing demand for business travel. The new Mumbai–Hanoi route complements IndiGo’s existing daily, direct flights from both Delhi and Kolkata to Hanoi.

On this route, IndiGo will offer IndiGoStretch, its tailor-made business product, bringing its premium travel experience to customers flying on this short-haul international sector. IndiGoStretch customers can enjoy complimentary hot meals, wider seats with enhanced legroom, deep recline, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging, and priority services, enabling a comfortable and seamless journey.

Schedule of flights between Mumbai-Hanoi, effective 25 October 2026

Sector	Flight No.	Days of Operation	Departure	Arrival
Mumbai - Hanoi	6E 1637	Daily	04:15	10:00
Hanoi – Mumbai	6E 1638	Daily	19:05	23:05
* All timings are in local time zones ** Schedule is subject to all regulatory approvals

IndiGo Ventures invests in Sarvam to enhance Artificial Intelligence in aviation

2026-08-28T17:09:08.559+05:30

Ludhiana, August 28, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of IndiGo - India’s preferred airline and one of the fastest growing carriers in the world, today announced its investment in Sarvam, India’s full-stack sovereign AI company, as part of Sarvam’s Series B round of funding.

The investment builds on the existing relationship between IndiGo and Sarvam who have been working together to enhance customer experience, empower employees and streamline complex operational workflows across the airline through Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The investment creates a long-term platform for accelerating AI-led innovation and operational excellence at IndiGo.

Aviation brings together high volumes of customer interactions, time-sensitive operations and a large, distributed workforce. The collaboration combines IndiGo’s core aviation expertise, operational scale and real-world use cases with Sarvam’s capabilities across AI models, voice and agentic systems to create a technology enabled, modern and future-ready airline infrastructure.

Neetan Chopra, Chief Digital and Information Officer, IndiGo, said: “Artificial Intelligence is fast becoming a foundational capability for the aviation industry, reshaping customer experience, workforce productivity and operational decision-making. Our partnership with Sarvam gives IndiGo access to cutting-edge AI capabilities, built in India, and tailored to the needs of the market. By combining these technologies with our operational expertise and scale, we can accelerate innovation while maximising value for our customers, employees, and other stakeholders."

Sarvam builds across training and inference infrastructure, frontier models and enterprise AI products. Its technology spans text, speech, vision and documents, and is designed for secure deployment across complex, high-volume environments.

Pratyush Kumar, Co-founder, Sarvam, said, “Aviation is a powerful setting for enterprise AI because it combines millions of customer interactions with complex, time-sensitive operations. IndiGo brings the domain depth and scale needed to identify where AI can create real value. Together, we can develop systems that are useful in production and build a stronger template for enterprise AI in India.”

IndiGo and Sarvam will continue to develop and evaluate applications across customer experience, employee productivity and airline operations, with the ability to expand successful use cases across IndiGo’s network.

IndiGo to Connect Bihar to Thailand; Announces Non-stop Flights Between Gaya and Bangkok effective 26 October 2026

2026-08-24T15:16:54.658+05:30

Ludhiana, August 24, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India's preferred airline and one of the world’s fastest growing carriers, has announced the launch of non-stop, bi-weekly flights between Gaya and Bangkok, effective 26 October 2026. The new route will further strengthen IndiGo’s growing India-Thailand network and create a direct air bridge between two destinations deeply connected through centuries of shared Buddhist heritage. The service will also bolster international connectivity from Bihar, supporting tourism, cultural exchange, and economic development across the region. Customers can plan and book their travel through IndiGo’s official website www.goIndiGo.in, mobile app, or authorised travel partners.

The launch of the Gaya-Bangkok route further expands travel options between the two countries. The service will directly connect Gaya, home to Bodh Gaya, one of Buddhism's most sacred pilgrimage sites, with Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, a country with deep Buddhist traditions. Bodh Gaya, home to the revered Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from Thailand and around the world each year.

This new direct service will offer a convenient and efficient travel option for pilgrims, leisure travellers, and tourists from both destinations seeking to explore the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the other. It will also support the broader development of Bihar's tourism ecosystem, benefiting local hospitality, transport, and ancillary sectors.

Thailand remains one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travellers. With over 140 weekly flights between India and Thailand, IndiGo continues to strengthen connectivity across this important corridor. IndiGo connects Bangkok from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bhubaneswar; and has direct services to Phuket from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata; and to Krabi from Delhi. The addition of Gaya further strengthens IndiGo's presence in Thailand while expanding access to one of India's most significant cultural and spiritual destinations.

Schedule of flights between Gaya-Bangkok, effective 26 October 2026

Sector	Flight No.	Days of Operation	Departure	Arrival
Gaya – Bangkok	6E 1083	Monday, Thursday	13:15	17:50
Bangkok – Gaya	6E 1084	Monday, Thursday	10:15	12:15
* All timings are in local time zones ** Schedule is subject to all regulatory approvals

DHL Express’ Rakhi Express is Back with 50% Off on International Shipments from India

2026-08-22T12:39:36.439+05:30

Ludhiana/Jalandhar/Mohali, August 22, 2026 (News Team): Distance doesn't have to mean missing out on the little things that make Raksha Bandhan special. DHL Express has brought back Rakhi Express, offering customers a flat 50% discount on international shipments* from India to send rakhis and gifts to loved ones around the world from India.

The offer is valid from 27 July to 28 August 2026 and can be utilized with the promo code DHLRAKHI50. Customers can book through DHL Express and Blue Dart Retail Service Points across India, MyDHL+ or DHL Express Customer Service.

For families living across countries and continents, a rakhi, a gift or even a small festive surprise can carry significance far beyond physical value. Rakhi Express is designed to make sending these personal moments easier, more accessible and more affordable.

“Raksha Bandhan is one of those occasions where distance can be felt a little more. A rakhi or a gift sent across the world may be a small package, but it carries a lot of emotion. At DHL Express, we see this every year. Families across India continue to find ways to celebrate with loved ones who live far away. With Rakhi Express, we want to make that connection a little easier, with the reliability of our international network and a flat 50% discount on international shipments from India. Whether it's a rakhi, a gift or simply a reminder that someone is thinking of you, we are happy to help take that feeling across borders,” said Sandeep Juneja, Vice President of Commercial for India, DHL Express.

DHL Express connects India to more than 220 countries and territories, with end-to-end shipment visibility and services such as shipment tracking, SMS and email notifications, and On Demand Delivery, giving customers greater control over their international shipments.

Customers can enquire about the offer through the DHL Express toll-free number 1800 30 345, visit the DHL enquiry page or get a quote and book their shipment through MyDHL+.

Škoda Auto India ushers in the next chapter of its sedan legacy with the new Slavia

2026-08-19T14:08:00.033+05:30

Ludhiana, August 19, 2026 (News Team): Škoda Auto India has unveiled the new Slavia, reinforcing its commitment to customers who appreciate the timeless appeal of sedans combined with modern technology, safety and driving pleasure. Building on the success of one of India's most popular sedan platforms, the new Slavia continues the brand’s tradition of delivering European engineering that is engaging to drive, practical to own and made for India’s demanding customers. The unveiling also marked a celebration of Škoda's global sedan heritage, with the new Slavia taking centre stage alongside two iconic nameplates marking its return to India – the Octavia RS and the all-new Superb.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, says: “India remains one of our most important global growth markets and a great example of what Škoda Auto can achieve when we listen closely to our customers. The new Slavia builds on this approach. It strengthens a model that has become a real success story, earning the trust of customers and establishing itself as one of the best-selling sedans in its segment. This success belongs to our teams, our dealer partners and, above all, our customers. Together, we have built strong momentum. With a clear strategy and a strong local presence, I am confident that we are writing the next chapter of our growth story in India.”

A legacy of sedans
For more than 130 years, Škoda Auto has built a reputation for creating vehicles that combine engineering excellence, timeless design and rewarding driving dynamics. Sedans have played a defining role in this journey, with the Superb nameplate going as far back as 1934, making Škoda’s sedan legacy over 90 years old. The Octavia and Superb continue shaping the brand's reputation across global markets. The Slavia proudly carries this legacy forward in India. Developed on the MQB-A0-IN platform engineered specifically for Indian conditions and ready for the world, the Slavia has established itself as one of the country's most successful sedans. The new Slavia further strengthens this proposition with enhanced styling, new technologies, segment-first features and greater comfort, while retaining the engaging driving experience, practicality and safety that customers associate with the brand.

Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, says, "This update of the Slavia is the next step for our well-established and successful sedan for India. With nearly 80,000 cars sold to date, the Slavia has established a strong position in this dynamic segment. Building on its proven qualities, we are introducing targeted improvements in powertrain, comfort and connectivity that further enhance its appeal. We are convinced that the combination of everyday practicality, state-of-the-art technology and outstanding comfort will attract new customers looking for a modern, compelling sedan."

Timeless design, elevated further with the Monte Carlo badge
The new Slavia builds on its sophisticated design language with a range of styling enhancements that elevate its premium appeal. The sedan features all-new LED headlamps and taillamps with sequential rear turn indicators, creating a more distinctive visual signature on the road. The front is now accentuated with a chrome strip running across the grille. In addition, the revised front and rear structures, along with the new alloy wheel designs, further enhance the sedan's contemporary appearance and its poised stance.

The Slavia will be offered from the start of sales with the Classic, Classic+, Signature, Sportline, and Prestige variants, and for the first time, the Monte Carlo trim will also be available, right from launch. The new Slavia brings exclusive styling elements that amplify the sedan's sporty character and visual appeal. Retaining its elegant silhouette, sharp character lines and timeless proportions, the Slavia continues to embody the clean European design principles that have long defined Škoda vehicles globally. The new Slavia, based on variants, will be available in Candy White, Carbon Steel, Brilliant Silver, Lava Blue, Deep Black, Cherry Red, Shimla Green, and Steel Grey. For the new Slavia, the brand is also introducing two new colours, Arctic Silver and Cappuccino Beige. Pre-bookings for the new Slavia start today at ₹ 15,000.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, "Our focus remains on bringing globally benchmarked products that are engineered and manufactured to meet the evolving needs of Indian customers. The new Slavia is a strong reflection of this approach. With a combination of proven engineering excellence and meaningful enhancements, we continue to strengthen our commitment to delivering world-class mobility solutions that are designed, built and made relevant for India."

Engineered to be rewarding to drive
The new Slavia continues to offer customers a choice of proven TSI powertrains, delivering the balance of performance, efficiency and refinement that has made the model popular among driving enthusiasts and everyday users alike. A key highlight is the introduction of an all-new eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission paired with the efficient and responsive 1.0 TSI engine, making the Slavia the first sedan in its segment to offer this combination. Customers can also opt for the six-speed manual transmission with the 1.0 TSI. For those seeking even greater performance, the Slavia continues with the 1.5 TSI engine paired with the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Further enhancing driving confidence, the 1.5 TSI variants now feature rear disc brakes.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, "The new Slavia, with the all-new Superb and the iconic Octavia RS, carries forward the brand’s proud sedan legacy. For generations, our sedans have earned customer trust through their combination of timeless design, driving dynamics, safety and engineering excellence. The new Slavia builds on these foundations while introducing contemporary styling, advanced technology and enhanced comfort for today's customers. It embodies our commitment to keeping the sedan experience fresh, relevant and aspirational, while continuing to make European engineering and innovation more accessible to a wider audience in India."

Greater comfort. Smarter technology
The Slavia now also introduces a host of comfort and convenience enhancements designed to elevate the ownership experience. Leading these updates is a segment-first Rear Seat Massage function, bringing a feature typically associated with higher vehicle classes into the premium sedan segment. The sedan also introduces a 360-degree Area View camera system, a first for a vehicle developed under the India 2.0 programme, offering greater convenience and confidence during parking and low-speed manoeuvres. Park Pilot with front parking sensors further improves ease of use in urban environments. Inside the cabin, the new Slavia features a larger 10.25-inch (26.03 cms) Digital Cockpit that delivers enhanced driving information and a more immersive digital experience.

From the Classic+ and up, the new Slavia also offers features such as rain-sensing wipers, rear defogger, all-LED lighting, auto-dimming IRVM, electric sunroof, alloy wheels, and several other convenience features as standard. Combined with its spacious cabin, premium appointments and practical features, the new Slavia continues to offer an ideal blend of comfort, convenience and technology for everyday journeys and long-distance travel.

AI Companion powered by Google Cloud
The new Slavia comes with a 10.1-inch (25.6 cms) infotainment screen featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, powered by a next-generation infotainment system that delivers an enhanced digital experience for customers. Built on an advanced digital architecture, the system offers improved responsiveness, connectivity and customer interaction, delivering a seamless and intuitive in-cabin experience. At its core is an advanced Voice Assistant, powered by Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent. This AI agent brings Gemini into the vehicle to create next-generation, context-aware voice assistance for our customers, giving drivers and passengers direct access to real-time information such as news and trends, while also enabling hands-free operation to manage music, calls, climate control, and more. Developed with a deep understanding of local needs, the infotainment system recognises Indian English accents, ensuring inclusive and intuitive voice interactions.

Safety as standard
Carrying forward its 5-star Global NCAP safety credentials for both adult and child occupant protection, the new Slavia continues to offer a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features designed to protect occupants across a wide range of driving conditions. More than 25 active and passive safety features, including six airbags, come as standard across the range, while higher variants offer over 40 safety features. Features such as rear defogger, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, an auto-dimming IRVM, and anti-glare ORVMs further enhance visibility and driver confidence in challenging conditions.

Celebrating performance: Octavia RS
Alongside the new Slavia, Škoda Auto India also showcased the all-new Octavia RS, one of the most celebrated performance models in the brand's history. Representing the pinnacle of Škoda's performance engineering, the Octavia RS combines everyday practicality with exhilarating driving dynamics. This sedan features a 2.0 TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS), paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission, power-adjustable sports front seats with heating and massage function, Heads-Up Display, ADAS, and progressive dynamic steering, among others.

The enthusiastic response received from Indian customers further reinforces the enduring appeal of the RS badge among enthusiasts. The performance icon will now be available in Mamba Green, Velvet Red and Magic Black shades. With its dynamic design, powerful turbocharged engine and driver-focused character, the Octavia RS continues to embody the perfect blend of performance and practicality that has defined the nameplate for generations. Pre-bookings for the performance icon start on 18th August at ₹ 2,50,000 and will be limited to 50 units. Customers who had placed reservations during the previous Octavia RS launch and were not allocated a vehicle due to the limited numbers will receive priority access to the booking window, opening on 18th August at 8 PM, until 5 PM on 19th August, after which the booking window will be opened to all customers, and deliveries will commence at the start of the festive season.

The return of luxury: Superb TDI
Also on display was the Superb TDI, bringing back one of Škoda Auto’s most admired luxury nameplates to India. Renowned for its spaciousness, refinement and long-distance touring capabilities, the Superb has long been a benchmark in executive mobility, with the latest iteration being equipped with LED Matrix headlamps, Cognac leather interiors, electrically adjustable heated, ventilated and massage front seats, Rear Sleep Package, Dynamic Chassis Control, along with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features.

The return of a diesel powertrain further enhances this sedan’s appeal and performance, with exceptional luxury and comfort. As Škoda's flagship luxury sedan, the Superb TDI represents the brand's continued commitment to offering world-class products to discerning Indian customers. Customers are invited to express their interest in the sedan, with deliveries set to begin at the end of Q2 next year. Clearly, the build-up to the return of the Superb is being cultivated with care.

Easy ownership with Škoda Super Care
The new Slavia, Octavia RS and all-new Superb continue with Škoda Auto India’s ethos of providing a seamless ownership experience. All of the brand’s latest sedans now come with the Škoda Super Care package: best-in-class standard 4-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty, along with 4 years of Roadside Assistance, offering long-term peace of mind. In addition, customers benefit from four free labour services for up to two years or 30,000 kilometres. The warranty can be extended by another two years, taking total coverage up to six years. This is further complemented by a six-year corrosion warranty and a three-year paint warranty.

Pune becomes home to Maharashtra's first Model Sub-Registrar Office streamlining and transforming property registration

2026-08-17T13:21:54.978+05:30

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Minister for Revenue, Government of Maharashtra (seventh from left), Ravindra Binwade, IAS Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and Controller of Stamps, Government of Maharashtra (sixth from left); Rajendra Muthe, Joint Inspector General of Registration, Department of Registration and Stamps, Government of Maharashtra (eighth from left); and Abhaysinh Mohite, Deputy Inspector General of Registration (IT), Department of Registration and Stamps, Government of Maharashtra (fifth from left), along with other officials and staff.

Jalandhar, August 17, 2026 (News Team): VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure global mobility for governments and citizens, in consortium with WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., has launched Maharashtra's first Model Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) in Pune to streamline and digitally transform property registration into a fast, transparent, and citizen-centric system.

The inauguration of the new Model SRO in Pune was done on 13 August 2026 by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Ravindra Binwade, Inspector General of Registration (IGR), Government of Maharashtra; Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global, and other dignitaries from the Government of Maharashtra.

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, said: "The launch of Maharashtra’s first Model Sub-Registrar Office in Pune marks an important milestone in our efforts to modernise property registration and make public services more citizen-centric. Through this initiative, we are combining strong government oversight with modern infrastructure, digital systems and efficient service delivery to create a faster, more transparent and more convenient experience for citizens. The Model SRO programme is designed to address longstanding challenges such as overcrowding and long waiting times, while maintaining the highest standards of governance and regulatory compliance. We are pleased to see the first centre become operational and look forward to expanding this model across the state in a phased manner."

Enhanced benefits of Model SROs for applicants:

Faster turnaround times through streamlined processes and technology-enabled service delivery.
Spacious, modern and fully air-conditioned facilities designed for a comfortable citizen experience.
Comfortable waiting lounges with Wi Fi connectivity for added convenience during visits.
Robust digital infrastructure and systems enabling seamless and efficient processing of registrations.
Trained service delivery executives available to guide and assist citizens throughout the process.
Citizen-friendly amenities, including refreshments and water dispensers, to enhance comfort and convenience.
Transparent and efficient service environment focused on improving the overall property registration experience.
Customer-centric service model combining technology, infrastructure and professional support to deliver a modern public service experience.

In early 2026, VFS Global, in consortium with WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., had won a five-year contract from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and Controller of Stamps under the Government of Maharashtra to launch 60 state-of-the-art Model Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) across the state in a phased manner. The consortium will undertake the end‑to‑end setup of Model Sub‑Registrar Offices across Maharashtra, deploying cutting‑edge digital infrastructure and trained service delivery teams to modernise property registration services. These centres would be an optional service and government offices will continue to operate.

IndiGo announces ‘Happy Independence Day Sale’ with up to 20% off on flight bookings

2026-08-13T13:59:57.346+05:30

Ludhiana, August 13, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India’s preferred airline and one of the fastest growing carriers in the world, has announced a special ‘Happy Independence Day Sale’, offering customers up to 20% off on base fares across its domestic and international network. The offer is valid on non-stop flight bookings made between 13 August and 16 August 2026, for travel between 16 August 2026 and 31 October 2026. To avail the offer, customers must book at least 3 days in advance and apply the promo code “INDIGO80” while booking through IndiGo website (www.goindigo.in), mobile application, AI-powered assistant 6Eskai, or through select travel partner websites and apps.

Alongside discounted fares, customers can also enjoy attractive discounts on a range of ancillary products and services. These include up to 20% off on 6E Eats, Fast Forward, 6E Seats, and Fare Hold starting at INR 20, and IndiGo UpFront upgrades from INR 999. Fare Hold and UpFront offers are available exclusively on bookings made through IndiGo’s direct channels.

Additionally, as part of the sale, IndiGo BluChip members can earn up to 20,000 IndiGo BluChips on IndiGoStretch bookings made through IndiGo’s direct channels, for travel between 24 August and 30 September 2026.

As IndiGo celebrates 80 years of India’s Independence, this special sale reflects the airline’s continued commitment to making air travel accessible, affordable, and seamless for millions of customers, enabling them to explore more destinations across India and beyond.

*Terms & conditions apply. Refer to http://www.goindigo.in/ for more information.

Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism partners with VFS Global for destination promotion in India, other key source markets

2026-08-10T13:14:33.358+05:30

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Phan Thanh Nam - Deputy Editor-in- Chief, Culture Newspaper; Nguyen Thi Hoang Lan - Director, Digital Transformation Center for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Nguyen Trung Khanh - Chairman, Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism; Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai - Vice Chairwoman, Vietnam National Authority of Tourism; Shrishen Muniandy, Country Manager - Vietnam, VFS Global; Simon Peachey, Chief Operating Officer - China, Australiasia and RCIS, VFS Global; Rebecca Taylor, Immigration Liaison Officer - Home Office – International Operations - British Embassy Hanoi; and Nguyen Quy Phuong, Director of International Relations and Tourism Promotion Department, Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism.

Jalandhar, August 10, 2026 (News Team): The Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, to promote Viet Nam as a preferred tourism destination across key source markets, including India.

The MoU was signed in Hanoi on 6 August 2026 in the presence of Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman, Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism; Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, Vice Chairwoman, Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism; Nguyen Quy Phuong, Director of International Relations and Tourism Promotion Department, Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism; Nguyen Thi Hoang Lan - Director, Digital Transformation Center for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Simon Peachey, Chief Operating Officer - China, Australasia and RCIS, VFS Global; Shrishen Muniandy, Country Manager – Viet Nam, VFS Global, and other dignitaries from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, and the British Embassy in Hanoi.

The partnership aims to enhance awareness of Viet Nam's tourism offerings and support the country's inbound tourism growth objectives through coordinated promotional activities. Under the agreement, Viet Nam's tourism destinations, experiences and travel opportunities will be showcased through VFS Global's extensive customer touchpoints, including Visa Application Centres (VACs), digital platforms, communication channels, information counters and digital displays in priority markets.

The collaboration will also include destination presentation programmes, participation in international tourism fairs, business networking initiatives, and engagement with tourism industry stakeholders, travel trade partners and strategic customers.

Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman, Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, said, “On this occasion, I would like to sincerely thank VFS Global for its cooperation and partnership. VFS Global currently operates more than 4,200 centres across 169 countries and territories. This extensive international network provides direct access to numerous source markets and potential visitor segments. I am confident that, through this cooperation framework, the image of and information about Viet Nam as a destination will have greater opportunities for regular, broad and effective visibility across VFS Global’s network, particularly in Viet Nam tourism’s target markets."

Simon Peachey, Chief Operating Officer - China, Australasia and RCIS, VFS Global, said, "We are honoured to partner with the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism to support the promotion of Viet Nam as a leading travel destination. With Viet Nam targeting 45-50 million international visitors by 2030, this long-term partnership comes at an exciting time for the country's tourism sector. By combining VNAT's destination expertise with VFS Global's global reach and trusted customer touchpoints, we aim to inspire more travellers to discover Viet Nam's rich culture, stunning landscapes and unique experiences, while supporting the country's tourism growth ambitions."

As part of its expanding tourism services portfolio, VFS Global has established strong regional and global capabilities that complement its core visa services business. Backed by 16 years of experience in tourism representation and promotion, VFS Global's Tourism Services unit has supported more than 27 destinations worldwide through market development, destination marketing, trade engagement and tourism promotion initiatives.

Viet Nam projects international tourist arrivals to grow by 15-18% annually, targeting 45-50 million visitors by 2030. In 2025, the tourism industry achieved encouraging and remarkable results. For the first time, Viet Nam welcomed more than 21 million international visitors. In 2026, Viet Nam aims to welcome 25-27 million international visitors. India a high-potential source market for Vietnam with strong growth momentum – 0.75 million travellers in 2025; 0.49 million in first six months of 2026.

Michelin Primacy 5 makes India debut

2026-08-04T17:31:09.078+05:30

Ludhiana, August 04, 2026 (News Team): Michelin, the world’s leading tyre technology company, today announced the launch of the MICHELIN Primacy 5 in India, its latest premium tyre engineered for sedans and SUVs. Marking a significant milestone in Michelin’s India journey, the Primacy 5 is also the first Michelin passenger car tyre to be manufactured in the country.

Designed for today's diverse mobility needs, the MICHELIN Primacy 5 combines advanced Michelin tread pattern optimisation and next-generation rubber compounds to deliver long-lasting safety, comfort, handling, and energy efficiency for internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

Speaking during the launch event in Chennai, Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, India’s premium mobility landscape is evolving rapidly, with growing demand for high-performance, safe, and sustainable tyre solutions across sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The launch of the Made-in-India MICHELIN Primacy 5 marks a significant milestone for Michelin in the country and reflects our commitment to delivering products that are tailored to the needs of Indian consumers. Manufactured in India for Indian drivers, the Primacy 5 has been developed and tested on the vehicles most driven in the country, benchmarked against leading competitors, and validated by an independent testing agency. By combining Michelin’s latest global tyre technologies with local manufacturing expertise, the Primacy 5 is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving expectations of Indian motorists for superior safety, longer tyre life, enhanced comfort, energy efficiency, and everyday performance.

India continues to be a key growth market for the Michelin Group, and as we expand our retail presence and strengthen our manufacturing and service ecosystem in the country, we remain committed to bringing world-class mobility solutions closer to our customers while contributing to India's manufacturing ambitions.”

Safety and longevity: Building on Michelin’s legacy in premium passenger mobility, the MICHELIN Primacy 5 delivers enhanced safety with wet braking distances that are up to 8 metres (1) shorter when new and 9 metres (1) shorter when worn, as well as a 4-metre (2) shorter dry braking distance compared to competing tyres in the same category. Reinforcing Michelin’s commitment to safety and performance throughout the tyre lifecycle, the new tyre also delivers 8% (4) more tyre mileage than its predecessor, the MICHELIN Primacy 4ST. Thanks to EverTread and EverGrip technologies delivering best in class grip performance from first to last kilometer without compromising longevity.

Comfort: Michelin Primacy 5 sets benchmark for ride comfort, with a 9% (3) better comfort score compared to competing tyres in the same category. Thanks to new tread pattern design for noise attenuation, this tyre enhances driving experience and comfort without compromising robustness.

EV Ready: Designed, manufactured and tested for the evolving mobility landscape for a diverse market such as India, the MICHELIN Primacy 5 is optimized for both electric (EV)and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. It effectively manages higher torque and weight characteristics of modern vehicles while delivering long-lasting durability, driving comfort, and consistent performance. Featuring Michelin’s signature low-noise performance and enhanced ride quality, the tyre elevates everyday driving comfort. It is good for ICE and great for EV. With a 6.5% improvement in energy efficiency over the MICHELIN Primacy 4ST (5), it supports lower fuel consumption for ICE vehicles and improved range for EVs.

The MICHELIN Primacy 5 was honoured with the coveted "Tyre of the Year 2025" title at the Tyre Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence.

Starting August 2026, MICHELIN Primacy 5 will be available across all MICHELIN Tyres and Service stores and approximately 800 MICHELIN authorised dealers nationwide.

IndiGo Marks its 20th Anniversary with 20,000 Free Tickets for Customers

2026-08-04T15:13:33.993+05:30

Ludhiana, August 04, 2026 (News Team): IndiGo, India’s preferred airline and one of the world’s fastest growing carriers, today celebrates 20 years of giving wings to the nation with a special Happy IndiGo Day offer, 'IndiGoFree', giving away 20,000 free tickets*, up to INR 10,000 per PNR. The offer is applicable for domestic flights booked through IndiGo’s direct channels, including website, http://www.goindigo.in/ , mobile app, or 6Eskai – IndiGo’s AI virtual assistant, between 4 and 6 August 2026.

Eligible customers, selected at random out of bookings made within the offer period, will receive an email and Whatsapp, inviting them to answer a simple question, and get three chances to answer it correctly. All customers who answer correctly will get their booking fares refunded, up to INR 10,000 per PNR, within 3-5 business days. The offer applies to all domestic Economy Class and IndiGoStretch bookings, for both one-way and return journeys.

*Terms & conditions apply. Refer to http://www.goindigo.in/ for more information.