Business - The Purbottar

30 Jul

Vi Foundation, Ericsson launch Robotsav to boost robotics and AI learning

Business BureauBusiness

Vi Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Vodafone Idea, has partnered with Ericsson to launch Robotsav – The Festival of Technology, an inter-school robotics platform aimed at expanding robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) education for students across India. Developed under the Robotics Lab Programme in collaboration with knowledge partner Moinee Foundation, the initiative seeks to make STEM learning more engaging through a mix of digital and hands-on experiences. The newly launched Robotsav website offers students nationwide access to quizzes, essay-writing competitions, blogs and curated learning resources covering robotics, AI, 3D printing, programming, virtual reality and generative AI. Designed as…

30 Jul

TVS Motor launches junior racing programme with Apache RR 200 Mini

Business BureauBusiness

TVS Motor Company has launched the TVS Apache Junior Programme, a grassroots motorsport initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young racing talent in India. As part of the programme, the company has handed over 10 TVS Apache RR 200 Mini motorcycles to the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), which will use them to train aspiring racers aged 10 to 14 years under a structured rider development programme. The initiative offers professional coaching at the Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA), where participants will receive training on specially developed Apache RR 200 Mini motorcycles under the guidance of experienced instructors and TVS…

30 Jul

Vi launches Rs. 200 entertainment pack with 20 OTT platforms and 30GB data

Business BureauBusiness

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has introduced a new prepaid entertainment pack priced at Rs. 200, offering access to 20 OTT platforms, more than 200 live TV channels, 30GB of high-speed data and unlimited 5G data with a validity of 28 days. The telecom operator said the new Vi Movies & TV value pack is aimed at simplifying digital entertainment by bringing multiple streaming services under a single recharge. The pack includes access to popular OTT platforms such as JioHotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Lionsgate Play, ShemarooMe, ManoramaMAX, FanCode, Playflix, Klikk, Atrangii, Chaupal, OTTplay Live, Pocket Films, YuppTV, Addatimes, KancchaLannka, TimesPlay and NextGTV, among…

30 Jul

Star Health expands monsoon healthcare services in Bihar as home care demand surges

Business BureauBusiness

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd. has intensified its healthcare outreach in Bihar for the monsoon season after recording a five-fold increase in Home Healthcare utilisation for fever and infectious diseases in FY25-26, reflecting rising demand for preventive and home-based medical services. The health insurer also reported strong nationwide adoption of its recently launched Virtual OPD platform, with more customers opting for online consultations as their first point of medical care. The company has strengthened access to its healthcare ecosystem by enabling policyholders to contact the "Talk to Star" helpline at 7200 222 333 for guided Home Healthcare and…

30 Jul

Indriya showcases heritage-inspired jewellery at India Couture Week with House of Masaba

Business BureauBusiness

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, partnered with House of Masaba to unveil an exclusive jewellery collection at India Couture Week 2026, marking the designer label's first-ever bridal couture showcase. The collaboration highlighted a blend of India's traditional jewellery craftsmanship with contemporary bridal fashion, presenting designs inspired by diverse regional art forms and cultural heritage. The curated collection featured classic yellow gold jewellery, heirloom-inspired antique pieces, temple jewellery with intricate nakshi work, Rajasthan's iconic aads, delicate filigree craftsmanship, ceremonial maangtikas, and coloured gemstones set in gold. Alongside these traditional elements, the showcase also presented modern silhouettes designed for contemporary lifestyles. Every piece…

29 Jul

TVS Motor posts record FY26 performance, eyes global expansion and EV growth

Business BureauBusiness

TVS Motor Company reported its strongest-ever annual performance, with Chairman Sudarshan Venu announcing record sales, revenue and profitability at the company's Annual General Meeting while outlining an ambitious roadmap focused on international expansion, electric mobility, premium motorcycles and technology-led innovation. The company sold a record 5.89 million vehicles during FY2025-26, marking a 24 per cent year-on-year increase. Revenue rose to an all-time high of ₹47,270 crore, while EBITDA touched a record ₹6,079 crore. TVS Motor's international business also strengthened significantly, with sales crossing 1.59 million units, contributing more than a quarter of total revenue. The company now has a presence…

29 Jul

Tibetans in Northeast oppose China’s ethnic law, renew call for Tibet’s freedom

Business BureauBusiness

Tibetans living in Northeast India have voiced strong opposition to China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, calling it an attempt to suppress Tibetan identity and urging the restoration of Tibet's freedom. The appeal follows the self-immolation of 52-year-old Tibetan activist LobgaRangzen outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City on July 2. According to a statement issued by Tibetans residing in Northeast India, the protest was directed against China's occupation of Tibet and what they described as the use of legal measures to criminalise Tibetan resistance. The statement said the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, which came into force…

29 Jul

NPCI Plans Privacy Boost for UPI, Phone Numbers May Be Masked on Payment Apps

sunny EditorBusiness

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which manages the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem, is working on privacy enhancements for digital payments. Under the proposed changes, UPI apps and banks may soon be required to mask users’ phone numbers during transactions. According to reports, NPCI has already directed UPI apps and partner banks to begin preparations for hiding users’ mobile numbers. The move is aimed at ensuring that digital payment platforms comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which focuses on the collection, storage and sharing of personal information. As per a Moneycontrol report, the government is…

29 Jul

Monsoon raises vehicle risks in Assam, insurers stress comprehensive coverage

Business BureauBusiness

With persistent rainfall and flooding affecting several parts of Assam, vehicle owners are being advised to take extra precautions to protect their vehicles from water-related damage and avoid disruptions during the monsoon season. Insurance provider Tata AIG General Insurance on Tuesday urged motorists to avoid waterlogged roads, check weather and traffic conditions before travelling, maintain tyres and brakes, and ensure essential vehicle systems are in good working condition to minimise the risk of accidents and breakdowns. The company said comprehensive motor insurance policies can provide financial protection against flood-related damages, while add-on covers such as Engine Secure, Zero Depreciation, Consumables…

29 Jul

Tech Leaders Urge White House to Support Pacing Mechanisms for Rapidly Advancing AI

anuprova EditorBusiness

Over 1,100 employees and executives from top artificial intelligence laboratories—including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta—have signed an open letter asking the U.S. government to help build international tools to manage the speed of frontier AI development. Titled "Pacing the Frontier," the petition urges Washington to spearhead an international effort to establish governance and technical mechanisms capable of deliberately slowing progress if automated AI research accelerates beyond human control. The signatories warning focuses heavily on recursive self-improvement, wherein autonomous AI systems design, code, and refine their successors without human oversight, potentially creating risks that outpace existing security safeguards and safety protocols.…