Nilkamal Sleep, the mattress brand from the leading furniture company Nilkamal Limited, has announced its association with Bigg Boss Telugu for the latest season. The partnership brings together two powerful consumer propositions, high-quality sleep and highly engaging entertainment, to create a distinctive brand integration that will see Nilkamal Sleep mattresses take center stage inside the iconic Bigg Boss house for over 100 days.
 

Nilkamal Sleep Enters Bigg Boss Telugu as Official Associate Sponsor

Instagram Video – www.instagram.com/reels/DdJADFwMr2-/ 
 

As part of its association with Bigg Boss Telugu, Nilkamal Sleep is supplying its Bounce Foam Orthopaedic Mattresses across all contestants’ bedrooms in the Bigg Boss house. This deep product integration positions the brand as an everyday essential in the contestants’ lives, delivering superior comfort and support while giving viewers an authentic, season-long view of the mattresses in action.
 

Nilkamal Sleep inside Bigg Boss Telugu house

The partnership also enables Nilkamal Sleep, one of the most loved brands in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana region, to further deepen its connection with audiences through the massive popularity and cultural impact of Bigg Boss Telugu.
 

Nilkamal Sleep inside Bigg Boss Telugu house
 

While the Bigg Boss house is defined by high-octane drama, intense challenges, emotions, and non-stop action, Nilkamal Sleep underscores a simple truth: good days begin with good nights. Whether contestants are navigating challenges, conversations, celebrations, disagreements, or demanding tasks, quality rest is essential for recovery and readiness. Nilkamal Sleep ensures every contestant enjoys an optimal sleeping experience, helping them wake up refreshed and prepared to face whatever the house throws their way.
 

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Parekh – Joint Managing Director, Nilkamal Group said, ”We are thrilled to bring Nilkamal Sleep into the Bigg Boss Telugu house. Big entertainment demands even better rest, making this collaboration a natural fit for both the housemates and the audience.”
 

The partnership is built to go beyond conventional sponsorship visibility. With Nilkamal Sleep mattresses integrated into the contestants’ bedrooms throughout the season, the brand becomes part of the show’s natural narrative.
 

Mr. Parekh further adds, “The scale and regional connect of Bigg Boss Telugu make it an ideal platform for us to deepen awareness and strengthen brand recall in one of our key markets. We see this partnership as a unique opportunity to take the conversation around better sleep from a product proposition to an everyday cultural conversation.”
 

Nilkamal Sleep is the Mattress brand from Nilkamal Limited, offering products designed to support better rest and everyday wellbeing. The brand offers high-quality mattresses, pillows and sleep accessories, backed by a continued focus on innovation, comfort and consumer needs. With its evolving portfolio of sleep solutions, Nilkamal Sleep aims to help consumers discover products that are best suited to their individual sleep preferences and needs. The brand believes in unlocking the power of a good night’s sleep and enabling consumers to wake up refreshed, recharged and ready to embrace every new day.
 

For more information, please visit – www.nilkamalsleep.com

JAL Bath Fittings, one of India’s leading premium bath fittings and sanitaryware brands, has launched a new digital brand film and announced acclaimed actress Wamiqa Gabbi as its official brand ambassador, marking a significant step in the brand’s journey towards strengthening its national presence and connecting with a new generation of design-conscious Indian consumers.

Mr. Vivek Kapoor, Director, JAL Bath Fittings (Left) Mr. Siddhant Kapoor, Director Marketing, JAL Bath Fittings(Right) with Wamiqa Gabbi at the announcement

Focusing on ‘Value Meets Elegance’, the new digital brand film follows Rahul and Priya, an urban, progressive working couple caught in the everyday tug-of-war between style and sensibility. Priya is the queen of experience and aesthetics, always drawn to what looks and feels the best; Rahul is the eternal value-seeker, forever weighing what’s truly worth the money. Their story plays out through a series of relatable misadventures an overpriced coffee that costs them a bomb, a sofa that promised comfort but delivered regret, and a speaker that sounded better in the store than it ever did at home. Every purchase becomes a small tug-of-war between Priya’s love for beauty and Rahul’s instinct for practicality, until their hunt finally leads them to JAL, where they discover both ‘value’ and ‘aesthetics’ for their bathroom fittings and sanitaryware. For Rahul and Priya, JAL resolves the very dilemma they have been living with proving that value and elegance don’t have to be a compromise, they can go hand in hand.

The digital film is live across the brand’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

YouTube – youtu.be/GKtMMcMYhnY?si=MDsHEsVqud5o78jk

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Siddhant Kapoor, Director Marketing, JAL Bath Fittings, said, “Wamiqa embodies everything JAL stands for: quality, elegance, and a quiet confidence that doesn’t need to announce itself. We are thrilled to welcome her to the JAL family and look forward to building something truly meaningful together. With the launch of our new digital film, we are excited to bring this association to life and showcase the shared values of elegance, authenticity and contemporary living.”

The film brings together JAL’s design-led approach to contemporary living with Wamiqa’s effortless, authentic persona and strong pan-India appeal. Her understated sense of style complements JAL’s philosophy of thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and functionality, creating a natural synergy that goes beyond brand visibility to reflect a shared appreciation for simplicity, attention to detail and spaces that balance aesthetics with purpose. At its core, the film reinforces JAL’s positioning as an upper-mid segment brand that delivers aesthetically appealing, quality products while ensuring customers get genuine value for every rupee spent.

Mr. Vivek Kapoor, Director, JAL Bath Fittings, added, “This partnership is a reflection of where JAL is headed. We are not just growing as a brand; we are evolving the conversation around what premium bathroom design means for Indian homes. Wamiqa is the right person to be part of that story.”

Commenting on the association, Ms. Wamiqa Gabbi said, “I have always believed that the spaces we live in say a lot about who we are. JAL creates products that are beautiful, simple, and built to last, and that resonates deeply with me. I am genuinely proud to be associated with a brand that shares those values.”

This comes at a time when Indian homeowners are increasingly viewing bathrooms as an extension of their personal style, rather than purely functional spaces. Through the partnership with Wamiqa, JAL aims to strengthen its presence within this evolving lifestyle narrative, connecting premium bathroom design with the aspirations of consumers who seek modern, considered and personalised living spaces.

As part of the campaign, Wamiqa will feature across JAL’s brand communication spanning print and outdoor platforms, building on the narrative introduced through the new digital film. The association will enable JAL to deepen its engagement with contemporary consumers across markets while bringing its 37-year legacy of design and craftsmanship to a wider audience.

About JAL Bath Fittings

Founded in 1989, JAL Bath Fittings is a premium Indian bath fittings and sanitaryware brand with 37 years of expertise in quality craftsmanship and design innovation. JAL offers a comprehensive portfolio of premium bathroom and kitchen solutions that seamlessly bring together contemporary design, advanced technology, quality engineering and everyday functionality. Its extensive range spans designer faucets, sanitaryware, wellness products including Jacuzzis and bathtubs, storage water heaters, bathroom accessories, showers trusted by homeowners and professionals across India. With a legacy built on quality and design, JAL continues to evolve its offerings in line with the changing needs and aspirations of modern Indian consumers.

Binance, today announced the launch of Binance Traders League Season 4, offering eligible users the opportunity to compete across crypto, bStocks, and Futures for a share of $4 million in rewards. Running from September 9 to October 7, 2026, the latest season brings multiple asset classes together under one unified campaign, giving users more ways to participate in trading challenges and earn rewards.
 

Binance Traders League Season 4
 

Key Highlights

• Total Prize Pool: $4 million equivalent in rewards

• Competition Period: September 9, 2026, 10:00 UTC to October 7, 2026, 09:59 UTC

• Competition Categories: Five tracks including Spot, bStocks, TradFi Perpetuals, Digital Asset Futures, and Side Tasks (Referral and first bstocks trade task)

• Eligible Participants: Verified regular users and Binance VIP users (eligibility varies by category)
   

Competition Breakdown

Side Tasks – $1M USDC Prize Pool

Binance is rewarding user growth and adoption with a dedicated $1 million USDC prize pool distributed on a first-come, first-served basis:
 

• Referral Task: Users who successfully invite a friend to register and complete $100 in cumulative trading volume will each receive up to $10 in USDC token vouchers

• bStocks First Trade Task: Selected new bStocks users who complete $20 in cumulative trading volume on designated pairs can share a $500,000 prize pool, with up to $5 per eligible participant
   

Spot Solo Competition – 1,200 BNB Prize Pool

The Spot Trading Carnival features two rounds with a combined prize pool of 960 BNB, plus an additional 240 BNB in “Sprint Rewards” across four limited-time periods. Participants must achieve at least $500 in trading volume on eligible pairs to qualify. Top performers can win up to 18 BNB per round, with rewards distributed across leaderboard rankings and proportional shares for all eligible participants.
 

Key features include:

• 1.2x multiplier for select trading pairs including ALT/USDT, CATI/USDT, MEME/USDT, and others

• Sprint Reward rounds offering additional prizes for concentrated trading activity

• Updated leaderboards every 2 hours
  ​

bStocks Solo Competition – 708 BNB Prize Pool

Participants can compete by increasing their effective net Assets Under Management (AUM) in bStocks across two rounds totaling 708 BNB in rewards. The competition features an early-bird multiplier system that rewards users who buy and hold bStocks earlier in the campaign period. Eligible users must maintain at least $100 in effective net AUM in bStocks to qualify. Top prize: 52 BNB per round.
 

TradFi Perpetual Contracts Competition – 500,000 USDC Prize Pool

Traders of TradFi perpetual contracts can compete across two rounds for a share of 500,000 USDC. Participants must complete at least $500 in trading volume on designated TradFi perpetual contracts. The first-place winner in each round receives 37,500 USDC, with rewards distributed to the top 50 participants and proportional shares for all remaining eligible participants.
 

Digital Asset Futures Competition – 1,416 BNB Prize Pool

The Global Digital Assets Futures Trading Competition ranks participants based on cumulative valid trading volume on designated Digital Assets Futures pairs. The top 300 eligible participants will share the 1,416 BNB prize pool proportionally across two rounds.
 

Notable features:

• 1.2x bonus multiplier for BNB and select token Futures contracts

• 0.5x multiplier for API trading volume and USDC-margined contracts

• Minimum $500 trading volume required
   

Eligibility and Participation

All verified regular users and Binance VIP users can participate in spot trading challenges, while verified regular users and Binance VIP 1-6 users are eligible for Futures, bStocks, and TradFi challenge campaigns. Users must register by clicking the “Join Now” button on the campaign landing page and meet specific participation requirements for each category.
 

Liquidity providers in Binance Spot and Futures Liquidity Provider Programs, as well as Binance Brokers, are not eligible to participate.
 

Reward Distribution

• Side task rewards will be distributed within 48 hours after task completion

• All other rewards will be distributed as token vouchers before October 22, 2026

• Winners can redeem rewards via Profile > Rewards Hub

• Token vouchers expire 21 days after distribution
  ​

Important Notes

• Digital asset prices are subject to high market risk and price volatility

• Futures trading carries additional risks including margin calls and potential liquidation

• bStocks tokenized securities are classified as Certificates representing certain Financial Instruments and are available only to eligible users in permitted jurisdictions through an Approved Prospectus in the ADGM

• Participants should carefully review all terms and conditions, eligibility requirements, and jurisdictional restrictions before participating
  ​

For complete rules, eligible trading pairs, detailed reward structures, and to register for the competition, refer to the announcement page or visit the official Binance Traders League Season 4 campaign page.

Binance reserves the right in its sole discretion to amend or cancel this announcement at any time and for any reasons without prior notice.
 

Disclaimer: Digital asset prices are subject to high market risk and price volatility. The value of your investment may go down or up, and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. You should only invest in products you are familiar with and where you understand the risks. You should carefully consider your investment experience, financial situation, investment objectives and risk tolerance and consult an independent financial adviser prior to making any investment. Futures trading, in particular, is subject to high market risk and price volatility (and in the case of TradFi Perps, particularly outside traditional market hours). TradFi Perps do not represent ownership of the relevant underlying asset. You may be called upon at short notice to make additional margin deposits or interest payments. If the required margin deposits or interest payments are not made within the prescribed time, your collateral may be liquidated. Moreover, you will remain liable for any resulting deficit in your account and interest charged on your account. All of your margin balance may be liquidated in the event of adverse price movement. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of his/her future performance. In no way is performance or results guaranteed. Content on our platform does not contain advice or recommendations. This material should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Futures trading is restricted in certain countries and to certain users.
 

bStocks tokenized securities are classified as Certificates representing certain Financial Instruments (paragraph 92, Schedule 1 to FSMR). bStocks are not stocks or shares and bStocks do not allow holders to directly own a share or stock in the underlying listed company. bStocks do not represent any affiliation with the underlying asset’s issuer. bStocks are offered through an Approved Prospectus in the ADGM and are not offered in any other jurisdiction. No public offer is made outside of the ADGM. Tokenized securities are available only to eligible users in permitted jurisdictions on a secondary market basis only. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that accessing and trading tokenized securities is lawful in your jurisdiction before proceeding. Accessing this product from a jurisdiction in which it is prohibited or restricted does not create any liability or obligation on the part of Binance. We may restrict, suspend, reject, cancel, or unwind access or transactions if we determine, in our sole discretion, that your access or transaction may breach applicable law, product restrictions, eligibility criteria, sanctions requirements, or the relevant offering documents. Tokenized securities may be held and transferred on-chain outside the CSD environment.
 

The transfer of tokenized securities back into the CSD environment is subject to conditions and you may be unable to trade, redeem or otherwise deal with the tokenized securities within the CSD environment if such conditions are not fulfilled.
 

No information displayed in connection with tokenized securities is intended as an offer, solicitation, promotion, recommendation, or invitation to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction. Tokenized securities are not offered, sold, distributed, made available, or accessible in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons. The tokenized securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or any U.S. state securities laws and a public offering of bStocks will not be conducted in the United States or any other jurisdiction (other than the ADGM). By accessing this product, you represent and warrant that you are not a U.S. person, are not located in the United States, are not acting for the account or benefit of any U.S. person, and will not access, purchase, sell, transfer, redeem, or otherwise transact in tokenized securities from within the United States.
 

To learn more about how to protect yourself, visit our Responsible Trading page.
 

For more information, see the Terms of Use, Exchange Rules, Exchange Procedures, relevant Prospectus (if applicable to you and understanding that the offer is only made in ADGM, no public offer is being made elsewhere and viewing the prospectus does not constitute an invitation or solicitation outside ADGM), bStocks Minting and Redemption Product Terms, Admission to Trading Notice and Risk Warning, on the announcement page disclaimer section.
 

This content is not intended for users/countries to which restrictions apply.
 

About Binance

Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 300 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings—from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world, with crypto as the fundamental means.
 

For more information, visit www.binance.com.

How do you make a new brand identity part of everyday spaces where consumers can encounter it? Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is bringing its latest brand transformation into the everyday environments of consumers as part of its wider Master Brand Launch.

Crompton’s Master Brand Refresh – OOH Campaign
 

The OOH campaign is part of Crompton’s broader marketing rollout, which includes Print and Digital and introduces the brand’s new visual identity and the tagline “Amazing, Every Day.” The new identity reflects Crompton’s evolution into an innovation-led, consumer-centric business. Through the integrated campaign, Crompton aims to build awareness of the new identity, broaden awareness of its product range and drive consideration among a wider consumer audience.

OOH plays a critical role in complementing reach-building media by bringing the brand into the everyday environments where consumers spend time. As part of an integrated media approach, it helps reinforce the new brand identity and promise beyond traditional touchpoints, building familiarity and strengthening consideration for the brand. For Crompton, the OOH campaign extends the reach of the Master Brand Launch into high-footfall locations, creating a consistent brand presence across the consumer journey.

Across the four markets – Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi NCR – the campaign spans premium billboards, transit hubs, key arterial roads and high-footfall urban locations, bringing the new Crompton identity to prominent consumer touchpoints.

The refreshed visual identity has been adapted across multiple outdoor formats, including airports and buses, using Crompton’s new colour palette, visual system and Cephyr – Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals’ new logo to create a distinctive and recognisable presence.

Commenting on the campaign, Tanmay Prusty, Chief Marketing Officer, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., said, “A brand identity becomes meaningful when consumers begin to recognise it in the spaces they encounter as part of their everyday lives. That is why OOH is an important part of our Master Brand Launch. By placing the refreshed Crompton identity across high-visibility locations and transit environments, we are able to reach consumers at multiple points in their daily journeys and build repeated exposure to the new brand expression. The campaign is designed to strengthen familiarity and recall while bringing the refreshed Crompton closer to consumers across our key markets.”

Launched in mid-August for a 30-day period, the campaign forms part of Crompton’s wider Master Brand Launch.

About Crompton

With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers. Beyond its consumer portfolio, Crompton also has a robust B2B presence in the Lighting segment, delivering advanced and energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. In 2025, Crompton became the first lighting company to receive the GreenPro certification for its B2B lighting solution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Strengthening its foothold in the renewable energy space, the company has forayed into solar rooftops—representing a significant step forward in its contribution to India’s evolving clean energy landscape. With solar solutions spanning lighting, pumps, and rooftops, Crompton continues to lead as a responsible and future-ready brand in sustainable energy.

The company’s consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the company’s storage water heater in 2023. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of India’s Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.

As outdoor spaces increasingly become an extension of the home, lighting is playing an important role in defining their look and ambience. Recognising this evolving need, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited, renowned for its dedication to quality and innovative lighting solutions, has introduced its latest WallSmile Outdoor Deco Wall Light Range. Designed to bring together contemporary aesthetics, durability and functionality, the collection offers a premium lighting experience for modern outdoor spaces.

Crompton launches Outdoor Deco Wall Light Range

Consumers today are looking for outdoor lighting solutions that complement their surroundings while delivering dependable performance. Addressing this need, Crompton’s WallSmile Outdoor Deco Wall Light Range combines modern design with features designed for outdoor use, helping enhance the ambience, appearance and functionality of a variety of spaces. The range is suitable for applications including balconies, porches, poolside areas, lobbies, parking spaces, as well as accent and display lighting.

Crompton’s WallSmile Outdoor Deco Wall Light Range includes a diverse range of products which elevate the overall experience of the consumer:

• WallSmile Linea: Featuring a sleek, cylindrical form, Linea brings a refined and contemporary aesthetic to outdoor walls. The 6W wall light is designed to complement modern exteriors while adding a subtle decorative element.

• WallSmile Nexo: Designed in both round and square forms, Nexo brings a contemporary aesthetic to modern outdoor spaces. The 5W wall light adds character to exterior spaces while maintaining a clean, sophisticated look.

• WallSmile Prism: Defined by its bold, elongated profile, Prism makes a contemporary statement on outdoor walls. The 4W wall light combines a distinctive form with a premium visual appeal, making it suited to spaces where lighting is also part of the décor.

• WallSmile Halo: Featuring an elegant oval form, Halo creates an interplay of light and shadow that adds visual interest to outdoor surroundings. The 5W wall light brings a contemporary decorative touch to modern exteriors.

Designed to enhance the overall outdoor lighting experience, the WallSmile Outdoor Deco Wall Light Range combines its contemporary designs with features that support reliable performance in outdoor environments. The range is water resistant with IP54 protection and offers surge protection of up to 3kV, along with an elegant build and easy installation. It also features No UV/IR, CRI >80, long-lasting durability and BIS registration, and comes with a one-year warranty. Together, these features bring a balance of aesthetics, durability and functionality to outdoor lighting.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Shaleen Nayak, Business Unit Head – Lighting, Solar Rooftop & Wires, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd, said, “At Crompton, we believe lighting should do more than illuminate a space; it should enhance the way the space looks, feels and is experienced. As outdoor areas become an increasingly important part of modern homes, consumers are looking for solutions that bring together design, functionality and durability. With the WallSmile Outdoor Deco Wall Light Range, we have brought together contemporary aesthetics and dependable outdoor performance to create lighting that complements a wide range of outdoor settings. This launch is a reflection of our continued endeavour to develop thoughtful lighting solutions that respond to evolving consumer needs while adding greater value to everyday spaces.”

The WallSmile Outdoor Deco Wall Light Range will be available through Crompton-authorised retail outlets across India and leading e-commerce platforms.

The price range of the products is as follows:

With its combination of contemporary designs, outdoor-ready features and premium aesthetics, the WallSmile Outdoor Deco Wall Light Range offers consumers a stylish way to enhance the beauty, ambience and functionality of their outdoor spaces.

About Crompton

With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions, and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after-sales service to its customers. Beyond its consumer portfolio, Crompton also has a robust B2B presence in the Lighting segment, delivering advanced and energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. In 2025, Crompton became the first lighting company to receive the GreenPro certification for its B2B lighting solution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Strengthening its foothold in the renewable energy space, the company has forayed into solar rooftops—representing a significant step forward in its contribution to India’s evolving clean energy landscape. With solar solutions spanning lighting, pumps, and rooftops, Crompton continues to lead as a responsible and future-ready brand in sustainable energy.

The company’s consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the company’s storage water heater in 2023. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of India’s Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2022’ by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.

Piston, a cardless payments platform that connects commercial fleets and gas stations, today announced it has raised USD 15 million in Series A funding. FPV Ventures led the round, with participation from existing investors Spark Capital and Pear VC. The financing brings Piston’s total capital raised to USD 22.5 million.

Piston co-founders Vikram Sekhon and Shivam Shah raise USD 15M in Series A funding, led by FPV Ventures, to scale cardless payments and logistics infrastructure across the U.S.

The round follows a year of rapid growth for Piston. Payment volume increased 8x year over year, while its merchant network grew 40x and customer retention remained at 98%. Piston is now deployed at more than 2,000 stations across 48 states. Its point-of-sale integrations are also certified and live across systems covering more than 95% of U.S. merchant fuel sites.

“Commercial fuel still runs on payment technology built for another era,” said Vikram Sekhon, Co-founder and CEO of Piston. “Fleet fuel fraud is a physical card problem, disguised as a detection issue. We removed the card and built a network that authorizes every purchase for a specific driver and vehicle at the point of sale. This round lets us expand that infrastructure until no commercial driver has to ask whether a station accepts Piston.“

The more than USD 900 billion trucking industry still relies heavily on payment infrastructure built around physical cards. For fleets, that can mean persistent fraud, limited visibility into spending, and time-consuming reconciliation. Now, Piston offers fleet owners real-time visibility into fuel spending as it happens, without issuing or managing physical cards. And merchants gain direct access to commercial fuel demand, lower transaction costs, and the opportunity to capture the in-store purchases that come with repeat fleet traffic.

The two-sided network was built from firsthand experience. Vikram and co-founder Shivam Shah previously operated fleets and dealt directly with fuel-card fraud, hidden costs, and administrative burden. Sekhon’s fleet remains the first environment in which Piston validates and tests new features.

Piston’s India presence has also grown alongside the company’s expansion in the U.S. Its Kolkata office, which was launched in April 2023 with a team of five, has since grown into a 25+ member hub and is home to the company’s entire engineering team. The Kolkata team plays a central role in building and scaling the technology infrastructure that powers Piston’s payments network across the U.S.

“Fuel is one of the largest B2B spend categories in America, and every transaction still runs through decades-old card infrastructure,” said Nikunj Kothari, Partner at FPV Ventures. “Piston moves that money over its own rails, with no card networks or intermediaries in between. Vikram ran hundreds of trucks and felt this pain every day, and Shivam recruited thousands of drivers before they wrote a line of code. This is a new payment network in a massive market, built by the people who actually lived the problem.”

Piston is also extending its real-time controls with two AI products. Piston Guard evaluates each transaction for anomalies and can flag or block suspected fraudulent spending before it is completed. The Piston Analytics Agent allows fleet owners to better understand their spending data and uncover patterns without spending hours on manual analysis.

“Vikram and Shivam understood this market from the operator’s seat before they ever approached it as founders,” said Shravan Reddy, Partner at Pear VC. “Piston has translated that insight into exceptional growth, strong retention, and a network that creates value for both fleets and merchants. We are proud to continue backing the company in its next growth phase.”

Piston will use the new capital to accelerate the national build-out of its payments network, advance product development, and add senior leaders across key areas of the business. Over the next 18 months, the company aims to establish coverage across every U.S. region. The expansion will also lay the groundwork for Piston to move beyond fuel into broader logistics payments infrastructure.

The Series A also marks the next phase of Piston’s India story: a company serving a highly specialized U.S. logistics market while building its core technology from Kolkata. As Piston scales its payments network nationally, its Kolkata engineering team will continue to be central to the product and technology roadmap.

About Piston

Piston is a fully cardless payments network connecting commercial fleets with gas stations and convenience stores. Its secure mobile authorization technology is built directly into the point of sale, eliminating skimming fraud and lowering transaction costs on both sides of the pump. Merchants gain access to high-margin commercial fuel volume and increased in-store sales, while fleet owners receive real-time visibility into every gallon purchased, tied to a specific driver and vehicle. Piston is live at more than 2,000 stations across 48 states and is backed by FPV Ventures, Spark Capital, and Pear VC. The company is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Learn more at www.piston.com.

• The customer-led initiative took the New Holland 3630 TX Super Plus+ closer to farming communities across Haryana and Punjab through customer interactions, field engagements, tractor rallies and product showcases. 

• Connected over 1,500 farmers across Haryana and Punjab while generating more than 35 lakh organic digital views through Rocky Shahpuria and regional influencer collaborations. 

• Brought alive the spirit of ‘Zindagi Super Plus’, the philosophy behind the New Holland 3630 TX Super Plus+.

New Holland, a brand of CNH, has successfully completed its unique farmer-to-farmer engagement initiative, ‘Super Safar’, a journey that celebrated the trust, experiences and aspirations of farmers across Haryana and Punjab. Led by New Holland customer and digital creator Rocky Shahpuria, the campaign took the New Holland 3630 TX Super Plus+ directly into farming communities, creating meaningful interactions with over 1,500 farmers through customer meets, field engagements, tractor rallies and dealership activations.
 

New Holland brings ‘Super Safar’ to Haryana and Punjab, celebrating a customer-led journey
 

Spanning over 500 km, the campaign covered more than 10 districts across key agricultural markets in Haryana and Punjab. The customized 3630 Super Plus+ caravan travelled through Gohana, Jind, Narwana, Patran/Moonak, Sangrur/Sunam, Barnala, Jagraon, Nakodar/Jalandhar and Amritsar. The campaign highlighted the 3630 TX Super Plus+ proposition across key pillars including Performance+, Power+, Savings+, Service+, Style+ and Safety+, while reinforcing the brand philosophy of ‘Zindagi Super Plus’, which reflects New Holland’s commitment to helping farmers achieve more in every aspect of their lives.

What made the initiative particularly unique was Rocky Shahpuria’s deep association with the New Holland 3630 TX Super Plus+. Known for his travel-focused content and long-distance journeys, Rocky transformed his own 3630 TX Super Plus+ into a customized caravan and undertook the journey across Haryana and Punjab aboard the tractor itself. His decision to use the tractor as a travel companion reflects the confidence, comfort and trust he has developed in the machine through real-world usage. The campaign therefore went beyond a conventional brand association, showcasing an authentic customer experience that resonated strongly with farming communities.

Commenting on the initiative, Tarun Khanna, Director – Marketing (AG) India, New Holland, said, “At New Holland, we believe the strongest endorsement of a tractor comes from the farmers who use it every day. Rocky’s decision to convert his own 3630 TX Super Plus+ into a travelling caravan and take it directly to farming communities made this initiative especially authentic, as it reflected genuine customer confidence in the product. Through Super Safar, the journey brought alive the spirit of ‘Zindagi Super Plus’ by showcasing how the 3630 Tx Super Plus+ contributes to farmers’ aspirations, livelihoods and everyday success.”

Rocky Shahpuria, New Holland Customer & Influencer, said, “The New Holland 3630 TX Super Plus has been a trusted companion in my journey. When I decided to convert my tractor into a customized caravan and travel with it, I wanted to demonstrate my confidence in the machine beyond the farm. Through Super Safar, I had the opportunity to meet fellow farmers, hear their stories and share my own experience with a tractor that has become an integral part of my life. The response from farmers across Haryana and Punjab has been truly overwhelming.”
 

Haryana and Punjab remain important markets for New Holland, with their strong agricultural base and high levels of farm mechanization making them strategically significant to the brand’s growth and customer engagement agenda. The region also represents a diverse set of farming requirements, from field preparation and sowing to haulage and other agricultural applications, creating a strong environment to demonstrate the versatility and performance of the 3630 TX Super Plus+

About New Holland
For over 125 years, New Holland has supported farmers with the technology, solutions and services they need for productive agriculture. It has a history of driving innovation, providing the answers to customer needs with a broad range of agricultural and light construction equipment. With proven production machines that utilize the latest alternative fuel technology to power the sustainable revolution in farming, we are the sector’s Clean Energy Leader. Our expertise and innovations are backed by precision connected services and supported by a dedicated and global dealer network with a strong territory presence.

With you, Season after Season.
  
New Holland is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNH) a world-class equipment, technology and services company. More information about CNH can be found online at www.cnh.com 

Ai+ Smartphone today announced its association with Rajouri Garden Metro Station, bringing the brand into one of Delhi’s most prominent everyday commuter touchpoints. As part of the association, the station will take on the branded identity “Ai+ NOVA Smartphone Rajouri Garden Metro Station”.

Ai+ Smartphone Takes Over Rajouri Garden Metro Station in Landmark Delhi Metro Association

The integration puts Ai+ at the heart of one of Delhi NCR’s most familiar everyday environments, taking the brand beyond conventional advertising and into the daily journeys of consumers.

The association will extend beyond the station itself, with in-metro announcements across the Delhi Metro network introducing the station as “Ai+ NOVA SMARTPHONE Rajouri Garden Metro Station” in both English and Hindi, creating repeated audio recall for the brand as commuters travel across the city. Additionally, all entry gates at Rajouri Garden Metro Station will feature prominent Ai+ NOVA SMARTPHONE branding, welcoming commuters with the message, “Welcome to Ai+ NOVA Smartphone Rajouri Garden Metro Station.”

Archi Gogoi, Head of Brand, Marketing & Growth, Ai+ Smartphone, said “With Ai+ NOVA Smartphone Rajouri Garden Metro Station, we are taking Ai+ beyond the smartphone screen and making it part of how millions of people move through the city every day. For a young brand, putting our name on an iconic part of Delhi’s everyday infrastructure is a significant moment and reflects the scale of our ambition for Ai+ Smartphone.”

The association is part of Ai+ Smartphone’s broader approach to building the brand through high-impact consumer touchpoints that create visibility, familiarity and recall at scale. By embedding the Ai+ NOVA SMARTPHONE identity into a high-frequency commuter environment, the brand aims to create a connection that extends beyond traditional media and digital platforms.

The initiative also marks the latest step in Ai+ Smartphone’s growing consumer presence as the brand expands through new products, strategic partnerships and cultural integrations across India.

With Ai+ NOVA Smartphone Rajouri Garden Metro Station, Ai+ is turning an everyday commute into an everyday brand experience – one journey at a time.

About Ai+ Smartphone

Ai+ Smartphone is a next-generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

About Ai+ and NxtQuantum Shift Technologies

NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is designed, engineered and developed in India while remaining globally competitive.

Chitkara Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CCIE), Chitkara University, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chandigarh Angels Network (CAN) to strengthen the entrepreneurial journey of student and alumni founders and create structured pathways from startup creation to investment readiness.

Chitkara University and Chandigarh Angels Network ink MoU to empower student-led Deep-tech  & innovative Startups

The collaboration will provide aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with greater access to experienced mentors, investors and industry practitioners. As part of the partnership, quarterly pitching sessions will be organised for deep-tech and AI focused student startups, giving emerging founders a regular platform to present their ventures, demonstrate their solutions, receive investor feedback and explore potential funding opportunities.

Through these structured engagements, student founders will gain exposure to the expectations of the investment community while developing their ability to articulate their business models, market opportunities, technology propositions, scalability and growth potential.

With a network of more than 70 investors, a portfolio spanning 46 companies and over seven successful exits, Chandigarh Angels Network brings considerable investment and operating experience to the partnership. Its engagement with Chitkara University will add an important investor-facing dimension to the University’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-Founder, Chitkara University, said, “A strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is built by creating meaningful opportunities for young founders to learn, test, present and grow. Our collaboration with Chandigarh Angels Network will help our student and alumni entrepreneurs move beyond developing promising ideas towards building ventures that are capable of creating sustained value. The quarterly pitching sessions, particularly for our deep-tech and AI innovators, will give them an opportunity to engage directly with investors, understand what makes a venture investment-ready and learn from experienced professionals. We believe that access to the right ecosystem at the right stage can significantly shape the journey of a founder.”

The quarterly pitching sessions will serve as a recurring founder–investor interface, enabling promising deep-tech and AI ventures from Chitkara University to showcase their work to members of CAN’s investor network. The sessions will also create opportunities for constructive feedback, mentorship and potential investor engagement.

The partnership will further focus on structured mentorship, investor interactions, pitch opportunities and exposure to market-oriented perspectives. It will enable entrepreneurs to better understand the fundamentals of building scalable and sustainable ventures while giving investors greater visibility into emerging technologies and solutions being developed within the University ecosystem.

The collaboration reflects Chitkara University’s continued emphasis on entrepreneurship as an integral part of higher education, where students are encouraged not only to develop ideas but also to validate them, build viable ventures and engage with the larger innovation and investment ecosystem.

Through CCIE, the University has been building an ecosystem that brings together student innovators, founders, mentors, industry experts and investors. The association with Chandigarh Angels Network further strengthens this ecosystem by creating a direct interface between emerging founders and the investment community.

The partnership is expected to contribute to a more connected entrepreneurship ecosystem at Chitkara University, enabling student and alumni founders to move with greater clarity from idea to venture, venture to market, and market to investment.

About Chitkara University

Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality and emerging technology fields. For Class 11 and 12 students planning higher education, the University provides industry-aligned programs designed to combine academic excellence with practical exposure.

The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities and global collaborations, supported by modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange and collaborative research opportunities.

Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad.

For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in