Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Limited (“Axis Max Life”/ “Company”), has extended its Smart Term Plan Plus (UIN: 104N127V04), to students. This Term Plan enables young adults pursuing higher education to secure a life cover of up to INR 2 Crore, far exceeding the nominal limits usually available to non-earning individuals.

Axis Max Life extends Term Plan to Students; Expands Early-Age Protection to Secure India’s Young Adults

By aiming to shift the entry point of life insurance from the average age of 35 to 18 years, Axis Max Life is trying to address a critical protection gap. Previously, young adults in graduation or post-graduation were excluded from the protection net due to a lack of personal income proof. This proposition bridges that gap, fostering financial discipline well before the nation’s future workforce enters the full-time job market. For these customers, it is an opportunity to lock in lower premiums, thus gaining a lifelong head start.

Vaibhav Kumar, Senior Vice President and Head – Product Management and E-Commerce Channel, Axis Max Life, said, “To realize the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,‘ we must expand the protection net to evolving segments. Following our successful term plan for women, this student-centric proposition is a natural progression in our journey to cover students as first-time customers.

By introducing life cover at an early-life stage, we are redefining insurance as a milestone of financial maturity rather than a tax-saving instrument. While students may lack verifiable income proofs, their potential is immense; where through innovative underwriting processes, we are allowing them to lock in lower premiums and secure their future early. This initiative ensures India’s youth start their professional journey with a foundation of security for their families, right from their formative years.”

The proposition also offers comprehensive protection through an Accidental Death & Dismemberment Rider (UIN: 104B027V05) and Critical Illness and Disability Rider (UIN:104B033V02) providing students with access to health check-ups and mental health counseling.

From a family wealth perspective, this move acts as a strategic masterstroke, helping customers avoid the significantly higher cumulative costs of delaying protection coverage by a decade. Supported by digital-first underwriting leveraging parental ITRs and Video Medical Examination (MER), this frictionless onboarding fosters a ripple effect of financial discipline among Gen-Z. Ultimately, this early immersion creates an insured and aware citizenry essential to achieving the national goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047.’

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (https://www.axismaxlife.com)

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.

• The recognition was independently evaluated by LeadCap Ventures, a global research and consulting firm.

• The assessment drew nearly 70% responses from former employees alongside current staff, evaluating key workplace parameters such as leadership, culture, learning and development.

Kauvery Hospital, a leading network of multi-specialty hospitals across South India, has been named among India’s Most Preferred Workplaces 2025-26 in the healthcare, pharma and biotech sector by Team Marksmen, a media, research and insights organisation.

Most Preferred Place to Work

The recognition forms part of Team Marksmen’s annual Most Preferred Workplace initiative, which celebrates organisations known for high-trust, high-performance cultures driven by strong leadership and people-first values. The evaluation was independently carried out by LeadCap Ventures, a leading global research, advisory and consulting firm.

The assessment combined in-depth market research with anonymous employee perception studies across key workplace dimensions, including leadership, culture, employee wellbeing, learning and development, inclusion, and digital transformation. This recognition reinforces Kauvery Hospital’s commitment to creating a future-ready, human-centric workplace while delivering exceptional care to patients across South India.

Notably, nearly 70 per cent of the survey respondents were former employees, along with current employees, ensuring unbiased and credible feedback that provided authentic insights into Kauvery Hospital’s workplace practices and culture.

In his comments, Dr S Manivannan, said, “Being recognised among the Most Preferred Workplaces in Healthcare 2025–26 is a meaningful affirmation of our belief that exceptional care begins with empowered people. At Kauvery Hospital, we have consciously invested in our culture, our people and technology to build a workplace where collaboration, learning, inclusion and wellbeing thrive. The fact that this recognition is shaped by insights from both current and former employees makes it especially significant, as it reflects the consistency of our workplace practices and the values we stand by. This honour truly belongs to our teams, whose dedication and commitment enable us to innovate, lead and deliver compassionate care every day.”

KGI Bengaluru, a renowned health care education institution inaugurated its state-of-the-art VR Skill and Simulation Lab in collaboration with MediSim VR, a leading Indian innovator in AI-driven immersive simulation, marking a major milestone in institutional commitment in delivering competency-based education, and patient-safety training.

MediSim VR and Krupanidhi Group of Institutions Announce Strategic Collaboration to Advance Immersive Medical and Healthcare Training in India

The newly inaugurated facility is designed to integrate advanced immersive virtual reality and simulation into formal health science education, enabling learners to train repeatedly in realistic, high-risk clinical scenarios without compromising patient safety. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to bridge long-standing gaps in traditional training models, particularly in a country where scale, diversity of learners, and variability in clinical exposure continue to pose systemic challenges.

The inauguration was held in the august presence of Dr. Bhagavan B.C., Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, underscoring the academic and institutional significance of this initiative. Senior leadership from Krupanidhi Group of Institutions and members of simulation education ecosystem also attended the event, reinforcing the importance of industry–academia partnerships in shaping future-ready healthcare professionals.

Prof Dr Suresh Nagpal, Chairman, Krupanidhi Group of Institutions remarked, “The establishment of the VR Skill and Simulation Lab reflects our institutional vision to continuously upgrade academic infrastructure in line with emerging technologies. By partnering with MediSim VR, we are equipping our students with experiential learning tools that strengthen clinical preparedness, ethical decision-making, and real-world readiness from the earliest stages of training.”

Dr. Adith Chinnaswami, Co-Founder and COO of MediSim VR, emphasized that India’s healthcare education must shift from observation-based learning to experience-driven mastery, where immersive simulation enables students to make decisions, learn from errors, and build clinical judgment in a safe, realistic environment. He noted that technology and innovation in skill training is becoming foundational to India’s healthcare, medical education, and global competitiveness, and said the partnership aims to help Indian institutions adopt globally aligned, cutting-edge learning infrastructure that remains relevant to India’s clinical realities. The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor – Dr Bhagavan B C, appreciated the institution’s commitment to innovation and quality in nursing education and emphasized the role of such advanced learning environments in building clinical competence, confidence, and patient safety.

This collaboration assumes national relevance at a time when India is prioritising quality, safety, and standardisation in healthcare education under broader policy frameworks such as digital health, skill development, and technology-enabled learning. By embedding immersive simulation into institutional curricula, the initiative sets a replicable model for medical colleges, nursing institutions, and allied health programs across the country.

The Krupanidhi – MediSim VR collaboration is positioned not merely as a technology deployment, but as a long-term academic partnership aimed at improving learning outcomes, reducing training variability, and strengthening India’s healthcare workforce for the future.

Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural science and technology, announced a significant expansion of its Global Capability Center (GCC) in Pune, reinforcing its commitment to digital innovation and global operational excellence.

Syngenta Expands Global Capability Center in Pune, Strengthens Digital Innovation Hub

The state-of-the-art facility, which currently employs over 1,100 professionals, serves as a crucial hub supporting Syngenta’s worldwide operations across Finance, IT & Digital, and AMEA regional operations. The center has evolved into a powerhouse of innovation, particularly in data science and artificial intelligence, driving the company’s digital transformation initiatives.

“India continues to play a pivotal role in Syngenta’s global journey. This expansion underscores our confidence in India’s talent ecosystem and its capability to support our global ambitions. Syngenta GCC serves as a strategic engine for innovation and talent development, strengthening India’s contribution to Syngenta’s global operations while creating valuable employment opportunities in the agriculture sector,” said Abhishek Agarwal, Head, Syngenta Global Capability Center Pvt Ltd.

The GCC distinguishes itself by offering employees exposure to global work environments, cross-functional roles, and comprehensive career development opportunities. We are accelerating our digital transformation journey by strategically implementing AI-powered solutions that enhance operational excellence and drive innovation across the organization.

“Technology and Artificial Intelligence have the potential to revolutionize agriculture. Syngenta is committed to building innovative technology solutions that help farmers across the world,” remarked Salil Bongale, Head of ITD Pune Center & Enterprise Integration, Syngenta Global Capability Center Pvt Ltd.

This expansion marks a significant milestone in Syngenta’s decade-long presence in Pune and reinforces its position as a leading innovation hub in India’s agricultural technology landscape.

About Syngenta
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world-class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. 

To learn more, visit us at www.syngenta.com, www.syngenta.co.in
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/SyngentaIND, twitter.com/Syngenta 

As fashion continues to shift with global influences, evolving silhouettes, and ever-changing trends, there remains a quiet pull towards what feels rooted and enduring. After five years, celebrated textile designer Vidhi Singhania returns to Mumbai with Thehraav  – a stand-alone exhibition that marks a deeply personal homecoming.

Vidhi Singhania’s Thehraav  marks a return to Indian handloom and heritage textiles

For Vidhi Singhania, Mumbai is more than a city – it is home. And Thehraav is not just an exhibition, but a reflection of her journey spanning over three decades. It is a return to Indian handloom, artisanal excellence, and an enduring respect for heritage that has defined her work through the years.

Thehraav: A Pause
In a time when fashion is fast and trends are fleeting, Thehraav stands as a reminder of the beauty of the pause – of choosing mindful creation over mass production, and craftsmanship over convenience. The collection celebrates the idea of slowing down, honouring textiles made by hand, by Indian artisans who carry forward generations of skill, patience, and pride.

Every piece reflects Vidhi Singhania’s unwavering commitment to being Made in India, where each weave tells a story of continuity, purpose, and soul.

The exhibition brings together Vidhi Singhania’s iconic handwoven Kota and Banarasi sarees, presented alongside a versatile range of contemporary yet timeless silhouettes. The showcase includes shirts, blouses, jackets, outfits, co-ord sets, and a thoughtfully curated wedding collection – all unified by a deep reverence for Indian textiles and craftsmanship.

While the designs evolve with modern sensibilities, they remain firmly anchored in tradition, celebrating handloom as both a living art form and a cultural legacy.

Exhibition Details
Thehraav will be held on January 23rd, 2026, at the Sunset Lounge, Trident Oberoi Hotel, Nariman Point, Mumbai.

Rooted in continuity and craft, the exhibition is a celebration of evolving with time while staying connected to one’s roots, an invitation to come home to handloom, and to rediscover the enduring elegance of Indian textiles through the lens of one of India’s most respected textile designers.

About Vidhi Singhania
Vidhi Singhania is a celebrated textile revivalist known for her unwavering commitment to Indian handloom and artisanal craftsmanship. With over three decades of work rooted in tradition, she has played a key role in reviving and reimagining heritage weaves such as Kota Doria and Banarasi textiles, working closely with master artisans across India. Her designs balance timeless elegance with contemporary sensibility, making her brand synonymous with handwoven luxury, authenticity, and the enduring beauty of Indian textiles.

Website – vidhisinghania.com

Free-to-play games continue to lead gaming trends in 2026, especially in India where mobile titles blend skill, nostalgia, and quick sessions for millions of players.  This curated list highlights the best free to play  1234 player games of 2026 that deliver premium-quality experiences without the price tag.

Zupee free to play model

Ludo

India’s most familiar board game has found new life in rapid, competitive formats. While games like Ludo King brought the traditional experience to our screens, a new wave of platforms has emerged with a heavy focus on strategy and skill—and Zupee is at the forefront of this shift. Zupee’s free to play skill-based versions are designed for quick outcomes and fast decision-making, ensuring each match feels intense yet compact.

Carrom

A rapid-fire digital carrom duel where two players pocket tokens within limited moves; precision, shot selection, and timing drive scoring, keeping games under a few minutes and emphasizing skill. Zupee Carrom Ninja reimagines it with point-pocketing races against timers, emphasizing skill in short free rounds

Snakes & Ladders

One of the simplest childhood favorites, Snakes & Ladders has evolved into colourful, animated app versions with creative themes and online multiplayer formats. It remains a symbol of destiny versus strategy and a perfect family pick. Zupee Snakes and Ladders Plus adds token-cutting mechanics and 12-second turns for intense free online matches. A faster, points-based take on classic snakes & ladders where each forward move adds points, cutting an opponent’s token gives bonus points, and reaching the 100th square yields extra rewards, with short, high-intensity matches

Hand Cricket

Hand cricket has always been a nostalgic playground classic, and Zupee Super Over brings that same thrill to the digital world in a sharp, competitive format. In this online hand cricket multiplayer game, two players face off in a super-over style contest, choosing numbers between 1 and 6 to score runs or take wickets in just a few balls. With short, high-intensity matches designed for mobile, Zupee Super Over lets users relive the fun of hand cricket anytime, blending quick decision-making, strategy, and pure cricket excitement in a free-to-play experience.

Indian Bikes Driving 3D

One of the clearest examples of local developer success, Indian Bikes Driving 3D focuses on Indian roads, bikes, and free-roam mechanics rather than structured missions. Its appeal lies in relatability and sandbox freedom, underscoring the power of hyper-local design in India’s download economy. The game also focuses on casual stunt play across various roads and locations, rather than planned missions.

Free Fire MAX

Free Fire MAX captivates as a premier free-to-play battle royale with hyper-optimized graphics for Indian mid-range phones, delivering 50-player drops, character skills, and squad tactics in intense 10-minute matches. Boasting over 500 million downloads and regular 2026 events like themed modes and esports tie-ins, it thrives on low-data play perfect for public transport commutes as well.

• Highest ever Retail disbursements for the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26) at Rs. 22,701 Crore, up 49% Year-on-Year (YoY)

• Robust Retail franchise with a retail portfolio of Rs. 1,11,990 Crore, reflecting a 21% growth YoY

• Consolidated loan book grew by 20% YoY to Rs. 1,14,285 Crore

• All-time high disbursements in Two-wheeler Finance at Rs. 3,217 Crore and Farmer Finance at Rs. 2,783 Crore growing 33% YoY and 12% YoY, respectively

• Net Interest Margins (NIMs)+Fees sequentially improved by 19 basis points (bps) Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) to 10.41% from 10.22% in the second quarter ended September 30, 2025 (Q2FY26)

• Rural Business Finance business asset quality improved significantly with 0 Days Past Due (DPD) collection efficiencies reaching 99.7% in December 2025

L&T Finance Ltd., formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India, has recorded its highest ever core Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 760 Crore (before one-time impact of New Labour Code provision), up 21% YoY (Year-on-Year) in the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26). PAT after one-time impact of New Labour Code stands at Rs. 739 Crore, up 18% in Q3FY26. During the quarter, the retail book size reached Rs. 1,11,990 Crore, up 21% YoY. The consolidated loan book grew by 20% YoY to Rs. 1,14,285 Crore. The Company has recorded the highest ever quarterly retail disbursement of Rs. 22,701 Crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2025, up 49% YoY. The Company also recorded all-time high disbursements in Two-wheeler Finance at Rs. 3,217 Crore and Farmer Finance at Rs. 2,783 Crore growing 33% YoY and 12% YoY, respectively. Retailisation stood at 98% of overall book as on December 31, 2025.

LTF achieved highest ever Retail disbursements for Q3FY26 at Rs. 22,701 Crore, up 49% YoY

The Company’s Net Interest Margins (NIMs)+Fees sequentially improved by 19 basis points (bps) Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) to 10.41% from 10.22% in the second quarter ended September 30, 2025 (Q2FY26). The Rural Business Finance business asset quality improved significantly with 0 Days Past Due (DPD) collection efficiencies reaching 99.7% in December 2025.

The Company’s customer-facing PLANET app, which has emerged as a powerful digital channel for customers, crossed more than 2.20 Crore downloads as of December 31, 2025, comprising more than 18.3 Lakh customers on the rural side. As of December 31, 2025, this channel has done collections of over Rs. 7,700 Crore while servicing over 10 Crore requests and has sourced loans of over Rs. 24,100 Crore.

‘Project Cyclops’ has been implemented in Two-wheeler Finance, Farm Equipment Finance, SME Finance, and Personal Loans. It will be rolled out in Home Loans and Rural Group Loans & MFI in the next financial year. ‘Project Nostradamus’ – Proprietary AI portfolio management engine is live in Beta mode for Two-wheeler. ‘Project Helios’ – Underwriting AI Co-Pilot is live in SME Finance. ‘Project Orion’ – Nostradamus Co-Pilot AI Conversational Assistant for automated portfolio is live in Two-wheeler Finance from December 2025. RAISE’ 25, LTF’s flagship AI conference, which was conducted in November 2025, drew participation of over 4,500 attendees. It brought together global tech leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry practitioners. On the sidelines of RAISE’ 25, LTF launched an AI startup pitch platform – ‘Pitch Point’, thereby incubating new tech AI entrepreneur ecosystem.

Commenting on the financial results, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, LTF, said, “Q3FY26 for the financial services sector has been defined by a powerful convergence of favourable macro-tailwinds. The implementation of GST 2.0, good monsoons, and a series of repo rate cuts have seen a surge in consumption and created an environment for growth. In Q3FY26, LTF’s focus remained on delivering a standout performance across business segments. We registered the highest ever quarterly disbursements of Rs. 22,701 Crore, up 49% YoY, and the retail portfolio reaching Rs.1,11,990 Crore, reflecting a growth of 21% YoY leading to a PAT of Rs. 760 Crore, up 21% YoY (without the impact of a one-time exceptional item).

In line with our commitment to deliver a sustainable and profitable growth across quarters, we are focused on transforming LTF into a risk-first, tech-first, multi-product retail financier of choice. In line with this, we have been continuously broadening our customer acquisition funnels while sourcing creditworthy customers backed by technology and robust credit guardrails, while keeping a strong focus on collection efficiencies across businesses.

Our proprietary AI driven next-gen digital credit engine ‘Project Cyclops’ is now implemented in Personal Loans in addition to Two-wheeler, Farm Equipment, and SME Finance businesses. It will go live in Home Loans and Loan Against Property and Rural Group Loans and MFI businesses in the new financial year. At LTF, we are no longer just automating processes, we are deploying predictive intelligence at scale. Our portfolio management engine, ‘Project Nostradamus,’ is now live in Beta for Two-wheeler Finance, while ‘Project Helios,’ our AI Underwriting Co-Pilot is live in SME Finance. The recent launch of ‘Project Orion’ – Nostradamus Co-pilot in December 2025 has brought automated conversational intelligence to our portfolio management, ensuring we stay ahead of risk while enhancing customer experience. We remain focused on continuously strengthening our risk and credit frameworks, which will serve us well in times to come.

Furthermore, through our RAISE’ 25 conference and the ‘Pitch Point’ competition launched as a part of RAISE, we are nurturing a new ecosystem of AI entrepreneurship and thought leadership. We are confident that our focused actions will not only ensure a sustainable and resilient performance in the coming quarters, but also truly transform LTF into a risk-first, tech-first, diversified retail finance company.”

Key Highlights:

Robust Retail Franchise:

The Company’s granular and deep pan-India Retail franchise is led by its strong distribution capabilities, namely, its geographic presence in around 2 Lakh villages from around 2,257 rural meeting centers/branches and 439 branches across urban centers. This extensive geographic presence is also supported by around 14,000 distribution points built over 15 years. In Q3FY26, the Company also launched its first Sampoorna Branch in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The Company also leverages around 2.8 Crore of its customer database to drive a credible cross-sell and up-sell franchise, contributing 40% of the Company’s repeat disbursements share in value and 48% in count during Q3FY26. The Company has a portfolio mix of 59% Urban and 41% Rural. 

Building a diversified retail franchise:

Rural Business Finance:

Q3FY26 disbursements at Rs. 6,740 Crore vs. Rs. 4,599 Crore, up 47% YoY. Book size at Rs. 28,976 Crore vs. Rs. 26,231 Crore, up 10% YoY. Growth driven by heightened focus on improving collection efficiency and macro sectoral trends.

Farmer Finance:

Q3FY26 disbursements at Rs. 2,783 Crore vs. Rs. 2,495 Crore, up 12% YoY. Book size at Rs. 16,671 Crore vs. Rs. 15,075 Crore, up 11 % YoY. GST 2.0 along with a favourable monsoon fuelled robust festive demand resulted in all-time high disbursements.

Two-wheeler Finance:

Q3FY26 disbursements at Rs. 3,217 Crore vs. Rs. 2,414 Crore, up 33% YoY. Book size at Rs. 13,913 Crore vs. Rs. 12,676 Crore, up 10% YoY. GST 2.0 & robust festive demand resulted in all-time high disbursements.

Personal Loans:

Q3FY26 disbursements at Rs. 3,574 Crore vs. Rs. 1,642 Crore, up 118% YoY. Book size at Rs. 12,810 Crore vs. Rs. 7,820 Crore, up 64% YoY. Growth in the segment aided by big tech partnerships and focus on continuously broadening customer acquisition channels.

Housing Loans and Loan Against Property:

Q3FY26 disbursements at Rs. 2,879 Crore vs. Rs. 2,475 Crore, up 16% YoY. Book size at Rs. 28,682 Crore vs. Rs. 23,461 Crore, up 22% YoY.

SME Finance:

Q3FY26 disbursements at Rs. 1,550 Crore vs. Rs. 1,249 Crore, up 24% YoY. Book size at Rs. 7,946 Crore vs. Rs. 5,817 Crore, up 37% YoY.

Gold Loan:

Q3FY26 disbursements at Rs. 1,408 Crore. Book size reached Rs. 1,738 Crore. Focus remains on geo-expansion and increasing disbursement from new branches.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies.  In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook.  It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women’s empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

X: x.com/LnTFinance

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LnTFS

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lntfinance

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance

Ai+ today unveiled the colour palette for its upcoming NovaPods lineup, turning up the volume on design with a dual-tone, Pantone-inspired colour story that fuses fashion and function. This is the latest move in Ai+’s Fashion Forward Tech (FFT) playbook, which reimagines wearables as personal style extensions rather than just audio accessories.

NovaPods lineup with a dual-tone, Pantone-inspired colour story

The reveal marks another step toward making Ai+ wearables not just heard, but seen. From campus corners to creator studios, NovaPods are aimed at those who want their tech to match their vibe. Designed for all-day wear, aesthetic edge, and uncompromised performance, the NovaPods are set to launch in Q1 2026.

• NovaPods Go: To be available in Teal Black, Ice Blue White, and Forest Green, these bright and high-contrast options cater to active users on the move.

• NovaPods Air: Featuring Aqua Blue, Espresso Brown, and Moss Green, Air offers softer tones and is designed to bring a sophisticated look suitable for all-day wear.

• NovaPods Pro: Offered in Midnight Blue, Cloud White, and Stone Grey, this range embodies a premium aesthetic, perfect for immersive listening experiences. 

• NovaPod Beats: With finishes in Pearl White and Black Chrome, the Beats series combines bold design with a performance-centric attitude.

• NovaPod Clips: To launch in Rose Gold and Gold Chrome, this collection positions itself as a trendy audio accessory, merging style with comfort and visibility.

Each colour choice has been thoughtfully curated to enhance the NovaPods’ design, while maintaining a coherent visual language across Ai+ products. 

NovaPods will launch nationwide with all colour variants in Q1 2026 through Flipkart & selected offline partners. Details on pricing, specifications, and availability will be announced as the launch date approaches.

About Ai+
Ai+ is India’s fastest-growing technology brand, built from the ground up to serve a future shaped by applied intelligence and sovereign innovation. At its core is NxtQuantum OS, India’s first native mobile operating system, designed for performance, privacy, and purposeful simplicity. Every Ai+ device blends clean design, battery-optimised hardware, and applied intelligent software to elevate everyday experiences by Adding A Plus. 

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

About 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 authored in India and globally competitive. 

In 2025 alone, more than 10 major power outages disrupted electricity supplies worldwide, affecting over 1.2 billion people. Ensuring system stability has remained a top priority for global power companies.

Jason Li, President of Global Marketing & Solutions, Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei

Stability is not their only concern, however; the drive toward carbon neutrality is accelerating the adoption of renewable energy and electrification. Integrating large amounts of new energy sources and managing unpredictable new loads requires flexibility from power systems.

Jason Li, President of the Marketing & Solution Sales Dept of Huawei Electric Power Digitalization BU, explained that, “In the past, we relied mostly on automation to address issues in power grids. In the future, however, power grids will transform from mere transmission systems into pivotal players in the energy transition. Digitalization and AI are shifting from optional upgrades to essential elements in core power generation. Together with automation, they form the key drivers for modernizing power grids.”

He added, “We believe that deeply integrating digital technologies into power scenarios and reshaping production and operations with telecommunications and AI will enable grids to achieve both ultimate stability and flexibility.”

Intelligent Electric Power Booth

The large-scale integration of distributed PV, energy storage, and charging piles into the grid, coupled with growing user interaction and potential load-side transactions, presents new challenges for maintaining the balance, stability, and security of distribution networks.

“The breakthrough for future power systems lies in the distribution network,” Jason noted. “And the key to addressing distribution challenges is transparency at the 400 V low-voltage level. To achieve this, Huawei and partners have jointly developed the intelligent distribution solution (IDS) for transparent low-voltage management.”

At Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Huawei will showcase its latest AI applications in power digitalization, including innovative solutions for intelligent power distribution, substations, and power plant inspections. To explore successful digital transformation in the power sector, visit the Huawei booth at stand 1H50, Fira Gran Via Hall 1.