Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water brand, is gearing up to power India’s exciting women’s sporting league, the Tata Women’s Premier League, as its Official Beverage Partner for the next two seasons. 

Bisleri International Secures Two-Year Partnership as Official Beverage Partner of the TATA Women’s Premier League

Launched in 2023, the Tata Women’s Premier League has rapidly elevated the visibility and aspirations of women’s cricket in India, uniting top domestic and international talent on one premier stage. 

Commenting on the bid win Jayanti Khan Chauhan, Vice-Chairperson, Bisleri International, said, “We at Bisleri are proud to partner with the TATA Women’s Premier League as Official Beverage Partners for the next two years. Excited to witness this exceptional generation of women cricketers from across the world championing an indomitable spirit for sporting excellence.”

BCCI Secretary, Devajit Saikia added, “Tata WPL is built on a vision of excellence, opportunity, and world-class sports entertainment. Bisleri, our new partner, brings exceptional value and diverse strengths to this ecosystem. This partnership will play a critical role in shaping the fan experience and supporting the growth of women’s cricket.”

The tournament, which is set to kick-off from January 2026, will be amplified through limited-edition packs, followed by strong on-ground visibility via visicoolers and iceboxes in team dugouts, while also engaging fans with in-stadium hydration support. The brand is further exploring experience-led interventions and a roll-out of exciting digital content to extend the excitement beyond the stadium. 

Bisleri International today has one of the largest sports marketing portfolios across India and the UAE, with 60+ associations across various genres of sports – cricket, hockey, tennis, badminton, marathons, rugby, table tennis, golf, and more. This association further strengthens Bisleri’s growing presence in the sports ecosystem, reinforcing its dedication to fostering a culture of fitness, resilience and hydration excellence for athletes and fans alike.

The Mall Group today unveiled a milestone partnership with Monchhichi, the beloved Japanese character celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking the first-ever large-scale Monchhichi holiday collaboration in Southeast Asia. Officially authorized by Sekiguchi Co., Ltd., and supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this initiative represents one of the most extensive Monchhichi commercial campaigns ever launched outside Japan.

The Mall Group Launches Southeast Asia’s First Monchhichi Holiday Collaboration, Elevating Bangkok as Asia’s Next Global Festive Landmark

Arriving at a time when character-driven cultural marketing is transforming retail and tourism across Asia, this collaboration reinforces Thailand’s ambition to position Bangkok as a world-class festive destination. Demand for immersive, uplifting, and emotionally resonant experiences continues to surge—driven by families, global travelers, collectors, and a new generation seeking moments that “heal the heart.” With its universal charm, innocence, and nostalgic appeal, Monchhichi becomes the perfect symbol for Thailand’s increasingly experience-centric holiday season.

The Mall Group Launches Southeast Asia’s First Monchhichi Holiday Collaboration, Elevating Bangkok as Asia’s Next Global Festive Landmark

Created in 1974, Monchhichi has grown from a childhood toy into a cross-generational cultural icon with passionate followings in Japan, Europe, and Asia. The Mall Group’s partnership celebrates this enduring legacy while introducing a fresh festive identity that merges Japanese storytelling with Thailand’s vibrant, welcoming holiday spirit—offering visitors a uniquely Asian cultural celebration.
 

Under this year’s theme, “Joyful Gifting Destination“, The Mall Group presents a series of exclusive showcases across its flagship properties:

• Monchhichi Holiday Store Pop-Up at Emporium – Thailand’s first official Monchhichi pop-up store featuring Thailand-exclusive collectibles, including Monchhichi in Muay Thai attire and traditional Thai school uniforms, expected to become sought-after treasures among collectors worldwide.

• Monchhichi Christmas Town at The Mall Lifestore Bangkapi – Southeast Asia’s first immersive Monchhichi attraction, highlighted by a 12-meter-tall Monchhichi, a themed Carousel, Immersive Infinity Room, and the Monchhichi Express Station. The installation runs until 4 January 2026.

• Premium Collector’s Holiday Editions – A curated line of Thailand-exclusive merchandise, including blankets, tumblers, tote bags, bottles, and collectible shopping bags, available at The Mall Lifestore, Emporium, and Siam Paragon.

From 6 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, The Mall Group’s major destinations will host seasonal events, themed performances, and premium promotions designed to captivate Thai shoppers and international holidaymakers.

Through this landmark collaboration, The Mall Group brings together world-renowned partners and beloved cultural icons to reshape Bangkok’s holiday landscape. By introducing Monchhichi in a bold new experiential format, Thailand strengthens its position as Asia’s next global festive hub, offering visitors a season filled with cross-cultural charm, joyful nostalgia, and memorable celebrations that shine on the world stage.

Ai+, India’s fastest-growing technology brand, today launched “Ai+ Laptab”, a new category of smart device that fuses the productivity of a laptop with the intuitive portability of a tablet. Designed for India’s hybrid generation of learners, creators, and professionals, the Ai+ Laptab will be available in three sizes – 11”, 12” and 13” – and comes with keyboard and stylus support. Set to go live nationwide in Q1 2026 through Flipkart and Ai+’s retail partners.

This marks Ai+’s second major hardware launch plan following the runaway success of the Ai+ Smartphone, which crossed 1 million users within six months, cementing Ai+ as a category-defining force in India’s sovereign tech landscape.

The Ai+ Laptab is built on a simple premise: one device should do it all. From attending virtual classes to editing presentations, binge-watching shows to brainstorming on the go – users can now toggle between productivity and entertainment without switching devices or breaking flow.

Unlike conventional tablets limited by mobile OS constraints, the Laptab runs on NxtQ OS, offering a dedicated PC Mode for a full-fledged productivity interface. Users can open multiple windows, manage documents, and even write long-form content with ease, all with the feel of a traditional laptop, but none of the bulk. The privacy-first architecture of NxtQ OS ensures zero pre-loaded bloatware, no invasive trackers, and full local control of user data, delivering long-term trust, not short-term gimmicks.

With keyboard and stylus compatibility, the Laptab adapts seamlessly across use cases – study, design, productivity, and entertainment. Whether at home, in cafes, or on commutes, users can write, sketch, or browse with ease.

“The Ai+ Laptab is not just another tablet. It’s our answer to the fluidity of modern life,” said Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies. “Indian users expect a single device to perform across roles, study, design, video calls, relaxation, without compromise. That’s what the Ai+ Laptab delivers.” He continued, “The Ai+ Laptab brings productivity, utility and entertainment into one space that fits naturally into everyday life.”

The Ai+ Laptab is a key step in Ai+’s broader connected ecosystem, spanning smartphones, wearables, TWS, and now, computing. Soon, users will experience deep software continuity across Ai+ devices, with seamless handoffs and integrated experiences.

In keeping with its equity-first vision, Ai+ will be launching the Laptab at disruptive price points, making high-performance, clean-design technology accessible to a wider segment of India’s youth and digital-first workforce. It’s an offering that’s built for Gen Z and young professionals who want sleek design, all-day battery, a stylus for creativity, a keyboard for productivity, and a clean software experience to tie it all together.

The Q1 reveal will showcase the full Laptab lineup, feature demonstrations, and provide pricing details, all aimed at making premium utility accessible to a broader Indian audience.

A systematic withdrawal plan helps you convert an investment corpus into a steady stream of cashflow while keeping exposure to markets. An SWP calculator is a simple tool that may help you estimate periodic withdrawals, the likely longevity of your corpus and the potential impact of assumed returns. This article explains how to use an SWP calculator, what inputs to check, and how to interpret results so you may make more informed decisions.

Using an SWP calculator for your finances

The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture.

What is an SWP calculator

An SWP calculator is an online or spreadsheet-based tool that models periodic withdrawals from a mutual fund investment corpus. It uses inputs such as your initial corpus, withdrawal amount and frequency, assumed rate of return and time horizon to project how long the corpus may last. The output helps you understand trade-offs between withdrawal size and sustainability without giving any guarantees.

Key inputs to enter

When you use an SWP calculator, check these inputs carefully:

• Initial corpus: The total amount you must start with. Enter the net amount available for withdrawal.

• Withdrawal amount and frequency: Monthly, quarterly or annual withdrawals, choose the option that fits your cashflow needs.

• Assumed rate of return: Use a reasonable estimate for expected returns over your horizon. Use conservative assumptions if you prefer caution.

• Time horizon: How many years you expect to run withdrawals or leave this open to see how long the corpus may last.

• Inflation adjustment: Some calculators allow you to adjust for inflation; if available, use it to view real purchasing power.

Always double-check that figures are in the correct units (for example, annualised percentage for returns) before proceeding.

How to run the calculation

1. Enter the initial corpus and the withdrawal amount (for example, Rs. 10,000 monthly).

2. Select the withdrawal frequency, monthly is the most common for retirement-style income.

3. Input the assumed annual return (for instance, 6–8% nominal). Choose an assumption that reflects your risk tolerance and asset allocation.

4. Choose whether withdrawals are fixed nominal amounts or inflation indexed.

5. Run the calculation to view projected corpus longevity, balance trajectories and any summary tables the tool provides.

Example: If you start with a corpus of Rs. 10,00,000 and withdraw Rs. 10,000 monthly at an assumed return of 7% per annum, the calculator will show how the corpus may reduce over time and the approximate number of years it may last.

For illustrative purpose only

How to interpret results

Outputs from an SWP calculator typically include the projected remaining corpus over time and the estimated number of years the corpus may support the chosen withdrawal. Treat these outputs as scenarios rather than promises. Key points to note:

• If the projected corpus declines rapidly, you may choose to reduce the withdrawal or reconsider the assumed return.

• If the corpus grows or sustains the withdrawals, the assumptions may be generous; examine whether they match your risk preference.

• Use multiple scenarios, conservative, moderate and optimistic assumptions, to understand the range of possible outcomes. Using scenario analysis may increase clarity about downside risk.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Relying on a single assumed return. Markets fluctuate; a single figure may not capture variability.

• Forgetting tax and costs. Some withdrawals may trigger tax events or incur fund charges that reduce net income.

• Ignoring inflation. Fixed nominal withdrawals may lose purchasing power over time unless adjusted.

Using results to design your withdrawal plan

An SWP calculator may help when combined with broader planning. Use it to test withdrawal sizes and frequencies that match your lifestyle needs. If you find the corpus may not last if required, you may choose to lower withdrawals, adjust asset allocation, or consider partial annuitisation depending on your objectives and constraints.

Secondary considerations

A systematic withdrawal plan should align with your overall financial goals and risk tolerance. Review your withdrawal strategy periodically and re-run the SWP calculator after major life events or market shifts to see how projections change. Use the exercise to set realistic expectations about income sustainability and the likelihood that your corpus may meet long-term needs.

Conclusion

An SWP calculator is a practical way to model how withdrawals may affect your corpus over time. It helps you compare options, run scenario analyses and set withdrawal levels that may better match your income needs. Use conservative assumptions, account for taxes and inflation, and review results periodically so your plan may remain aligned with changing circumstances.

The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

Natuzzi Italia brings its global design narrative to Mumbai this November, led by Pasquale Junior Natuzzi, the third-generation voice shaping the brand’s contemporary direction. His visit marks a moment of connection between the brand’s Mediterranean roots and India’s growing appetite for thoughtful, culturally informed design. He arrives in Mumbai to present Natuzzi Italia’s latest design explorations – a convergence of material research, crafted form and the evolving meaning of home.
 

Pasquale Junior Natuzzi brings Natuzzi Italia’s global design narrative to Mumbai

Under his direction, Natuzzi Italia has expanded beyond furniture into a wider vision of living, where space, emotion and cultural memory come together. His approach deepens the brand’s dialogue with architects, designers and design-led audiences, introducing new proposals from the 2025 Collection ‘Rooted in Harmony’. The pieces reflect the brand’s ongoing research into heritage, spatial behaviour and contemporary living, offering a perspective shaped by place and global exchange.
 

As part of the ongoing dialogue with the design community, Pasquale Junior Natuzzi will join the Design Mumbai Exchange programme alongside international architects and designers, speaking on the role of design in shaping cultural and spatial futures, where Natuzzi Italia will also be presenting its showcase from November 26-29 in Mumbai.
 

Showcase Highlights:
 

AMAMA – Designed by Andrea Steidl
Following the success of the multi-award-winning Mirai, Andrea Steidl returns to collaborate with Natuzzi Italia with Amama, a modular island system that reinterprets conviviality and spatial versatility. The design offers dual-facing configurations and multifunctional components such as shelves, table elements and storage, opening new possibilities for zoning and flexible living. The collection includes a dining table and a sideboard built around the same architectural and structural approach. 
 

FIORE – Designed by Marcantonio
In the fourth collaboration with Marcantonio, Natuzzi Italia presents Fiore, an armchair inspired by the structural language of nature. The design studies the movement and geometry of petals, translating them into a sculptural form that holds space while remaining functional within contemporary interiors. 
 

RADICE – Rug by Giuseppe Gioia
Completing the living environment is Radice, a rug designed by Giuseppe Gioia from the Natuzzi Design Center. The piece draws from the symbolic “root” of the 2025 collection, expressed through a distinctive shape and an intertwined circular motif designed to anchor and visually connect the surrounding furniture. 
 

Together, the three projects reflect a new chapter for Natuzzi Italia: the intersection of cultural memory, material experimentation, spatial design and collaboration with global design voices.
 

Visit Natuzzi Italia at Design Mumbai from November 26-29 at Jio World Garden, Mumbai. 

Instagram – www.instagram.com/natuzziitaliamumbai 
Website – www.natuzzi.com/in/en

Former England football captain and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir David Beckham visited an MJPAPBCWREIS residential school for girls in Visakhapatnam today to see Project-Based Learning (PBL) in action. His visit is part of a wider Mantra4Change programme supported by Education Above All that is improving classrooms across Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Nagaland.

Sir David Beckham with students of  MJPAPBCWREIS residential school  in Visakhapatnam

Sir David’s visit, confirmed in a social media update posted late on Wednesday night, brought national attention to a hands-on approach to schooling that places student projects, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving at the centre of learning.

Mantra4Change, in partnership with the MJP Society and supported by Education Above All (EAA), has redesigned teaching and learning in 107 residential schools across Andhra Pradesh, reaching roughly 18,000 students and building the capacity of 107 school leaders. The PBL programme has been integrated across English, Mathematics, and Science, turning traditional classrooms into active learning spaces where students learn by doing, collaborate on projects, and present solutions to community problems.

On the ground in Visakhapatnam

During his visit, Sir David met with students and teachers at the school, observing how Project-Based Learning comes alive in everyday classrooms. He began by sitting in on a live PBL session before being guided by students to a small exhibition where children presented projects across English, Mathematics, and Science.

He also joined a group of students for a tree-planting activity, where children demonstrated how they scan and label saplings with digital IDs. In the school library, Sir David participated in a reading circle and spoke with children about their favourite books. The visit concluded outdoors, where students invited him to join a lively ‘one-touch’ football drill. School leaders shared how these varied activities reflect the PBL approach, boosting student confidence, encouraging collaboration, and helping children connect learning with real-life contexts. 

In his Instagram post, Sir David said, “Great day in India going back to school supporting Education Above All’s project based learning initiatives so much fun.”

“It gives us great joy that Sir David Beckham chose to visit one of our MJP schools. It’s a proud moment for all of us in the MJP society. His presence at our school in a place like Kothavalasa is a beautiful reminder that when we work with the right intent and dedication, extraordinary things can happen. Project-based Learning has energised our classrooms, and we hope to keep nurturing this spirit of learning,” said P. Madhavi Latha, Secretary, MJPAPBCWREIS.

Project-Based Learning shifts the focus from rote recall to applied understanding. It builds transferable skills, communication, critical thinking, creativity, while lifting measurable academic outcomes. The Mantra4Change-EAA partnership is an example of how targeted support, teacher development and curriculum redesign can scale classroom practices across states.

Santosh More, Co-Founder of Mantra4Change, said, “Sir David Beckham’s visit is an inspiration for all of us and a powerful signal that innovation in our government schools matters. Project-Based Learning is raising children’s aspirations, and moments like this strengthen our resolve to work with governments and communities to make such learning the norm.”

The visit also adds fresh momentum to Shikshagraha, a people-powered national movement being co-built by Mantra4Change that is working to improve one million public schools across India. Sir David’s presence and public endorsement of innovative classroom practices like Project-Based Learning strengthens the movement’s core message: that communities, teachers, governments and civil society must come together to transform everyday schooling. The visibility generated by this visit helps amplify Shikshagraha’s call for collective action and accelerates its efforts to ensure every child in a public school has access to meaningful, engaging and future-ready learning.

About Mantra4Change

Mantra4Change is a non-profit organisation transforming public schools in India through educational leadership. Our approach involves driving continuous school improvements by empowering education leaders, transforming schools to create an enriching learning experience, and inspiring civil society organisations across India to collectively work towards transformation in education.

We aim to drive sustainable, continuous school improvements across 150,000 schools by 2025.

• New Material Recovery Centre to streamline plastic collection and recycling

• Features a first-of-its-kind Plastic Recycling Museum

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading packaged drinking water company under its flagship sustainability initiative Bottles for Change, has partnered with the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) to roll out a holistic plastic waste management project across the city.

Bisleri and MBMC unveil a first-of-its-kind Plastic Recovery and Sustainability Experiential Centre in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra

This initiative includes a dedicated Plastic Recovery centre & a Sustainability Inspiration Centre that is a unique Plastic Recycling Museum. Together, the two facilities will help raise awareness and sensitize people on responsible plastic disposal, while enabling an efficient system for the collection and recycling of plastic waste from hotels, restaurants, corporates, institutions, and housing societies. 

The Plastic Recovery Centre is a state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility (MRF) set up to strengthen the city’s recycling infrastructure and ecosystem. Equipped with a conveyor belt, baling machine, and other essential machinery provided by Bisleri, the centre will streamline collection, segregation, and processing of plastic waste for recycling.

This marks a significant step toward the shared vision of achieving “Zero Plastic to Landfill” and building a cleaner, greener Mira Bhayandar.

The newly developed Plastic Recycling Museum, known as the Sustainability Inspiration Centre is a first-of-its-kind for the region. Built entirely from recycled materials, the museum offers an experiential learning environment for children and citizens. Its main attraction, “Binny the Bird”, a striking installation created using 2,000 recycled plastic bottles. The museum also features interactive exhibits showcasing the journey of plastic from waste to valuable products. Additionally 70 public benches built entirely from recycled bottle caps will be installed across the city, serving as lasting symbols of community driven recycling and responsible environmental practices.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “At Bisleri, our commitment to sustainability is about creating systems that inspire action. Our collaboration with the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation is a significant milestone in strengthening community participation and advancing circular economy at the city level. With the Plastic Recovery facility & the Sustainability Inspiration Centre, along with public benches made from recycled caps, we aim to pave responsible pathways for plastic usage and disposal. Together, we are working toward a future where every citizen becomes an active partner in achieving a cleaner, greener Mira Bhayandar.”

Shri Radhabinod Sharma, IAS- Municipal Commissioner & Administrator, MBMC, added, “Effective plastic waste management is a key focus area for the Municipal Corporation. The Plastic Recovery & Sustainability Inspiration Centre supports our efforts to build a more organized and responsible system for the city. The centre, along with the Recycling Museum, will help improve awareness about segregation and recycling among citizens, especially students. We value this partnership with Bisleri International, as it strengthens our ongoing initiatives and helps Mira Bhayandar move toward a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.”

The event was also graced by K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, Dr Sachin Bangar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Dr Sambhaji Panpatte, Additional Commissioner and Assistant Municipal Commissioners: Yogesh Gunijan and Priyanka Bhosale.

Together, these efforts represent a pioneering step toward building a robust circular economy model, one that inspires, educates, and empowers citizens to manage waste effectively. This collaboration underscores Bisleri’s long-standing commitment to promoting responsible plastic use, recycling, and community participation. 

With medical inflation rising steadily and healthcare needs changing as one ages, consumers are looking at options outside the standard one-size-fits-all health policies. They are keen on plans that offer long-term value, deeper protection, and the flexibility to adapt to sudden changes. This is driving demand for sharp, focused health insurance solutions that offer meaningful customisation, continuity benefits, and greater control over coverage.

A fully customizable health insurance product with industry-first features like 10x Cumulative Bonus, Gym & Sports Injury Cover along with other Special Covers like Endless Sum Insured

This is why forward-looking health insurance plans like SBI General Health Alpha, with flexible personalisation options, a variety of add-ons, and customizable sum insured choices, are getting increasingly popular among customers seeking adaptable, and comprehensive protection. 

Here are five key reasons why one should choose SBI General Health Alpha: 

1. Build-Your-Own Health Plan – A customizable Approach
Health Alpha moves beyond the traditional model. A fully customizable health insurance product, designed for unlimited flexibility and over 50 coverage options. Health Alpha embodies the ethos of Your Health. Your Cover. Your Way, empowering customers to create personalized health plans that suit their lifestyle and healthcare requirements. 

It allows customers to adjust coverage limits within offered benefits, and modify waiting periods, ensuring complete flexibility to customize their health plan to individual needs.

2. High-Cover Protection, Including Unlimited Sum Insured
With rising healthcare costs, large medical bills, especially for critical illnesses or long hospital stays, are becoming more common. Health Alpha offers a solution with sum insured options starting at ₹5 lakh and extending up to an Unlimited Sum Insured, providing families with strong, long-term financial protection. Additionally, the Endless Sum Insured benefit adds an extra layer of security by covering one major hospitalization claim beyond the base coverage, ensuring customers remain protected even during high-cost medical emergencies.

3. Strong Continuity Benefits for Life Milestones
The Plan Ahead optional cover allows families to expand their cover for major life events. This unique benefit provides Waiting Period continuity earned by the policyholder to newly married spouse (age up to age 35 years) and/or newborn children (maximum 2 children), provided they are enrolled under the Policy within 120 days of marriage or birth. 

4. Industry-First Gym & Sports Injury Cover
Recognising India’s growing focus on fitness and wellness, Health Alpha offers industry’s-first and exclusive add-on which provides OPD benefits for injuries sustained during hobby sports or daily fitness activities, covering specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, prescribed medicines, and physical therapy.

5. Up to 10x Cumulative Bonus for Claim-Free Years
Health Alpha features one of the most rewarding bonus structures in the industry with its 10x Cumulative Bonus benefit. For every year a customer remains claim-free, this benefit increases their coverage by up to 10 times the base sum insured. This means families get significantly more protection over time, creating a strong safety net as healthcare needs grow. This benefit helps customers build long-term financial security confidently, ensuring their health coverage keeps pace with rising medical costs.

As health needs become more diverse and financial risks rise, customers are seeking health insurance plans that offer depth, flexibility, and lasting protection. SBI General Health Alpha captures this trend perfectly by combining customizable options with high coverage limits, milestone continuity, and wellness-focused features. The product also offers few industry-first features like 10x Cumulative Bonus, Gym & Sports Injury Cover along with other Special Covers like Endless Sum Insured. Together, these benefits make it an attractive choice for families who want a strong, future-ready health protection plan that adapts to their evolving needs and ensures peace of mind.

About SBI General Insurance
SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India’s most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches. In FY 2024-25, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of INR 14,140 crores, recording a YOY growth of 11.1%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

Padma Shri Dr. P. T. Usha, Hon’ble MP and President of the Indian Olympic Association, inaugurated the Vels Football Residential Academy and Vels Swimming School at Vels University’s Thalambur campus (OMR), Chennai. Established by the Vels Group of Institutions with an investment of  Rs 25 crores, the sports campus aims to position Tamil Nadu as a rising centre for football and aquatic sports.

Vels FC was inaugurated by Indian Olympic Association President Dr. P. T. Usha in the presence of Vels Group of Institutions Chairman Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh

The academy features a FIFA-standard football turf, a modern residential training complex, and international-level coaching led by experienced Spanish trainers. More than 200 players from across India are currently enrolled in structured football programmes. In a significant step towards international exposure, Vels FC has sponsored a student with Rs 20 lakh for advanced football training in Spain.

The campus also includes the Vels Swimming School, which houses Olympic-standard swimming lanes, a three-level diving platform, and a pool with depths ranging from 3 to 12 feet making it among the most advanced aquatic training centres in the region.

During the event, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, the President of the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association and Founder Chancellor of Vels University, felicitated Tamil Nadu’s Kabaddi gold medalists Karthika and Abinash with scholarships worth Rs 1 lakh each. He also announced that 80 talented students from rural Tamil Nadu have been offered free training, accommodation, nutrition, and education as part of the institution’s commitment to grassroots sports development.

Dr. P. T. Usha praised Dr. Ganesh for offering 500 free seats every year 200 of which are dedicated to sports achievers and congratulated him on being re-elected unopposed as the President of the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association. TAOA General Secretary Adhav Arjuna appreciated Dr. Ishari K Ganesh initiative and urged more institutions to contribute to grassroots sports. He also appealed to the IOA  President to allow Tamil Nadu to host the National Games for the first time.

The launch of the Vels Football Residential Academy and Vels Swimming School marks a major milestone in Tamil Nadu’s sporting landscape, providing young athletes with world-class infrastructure, international coaching, and opportunities to pursue excellence at national and global levels.

For more information, please visit: www.velsfc.com

BairesDev®, an award-winning nearshore software development company, just released a new edition of the Dev Barometer, a quarterly global survey that dives into the minds of software engineers and project managers. This edition focuses on how AI impacted their jobs in 2025 and is changing software work and team structures heading into 2026, gathering insights from 501 developers and 19 project managers across 40 countries, including 75 participants from India.

How Indian developers expect their roles and responsibilities to evolve in 2026

AI Redefines Work and Skills for Indian Developers:

• 63% of Indian developers say AI-generated code is currently “somewhat reliable,” requiring continued validation to ensure quality, accuracy, and security. Only 12% believe AI code can be used without human oversight.

• 79% say AI has strengthened their technical skills, 52% say it improved their work-life balance, and 52% say it has expanded their career opportunities in 2025. 

• 7 in 10 (72%) Indian developers believe their role will be redefined in 2026. Of those: 

• 81% expect to shift from coding to designing technical solutions

• 70% expect to integrate AI-generated code into their workflows

• 52% anticipate a greater focus on strategy and architecture

“At the start of the year, many asked how AI would change developers’ roles. It’s clear now: developers are the first professionals to reinvent their jobs in real time,” said Nacho De Marco, CEO and Co-Founder of BairesDev. “They’re using AI to boost productivity, learn faster, and drive innovation. What’s happening in software today will soon happen across every knowledge industry: people will think bigger, break old limits, and redefine what productivity means.”

How Will the Developer Role Be In 2026?
As AI reshapes their day-to-day work, Indian developers see 2026 as a turning point for how software teams are structured, managed, and the skills required to stay competitive: 

• 67% expect new career opportunities to emerge. 

• 6 in 10 (63%) predict that AI will create more specialized roles in 2026.

• 53% foresee smaller, leaner teams as automation reduces entry-level tasks.

While Indian developers expect AI to continue transforming the industry in 2026, they are divided on how it will affect early-career roles: 31% expect these positions to shift in quality, requiring stronger analytical and AI-assisted coding skills; 28% anticipate growth as AI creates new products and markets, and 11% predict a decline in traditional junior roles.

Five in Ten Indian Developers Unlocked New Career Opportunities in 2025
Indian developers are increasingly operating in AI-integrated environments: 6 in 10 say AI accelerates project delivery, shortening time-to-market, and saving 10 hours a week. While enthusiasm is high, developers are also realistic about its current capabilities.

Overall, Indian developers still spend most of their time on writing code and building features (64%), debugging and fixing bugs (52%), and reviewing code and pulling requests (32%). 15% of Indian developers said they focus primarily on creative problem-solving and innovation, a figure expected to grow as AI continues to automate routine coding tasks.

Where Will Tech Jobs Grow in 2026?
As software teams become smaller and leaner in 2026, there is a shift toward more specialized structures, AI-integrated workflows, and human oversight in design and delivery.

• 67% of Indian developers warn that those without AI skills risk falling behind. Global PMs identified AI/ML specialists (76%) as the biggest upcoming talent gap, followed by data engineers and prompt engineers. 

• Indian developers expect AI/ML (76%), data analytics (49%), and prompt engineering (43%) to be the fastest-growing areas in 2026. 

• 63% of global PMs said developers will require more training in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity.

The Dev Barometer Q3 2025 edition showed AI had already become standard practice: 92% of Indian developers were using AI-assisted coding, saving an average of 10 hours per week. This new Q4 Edition points to an industry defined by AI integration: Indian developers foresee their core work evolving into a strategic role. Teams get leaner and more specialized, and upskilling in AI, data, and security becomes mandatory. In short, the role changes, the team structure follows, and human oversight remains central, turning individual AI gains into a repeatable way to build software in 2026.

About Q4 Dev Barometer survey
The survey was conducted in October 2025 among 501 developers, 53% of whom had 8+ years of experience, and 19 project managers working across 92 projects. India was the country with the second-highest participation in the Dev Barometer survey, with 75 developer respondents.

About BairesDev
BairesDev provides nearshore software development services to some of the world’s largest and most respected companies like Abbot, Adobe, Coca-Cola, eBay, Google, HP, and Rolls-Royce. Backed by 4,000+ engineers across LATAM, BairesDev has delivered high-quality software in over 130 industries.