Medical expenses can arise even when hospitalisation is not needed. Doctor consultations, prescribed medicines, diagnostic tests, and routine check-ups can create recurring costs throughout the year. These expenses can be easy to overlook when choosing health insurance, yet they may affect your healthcare budget.
 

Understanding outpatient benefits can help you assess what your policy provides beyond hospital treatment. Outpatient Department (OPD) refers to medical care received without hospitalisation. An OPD cover in health insurance can help cover eligible outpatient expenses.
 

OPD Cover in Health Insurance: Understanding What Your Policy Covers
 

Let’s understand its benefits, coverage, and claims process before choosing a suitable plan.

What is an OPD Cover in Health Insurance?

OPD care refers to medical treatment received without being admitted to a hospital. OPD cover in health insurance is a benefit that can help pay eligible expenses incurred during visits to doctors, clinics, or other healthcare providers.
 

For instance, a consultation for viral fever, a prescribed diagnostic test, or medicines may qualify under an eligible OPD benefit. Some insurers include this feature within their health plans, while others offer it as an add-on. The coverage limit, exclusions, waiting periods, and claim conditions depend on the policy.

What are the Benefits and Features of OPD Cover?

Regular outpatient expenses can add up over time, making this benefit relevant for specific healthcare needs.

No 24-hour Hospitalisation Requirement

Eligible outpatient expenses can be claimed without requiring an overnight hospital stay. This makes the benefit relevant for minor treatments, consultations, and investigations that do not involve hospital admission.
 

Pharmacy and Diagnostic Support
Some plans cover prescribed medicines and diagnostic tests under their outpatient benefits. Depending on the policy, this may include blood tests, X-rays, scans, and other eligible investigations, subject to applicable limits.
 

Support for Preventive Healthcare
Coverage for eligible consultations and health check-ups can support regular healthcare visits. OPD cover in health insurance may make routine appointments easier to manage by providing financial support for eligible outpatient expenses.
 

Benefits May Be Available From Day One
Certain plans provide eligible outpatient benefits from the beginning of the policy. However, waiting periods and other eligibility conditions vary between insurers, so the policy wording should be checked carefully.
 

Cashless and Reimbursement Options
Eligible expenses may be settled through cashless facilities at network providers or through reimbursement. The availability of either option depends on the insurer, healthcare provider, and policy terms.

What is Covered Under OPD Health Insurance Plans?

The scope of OPD cover in health insurance can vary by policy. Here are the common outpatient expenses you may find covered.

What may not be Covered Under OPD Insurance?

Policies can have exclusions that affect claim eligibility. Non-prescribed medicines, expenses above the permitted OPD limit and excluded treatments may not qualify for reimbursement.
 

Cosmetic procedures and other expenses outside the policy’s medical coverage may also be excluded. Always review the policy wording to understand what OPD cover in health insurance actually includes before incurring an expense.

Which Documents are Required for OPD Reimbursement Claims?

Having the right documents can help support your reimbursement request. The following records are commonly required when submitting an OPD claim.

Why is OPD Cover in Health Insurance Worth it?

OPD cover in health insurance can be useful when routine medical expenses form a regular part of your healthcare spending.
 

Helps Manage Frequent Medical Expenses
Eligible consultations, prescribed medicines and diagnostic tests can create recurring costs. An OPD benefit can help cover these expenses according to the policy’s terms and limits.
 

Provides Support Without Hospitalisation
The benefit can cover eligible medical care that does not require hospital admission. This makes it relevant for routine consultations, minor treatments and other outpatient healthcare needs.
 

Makes Preventive Healthcare Easier to Access
Coverage for eligible consultations and health check-ups can support regular healthcare visits. It may make routine medical appointments easier to manage within an annual healthcare budget.
 

Covers More Than Doctor Consultations
Depending on the policy, OPD cover in health insurance can extend to prescribed medicines, diagnostic tests, minor procedures and teleconsultations. This gives the benefit wider practical use for outpatient care.
 

Offers Cashless Convenience
Cashless OPD facilities can reduce the need to pay eligible expenses upfront at participating network providers. This can make routine healthcare payments and claims more convenient.
 

Complements Hospitalisation Cover
Hospitalisation insurance focuses on eligible expenses related to hospital treatment, while OPD cover in health insurance addresses eligible outpatient costs. Having both benefits can provide broader financial support for different healthcare needs.
 

Supports People With Regular Healthcare Needs
People who frequently consult doctors, take prescribed medicines or undergo diagnostic tests may find OPD benefits useful. Its value depends on the premium, OPD limit, exclusions, waiting periods and claim conditions.

Choose OPD Cover that Matches Your Healthcare Needs

Outpatient expenses can form a regular part of healthcare spending, making OPD cover in health insurance a useful benefit for eligible consultations, medicines, diagnostics and other services. Its suitability depends on your healthcare requirements and the policy’s terms. Check the coverage limit, exclusions, waiting periods, network facilities and claim requirements before choosing a plan.
 

Online insurance brokers like Jio Insurance Broking Ltd can help you compare available health insurance options and understand their features. Compare health insurance plans with OPD benefits today and choose coverage that matches your regular healthcare needs.

Pepper has launched Agent Atlas, an AI agent that runs generative engine optimization work instead of reporting on it. It is live inside Pepper’s GEO platform and on every Pepper account from today.

Pepper’s Agent Atlas: Turning GEO Insights into Action

Search has changed, and so has the place where a brand gets judged. People put their questions to ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Copilot, Claude and Google AI Overviews, and they act on what they hear without ever opening a website. Pepper tracks more than 10 million prompts across those engines, and the pattern it sees is that whether a brand turns up in those answers now decides whether it makes a buyer’s shortlist at all. Sangeeta Bavi, Head of Sales for Digital Natives, Startups and Growth at Anthropic, framed the test at Index: “Go ask your marketing, product and engineering team: if you search for your product or brand, is it discoverable, and will an agent actually complete the transaction?”

Agent Atlas is built to answer that. It sits as the chat layer of Pepper’s GEO platform. A question goes in the way you would put it to the sharpest analyst on the team. Atlas works across AI search visibility, rankings, analytics and content in one pass, shows what is happening, recommends what to do in order of impact, then carries out the work once it is approved.

One thing Atlas is not: software the client logs into. “You do not log in. Pepper does,” is how the company puts it. Every Pepper customer is on Atlas from today, and their Pepper growth team runs it. Self-serve is not part of this release.

“We are not trying to build another tool in the category,” said Anirudh Singla, Co-founder and CEO of Pepper. “We are trying to engineer organic growth for an AI era. Our understanding of organic growth has moved from SEO to Search Everywhere Optimization, and that needs strategy, agents and human subject matter experts working together.”

“Atlas has brought our decision time right down,” Singla said. “An analysis that used to take two weeks now runs through Atlas, so our teams spend their hours on leads and business outcomes instead. If you are a CMO with two minutes before you walk into your CEO’s office, you should not have to wait a week for an agency report. You ask Atlas and you have the answer before you sit down.”

Along with the launch, Pepper was clear about what it will and will not be measured on. The company said it will not sign a contract against a one-shot AI visibility score, because the same prompt run repeatedly against the same model comes back with a different answer each time. What it commits to instead goes into the contract: a full strategy and a projected number before a client signs, KPIs written in, weekly reviews against baseline, and an annual term Pepper keeps only if the number moves.

“Every AI engine is a black box today, and anyone claiming clean attribution is guessing with confidence,” said Rishabh Shekhar, Co-founder and COO of Pepper. “That will change, because advertisers will not spend without reporting and these models will have to open a console. We are making sure our customers are already measuring the right things when it does.”

The chain Pepper says it stands behind runs from Earned Authority, the agreement across the third-party sources that buyers and models trust, through citations and mentions, to branded search lift, to demand.

The launch came at the third Index, Pepper’s GEO Growth Summit, held in Bengaluru after San Francisco and New York, in front of 150+ marketing leaders. Anant Vidur Puri, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, made the case for moving now: “Unless AI is front and center of your marketing strategy, I don’t think the business can go fast.” Ashutosh Wadhwani, Head of Growth at Swiggy, put the same shift more bluntly: “Stop optimizing for clicks. Start optimizing for recommendations and citations.”

Pepper’s argument has not changed in eight years. Organic is the channel a brand owns rather than rents. With Agent Atlas, a lean team can own all of it. Agents for scale. Humans for judgment. One team that owns the number.

Union (Mauritius) Holdings Ltd., owned and promoted by Dr. Azad Moopen and family, has acquired 46.09 lakh equity shares of Aster DM Quality Care Limited, representing approximately ~0.57% of the company’s paid-up equity share capital, from TPG-backed Centella Mauritius Holdings Limited. With the recent purchase of additional stake, the Moopen family now has increased shareholding in Aster DM Quality Care Ltd. to ~24.58%.
 

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Executive Chairman, Aster DM Quality Care Ltd.
 

The shares were acquired on September 2, 2026, at a price of Rs. 760 per share, for an aggregate consideration of approximately Rs. 350.34 crore.
 

The acquisition further strengthens the promoter family’s ownership interest in Dr. Moopen-led Aster DM Quality Care and underscores the Moopen family’s commitment to the company’s long-term growth. It also reflects the family’s confidence in the potential of the larger, integrated healthcare platform, Aster DM Quality Care Ltd., and its ability to deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders.

About Aster DM Quality Care

Aster DM Quality Care Limited is one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers, formed through the merger of Aster DM Healthcare Limited and Quality Care India Limited. The merged entity will bring together four leading healthcare brands – Aster DM, CARE Hospitals, Evercare and KIMSHEALTH, creating a scaled and diversified healthcare platform with a network of 39 hospitals across 28 cities and over 10,890 beds. With a strong presence across South and Central India, the merged entity will deliver comprehensive healthcare services spanning primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary care, supported by centers of excellence across key specialties including oncology, cardiac sciences, neurosciences, gastro sciences, orthopaedics, nephrology, organ transplantation, mother and child care, and critical care.

Sydney, Australia, Singapore, Stellenbosch, South Africa 

Canva, the global visual communication platform, has become the first international company to offer recurring subscription payments to South African customers via Capitec Pay, the account-to-account payment method built by South Africa’s largest personal bank — Capitec. The milestone is made possible through Canva’s ongoing partnership with EBANX, a global technology company specializing in payment services for emerging markets.

South Africa: a USD 23 billion e-commerce market, largely cardless

The announcement represents a shift in how global subscription businesses can reach South African consumers. Credit card penetration in the country ranges between 8% and 10% of the adult population, according to the South African Reserve Bank (https://www.resbank.co.za/content/dam/sarb/publications/media-releases/2024/payments/SARB%20Payments%20Study%20Report%202023%20Executive%20Summary.pdf) and the World Bank (https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/globalfindex). This limitation has historically restricted the reach of traditional card-on-file subscription models, excluding 44 million people in South Africa who do not own credit cards.

Instead of needing a credit card, Capitec Pay lets clients approve a recurring payment once in the Capitec app (https://www.ebanx.com/en/insights/articles/south-africa-s-subscription-gap-has-a-bank-native-solution/). After that, participating businesses can collect future subscription payments automatically. Canva is the first international subscription service to offer recurring payments with Capitec Pay.

Capitec is South Africa’s largest personal bank by customer base, with 26 million clients (https://www.capitecbank.co.za/blog/news/2026/annual-results/) and over 16 million app users. According to Capitec, one in three South African adults uses its mobile app. “For Canva, going live as the first global merchant on this infrastructure is a removal of a structural barrier that was preventing a large portion of South Africans from accessing our platform at all,” said Bianca Sibiya, Canva Africa Lead.

The offering of recurring payments through Capitec Pay by Canva in South Africa is possible thanks to its partnership with EBANX, which helped enhance the solution and became the first global payment service provider (PSP) to integrate it into cross-border payment flows.

“For years, card-based billing has been treated as the default model for global subscription products, but that default was built around consumer behavior in the United States and Western Europe, not South Africa,” explained Wiza Jalakasi, Commercial Lead for Africa and the Middle East at EBANX.

EBANX has become a leading enabler of recurring alternative payment methods (APMs) (https://www.ebanx.com/en/insights/articles/ebanx-expands-recurring-alternative-payments-offering/) in cross-border digital commerce across the world. Including South Africa, the company supports recurring APMs across 12 emerging markets, enabling global merchants to reach more than 1 billion consumers, many of whom lack access to credit or debit cards.

“Capitec’s philosophy is to ensure that our clients experience simple, affordable and innovative services. Recurring payments through Capitec Pay is just one of the many ways we bring that simplicity to life, offering clients a payment experience they already know and trust. Through this partnership with Canva, we are expanding our trusted payment experience and giving clients access to international merchants in an accessible way,” said Francois Viviers, Group Executive of Marketing and Client Experience at Capitec.

South Africa’s digital commerce market continues to grow rapidly, reaching 74% of adults and annual growth projected at 20% through 2028, according to Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) data analyzed by EBANX. By that year, South Africa’s e-commerce market is expected to represent a USD 23 billion opportunity, based on PCMI insights featured in EBANX’s Beyond Borders study (https://hubs.ly/Q040LdtF0).

https://www.ebanx.com/en/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx

About EBANX

EBANX is the leading technology platform connecting global businesses to the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Founded in 2012 in Brazil, EBANX was built with a mission to expand access to international digital commerce. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep market expertise, and robust infrastructure, the platform enables global businesses to offer hundreds of local payment methods and streamline cross-border payments across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. With a global footprint, it established a technology and regulatory headquarters in Singapore in 2026. More than just payments, EBANX drives growth, enhances sales, and delivers seamless purchase experiences for businesses and end users alike.

For further information, please visit:

Website: https://www.ebanx.com/en/  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx

About Canva

Launched in 2013, Canva is a free online visual communications and collaboration platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast range of templates ranging from presentations, documents, websites, social media graphics, posters, apparel to videos, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful.

For more information:

Website: https://www.canva.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canva-africa/

About Capitec 

Capitec Limited (JSE: CPI) is South Africa’s largest retail bank by active client numbers, serving 26 million active clients. It is recognized as the country’s leading digital bank, with 16 million active app users. Capitec offers simple, affordable and transparent banking solutions through innovative technology and personalized service via its app, online banking, and a network of 866 branches and 8,771 ATMs and cash-accepting devices. The Group uses data and technology to understand client needs and provide tailored solutions across Personal Banking, Business Banking, value-added services, insurance, and international consumer lending through its subsidiary AvaFin. Capitec aims to make a meaningful difference and unlock growth opportunities for all.

For further information, please visit:

Website: https://www.capitecbank.co.za/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capitec-bank/

Hong Kong

The annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is set to return bigger and bolder this autumn, transforming the Central Stage, Central Harbourfront Event Space into a vibrant epicurean paradise from 29 October to 1 November 2026. Set against the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline, the festival will feature over 300 booths, including dedicated spirit booths and dining partners.

Asia’s premier culinary celebration, followed by a month of citywide Only in Hong Kong flavours and experiences

Across four unforgettable days, Indian visitors can indulge in world-class gastronomy, and vibrant live entertainment — all in one spectacular harbourfront setting. The culinary celebration will then continue throughout November with Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month, bringing exclusive dining offers, curated menus and gourmet experiences to restaurants and drinks across the city.

A World-Class Celebration of Drinks

Drinks takes centre stage with an exceptional global line-up spanning China, France, Italy, Spain, Georgia and the United Kingdom, alongside brand-new pavilions from Australia, Canada and South Korea. From established Old World producers to emerging regions and contemporary trends such as sparkling teas, and creative drinks, the festival offers something to suit every palate.

A major highlight this year is the spotlight on Bordeaux. Following the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB), visitors will enjoy unprecedented access to internationally acclaimed Bordeaux labels and exclusive tasting experiences throughout the festival.

The highly anticipated Grand Wine Pavilion will feature more than 20 exceptional selections of premium wine merchants. Within the Pavilion, over 20 expert-led masterclasses and tastings, hosted by Master Sommeliers and industry specialists, will guide guests through immersive journeys into celebrated regions, artisanal craftsmanship, and remarkable vintages

Elevated Dining and Exclusive “Only in Hong Kong” Flavours

Equally anticipated is the Tasting Room, bringing together acclaimed chefs from Hong Kong and around the world. Specially created tasting menus — available exclusively during the festival, offering guests an intimate and elevated exploration of culinary artistry and flavour innovation. This year’s line-up brings together a star – studded roster of culinary talents from around the world, including Chef Edward Lee, known to audiences worldwide through Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars; Chef Thierry Marx, the World-Renowned Master of French Gastronomy recognised for his French culinary vision and distinguished Michelin-starred career; Chef Chen Zhi Ping of Shanghai’s Meet the Bund, recognised by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026, Black Pearl Restaurant Guide and Michelin accolades; and Chef Justin Yang Yan Bin of Hong Kong’s newly opened contemporary Chinese dining destination QUAN, who was named first runner-up in The Divine Dish China. Each will present exclusive culinary creations for Tasting Room guests.

Beyond the signature festival experiences, this year’s edition introduces an exciting new highlight: “Only in Hong Kong” Flavours. More than 100 restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments, luxury hotels and local favourites, will showcase a remarkable line-up of signature dishes celebrating Hong Kong’s rich and diverse culinary scene. From local chef-crafted specialties to iconic street food creations, these limited-edition offerings promise an authentic and unforgettable taste of the city.

Join the Festival — and Stay for Wine & Dine Month

From world-class drinks to exclusive festival-only dishes, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2026 promises a true feast for the senses. Beyond the four-day harbourfront celebration, visitors are invited to extend their stay and immerse themselves in Wine & Dine Month throughout November.

With special menus and exclusive offers at participating restaurants and bars across the city, Hong Kong transforms into a month-long showcase of culinary excellence — offering even more reasons to sip, savour and explore its dynamic dining scene. Mark your calendars now and join food and wine enthusiasts from around the world at Asia’s culinary capital.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors’ experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities. The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination

Bricks & Milestones, the Bengaluru-based real estate developer, today announced the launch of Solcrest, a residential project off Hennur Road in North Bengaluru. Spread across 9.3 acres, the development will have 796 homes in 2, 3, 3.5 and 4 BHK configurations, with 2 BHK units starting at 1,332 sq ft. 90% of the site is retained as open and landscaped area. Prices start at Rs. 1.48cr. The project is registered under Karnataka RERA PRM/KA/RERA/1251/446/PR/151225/008336, with possession scheduled for November, 2030.

The 180° balcony surrounding each house on the project maximizes fresh air, ample sunlight and enough space to personalize your home

Solcrest is planned with four homes per floor across 6 towers of 34 floors each. Every home is oriented east or west, with balconies wrapping 180 degrees around the unit — a plan form that gives each apartment two exposed faces, cross-ventilation through the depth of the home, and no shared corridor beyond three neighbours. Orientation and floor-plate layout are decisions fixed at the drawing stage; unlike fittings or finishes, they cannot be revised, substituted or downgraded later.

“At Solcrest, we’re not just building homes – we’re crafting a sanctuary that nurtures body, mind and soul. We’ve drawn inspiration from the earthy tones of the region, infusing the architecture with a sense of warmth and belonging. With expansive open spaces and a low-density layout, we’ve ensured that every home enjoys ample natural light, gentle breezes and unobstructed views,” said Kiran V., Founder and CEO of Bricks and Milestones while speaking on the larger vision and execution of Solcrest as a haven for its residents.

The site sits off Hennur Road, 20 minutes from Manyata Tech Park, and 24 km from Kempegowda International Airport, with East Point Hospital, Orchids International School and Bharatiya Mall of Bengaluru within 8 km. Two lakes lie on either side of the property within a 1km radius., surrounding the project.

Solcrest is envisioned as an experience shaped by light, air, and green space rather than a checklist of specifications, where residents can look forward to mornings that begin with sunlight streaming into their homes and evenings spent unwinding amid landscaped courtyards instead of concrete expanses. The home itself is built with the Sun in mind, with views of glorious sunrises or serene sunsets becoming a daily treat rather than a rare sighting. The 180 balconies, along with providing each home with ample light and ventilation, is also sizable enough to double as a private gym, a mini library or an outdoor coffee nook, adding another layer of personalization to the space.

Shared facilities include a 30,000 sq ft clubhouse, a swimming pool, indoor game rooms, co-working areas and space for a bistro café, along with landscaped courtyards and open lawns. These are placed within the retained landscape rather than on cleared ground.

More information is available at bricksandmilestonessolcrest.co.in.

About Bricks & Milestones

Founded in 2015 by architect Kiran Venugopal, Bricks & Milestones is a Bengaluru-based real estate developer dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed residential and commercial spaces that reflect the city’s heritage. Bricks and Milestones has set new benchmarks in luxury, sustainability and thoughtful design. Guided by the philosophy of “creating masterpieces,” in handpicked locations, it combines cutting-edge architecture with eco-conscious living. Its portfolio includes landmark residential projects like New Dawn, Wonderwall, Felicity, and Lagos, as well as commercial icons such as The Fore. Their latest ventures include The Earthscape, a premium residential development, and an upcoming hospitality project in North Bengaluru. Bricks & Milestones is committed to creating flexible, sustainable spaces that meet the future needs of urban India. 

Esri India, the market leader in Geographic Information System (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping solutions in India, today announced the launch of GeoSARAL, a Linux-based desktop GIS software.
 

Agendra Kumar, MD, Esri India Launches GeoSARAL, an Indigenous GIS Software
 

With sustained investments in technology, talent, and innovation over the years, localization has been a key focus for Esri India. The intent is to develop solutions that address the requirements arising from the rapid adoption of geospatial technologies in India. GeoSARAL is a result of this continued focus and efforts by the Esri India team.
 

Professional GIS users in organizations use ArcGIS Pro for advanced analysis, 3D, network analysis, and complex cartography. At the same time, there are users who need a desktop GIS for simple tasks like mapping, visualization, querying and editing. GeoSARAL is the product for them. It was conceptualized in response to the growing demand from Esri India’s large ArcGIS user base across enterprise and government sectors for a lightweight, Linux-based desktop GIS. GeoSARAL is also supported on Windows, with Android support coming soon.
 

Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India, said, “Innovation with customer needs in mind has been at the heart of our technology journey. The launch of GeoSARAL is a significant milestone. Initial users of GeoSARAL are very appreciative to have a cost-effective Linux-based desktop GIS software for mapping, visualization, editing, and querying. It works effectively within ArcGIS environments for these tasks, addressing the simple GIS needs of some users, while others work with more advanced ArcGIS Pro capabilities. GeoSARAL is supported on both Linux and Windows, with support for Android on its way.”
 

GeoSARAL co-exists with users’ current ArcGIS infrastructure and can leverage the rich content from Indo ArcGIS Living Atlas. It lets users view, manage, and analyze GIS data and basemaps stored locally, even without an internet connection. It is designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing ArcGIS ecosystems and provides enterprise grade security.

As geospatial technology becomes increasingly important in governance, infrastructure, agriculture, defence, utilities, urban development, natural resource management, disaster management, and other critical sectors, local development will play an important role in addressing the country’s unique requirements while strengthening domestic technology capabilities. GeoSARAL is a step in this direction, contributing to India’s journey towards greater technological self-reliance.

Ai+ Smartphone rolls out Nxt Quantum OS v1.1 that strengthens its privacy framework and gives users greater visibility and control over how applications access their devices and data.

Ai+ opens up Nxt Quantum OS

As part of the commitment to data sovereignty and security, Nxt Quantum enforces a strict sovereign data boundary, ensuring that 100% of application data traffic is routed through local, India-hosted infrastructure. This robust system performs automated analysis of source rules across more than 1,000 connections and 172 unique destination IPs to ensure perimeter security. Notably, all data traffic and IP pings are contained within India, with external traffic limited to essential Google core services directed solely to California and Singapore, necessary for standard operating system functions. This approach not only prioritises data integrity but also reinforces our commitment to protecting user information in line with the Nxtquantum OS framework.

Network Traffic Security Review

With v1.1, NxtQuantum OS also introduces a more streamlined privacy experience through the NxtPrivacy Dashboard, bringing application permissions together in a single interface. Users can review, modify and revoke permissions more easily, providing greater control over how applications interact with device resources and personal data. Enhanced background activity visibility helps users understand when applications access sensitive device resources while operating outside active use. Privacy alerts further help identify permissions that may be excessive, unnecessary or no longer required, enabling users to make more informed decisions about their privacy.

Commenting on the update, Madhav Sheth, CEO, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies (Ai+ Smartphone), said, “The future of technology isn’t defined by what it can do. It’s defined by how much people can trust it and the aspirations it enables. That belief is central to how we are building NxtQuantum OS.”

The latest enhancements are part of NxtQuantum’s broader approach to building a technology platform, in which privacy, security, and user control are considered throughout the software experience.

This commitment to transparency also extends to how Ai+ evaluates its products through Project Open Review 2.0, which enables reviewers, creators, journalists, technology enthusiasts and ethical hackers to independently test Ai+ devices and provide feedback even before launch.

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.

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.

ONLY India introduces its Autumn 2026 Denim Campaign featuring Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana, bringing together the brand’s signature denim aesthetic with one of India’s most inspiring sporting icons.
 

ONLY X Smriti Mandhana
 

For ONLY, denim has always been more than a wardrobe essential. It is a language of confidence, individuality and self-expression for young women. Smriti Mandhana embodies the spirit of the ONLY girl effortlessly. As one of India’s most celebrated athletes and role models, she represents a generation that is ambitious, self-assured and unafraid to define their own path. Her natural approach to style extends far beyond the game, making her a true reflection of the ONLY attitude.
 

The ONLY Fit campaign puts denim in the spotlight, exploring a range of jeans and statement jackets designed to be styled, switched up and worn on repeat. From everyday comfort to standout moments, each piece is made to move seamlessly, reflecting ONLY’s belief that great denim is timeless and always open to interpretation.
 

Speaking about the collaboration, Sumit Dhingra, CEO & Country Director, BESTSELLER India, said, “Smriti Mandhana is one of the standout icons of her generation, not just for what she has accomplished, but for how she has gotten there: on her own terms, in her own time, always staying true to herself. That quiet confidence and authenticity is exactly what ONLY represents. With this collaboration, we want to inspire young women across India to pursue their ambitions boldly and carry their individuality with pride.”
 

Speaking about the collaboration, Smriti Mandhana said, “What drew me to ONLY is the ease and energy the brand brings to style. That instantly resonated with me. Denim has always been a go-to in my wardrobe because it fits naturally into my day and gives me the choice to experiment with my look depending on the moment. Partnering with ONLY felt like a natural fit because we share the similar philosophy; trusting your instincts, keeping it effortless and always being open to switching things up.”
 

The ONLY Autumn 2026 Denim Collection is now available across ONLY app, stores and online.

About ONLY

Founded in Denmark in 1995 as part of the BESTSELLER group, ONLY has evolved from a denim-focused label into a global fashion brand known for its trend-led, accessible style. With a strong foundation in denim and a progressive, style-first approach, the brand today offers a versatile portfolio of modern wardrobe essentials and statement pieces that enable self-expression for the next generation of women. Over the years, ONLY has built deep expertise across retail, wholesale, and the evolving online market, with a presence across 70 countries and a growing online presence in India through www.only.in and leading e-commerce platforms.

About BESTSELLER India
BESTSELLER India is part of BESTSELLER, an international, family-owned fashion company founded in Denmark in 1975. With a portfolio of more than 20 brands, BESTSELLER designs fashion and accessories for women, men, teenagers and children, built on the promise of great style, quality and value.
 

In India, its portfolio includes JACK&JONES, VERO MODA, ONLY, SELECTED, JACK&JONES JUNIOR and VERO MODA GIRL, complemented by its own digital platforms and leading online marketplaces. Globally, BESTSELLER’s products are available in more than 90 countries through branded stores, multi-brand and department stores, and digital channels.