VinFast today officially inaugurated its electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant at the SIPCOT Industrial Park in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India. This milestone marks a major step in VinFast’s global expansion, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the world’s third-largest automobile market and underscoring VinFast’s confidence in India’s strategic role in the future of the global EV industry.

Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru. M K Stalin, Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, VinFast – CEO Asia, along with government officials at the grand opening ceremony of the first electric vehicle plant of VinFast India in Thoothukudi

VinFast Tamil Nadu is the company’s third operational plant and the fifth project in its global manufacturing network. As the first VinFast facility inaugurated outside Vietnam, it demonstrates both the brand’s global vision and its capacity to deliver large-scale projects.

With a total area of 400 acres, the plant is equipped with state-of-the-art production lines meeting world-class standards, featuring advanced automation and cutting-edge technologies. The complex houses multiple workshops, including Body Shop, Paint Shop, Assembly Shop, Quality Control Center, and a Logistics Hub. It also includes an auxiliary cluster for local contractors, which is expected to expand in the coming years.

At full capacity, the plant will create 3,000-3,500 direct jobs for local workers, along with thousands of indirect jobs in the supply chain ecosystem. This will help boost socio-economic development in Tamil Nadu, positioning the state as a manufacturing hub for India and a potential EV capital of South Asia in the near future.

Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru. M K Stalin signs the first VF7 premium SUV that rolled out from the assembly line of VinFast India plant in a grand opening ceremony in Thoothukudi

In its initial phase, VinFast Tamil Nadu will focus on assembling two premium electric SUV models: the VF 7 and VF 6. The plant’s starting capacity is 50,000 vehicles per year, scalable up to 150,000 units annually to meet rising market demand.

With the launch of the Tamil Nadu plant, VinFast moves closer to its 2025 sales target of 200,000 vehicles and its long-term production goal of 1 million vehicles per year by 2030. This milestone reaffirms VinFast’s commitment to promoting sustainable mobility and advancing a greener future in India and worldwide.

Speaking on the inauguration,Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia,stated, “The VinFast Tamil Nadu plant marks a strategic milestone in our long-term commitment to the Indian market. It establishes a strong foundation for sustainable growth and positions us to offer high-quality, competitively priced electric vehicles to Indian consumers. Looking ahead, the facility will expand its production capacity to meet rising demand. We aim to develop it into VinFast’s largest export hub for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In fact, weve already secured initial orders from several countries across these regions. In close collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government, VinFast is working to transform the area into the EV capital of South Asia-supporting both the dynamic domestic market and our broader regional ambitions.”

VinFast Tamil Nadu not only strengthens the company’s global production capability but also contributes significantly to India’s green industrial development. The plant will prioritize collaboration with domestic suppliers, promoting supply chain localization, technology transfer, and workforce upskilling.

Since entering India, VinFast has actively pursued a comprehensive EV ecosystem model covering assembly, distribution, after-sales services, and recycling, with the 400-acres Tamil Nadu plant being a strategic piece in this value chain. In parallel, VinFast has partnered with multiple dealer groups in key cities and teamed up with RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure to build a robust digital services and after-sales support network. VinFast has also joined forces with BatX Energies to enable battery recovery and reuse, advancing circular production and sustainable development in the world’s third-largest automobile market.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia.

Learn more at vinfastauto.in.

In line with the #BrighterLivesBetterWorld vision, Signify, the world leader in lighting, announced a collaboration with BharatCares to bring sustainable outdoor lighting infrastructure to 58 Gram Panchayats across Uttar Pradesh under its Har Gaon Roshan CSR Program. This initiative aims to enhance safety, visibility, and the overall quality of life for people in these underserved areas, with a focus on rural communities.

Signify and BharatCares partners to illuminate 58 Gram Panchayats in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

The project will see the installation of 2,000 streetlights. By supporting local infrastructure and rural development, the project will create a well-lit environment for residents, while fostering economic opportunities and improving daily life.

The letter of commitment was exchanged between District Administration, Ayodhya and Signify in the presence of Smt. Anandiben Patel, the Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, to further the sustainable development and community empowerment through innovative lighting solutions.

Commenting on the partnership, Vikas Malhotra, Head of Connected Professional Business – Signify, Greater India, said, “At Signify, we believe in bringing the best of innovations to the communities across India, through our Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative. For this project, we are thankful for the support of BharatCares and the Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh for aiding our collective mission to strengthen rural communities. By illuminating these Gram Panchayats and installing 2,000 streetlights, we are enhancing the safety and visibility for people around these areas. This partnership reflects our commitment to using light to positively impact lives in the most underserved regions of India, fostering sustainable growth and community empowerment.”

BharatCares representative Adarsh Trivedi, added, “This partnership with Signify marks a significant step toward realizing our collective vision of transforming rural infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh. Providing lighting to these 58 Gram Panchayats will not only improve safety and infrastructure but also unlock new avenues for community development, economic growth, and enhance livelihood activities, especially during evening hours. This initiative will empower local communities and improve the overall well-being of its residents.”

As Signify continues to expand its efforts across India, the initiative stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to lighting up lives, building a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow through innovation that matters.

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2024, we had sales of EUR 6.1 billion, approximately 29,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for eight consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for five consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE), one of India’s most trusted real estate developers, hosted an exclusive experiential event at VANAHA in collaboration with Aston Martin New Delhi, spotlighting a strategic alignment of elegance, precision, and opulence.

Aston Martin showcases its luxury models at Vanaha by Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate in Pune

Held at the VANAHA Experience Centre, the evening featured two iconic Aston Martin models – Vantage and DBX 707 each valued at over INR 5 crore. This dazzling display attracted more than 500 distinguished partners, influencers, and prospective buyers, offering them a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of ultra-luxury automobiles while experiencing VANAHA’s premium vision for future living.

This one-of-a-kind marketing activation in the Indian real estate industry is setting a new precedent for experiential brand engagement.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Sriram Mahadevan, CEO of Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate and MD of Joyville Shapoorji Housing, said, “At VANAHA, we believe luxury is not just about a product but about an experience that resonates with aspiration, elegance, and exclusivity. Our strategic association with Aston Martin New Delhi allowed us to create a truly unique event, one that not only showcased the pinnacle of automotive excellence but also underscored VANAHA’s commitment to offering unmatched lifestyle experiences.”

The showcase followed SPRE’s recent announcement of VANAHA Verdant, a premium residential development within its flagship 1000-acre integrated township, VANAHA, near Bavdhan, Pune. Spread over approximately 5 acres, the project will offer around 10 lakh square feet of saleable area.

Strategically located near Pune’s key IT hubs like Hinjewadi, Mahalunge-Mann Hi-Tech City Park, and Baner, VANAHA offers exceptional connectivity and lifestyle appeal for professionals. The location is further enhanced by its proximity to renowned educational institutions, such as FLAME University and Symbiosis International University, as well as multi-speciality hospitals and established commercial centres. The presence of the prestigious Oxford Golf Course, ranked among Asia’s top 5, adds yet another layer of exclusivity to the township’s lifestyle proposition.

VANAHA blends nature with connectivity, offering residents a serene, green lifestyle surrounded by over 400 species of flora and fauna. Future infrastructure upgrades such as the upcoming Metro Line 2 (Chandni Chowk to Viman Nagar), the proposed 10-lane Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway, the proposed 6-lane Paud-Mahad corridor, the proposed new 8-lane flyover at Chandni Chowk, and the proposed 14-lane wide Ring Road will significantly enhance accessibility and value for residents.

About Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE)
Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is a well-regarded, reputed player in the Indian real estate sector owing to its cutting-edge design innovation, construction quality, and architectural excellence. It constitutes a significant segment of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, an enormous multi-business conglomerate. The group has more than 160 years of legacy that bridges the earliest celebrated structures of India and the modern marvels. With a development potential of over 130 million square feet, SPRE has made inroads into most Indian cities-Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Gurugram, and Kolkata-with a variety of developments, from luxury apartments and opulent residences to aspirational homes for mid-income homebuyers as well as one of the largest mass housing projects in India.

Link to the website: www.shapoorjirealestate.com.

MISSION TO EARTHPHASE – MOONSHINE GOLD, is the new timepiece in the Bioceramic MoonSwatch Collection available exclusively on August 9, the day of the full moon, at selected Swatch stores worldwide. Featuring Swatch’s latest earth phase innovation, a moon phase indicator adorned with OMEGA’s Moonshine™ Gold and illustrations from the world of Snoopy, this release is a reminder that imagination and daring to dream big, is the first step to going further than anyone thought possible.

MISSION TO EARTHPHASE – MOONSHINE GOLD

An innovative complication introduced last year by Swatch, the earth phase shows how Earth appears when viewed from the Moon. Just like the moon phases, the earth phases follow a 29.5-day cycle, but in reverse. When there’s a full moon, we see a new earth, and when there’s a new moon, we glimpse a full earth. This inverse relationship causes the earth on the earth phase to move counterclockwise, opposite to the direction of the moon on the moon phase indicator. It’s a poetic reinterpretation of the retrograde function seen in certain high-end timepieces.

Beneath the earth phase indicator is an illustration of Snoopy, the beloved beagle and famous flying ace, joined by his ever-loyal friend and frequent co-pilot, Woodstock sitting on the Moon, marveling at the enchanting spectacle of Earth, the most beautiful planet of them all. The illustration features a phrase that appears only under UV light, a playful nod to the pioneering spirit of the Moonwatch, the first watch on the Moon, and a tribute to those who are the first to imagine things differently.

At the 2 o’clock subdial, MISSION TO EARTHPHASE – MOONSHINE GOLD, boasts a moon phase indicator. Featuring two radiant full moons, one designed in the distinctive style of the world of Snoopy and both coated with OMEGA’s Moonshine™ Gold, this moon phase indicator is inspired by the Sturgeon Moon, the full moon set to appear during the month of this watch release. In a playful nod to the origins of the full moon’s name, one moon on the indicator is draped in a net-like pattern.

Like all models in the Bioceramic MoonSwatch Collection, MISSION TO EARTHPHASE – MOONSHINE GOLD is crafted from Bioceramic, Swatch’s innovative, patented mix of two-thirds ceramic and one-third biosourced materials produced from castor oil. It features a color that was created exclusively for this collection, a distinctive dark navy blue that evokes the endless depths of space. It also boasts many of the iconic features of OMEGA’s legendary Speedmaster Moonwatch, including an asymmetrical case and distinctive, recessed Speedmaster subdial.

The OMEGA X Swatch logos are proudly displayed on its dial and crown, and its mission statement is engraved on the back of its case. The battery cover features an Earth-inspired design, while the navy VELCRO rubber strap adds a dash of astronaut cool.

MISSION TO EARTHPHASE – MOONSHINE GOLD is a celebration of what happens when imagination takes flight. Blending Snoopy’s imaginative universe with celestial innovation, it invites everyone to let their imagination soar and dream big. This model will be available at selected Swatch stores worldwide only on August 9. As with the whole Bioceramic MoonSwatch Collection, only one watch can be purchased per person, and per store.

MISSION TO EARTHPHASE – MOONSHINE GOLD
SO33N701L
Case material: navy Bioceramic case, crown and pushers
Case diameter: 42.00 mm
Case thickness: 13.75 mm
Lug-to-lug distance: 47.30 mm
Quartz movement: chronograph (seconds only) with moon phase and earth phase indicators
Water resistance: 3 bar
Glass: box-shaped in biosourced material; an “S” engraved in the center in reference to the Swatch logo
Dial: white opaline with OMEGA X Swatch, Speedmaster and MoonSwatch logos; recessed subdial, hour markers coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova (green emission). Moon phase indicator with sparkly dark blue moon phase disc featuring two full moons coated with OMEGA’s Moonshine™ Gold. Secret detail in UV ink (blue emission). Earthphase indicator featuring the Earth in sparkly dark blue hues and oceans coated with UV ink (blue emission).
Hands: hours, minutes and tip of the chronograph seconds hand coated in Grade A Super-LumiNova (green emission)
Bezel: navy Bioceramic bezel with tachymeter scale featuring white markers
Strap: navy VELCRO️ rubber strap, navy Bioceramic loop

Simta Astrix, Indias leading high-performance window, door, and interior solution brand, made a huge mark at the 9th edition of the Architect & Interior Expo 2025. The event was flawlessly managed by BIG3 Exhibitions and witnessed the participation of the worlds best minds in architecture and design. As the Diamond Sponsor, Simta Astrix’s expansive and immersive display was one of the most talked-about experiences at the event, which took place from June 26 to 29 at Hall 1, Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam.

Simta Astrix (Diamond Sponsor) Showcases uPVC Windows & Doors at BIG3 Exhibitions 2025

With over 120 leading brands and 7000+ visitors, the expo was a mix of architects, builders, developers, interior designers, fabricators, and homeowners. Simta Astrix was at the heart of this expo, attracting waves of interest with its experiential and innovative product areas.

Simta Astrix went beyond traditional displays, especially with their uPVC modular interiors. Their stall was designed to look like a real living space, where individuals could best enjoy the potential of their offerings. Every Simta Astrix uPVC windows and doors, aluminium systems and more were carefully placed to facilitate interaction, discovery, and visualization of how these solutions can make living and business spaces better.

The Simta Astrix uPVC windows and doors stand was the highlight of the expo. Renowned for their long lifespan, energy efficiency, and high-end design, Simta Astrixs uPVC solutions exhibited smooth performance, enhanced insulation, and additional security advantages that homeowners, architects, and fabricators could experience and perceive for themselves. Each window and door design showcased the brands focus on long-term performance and looks.

The Simta Astrix ABS line of doors was featured with its aesthetically pleasing finishes and termite-resistant construction. Featured in contemporary, classic, as well as minimalist designs, the doors were fitted into realistic residential and commercial environments, allowing visitors to envision the manner in which Simta Astrix ABS doors would be able to effortlessly makeover any interior space while providing low-maintenance upkeep.

In the Simta Astrix steel doors category, developers and builders discovered instant solutions to challenging problems. Constructed to be heavy-duty and long-lasting, these doors are perfect for residential and commercial properties where security and minimal maintenance are a priority.

Simta Astrixs System Aluminium range was the pick of the show. Guests discovered stylish aluminium sliding systems and architectural profiles that are functional yet gorgeous. Smooth gliding systems and thin profiles made these aluminium doors and windows stand out, showcasing the manner in which Simta Astrix is leading the way with new standards in modern building products.

Apart from Simta Astrix uPVC windows and doors, one of the most engaging displays was the Simta Astrix modular uPVC interior range. From uPVC kitchen cupboards and wardrobes to fashionable TV cabinets, the area was designed as a home interior in real life, with visitors able to touch, navigate through, and envision their own interiors reimagined with Simta Astrix interiors. This interactive display placed Simta Astrix not only as a top manufacturer, but as a total lifestyle solution provider for interiors.

With every single corner of its booth, Simta Astrix reaffirmed its leadership of Indias windows, doors, and interior solutions manufacturer by combining innovation, quality, and practicality.

This smart setup helped people reimagine their homes from the doors and windows to complete interior solutions all in one place. The interactive and realistic showcase was praised by industry professionals and homeowners alike, making Simta Astrix a highlight of the 4-day Expo.

The Simta Astrix Stall was buzzing with activity as architects, builders, developers, and fabricators engaged directly with the team. For many existing partners, it was a chance to reaffirm their relationship with the brand, while new visitors discovered the possibilities Simta Astrix brings to the table.

Simta Astrix’s presence as Diamond Sponsor showcased its leadership in quality and innovation. The brand stood out not just through product variety but also through the quality of presentation, professionalism, and public engagement. In this Architect & Interior Expo 2025 Simta Astrix clearly highlighted why they remains a trusted choice for fabricators, builders, developers and homeowners across India.

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer globally, accounting for a significant number of cancer-related deaths each year. What makes it particularly challenging is that symptoms often appear in the advanced stages, when treatment becomes more complicated and prognosis less favourable. This is why awareness and early intervention are absolutely critical.

World Lung Cancer Day, observed on August 1st, is a timely reminder to take stock of our respiratory health. While smoking remains the most well-known cause, non-smokers too can develop lung cancer due to factors like air pollution, second-hand smoke, occupational exposure to carcinogens, and genetic predisposition.

Dr. Khader Hussain, Thoracic Surgical Oncologist

Common warning signs include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, and frequent respiratory infections. These symptoms are often mistaken for more benign illnesses, causing delays in diagnosis.

Fortunately, advancements in medical imaging, bronchoscopy, and biopsy techniques have improved early detection rates. In addition, surgical options today are more precise, less invasive, and often allow patients to retain lung function. Treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy have opened new doors for patients with advanced-stage lung cancer, offering renewed hope and improved survival.

But no treatment can substitute the power of early detection. For high-risk individuals – especially those above 40 with a history of smoking or prolonged exposure to pollutants – regular screening should be considered. Low-dose CT scans can help identify tumors at a stage when they are still operable and potentially curable.

As an oncosurgeon, I have witnessed first-hand how timely action can change the course of this disease. My appeal is simple: do not ignore persistent respiratory symptoms. Seek medical guidance promptly. It could save your life or that of someone you love.

This World Lung Cancer Day, let us commit to greater awareness, routine screening for those at risk, and removing the stigma often associated with lung cancer. Early intervention saves lives – let’s not wait for symptoms to become severe before we act.

By Dr. Khader Hussain, Thoracic Surgical Oncologist