• Appointment comes as 47% of Indians love to travel to watch their favourite cricket matches live in the phenomenon of ‘sport-led’ travel

• Skyscanner’s collaboration with ‘SKY’ reflects its growing relevance in India and commitment to building stronger connections with travellers

Leading global travel app Skyscanner today announced Suryakumar ‘SKY’ Yadav as its first-ever brand ambassador in India. Celebrated on the cricket field as ‘Mr. 360’ for his all-round play, SKY will now bring that same spirit to travel, partnering with Skyscanner to inspire and promote travel discovery as the Mr. 360 of travel. Soon to captain the side in the upcoming Asia Cup, this landmark collaboration draws upon the cricket star’s cultural influence and national appeal to expand Skyscanner’s reach and consumer engagement across India.

SKY- Brand Ambassador Skyscanner in India

SKY’s dynamic personality resonates with Skyscanner’s core audience of digital-first, lifestyle-oriented travellers constantly seeking fresh experiences, making the collaboration authentic and strategically aligned. His energy, lifestyle, and love for adventure mirror the brand’s mission to make travel simpler, smarter, and more inspiring.

With nearly half (47%) of Indians willing to travel to watch cricket live, the growing phenomenon of sport-led travel in the country, as highlighted by Skyscanner’s ‘Pitch Perfect Journeys’ report -complements this partnership and uniquely positions Skyscanner to tap into the passion for cricket. It turns the excitement of both leisure and cricket into a gateway of unforgettable travel experiences.

The partnership kicks off with an exciting contest on both Skyscanner India and SKY’s social media pages, inviting participants to curate a personalized travel plan for SKY using Skyscanner’s features. From underrated destinations to hidden gems and authentic local experiences, users can showcase their ultimate travel plans. The top 10 entries will be rewarded with an exclusive meet-and-greet with him, offering an opportunity for engagement between the brand’s community and the newly appointed ambassador.

Sharing his views, Suryakumar Yadav, Skyscanner Brand Ambassador, who is represented by RISE Worldwide, said, “Travel has always been something that excites me as much as cricket- whether it is exploring new places during tours or discovering hidden gems on break. Partnering with Skyscanner feels natural because it’s about making travel simple, smart, and full of possibilities. I’m looking forward to inspiring more fans to combine their love for cricket with the joy of discovering the world.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Neel Ghose,Country Manager & General Manager, Travel Expert, Skyscanner, India, shares, “We are really excited to welcome SKY to the Skyscanner family. His connection with people across India makes him the perfect partner to help us show travellers just how simple, affordable and joyful planning a trip with Skyscanner can be.With him alongside, we aim to make travel not just more accessible, but a source of inspiration and connection for every Indian traveller. Last year, we inaugurated our first office in India and today marks yet another special occasion with SKY as the face of our brand. This is a testament to our growing presence in the market and how we wish to highlight travel to wider demographics, inspiring exploration with Skyscanner as a trusted travel partner.”

Together, Skyscanner and Suryakumar Yadav aspire to empower Indian travellers to dream bigger, travel smarter, and embrace new adventures with confidence.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and initiatives on this partnership!

About Skyscanner 

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options.

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure theyve seen the best possible options, all in one place.

At the newly launched Vietnam Exposition Center in Hanoi, the steel-clad Lac Hong 900 LX armored car sits on display, its surface marked by bullet impacts. It is a silent testament to the trials it endured before making its public debut at the “80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness” exhibition. This exhibition commemorates Vietnam’s August Revolution of 1945, which ended colonial rule, and the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1946. The event put the spotlight on VinFast’s ambitions in a very public way.

The VF 9 featured in Vietnam’s National Day parade on September 2

Not far from the exhibition, another chapter of this ambition was unfolding on Hanoi’s parade grounds. Here, open-top VinFast VF 9 vehicles-custom-built for ceremonial use-were seen for the first time as military and police units rehearsed for the National Day parade on September 2. While these two models appeared in different venues and at different moments, their emergence points to a larger message: one company can now meet demands that range from national defense to public ceremony. It is also a reminder of how much capability Vietnam has built in a short span, reshaping the image of a nation once devastated by war.

“This is evidence that Vietnam is now able to manufacture vehicles on par with about 18 countries around the world that have their own domestic automotive brands,” said automotive analyst Dinh Van Nam, to Vietnamese media.

The Head-of-State Test

The technical achievement of the Lac Hong 900 LX is marked, first and foremost, by the marks left on its armor: hundreds of bullet impacts and signs of mine blasts. According to company data, the car endured 440 bullet shots and 11 explosive tests at the German Beschussamt Ulm center, ultimately achieving the European VPAM VR7 ballistic standard for head-of-state vehicles. This rating means the vehicle can withstand high-powered rifle fire and explosive charges, a requirement for use by world leaders. It was the first Vietnamese-made car to undergo and pass such independent testing.

VinFast did not work alone. The company collaborated with INKAS, a Canadian firm with expertise in armored vehicles, to develop the Lac Hong 900 LX. In the process, VinFast combined international know-how with domestic manufacturing, completing final assembly at its Hai Phong factory.

Design details carry unmistakable Vietnamese identity: the gold-plated Lạc bird logo, a grille inspired by bamboo, and wood and leather interiors using Golden Nanmu and Nappa. The Lạc bird is a mythical creature from Vietnamese folklore, often used as a national symbol. Bamboo is another deeply rooted cultural motif, representing resilience and unity. These gestures of local pride stand alongside technical milestones, such as an extended wheelbase.

“The Lac Hong 900 LX has a wheelbase extended by about 20 centimeters compared to the VF 9. This not only increases the interior space, but also presents a real challenge in automotive manufacturing,” observed Nguyen Manh Thang of WhatCarVN to Vietnamese media.

If the Lac Hong 900 LX is about proving technical depth, the special VF 9s speak to how fast that depth can be turned to new tasks.

Demonstration of Flexible Production

For the parade marking the 80th anniversary of National Day, VinFast completed four specially modified open-top VF 9 vehicles at the request of the Ministry of Public Security. Each of these cars underwent extensive alterations, including the removal of the B, C, and D pillars and separation of the roof from the A pillar, along with a new exterior paint job, redesigned front grille, refreshed leather interiors, and significant updates to the electrical system. Completing these four ceremonial vehicles required nearly 2,400 hours of labor.

At the same time, VinFast delivered 12 VF 9s in white, custom-built for the Traffic Police. These vehicles featured further adjustments, such as a redesigned hood with ventilation ports removed and a new grille with horizontal bars. Each car was also fitted with specialized equipment as required by the Traffic Police, including badges, flag mounts, lights, and sirens. VinFast engineers spent an estimated 60 to 80 hours refining each of these vehicles to meet the exacting standards for their ceremonial and operational duties during the National Day festivities.

The vehicles themselves, with their newly designed grilles and functional ceremonial upgrades, offer a demonstration of VinFast’s ability to adapt and customize. In most countries, vehicles used for state parades or official patrol duties form a specialized segment of the automotive market, demanding high reliability and strict compliance with protocol. By meeting the high standards required by the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Public Security, VinFast gains credentials that may help it compete for government fleet contracts abroad.

As the VF 9s roll onto the parade ground and the steel doors of the Lac Hong 900 LX close, VinFast offers no dramatic declarations. The presence of these vehicles at A80 sends a quieter message: Vietnam now occupies a place in the global auto value chain where high technical standards and rapid, tailored production are both in reach. It is a modest, real step forward on the country’s industrial path.

Mahindra University, Hyderabad, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Monash University, in a significant move to foster collaboration in academic and research domains. Monash Engineering is ranked #2 in Australia and #59 globally (Times Higher Education, ranking b subject 2025).

Mahindra University signs MoU with Monash University

The partnership will focus on several key areas, including collaborative research initiatives, the exchange of academic materials and scholars and the organisation of joint seminars, workshops and other academic activities. Through this collaboration, students will have an opportunity for a 2+2 programme, which will enable them to complete the remaining two years of their studies at Monash University. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University and Prof. Craig Jaffrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice President, Monash University, marking a significant step toward strengthening academic ties.

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, stated, “We are delighted to partner with Monash University through this MoU. We aim to create new opportunities for our students and faculty to promote knowledge exchange. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to foster joint research and faculty and student exchange programs. At Mahindra University, we are committed to providing our students with global exposure and interdisciplinary learning, and this MoU underscores that commitment.”

“This MoU marks a new chapter in the Australia-India bilateral relationship, creating an exciting avenue for our institutions that share an ambition for innovation. It provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to benefit from the strengths of both institutions. The agreement also paves the way for the exploration of collaborative research initiatives,” said Prof. Craig Jaffrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice President, Monash University.

He further added that Mahindra University and Monash University are determined to explore how to work together effectively across Australian and Indian bilateral.

With this MoU, Mahindra University continues to strengthen its global footprint by collaborating with world-renowned universities, empowering its students and faculty to benefit from international networks, interdisciplinary learning, and research opportunities. Similarly, Monash University stands to gain from this collaboration by tapping into the rich academic and cultural diversity of Mahindra University, fostering a more global perspective among its students and faculty.

Aly Hajiani, popularly known as @ThatCreditCardGuy and India’s largest credit card influencer with a community of over 700,000 followers, today announced the launch of RewardPoints.Club – a Credit Card Discovery Platform & Premium Advisory Service designed exclusively for High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) and frequent flyers.

A new way to get the best of your credit card – RewardPoints.Club

The venture is backed by Sharan Hegde, Founder of One Percent Club and one of India’s most influential voices in personal finance with a following of 3.9 million across platforms and 100,000+ weekly newsletter subscribers. The platform, which goes live today, empowers users to maximize the value of their credit card spends by offering:

• Personalized Credit Card Discovery: Find the perfect card tailored to one’s lifestyle and spending patterns.

• Expert Advisory & Strategy: Guidance on optimizing points and leveraging cards for premium rewards.

• Luxury Redemption Assistance: Consulting on unlocking business-class flights and luxury hotel stays.

• Exclusive Content & Deals: A members-only newsletter featuring insider redemption strategies and limited transfer offers.

Speaking on the launch, Aly Hajiani, Founder of RewardPoints.Club said, “Indians are increasingly using credit cards to access lifestyle upgrades, premium travel, and exclusive experiences. Most people don’t realize the hidden value sitting unused in their credit card points. RewardPoints.Club is built to change that – giving users the tools and strategies to unlock the full potential of their rewards.”

Rewardpoints.club backed by Finance Influencer Sharan Hegde

Also sharing his excitement, Sharan Hegde said, “The Indian consumer is evolving – they’re aspirational, global, and tech-savvy. RewardPoints.Club is perfectly positioned to serve this new wave of cardholders who don’t just want to earn points but want to extract their full value. That’s why I’m thrilled to support Aly in building this platform.”

The launch comes at a time when India’s affluent and aspirational consumer base is showing an unprecedented appetite for travel, lifestyle rewards, and financial optimization. With curated strategies and expert-led content, RewardPoints.Club aims to become the go-to destination for anyone looking to extract maximum value from their credit card ecosystem.

Check out the detailed video here –
www.instagram.com/reel/DOGG3guAsBF/igsh=MWhwNnc3ZzhxM2llYg==
www.linkedin.com/posts/alyhajiani_new-professional-update-alert-only-5-activity-7368575664674758659-pzBRutm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAADTGDQYB7sjqIoDxd8bIvDjOcsiwqXto10Q

About RewardPoints.Club
RewardPoints.Club is India’s first Credit Card Discovery Platform & Premium Advisory Service, founded by Aly Hajiani (@ThatCreditCardGuy). The platform helps HNIs and frequent flyers discover the right credit cards, optimize their spending, and redeem points for unparalleled lifestyle and travel experiences.

DuDigital Global Limited (NSE: DUGLOBAL), a leading global mobility and digital transformation company, today announced its strategic partnership with Meydan Free Zone, Dubai’s premier business hub, for the activation of Meydan Free Zone services in Delhi. Through this partnership, DuDigital Global will promote and facilitate Meydan Free Zone’s services for the Delhi market, enabling entrepreneurs, professionals, and enterprises to seamlessly establish businesses in the UAE.

DuDigital Global partners with Meydan Free Zone to offer seamless UAE business setup solutions for entrepreneurs, professionals, and startups

Located in the heart of Dubai, Meydan Free Zone is one of the fastest-growing business destinations, offering entrepreneurs and investors world-class infrastructure, tax-free incentives, 100% foreign ownership, flexible licensing structures, and access to global markets. The Free Zone provides unmatched facilities, from premium offices, a racecourse to concierge services and end-to-end support for business owners.

With DuDigital Global driving the Delhi city activation, this association will make it easier for Delhi-based firms, professionals, and startups to explore new opportunities within Dubai’s vibrant ecosystem and benefit from Meydan’s ease of doing business.

Comments on the Partnership
Mr. Manoj Dharmai, Group CEO of DuDigital Global, said, “We are delighted to partner with Meydan Free Zone to extend their world-class services to businesses and professionals. Over the years, DuDigital Global has built a reputation for simplifying complex mobility and business setup solutions, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering entrepreneurs and advisors with seamless, reliable, and growth-oriented business opportunities in Dubai.”

Mr. Shivaz Rai, Director of DuDigital Global, added, “With Dubai emerging as a global powerhouse for entrepreneurship and ranked among the world’s best ecosystems for startups, this collaboration opens new channels for chartered accountants, legal advisors, travel professionals, and business consultants to support their clients in expanding to the UAE. Meydan Free Zone offers unmatched facilities and incentives, and we look forward to driving mutually beneficial growth for our partners and clients.”

Mr. Mohammad Bin Humaidan, Director of Meydan Free Zone, commented, “India is a key market for us, and we are pleased to welcome DuDigital Global. Their strong local expertise and trusted reputation make them an ideal partner for Meydan Free Zone in the Delhi city activation. Together, we will provide businesses and advisors unparalleled access to Dubai’s ecosystem, ensuring a smooth journey for clients expanding into the UAE.“

About DuDigital Global
DuDigital Global Limited (NSE: DUGLOBAL), established in 2015, stands at the forefront of digital transformation in the global mobility sector, revolutionizing how individuals and businesses navigate international travel and business establishment procedures. With a workforce of over 200 professionals, DuDigital specializes in:

• Visa Application Centres and Visa Services for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide

• Managing Indian Consular Application Centre in Thailand & South Korea

• Exclusive opportunities for Citizenship, Residency, and Permanent Residency (PR) through investment programs

• Company Formation in the UAE, offering end-to-end business setup and management solutions for entrepreneurs in tax-free Free Zones and mainland regions

• Trusted partner of embassies, consulates, and government agencies including the Embassy of India in South Korea

• Designated partner agency of the Korea Tourism Organization and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India

• Developer of DuVerify, a cutting-edge digital document authentication system widely deployed by diplomatic missions

DuDigital has a strong footprint across Asia and the Middle East, including India, South Korea, UAE, Thailand, and Bangladesh. The company continues to strengthen its role as a trusted intermediary between applicants, embassies, and global businesses.

About Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone, located in the heart of Dubai, offers entrepreneurs and businesses a premium platform to establish and expand their ventures. Known for its 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and the ability to operate multiple business activities under a single license, Meydan provides seamless business setup solutions alongside modern infrastructure.

Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital, a pioneer in obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine in India, celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of dedicated service in fertility and women’s healthcare. The milestone event was graced by Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, who inaugurated the Axon Child Development Centre, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to holistic child growth and development. He also launched the hospital’s advanced Face Recognition System, which enhances security and accuracy in IVF treatment by ensuring error-free patient identification. The Minister further unveiled the new look of the hospital, symbolising its continued commitment to innovation and patient-centric care. Shri Ravi Subramanya, MLA of Basavanagudi Constituency, also attended the occasion and extended his best wishes.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao inaugurated Axon Child Development Centre at Gunasheela Hospital, Bangalore

The newly launched Axon Child Development Centre is designed as a holistic child growth and development facility, nurturing the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social potential of every child in a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment. With this initiative, Gunasheela expands its role beyond fertility care to child wellness, supporting families at every stage – from conception to the healthy growth and development of their children.

Hon’ble Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao congratulated the Gunasheela team for their five decades of excellence and urged them to continue their mission of providing advanced fertility and gynecology services for couples and women across Karnataka.

Founded in 1975 by the late Dr. Sulochana Gunasheela, a visionary gynaecologist, and Dr. Mavahalli Gunasheela, a skilled surgeon, the hospital became a pioneer in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). In 1988, Gunasheela achieved a historic breakthrough with the birth of South India’s first test tube baby, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in fertility care.

Speaking at the celebrations, Dr. Devika Gunasheela, Managing Director and Fertility Specialist, Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital, said, “Fifty years ago, my mother, the late Dr. Sulochana, began a mission that changed the destiny of thousands of families. From the birth of South India’s first IVF baby in 1988 to the present day, Gunasheela has stood for hope, innovation, and compassion. We continue to adopt new technologies on time, tackling fertility and pregnancy issues effectively, so that every couple can hold onto the dream of parenthood. With the inauguration of Axon Child Development Centre – we are extending this vision even further, supporting not only couples on their journey to parenthood but also families in ensuring the healthy growth and development of their children. In this way, Gunasheela provides comprehensive solutions for women’s health, reproductive medicine, and child wellness under one trusted roof.”

Dr. Rajsekhar Nayak, Director of Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital, highlighted the institution’s dual mission of healthcare excellence and medical education, “Gunasheela has always been more than a hospital – it is a hub of knowledge, compassion, and innovation. Over the years, we have trained more than 250 doctors and 100 embryologists, ensuring that the legacy of Dr. Sulochana continues to empower future generations of professionals. Looking forward, our focus is to expand into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in Karnataka, so that advanced fertility care reaches families everywhere. With the establishment of our new unit in Bellary in 2024, this vision has already begun, and we are determined to make specialized healthcare more accessible across the state. While our main hospital in Basavanagudi remains the cornerstone of our journey, our units in Koramangala and Bellary reflect our continued commitment to bringing world-class fertility and women’s healthcare closer to families.”

Over the years, Gunasheela has achieved several firsts in reproductive medicine. It established India’s first in-house fertility genetics laboratory, enabling advanced genetic screening in IVF, and pioneered fertility preservation for cancer patients on a charitable basis. In 2004, Gunasheela conceived India’s first In Vitro Maturation (IVM) baby, a major medical milestone. In 2013, South India’s first pregnancy through Embryoscope technology was reported at Gunasheela, resulting in the birth of twins. In 2016, the hospital achieved India’s first pregnancy using in-house Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) on frozen embryos within 24 hours – a breakthrough in accuracy and speed.

In its five-decade journey, Gunasheela has treated more than 2.72 lakh infertile couples, facilitated the birth of 4.68 lakh babies, and continuously evolved with cutting-edge technologies to remain a beacon of hope, trust, and excellence in reproductive medicine. Contact: Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Phone: 080-46462600.

About Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital
Since its inception in 1975, Gunasheela has grown from a 10-bed maternity unit into one of India’s most advanced centers for fertility and women’s health. Beyond assisted reproduction; the hospital offers a comprehensive range of services including gynecological surgery, high-risk pregnancy management, menopause care, and adolescent gynecology. It is also recognized as a teaching institution, conducting training programs for doctors and embryologists, and hosting workshops that attract specialists from across India and overseas. The hospital’s dedicated research division has contributed to international journals and fostered collaborations that strengthen India’s position in global reproductive science. Through the use of advanced technologies such as RFID Technology to prevent lab errors, tri-gas incubators, and clean-room IVF labs, Gunasheela maintains global standards of safety and success. Guided by a patient-first philosophy, it combines compassionate counseling with transparent treatment protocols, building trust across generations of families.