Home Blog Page 21

Vijay Garg Elected President of the Association of Radio Operators for India

The Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI), the apex body of India’s private FM radio industry, has elected Mr. Vijay Garg, Chief Financial Officer of MY FM — the radio division of the Dainik Bhaskar Group (D B Corp Ltd.) — as its new President. Mr. Garg takes over from Ms. Anurradha Prasad, Chairperson and Managing Director of BAG Network (Radio Dhamaal), who led AROI through a defining period of policy advocacy for the sector for the last fifteen years and resigned at the AGM held on 10 August 2026.

 

Mr. Vijay Garg, Chief Financial Officer of MY FM

 

Mr. Garg assumes the Presidency at a pivotal moment for private radio. The industry, which reaches more than 200 million listeners every week as a free, trusted and deeply vernacular medium, is seeking decisive policy action on four fronts: parity with other media through permission to broadcast independent news and current affairs; extension of Phase III licences on the 4% Adjusted Gross Revenue model already approved by the Union Cabinet for new cities; rationalisation of GST on radio from 18% to 5%, at par with print; and conversion of the 2023 MEITY advisory into a mandatory directive activating FM receiver chips in every mobile phone sold in India.

 

A finance leader with three decades in media

A cost and Management accountant (ICMA) by training and a graduate of the University of Delhi, Mr. Garg brings close to thirty years of financial and business leadership, of which more than two decades have been in radio. He began his career in corporate finance with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, moved into broadcasting as Chief Financial Officer of Red FM, and joined the Dainik Bhaskar Group’s radio business in 2007. Today he serves as CFO for the Group’s radio and some other businesses and has been closely associated with MY FM’s expansion from a regional network into one of the country’s largest FM footprints, now moving towards 44 stations 3 across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh.

 

Within the industry, Mr. Garg is regarded as one of radio’s most respected voices on the economics of the business — licence fees, spectrum costs, tax structures and the unit economics of small-town broadcasting — and has contributed to AROI’s submissions to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

 

On his election, Mr. Vijay Garg said, “I am deeply honoured by the confidence the industry has placed in me. Radio is India’s most local, most inclusive and most cost-efficient mass medium — it speaks to the country in its own languages, free of cost, and it stays on air when every other network goes down. Yet the sector today carries a cost structure built for a very different era. My focus as President will be simple and unrelenting: secure media parity for radio, make the economics of the licence sustainable, correct the tax anomaly, and get FM chips switched on in every phone sold in this country. If we get these right, radio will not merely survive — it will power the local economies of Tier 2 and Tier 3 India for the next decade.”

 

Appreciating his predecessor’s leadership, Mr. Garg said that Ms. Anurradha Prasad’s tenure had “given the industry a united voice and put radio’s case squarely before the Government,” and said the incoming leadership would build on that foundation.

 

About AROI

The Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) is the official body representing private commercial FM radio broadcasters across the country. Its members operate hundreds of stations spanning metros and Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reaching over 200 million listeners every week in more than a dozen languages. AROI engages with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, TRAI and other authorities on policy, regulation and the long-term growth of the radio and audio industry in India.

5 Ways to Add More Nutrition to Your Diet this National Nutrition Month

Let’s be honest, by this time of the year, many of us are starting to slack on our health-focused resolutions. However, September is National Nutrition Month, so it’s the perfect time to re-focus on those nutrition goals we may have let fall away.

 

Feel a little overwhelmed by the idea of adding “nutrition” to your diet? You’re not alone. We’re here to help guide you with five easy steps to make that goal more achievable.

 

1. Eat More Plants

You don’t have to cut out animal products from your diet to be healthy, but the Dietary Guidelines recommend filling at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables and also working in whole grains and plant-based protein. Incorporating plant-based foods into meals is an easy way to add essential nutrients and vitamins to your diet! This includes eating walnuts, increasing your intake of omega-3 ALA (2.5g per 28g serving). Blend veggies and walnuts into sauces like this versatile Walnut Romesco Sauce, or swap half the meat in dishes like tacos and lasagna with beans or walnuts.

 

Walnut Romesco Sauce

 

Ingredients

1 cup well-drained roasted red peppers

1⁄2 cup California walnuts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 cloves garlic

1 bunch fresh parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Preparation

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Serve over grilled summer vegetables or grilled steak.

 

California Walnut Romesco Sauce

 

2. Drink More Water

Drinking at least eight glasses a day can help curb your cravings and help you from confusing thirst with hunger. Not to mention, staying hydrated is important, especially for those who are active.

 

3. Make Your Snacks Count

Don’t count your snacks—make your snacks count. Make sure your snacks offer a combination of protein, fiber and good fats. A handful of walnuts, seasoned to your liking is a well-rounded snack that can hold you over until your next meal. This is a great way to meet a craving for sweet or savory with satisfying crunch. You can make a simple trail mix with other nutrient-rich ingredients to really stack your snacks!

 

Tropical Trail Mix

 

Ingredients

½ cup low-sugar dried papaya chunks
½ cup unsweetened dried goji berries
½ cup unsweetened shaved coconut
1 cup unsweetened dried pineapple, cut into chunks
1 cup unsweetened dried kiwi
2 cups California walnuts
1 cup toasted, salted pepitas
1 cup bittersweet cacao chips

 

Preparation

1.Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry spot to keep it fresh for about one month.

 

California Walnut Tropical Trail Mix

 

4. Make Mealtime an Occasion

Most people tend to move through life very quickly and don’t stop to enjoy simple pleasures. Things like sitting down to eat a meal can be good for you both mentally and physically, as it encourages you to eat more slowly, allowing your body to process and digest food more appropriately. Physical benefits aside, this can also provide the mental benefit of taking a break and unplugging from your busy life, while enjoying a meal and time with loved ones.

 

5. Understand Nutrition Labels

While eating whole, unprocessed foods as often as possible is great, it’s not always realistic with our busy lifestyles. Pay attention to the ingredient lists on packaged products, and look out for things like saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. To avoid being in the situation of not knowing what you’re going to grab as an on-the-go alternative, plan ahead by meal prepping or packing your own snacks to fit in with your diet and nutrition goals. For simple grab-and-go snacks you can make in bulk, try this No-Bake Walnut Cocoa Cherry Bars.

 

No-Bake Walnut, Cocoa, Cherry Bars

 

Ingredients

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

1 cup pitted Medjool dates

1/2 cup shelled California walnuts

1/2 cup unsweetened dried cherries

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

Preparation

1. In a large food processor bowl, combine oats, dates, walnuts, cherries, cocoa powder and salt. Process 1-2 minutes, or until mixture resembles a crumbly dough.

2. Turn mixture onto wax paper and shape evenly into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle.

3. Chill at least 1 hour and cut into 9 bars. Bars do not need to be stored in the refrigerator.

 

No Bake California Walnut Cocoa Cherry Bars

 

There’s not just one simple way to elevate your nutrition levels for National Nutrition Month, but there are a lot of steps you can take to work towards a more nutritious lifestyle. Setting a goal of what you want to achieve this month and prioritizing a nutritious diet through the previous suggestions are wonderful ways to start!

VERO MODA Launches the Marilyn Monroe Capsule Collection

Some icons never fade, they evolve. This season, VERO MODA, one of India’s leading fashion brands, celebrates the 100-year legacy of global icon Marilyn Monroe through an exclusive capsule collection that reimagines one of fashion and pop culture’s most legendary figures for the modern woman. The collection launches on 1st September 2026.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/36631_Vero_Moda_image.jpg

Vero Moda x Marilyn Monroe


Decades after she first captivated the world, Marilyn Monroe remains a symbol of confidence, individuality and effortless glamour. Long before the age of social media, she defined what it meant to be an icon with magnetic presence and fearless femininity continuing to inspire generations across fashion, film and culture today.


VERO MODA translates Marilyn’s iconic spirit into a fashion-forward yet nostalgic collection designed for today’s woman, one who embraces authenticity and confidence in every moment.


The collection seamlessly blends VERO MODA’s signature aesthetic with Marilyn Monroe’s unmistakable visual identity. Her legendary portraits, iconic signature and instantly recognisable kiss mark are thoughtfully woven throughout the collection, creating pieces that feel nostalgic yet unmistakably modern.


At its heart are statement dresses, graphic t-shirts and relaxed sweatshirts showcasing Marilyn’s most celebrated imagery through bold portrait graphics and pop-art inspired artwork. Playful polka dots, delicate pearl embellishments, sparkling rhinestone details and expressive graphics pay homage to the glamour Marilyn defined, reinterpreted with a contemporary outlook. 


A standout highlight is the denim capsule, where vintage-inspired washes meet feminine ruffles, modern silhouettes and elevated detailing, offering a modern take on one of fashion’s most enduring essentials. 


The collaboration also extends into accessories with statement caps featuring Marilyn’s kiss mark and autograph, an easy way to carry a touch of the icon into everyday style.


The VERO MODA x Marilyn Monroe capsule collection will be available exclusively on the VERO MODA App for the first 48 hours from launch, beginning 1st September 2026, before rolling out across VERO MODA retail stores nationwide, online at www.veromoda.in, and on Myntra.


About VERO MODA

Launched in 1987 as BESTSELLER’s first fashion label, VERO MODA has grown to become one of Europe’s most recognised high-street fashion brands. Built on the belief that everyday style should feel effortless, elevated and empowering; the brand creates versatile collections that celebrate individuality and inspire confidence. With an authentic expression of style and a constant focus on evolution, VERO MODA continues to redefine modern fashion for women who embrace self-expression and effortless dressing.


In India, VERO MODA has established itself as one of the leading destinations for women’s western wear, offering trend-led collections designed for every facet of a woman’s lifestyle. The brand reaches customers through its exclusive brand outlets and shop-in-shops across the country, the VERO MODA App, www.veromoda.in and leading online marketplaces.


About Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe is one of the most influential pop culture icons of all time. A true trailblazer, Monroe forged her own path, embracing her individuality and pursuing her passions in an era when paths for women were few. She appeared in 29 films over the course of her career, became a Golden Globe winner for Some Like It Hot, and continued to set a new standard for women in film. As part of her quest for control, she launched her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, affording her control over her image, while pushing back on the Hollywood system to ensure her voice and others were heard. Her pioneering spirit, independence and confidence, along with her incomparable star power, continue to inspire modern generations and transcend cultures and backgrounds. Partnerships with both luxury and mass-consumer brands, in addition to an extensive merchandising program, reinforce her status as a global icon.

Amilionn Technologies Executes Jharkhand's Largest Government Land Records Data Center under Central Government DILRMP Program

Amilionn Technologies Private Limited (ATPL), a Pan-India government technology and infrastructure solutions company, has announced the successful execution of the Modern Record Room (MRR) program for the state of Jharkhand. The MRR program was implemented under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Program (DILRMP), a major Central Government initiative aimed at digitising, updating and automating land management across India. At the heart of the program is a turnkey data center that today holds over 32 terabytes of digitised land and revenue records, making it the largest government records data center in Jharkhand, with the volume continuing to grow as new records are added.
 

Logo of Amilionn Technologies
 

Launched in March 2016, the program set out to move the state’s land and revenue records from fragile, paper-based record rooms into a single, centralised, secure and auditable digital ecosystem. Amilionn delivered it end to end: designing, building and commissioning the Document Management Data Center for long-term digital archiving; digitising and indexing decades of legacy records; deploying enterprise-grade workflow automation, version control, role-based access and advanced search and retrieval; and upgrading the record rooms themselves with civil and interior works, modular compactor storage, surveillance, and IT and power systems for reliable round-the-clock operations and maintenance.
 

The work spanned 25 record rooms across Jharkhand’s districts and sub-divisions: Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Giridih, Koderma, Chatra, Dumka, Gumla, Simdega, Lohardaga, Khunti, Ramgarh, Latehar, Daltonganj, Saraikela and Chaibasa, along with the sub-divisional record rooms at Hussainabad, Chattarpur, Tenughat, Ghatshila, Barhi, Madhupur, Chakradharpur and Jagannathpur. Amilionn deployed 179 personnel across these locations to execute the program, working with leading technology OEMs and specialist partners across compute, storage, networking, physical infrastructure and document management.
 

We are immensely proud to have been part of this prestigious central government DILRMP initiative in Jharkhand,” said Harish Amilineni, Chairman & Managing Director of Amilionn Technologies. “Taking a state’s land records from paper to a secure, sovereign data center holding over 32 terabytes of citizens’ data is exactly the kind of foundational infrastructure India needs. Data that is stored, governed and processed within India, by Indian institutions, is the bedrock of the nation’s ambitions in AI and data sovereignty, and Jharkhand now has that bedrock for its land records.” Land records underpin property rights, access to credit and the resolution of disputes for millions of citizens. With the records now held in a centralised digital repository, officials can locate and retrieve documents in minutes rather than days, legacy documents are protected from loss and tampering, and the state has a tamper-evident, auditable foundation for transparent land governance.
 

Amilionn is actively engaging with state governments across India on their data center requirements, from secure record repositories to AI-ready compute capacity, and lining up technology partners and OEMs across the ecosystem to support these buildouts.
 

Every state in India will need infrastructure like this, not only for records but for the AI workloads that are about to become central to how governments serve citizens,” said Kushal Amilineni, Director, Amilionn Technologies. “This is a very large opportunity, and Jharkhand shows what a comprehensive, on-the-ground build looks like. We are already in discussions with multiple state governments on their AI workloads and data center buildouts, and we are assembling partners and OEMs across the ecosystem so that we can deliver these facilities at scale.
 

About Amilionn Technologies

Amilionn Technologies Private Limited (ATPL) is a pan-India government technology and infrastructure solutions company operating at the intersection of e-governance systems, digital platforms and technology-enabled physical infrastructure. Established in 2011 and headquartered in Hyderabad, Amilionn has built a differentiated execution model that combines deep program-delivery capability in large-scale government initiatives with the ability to design, deploy and operate complex digital and infrastructure systems on the ground. Its portfolio spans data centers, e-governance platforms, BharatNet optical fibre networks, ICT-enabled education and water-infrastructure automation across multiple Indian states.

For more information, visit www.amilionn.com.

Testing to Tracking: India's Diagnostics Industry Moves Toward Continuous Health Management

India’s diagnostics industry has spent the last decade solving one fundamental problem: access.


Diagnostic testing that once required multiple visits, long waiting periods and physical collection of reports can today be accessed through digital platforms, home sample collection and increasingly seamless healthcare experiences. Consumers can discover tests online, schedule collections from home and receive reports digitally.


But as access improves, a different challenge is becoming increasingly visible: what do consumers actually do with all this health data?


This question could shape the next phase of India’s diagnostics market.


For years, diagnostics has largely been a reactive category. A doctor recommends a test, a consumer books it, the sample is collected, the report is generated and the interaction largely ends there. Even preventive health packages, despite their growing popularity, often remain isolated events rather than part of a continuous health journey.


That behaviour is beginning to change.


Consumers are becoming more proactive about monitoring their health. Cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid levels, vitamin deficiencies, liver and kidney markers and other parameters are increasingly being tracked over time rather than checked only when symptoms appear.


This is creating a fundamental shift in the role of diagnostics.


The value of a diagnostic test is no longer limited to the number printed on a report. Increasingly, its value lies in understanding what that number means in context, how it compares with previous results, whether a marker is improving or deteriorating, and what actions may need to follow.


Diagnostics is moving from being a point-in-time healthcare transaction to becoming a continuous layer of health intelligence. The next phase of growth will not be driven simply by more tests being conducted but by how effectively the industry helps consumers understand their health patterns, act on them, and stay engaged over time,” says Dr. Arpit Jayswal, Founder & CEO, Curelo.


The rise of the health-conscious consumer
This evolution is being supported by a broader change in consumer behaviour.


Wearables have made people accustomed to monitoring steps, heart rate, sleep and other health indicators regularly. Fitness platforms have turned health tracking into an ongoing activity. Consumers increasingly expect information to be accessible, personalised and easy to understand.


Diagnostics is beginning to move in the same direction.


Instead of viewing a blood test as a standalone event, consumers are gradually beginning to see laboratory data as another layer of their personal health information.


The implications are significant. A single cholesterol report provides a snapshot. Multiple reports over several years can reveal a trend. A vitamin D result tells a consumer where they stand today. A sequence of results can show whether an intervention is actually working. Similarly, blood sugar, thyroid, liver and kidney parameters can become considerably more meaningful when viewed against historical data rather than in isolation.


This makes continuity one of the industry’s next big opportunities.


From testing to health journeys
India already has a large and increasingly accessible diagnostic ecosystem. The next opportunity may therefore be less about simply adding more testing capacity and more about connecting the information generated through that testing.


Historically, health records have been fragmented across laboratories, hospitals, doctors and diagnostic providers. Consumers may have years of reports but no simple way to bring them together and understand the bigger picture.


This fragmentation creates an unusual paradox: healthcare is generating more data than ever, while consumers can still struggle to understand their health history.


The next generation of diagnostic platforms could help close this gap by bringing together test discovery, historical records, trend analysis and appropriate next steps into a more connected experience.


That could also change the economics of the category.


For a traditionally transactional business, customer value is closely linked to the individual test or package purchased. But if diagnostics becomes part of a consumer’s ongoing health journey, the relationship can extend well beyond the first booking.


The industry begins to move from acquisition-led testing to engagement-led healthcare.


Retention could become the new industry metric
This shift is particularly interesting from a business perspective.


In many consumer categories, repeat behaviour is one of the clearest indicators that a product has become part of everyday life. Diagnostics has historically been different, as a specific health need often triggers testing.


But preventive healthcare changes that equation.


Consumers managing chronic conditions, tracking specific biomarkers or simply becoming more proactive about preventive health may have reasons to return periodically.


At Curelo, early consumer behaviour is pointing to this possibility. The platform currently offers more than 4,000 diagnostic tests and has accumulated over 400,000 patient records, providing visibility into how consumers interact with diagnostics beyond their first booking.


The larger industry question is whether repeat testing will increasingly become less about recurring illness and more about recurring health management.


If that happens, retention could become as important a metric for diagnostics businesses as it is for other consumer internet categories.


The real opportunity lies beyond the report
None of this means that the importance of laboratories, testing infrastructure, quality standards or turnaround times is diminishing. These remain fundamental to the industry.


But they are increasingly becoming the foundation rather than the complete consumer proposition.


The next competitive advantage could lie in what happens around the test.


Can consumers discover the right tests more easily?


Can they understand their results without being overwhelmed by medical terminology?


Can they compare current results with their historical data?


Can they identify meaningful changes?


Can they access the right care pathway when something requires attention?


And can all of these steps happen within one connected experience?


These questions point to a broader evolution of diagnostics, from testing as a transaction to diagnostics as an intelligence layer within healthcare.


A category waiting to be redefined
India’s diagnostics market has already undergone a significant transformation through greater accessibility, digitisation and convenience.


Its next transformation could be more behavioural.


As consumers become increasingly comfortable tracking their health, diagnostics may gradually become less dependent on a doctor’s prescription or an immediate health concern.

 

Instead, it could become part of an individual’s ongoing health-management routine.


That would fundamentally expand the role of the industry.


The winners of the next phase may not simply be the companies capable of processing the largest number of tests. They may be the ones capable of helping consumers derive the highest value from the data those tests generate.


India has spent years making diagnostics easier to access.


The next chapter could be about making diagnostics easier to understand, act upon and return to.


And that could transform diagnostics from a largely invisible support function of healthcare into one of India’s most important emerging consumer health categories.

SBI General Insurance Carries Strong Growth Momentum into Q1 FY27, with GDPI up by 10.9%

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, continued its growth momentum in the Q1 of FY27, carrying forward the momentum established in FY26. The Company continued to strengthen its business across key segments, supported by a diversified portfolio, disciplined execution and a strong capital position. Gross Direct Premium Income (GDPI) stood at INR 3,506 crore, registering a year-on-year growth of 10.9%, reflecting sustained business momentum in the first quarter of the financial year. 
 

SBI General Insurance delivers strong Q1 FY27 growth of 10.9%, becoming India’s first general insurer to release results under Ind AS

 

SBI General Insurance continued to build scale across its business portfolio, with strong contributions from both retail and commercial lines. During the quarter, Health grew by 49.9% and PA by 26.3%, while Engineering and Marine-Cargo grew by 95.4% and 16.8%, respectively. The broad-based performance across these segments reflects the Company’s continued focus on building scale across its retail and commercial businesses while responding to evolving protection needs of customers and enterprises. 
 

The Company’s performance continues to be underpinned by its focus on maintaining the right balance between business expansion and financial discipline. The Comprehensive Income for SBI General Insurance stands at 573 crore while the PAT stands at 426 crore as per the Ind AS financial. SBI General Insurance reported a solvency ratio of 2.0 times and Combined Operating Ratio (COR) of 96.18% for Q1 FY27, reflecting a robust capital position and providing a strong foundation to support the Company’s growth ambitions. 
 

The quarter also marked a significant milestone in the Company’s financial reporting journey, with SBI General Insurance becoming the first general insurer to report its financial results under the newly adopted Ind AS framework. The transition represents an important step in strengthening the Company’s financial reporting and disclosure framework and further reinforces its focus on transparency, governance and financial discipline. 
 

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “We have started FY27 on a strong note with sustained growth across all key parameters. We have built solid foundations and expect this growth momentum to carry us to a strong year-end. Our GDPI stood at INR 3506 crore with comprehensive income at 573 crore in Q1FY27, reflecting our focus on balanced growth and profitability, backed by customer trust and agile execution. We remain committed to further strengthening our capabilities and delivering on our promise of protecting what matters most to our customers.”
 

Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added, “We’re the first adopters of the Ind AS framework among the General Insurance companies, marking another important milestone in our financial reporting journey and will further enhance transparency and comparability for our stakeholders. We’ve firmly achieved a 17.4% growth in the Comprehensive income for Q1 FY27. Our 10.9% growth in GDPI reflects sustained momentum across key business segments, while our focus remains firmly on maintaining financial discipline as we scale. With a solvency ratio of 2.0 times, we remain well positioned to pursue sustainable growth while maintaining financial strength and discipline.” 
 

As SBI General Insurance progresses through FY27, the company remains focused on scaling with discipline, strengthening underwriting and driving operational efficiency. With a growing and diversified portfolio, robust capital position and continued investments in technology and distribution, SBI General Insurance is well positioned to sustain its momentum, deepen insurance penetration and further strengthen its position in India’s evolving general insurance landscape. 
 

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 182 branches. In FY 2025-26, SBI General Insurance reported a Gross Direct Premium (GDP) of INR 15,904 crores, recording a YOY growth of 14.5%.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include winning the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at the Insurance Asia Awards 2025 in Singapore, Smart Insurer for the year 2025 at the ETNOW Insurance Summit & Awards 2025, India’s Leading General Insurance Company (Mid) for its outstanding performance at the 18th edition of the Dun & Bradstreet BFSI & Fintech Summit 2026 and Best General Insurance Company of the Year at 4th Edition of Future of Insurance Summit 2025.

Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2025, the company also excelled at 8th ICC Social Impact Award 2026 for its commitment to CSR Activities in Project Mission for Vision in Meghalaya, and “ET NOW Champions of CSR” at the ET Edge ET NOW Champions of CSR 2025.

With a team of 9,900+ 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 23000+ 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.

Synup Launches Sydekick AI, Shifts Local Marketing from Software-Led Work to Autonomous Execution

  • Sydekick is an autonomous AI agent designed to execute local marketing tasks across listings, reviews, social, local SEO and AI visibility

  • Synup has rebuilt its platform around its own AI models and inference, with more than 5,000 integrations and over two million business locations managed
     

Synup, the local marketing platform managing more than two million business locations, has launched Sydekick, an autonomous AI agent designed to execute local marketing tasks rather than simply surface them. The launch marks a broader shift in Synup’s business model, from software that teams use to manage local marketing to an agent that can perform the work itself.
 

The launch follows a ground-up rebuild of Synup’s platform, with an agent placed at the centre of the product. The company has developed its own agentic harness with memory, capabilities and integrations, and runs the system on large language models (LLMs) and inference that it owns and operates.
 

For local marketing teams managing multiple locations, a large part of the work traditionally involves monitoring listings, responding to reviews, creating local content, conducting SEO audits and tracking performance. As the number of locations increases, the amount of specialist time required to manage these activities also increases. Sydekick is designed to change this model by allowing scheduled actions to be executed by the agent, reviewed by teams and completed at scale.
 

The agent has memory that carries context across a workspace, client, location and conversation, along with capabilities to take actions across listings, reviews, posts, reporting and AI visibility. It connects to more than 5,000 integrations and can operate through Synup as well as platforms including Slack and Microsoft Teams.
 

Unlike a conventional AI assistant that primarily generates responses or recommendations, Sydekick is designed to execute work. Agencies, for instance, can provide clients with a white-labeled dashboard and Sydekick experience while retaining control of the client relationship, branding and oversight. The agent can also execute recurring activities such as local post generation, SEO audits and review response drafting through scheduled playbooks.
 

Sydekick can create on-brand assets such as images, rich media and location landing pages using integrated vision, image generation and coding models. It can also combine information across multiple sources to create location-specific actions. For example, it can identify locations expecting rain, create relevant content for those locations and prepare a posting schedule and call to action for approval.
 

Human oversight remains built into the system. Proposed actions move through an approvals queue, with assignments to team members, an audit trail of what the agent did and why, and usage attribution by client and skill. Across live workspaces, 94% of the actions Sydekick proposes are approved without edits, according to Synup.
 

The company believes its existing infrastructure gives Sydekick an advantage in executing local marketing tasks. Synup has more than 100 publisher integrations, thirteen years of accumulated business logic and has managed more than two million locations. Its agent is also grounded in clients’ actual listings, reviews and performance data within the platform.
 

Synup currently powers nearly 5,000 partners, while three of the ten largest U.S. listings providers run on its API. Sydekick also supports MCP, allowing it to connect with external tools while enabling external agents to reach into Synup.
 

The launch also brings a change to Synup’s commercial model. Instead of pricing primarily around seats and software access, the company is moving towards usage-based credits that measure actual actions performed by the agent and attribute them by client and skill. A free trial with included usage is also available.
 

The move comes as consumer discovery increasingly shifts from traditional search results towards AI-generated answers. Synup has spent thirteen years maintaining structured, verified and publisher-distributed business data, positioning the company to both maintain the information used by AI systems and act on that information through its agent.
 

Ashwin Ramesh, Chief Executive Officer, Synup said, “We are excited to progress to the next transition for our business and our industry, building a truly agentic offering across the value chain — from application tooling to memory to inference. Having been in the industry for several decades now, I can say honestly and without a doubt that Sydekick and the new Synup service offering is truly game-changing. The aha moments we’ve unlocked with our client-deployed agents are unlike any I’ve seen before.”
 

About Synup

Synup is an AI company for local marketing. Its agent, Sydekick, manages listings, reviews, social, local SEO and AI visibility for agencies and multi-location brands across 100+ publisher syndications, running on Synup’s own models and inference.
 

Sydekick is available to Synup partners and customers today, with a free trial that includes usage. Because Synup builds and operates its own intelligence layer, the platform remains a single accountable stack rather than a set of dependencies passed on to the customer.

India's First Combined Pulsed Field Ablation and LAAO Procedure Successfully Treats 77-Year-Old AF Patient at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre

In a major breakthrough in cardiac care, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, has performed India’s first, first-of-its-kind combined cardiac procedure Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) along with Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) in a 77-year-old patient. This intervention marks an important milestone in the evolving landscape of complex cardiac care, combining two highly advanced, minimally invasive approaches to tackle irregular heart rhythm and stroke risk in one procedure.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/36622_lilavati_image.jpg

Centre L-R: Dr Malav Jhala, Dr Dhiraj Gupta, Dr Darshan Jhala & Dr Nitin Gokhale with cathlab and technical staff after India’s first combined PFA and LAAO procedure


Jagdip Shah a resident of Juhu in Mumbai had a longstanding history of heart failure following coronary artery bypass surgery performed several years ago. Over time, he developed recurrent and debilitating episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac rhythm disorder and a major risk factor for stroke. AF increases the risk of stroke by up to five times due to the formation of blood clots within the left atrial appendage (LAA), a small pouch in the heart.


To reduce this risk, the patient was prescribed oral anticoagulants (NOACs), at the lowest possible doses. However, each attempt at blood-thinning therapy resulted in severe gastrointestinal bleeding from stomach ulcers, often requiring blood transfusions and discontinuation of the medication. Given his underlying condition and multiple comorbidities, the patient was at an increased risk of stroke. However, his inability to tolerate blood thinners significantly complicated his management. 


Hence, to resolve the issue, the multidisciplinary team led by Dr Dhiraj Gupta & including Dr Darshan Jhala, Dr Vivek Mehan, Dr Malav Jhala, Anaesthetists Dr Jay Kothari & Dr Madhuri Kharwadkar, Dr Nitin Gokhale, performed a complex combined procedure on 14th August involving Pulsed Field Ablation and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion. By addressing atrial fibrillation and stroke risk in a single intervention, the team demonstrated its capability to deliver advanced, patient-centric care for high-risk cardiac cases.


Explaining the procedure, Dr Dhiraj Gupta, Visiting Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, said, “Jagdip Shah presented a unique challenge with his age and multiple risk factors of stroke; episodes of bleeding made it difficult for him to remain on blood thinners for life. Our objective was to address both the issues in a single procedure. During the procedure, we eliminated the primary source of clot formation with LAAO and treated the abnormal heart rhythm with PFA. The minimally invasive approach allowed us to perform the case in one hour 30 minutes and provide a safe and more effective solution for the elderly, high-risk patient, helping reduce his stroke risk while improving his quality of life. Recently introduced in India, pulsed field ablation (PFA) is becoming an innovative advancement in the field of field ablation treatment.”


Recalling his father’s journey, Kaushal Shah said, “For years my father lived with constant uncertainty. While he was taking the blood thinners, he faced a risk of serious bleeding, which affected his daily life and his confidence to live life freely. Simple activities became a source of everyday worry. Since undergoing the procedure, he has regained his confidence to get back to his routine and enjoy life without the same constant fear. It has given him and all of us a new sense of hope. We are grateful to the medical team of Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre for giving him a chance to enjoy a better quality of life.”


When the patient was reviewed two weeks later, on the 27th of August, imaging confirmed that the LAAO device was well positioned, and he was maintaining normal rhythm” added Dr Dhiraj


This case showcases how multidisciplinary treatment, clinical expertise, and cutting-edge technology are improving outcomes for complicated cardiac patients in India.

Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon Returns on 11 October

Hong Kong

Mark your calendar for Sunday, 11 October, as the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon (Hong Kong Cyclothon) returns. Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Hong Kong’s largest annual cycling event this year features two scenic rides – a 56km Ride and a 32km Ride – inviting visitors and cycling aficionados from around the world to enjoy a unique cycling journey through Hong Kong’s iconic bridges, tunnels and urban landscapes. Participants can look forward to a distinctive cycling experience like nowhere else, while immersing themselves in the vibrant energy of the Events Capital of Asia. Registration for the event is open. Be among the first to secure your spot and experience Hong Kong from a rare perspective.
 

Registrations are now open for a one-of-a-kind cycling adventure through Hong Kong’s iconic cityscapes along enhanced routes

 

For Indian travellers seeking to combine a mix of city experiences, outdoor adventure and short-haul escapes, the Cyclothon offers an opportunity to discover a different side of Hong Kong. Beyond the cycling routes, visitors can further discover a dynamic metropolitan destination, where urban excitement meets breathtaking natural landscapes and a wealth of outdoor adventures.
 

56km Scenic Ride with an All-New Route Takes Cyclists Through Hong Kong’s Diverse Cityscapes to Showcase Different Sides of Hong Kong


The Hong Kong Cyclothon will once again feature two popular non-competitive rides, both set against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria Harbour’s signature skyline. More than 6,000 cyclists from around the world will set off from the heart of the city at West Kowloon Cultural District, passing through multiple Hong Kong landmarks along major roads while taking in Hong Kong’s distinctive scenery blending a dynamic metropolis with a picturesque harbour. Whether taking on the more challenging 56km Ride featuring an all-new route or the shorter 32km Ride, participants will have the rare opportunity to cycle on major roads that are closed to all traffic, savouring the thrill of riding through the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.
 

The excitement of the Hong Kong Cyclothon will extend far beyond the cycling routes. On event day, the HKTB will present an action-packed Cyclothon Carnival at the West Kowloon Cultural District, featuring a fascinating array of activities from morning until dusk. Spanning sports, entertainment, family-friendly experiences and gourmet offerings, the carnival will immerse cyclists, visitors and locals alike in a vibrant celebration that captures Hong Kong’s dynamic city charm.
 

Registration for the 2026 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon is open  now. Cycling enthusiasts and visitors are invited to experience this premier annual sporting event. Stay tuned for more event and registration details at www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/cyclothon.html.
 

This October Escape to Discover the Natural Wonders Found “Only in Hong Kong”
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Hong Kong, thanks to its mild and pleasant weather. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping Cyclothon, visitors can also embrace the city’s spectacular natural landscapes and remarkable geological wonders through a wide variety of outdoor experiences. Home to an abundance of natural attractions, Hong Kong offers everything from lush countryside and scenic outlying islands to magnificent hiking and cycling trails. Visitors can transition effortlessly from the electrifying city to tranquil natural surroundings in less than an hour. From exploring iconic routes such as Dragon’s Back, The Victoria Peak Walk and the MacLehose Trail, to discovering the extraordinary coastal scenery of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark and enjoying various water sports in GO PARK Sai Sha (Aqua), you can experience the unique proximity of urban and natural environments that can be found “Only in Hong Kong”. For more inspiration on Hong Kong’s outdoor experiences, visit www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/outdoors.html


Images can be accessed at: assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems categoryId=2528&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1 
 

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.

BPTP Skynest Bags 'Premium High-Rise Development of the Year' at Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave 2026

BPTP Limited, one of the National Capital Region’s leading real estate developers, has been recognised with the ‘Premium High-Rise Development of the Year’ award for BPTP Skynest at the Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave 2026, held on August 30, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt, Gurugram.

 

BPTP Skynest bags ‘Premium Highrise Development of the Year’ at Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave 2026

 

Located in Sector 80, Greater Faridabad, BPTP Skynest is envisioned as a premium high-rise residential development that combines contemporary architecture, thoughtfully planned homes and a holistic lifestyle experience. The project comprises 504 residential units and brings biophilic design into the high-rise format through 20 dedicated Sky Nests, landscaped green pockets woven into the tower design alongside a curated mix of wellness, leisure and social spaces. Homes are planned as expansive, light-filled layouts with wraparound balconies, designed to support multi-generational living and give every family member room to belong. The development brings together the convenience of high-rise living with carefully curated recreational spaces, creating an environment built for both everyday life and leisure.  So far, BPTP has delivered 38.63 million sq. ft. (3.86 crore sq. ft.) of development in Faridabad, spanning high-rise apartments, plots, villas, commercial spaces and community sites.

 

Sector 80 sits within Greater Faridabad’s extremely well-connected belt and is connected to the rest of the city via the Bata Chowk and Escorts metro stations on the Delhi Metro’s Violet Line. It is also linked to Delhi and the wider NCR through NH-148NA, which provides onward connectivity to IGI Airport. The Delhi link of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway further strengthens regional connectivity, improving access between Delhi and the wider expressway network and enabling smoother regional travel. This is particularly significant for Greater Faridabad, enhancing its strategic connectivity with key NCR and regional destinations.

 

The partially operational Faridabad-Noida-Ghaziabad (FNG) Expressway, passing through Greater Faridabad’s developing sectors, is further strengthening the corridor’s connectivity to Noida and Ghaziabad. Additionally, the NHAI-approved signal-free upgrade of the Kalindi Kunj corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi, Noida and Faridabad. This improving infrastructure, combined with growing social infrastructure, schools, hospitals and retail, has positioned Sector 80 as one of Greater Faridabad’s emerging residential growth corridors, with Skynest occupying a prominent address within it.

 

Commenting on the recognition, Amaan Chawla, President, BPTP Limited, said, “We are delighted to see BPTP Skynest recognised as the ‘Premium Highrise Development of the Year’. This award is a testament to our approach of creating developments that combine thoughtful planning, contemporary design and a strong understanding of the aspirations of today’s homebuyers. Greater Faridabad is emerging as an important residential destination within the NCR, and with Skynest, we aim to contribute to this transformation by offering a premium living experience that is designed for the future.”

 

The award further strengthens BPTP’s growing portfolio of recognised residential developments across the NCR. The company has continued to expand its presence in Greater Faridabad with projects that seek to combine quality, scale and lifestyle-oriented development with the region’s improving infrastructure and connectivity.

 

BPTP Skynest is part of BPTP’s broader presence in Greater Faridabad, where it has established a significant residential footprint. The project reflects BPTP’s continued focus on creating aspirational communities in locations with strong long-term development potential.

 

The Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave 2026 brought together leading stakeholders from the real estate and infrastructure sectors to recognise excellence and innovation across the industry. The recognition of BPTP Skynest adds another accolade to BPTP’s portfolio and reinforces its position among prominent developers shaping the NCR’s evolving residential landscape.

 

About BPTP Limited

BPTP is one of NCR’s leading real estate developers with over two decades of experience in creating landmark residential and commercial developments. With a portfolio of more than 50 projects and over 25,000 homes delivered, the company has consistently transformed the urban landscape through thoughtfully planned communities, premium design, sustainable development, and customer-centric innovation. Recognised among the Top 3 Developers in the ET Now Real Estate North Survey 2026, BPTP continues to redefine modern living by creating destinations that combine quality, innovation, trust, and long-term value.