• New rechargeable flashlight unveiled to safeguard farmlands from animal intrusion

• Combines powerful illumination with a 100 dBA animal alarm and UV strobe to deliver a practical, humane and non-intrusive crop protection solution at night

Eveready Industries India Ltd., the country’s leading flashlight and battery brand, today announced the launch of its all-new Eveready Shor Torch DL190, a rugged, rechargeable, multi-utility torch equipped with an integrated 100 decibel animal alarm, powerful illumination and UV strobe functionality designed specifically to help farmers protect crops from animal intrusion during the night.

The Innovative Eveready Shor Torch DL190, helping farmers protect crops from animal intrusion with a powerful 100 dBA animal alarm

The launch of Shor Torch further strengthens Eveready’s expanding rechargeable flashlight portfolio, reflecting the company’s continued focus on developing innovative solutions that cater to evolving consumer needs and diverse usage occasions. Designed specifically for agricultural use, the Eveready Shor Torch, along with an integrated 100 dB animal alarm and UV strobe, features a powerful 5W front torch for long range visibility and a 3W side light to support farmers during nighttime farm surveillance. It is powered by a 3600 mAh rechargeable Li ion battery with Type C fast charging support, enabling reliable performance during prolonged farm usage.

Designed to withstand demanding rural usage conditions, the Eveready Shor Torch combines durability with functionality. The product features a powerful 1 km long-beam front torch with up to 5 hours of lighting time and integrated animal deterrence capabilities. The thoughtfully engineered design ensures dependable performance during extended outdoor usage under challenging field conditions.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Anirban Banerjee, Chief Executive Officer, Eveready Industries India Limited, said, “At Eveready, innovation has always been rooted in solving real consumer challenges. Farmers across the country face persistent crop losses due to animal intrusion, particularly during the night. The Shor Torch reflects our commitment to developing practical and relevant solutions for Indian consumers. By combining powerful illumination with an effective animal alarm and UV strobe functionality, we have created a unique product that can make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of farmers while helping them protect their livelihoods.”

The Eveready Shor Torch has been developed keeping in mind the unique requirements of India’s farming community, where protecting crops often extends well beyond daylight hours. During critical crop cycles such as sowing and harvesting, farmers routinely undertake nighttime field surveillance to safeguard cultivated land from animal intrusion. While flashlights have long been an essential tool for activities such as irrigation, fertilizer application, crop monitoring and harvesting after dark, keeping animals away from cultivated fields remains one of the biggest challenges they encounter.

Recognising this challenge, Eveready developed the Shor Torch as a practical, humane and non-intrusive solution for nighttime crop protection. Designed for use in open farmlands, where sound and light can travel over longer distances, the product helps farmers safeguard their crops more effectively during early morning and nighttime surveillance, without causing harm to animals.

The Eveready Shor Torch, an innovation at the grassroot level, addresses this challenge through a powerful 100 decibel alarm that emits a sharp warning sound, combined with a red UV strobe light. When directed towards approaching animals, the alarm and flashing light create sufficient disturbance to drive them away, helping protect crops.

Eveready has been actively expanding its rechargeable flashlight portfolio in line with evolving consumer needs and usage occasions. The launch of the Shor Torch further strengthens Eveready’s growing portfolio of innovative flashlights. The portfolio also includes the Siren Torch with Safety Alarm, designed to empower women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities with an added sense of personal security. Additionally, Eveready offers a first-of-its-kind Hybrid Torch featuring patent-applied dual-powered operation through rechargeable and battery-powered modes, providing consumers with enhanced flexibility and reliability across varied usage situations.

All of Eveready’s flashlight manufacturing facilities follow stringent quality parameters and are Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified. The certification reinforces Eveready’s long-standing commitment to product quality, safety, reliability and adherence to stringent industry standards.

Driven by feature-led innovation, consumer-focused product development and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, Eveready continues to strengthen its position as India’s leading flashlight, battery and lighting solutions brand through products designed to address evolving consumer needs.

The Eveready Shor Torch DL190 will be available at Rs. 1,099 across leading retail outlets and e-commerce platforms.

About Eveready Industries India Ltd.

With a legacy of over 100 years, Eveready Industries India Ltd. (NSE Symbol: EVEREADY, BSE Scrip Code: 531508, CSE Scrip Code 000029) is a household name in batteries and flashlights, with an emerging presence in the consumer and professional lighting space.

Since its inception in 1934, Eveready has been at the forefront of the dry cell battery market, enriching the lives of millions with portable energy and lighting solutions. The company’s iconic catchphrase “Give Me Red” has become synonymous with trust and dependability, resonating with consumers across generations.

In 2023, the company embarked on a transformative journey, marked by the unveiling of its new infinity logo and the empowering tagline “Give Me Power, Give Me Red”. The pivotal year also witnessed the launch of its Ultima Alkaline battery range, designed to cater to the evolving needs of Indian consumers. In April 2026, Eveready has inaugurated India’s only operating alkaline battery facility in Jammu. Alongside Ultima Alkaline, Eveready today offers a comprehensive battery portfolio spanning carbon-zinc, alkaline, rechargeable, and lithium formats, making it India’s No. 1* battery brand.

Beyond batteries, Eveready also offers a wide range of flashlights and torches designed for everyday use, emergencies, and outdoor activities. This includes purpose-driven products such as the Eveready Siren Torch, which combines illumination with a built-in safety alarm, and India’s First Hybrid Torch, which offers dual power options via rechargeable and battery-based formats. Together, through these innovations, the company has emerged as India’s no. 1 flashlight brand.

The company has also strategically expanded its portfolio with an entry into the mobile accessories segment, mosquito racquets, small appliances, electrical accessories, wires, and MCBs to meet the dynamic needs of consumers.

Eveready’s manufacturing facilities are spread across India, namely Matia, Lucknow, Haridwar, Maddur, Kolkata, Jammu and they are equipped with globally benchmarked technology platforms and follow the best-in-class operating standards, with a relentless focus on quality (ISO 9000), environmental best practices (ISO 14000), and rapid adoption of technology. The company has a Research and Development (R&D) facility that is approved by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

For more information, please visit www.eveready.in

The Family Office Summit 2026, hosted by VCCircle at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai, concluded successfully today, capping off a day-long edition that reaffirmed its position as one of India’s most closely watched gatherings for family office leaders, promoters, and regulators. The summit drew strong participation from India’s most influential single-family and multi-family investment platforms, institutional allocators, and policymakers, with attendees engaging in sustained, substantive discussion across every session of the day.

The Family Office Summit 2026 saw participation from India’s influential single-family and multi-family investment platforms, institutional allocators, and policymakers

Across more than a dozen sessions, the summit delivered on its promise of candid, practitioner-led conversation, moving well past surface-level commentary into the real tensions shaping Indian family wealth today: generational succession and governance, public and private market allocation strategy, the case for real assets, the shift of single-family offices into institutional AIF-style platforms, regulatory oversight, offshore jurisdiction, and the professionalisation of family office philanthropy. Feedback from attendees and speakers alike pointed to the depth and specificity of the discussions as a standout of this year’s edition.

The edition was made possible by the continued support of its partners: IDFC FIRST Bank as Title Partner, GRIP Invest as Powering Partner, and the National Stock Exchange as Exchange Partner. SKEGEN joined as Strategic Capital Partner, alongside Session Partners Gaja Capital, Kroll, Multi-Act and Choice Wealth, Supporting Partners Steadview, Auraska Wealth and Naik Naik and Company, and Beverage Partner Tribe.

Sessions through the day featured family office CIOs, promoters, next-generation stewards, and regulators including SEBI and IFSCA, whose perspectives anchored a wide-ranging agenda, from the generational tension between capital preservation and growth ambition, to the evolving case for real assets, the maturing private markets playbook, and the shift of single-family offices into institutional, AIF-style platforms.
 

Organiser Perspectives
“The success of the VCCircle Family Office Summit 2026 is a testament to the strength and dynamism of India’s private capital ecosystem. For nearly twenty years, VCCircle has been committed to bringing together the people, ideas and insights that shape this industry. We thank all our delegates, partners and speakers for their trust and participation, and we look forward to continuing our journey of building India’s most trusted platform for private markets,” said Paras Kaushik, CHRO & CIO | Head, Events, IPs and VCCircle, HT Media Group.

“The phenomenal response to the VCCircle Family Office Summit 2026 reaffirmed a core shift: Indian family offices have evolved far beyond informal wealth desks into sophisticated institutional players.

About the Summit

The Family Office Summit 2026 was organised by VCCircle, a part of HT Media Group, as part of its portfolio of flagship events serving India’s private capital ecosystem. The summit convened family office principals, CIOs, promoters, institutional investors, regulators and advisors for a day of panel discussions, fireside chats and special addresses on the themes shaping the future of private wealth in India.

For more information on the Family Office Summit and future editions, visit events.vccircle.com/FamilyOfficeSummit2026.

For decades, owning an independent house was the ultimate aspiration for families in India’s Tier-II and Tier-III cities. A self-built home on a plot of land represented financial security, social status and a legacy for future generations. However, as these cities evolve, so do the aspirations of homebuyers.

The rise of the ‘upgrade buyer’ is reshaping Tier-II India’s housing market, with families choosing professionally managed communities over standalone homes

Across cities such as Mohali, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow and Coimbatore, an increasing number of homeowners are moving from standalone houses to professionally developed residential communities. While homeownership continues to be an important milestone, buyers today are looking beyond the size of a property. Convenience, security, community living and long-term value have become equally important.

Industry experts describe this emerging consumer as the ‘upgrade buyer‘—someone who already owns a home but is now seeking a better lifestyle rather than simply a bigger house.

The shift is being fuelled by the rapid transformation of Tier-II cities. Improved highways, expanding airports, better healthcare, quality educational institutions and growing employment opportunities have made these cities more attractive places to live. As a result, many families no longer see the need to move to metropolitan cities in search of better opportunities or a superior quality of life.

Alongside infrastructure growth, buyer expectations have also evolved. Earlier, purchasing decisions were largely based on location and space. Today, buyers are equally concerned about professional maintenance, green open spaces, security, lifestyle amenities and the long-term appreciation potential of a property. Homes are increasingly being viewed as lifestyle investments rather than just real estate assets.

While metro markets continue to account for a large share of premium housing demand, the trend is gradually becoming visible in Tier-II cities as well. According to the CREDAI–Liases Foras Indian Real Estate CY 2025 Report, homes priced above Rs. 1 crore contributed nearly 78% of the total value of primary residential sales across 50 major Indian cities in 2025, reflecting a nationwide shift towards premium, lifestyle-oriented housing. 

Abhay Jindal, Managing Director, Homeland Group, believes the shift is being driven by changing aspirations rather than changing affordability. “Today’s homebuyers are upgrading not because they need more space, but because they want a better lifestyle. Families are looking for secure, well-planned communities that offer green spaces, recreational amenities and professional maintenance. Exposure to global lifestyles and better urban infrastructure has changed expectations, even in Tier-II cities. Buyers now value the overall living experience as much as the home itself, and organised communities are naturally becoming their preferred choice.”

Changing family structures are also contributing to this trend. Dual-income households and increasingly busy lifestyles have made maintaining independent homes more challenging. Professionally managed communities reduce the burden of maintenance while offering amenities such as clubhouses, landscaped gardens, fitness centres, children’s play areas and enhanced security, making everyday living more convenient.

Another factor driving buyer confidence is greater transparency in the real estate sector. Since the implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), organised developers have gained credibility through improved accountability, timely delivery and better construction standards. Today’s buyers spend more time researching projects, comparing developers and evaluating long-term value before making a purchase.

Tejpreet Singh Gill, Managing Director, Gillco Group, says buyers today are far more informed than they were a few years ago. “The decision-making process has changed significantly. Buyers today research projects, compare developers and pay close attention to quality, transparency and future appreciation. They are looking for homes that can meet the needs of their families over the next 15 or 20 years. Organised developments offer planned infrastructure, better maintenance and community amenities that independent homes often cannot provide, making them a natural choice for the upgrade buyer.“

Developers are also responding to these changing expectations by creating integrated communities instead of simply constructing residential buildings. Sustainable design, wellness spaces, smart security systems, pedestrian-friendly layouts and community areas are becoming standard features. The focus is shifting from selling homes to creating neighbourhoods that offer a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Gurinder Bhatti, Chairman and Managing Director, GB Realty, believes the rise of the upgrade buyer reflects a fundamental shift in homeownership aspirations. “Homebuyers today are no longer looking for just a bigger house, they are seeking a better way of living. The move from independent homes to branded communities is driven by the desire for thoughtfully planned spaces, enhanced security, modern amenities, sustainability and a stronger sense of community. In Tier-II cities, this shift is becoming increasingly evident as buyers prioritise long-term value, convenience and a lifestyle that complements their evolving aspirations. The future of housing lies in creating integrated communities that enrich everyday living, rather than simply building residences.”

The trend is also being supported by professionals and entrepreneurs returning to their hometowns. With hybrid work becoming more common and business opportunities expanding beyond metropolitan cities, many families are choosing locations that offer a better work-life balance without compromising on urban infrastructure or modern amenities.

For the real estate sector, the rise of the upgrade buyer signals the growing maturity of Tier-II housing markets. Buyers are no longer making decisions based solely on affordability or ownership; they are investing in a lifestyle that offers convenience, security, sustainability and long-term value.

The independent house will always hold emotional significance, but for a growing segment of homebuyers, aspirations are now defined by living in a well-planned, professionally managed community that enhances everyday life. As Tier-II cities continue to expand and modernise, the rise of the upgrade buyer is set to become one of the defining trends shaping the future of India’s residential real estate market.

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is all set to host the 20th edition of India’s premier marketing conference, Marketing Conclave (MarCon), co-powered by Google, on August 4-5, 2026, at Taj Lands End, Mumbai 2026. The conclave will bring together founders, CMOs, brand leaders, marketers, technology innovators, and media professionals to discuss the latest trends, technologies and ideas shaping the evolving marketing landscape.

IAMAI to host the 20th edition of India’s premier marketing conference – MarCon, co-powered by Google, on August 4-5, 2026, at Taj Lands End, Mumbai

With artificial intelligence redefining every stage of the marketing lifecycle, MarCon 2026 will explore how organisations are building AI-first marketing functions, adapting to the new search and discovery ecosystem, leveraging AI-enabled media planning, rethinking marketing measurement, and balancing AI-driven efficiency with creativity, trust and responsible innovation. Featuring keynote addresses, fireside chats, panel discussions, masterclasses and networking sessions, the conference will offer practical perspectives from leaders shaping the future of media and marketing.

Marketing Conclave 2026 will host industry leaders and experts, including Priya Choudhary, Director, Business Solutions & Insights, Google; Siddharth Shekhar, Director – Govt. & PSUs, BFSI, Fintech, Education & Auto, Google; Pushkar Gupte – Head of Industry, CPG, Google; Vinay Bhartia, Director Enterprise, MEA + West Asia @ Semrush (An Adobe Co); Shwetha Iyer, SVP & Head of Marketing; Kissht, Aditya Das, Director, Head of Growth & Omnichannel Marketing, Cipla; Siddharth Bajaj, Chief Marketing Officer, Dr Batra’s Healthcare; Jahid Ahmed, Senior Vice President and Head Digital Acquisition, HDFC Bank; Priyanka Shah, Head of Digital Marketing, Bajaj Auto, and Somnath Mukherjee, and Head of Programmatic and Performance Marketing, Reliance Retail.

Among other key discourses to be discussed at the conference are leveraging data and technology to deliver personalised customer experiences, the rise of creator-led commerce, changing consumer behaviour, the future of media, and strategies for taking Indian brands to global audiences. The conclave will also explore how marketers can build trust, drive measurable business outcomes and prepare for an increasingly AI-driven ecosystem.

Among the partners of Marketing Conclave 2026 are Affinity Global Advertising, Consumr.ai, Connect Network, DoubleTick, Google, Helo.ai, mFilterIt, PubLive, Vonage, BC Web Wise, LS Digital, Truecaller, and Semrush (An Adobe Company) and many more.

To register for Marketing Conclave 2026 or learn more, please visit: www.marketingconclave.com

About Internet and Mobile Association of India

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body with more than 800 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as start-ups. IAMAI has been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy. IAMAI advocates free and fair competition, and progressive and enabling laws for businesses as well as for consumers. The overarching objective of IAMAI is to ensure the progress of the internet and the digital economy. Its major areas of activities are public policy and advocacy, business to business conferences, research, promotion of start-ups and promotion of consumer trust and safety. 

Parimatch Sports, a high-quality sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes, has become an official co-sponsor of the India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026, one of the most anticipated Test series of the year. Taking place from 15 to 27 August, the two-match series will see India and Sri Lanka renew one of the sport’s most compelling rivalries as both sides compete for valuable ICC World Test Championship points.

Parimatch Sports Joins India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 as Official Co-Sponsor

More than just another bilateral series, the India Tour of Sri Lanka is a contest shaped by history, home advantage and the unique demands of Test cricket. India have won 22 of the 46 Test matches between the teams, while Sri Lanka’s seven victories have all come on home soil, making every visit to the island a formidable challenge for India.

Cricket has always been at the heart of Parimatch Sports, and this partnership reflects the brand’s long-standing connection with the game. From the opening ball to the final session, Parimatch Sports will be part of the India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 through the official Sony Sports Network broadcast and the Behind-the-Wicket Mat, bringing fans closer to the moments that make Test cricket unforgettable.

“The India Tour of Sri Lanka is one of the most exciting contests on the international calendar, and we’re proud to be part of it. Through this partnership, we hope to make every day of the series even more engaging for cricket fans and add to the excitement of a series that means so much to millions of supporters,” said the Parimatch Sports Press Office.

The India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network across television and digital platforms, giving fans the opportunity to follow every session, every spell and every turning point of the series.

Stay tuned to the India Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 and follow Parimatch Sports for exclusive cricket content and the latest highlights throughout the tour.

OnePlus continues to strengthen its premium smartphone portfolio with devices designed for different buyer preferences. The OnePlus 15R, available from Rs. 59,999, delivers flagship-grade performance, a large AMOLED display, and a massive 7,400mAh battery. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 15s is expected to arrive in 2027 with a compact design, AI-powered features, and premium hardware. Customers can purchase the OnePlus 15R through Bajaj Finance with Easy EMI options starting from Rs. 4,000 per month, making flagship technology more accessible.

A first look at the OnePlus 15s reveals a premium design, sleek profile, and eye-catching camera module, hinting at a flagship smartphone experience

Compact convenience or immersive entertainment
The OnePlus 15s and OnePlus 15R are designed for different lifestyles. Based on early reports, the OnePlus 15s is expected to feature a compact 6.3-inch ProXDR LTPO display with a 165Hz refresh rate, making it comfortable for one-handed use and frequent travel. The OnePlus 15R, on the other hand, offers a larger 6.83-inch AMOLED display with the same 165Hz refresh rate, making it better suited for streaming, gaming, and multitasking.
 

Highlights include:

• OnePlus 15s (expected): 6.3-inch ProXDR LTPO display

• OnePlus 15R: 6.83-inch AMOLED display

• 165Hz refresh rate on both smartphones

• Punch-hole displays with vibrant colours and smooth visuals

Performance tailored to different users
Performance is one of the biggest differentiators between the two devices. The OnePlus 15R is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, delivering flagship-level speed for demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking.

The expected OnePlus 15s is likely to feature a premium Snapdragon platform with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4 storage, offering responsive performance for everyday productivity and AI-powered experiences.

Performance highlights:

• OnePlus 15R: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor

• OnePlus 15s (expected): Premium Snapdragon platform with 12GB RAM

• Android 16 on both devices

• OxygenOS experience designed for smooth navigation

• Fast app loading and efficient multitasking

Cameras built for different photography styles

Both smartphones focus on high-quality photography, although they take slightly different approaches.

The OnePlus 15R combines a 50MP primary camera with an 8MP ultra-wide sensor and supports 4K recording at up to 120fps. It also includes a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls.

According to early reports, the OnePlus 15s is expected to feature a dual 50MP rear camera setup, including a telephoto lens, along with a 50MP front camera. These specifications could appeal to buyers looking for higher-resolution selfies and more versatile portrait photography.

Camera highlights:

• OnePlus 15R: 50MP + 8MP rear cameras and 32MP front camera

• OnePlus 15s (expected): Dual 50MP rear cameras and 50MP front camera

• Optical Image Stabilisation on the primary camera

• 4K video recording support

Battery life and charging for busy schedules

Battery performance is another area where the two smartphones differ.

The OnePlus 15R packs a large 7,400mAh battery with 80W Super Charging, making it well suited for users who spend long hours away from a charger.

The expected OnePlus 15s is likely to feature a 6,500mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC charging. While the battery capacity is smaller, it is expected to complement the phone’s compact design without compromising everyday usage.

Battery highlights:

• OnePlus 15R: 7,400mAh battery with 80W Super Charging

• OnePlus 15s (expected): 6,500mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC charging

• Fast charging support on both smartphones

Smart features for modern lifestyles

Both smartphones are expected to offer premium connectivity and security features. The OnePlus 15R includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.

The OnePlus 15s is also expected to support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, IP69 protection, and several AI-powered features such as AI Translation, AI Call Assistant, AI VoiceScribe, AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, and Google Gemini integration.

These capabilities are designed to improve productivity, communication, and content creation while supporting everyday convenience.

Pricing and variants

The OnePlus 15R is available in multiple storage configurations to suit different usage requirements.

• 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs. 59,999 | Easy EMI from Rs. 4,000/month 

• 12GB RAM + 512GB storage: Rs. 64,999 | Easy EMI from Rs. 4,333/month 

The OnePlus 15s is expected to launch with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, although official pricing has not yet been announced.

Buying OnePlus smartphones with Bajaj Finance

Customers planning to purchase eligible OnePlus smartphones can benefit from flexible payment options through Bajaj Finance.

• Visit the nearest Bajaj Finance partner store.

• Select the OnePlus smartphone variant you prefer.

• Check eligibility for Easy EMIs at checkout using a mobile number and OTP.

• Choose a flexible tenure between 3 and 60 months.

• Complete the purchase and take the new smartphone home the same day.

Renacon, the flagship building materials brand of the Renaatus Group, Erode recently announced the launch of RENAFLEX Fibre Cement Boards (FCB) in Renaatus Product Private Limited, marking a significant milestone in the company’s evolution from a manufacturer of green building materials to a comprehensive building solutions provider.

Venkatesh Pakala (Dy CEO, RENAATUS Procon); Manoj Poosapoan (JMD, Renaatus Group); P. Selvasundaram (CMD, Renaatus Group); Basto Collins (Sr VP, Renaatus Product)

Backed by an investment of INR 350 crore, Renacon has established a world-class integrated manufacturing facility at Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh, dedicated to the production of AAC Blocks, Rapid Wall Panels and Fibre Cement Boards. Built in a record 12 months, the facility introduces globally benchmarked Laminar Flow Technology to India, delivering precision-engineered, sustainable building materials designed to meet the growing demands of modern construction.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. P Selva Sundaram, Chairman and Managing Director, Renaatus Group, said, “The launch of RENAFLEX represents a defining milestone in Renacon’s journey towards becoming a complete building solutions provider. Our INR 350 crore investment reflects our long-term vision of combining advanced manufacturing, innovation and sustainability to create world-class products for India’s construction industry. By bringing globally proven Laminar Flow Technology to India, we are delivering Fibre Cement Boards that offer superior strength, precision, durability and consistency while supporting faster, safer and greener construction. As India accelerates infrastructure development under Vision 2047 and the ‘Make in India’ initiative, RENAFLEX will empower architects, developers, contractors and homeowners with high-performance building materials that are built for the future.”

The launch further strengthens Renacon’s expanding portfolio, which already includes Renacon AAC Blocks—South India’s largest and one of the most preferred AAC block brands—manufactured across three facilities in Tamil Nadu with a combined annual production capacity of one million cubic metres, along with Rapid Wall AAC Sandwich Panels and Renafix Drymix Products. With India’s construction sector increasingly embracing sustainable and high-performance building materials, Renacon expects RENAFLEX to play a significant role in enabling modern dry wall solution considering labour shortage by adding to the faster construction, safer and environmentally responsible construction across residential, commercial and industrial projects. This can assist in building government housing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0 scheme targeting 1 crore additional houses and Affordable Rental Housing Complexes scheme for quicker completion.

With India’s AAC market growing at a CAGR of 10–12% since 2010 and projected to expand by nearly 15% annually over the next five years, Renacon expects RENAFLEX to play a key role in accelerating the adoption of advanced Fibre Cement Board systems and driving the transition towards faster, greener and more sustainable construction across India. We are looking at 100% utilization of the existing plant in Naidupeta by March 2027 which will help Renaflex gaining a good share in Fibre cement board market in a year and half time.

Asia’s Largest Integrated AAC and Fibre Cement Board Manufacturing Facility
The new Naidupeta facility has an annual production capacity of 60,000 metric tonnes of Fibre Cement Boards, making it Asia’s largest integrated AAC and Fibre Cement Board manufacturing facility. The project is expected to generate employment direct and indirectly for more than 1000 people, while strengthening domestic manufacturing under the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative.

At the heart of the manufacturing process is Laminar Flow Technology, an advanced production system that ensures:

• Superior flexural strength 

• Excellent impact resistance 

• Zero undulation for exceptionally smooth surfaces 

• High dimensional accuracy and consistency 

• Enhanced durability for long-term performance 

The facility manufactures both Type A (High Density) and Type B Fibre Cement Boards, along with RENAFLEX Elegante Designer Fibre Cement Boards, specially developed for architects and designers seeking premium aesthetics for wall cladding, façades and interior décor. The high-density boards are engineered for demanding exterior applications requiring exceptional strength and weather resistance.

Engineered for Green, Fire-Rated and Sustainable Construction
RENAFLEX Fibre Cement Boards are precision-engineered for modern interior and exterior construction systems, combining durability, safety and sustainability.

Key features include:

• Fire resistance 

• Moisture resistance 

• Termite resistance 

• High dimensional stability 

• Smooth and consistent finishes 

• Long service life 

• Faster installation with reduced maintenance 

The boards are suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Interior partitions 

• False ceilings 

• Façades 

• Mezzanine flooring 

• Roof underlay 

• Wet area installations 

• Duct covering 

• Prefabricated structures 

• Furniture 

• Modular interiors 

Manufactured using environmentally responsible processes, RENAFLEX supports sustainable construction by reducing environmental impact while improving durability, operational efficiency and lifecycle performance. The product aligns with green building certification frameworks such as IGBC and GRIHA, helping developers deliver environmentally responsible and energy-efficient buildings.

With increasing emphasis on fire-rated construction across commercial, industrial and public infrastructure projects, RENAFLEX is well positioned for applications in commercial buildings, hospitals, educational institutions, industrial facilities, site offices, security cabins and residential developments.

Fibre Cement Boards have already gained widespread acceptance across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, China and Australia for their strength, durability and sustainability. Through RENAFLEX, Renacon aims to bring these globally benchmarked standards to the Indian construction industry.

Expanding Across India and Global Markets
Renacon will initially focus on the southern markets of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala, before expanding into international markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 50% of the business to come from exports for Renaatus Products Private Limited. The company expects growing demand for prefabricated construction, sustainable building materials and fire-rated building systems to drive strong growth in both domestic and overseas markets.

About Renacon
Renacon is the flagship building materials brand of Renaatus Procon Private Limited, headquartered in Erode, Tamil Nadu. The company manufactures AAC Blocks, Rapid Wall AAC Sandwich Panels, Renafix Drymix Products and RENAFLEX Fibre Cement Boards, delivering innovative, sustainable and high-performance building solutions for modern construction.

The Renaatus Group has executed several landmark infrastructure projects across India and overseas, including Rajahmundry Airport, Chennai Central Tower—one of Chennai’s tallest commercial developments—and the Gan International Airport Project in the Maldives. The Group has also launched its flagship residential development, VARAM in Coimbatore, further strengthening its commitment to creating world-class infrastructure and sustainable communities.

Participants in the Press meet:

• Mr. P Selva Sundaram, Chairman and Managing Director, Renaatus Group

• Mr. Manoj Poosappan, Joint Managing Director, Renaatus Group

• Mr. Venkatesh Pakala, Dy, CEO, Renaatus Procon Private Limited

• Mr. Basto Collins, Senior Vice President, Renaatus Products Private Limited

Salesforce, the #1 Agentic CRM, today announced the availability of its products in AWS Marketplace in India, a curated digital catalog that customers can use to find, buy, deploy, and manage third-party software, data, and services to build solutions and run their businesses. This expansion enables businesses in India to more easily access key tools to accelerate their digital and agentic transformations.

This expansion featured the availability of Agentforce, Salesforce’s platform for building, deploying and scaling AI agents, and Data 360, the engine that unifies data and insights, giving AI the context it requires. Core applications like Agentforce Sales, Agentforce Service, Slack, and Tableau Next are also included, providing a complete foundation for customers.

By purchasing Salesforce products in AWS Marketplace, businesses in India can simplify procurement and IT management processes while benefiting from features such as consolidated billing, customized pricing, and a centralized view of their technology investments. This collaboration between Salesforce and AWS, first established in 2016, underscores both companies’ commitment to delivering innovative solutions powered by data and agentic artificial intelligence. These technologies empower businesses to integrate advanced capabilities into their daily operations securely and responsibly.

Comments on the news
Mankiran Chowhan, Managing director at Salesforce India, said, “Indian enterprises are no longer asking if AI will transform their business, they know it will. The challenge is turning that ambition into action. Complex procurement processes, siloed data, and disconnected systems often slow down AI adoption. By bringing Salesforce to AWS Marketplace in India, we are making it easier for businesses to access and deploy our solutions through an infrastructure they already trust and use. This will help customers move faster, maximize their existing cloud investments, and accelerate time-to-value from their AI and digital transformation initiatives.”

Customers in India can now purchase Salesforce products directly through AWS Marketplace today. For more information about product availability and details, visit www.salesforce.com/partners/aws.

About Salesforce
Salesforce helps organizations of any size become agentic enterprises – integrating humans, agents, apps, and data on a trusted, unified platform to unlock unprecedented growth and innovation. Visit www.salesforce.com/in/ for more information.

Pricing and packaging are subject to change. Availability may vary by region and is governed by customer agreements. Customers should base purchasing decisions on products and services currently available.

About Amazon Web Services India Services Private Limited 
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The Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC), the world’s largest consortium of technology distributors, today released a new research report, The Evolving Role of Distribution in Technology Go-To-Market Models, developed in partnership with Channelnomics. The study examines the shift in distribution from a traditional channel intermediary into a strategic operating platform that helps vendors and partners scale, increase support and overcome the complexities associated with innovation (i.e., AI and cybersecurity) and integration.
 

According to the research, customer expectations are rising rapidly as organizations seek integrated outcomes across AI, cybersecurity, hybrid cloud, automation, analytics and managed services. Vendors and partners increasingly struggle to meet those market demands independently with solutions requiring cross-platform integration, multi-vendor coordination, lifecycle support and operational consistency.

The GTDC and Channelnomics report validates distribution’s position as the connective layer that closes these execution gaps. Through partner enablement, technical resources, financing, marketplace operations, compliance support, lifecycle management and ecosystem orchestration, distributors empower vendors and solution providers, allowing channel partners to deliver outcomes that no single organization can efficiently provide alone.

“Technology innovation is creating tremendous opportunities, but it is also making go-to-market execution more complex,” said Frank Vitagliano, CEO of GTDC. “Distributors have continued to invest in the platforms, programs, services and expertise needed to help vendors and partners bring AI, cloud, cybersecurity and other advanced solutions to market more efficiently. This research reinforces what we see every day across the IT ecosystem: distribution is becoming more valuable because it helps turn innovation into scalable execution.”

According to the report, distribution can raise execution capability to more than 80% across key go-to-market functions and motions. Vendors leveraging distribution strategically also improve operational efficiency, partner readiness, sales velocity, market reach, forecasting discipline and customer retention. The research further identifies meaningful economic benefits, including 15%-52% cost savings and 4x-8.5x ROI.

“Customers are no longer buying isolated products or stand-alone services; they expect integrated outcomes delivered across increasingly complex ecosystems,” said Larry Walsh, CEO and Chief Analyst at Channelnomics. “That creates a gap between what clients need and what vendors or partners can consistently deliver on their own. Distribution overcomes those obstacles by aggregating the resources, capabilities and operational infrastructure required to execute at scale.”

The study highlights several key findings, including:

• Execution is a true constraint. The market challenge is less about innovation and more about delivering integrated outcomes consistently at scale.

• Customer expectations exceed channel capability. For example, 76% of customers see multi-vendor systems support as a critical need, but only 22% believe IT partners have that capability. While 70% value AI integration, only 38% see sufficient expertise in this area.

• Vendors need strategic distribution support. Top vendor priorities include demonstrable ROI and value visibility (88%), strategic GTM alignment (85%), and partner recruitment and enablement (83%).

• Partners need distribution to manage complexity. The top priority is ecosystem access, multi-vendor integration and solution bundling (91%), followed by AI-driven technical support (89%).

• Distribution is becoming a force multiplier. In addition to helping vendors scale ecosystem selling, distributors reduce operational friction, support recurring revenue, expand reach and improve customer outcomes.

The report also outlines a vendor playbook for scaling ecosystem execution, recommending that vendors align distributors to their go-to-market strategies, build ecosystem-led sales models, accelerate AI readiness, expand marketplace and lifecycle operations, improve API and workflow integration, and modernize performance measurement.

The full report, The Evolving Role of Distribution in Technology Go-To-Market Models, as well as other industry research and resources, is available at no cost on the GTDC Knowledge Hub.
 

About the GTDC
The Global Technology Distribution Council is the industry consortium representing the world’s leading tech distributors. GTDC members drive more than $200 billion in annual worldwide sales of products, services and solutions through diverse business channels. GTDC conferences support the development and expansion of strategic supply-chain partnerships that continually address the fast-changing marketplace needs of vendors, end customers and distributors. GTDC members include AB S.A, Arrow Electronics, CMS Distribution, Computer Gross Italia S.p.A., D&H Distributing, ELKO Group, Esprinet S.p.A., Exclusive Networks, Infinigate, Ingram Micro, Intcomex, Logicom Public Limited, Mindware, ​Nexora, Redington Limited, SiS Technologies, Tarsus Distribution, TD SYNNEX, TIM AG, VSTECS Holdings Limited and Westcon-Comstor.