Whatfix, the global leader in agentic digital adoption platforms (DAPs) for enterprises, today announced that Co-founder Vara Kumar has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Vara succeeds his late co-founder, Khadim Batti, following his sudden passing on September 1, 2026.

Vara Kumar – Co-founder and CEO, Whatfix

Since co-founding Whatfix alongside Batti in 2014, Vara has served as the architect of the company’s product and research strategy, guiding its expansion from an early-stage startup into a global leader in digital adoption serving Fortune 500 companies globally. As CEO, Vara will lead the company’s next phase of growth while preserving the core values and customer-centric culture established since its founding.

“Khadim was a visionary leader, a partner, and a dear friend,” said Vara Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Whatfix. “Over the past twelve years, we built Whatfix on a shared conviction that technology should empower people, not stand in their way. As I step into the role of CEO, our executive leadership team and I remain deeply committed to realizing that vision, supporting our global customers and partners, and building an enduring enterprise anchored in strong fundamentals.”

Under the unified leadership of Vara and the executive team, supported by the board, Whatfix continues to operate seamlessly across all regions, supporting its global customer base, technology partner ecosystem, and workforce.

About Whatfix

Whatfix is the AI-native Digital Adoption Platform built for the modern enterprise. It helps organizations close the adoption gap by enabling users to use software effectively in the flow of work, while providing visibility into where users struggle.

Whatfix delivers an AI-native platform that combines digital adoption, analytics, simulation training, and intelligent agents to help enterprises realize value from technology investments faster. Powered by AI and ScreenSense™, the platform understands user context and intent to provide real-time guidance, automate support, identify friction points, and drive continuous process optimization. This enables organizations to accelerate adoption, improve productivity, strengthen compliance, and unlock greater returns from enterprise software and AI initiatives.

Trusted by 600 enterprises globally, including 80+ Fortune 500 companies such as Shell, Schneider Electric, Mercedes Benz, Heineken, and UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Whatfix helps organizations accelerate software adoption, improve productivity, and maximize the value of digital transformation and AI investments. With a global presence spanning North America, UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Australia, Whatfix serves leading enterprises across some of the world’s most complex and regulated industries. Backed by investors including Warburg Pincus, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Dragoneer, Peak XV Partners, Eight Roads, and Cisco Investments, software clicks with Whatfix.

For more information, visit the Whatfix website.

Equitas Small Finance Bank today announced the launch of When Organisations Win – Governance, Trust and the Values of Equitas Small Finance Bank, a book that explores what enables organisations to build trust, create sustainable value and remain resilient over the long term.

Equitas Small Finance Bank launched the book ‘When Organisations Win’ today (7 September 2026) at Equitas Towers, Chennai

Authored by Dr CA Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh, CFO, business and leadership coach, author, speaker and Independent Director, the book takes readers inside the governance journey of Equitas Small Finance Bank through conversations with P N Vasudevan, Managing Director & Founder, Equitas Small Finance Bank.

The book looks beyond governance as a set of rules, regulations and compliance requirements. It explores governance as a way of thinking, behaving and making choices, particularly when organisations face difficult decisions, competing priorities and evolving risks.

At the heart of the book is the Frames Approach to Governance, under which Equitas looks at governance through frames. The approach encourages organisations to identify different frames of governance, work out different action plans under each frame, leading to a dynamic governance model.

The book explores several frames of governance, including Board-management alignment, sensitivity to regulatory signals, communication with the RBI, learning from others’ mistakes, customer-centric governance, business model, credit risk, technology, operational controls, investor relationships, ethical leadership and impact on society.

Through conversations with Vasu, the book also brings alive experiences and decisions from Equitas’ journey, right from its early days as a microfinance institution to its evolution into a Small Finance Bank. It highlights how governance considerations have influenced business decisions along the way.

Speaking about the book, P N Vasudevan, Managing Director & Founder, Equitas Small Finance Bank, said,“Governance is not a destination. It is a continuous journey. As an organisation evolves, its governance framework also needs to evolve. The Frames approach has helped us look at governance from multiple frames and continuously challenge ourselves to do better. We hope to keep evolving our governance model in tune with the changing times”.

When does an organisation win?

The book explores whether winning is simply about growth, profitability and business performance or whether organisational success must also encompass trust, integrity, responsible leadership, customer interest and the ability to create lasting value for society.

According to Dr CA Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh, Author of When Organisations Win,“My journey with Equitas began with curiosity. Small experiences made me wonder about the governance philosophy behind the organisation. When Equitas invited me to write this book, I saw an opportunity to explore that curiosity more deeply through conversations with Mr Vasudevan and by understanding the Bank’s governance journey. What emerged was a perspective on governance not merely as rules and compliance, but as choices, values and behaviours.

Through this journey, I realised that governance comes alive in the choices an organisation makes, especially when doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching. It is not necessarily the easiest thing to do. When Organisations Win encourages leaders to look at governance through a wider lens and reflect on what it could mean in their own organisations.”

The “WOW” behind When Organisations Win

The idea captures the aspiration behind the book: organisations that create a positive impact and earn the trust of their stakeholders should be capable of making people say “WOW.” And that is possible when the foundations of governance, values, and responsible leadership are consistently chosen.

When Organisations Win is intended for business leaders, Board members, Independent Directors, bankers, investors, students, aspiring leaders and anyone interested in understanding corporate governance beyond compliance.

The Equitas experience is presented as one journey and one approach, intended to stimulate reflection, questioning and learning among organisations and leaders.The book concludes, stating, “The journey does not end here. It continues with every decision, every conversation, and every choice to do the right thing.”

About the Book

WHEN ORGANISATIONS WIN

Governance, Trust and the Values of Equitas Small Finance Bank

Author: Dr CA Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh
Published by: Notion Press
Launch Date: 7^th September 2026
Available at: Amazon / Publisher / Other platforms

About the Author

Dr CA Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh is a CFO turned Business and Leadership Coach, Author, Speaker and Independent Director on Corporate Boards, with over three decades of professional experience. She has held senior corporate leadership positions and serves on the Boards of companies across sectors.

She is the author of five books and works with organisations and leaders to drive purpose, performance and profits.

• A Thoughtful Celebration of the Architects of Tomorrow

• Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan and Hon’ble Mr. Justice J.K. Maheshwari (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India) inspire young India to lead with courage, character and conviction

On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, Tathastu ICS hosted GURU SAMVAD 2026, a distinguished gathering dedicated to honouring the teachers and mentors who shape young minds and contribute to nation-building. The programme brought together eminent educators, civil servants, entrepreneurs and thought leaders in a meaningful dialogue with Gen Z, encouraging young India to participate thoughtfully in building an empowered and inclusive future.

GURU SAMVAD Tathastu ICS

The institute was deeply honoured to welcome Shri Chirag Paswan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, as Chief Guest, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, as Guest of Honour. The occasion was further graced by over 100 distinguished dignitaries — serving and retired IAS and IPS officers, entrepreneurs, academicians and teachers, including N.N.D. Dubey (Former Deputy Inspector General of the Border Security Force)  , Shri K.C. Jain  (Retired  Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax) and Shri Hemant Jain (Group Managing Director of the KLJ Group of Companies), Shri Rakesh Asthana (Retired IPS- Former Police Commissioner of Delhi),  Ms. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari (IAS-Principal Secretary, Food Processing) — who interacted freely with students through the day.

Addressing the gathering, Justice J.K. Maheshwari said India’s greatest asset is not merely its demographic strength but the character of its young citizens, and urged students to build their lives on discipline and integrity. Constitutional values, he reminded them, are living principles carried into one’s profession, family and community. He also placed the teacher at the centre of this journey, noting that behind every upright citizen stands a guru.

Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan connected with students through the lessons of his own life journey. Adversity, he said, is not an interruption in life’s plan but an essential part of it — difficult phases forge character, teach patience and reveal the depth of one’s resolve. A setback, he emphasised, is only a pause, never a full stop. Speaking on how to face harsh conditions, he urged students to hold on to clarity of purpose, consistency of effort and the courage to begin again, adding that as India moves towards Viksit Bharat, the nation needs youth who are not only capable but resilient.

Hosting the programme, Dr. Tanu Jain, ex-Civil Servant, Founder of Tathastu ICS and author, celebrated a generation achieving extraordinary things at a very young age — clearing one of the world’s toughest examinations in their early twenties and building enterprises. Talent, she said, does not wait for age; what students need is the right direction, structured guidance and an ecosystem that believes in them.

She highlighted how Tathastu ICS is built on one conviction — that a student should never have to choose between a degree and a dream. Its Integrated BA + UPSC (three-year), MA + UPSC and MBA + UPSC programmes, along with its GS Foundation Programmes, allow students to complete their graduation while building a strong, syllabus-aligned foundation in General Studies, Optional subjects, answer writing and personality development — saving precious years and giving aspirants a well-prepared mind by the time they graduate.

The programme also featured panel discussions, an interactive session with students and cultural performances, closing with the felicitation of teachers and a shared resolve — that as India walks towards Viksit Bharat, it will walk on the strength of its teachers and the courage of its youth.

About Tathastu ICS

Tathastu ICS is a leading Civil Services preparation institute founded by Dr. Tanu Jain, ex-Civil Servant and author, with campuses in New Delhi, Greater Noida and Indore. Known for its Integrated BA + UPSC, MA + UPSC and MBA + UPSC programmes and its Foundation courses, the institute has mentored 5,000+ aspirants, with 400+ selections through various programmes.

For more information, please visit tathastuics.com

There are moments in the evolution of a medical specialty when a conference becomes more than a conference. It becomes a statement. A landmark global gathering in Mumbai is more than a medical conference. It reflects how far Emergency Medicine in India has travelled and where it must go next.

– By Dr Sandeep B. Gore, Director – Emergency Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai & Organising Chairman, EMCON 2026.

For Emergency Medicine in India, EMCON 2026 in Mumbai is one such moment. From October 30 to November 1, 2026, emergency physicians, global leaders, researchers, nurses, paramedics, educators, innovators and healthcare administrators will gather at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake for the 28th National Conference of the Society for Emergency Medicine India which is all set to become biggest ever international academic event in Emergency Medicine in India. EMCON returns to Mumbai after 12 years, with more than 2,000 delegates, 300+ national faculty members and 50+ international faculty members expected.
 

Fortis Hospital Mulund’s Dr Sandeep Gore (centre) with young EM fraternity in Mumbai

But numbers alone do not explain why this meeting matters. Its real significance lies in what they represent: the coming of age of Emergency Medicine in India.
 

Not very long ago, emergency care in many Indian hospitals was considered a transit point, a place where patients arrived before being referred to a physician, surgeon or intensivist. That world is changing.
 

The modern Emergency Medicine Department is a clinical command centre.
 

A patient with a blocked coronary artery cannot wait. A stroke cannot wait. Septic shock cannot wait. Polytrauma cannot wait. A compromised airway certainly cannot wait. In those first few minutes, there is often no complete diagnosis and no luxury of time. The emergency physician must recognise physiological collapse, establish priorities, initiate resuscitation, use bedside diagnostics, mobilise multidisciplinary teams and make decisions whose consequences may last a lifetime.
 

That is why I have always believed that Emergency Medicine is both the art of rapidly evaluating undifferentiated patients and transforming those presentations into decisive action, and the science of mastering resuscitation.
 

That philosophy lies at the heart of EMCON 2026. Our theme, “Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence in Emergency Medicine,” reflects a simple belief: excellence in Emergency Medicine begins with excellence in resuscitation.
 

And resuscitation excellence cannot be built by doctors alone. It requires nurses, paramedics, pre-hospital systems, hospital leadership, policymakers, researchers, technology, industry and collaboration with the global Emergency Medicine community.
 

Bringing the world to Mumbai

EMCON 2026 reflects how Indian Emergency Medicine is increasingly becoming part of the global conversation. The conference will bring together leaders from apex international Emergency Medicine organisations including the Dr Ian Higginsin – President of Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), Dr L. Antony Cirillo, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), Dr Pauline Convocar – President of the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) and Dr Julina Md Noor – President of the World Interactive Network Focused on Critical Ultrasound (WINFOCUS) as keynote speakers.
 

Another keynote is particularly meaningful to me. Padma Shri Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar represents something profoundly Indian in medicine: the ability of meticulous bedside observation, scientific curiosity and perseverance to solve problems affecting patients far away from sophisticated academic centres. His pioneering work in scorpion envenomation reminds us that innovation does not always begin inside an expensive laboratory. Sometimes, it begins beside a critically ill patient in rural India.
 

Learning beyond the conference hall

We did not want learning to begin on October 30. So, we took EMCON beyond the main conference. The 28 pre-conference workshops across institutions and cities cover skills that define contemporary Emergency Medicine, including Point of Care Ultrasound in Emergency Medicine POCUS in EM, Crisis airway management, Mechanical Ventilation in ED, Toxicology, advanced resuscitative simulation, artificial intelligence, Maternal arrest resuscitation, Resuscitative thoracotomy in ED, Clinical Governance in EM, high-reliability Emergency Departments, ECPR in ED bootcamps & Frontline ER (Workshop for paramedics).
 

The lesson is straightforward: Emergency Medicine cannot be learnt only from a podium. It’s a hands-on discipline.
 

Emergency Medicine – Mastering the resuscitation

Emergency Medicine is no longer a new discipline in India. It has become one of the most decisive front doors of modern healthcare. Over the last couple of years, I have personally visited around 100 Emergency Medicine Departments across India and personally interacted with hundreds of Emergency Physicians across different states, institutions and healthcare systems government as well as private. The infrastructure varies. Resources vary. Patient volumes vary enormously. But one thing has become increasingly clear to me. The identity of Indian Emergency Medicine is becoming stronger. And at the centre of that identity is resuscitation.
 

I often ask a simple question: What are Emergency Physicians masters of?

My answer is equally simple. We are masters of resuscitation.

That does not mean merely performing CPR or managing cardiac arrest. Modern resuscitation begins much earlier. It is the ability to recognize physiological deterioration before collapse, understand why a patient is unstable, intervene rapidly, reassess continuously and change treatment based on the patient’s evolving physiology. This is where Emergency Medicine has changed dramatically. Point-of-care testing (POCT) and Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in Emergency Medicine has brought critical diagnostics closer to the bedside. Blood gases, lactate, cardiac biomarkers, ketones and other parameters can now influence decisions within minutes.

Resuscitative Point-of-Care Ultrasound has perhaps been one of the most transformative additions to Emergency Medicine. The Emergency Physician can assess cardiac function, lung pathology, volume status, internal bleeding and haemodynamic response during active resuscitation itself and can observe real time reversal of disease.

The clinical question is no longer simply: “Is the blood pressure low?” The better question is: Why is it low, and what does this patient need now?

Does the patient need fluid?

A vasopressor?

Inotropy?

Blood?

Drainage of a tamponade?

Relief of tension pneumothorax?

Immediate reperfusion?

That shift from generic resuscitation towards physiology-guided, patient-specific treatment represents the high end of Emergency Medicine today.

I describe it as Precision Emergency Resuscitation.

Preparing for the Emergency Department of tomorrow

Medicine is entering an extraordinary period of transformation. Artificial intelligence, digital health, point-of-care diagnostics, advanced ultrasound, simulation and extracorporeal resuscitation are expanding what can be achieved during the earliest minutes of illness.
 

But technology is not the destination. Better outcomes are.
 

Innovation without systems creates impressive technology. Innovation integrated into systems saves lives. This distinction is important because the future of Emergency Medicine will depend not only on what technology can do, but on whether we build the teams, training and systems required to use it effectively.

India needs an emergency-care ecosystem

The larger conversation therefore extends beyond EMCON.
 

India needs to think of emergency care as an ecosystem. Our next challenge is to build systems that can deliver the right care, at the right place, in the shortest possible time, whether an emergency occurs in Mumbai or in a small-town hundreds of kilometres from a tertiary hospital.
 

I have previously described the Emergency Department as the front door of a hospital. Increasingly, it is becoming something more: the point at which the preparedness of the entire healthcare system is tested.
 

Mumbai – the natural home for this moment. There could perhaps be no more appropriate city for this gathering than Mumbai. Mumbai understands emergencies. It understands speed, uncertainty, resilience and teamwork. In many ways, it mirrors Emergency Medicine itself relentless, responsive and resilient.
 

When thousands of emergency-care professionals gather here, I hope we do more than exchange scientific knowledge. I hope we ask difficult questions.

How do we make every Emergency Department safer?

How do we bring advanced resuscitation closer to every Indian?

How do we strengthen pre-hospital care?

How do we train the next generation differently?

How do we use AI without losing clinical judgement?

How do we move from individual excellence to reliable systems?
 

And ultimately: How many more lives can Indian Emergency Medicine save over the next decade? That is the real agenda of EMCON 2026.
 

This is not just a conference. It is a calling.
 

EMCON 2026 will be hosted from 30 October to 1 November 2026 at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Mumbai.

A new report by Aspire For Her and Shaadi.org reveals a sobering reality: marriage and motherhood remain the leading reasons why millions of Indian women are forced to leave the workforce, with only a fraction ever returning. Despite rising education levels and aspirations, entrenched social norms and systemic barriers continue to lock women out of economic participation, costing India dearly in lost talent and productivity.

National Crisis: The Numbers Behind the Exodus

• 50% of working mothers in India quit their jobs by age 30, with marriage and motherhood as the primary triggers.

• Only 27% of women who take a career break ever return to work, highlighting a massive loss of female talent.

• ~7 million women are actively seeking to return to the workforce right now.

• India ranks 131 out of 148 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index (2025), placing it among the bottom five for economic participation.

• 129:1 — the ratio of applications per seat in a leading returnship program, underscoring the pent-up demand for re-entry opportunities.

“This report puts numbers to what we see every day: the life event around which most women’s careers quietly pause.” – AFH x Shaadi.org “The Great Indian Return” Report, 2026

State-by-State: Where the Exodus Is Most Acute

While the crisis is national, its intensity varies sharply across states. Data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2022-23 and 2023-24, combined with secondary analyses, reveal stark contrasts:

• National Female LFPR: 37% (2022-23), up from 25% in 2017-18.

• 43.04% of women nationally cite household duties as the main reason for not working.

Are Indian Women Marrying Later? The Marriage Age Shift

The average age at first marriage for Indian women is rising, reflecting gradual social change:

Average age of women at marriage (years)

• Trend: The national average age at marriage has increased from 18.7 years in 1991 to 22.1 years today.

• Urban women are marrying later than rural women, with the highest ages in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

The Barriers: Why Women Don’t Return

Despite rising aspirations, women face formidable obstacles to workforce re-entry:

• Hiring Penalty: Women with a career break face a 24 percentage point lower chance of being hired than men with similar qualifications.

• Marriage Reduces Participation: Marriage alone reduces women’s labour force participation by 12 percentage points; childbirth by a further 4 points.

• Attrition After Marriage: 13% of employed women leave their jobs after marriage.

• Childcare & Flexibility: Lack of reliable childcare and flexible work options are major deterrents.

• Mobility Restrictions: Many women become “trailing spouses,” relocating for their husband’s career and losing their own job prospects.

• Social Stigma: Persistent cultural expectations push women to prioritize family over career.

• Maternity Penalty: Women face lower pay, missed promotions, and stigma after maternity leave.

Key Finding:
Marriage and motherhood remain the dominant reasons for women’s workforce exit in India, especially in states with traditional gender norms. While the average age at marriage is rising, systemic barriers — from employer bias to lack of childcare — continue to lock millions of women out of economic opportunity.

Call to Action

Through The Great Indian Pause Report, we aim to spotlight the barriers that force millions of women out of the workforce and build momentum for solutions that enable their return. The Great Indian Pause forms part of the #HerIndependence campaign by Aspire For Her and Shaadi.org, an initiative dedicated to advancing women’s economic independence and workforce participation. Aspire For Her and Shaadi.org urge employers, policymakers, and families to:

• Create structured returnship programs to help women re-enter the workforce.

• Promote flexible work and childcare support to retain female talent.

• Challenge social norms and stigma around women’s careers and career breaks.

• Enforce pay parity and anti-discrimination policies for women returning after marriage or motherhood.

“The Great Indian Pause can become the Great Indian Return — if we open the door.”

• Contributes to the broader economic value chain – from responsibly sourcing to supporting local farmers to Manufacturing at Amway India’s state-of-the-art facility in Tamil Nadu, advancing the Make in India vision

• Launches range of new Ayurveda products under Nutrilite Ayurveda portfolio

• Aims to build Nutrilite Ayurveda into a INR 100 crore category over the next two years

• Nutrilite Ayurveda combines 5,000 Years of Ayurveda Wisdom with 90 Years of Nutrilite Botanical Science  

In a decisive move aligned with India’s nation-building priorities and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Amway India, a leading health and wellbeing company, today announced a landmark strategic push into Ayurveda with the launch of Nutrilite Ayurveda. The launch represents more than an expansion of Amway India’s wellness portfolio. It is an opportunity to contribute to the broader economic value chain around Ayurveda in India – from responsibly sourced botanicals and local agriculture to manufacturing, scientific research, innovation and employment. Driven by the growing consumer demand for plant-based, preventive healthcare, and supported by Government of India’s sustained focus on strengthening the AYUSH ecosystem, the company unveiled nine new Ayurveda innovations under the portfolio. Bringing together more than 90 years of Nutrilite’s botanical science expertise with a decade of local manufacturing capabilities, Amway India is combining the time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda with modern scientific validation creating a wellness proposition that is Made in India, for India, with the potential to take India’s traditional wellness to the world.

Amway India launches ‘Nutrilite Ayurveda’

Speaking to the media at the launch, Mr Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, Amway India, said, “India is witnessing a significant transformation in traditional wellness, driven by the Government of India’s visionary focus on strengthening the AYUSH ecosystem and advancing Ayurveda as an integral part of the country’s health and wellbeing landscape is creating a robust foundation for Ayurveda to thrive in India and gain greater relevance on the global stage. Furthermore, as India strengthens its capabilities in Ayurveda-led innovation and manufacturing, this growing ecosystem has the potential to create new economic opportunities, strengthen India’s capabilities and support its emergence as a globally relevant hub for traditional wellness. This momentum aligns seamlessly with Amway India’s next chapter of growth and our ambition to contribute meaningfully to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Reflecting our confidence in the immense potential of Ayurveda, we aim to build Nutrilite Ayurveda into a INR 100 crore category over the next two years. With our deep expertise in nutrition with more than 90 years of Nutrilite’s botanical science legacy and scientific validation, Amway India is uniquely positioned to contribute the India’s strategic roadmap for Ayurveda.”  

“Today’s consumers are increasingly embracing Ayurveda as an everyday choice for wellness; but they also seek the transparency, consistency and scientific validation they expect from modern wellness products. At Nutrilite, we believe trust is at the heart of what we offer. For Nutrilite Ayurveda, ‘Every Herb Has a Story. We Make Sure It’s True’ is more than a promise. It reflects our commitment to ensuring the quality and traceability of every botanical we offer to consumers so they can embrace Ayurveda with greater confidence,” he further added.

The first phase of roll-out will introduce three Ayurveda formulations, Kalamegha, formulated to support healthy liver function; Shigru (moringa), which helps reduce extra fat deposition and inflammation; and Vrikshamla (garcinia), aimed at improving metabolism and satiety.

Today’s consumers have shifted from a reactive to a proactive approach to health and wellbeing, and demand complete transparency regarding ingredient sourcing, efficacy, and authenticity. Thus, at the heart of this portfolio is Nutrilite, which for more than 90 years has brought together the best of nature and science. With Nutrilite Ayurveda, this legacy meets the time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda to address a critical whitespace in the category: the growing need for greater trust, transparency and credibility.

The portfolio is built on authentic Ayurvedic botanicals responsibly sourced from organically cultivated Nutricert-certified farms, reflecting Nutrilite’s enduring commitment to sustainable agriculture and responsible sourcing. Backed by Nutrilite’s R&D expertise and scientific validation, every formulation is supported by Nutrilite’s rigorous quality processes, including DNA Fingerprinting, Active Ingredient Testing and Seed-to-Supplement Traceability, delivering authenticity, consistency and transparency. The products also undergo comprehensive, multi-step testing for contaminants, heavy metals, microbiological safety and consistency of key marker compounds, going beyond basic regulatory requirements to deliver the quality, authenticity and consistency consumers expect from Nutrilite. The portfolio also comprises AYUSH-registered formulations, reinforcing Amway India’s commitment to developing products in line with the applicable regulatory framework while giving consumers greater confidence in the quality and authenticity of what they choose.

The launch builds on the company’s earlier introduction of Nutrilite Chyawanprash in the category. Nutrilite Ayurveda is built on the idea of validating time-honoured Ayurvedic formulations through the same rigorous, science-backed approach that has defined Nutrilite for decades. Priced at an MRP of INR 449/-, INR 651/-, and INR 449/-, Kalamegha, Shigru and Vrikshamla respectively⁽¹⁾ , will be available from 8^th September 2026, across all Amway-authorised channels, through Amway Business Owners/Distributors, Amway stores and at www.amway.in.

About Amway India

Amway India, one of the leading FMCG Direct Selling companies supporting health and wellbeing, is an ultimate wholly owned subsidiary of Amway Corporation (Alticor Global Holdings Inc), USA, the world’s #1 direct-selling company. Globally, Amway is a 65+ years old, US $7.3 billion, manufacturer and direct seller of quality consumer goods. Amway’s innovation and industry-leading R&D have seen more than 750 global patents granted and a few more patents pending. Amway has more than 800 scientists, engineers, and technical professionals who extend its innovation and science capabilities to deliver global, regional, and local product research and development.

Amway India sells close to 140 daily-use products across categories like Nutrition, Beauty, Personal Care, Home Care and Consumer durables through Amway Direct Selling Partners who make personal recommendations regarding the use of distinctive quality products. Amway products are widely recognized and appreciated for their quality and value. These products are backed by a money-back guarantee for 100% satisfaction of use.

Amway’s first manufacturing facility in India, located at Nilakotai in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, has won the prestigious LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council as one of the most environment-friendly and sustainable facilities in the country.

Amway products are popular not just in India but across the world. Nutrilite, the world’s No. 1 selling vitamins and dietary supplement brand⁽²⁾, has established itself as a leading brand in the vitamins and dietary supplements category in India as well. The company also offers a range of beauty & skincare products under Artistry Skin Nutrition™, which is a blend of Artistry skin science and Nutrilite expertise, infused with Nutrilite ingredients that are clean and traceable.

(1) Kalmegha priced at Rs 449 for 30 tabs, Shigru priced at Rs 651/- for 60 tabs and Vrikshamla priced at Rs 449/- for 30 tabs

(2) gdretail.net/amway-claims/#claim1

• The cruise line offers Indian guests a wide choice of holidays across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, South America, Southern Africa and Asia

• MSC World Asia, MSC Cruises’ highly anticipated new World Class ship, will sail the Western Mediterranean from December 2026
   

MSC Cruises is highlighting the breadth of its global cruise offering for Indian travellers, bringing together a wide choice of itineraries, modern ships and onboard experiences designed for guests looking to discover multiple destinations in one seamless holiday.
 

MSC World Asia
 

As demand for new international holiday experiences continues to evolve in India, cruising offers travellers a compelling way to combine destination discovery, entertainment, dining and relaxation, all while unpacking only once. With itineraries including across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, MSC Cruises provides a broad portfolio of holidays for families, couples, groups of friends and multi-generational travellers.
 

Guests sailing with MSC Cruises can choose from a wide range of experiences on board, including international dining, live entertainment, dedicated kids’ clubs, wellness and fitness facilities, family activities and accommodation options for different travel styles. The line’s exclusive MSC Yacht Club offers a premium “ship-within-a-ship” experience with dedicated areas, 24-hour butler and concierge service, private facilities and elevated comfort.
 

For Indian guests, MSC Cruises offers access to a diverse portfolio of itineraries across five continents, with sailings in some of the world’s most sought-after cruise regions. This global choice is supported by an extensive network of international embarkation ports and fly-cruise options, allowing travellers to select the holiday experience that best suits their plans.
 

Norbert Stiekema, Executive Director Global Sales, MSC Cruises, said, “India is an important market for the future of cruising, with travellers increasingly looking for holidays that combine discovery, comfort, choice and value. MSC Cruises is well placed to meet this demand through our global portfolio of itineraries, modern fleet and onboard experiences designed for international guests. Our focus is to make cruising more relevant and accessible for Indian travellers, while continuing to introduce new ships, destinations and experiences across our global network.”
 

A key example of MSC Cruises’ continued investment in its fleet and guest experience is MSC World Asia, the cruise line’s newest World Class ship, which will sail in the Western Mediterranean from December 2026. The ship will offer seven-night itineraries with calls including Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina and Valletta during winter 2026/27, followed by summer 2027 sailings to Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.
 

MSC World Asia will feature more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, international entertainment, dedicated family facilities, wellness spaces and seven onboard districts, each designed with its own atmosphere and experiences. The ship will also include MSC Yacht Club accommodation, a wide range of dining concepts and new venues that reflect the creativity and innovation of MSC Cruises’ World Class ships.
 

Sustainability remains central to MSC Cruises’ long-term vision, with the company committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
 

About MSC Cruises

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately-owned MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America.
 

A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 250 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.
 

For more information visit www.msccruises.com.

ECOVACS has been named the global No.1 home robotics brand in a newly released research report by Forbes China, which recognizes its leadership across multiple home robotics categories. Built on in-house R&D and manufacturing capabilities and scalable technology stacks, the company has expanded from floor care to windows, lawns, and pools, with its service robotics now serving more than 38 million households across nearly 180 markets worldwide.
 

ECOVACS ROBOTICS IFA 2026

“The future of home robotics is not about adding more products. It is about giving people more freedom from everyday tasks,” said David Qian, CEO of ECOVACS ROBOTICS. “By reusing around 80% of our core technologies and adapting 20% to each scenario, we can bring robotics from floors and windows to lawns and pools. Looking ahead, we will continue to innovate to make robotics more intelligent, autonomous and accessible, helping more people enjoy an easier everyday life.”
 

David Qian, CEO, ECOVACS ROBOTICS

From Indoors to Outdoors: Expanding the Role of Home Robotics
For ECOVACS, the vision of “Robotics for All” means bringing the benefits of service robotics into more parts of everyday life.

ECOVACS’ expansion into new household environments began with windows. Since pioneering the robotic window cleaning category with its first WINBOT in 2011, ECOVACS has continuously evolved its robotics to address real consumer needs. The latest WINBOT W3 OMNI, showcased at IFA 2026, features Vortex Wash, an industry-first automatic wiping-pad cleaning technology that eliminates the hassle of manually washing dirty pads. With more than 1.5 million households worldwide using WINBOT products⁽¹⁾, ECOVACS ranks No. 1 globally in category shipments, according to IDC.⁽²⁾
 

The same idea extends outdoors. For many households, lawn care is a recurring task, with edges among the most difficult areas to keep neat. ECOVACS is showcasing the GOAT T Series at IFA 2026, addressing this challenge with TruEdge Trimmer, designed to cut closely along lawn borders and leave less work behind for users, while the industry-exclusive HoloScope 360 Dual-LiDAR Navigation help it handle different yard layouts with greater autonomy. To date, robotic lawn mowers GOAT have covered nearly 1.4 billion sq. m. of lawn globally – equivalent to around 200,000 standard soccer pitches.

In floor care, ECOVACS pioneered OZMO ROLLER technology to tackle one of the most persistent cleaning challenges: stubborn messes without spreading dirt back across the floor. Featured on the DEEBOT X12S OmniCyclone at IFA 2026, the latest OZMO ROLLER 3.0 combines strong cleaning pressure with continuous self-washing to keep the roller clean as it cleans, helping users achieve a deeper clean with less effort. Since its global introduction in September 2024, OZMO ROLLER-equipped models have reached more than 2.8 million units in cumulative global shipments as of July 2026, according to ECOVACS’ internal data.

Building on its expertise across floor, window and lawn care, ECOVACS is extending the robotics experience to pool cleaning. Showcased at IFA 2026, the ULTRAMARINE L1 PRO is designed to take the time and effort out of pool care, autonomously navigating and cleaning different pool environments with minimal user intervention. By bringing robotics to another traditionally hands-on task, ECOVACS is making pool care simpler.

Technology Stacks Powering Global Multi-Category Leadership
Underpinning this multi-category success is scalable technology stacks spanning robotics, sensing, motion control, cleaning, and power management. Rather than building each category from the ground up, ECOVACS can adapt and scale proven robotics capabilities across different environments and user needs, creating a platform built to move from one scenario to the next.

This strategy is backed by more than 900 R&D professionals, RMB 554 million in R&D investment in the first half of 2026, and more than 3,100 patents ⁽³⁾. Its vertically integrated R&D and manufacturing model further strengthens this technology advantage, giving ECOVACS greater control over key robotics technologies and shortening the path from innovation to products people can use. Together, these capabilities enable ECOVACS to bring proven robotics expertise into new categories and markets at scale, while staying focused on where robotics can create meaningful value in everyday life.

The results are increasingly visible in global markets. In the first half of 2026, global shipments of ECOVACS service robots increased 44.1% year on year, while revenue from new categories, including robotic window cleaners, robotic lawn mowers and robotic pool cleaners, grew 75.1% in international markets. For the first time, international markets accounted for more than half of ECOVACS’ total revenue in Q2 2026, reaching 51%. The milestone reflects how the company’s robotics portfolio is increasingly scaling beyond China.

As ECOVACS expands into more categories and markets around the world, it is bringing its robotics innovation to more people, making everyday life easier wherever they live. At IFA Berlin 2026, visitors can experience this vision at IFA 2026, Hall 9, Booth 113 at Messe Berlin, September 4 to 8.

About ECOVACS ROBOTICS

Founded in 2006, ECOVACS ROBOTICS is a global leader in home service robotics with a diverse portfolio of products encompassing robotic vacuum cleaners and robotic window cleaners. With its expansion into robotic lawn mowers, commercial cleaning robots, robotic pool cleaners and robotic pet companions, ECOVACS solidified its position as a multi-category leader in home service robotics.

Guided by the vision “Robotics for All”, ECOVACS continues to advance technology and enhance the user experience to make life smarter and more stylish for consumers worldwide. With sales subsidiaries in Germany, the United States, Japan, and Singapore, ECOVACS products reach nearly 180 major markets and serve over 38 million households globally.

A testament to this market leadership, ECOVACS ROBOTICS has ranked first in China’s robotic vacuum cleaner market by share for ten consecutive years (2015-2024).

Hong Kong

This September, Hong Kong invites visitors to step into the heart of Mid-Autumn Festival through a citywide celebration of light, heritage and togetherness. From spectacular lantern artistry and living cultural traditions to citywide festive offerings and seasonal flavours across the city, Hong Kong transforms into a vibrant showcase of one of its most cherished annual celebrations. 
 

Discover Hong Kong’s Mid-Autumn magic through lanterns, fire dragons and vibrant festive traditions

This year’s programme features the International Lantern Spectacular, organized by Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and making its debut at the Victoria Park, alongside the historic Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and a variety of seasonal experiences that allow visitors to celebrate just like locals.
 

Join the City’s Brightest Celebration 

HKTB will stage its first-ever International Lantern Spectacular at Victoria Park from 17 to 27 September. Centered on the theme of “Reunion,” the event will bring together distinctive lanterns from 20 countries and regions, thousand-year-old Qinhuai lanterns from Nanjing recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and locally handcrafted lanterns from Hong Kong. 

An Immersive Global Cultural Journey through Chinese & International Lanterns 
Visitors and locals can stroll through the International Lantern Spectacular, discovering three major showcases of Chinese and international lantern art while enjoying an immersive celebration of diverse cultures.

World Lantern Boulevard: A Cultural Exploration Across Borders
Stepping onto the World Lantern Boulevard, locals and visitors will be surrounded by over 3,000 distinctive lanterns from 20 countries and regions. Among them are silk lanterns from Jinju in South Korea, traditionally made to wish family members health and wellbeing; multicoloured patchwork lanterns from Brazil, radiating warmth and energy; and Polish lanterns incorporating traditional folk paper-cutting techniques. A stroll along the Boulevard is like travelling the world in an instant, with lantern works woven from different styles, crafts and cultural elements offering a glimpse of the distinctive folk customs and artistic appeal of each place. Bringing together lanterns from all corners of the globe in a single promenade, the display not only celebrates cultural diversity but also reflects Hong Kong’s diversity and inclusion, sharing the joy of festive reunion with visitors from around the world.
 

Nanjing Qinhuai Lanterns, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage: Admiring a Millennium of Traditional Artistry
With a history of more than 1,700 years, Nanjing’s Qinhuai lantern craftsmanship is internationally renowned and inscribed on China’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Taking centre stage is the Shadowlight, a giant themed lantern standing eight metre tall at the main entrance to Victoria Park. Inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic banyan trees, it invites visitors and locals to weave among its glittering light and shadow, then look up at a canopy of layered coloured gauze, its many tiers giving three-dimensional form to the tree’s luxuriant growth.
 

Another highlight, Lotus Fish, features rows of giant lotus leaves in neat formation, with lifelike, brightly coloured carp darting nimbly through the play of light and shadows. Visitors and locals can stroll between the rows, taking in the lively scene of fish at play among the lotus leaves on either side. 
 

Echoing the theme of “Reunion,” several lanterns will incorporate circular elements symbolising harmony and togetherness, creating memorable settings for visitors and locals to gather with loved ones and capture festive moments. 
 

Hong Kong Lantern Galleria: A Salute to Local Craftsmanship
At Victoria Park’s Hill Knoll Pavilion, over 400 classic Hong Kong handcrafted lanterns will be on display. Traditional lantern shapes including rabbit, star fruit, and goldfish lanterns will hang overhead, weaving together a scene as colourful and spectacular as “Lantern Street” at Yuen Long’s Tai Kiu Market, and capturing the rich local flavour of a Hong Kong Mid-Autumn.

Ambient light decorations will thread through the lantern zones and every corner of Victoria Park, leading visitors and locals into an immersive festive night-time experience.
 

Regional Mooncake Sale: Savouring the Flavours of Reunion
From 17 to 20 September, the HKTB will team up with Po Leung Kuk to set up speciality mooncake stalls at the South Pavilion Plaza in Victoria Park, giving festival-goers another way to spend during the celebrations. As visitors and locals meander through the lantern displays, they will be able to taste regional flavours and buy mooncakes for family and friends. All proceeds will be donated to Po Leung Kuk for charitable purposes. 

Witness Living Heritage in Motion Under the Full Moon 
Mid-Autumn in Hong Kong would not be complete without the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, now in its 147th edition and inscribed on China’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. 
 

Taking place from 24 to 26 September, this time-honoured tradition sees a 67-metre fire dragon, illuminated by 12,000 incense sticks, weaves through the streets of Tai Hang in a choreographed journey powered by the collective energy of performers. Accompanied by the fragrance of incense and the rhythm of drums, the dance is widely believed to spread blessings and good fortune. Visitors are invited not only to witness the performance, but to feel part of the atmosphere, arriving early to claim a vantage point close to the action and fully experience the intensity, excitement and shared spirit of the night. After the dance, the tradition continues as performers share burning incense sticks with spectators—turning visitors into participants through a gesture of goodwill. 
 

Celebrate Mid-Autumn the Hong Kong Way 
Throughout September, festival spectacles and neighbourhood traditions light up the city, creating a celebration that reaches far beyond any single venue. Visitors can journey from world-class lantern artistry to centuries-old living heritage, while exploring Mid- Autumn theme activities, shopping and dining offer, large- scale lantern installations, and seasonal food markets presented by shopping centres and merchants across Hong Kong. 

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with marketing and promoting Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhancing 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.