The 10th edition of the NSG Calendar, created by trailblazing visual storytellers Pravin Talan & Rupali Talan, was released online yesterday by the Director General, National Security Guard, and has already begun circulating rapidly across WhatsApp groups and digital platforms nationwide-once again fast approaching viral status, as with previous editions. 

Epic NSG Action Calendar 2026

In a world cluttered by AI-generated imagery, this calendar stands apart-because nothing replaces raw action and real grit. Link to download more images of the calendar 

Pravin Talan & Rupali Talan – creators of the NSG Calendar

What began in 2016 as a deeply personal tribute has, over a decade, evolved into one of India’s most recognisable and trend-setting visual properties, with a strong cult following, particularly among the youth. The NSG Calendar has consistently redefined how India’s elite counter-terror force is visually represented-combining authenticity, cinematic intensity, and operational realism. 

The project was shaped by the lived experience of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks-when counter-terror operations unfolded in the heart of the city, not at distant borders-leaving a lasting imprint on a generation that witnessed courage in real time. 

The 2026 edition features 16 carefully curated images, each documenting a distinct operational capability of the National Security Guard. Together, the images present a rare, comprehensive visual overview of the force’s multi-domain readiness-ranging from heliborne aerial insertions, high-rise vertical assaults, metro and mass-transit interventions, to women commandos in frontline combat roles, K9-led building interventions, precision bomb disposal operations, and sniper overwatch. 

The calendar also highlights the NSG’s expanding maritime and inland waterway counter hijack capabilities, including combat diving operations, sea-based rapid response, and vessel intervention scenarios, alongside post-assault clearance operations and close-protection evacuations using ballistic shield formations-each image reflecting discipline, preparedness, and the ability to operate decisively across land, air, and water. 

Released annually in mid-January, the NSG Calendar aligns organically with the Republic Day period-when national focus turns toward the armed forces and internal security institutions that safeguard the Republic. 

Speaking on the evolution of the force, the Director General, NSG, noted that since its establishment in 1984, the organisation has evolved into a technologically advanced and highly adaptive counter-terror unit, integrating personnel from the Army, Police, and CAPFs, while continuously enhancing its capabilities to address emerging threat environments, including inland water operations. 

“This calendar was never about spectacle,” said Pravin Talan. “It began as a tribute-born from lived experience-and grew into a responsibility. If imagery shapes perception, then India’s elite forces deserve to be seen with the same honesty, intensity, and respect with which they operate every day.” 

Conceived as a tribute rather than a commercial exercise, the calendar emerged from a simple belief: in a digital age where imagery shapes perception, India’s elite forces deserve representation that reflects their true capability and resolve. 

Over nearly two decades, the award-winning duo has created calendars, cinematic short documentaries, and coffee table books documenting a wide cross-section of India’s defence and CAPF ecosystem, including organisations such as CRPF, CoBRA, CISF, and multiple State Police forces. Their work has been featured globally and recognised with numerous awards. 

Beyond defence-focused visual storytelling, Pravin Talan and Rupali Talan continue to expand into cinematic films, documentaries, and new-age vertical storytelling. Their recent vertical series Naina: The Hunt, currently streaming on Amazon MX Player (MX Fatafat), has drawn attention for setting new benchmarks in high-intensity digital-first storytelling. Rupali Talan is also set to launch her podcast Magic Moments with Rupali, featuring candid conversations with leading actors and sportspersons including Jaideep Ahlawat, Kavita Kaushik, and Sangram Singh. 

As the 10th edition of the NSG Calendar travels rapidly across screens and conversations nationwide, it stands as a milestone—a decade-long visual commitment to honouring India’s elite forces through authentic access, cinematic discipline, and unwavering respect. 
 

Blog: pravintalan.blogspot.com/2026/01/from-tribute-to-icon-nsg-calendar-2026.html?m=1

Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai has successfully treated a middle-aged couple who sustained serious injuries after a nine-seater aircraft crash-landed near Rourkela in Odisha’s Sundargarh district on January 10, 2026. After ten days of comprehensive trauma care, the couple, Mr. Sunil Agarwal and Mrs. Sabita Agarwal were discharged yesterday and returned to Bhubaneswar to celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary with family; a milestone made possible through timely, coordinated medical intervention.

(C) Mr Sunil Agarwal with wife Mrs Sabita Agarwal being discharged from Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, on Jan 21st 2025

The aircraft had six people on board, including four passengers and two crew members; of these, two passengers, husband and wife, both 49-yrs-old, suffered multiple, complex and were initially rushed to a local trauma centre for emergency management following the crash in Rourkela. The injuries in aircraft-related trauma may be complex, multi-layered, and often not immediately apparent; hence, the condition of the couple was closely monitored.

The medical team in Rourkela consulted with Dr Sachin Bhonsle, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement Surgery at Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai. After careful analysis of their scans and clinical status, decision to stabilize the patients locally before transferring them to Mumbai was made. Once their vitals stabilized, the couple was airlifted to Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, in an air ambulance on January 11, 2026. The family chose Fortis Hospital Mulund for its expertise in comprehensive trauma care and for the credibility it holds in managing complex cases through a multidisciplinary approach.

Upon arrival at Fortis Hospital Mulund on January 11, 2026, the couple was assessed by the trauma team led by Dr Sachin Bhonsle. While Sabita was in immediate need of surgical intervention for her right femur fracture, along with her associated pelvic and spine injuries, her husband, Sunil, needed urgent reconstruction of the right knee. This coordinated management strategy also involved Spine Care, where Dr Vikas Gupte, Senior Consultant – Spine Surgery, addressed the spine-related trauma; proving critical to the patient’s recovery.

Sharing their experience, Mr. Sunil Agarwal and Mrs. Sabita Agarwal said, “When the crash happened we were unsure if we would survive. When we reached Fortis Mulund, the medical team immediately took control; within 30 minutes the pain was managed and we felt reassured. What we experienced was not just advanced and well-equipped medical care, but compassion from the entire team of doctors, nurses, administrative staff and support staff that helped us overcome the immense physical and mental trauma.”

In the days that followed surgery, both patients showed slow but consistent improvement. Their recovery was supported by structured pain management, intensive physiotherapy, specialised nursing care, nutritional support, and trauma counselling. Care teams monitored their progress closely, ensuring rehabilitation to moved forward safely and without complications.

While speaking on the outcome, Dr Vishal Beri, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, said, “The couple was under our care for 10 days, in which they received comprehensive trauma care, rehabilitation and supportive care. Today they are stable and ready to go back home to Bhubaneswar. What is most significant is that the couple gets a chance to celebrate their 28th anniversary today, at home, with their family and friends.”

Both patients are now stable and recovering well, although they are not entirely mobile at this point. They have been given clearance for transfer and shall receive further follow-up treatment near their hometown of Bhubaneswar.

About Fortis Healthcare Limited

Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics, and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates 33 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 11 states. The Company’s network comprises over 5,700 operational beds (including O&M beds) and 400 diagnostics labs.

A four-member faculty cohort from SRM University–AP recently concluded an academic visit to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), USA, gaining valuable insights into global best practices in artificial intelligence (AI), interdisciplinary research, and student-centric pedagogy.

Dr M Naveen Kumar, Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Dr Ashu Abdul, Dr Saleti Sumalatha (left to right) addressing the media

The first cohort comprised Dr Saleti Sumalatha, Dr M Naveen Kumar, Dr Ashu Abdul, Assistant Professors, Department of Computer Science and Engineering along with Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. Together, they represented the domains of computer science, robotics, and AI-driven research.

SRM AP faculty cohort along with University leadership

During their visit, the faculty engaged closely with CMU researchers and academicians to understand how AI is seamlessly integrated into academic programmes, research initiatives, and industry collaborations. Key areas of focus included AI applications in quantum computing, language models, robotics, and interdisciplinary projects addressing real-world and societal challenges.

Speaking about the visit, Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SRM AP, said, “Our engagement with Carnegie Mellon University offered valuable global perspectives on integrating AI into higher education. Faculty members play a crucial role in systematically embedding artificial intelligence across the curriculum, research initiatives, and institutional strategy. Such international exposure enables us to benchmark our practices and further strengthen SRM AP’s vision of research-led education.”

He also noted that the faculty members were actively involved in research discussions and academic collaborations, which will contribute significantly to meeting global academic and research standards at SRM AP.

Reflecting on collaborative learning practices, Dr M Naveen Kumar observed, “The emphasis on peer programming, Think–Pair–Share models, and collaborative problem-solving creates an environment where students actively participate in learning, enhancing critical thinking and adaptability.”

Sharing her observations on pedagogy and student engagement, Dr Saleti Sumalatha said, “Carnegie Mellon University follows a deeply student-centric approach to teaching. Methods such as reflection-based learning, critique-based activities, design sprints, pair and mob programming, inquiry-driven discussions, and indirect assessment help students build strong conceptual understanding.”

She added that implementing several of these approaches in her own database courses resulted in a 100 per cent student success rate.

Highlighting CMU’s research ecosystem, Dr Ashu Abdul noted that the university places strong emphasis on societal impact and industry relevance. Students across academic levels are actively involved in addressing real-world industry challenges. He cited insights shared by Professors at CMU who collaborated with Meta, on projects such as compact AI-based language models for speech for language-impaired children, smart eyewear for individuals with memory loss and dementia, and other futuristic innovations.

“Beyond publishing research papers, CMU prioritises building market-ready prototypes and refining them through user feedback and market research. This application-driven approach plays a key role in producing industry-ready graduates,” he added.

Commenting on advanced research infrastructure, Dr Sunil Chinnadurai said, “The visit provided valuable exposure to cutting-edge work in robotics and AI, particularly hyperspectral robotic vision. This has significant applications in assistive robotics and automation.” He further noted that the interactions led to the initiation of a collaborative research project involving undergraduate students from SRM AP, offering them hands-on, industry-relevant experience.

Faculty also interacted with Dr Raj Reddy, widely regarded as the Father of AI in India, who shared insights on strengthening AI laboratories and aligning academic research with industry needs at SRM AP. The faculty plan to disseminate these learnings through a Faculty Development Programme to ensure broader institutional impact. The second Cohort has already departed for CMU.

The outcomes of the visit are expected to strengthen AI integration, research capacity, and innovative teaching practices at SRM University–AP, reinforcing its commitment to globally relevant education and interdisciplinary research.

CarePal Money, the lending marketplace arm of the CarePal Group, has appointed Sahil Lakshmanan as its Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Sahil Lakshmanan

Sahil has been a core member of the CarePal Group leadership team since October 2023 and has played a pivotal role in building CarePal Money’s healthcare lending marketplace.

As Chief Business Officer, he led the creation of India’s multi-lender healthcare lending marketplace, expanded the company’s presence to 100+ hospitals, and launched innovative healthcare financing solutions including 0% EMI loans, reimbursement financing, and instant discharge products. Under his leadership, CarePal Money also crossed an annualised loan disbursement run rate of Rs. 100 crore within its first two years of operations.

With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Sahil brings deep expertise in lending, partnerships, and platform-scale execution. In his new role, he will focus on operational excellence, sustainable growth, and strengthening CarePal Money’s role in the Group’s integrated healthcare financing ecosystem.

Speaking on the appointment, Piyush Jain, Khushboo Jain and Vikas Kaul, the Co-Founders of CarePal Group said, “Sahil has been instrumental in shaping CarePal Money from the ground up – from building India’s first integrated healthcare lending marketplace to earning the trust of hospitals and lending partners nationwide. His deep understanding of healthcare financing, coupled with strong execution capabilities, makes him the right leader to take CarePal Money into its next phase of growth.”

“CarePal Money was created to reduce the financial stress families face at the time of medical need,” said Sahil Lakshmanan. “As CEO, my priority is to scale this platform responsibly, strengthen our partnerships with hospitals and lenders, and continue building products that make healthcare more accessible and affordable.”

CarePal Money is part of the CarePal Group, which also includes Impact Guru (medical crowdfunding) and CarePal Secure (healthcare protection solutions), together serving patients, hospitals, and healthcare partners across India.

About CarePal Money

CarePal Money aims to create a marketplace providing healthcare loans at affordable prices to patients. The brand’s vision is to enable access to affordable healthcare loans through collaborations with leading lending institutions across the country. Patients with partner hospitals will be the key beneficiaries.

Starting the New Year on a strong note, ASCENTA Developers, a hospitality-driven residential development company, today announced the launch of Basalt Hills, its flagship premium villa estate in Mumbai 3.0. Valued at over Rs. 700 crore, the development is spread across a thoughtfully planned 20-acre estate and comprises 181 European-themed villas, envisioned as an exclusive, low-density gated community offering long-term lifestyle and investment value through a hospitality-led and ecologically integrated design approach.
 

Karan Bahl, Founder & Director, ASCENTA
 

Strategically located in the high-growth Mumbai–Pune corridor near Khalapur, Basalt Hills enjoys seamless connectivity to the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway and is situated approximately 30 minutes from the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The location offers the rare advantage of strong regional access while remaining immersed in nature, positioning the estate as a compelling primary residence and second-home destination for discerning buyers seeking privacy, connectivity, and sustained asset appreciation.
 

Unlike conventional villa or plotted developments, Basalt Hills has been conceived as a fully integrated living ecosystem where nature, architecture, and community coexist in balance. The master plan has been sensitively designed to preserve the site’s natural contours, water streams, and signature basalt rock formations. Roads, plots, and infrastructure are aligned with the land rather than imposed upon it, creating an environment that is both sustainable and enduring.
 

Plot sizes range from 1,399 sq. ft. to over 5,000 sq. ft., offering flexibility for bespoke home construction within a secure, gated estate. Key features include a private, members-only lifestyle club, professionally managed hospitality-led amenities, 15-metre-wide internal boulevards, landscaped pedestrian walkways, and a clearly defined road hierarchy that enhances openness, accessibility, and privacy.
 

Commenting on the launch, Karan Bahl, Founder & Director, ASCENTA, said, “Over the years, we noticed that true gated villa estates around Mumbai were becoming increasingly scarce, not due to a lack of demand, but because development priorities shifted toward shorter timelines and smaller parcels. Basalt Hills was conceived to reverse that trend. It is a large-format, thoughtfully planned estate designed to evolve and remain relevant over the next five to ten years, offering resort-like calm without compromising on urban connectivity.”
 

Adheip Bakshi, Founder & Director – Sales & Marketing, ASCENTA, added, “Today’s homebuyers are looking well beyond square footage. They seek clarity in operations, long-term upkeep, and communities that protect and enhance asset value. Basalt Hills addresses this shift with a transparent and aspirational product that is resilient from both a lifestyle and investment perspective.”
 

Adding further, Kunal Khanna, Co-founder, ASCENTA, London Business School MBA (Sumantra Ghoshal Scholar) and Founder of Vivaldis Animal Health, said, “Globally, premium residential developments are increasingly evaluated not just on design, but on how well they are governed and managed over time. At Basalt Hills, we are applying an institutional lens to estate management to ensure operational discipline, financial strength, and long-term value creation for homeowners.”
 

Aligned with ASCENTA’s hospitality-led philosophy, Basalt Hills integrates modern infrastructure, including underground utilities, high-speed internet connectivity, and uninterrupted power and water supply. The gated estate features 24/7 access-controlled security, while eco-conscious systems have been incorporated for sustainable water management, energy efficiency, and long-term land stewardship.
 

ASCENTA is also exploring an association with leading five-star hospitality brands to develop and manage a boutique hospitality offering comprising premium villa suites and a dedicated amenity zone on an adjoining land parcel, further enhancing the estate’s experiential and investment appeal.
 

The launch comes at a time when demand for premium plotted developments and gated estates around Mumbai is witnessing strong momentum, driven by improved regional connectivity, evolving lifestyle aspirations, and a growing preference for land-backed assets. Mumbai 3.0 has emerged as a key micro-market, benefiting from infrastructure growth while retaining its natural character and low-density appeal.
 

About ASCENTA Developers

ASCENTA is a new-age real estate company focused on developing and operating hospitality-led residential communities designed for long-term ownership and liveability. Founded by seasoned professionals with deep expertise in development, sales, and institutional operations, ASCENTA bridges the gap between real estate and hospitality through thoughtful master planning, service integration, and sustainable asset creation.
 

The company is building a limited portfolio of high-intent residential estates across Mumbai and select growth corridors. Each project is conceived as a flagship, limited in number, uncompromising in quality, and designed to set new benchmarks in design, service, and community living.
 

For more information, visit www.ascenta.in.

North India’s entertainment ecosystem received a significant boost with the launch of Smarters Music Studio, a technology-driven music and post-production facility that opened in Mohali today, offering artists and filmmakers access to international-level production infrastructure within the region.

Bollywood and Punjabi star Gurpreet Ghuggi inaugurates Smarters Music Studio in Mohali, ushering in global-standard music and post-production facilities for North India

The grand opening was marked by the presence of renowned Bollywood and Punjabi actor and comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi as the chief guest, along with a host of prominent artists, directors, producers and industry professionals from the music, film and OTT sectors. The turnout highlighted the industry’s growing appetite for world-class creative infrastructure in North India.

Sharing his thoughts, Gurpreet Ghuggi said, “Smarters Music Studio represents a new chapter for Punjab’s creative industry. The level of technology, sound design and visual post-production available here matches global standards. It is inspiring to see such a world-class facility come up in Mohali. This studio will create immense opportunities for local talent and take Punjabi music and cinema to new heights.”

Speaking on the occasion, Sukh Brar, a renowned music producer known for his work in Punjabi songs and films and a specialist in mixing and mastering, who is also the driving force behind the studio, said, “Smarters Music Studio was conceived with a vision to bring international-level music and post-production technology to Punjab. Our aim is to provide artists, filmmakers and content creators with a space where creativity is supported by world-class infrastructure. With this launch in Mohali, we are proud to contribute to the growth of North India’s music, film and OTT ecosystem.”

A major highlight of the facility is its installation of the DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panel, a high-end colour grading system used in international cinema and premium OTT productions. With this integration, Smarters Music Studio becomes the only music studio in North India to offer such advanced visual post-production capabilities, enabling cinematic finishing and broadcast-ready mastering under one roof.

The studio brings together advanced visual workflows with comprehensive audio services including professional recording, music production, stereo and Dolby Atmos mixing and mastering, background scoring, dubbing, podcast production and sound restoration, supported by industry-grade acoustics and premium monitoring systems.

Strategically located in Mohali, the studio is expected to reduce dependence on metro cities and strengthen North India’s production landscape.

Artificial Intelligence is already transforming the way we learn, work, and live. Yet, for many young people today, AI remains a tool they use without fully understanding how it works, how to use it responsibly, or how to shape its impact on the future. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, ensuring that AI literacy is accessible to students across communities is more important than ever.

Students from Naval Base Primary School at the Microsoft Singapore office during the Hour of AI, jointly hosted by Enabling Leadership and Microsoft Singapore

Addressing this need, Microsoft collaborated with Enabling Leadership to host an “Hour of AI” learning experience at their Singapore office. The session brought together 20 students from Naval Base Primary School, offering them a unique opportunity to engage directly with AI concepts through hands-on, age-appropriate learning.

The Hour of AI is a bold global initiative by Microsoft that aims to demystify artificial intelligence for 25 million students, educators, and families worldwide, transforming them from passive consumers of AI into confident and responsible creators. Through interactive activities and real-world examples with Microsoft 365 Copilot, students are encouraged to understand not just what AI can do, but how it works and why responsible use matters.

Speaking on the collaboration, Ravi Sonnad, Founder and CEO of Enabling Leadership Global, said, “At Enabling Leadership, we work with children from underserved communities to build confidence, character, and leadership through experiential learning. As the world becomes increasingly driven by technology, it is critical that students develop not just AI skills, but also human intelligence – empathy, ethical thinking, and leadership. Initiatives like the Hour of AI allow us to prepare young people to engage with AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and with the confidence to shape the future rather than be shaped by it. Thank you, Microsoft, for giving our young learners this unique exposure.”

Mike Yeh, Vice President and Director of Corporate, External and Legal Affairs of Microsoft Asia added, “As AI transforms education, careers and daily lives, every young person should have the opportunity to use and understand this technology that has the potential to shape their future. Hour of AI gives young people hands on experiences that demystify AI and show what’s possible when they use it responsibly and creatively. I’m also grateful to corporate volunteers that helps ignite that spark, empowering the next generation to lead in the era of AI.”

The session was supported by Microsoft volunteers, who guided students through interactive learning modules, shared real-world applications of AI, and encouraged curiosity-driven exploration. 

For many students, the experience marked their first exposure to understanding AI beyond everyday tools and applications. 

Mohd Norzaidi Ahmad, a teacher from Naval Base Primary School, who accompanied the students, shared, “This experience made AI feel accessible and exciting for our students. They weren’t just using technology – they were understanding it. The confidence and curiosity they demonstrated throughout the session was truly inspiring.”

About Enabling Leadership
Enabling Leadership is a global non-profit organisation that equips children from under-served backgrounds with the essential Life and Leadership skills necessary for them to work themselves out of the cycle of poverty and become productive and responsible adults. 

The organisation currently reaches around 10,000 children between the ages of 9-15 across 7 cities and 45 villages in India, Cambodia, Singapore and Kenya. Its programs use the mediums of music (Enabling Leadership Create), football (Enabling Leadership Play) and Lego-type building blocks (Enabling Leadership Build) to inculcate 21st century skills, values and attitudes so students grow to be tomorrow’s role models, global citizens, and change makers. 

Bigo Live, one of the world’s fastest-growing social live streaming platforms with over 600 million registered users across over 150 countries, has announced the seventh edition of its annual flagship event, the BIGO Awards Gala. Themed “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS,” the highly anticipated ceremony will take place at KBS Hall in Seoul on Friday, 23 January 2026, celebrating the passion and creativity of its global community of content creators over the past year.

BIGO Awards Gala 2026
 

This year’s theme, “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS” captures the spirit of the event, where the energy of Bigo Live’s creators will illuminate Seoul. The Gala will honour the dedication and talent of the platform’s creators and families, turning each moment into a shared celebration that is both unique and unforgettable. Seoul was selected as the host city for this year’s BIGO Awards Gala as it stands at the intersection of creativity, technology and culture, reflecting the vibrant and globally connected community that Bigo Live continues to build.

The star-studded event will welcome over 1,200 global guests, including those from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Africa. The festivities will begin with a public red-carpet event, offering a first glimpse into the energy and vibrancy of the event.

“Seoul’s dynamic energy is the perfect backdrop for our 2026 Gala,” said a spokesperson from Bigo Live. “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS’ is more than a theme, it’s a reflection of how our creators illuminate the platform with their talent and passion. We are thrilled to bring our global community together in this vibrant city to celebrate their achievements and the powerful connections they’ve built.”

The ceremony will honour over 200 content creators and families for their outstanding contributions over the past year, with winners receiving a trophy and in-app rewards, with select honourees also featured on prominent digital billboards in Gangnam’s high-profile media district, extending recognition beyond the platform.

The evening will also feature a diverse lineup of captivating performances, from live music to band shows by international artists, including special appearances by South Korean girl groups FIFTY FIFTY and tripleS, creating an immersive atmosphere where global creativity meets a shared rhythm.

As the night pulses with excitement, Bigo Live will also unveil an exclusive blind-box collection featuring its friendly mascot, mini-Dinos, bringing an extra spark of surprise to the night.

For viewers worldwide, the BIGO Awards Gala 2026 will be broadcast live on Bigo Live’s Music Live House channel (Bigo ID: music) and the official Bigo.tv website. The live broadcast will begin with the Red Carpet at 3:00 pm (GMT+9), followed by the Gala Ceremony at 7:00 pm (GMT+9). Viewers in the live room can vote for their favourite content creators and families during the gala night for three special awards: “MOST POPULAR BROADCASTER,” “MOST POPULAR FAMILY,” and “GALA STAR.”
 

To join Bigo Live’s global community and tune into the BIGO Awards Gala 2026, download the Bigo Live app or visit the official website. Follow Bigo Live on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates.

Bigo Live

Bigo Live is one of the world’s fastest-growing livestreaming social communities where users broadcast in real-time to share life moments, showcase their talents, and interact with people from around the world. Bigo Live has more than 600 million users in over 150 countries. Launched in March 2016, Bigo Live is owned by BIGO Technology, which is based in Singapore.

VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 have been awarded the highest 5-star safety certification by India’s Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). The results clearly demonstrate VinFast’s engineering capability in meeting stringent safety standards, while reaffirming the company’s customer-centric approach throughout product and service development.

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau (center) received the 5-STAR Bharat NCAP safety certification for the VF 6 from Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Hon. Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India

According to Bharat NCAP test results, both VF 6 and VF 7 achieved 5-star ratings in the two core safety categories. Specifically, VF 6 recorded 27.13/32 points in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 44.41/49 points in Child Occupant Protection (COP). VF 7 achieved 28.54/32 points in AOP and 45.25/49 points in COP. These scores reflect a high level of protection for both adult and child occupants across both models.

In the crash test assessments, the two VinFast models continued to demonstrate strong safety performance. In frontal impact tests, head & neck and upper leg protection scores for both the driver and passenger in VF 6 and VF 7 reached 4.000 points, the maximum on the Bharat NCAP scale. In side impact tests, both vehicles achieved full scores of 16.000/16.000 for adult occupants and 8.000/8.000 for child occupants.

In the pole side impact test, the head injury assessment values for VF 6 and VF 7 were recorded at 109 and 131 respectively, significantly lower than the Bharat NCAP critical threshold of 700. These results indicate effective head protection in high-risk crash scenarios.

Bharat NCAP is a vehicle safety assessment programme implemented by the Government of India, aligned with international practices such as Global NCAP. The programme evaluates occupant protection through a range of crash tests and awards safety ratings from 3 to 5 stars. Achieving the highest rating confirms that VF 6 and VF 7 meet the rigorous safety standards currently applied in the Indian market.

Previously, VinFast models have also received positive recognition from regional safety assessment organisations, reflecting the company’s consistent focus on safety. Notably, the VinFast VF 8 achieved a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and surpassed more than 15 major automakers to secure 5 out of 6 safety awards from the organisation in 2024.

Mr. Tapan Ghosh, CEO of VinFast India, said, “The 5-star safety ratings awarded to VF 6 and VF 7 by Bharat NCAP mark an important milestone, underscoring the quality and high safety standards of VinFast’s electric vehicles in India, one of the world’s largest automotive markets. These results show that VinFast EVs are built on a robust engineering foundation and meet stringent safety assessment requirements. We remain committed to continued investment in product improvement, delivering electric vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly and technologically advanced, but also provide customers with confidence and peace of mind throughout the journey toward electrified mobility.”

Assembled at VinFast’s manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, VF 6 and VF 7 are premium electric SUVs designed for customers with high expectations for safety, technology, and everyday practicality. In addition to a 5-star Bharat NCAP-rated EV-dedicated platform, both models are equipped with 7 airbags and variant-dependent smart ADAS features, such as Auto Lane Changing Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Front and Rear Automatic Emergency Brake, and Blind Spot Detection, enhancing collision avoidance capability and driving support across diverse traffic conditions.

The two electric SUVs form an important part of VinFast’s comprehensive EV ecosystem in India, which encompasses local manufacturing, a retail network, charging infrastructure, and aftersales services. This integrated approach aims to deliver a seamless customer experience through strategic partnerships with local stakeholders.

About VinFast

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

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

Learn more at: vinfastauto.in.