14, Jul 2026
MRF Secures a Place Among the World’s Top 3 Strongest Tyre Brands While Retaining Its Position as India’s Most Valuable & Strongest Tyre Brand
Brand Finance India 100 – 2026 report places MRF among the nation’s most valuable and strongest tyre brands and in the Global Tyres 2026 ranking confirms MRF in the world’s Top 3 strongest tyre brands
CHENNAI, July 14 –MRF Tyres, India’s largest tyre manufacturer, has been ranked as India’s Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brand, also features as the 3rdStrongest Tyre Brand in the World and among the Top 50 most valuable brands in India across all industries – from Automobiles, Hospitality, Banking. Foods, Oil and Gas categories – in the Brand Finance India 100- 2026 report, launched on 13 July 2026 at a landmark event held at The Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, Mumbai. The report, unveiled under the theme “Powering India’s Global Ascent,” recognises the country’s most influential and valuable brands, with the combined value of the Top 100 crossing USD 236.5 billion this year.
The recognition caps a defining year for the brand. In Brand Finance’s dedicated global Tyres 25- 2026 report, MRF was named amongst the TOP 3 strongest tyre brand in the world, with a Brand Strength Index score of 87.7 out of 100. In India, MRF continues to stand unmatched as the country’s Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brand, a position built on decades of consumer trust, product performance and engineering excellence.
“This recognition belongs to every Indian who has trusted MRF. To be named as India ‘s Most Valuable and Strongest Tyre Brand in India, amongst India’s Top 50 brands across all sectors, and among the world’s Top 3 Strongest tyre brands, is both an honour and a responsibility. It reaffirms our commitment to safety, innovation and the everyday journeys of millions of families and businesses across the country,”said Mr. K. M. Mammen, Chairman and Managing Director MRF Tyres Chennai.
Brand Finance’s methodology, grounded in international standards (ISO 10668 and ISO 20671), evaluates brands on both financial brand value and brand strength – assessing consumer trust, familiarity, reputation, marketing investment and business performance. MRF’s strong showing was attributed to its expansive distribution network, deep OEM relationships, Brand Reputation built over the years with World class Products, Involvement with Cricket and motorsport pedigree, and consistently high recall and loyalty among consumers.
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- By Neel Achary
14, Jul 2026
India’s Financial Sector Sees Strong Investor Interest as BFSI Deals Rise 58 pc
New Delhi, July 14: India’s Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector witnessed a significant rise in deal activity during the second quarter of 2026, with the total deal value increasing by 58 per cent to $3.2 billion.
The growth highlights the growing confidence of investors in India’s financial ecosystem, driven by digital transformation, technology adoption, and the expanding reach of financial services.
Companies in the BFSI space continued to attract investments through strategic partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and expansion initiatives aimed at strengthening their capabilities and market presence.
Experts said the surge in deal value reflects the sector’s strong fundamentals and the increasing role of innovation and digital solutions in reshaping banking and financial services.
With continued growth in digital banking, fintech adoption, and financial inclusion, India’s BFSI sector is expected to remain an attractive destination for investors in the coming years.
14, Jul 2026
Emirates introduces flexible EMI payment solutions for its customers in India
India, July 14: Emirates has introduced a new flexible payment solution to benefit its Indian customers, making it possible to fly better and pay conveniently with affordable monthly instalments.
Available now, Emirates passengers in India can book their travel to close to 140 destinations in the airline’s expansive network, while enjoying the convenience of paying by Equated Monthly Instalments . Instead of paying upfront on emirates.com, customers can split their payments into flexible instalments of three to 36 months.
Customers can simply use their credit card to select the payment option, with participating banks including AXIS Bank, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, HSBC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, State Bank of India, and Yes Bank.
“We are delighted to offer flexible payment solutions to our valued customers in India and enabling worldwide travel for more customers to enjoy by providing convenient payment options,” said Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ Vice President for India and Nepal.
“Flexible payment solutions will allow our customers in India to book the payment plan that suits their needs and choose from a host of participating bank partners. This solution is a game-changer for our customers in India as it will allow them to book long-awaited holidays or upgrade their experiences while spreading the payment in easy monthly instalments that suit their budget.”
Emirates’ flexible payment plan is available to customers of 12 preferred banks in India.
14, Jul 2026
India’s Digital Infrastructure Expansion to Drive 1 Lakh Engineering Jobs by 2030
New Delhi, July 14: India’s growing data centre ecosystem is expected to create nearly 1 lakh engineering job opportunities by 2030, supported by rising digital adoption, cloud services, and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence technologies.
The increasing demand for secure data storage, high-performance computing, and advanced digital services is driving large-scale investments in data centre infrastructure across the country.
The expansion is expected to create new career opportunities for engineers and technology professionals in fields such as data management, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure operations.
Industry experts said the data centre boom will strengthen India’s digital economy while creating a skilled workforce to support future technology needs.
With businesses increasingly adopting cloud platforms and AI-powered solutions, India’s data centre sector is set to become a major contributor to employment generation and technological growth in the coming years.
14, Jul 2026
India Poised to Become Global Hub for AI-Native Talent: Nasscom
New Delhi, July 14: India is well-positioned to emerge as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI)-native talent, driven by its strong technology ecosystem, skilled workforce, and growing focus on digital innovation, according to Nasscom.
The industry body highlighted that India’s large pool of technology professionals, expanding AI capabilities, and increasing investments in emerging technologies are creating new opportunities for the country to lead in the global AI landscape.
Nasscom said the development of AI-ready skills, advanced research, and collaboration between industry and academia will play a crucial role in preparing the workforce for the future.
With rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across sectors, India is expected to play a significant role in developing AI solutions, fostering innovation, and meeting the rising global demand for AI expertise.
The growing AI ecosystem is also expected to generate new employment opportunities and strengthen India’s position as a key technology destination worldwide.
14, Jul 2026
The Purple Turtles, Beruru and Oorjaa Announce the Annual Sale 2026
July 14: Get ready for the Annual Sale 2026, where The Purple Turtles’ All-in Purple and Beruru’s Root to Roof, Oorjaa’s Brightside Sale bring you a thoughtfully curated selection of lighting, furniture, home accents and garden decor, all at irresistible prices for a limited time. Enjoy 30% off on all products and up to 50% off on select items.
Radeesh Shetty, Founder & Director, The Purple Turtles and Beruru, and Co-Founder, Oorjaa – “At The Purple Turtles, Beruru and Oorjaa, our vision has always been to create spaces that are warm, timeless and deeply personal. The Annual Sale is our way of making thoughtfully crafted furniture, lighting and home décor more accessible to our customers. Whether you’re redesigning your home or looking for that one distinctive piece, we hope this sale inspires you to create spaces that truly reflect your personality and lifestyle.”
Retail Sale (In-store):
16th – 19th July, 2026 at all The Purple Turtles & Beruru store located at Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa.
Online Sale:
20th – 26th July, 2026 on www.thepurpleturtles.com | www.beruru.com | www.oorjaa.in
Visit the stores or browse online to discover timeless pieces that bring beauty and character to every space.
14, Jul 2026
Garuda Indonesia Strengthens Service Transformation with Piece-based Checked Baggage Policy
Offering up to 64 kg for tickets issued from 1 September 2026
Jakarta, July 14: National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is further advancing its service transformation and modernisation with the introduction of a piece-based checked baggage policy, commonly known as the Piece Concept.
The new policy will apply to tickets issued on or after 1 September 2026 for travel commencing on or after that date. Passengers whose tickets are issued before 1 September 2026 will continue to receive the baggage allowance stated on their tickets, including for journeys scheduled on or after the implementation date.
Garuda’s new “Piece Concept” checked baggage policy provides greater clarity on the number and maximum weight of baggage pieces, while offering enhanced allowances based on route, travel class and fare category.
The introduction of the Piece Concept marks an important milestone in Garuda Indonesia’s ongoing service transformation. Under the new policy, checked baggage allowances, which were previously calculated based on the combined weight of all baggage under the Weight Concept, will instead be determined by the number of pieces and the maximum permitted weight of each piece.
This modernised approach provides passengers with greater clarity and certainty when planning their baggage, while offering enhanced value through checked baggage allowances of up to two pieces weighing a maximum of 32 kilograms each, or up to 64 kilograms in total, depending on the route, travel class and fare category.
Garuda Indonesia Director of Transformation Neil Raymond Mills said the implementation of the Piece Concept reflects the Company’s commitment to delivering a travel experience that is increasingly modern, consistent, transparent and easy to understand.
“The implementation of the Piece Concept forms part of Garuda Indonesia’s broader transformation to modernise our services and provide passengers with greater certainty. Clearer limits on the number and maximum weight of baggage pieces will allow passengers to plan and prepare their baggage more easily, from the initial stages of their journey through to departure,” Neil said.
For tickets issued on or after 1 September 2026 for travel commencing on or after that date, passengers travelling on domestic routes in Economy Class will receive an allowance of one checked baggage piece weighing up to 23 kilograms. Business Class and First Class passengers will receive an allowance of two pieces weighing up to 32 kilograms each, or up to 64 kilograms in total.
On international routes, Economy Class passengers will receive an allowance of two checked baggage pieces weighing up to 23 kilograms each. Business Class and First Class passengers will receive an allowance of two pieces weighing up to 32 kilograms each, or up to 64 kilograms in total.
Compared with the previous Weight Concept, the Piece Concept provides increased total baggage allowances, with the level of increase varying by route and travel class.
On domestic services, the Economy Class baggage allowance will increase from 20 kilograms to 23 kilograms, while the Business Class allowance will increase from 30 kilograms to 64 kilograms and the First Class allowance from 40 kilograms to 64 kilograms.
On international services, the Economy Class baggage allowance will increase from 30 kilograms to 46 kilograms, while the Business Class allowance will increase from 40 kilograms to 64 kilograms and the First Class allowance from 50 kilograms to 64 kilograms.
As a result, passengers may receive up to 34 kilograms of additional checked baggage allowance compared with the previous policy, subject to the applicable number of pieces and the maximum weight permitted for each piece.
Neil added that the new policy would also support greater consistency across Garuda Indonesia’s domestic and international networks.“The Piece Concept is widely adopted across the global aviation industry. Its implementation at Garuda Indonesia is expected to strengthen service standardisation, support more efficient baggage handling and provide passengers with greater certainty, including when connecting to international flight networks,” Neil continued.
To ensure a seamless transition, Garuda Indonesia encourages passengers to familiarise themselves with the permitted number of baggage pieces and the maximum weight allowed per piece. This will help passengers plan their journeys more easily and make optimal use of their baggage allowances.
The implementation of the Piece Concept will continue to be reviewed and refined based on passenger feedback, reflecting Garuda Indonesia’s commitment to delivering a more convenient and comfortable travel experience.
Passengers are encouraged to review the Piece Concept provisions, including the applicable baggage allowances based on route, travel class and fare category, through Garuda Indonesia’s official website at https://www.garuda-indonesia.com/id/en/new-baggage-policy.
Passengers may also verify their applicable checked baggage allowance based on the ticket’s date of issue and date of travel through Garuda Indonesia’s official information channels. Further information is available through the Garuda Indonesia Contact Centre and the Company’s official social media accounts.
“The implementation of the Piece Concept represents another important step towards delivering services that are more transparent, consistent and aligned with passenger needs. Through this modernisation, we aim to provide greater value and a more comfortable and seamless travel experience, while continuing to uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance with applicable aviation regulations,” Neil concluded.
14, Jul 2026
Dr Anil Menon Set to Become First Astronaut of Kerala Descent for NASA Mission
Thiruvananthapuram, July 14: Dr Anil Menon, the first astronaut of Kerala descent selected for a NASA mission, is preparing for his upcoming journey into space, marking a proud moment for the Indian-origin community and Kerala.
A physician, engineer, and experienced aerospace professional, Dr Menon has been selected as part of NASA’s astronaut programme and is undergoing extensive training for future space missions.
His journey reflects years of dedication in the fields of medicine, technology, and space exploration. Dr Menon’s selection has inspired aspiring scientists and space enthusiasts, especially among young people in Kerala.
With advanced training in spacecraft systems, space operations, and emergency medical support, Dr Menon is expected to contribute valuable expertise to future human spaceflight missions.
His upcoming NASA mission represents a significant milestone and highlights the growing global contributions of professionals of Indian origin in the field of space exploration.
14, Jul 2026
Karnataka Plans India’s First Government-Led AI University to Drive Future Innovation
Bengaluru, July 14: Karnataka is preparing to establish India’s first government-led Artificial Intelligence (AI) University, aiming to strengthen research, innovation, and skill development in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology fields.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the proposed institution will focus on advanced AI education, emerging technologies, and creating a skilled workforce equipped for future opportunities.
The AI University is expected to serve as a centre for research, industry collaboration, and technological innovation, bringing together students, experts, and organisations to develop AI-based solutions across sectors.
The initiative is part of Karnataka’s broader vision to maintain its position as a leading technology hub and support India’s growing digital economy.
The proposed university will also play a key role in preparing young professionals for the evolving demands of artificial intelligence and next-generation technologies.
14, Jul 2026
Rath Yatra 2026: Puri Police Strengthens Devotee Safety with 26 Emergency Zones
Puri, July 14 (UDN): In preparation for the grand Rath Yatra 2026, Puri Police has established 26 dedicated safe zones along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to provide immediate assistance and shelter to devotees during any emergency situation.
Representational Image
With lakhs of pilgrims expected to gather for the annual chariot festival, these designated safety points will help manage crowds and ensure quick response in case of accidents, medical emergencies, or any unforeseen incidents.
The safe zones have been strategically placed along the entire Rath Yatra route, covering the stretch from Dolabedi Kona to Gundicha Temple.
Devotees travelling between Dolabedi Kona and Marchikota Chhak can access safety facilities at Surya Complex, Duduala Dharmashala, and Utkala Hindi Vidyalaya.
Between Marchikota Chhak and Town Thana, emergency support points are available at Gaudiya Mutt, Goenka Dharmashala, and Niladri Bhakta Nibasa.
From Town Thana to Market Chhak, designated safe locations include Fire Station, Bazar Kolkata, Smart Bazar, Jagannath Ballav Mutt, Municipality Market Complex, Jagannath Ballav Parking, Market Square, and Narendra Kona.
For the stretch between Market Chhak and Medical Chhak, devotees can take shelter at Hotel Paradise, Nayak Plaza, Bagala Dharmashala, Brindavati Niwas, DHH Puri Gate Two, and DHH Puri Gate One.
The final stretch from Medical Chhak to Gundicha Temple includes safe zones at V Mart, Renuka Enclave, Utsav Aangan Kalyan Mandap, Meena Bazar, Gokhadya Bhandara, and Municipality Bus Stand.
Puri Police has urged devotees to remain cautious, follow safety guidelines, and use these designated zones whenever required. The initiative is part of a comprehensive security plan aimed at ensuring a safe, smooth, and peaceful Rath Yatra experience for all pilgrims.
