Category Archives: Business

Vizag Comic Con to bring Roll Rida, Kumar Varun, C-SHOR & more to celebrate a Weekend of all things pop-culture

Visakhapatnam, Sep 28: Get ready, Vizag! The city is all set for its first-ever weekend of comics, anime, gaming, music, comedy and pop culture as Maruti Suzuki presents Vizag Comic Con makes its debut on October 10-11 at the Kalam Convention Centre, AMTZ Campus. Bringing together high-energy performances, creators, artists and immersive fan experiences, the two-day celebration is set to turn Vizag into a vibrant hub of pop culture and fandom.

Fans can step into a vibrant world of comics and visual storytelling with an exciting line-up of creators, artists and publishers including Urban Tales, Ubharta Kalakar by Dhruv, Bullseye Press, Holy Cow Entertainment, Lilorosh, Studio Kapi, Yali Dream Creations, Dizon Draws and Rage Sage. Together, they will showcase the many ways stories can come alive through comics, graphic novels, illustration, digital art, live art and original visual storytelling, giving fans an opportunity to discover new stories, interact with creators and explore the imagination shaping India’s growing pop-culture community.

The performers’ line-up will feature Telugu hip-hop artist Roll Rida (Rahul Kumar Velpula), known for his witty lyrics, distinctive flow and high-energy performances. From Kakinada Kaja to his Bollywood debut with War 2, Roll Rida has taken Telugu rap to audiences across the country. Joining him is C–SHOR, Vizag’s own independent hip-hop artist and rapper with over seven years of experience, known for his sharp lyricism and signature mass-meets-class sound. The 9TEEN, comprising Lav, Arun and Abhilash, and Fluteboxers, a unique flute and beatbox duo, will further add to the musical energy with their distinct sounds and performance styles.

The line-up also reflects Comic Con India’s commitment to giving local and emerging talent a larger platform, allowing audiences to discover fresh voices from Vizag and the wider Telugu creative community. From rap and hip-hop to pop and experimental sounds, the mix promises to keep the energy going throughout the weekend. 

Adding to the entertainment, stand-up comedians Kumar Varun, Gokul Kumar and Vivek Muralidharan will bring their distinct styles of humour to the stage, promising plenty of laughs through witty storytelling, observational comedy and sharp punchlines.

Vizag Comic Con promises a packed weekend, from comics, art, anime, gaming to live performances and stand-up comedy shows to brand experiences, gaming zones, VR experiences and interactive entertainment. As Vizag hosts Comic Con for the first time, the celebration will also mark the beginning of Comic Con India’s new season, setting the stage for an exciting year of fandom across the country. 

Event Details

Event: Vizag Comic Con
Dates: October 10–11, 2026
Venue: Kalam Convention Centre, AMTZ Campus, Vizag

Time: 11am onwards

D. Sridhar Babu Inaugurates Billtrust’s New Global Capability Centre In Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Sept 28: Billtrust, the B2B Cash Generation Platform, today inaugurated its new Global Capability Centre (GCC) at Raheja Mindspace, Building No. 14, Madhapur, Hyderabad, marking the formal establishment of the company’s India operations.

 Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, was the Chief Guest at the inauguration. He inaugurated the facility alongside Billtrust Chief Executive Officer Grant Halloran and members of the company’s global executive leadership team.

 Speaking at the inauguration, Minister D. Sridhar Babu appreciated Billtrust for its vision to establish an AI-first Global Capability Centre in India. He expressed confidence that the Hyderabad centre would become an important part of Billtrust’s global operations and its technology and innovation journey.

 The Minister assured Billtrust of the Telangana Government’s continued support and cooperation as the company expands its presence in the state. Billtrust’s leadership, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to building a 1,000-member-strong team over the next three years, further strengthening Hyderabad’s position as a hub for technology, innovation and global capability centres.

 Emphasising the availability of a strong and future-ready talent pool in Hyderabad, Minister Sridhar Babu said there was no dearth of skilled talent in the city and encouraged Billtrust to leverage the ecosystem and support available through T-Hub and TASK (Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge).

 He highlighted TASK’s role in helping IT and technology companies access a ready-to-work and highly trained talent pool equipped with skills in emerging and cutting-edge technologies. This, he said, would enable companies to access the required talent without having to make significant investments or undertake extensive efforts in building such capabilities independently.

 “Telangana will be a partner in your progress,” the Minister told the Billtrust leadership, reiterating the state government’s commitment to supporting the company’s growth and expansion in Hyderabad.Located at Building #14, Mindspace IT Park, Madhapur, the new facility spans over 40,000 sq. ft. with capacity for up to 250 employees. The space has been designed to reflect Telangana’s rich cultural heritage and India’s artistic traditions, a deliberate choice to root Billtrust’s India operations authentically in the region.

 The inauguration comes at a moment of rapid growth. Under the leadership of Farhad H. Baria, Country Head, India GCC, Billtrust has scaled from the ground up to 100 employees within six months, a pace that reflects both the depth of Hyderabad’s talent ecosystem and the urgency of the mandate. The India GCC is backed by a ₹450 crore investment commitment over three years, underscoring Billtrust’s long-term intent to build a high-caliber engineering, AI, and operations hub in the state.

 The Hyderabad center connects directly to a platform operating at global scale: Billtrust serves a network of 2,600 B2B suppliers and 14 million buyers worldwide, processing more than $1 trillion in trade credit volume annually. The India GCC’s work, spanning engineering, AI development, and operations, feeds directly into a platform that finance leaders use to convert earned revenue into cash they can predict, defend, and deploy.

 “Hyderabad offers deep technical talent, strong infrastructure, and a government that partners with industry,” said Grant Halloran, Chief Executive Officer, Billtrust. “Since we kicked off the build of our Hyderabad GCC, the demand to join our team has been exceptional. At Billtrust, we generate cash for our customers — more of it, faster, and at lower cost — and the people we’ve assembled here, some of the best talent in the world, are how we build AI directly into how that cash moves. This office reflects our long-term commitment to Telangana and to building capabilities here that power Billtrust’s global business.”

 “Telangana continues to attract and nurture some of the finest technology talent in the world, and Billtrust’s decision to deepen its footprint here is a strong endorsement of our state’s ecosystem,” said Shri Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Telangana. “We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding partnership with Billtrust.”

 “In just six months, we have built a team of 100 exceptional professionals and the foundation of a capability center that will be central to Billtrust’s future,” said Farhad H. Baria, Country Head, India GCC, Billtrust. “Hyderabad’s talent, energy, and openness to innovation have made that possible. This office is built to match the ambition of the people in it.”

India-Egypt Step Up Sports and Youth Engagement Through New Exchange Opportunities

Sep 28: India and Egypt are exploring new opportunities to expand cooperation in sports and youth affairs, with discussions focusing on sports exchanges, cricket, football and greater participation in international sporting events.

The discussions took place during a meeting between India’s Ambassador to Egypt, Suresh K. Reddy, and Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Gohar Nabil. The meeting also explored ways to strengthen people-to-people connections through youth and sporting activities.

A key area of discussion was the promotion of cricket in Egypt and greater engagement in football between the two countries. The Indian Ambassador also invited Egypt to participate in the BRICS Indigenous and Traditional Games 2026, opening another avenue for athletes and young people from both countries to interact and share sporting experiences.

Sports as a platform for youth engagement

The proposed cooperation can create opportunities for athletes, coaches and young people to participate in exchange programmes, training activities and sporting events.

For India, cricket provides an important area for engagement with Egypt, while football offers a natural platform for greater sporting interaction given its popularity in Egypt. Exchanges in these areas could support knowledge-sharing and help sports organisations from both countries develop stronger institutional links.

International events can strengthen exchanges

Egypt’s participation in international sporting events hosted or supported by India could further broaden engagement between young athletes and sports communities.

The invitation to the BRICS Indigenous and Traditional Games 2026 is particularly significant in this context, as traditional and indigenous sports can also provide a platform for cultural exchange alongside athletic participation.

Youth cooperation adds a new dimension to bilateral ties

Sports and youth engagement form part of the wider India-Egypt relationship, which includes cooperation across trade, technology, education, culture, health and other sectors.

The two countries have also developed youth and cultural exchanges through initiatives involving schools, universities and community programmes. The Indian Embassy in Cairo has highlighted activities such as university interactions, school-connect programmes and cultural workshops as part of people-to-people engagement.

Greater cooperation in sports can complement these initiatives by giving young people another avenue for international exposure and interaction.

Building stronger people-to-people links

The latest discussions indicate that sports could become a larger component of India-Egypt people-to-people engagement. Cricket, football, traditional sports and youth programmes can provide practical platforms for athletes and young participants to learn from one another while strengthening institutional cooperation.

With both countries continuing to expand engagement across multiple sectors, greater sports and youth exchanges could add a new dimension to the broader India-Egypt partnership.

inDrive Highlights the Future of Mobility and Digital Ecosystems at Techne Summit Cairo 2026

inDrive Takes Center Stage at Techne Summit Cairo to Discuss the Future of Mobility and Digital Ecosystems

Cairo, Egypt – September 2026: inDrive, the global mobility and urban services platform, participated in Techne Summit Cairo 2026, bringing its perspective on the evolution of mobility, technology, and digital services in Egypt.

As part of its participation, Alaa El Din Shalaby, Country Manager for inDrive Egypt, took part in a fireside chat focused on the company’s growth in Egypt, the evolution of the mobility sector, and the opportunities shaping the future of transportation in the country.

During the discussion, Shalaby highlighted inDrive’s peer-to-peer pricing model, which allows drivers and passengers to agree on a fare rather than having the platform impose a fixed price. He also discussed the factors behind inDrive’s growth in Egypt, the changing needs of drivers and passengers, and the opportunities that remain within the country’s mobility market.

The conversation also explored some of the key challenges facing the mobility sector, including economic pressures, regulatory developments, and the importance of creating sustainable opportunities for drivers.

“Egypt is a market where people value flexibility, choice, and the ability to make decisions that work for them. Our model is built around giving both drivers and passengers a greater role in that process,” said Alaa El Din Shalaby, Country Manager for inDrive Egypt. “Our growth in Egypt has shown us the importance of building our services around real local needs. As we look ahead, we remain focused on developing solutions that create value for both drivers and passengers while continuing to expand our role within the wider urban services ecosystem.”

In addition to the fireside chat, inDrive participated in a panel discussion with Vezeeta titled “Beyond Apps: Why Healthcare Ecosystems Need Integration.” The session explored how technology platforms and healthcare providers can collaborate to create more connected and accessible experiences for users, highlighting the growing role of partnerships and integration in digital ecosystems.

The two sessions reflected inDrive’s broader evolution from a ride-hailing service into a global mobility and urban services platform, with an expanding range of services designed to address everyday transportation and urban needs.

Through its participation at Techne Summit, inDrive also reinforced its commitment to engaging with Egypt’s technology and business community and contributing to conversations around the future of mobility, digital innovation, and technology-enabled services.

Australian-Born Gourmet Burger Brand Burgertory Makes Its India Debut in Mumbai

Mumbai, Sept 28: Australian-born gourmet burger brand Burgertory has made its India debut with its first outlet in Andheri, Mumbai. Rooted in bold flavours, fresh preparation and its signature ‘Saints vs Sinners’ philosophy, the brand brings together gourmet burgers, sides, beverages and music in an energetic setting. The concept celebrates two sides of the dining experience: ‘Saints’ represent lighter choices, while ‘Sinners’ embrace indulgent, unapologetic flavours. This duality is reflected in both the menu and the outlet’s distinctive design.

The India menu brings together Burgertory’s Australian roots with flavours tailored to local preferences. From the Seoul Smasher, Chipotle Stack and Fajita Fusion to the Burn to Hell, Moroccan Flame and British Lion, the range features distinctive flavour combinations. Indian-inspired offerings such as Rogan Romance, Paneer Thecha, Tandoori Peri Peri Chicken and Kerala Fried Chicken add a local touch, while the Mumbai Slyder brings a city-inspired option to the menu. The offering extends beyond burgers to include wings, loaded fries, Cheese Bomb Bites, wraps, platters and desserts, alongside cocktails, beer and milkshakes. Vegetarian options include Golden Spud, Tofu Thunder, Mushroom King Portobello and Garden Glory. With sauces prepared in-house using distinctive spice blends and meat patties marinated in-house, freshness and flavour remain central to the brand’s approach. 

Commenting on the launch, Tarun Sachdeva, CEO, Burgertory India Expansion, said, “Expanding an international brand into a new market is about understanding local consumer preferences while staying true to what makes the brand distinctive. India presents an opportunity for Burgertory to bring its Australian-born burger culture to a diverse and evolving dining landscape. Our approach is to build the brand with a long-term perspective, adapting to regional tastes while maintaining the core philosophy that defines Burgertory. We see the India launch as the beginning of a journey focused on creating a recognisable brand and an experience that goes beyond the menu.”

Charanjeet Mahedu, Master Franchisee, Maharashtra & Goa, Burgertory, added, “Burgertory was born out of a simple belief that a great burger starts with freshness, quality ingredients and flavours that stand out. Bringing the brand to India is an opportunity to introduce our Australian burger culture while creating an experience that resonates with Indian consumers. We have stayed true to our core philosophy while developing a menu that brings together bold flavours, distinctive combinations and local favourites. Mumbai, with its vibrant food culture and openness to new experiences, felt like the natural place to begin this journey. With Burgertory, we want to offer people more than just a great burger, we want to create a space where food, drinks, music and good company come together.”

Mumbai was chosen as the starting point for Burgertory’s India journey for its diverse food culture, vibrant nightlife and openness to new experiences. The brand’s launch celebration brought its ‘Saints vs Sinners’ identity to life through music, games and Burgertory specials. With a vision to build a recognisable Australian-born burger brand in India, Burgertory aims to grow steadily while remaining responsive to regional tastes and preferences, creating a culture around burgers, drinks, music and shared experiences.

GRI selects food and beverages as pilot for new approach to sector reporting

Experts sought to help shape a new Sector Standard, through a faster model for delivering industry-specific impact reporting guidance

Amsterdam, Sept 28 – GRI, provider of the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting standards, is starting development of a new Sector Standard for food and beverage companies, designed to strengthen reporting on the impacts that matter most across the industry and its value chains.

The project will be the first to pilot a streamlined approach to GRI Sector Standards development, responding to growing demand for authoritative sector-specific disclosure guidance. To inform the development of the Food & Beverages Standard, GRI is seeking up to 20 sector experts from around the world to join a multi-stakeholder Peer Review Group.

The new approach is designed to significantly reduce the time needed to develop Sector Standards, while retaining GRI’s established multistakeholder due process. The more focused format will identify topics that are likely to be material for organizations in the sector, summarize their most significant impacts, and direct organizations to relevant existing GRI Topic Standards.

Food and beverage has been selected as the first pilot sector given the scale and breadth of its sustainability impacts. The project will consider impacts across companies’ own operations and value chains, including connections with agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing.

Peter Dawkins, GRI Standards Senior Manager, said:

“The food and beverage sector touches almost every part of society, while its value chains are closely connected with some of the most pressing sustainability challenges we face. From climate change and biodiversity loss to working conditions and public health, companies need to understand and transparently report their impacts.

This new GRI Sector Standard will provide focused guidance on the issues that matter most, helping companies deliver more consistent reporting, and the information needed for decision making that improves sustainability performance and business resilience.

“As the first pilot for a more streamlined approach, we need input from the sector and its stakeholders. I encourage those with relevant expertise to get involved and help us ensure the Standard is practical, credible, and reflects the realities of this global industry.”

Applications for the Peer Review Group are open until 23 October 2026. 

TCI Organises Nationwide Blood Donation Drive in Memory of Founder Shri Prabhu Dayal Agarwal Ji

Gurugram, 28 September 2026: Transport Corporation of India (TCI), one of India’s leading integrated logistics and supply chain solutions providers, organised a nationwide blood donation drive in memory of its Founder, Shri Prabhu Dayal Agarwal Ji (Shri PD Ji), reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to community service and humanitarian values. 

The seven-day campaign, held from 14th to 20th September 2026, witnessed the participation of 1,734 employees and associates, including 1,641 male and 93 female participants, across 68+ locations in India. Blood donation camps were organised in cities including Kolkata, Gurugram, Rajkot, Delhi, Chandigarh, Pune, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Ludhiana, Noida, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Prayagraj, Patna, Varanasi, Mumbai, Haridwar and Ahmedabad, among others. 

The initiative commemorates the enduring legacy of Shri PD Ji, fondly remembered as a pioneer of the Indian transport & logistics industry. Beyond transforming the logistics landscape, he made significant contributions to social welfare, healthcare, education and women’s empowerment. His association with initiatives in the healthcare sector, including the establishment of some of the country’s early private blood banks, reflects his belief in giving back to society and supporting communities in meaningful ways. 

Building on this legacy, TCI’s annual blood donation drive brings together employees and business associates across the country to contribute to a cause that directly supports patients and healthcare institutions. The initiative reflects TCI’s continued efforts to foster a culture of social responsibility and encourage its people to actively contribute to the communities in which it operates. 

Through initiatives such as the nationwide blood donation drive, TCI continues to honour the values and vision of its Founder while creating opportunities for its employees and associates to make a meaningful difference to society.

Accor Appoints Vipin Khattar as Chief Commercial Officer, South Asia

Commenting on the appointment, Ranju Alex CEO, Accor South Asia, said: “We are delighted to welcome Vipin Khattar to Accor as Chief Commercial Officer, South Asia. His extensive experience across commercial strategy, sales and marketing, and hotel operations makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team. Vipin’s strategic vision, business acumen, and ability to align commercial opportunities with operational excellence will play an important role in strengthening Accor’s commercial platform across the region. As we continue to accelerate our growth ambitions, I am confident that under his leadership we will further enhance our brands, deepen key partnerships, and unlock new opportunities across markets and segments.”

 

Commenting on his new role, Vipin Khattar, Chief Commercial Officer, South Asia, Accor, said: “I am excited to join Accor at such a dynamic phase of its growth journey in South Asia. The region presents tremendous opportunities, and I look forward to collaborating closely with our teams, hotel owners, and partners to strengthen commercial performance, elevate our brands, and drive sustainable growth across the market.”

New Livestock Insurance Portal to Strengthen Financial Protection for Farmers

 Pic Credit: Pexel

New Delhi, Sep 28: The Centre is set to launch a new Livestock Insurance Portal to make insurance services easier to access and manage for livestock farmers, while providing stronger financial protection against losses of insured animals.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh will launch the portal in New Delhi. Developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the digital platform is aimed at bringing livestock insurance services onto a single, transparent and technology-driven system.

The portal will bring key services such as policy registration, insurance issuance, claim processing, monitoring and reporting together on one platform. This is expected to simplify procedures, reduce paperwork and improve coordination among farmers, insurance agencies and government authorities.

Making Insurance Easier for Farmers

One of the key objectives of the initiative is to improve access to insurance, particularly for small and marginal farmers who depend heavily on livestock for household income.

The portal will be available in Hindi, English and 11 regional languages, making it easier for farmers to understand insurance provisions, access services and track their applications and claims.

For farmers, livestock insurance can provide an important financial safety net. The loss of cattle or other insured animals can significantly affect household income, particularly for families that depend on dairy farming and livestock-related activities. Faster and more transparent claim processing can help reduce the financial pressure caused by such losses.

Supporting Rural Livelihoods

Under the existing Livestock Insurance framework, beneficiaries contribute 15 per cent of the insurance premium, while the Centre and state governments jointly bear the remaining 85 per cent.

Subsidised insurance coverage is available for up to 10 cattle units per beneficiary household for most eligible animals, with separate limits for pigs and rabbits.

Government data shows that 60.8 lakh animals were insured during the latest five-year reference period, while ₹161.07 crore was released under the scheme.

The new digital platform is expected to make such support easier to administer and reach eligible beneficiaries more efficiently.

Greater Transparency in Claims

Another important objective is to improve the monitoring of insurance policies and claims. By shifting major processes to a common digital platform, the government expects to improve visibility over applications, policy status and claim settlements.

Real-time data can also help authorities identify delays, monitor implementation and take corrective action where necessary. Better data management could support more informed policymaking and improve the delivery of livestock-related programmes.

The government is also exploring the use of radio-frequency identification technology for animal identification. Such technology could help improve record-keeping and make verification during insurance claims more efficient.

Wider Economic Impact

The initiative could have an impact beyond insurance administration. Livestock is an important source of income for millions of rural households and contributes to India’s dairy, meat and other allied sectors.

Greater access to affordable insurance can reduce the financial risks associated with livestock ownership and provide farmers with greater confidence to maintain or expand their animal holdings.

A stronger insurance system can also support the broader rural economy by helping protect household incomes when livestock losses occur. This, in turn, can support spending on animal feed, veterinary services, dairy activities and other rural businesses linked to the livestock value chain.

For the government, the digital platform could improve institutional efficiency by bringing information and monitoring systems together. For farmers, the larger objective is simpler access to insurance, better information and a more transparent process for receiving support.

The launch of the Livestock Insurance Portal therefore marks a step towards technology-enabled risk protection for livestock farmers, with the potential to strengthen rural livelihoods while improving the efficiency and reach of government-supported insurance services.

6,000 plus Bengalureans Come Together Ahead of World Heart Day to Support Surgery for 50 Underprivileged Children

Bengaluru, September 28, 2026: More than 6,000 Bengalureans’ came together in Electronic City this morning to run, walk and cycle as part of the sixth edition of Kauvery BEATS, the annual community heart-health initiative of Kauvery Hospitals, Bengaluru. held ahead of World Heart Day on September 29.

The 5 km event brought together children, families, working professionals, recreational runners, cyclists and fitness enthusiasts, with participants encouraged to move at their own pace rather than compete for timings. In one of the morning’s most striking moments, participants came together to create a large human-heart formation, turning the gathering into a visual expression of collective responsibility towards heart health.

The event was flagged off in the presence of Dr B. Dinesh, Director and Professor of Cardiology, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, and Sri Narayana M, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Electronic City Division, Bengaluru.

Speaking at the event, Dr B. Dinesh said “Physical activity remains fundamental to cardiovascular health, but prevention cannot begin only when symptoms appear. People should also know their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, understand their family history and seek medical advice when risk factors are present. Community initiatives such as this help make heart health part of everyday conversation.”

The 2026 edition of BEATS focused on consistency in heart-healthy behaviour, encouraging people to stay physically active while also paying greater attention to cardiovascular risk factors.

Dr Vivek G, Director, Institute of Cardiology, Kauvery Hospitals, Electronic City, said “What makes this initiative meaningful is that it goes beyond bringing people together for a morning of fitness. Through Kauvery Sankalpa 2.0, the community also has an opportunity to support children who need specialised surgery but may not have the means to access it. Bringing together 6,000-plus people for heart health, while creating awareness and support for 50 children in need of surgery, shows how collective community action can make a meaningful difference.” 

Moving for a larger purpose

This year, Kauvery BEATS also carried a larger social-impact message through Kauvery Sankalpa 2.0, an initiative aimed at enabling surgical care for 50 children from economically disadvantaged families in Karnataka. The programme aims to support 25 children requiring surgery for congenital heart conditions and 25 children requiring complex spine surgery, subject to clinical and socioeconomic eligibility.

Participants and supporters at BEATS were given the opportunity to make voluntary contributions towards the congenital-heart-surgery initiative, allowing the World Heart Day campaign to connect the message of heart health with the need for access to specialised cardiac care.

Six years of a growing community movement

Kauvery BEATS began in 2021 with around 600 participants and has grown steadily over six editions, crossing 1,200 participants in 2022, 2,800 in 2023, 3,500 in 2024 and more than 5,000 in 2025. Last year’s event similarly used mass participation and a human-heart formation to build awareness around cardiac health.

The 2026 campaign continues October 2 with Kauvery BEATS Circuit, a new functional-fitness format aimed at regular gym-goers, runners, cyclists and fitness enthusiasts. The format will combine short running intervals with functional exercises, extending the campaign’s message from community participation to fitness and cardiovascular-risk awareness.