Zoomcar and Uber partner to give travelers more ways to plan road trips

Now compare self-drive and chauffeur-driven Intercity options within the Zoomcar app

BENGALURU, India and NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomcar (OTCQB: ZCAR), India’s leading peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, and Uber (NYSE: UBER), India’s most-loved ride-hailing app, have joined hands to make planning road trips easier and simpler. Now, travelers searching for a self-drive vehicle on the Zoomcar app will also be able to discover and book Uber Intercity rides in case they prefer to get chauffeur-driven cars. The partnership will give Zoomcar app users the choice to pick a self-drive option or take a back seat with an Uber Intercity driver at the wheel – comparing the options at one place and choosing what suits them best for their travel needs.

The collaboration brings together two complementary travel options on select routes for one-way or round trips. The integration delivers a richer mobility experience for a growing segment of Indian travelers who value flexibility, premium experiences and access over ownership. The partnership has gone live in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Mumbai, with plans to expand to more cities over time.

Deepankar Tiwari, Chief Executive Officer, Zoomcar Holdings, Inc., said: “Zoomcar is where India’s most intentional travelers come to plan how they move. Some of them want the freedom of a self-drive car. Others, on other days or other trips, want the comfort of being driven. Both needs are valid, and both deserve a world-class experience. By partnering with Uber, we’re making sure that when a Zoomcar user faces that choice, they don’t have to leave our platform to find the answer. That’s what serving the traveler fully looks like.”

Rishant Ghosh, Director of Consumer & Growth, Uber India & South Asia, said: “Uber Intercity has increasingly become the preferred choice for travel across cities, with demand growing across Tier-2 and metro markets alike. We’re also seeing more Indians choose road trips for weekend getaways, family visits and holidays. Through this partnership with Zoomcar, we’re making Uber Intercity accessible to even more travelers, giving them another convenient way to book reliable, comfortable outstation rides.”

The Consumer at the Heart of It: Access Over Ownership

Both Zoomcar and Uber reflect a broader shift in how Indians think about mobility. Increasingly, consumers are choosing access over ownership, opting for flexible, on-demand transportation instead of owning a vehicle. For some journeys, that means the freedom of driving themselves through Zoomcar. For others, it means the convenience of sitting back in an Uber Intercity ride. This partnership brings both choices together, allowing travelers to compare self-drive and chauffeur-driven options in one place and choose what best suits each trip.

The same traveler may choose to drive on one journey and be driven on the next. By bringing both experiences together, Zoomcar and Uber are making it easier to choose the right option for every journey, while serving a growing segment of travel enthusiasts looking for greater flexibility, convenience and choice.

About Zoomcar

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Zoomcar is India’s largest peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace, operating across 100+ cities with a community of 10 million+ guests and 42,000+ vehicles onboarded on its platform. The company commands 90% brand awareness in India’s car rental category and has completed over 5 million trips till date. Through its digital-first platform, Zoomcar connects individual vehicle owners (Hosts) with users (Guests), offering flexible access to vehicles for self-drive car-sharing. The company’s mission is to promote smarter, shared mobility that is both economically empowering and environmentally sustainable.

About Uber

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. Over a decade later, Uber is live in more than 125 cities and has become #IndiaKiRide – helping millions move the way they need to, every day. From Bikes and Autos to Cars, Metros, and even Buses, Uber brings together India’s diverse mobility options on a single app. Whether it’s a short trip across town or a journey between cities, with a single swipe Uber makes everyday mobility seamless for millions – while enabling more than 2 million Indians to earn a sustainable income behind the wheel. As we continue to reimagine how the world moves for the better, our ambition keeps expanding, and our commitment remains unwavering: to keep India moving forward.

Forward Looking Statement:

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release may contain forward-looking statements about our plans, efforts, projections, goals, assumptions, commitments, expectations, or prospects related to our collaboration with Uber. These forward-looking statements reflect our management’s current expectations for this alliance and these statements entail significant risk and uncertainty. To identify these forward-looking statements, we use terms such as “may,” “will,” “aim,” “increase,” “estimate,” “intend,” “indicate,” “continue,” “expand,” “empower,” “believe,” “evolve,” “exponentially,” “emerging,” or the negatives thereof, as well as other variations or comparable terminology.

We ask that you read statements that contain these terms carefully because we believe this information is important for our investors and customers. Any forward-looking statement in this press release refers solely to what is accurate as of the day it is issued or based on assumptions that Zoomcar believes to be reasonable. The actual results and outcomes may materially differ due to various factors or events beyond our control which may not be foreseeable at all times. We cannot guarantee or assure any plan, initiative, projection, goal, assumption, commitment, expectation, or prospect set forth in this press release can or will be achieved. You are also encouraged to carefully review Zoomcar’s Annual Report on Form 10- K for the year ended March 31, 2026, and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a more comprehensive discussion of risks and uncertainties. Except as required by law, Zoomcar undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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Tamil Nadu Announces LPG Support Scheme to Ease Household Burden

Chennai, Aug 24: In a move aimed at providing direct relief to families facing rising household expenses, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a new scheme under which eligible households will receive the cost of three LPG cylinders every year.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the ‘Annapoorani Super Six’ scheme in the State Assembly on Monday. The programme is scheduled to begin from Pongal 2027 and is expected to benefit around 1.30 crore eligible families across Tamil Nadu.

Under the initiative, the cost of three domestic LPG cylinders purchased by eligible beneficiaries will be reimbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer. The assistance will be credited directly to the bank accounts of eligible women heads of households after the cylinders are booked and delivered, based on official billing records.

Families with an annual income of up to ₹2.5 lakh will be covered, along with economically disadvantaged households, small and marginal farmer families, families of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable sections, subject to the scheme’s eligibility conditions.

The government has estimated an annual financial allocation of approximately ₹4,000 crore for the programme.

For many families, LPG is an essential household expense. Every cylinder purchase requires families to set aside money that could otherwise be used for food, education, healthcare and other daily necessities.

The new scheme is intended to reduce this recurring financial pressure and provide greater stability to households managing tight budgets.

The announcement comes amid concerns over global energy disruptions, LPG supply and cooking-gas costs. The government has said the initiative is aimed at reducing the financial burden on families and strengthening household welfare.

The initiative also places women at the centre of benefit delivery, with financial assistance being transferred directly to eligible women heads of households.

Preparatory work for the programme is expected to continue ahead of its planned rollout during Pongal 2027.

The scheme aims to provide practical financial support to eligible families and help them manage one of the most important everyday household expenses, ensuring greater stability and dignity in daily life.

WYF Brings Together 400+ Students for Future Liberal Arts Leadership Summit in Macao

MACAU, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World Youth Forum (WYF), an international nonprofit platform engaging 500,000+ young people annually across 30+ countries through education, competitions, conferences and youth-led initiatives, concluded WYF-FLALS 2026 in Macao, bringing together 400+ students for five days of interdisciplinary learning and cross-cultural collaboration at the Future Liberal Arts Leadership Summit.

Participants came from more than 10 countries and regions, including Cambodia; China, including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan region; India; Indonesia; Singapore; Thailand; the United States; and Vietnam (listed in alphabetical order). Following WYF-FELS in Hong Kong, WYF-FLALS concluded the 2026 summit series, bringing together more than 1,000 young people through economics, liberal arts and cross-cultural exchange.

Jointly initiated by WYF and the Organizing Committee of International Academic Decathlon (IAD), WYF-FLALS explored Our Changing Climate through social science, literature, fine arts, science, mathematics, economics and music. Through interdisciplinary challenges, projects, speeches and exchanges, students examined the scientific, economic, social and cultural dimensions of climate change.

Guests included Wong Yee Lam, Member of the Administrative Committee, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute, Cheng Wai Tong, Deputy Director, Macao Government Tourism Office, Cheong Man Fai, Head of the Department of Youth Affairs, Education and Youth Development Bureau, Li Feilong, Director of the Taiwan Affairs Department, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Jia Qiong, Second Secretary, Department of Information and Public Diplomacy, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Lao Ngai Leong, Deputy to the National People’s Congress, Si Ka Lon, Deputy to the National People’s Congress, Wong Kit Cheng, Vice-Chairperson of the All-China Youth Federation, Lam Ieng Pui, Founding President, Chinese Youth Advancement Association, Zhang Senhua, President, Chinese Youth Advancement Association, Zhao Gang, Director-General, Global Innovation Center, Amy Dosch, Executive Director, United States Academic Decathlon (USAD), Henry Peng, Global Council Member, World Youth Forum (WYF). Through academic sessions and exchanges with students, they connected classroom knowledge with global challenges and encouraged participants to approach complex issues from multiple perspectives.

Highlights included the Super Quiz, Academic Exploration Fair, Team Spark & Global Fusion Fest, U20–Master Call, U20–Idea Incubation, Themed Speech, U20–Youth Voice and Bridging Worlds: Real-World Learning Journey. Awards recognized excellence in academics, teamwork, communication and creativity.

WYF will continue working with IAD, schools, educators and international partners to expand access to interdisciplinary, challenge-based learning.

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New US$22 Million Education Lifeline for Crisis-Affected Children in Sudan

New three-year investment will reach nearly 200,000 crisis-affected children and adolescents, helping them return to safe, inclusive learning while supporting the recovery of Sudan’s education system. The announcement comes as Education Cannot Wait launches Hope Starts Here, a global campaign to mobilise US$600 million to reach 10 million children living through the world’s most severe crises.

GENEVA, Switzerland, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in crises, has announced a new US$22 million multi-year investment to help restore safe, quality and inclusive education for nearly 200,000 crisis-affected children and adolescents across West Darfur, South Kordofan and Gedaref, as Sudan continues to face the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crisis.

The announcement follows a high-level mission to Sudan. ECW Director Maysa Jalbout met with children, teachers, communities and education partners affected by more than three years of armed conflict and displacement.

Since conflict erupted in April 2023, some 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes, while 33.7 million people now require humanitarian assistance. At least 8 million children – nearly half of Sudan’s 17 million school-age children – remain out of school. Across the country, large numbers of schools remain non-operational, while millions of children have endured prolonged disruptions to their education, with some missing nearly 500 days of learning.

“Education in Sudan has been interrupted by conflict, displacement and unimaginable hardship. Yet it remains one of the most powerful tools we have to protect millions of children, restore hope and support recovery. This investment is about much more than reopening classrooms. It is about supporting children to regain a sense of safety and normalcy while strengthening education systems that can continue serving communities through crisis and into recovery. Sudan’s children cannot wait,” said Maysa Jalbout, Director of Education Cannot Wait.

The three-year programme will reach those left furthest behind in the country – including internally displaced children, refugees and vulnerable host communities, with at least 60% girls and 10% children with disabilities. It will establish safe formal and non-formal learning environments, provide mental health and psychosocial support, strengthen teacher capacity, improve access to quality learning materials, and address barriers facing girls and children with disabilities. A US$5 million crisis modifier will enable rapid responses to emerging emergencies and climate-related shocks.

Implementation will be led by Save the Children, in partnership with Plan International, Lakarmissionen International (LM International), and local partners Alsalam Organisation for Relief and Development (AORD) and Sadagaat.

“For millions of children in Sudan, conflict and displacement have disrupted not only their education, but also their sense of safety, routine and hope for the future. Access to safe, quality education is a fundamental right and one of the most effective ways to protect children and support their recovery during times of crises. Through this ECW multi-year investment and partnership, children in Sudan will be able to access learning opportunities that provide critical protection, psychosocial support and a pathway to recovery, resilience and a brighter future,” said Francesco Lanino, Deputy Country Director for Save the Children.

Localisation is central to the programme, with nearly 48% of the budget going to national and local partners. Local actors will work alongside organisations of persons with disabilities, women-led organisations and community structures to ensure the response is rooted in the priorities and capacities of the communities it serves.

“Communities in Sudan have shown extraordinary resilience despite the immense challenges they continue to face. As a Sudanese organisation, we know that lasting impact comes from solutions that are rooted in local knowledge, trust and partnerships with the communities we serve. Through this programme, we will work alongside families, teachers and local partners to help children return to safe, inclusive learning environments where they can recover, regain hope and build the skills they need for the future,” said Rudwan Elfaki, General Director of AORD.

ECW’s US$22 million investment provides seed funding towards a total programme requirement of US$39 million, with partners continuing to mobilise additional resources to expand support as needs evolve.

From Sudan to a global call for action

The Sudan investment comes days after the launch of Hope Starts Here, ECW’s new global campaign to mobilise US$600 million to reach 10 million crisis-affected children with education over the next four years.

The campaign launches at a critical moment. ECW’s latest global estimates show that 258 million school-aged children and adolescents across 87 countries now have their education disrupted by crises.

Hope Starts Here builds on a decade of action by ECW and its partners, reaching more than 14 million crisis-affected children and adolescents with education, protection and holistic support.

The campaign will mobilise governments, foundations, philanthropies and private sector partners ahead of ECW’s High-Level Replenishment Conference in Geneva on 5 November 2026, hosted by Switzerland.

Note to Editors 

B-roll and high-resolution photos are available here.

About Education Cannot Wait:

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is the global fund for education in crises. The Fund provides rapid, flexible funding to locally-led education responses that protect learning for refugee, internally displaced and other children, while strengthening systems to sustain learning and resilience in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. ECW works with governments, public and private funders, UN agencies, civil society organisations, and other humanitarian and development aid actors so that no child is left behind.

As global crises intensify and the education financing gap widens, ECW calls on public and private sector partners to scale up investments so millions more crisis-affected girls and boys can learn and rebuild their futures.

Additional information available at: www.educationcannotwait.org 

For press inquiries:

Rafik Elouerchefani relouerchefani@un-ecw.org

Estefanía Jiménez: esjimenez@un-ecw.org 

For other inquiries: info@un-ecw.org

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IBM and the USTA Introduce New AI-Powered Fan Experiences for 2026 US Open

NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) today announced new and enhanced AI-powered fan features coming to USOpen.org and the US Open app for this year’s tournament. Three new, enhanced AI-powered innovations are designed to help fans cut through the noise, stay closer to the action and experience the US Open in a more personalized way than ever.  Since 1992, IBM and the USTA have brought some of the most advanced digital experiences in sports to more than 14 million global tennis fans annually.

This year’s tournament comes at a time when audience demand for AI-powered features is gaining momentum, as accuracy, not speed, shapes the digital sports experience. According to a new global survey also out today from Morning Consult and commissioned by IBM, 91% of global tennis fans surveyed use sports apps during events, with high trust (64%) in AI-powered sports content.

At the heart of this year’s experience is the all-new Live Updates homepage — a smarter, more personalized way for fans to follow the action that matters most to them. Fans can prioritize their favorite players and quickly zero in on the matches, insights and stories they care about most.

A new Serve Quality metric puts a whole new spin on how fans watch serves. Available across all 254 singles matches, the AI-powered tool uses advanced limb-tracking technology developed with IBM Bob to help analyze the precise mechanics of every serve – with 21 data points across the body and racquet, tracked 50 times per second. That means everything from wrist flex to the transfer of energy from a player’s legs through their torso is captured, generating roughly 1.2 billion data points over the course of the tournament. The continuous stream of live data — including efficiency, accuracy, consistency and ball toss — is managed by IBM Confluent. The result: a Serve Quality score generated in near real-time, giving fans a new way to understand what makes a great serve great.  

Also new this year, Key Moments takes the popular live Likelihood to Win feature a step further, helping fans understand not just who’s winning – but why. Available for all singles matches, Likelihood to Win calculates each player’s probability of victory using an AI-powered analysis of current and historical statistics, expert opinion and match momentum. Key Moments provides additional, richer information, to summarize the swings, turning points and momentum shifts that change each match in an instant.

The enhanced Match Chat acts as an interactive companion throughout each match, letting fans ask questions in their own words to get instant, conversational answers.   Some responses now go beyond text, bringing in relevant photos and video to add even more context. Match Chat, powered by watsonx Orchestrate, draws on an expanded mix of live match data, analysis and historical information. A collection of AI agents and fit-for-purpose models trained in the USTA’s editorial style and the language of tennis make responses feel right at home on the court.

“Our work with IBM this year has been game-changing, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital fan engagement,” said Brian Ryerson, Senior Director, Digital Strategy, USTA. “By leveraging their AI capabilities, we’re delivering new, innovative, and highly personalized content and insights to our millions of fans worldwide, while significantly enhancing our ability to tell compelling stories throughout every match of the US Open.”

“Our partnership with the USTA continues to redefine digital sports experiences,” said Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President, Chief Global Affairs Officer at IBM. “We can take millions of live data points streaming from the court and automatically route them into workflows that deliver usable insights in minutes and hours. These capabilities of Confluent, Bob and other IBM technologies help deliver a more intelligent experience, drawing greater value from data and changing the game for the US Open.”

The 2026 US Open runs from August 23 – September 13. Explore these IBM technologies and more by visiting USOpen.org and/or the US Open app available in the Apple and Android app stores on all mobile devices.

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media contact:



Paul Pettas

IBM

paulpettas@ibm.com

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