CHENNAI PLUS

The Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO), in collaboration with Just Rights for Children (JRC) and Chevalier T. Thomas Elizabeth College for Women (CTTE), organised an awareness and capacity-building programme on “Online Abuse, Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking among Youth” at the JJ Auditorium, CTTE College for Women, Chennai on 29 th September 2026 at Chevalier T. Thomas Elizabeth College for Women. The programme brought together students, faculty members, volunteers, media representatives and civil society representatives to create awareness on the growing risks of online abuse, sexual exploitation and human trafficking and to equip young people to recognise and prevent such risks. The programme commenced with a prayer song and registration of students, followed by the gathering of students, guests and media representatives.  Dr. S. Sridevi, Principal, CTTE College for Women, delivered the Welcome Address and welcomed the guests and participants. She spoke ...

For Indian travellers, planning a trip means carefully weighing when to book: tracking fares, calculating whether to book or wait, and often second-guessing if the fare might drop after the booking is confirmed. Addressing this fare anxiety, MakeMyTrip’s Price Drop Protection, a newly launched feature, refunds the difference if the flight fare drops after a traveller books. With this feature, travellers can book early with confidence, knowing they will benefit if a lower fare becomes available before departure. The pattern of careful deliberation amongst Indian travellers shows up in their booking behaviour. They search for the same flights multiple times before finally booking. And when they eventually book, it often comes close to the date of travel. Travellers recheck fares so often because travel plans are still taking shape; personal and work commitments can shift, and there is a constant keenness to secure the best possible fare. This is what drives the pattern of prolonged s...

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)  released its Guidelines for Responsible Labelling of Synthetically Generated Content in Advertising, setting out when advertisers need to disclose the use of synthetically generated content (SGC) and what uses are not allowed. The guidelines follow stakeholder consultations on the draft guidelines released in May.   As brands increasingly use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create and enhance advertising content, the guidelines focus on how such content can affect consumers. SGC can be misleading or harmful when it creates unrealistic expectations, takes advantage of vulnerable populations, shows unsafe situations, uses a person’s likeness without their consent, or presents false or misleading information. All advertisements using SGC must comply with the ASCI Code.   The guidelines will come into effect three months from the date of publication. The guidelines set out four key areas to help advertisers determine when...

Lava International Limited, India’s leading homegrown smartphone brand, announced the launch of the Shark 2 Pro 5G, bringing together powerful performance, long-lasting battery life, a smooth 120Hz display, Lava’s intelligent AI companion, Vayu AI and a versatile camera experience for consumers. Designed to deliver a strong everyday smartphone experience, the Shark 2 Pro 5G combines high-performance hardware with a clean software experience and durable build, making it an ideal choice for consumers seeking an all-round smartphone. Design and Display The Shark 2 Pro features a 17.13 cm (6.75") HD+ display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, delivering an ultra-smooth visual experience for gaming, multimedia, and daily scrolling. Designed to look sleek and modern, the smartphone is available in two premium color options - Akash Blue and Nanda Silver. Performance and Memory Powered by the Octa-Core Unisoc T8200 built on a 6nm architecture and delivering a 500K+ AnTuTu score, th...

Tamil Nadu has built one of India's largest skilled talent pools, with the state's TNSkill Registry comprising more than 17.56 lakh professionals. Yet the challenge extends beyond building this pool; it lies in preparing people for the specific jobs employers need, with the right skills, in the right locations. This was the central theme at a CHRO Roundtable in Chennai, convened by Skills Development Network (SDN) Trust, supported by Wadhwani Foundation, as part of the American Management Association (AMA) South Asia CHRO Forum held at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai. Over 20 senior HR and talent leaders including those from top organisations like ESAB, Savista, Hinduja Leyland Finance, RBL Bank, Yubi, Infosun Technologies, Greif and Rane Group discussed how a hyper-local, demand-led approach to skilling and hiring could address persistent mismatches between talent supply and employer demand. Hiring demand is not uniform as the skills required by an employer in Chennai can differ ...

Godrej Industries Group hosted a high-level Malaysian delegation led by YB Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia. The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, the Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board and Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil. Discussions covered areas of mutual interest across the Group’s businesses, particularly oil palm innovation and the household insecticides sector. During discussions with Godrej Agrovet, both sides explored opportunities in oil palm upstream sector. They also exchanged views on the use of advanced research and scientific tools to develop high-performing oil palm varieties suited to India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. Closer cooperation in these areas could support the development of locally adapted planting materials, improve productivity and resilience, and contribute to India’s long-term edibl...

Lava International Limited, India’s leading homegrown smartphone brand, today announced that the Virat Curve 5G will go on sale on Flipkart starting today at 7:00 PM.   The Virat Curve 5G brings a striking 6.67" FHD+ 3D Curved AMOLED Display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1100 nits peak brightness, MediaTek Dimensity 7100 processor, premium vegan leather finish, a Rear Mini Screen, Vayu AI, a 50MP Sony IMX752 primary rear camera with EIS, and a 6000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support. The smartphone also features MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification for added resilience.   Available in three striking colourways – Heritage Indigo, Makrana Ivory, and Ellora Slate, the smartphone combines premium design with reliable everyday performance. It runs on Android 16 with no bloatware and no ads and comes with 2 Years of OS Upgrades and 3 Years of Security Updates, offering a clean and long-term software experience.

Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), a leading emerging markets FMCG company, has been honoured with the 'Marquee Best of the Best Award' for outstanding achievements in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) at the Bombay Chamber Inclusion Awards 2026, instituted by the 190-year-old Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry. GCPL was also named first Runner-up in the Consumer and Life Sciences Sector. GCPL's approach centres on building equitable opportunities and stronger representation across its workforce. Initiatives such as Aarambh, GOAL and Bersiap alongside inclusive hiring practices, have helped shape more representative manufacturing, sales and corporate teams, enabling talent from diverse backgrounds to grow within the organisation. Commenting on the recognition, Vaibhav Ram, Global HR Head, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), said, “We are delighted to be listed in the Marquee category, which features organisations setting the benchmark for ...

SWITCH Mobility Ltd, a global leader in Electric Buses and Light commercial vehicles and part of the Hinduja Group, has secured an order for 840 Electric Buses from Antony Road Transport Solutions under Government of India’s PM E-Drive scheme Phase I tender.   Under the order, Switch Mobility will supply 9-metre and 12-metre AC Electric Buses under the                    CESL PM E-Drive scheme Phase I tender, where Antony Road Transport Solutions has been selected as the operator for Delhi. The order comprises 420 Nos. 9-metre and 420 Nos. 12-metre Electric Buses, which will be deployed with Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Transport Department, Delhi for passenger transportation in Delhi. The order further strengthens SWITCH Mobility’s presence in the public transportation segment and reinforces its commitment to supporting the transition towards cleaner, more sustainable urban mobil...

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, announced the launch of the Hayabusa Special Edition, introducing exclusive styling elements and premium finishing details to its flagship sport motorcycle. Alongside the Special Edition, SMIPL has also refreshed the Hayabusa with three new colour options and rider-focused electronic refinements, further enhancing the motorcycle’s visual appeal and riding experience. Offered in exclusive Pearl Vigor Blue, the Hayabusa Special Edition stands apart with special decals and wheel finish, a three-dimensional SUZUKI fuel tank emblem, a Special Edition potting emblem on the fuel tank, anodised muffler-end and heat-guard components, and a single-seat cowl supplied as standard equipment. Together, these exclusive elements elevate the Hayabusa's ‘Perfectly Poised’ character and further enhance its distinctive and iconic presence.   The updated Hayabusa has also been refreshed with th...

HCLTech, a leading global technology company,  released a first-of-its-kind synthetic research report “Hidden In Pl(AI)n Sight,” based on a survey of 1,066 representative AI personas modeled on senior wealth management industry decision-makers across 17 global markets. The research reveals that 84% of global wealth management firms believe their operating models require fundamental redesign to fully realize the promise of AI, highlighting the fact that AI transformation is less about adoption and more about reimagining how businesses operate, compete and grow. It also revealed that while 98% of leadership teams in the industry are actively pursuing an AI agenda, only slightly more than 7% are actively building agentic AI capabilities.   The research identifies three critical blind spots that prevent wealth management firms from converting AI enthusiasm into measurable business outcomes. (1) Ambition blind spot, where firms recognize the need for transformation but contin...

A new state-of-the-art Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) has commenced operations in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu. The centre will provide residents with easier and more convenient access to Aadhaar enrolment and update services. Located at Survey no. 369/38, Survey no. 369/42, New Field Survey, Sub Division Number 501/3, Door no. 74/25A, Nataraja Puram Ward D, Block 6, Thuraiyur Road, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, the newly launched centre is equipped with four fully operational Aadhaar Enrolment & Update kits and is designed to serve the growing demand for Aadhaar services in the region.  The Aadhaar Seva Kendra is managed and operated by BLS International, a leading global AI and tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens. The centre reflects the company's ongoing commitment to strengthening digital identity infrastructure and improving last-mile service delivery across India. Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) offers a comprehensive range of services, including new Aadhaar enrolment, demo...

Across Asia, modern life is making it harder for young singles to build the meaningful connections they want. In India, the challenge is not a lack of opportunities to connect but finding connections that feel meaningful in an increasingly busy and digitally connected world. Young Indians continue to seek out social and romantic relationships, yet work pressures, exhaustion and the gap between online interaction and real-life connection are making it harder to feel genuinely connected. To better understand this changing landscape of human connection, Match Group commissioned Ipsos to study how single young adults in India experience loneliness, social connection, relationships and dating. The findings reveal a clear connection paradox: young Indians are actively looking for connection, but being surrounded by people and digitally connected does not always translate into feeling less alone. For many, the growing need is not simply for more ways to meet people, but for fewer, deeper an...

JSW One Platforms Limited, a technology-enabled B2B platform serving the manufacturing and construction ecosystem, has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI for its proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO). The Offer comprises a Fresh Issue of Equity Shares aggregating up to ₹1,300 crore and an Offer for Sale of up to ₹1,754.01 crore, taking the total Offer size to up to ₹3,054.01 crore. The Offer for Sale comprises shares offered by JSW Steel Limited, JSW Cement Limited and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. The Company proposes to utilise the Net Proceeds from the Fresh Issue towards investment in JSW One Distribution Limited (JODL) for marketing and brand-building expenditure, technology and platform development expenditure, investment in JSW One Finance Limited (JOFL) to augment its capital base and general corporate purposes. Of the proceeds, ₹125 crore is proposed to be invested in JODL and ₹500 crore in JOFL, while up to ₹350 crore is proposed towards technology and platfo...

As Team India competes at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, JSW Group has unveiled ‘Tere Sang Bharat’, an anthem celebrating the relentless spirit of Indian athletes and the nation that stands behind them. The campaign builds on JSW Group’s longstanding association with Indian sport and its partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Through JSW Inspire, the Group is Team India’s Official Sports Performance and Lifestyle Partner for the 2026 season, supporting the Indian contingent across the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. The 503-member Indian contingent at the Asian Games includes athletes and support staff across multiple sporting disciplines. At the heart of the campaign is ‘Rukna Nahin Hai’, JSW’s belief in the relentless spirit of Indian athletes. Tere Sang Bharat gives this belief a voice through an anthem film featuring 22 athletes from 11 sporting disciplines, bringing together different sporting journeys, backgrounds and ambitions in one powerf...

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) has opened applications for its Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Business Management) (PGDM (BM)) programmes for the 2027–2029 academic session.   The two-year, full-time residential programmes are designed to develop management capability through academic rigour, industry engagement, peer learning, and experiential learning. The PGDM programme offers 240 seats for Indian nationals and 36 seats for foreign nationals, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). The PGDM (BM) programme has an annual intake of 120 seats. Applicants can indicate their programme preferences through a single application form. The application deadline is November 27, 2026.    Apply at:   https://pgdmadmissions.spjimr.org/   Why SPJIMR?   Global recognition: SPJIMR holds the international Triple Crown accreditation...

Over 16 editions, the city's very own literature festival has expanded and augmented Mumbai’s cultural vibrancy. The annually awaited celebration is a thriving space for meaningful dialogues between writers, thinkers, performers and audiences of varying ages, interests and dispositions. The 2026 edition will be held from 23-25 October at its forever “home-by-the-sea”, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). This year, in its 17th edition, the festival enters a new and exciting chapter with Godrej Industries Group joining as the Title Partner. For over a century, Godrej has stood at the confluence of art and industry, poetry and progress, embodying the ‘Genius of &’. This year, the Group’s refreshed narrative of ‘Crafting Tomorrow’ seamlessly aligns with the festival’s DNA, marking a multi-year journey as architects of one of India’s most progressive literary events. Sujit Patil, Chief Communications Officer, Godrej Industries Group, said, “Godrej Literature Live...

The Company has registered an industry leading claim settlement ratio of 99.64% in Tamil Nadu in FY2026, providing timely financial relief when families need it the most. The Company also witnessed a strong 43.89% year-on-year growth in Q1-FY2027 for the term plan (retail protection) business in the state. The Company covered 33,92,793 lives in the State as on March 31, 2026. The Company is also receiving strong demand in its savings business that includes linked, non-linked and annuity business in the State of Tamil Nadu. The Company’s Assets under Management (AUM) stood at Rs. 22,294 crore as on March 31, 2026 in the State. Importantly, the Company reported a sum assured of Rs. 1,90,435 crore as on March 31, 2026 in the State and in the last 7 years, the Company has paid total benefits worth Rs. 7,356 crore to its customers in the State of Tamil Nadu. The Board of Directors recently approved a proposal to rename the Company as ‘ICICI Life Insurance Limited’, subject to relevant a...

Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform, announced plans to strengthen battery-swapping infrastructure, bringing battery-swapping closer to delivery partners and making EV adoption more accessible and convenient for last-mile delivery. The initiative is part of Instamart’s partnerships with Yulu, India’s leading electric mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform, and Yuma Energy, India’s fastest-growing battery-swapping network, focused on addressing two practical barriers to EV adoption: access to affordable electric two-wheelers and charging-related downtime. The first of these battery-swapping stations was inaugurated earlier this month at the Instamart POD in the presence of Anant Choudhary, VP - Driver & Delivery Org, Instamart, and Deepak Nanwani, Head of Revenue and Operations, Yuma Energy, marking another step towards bringing energy access closer to where delivery partners operate.   Bringing battery swapping closer to delivery partners with Yuma Instam...