Author: Sohil Nikam

Kia India has expanded its electric vehicle portfolio with the launch of the Syros EV, its second mass-market electric offering in the country. Priced from Rs 13.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 42kWh variant, the electric SUV goes up to Rs 19.99 lakh for the top-spec X-Line Extended Range trim. Bookings are expected to open ahead of deliveries beginning July 30. The headline feature of the Syros EV is its choice of two battery packs. Buyers can opt for a 42kWh battery with a claimed MIDC-certified range of 443km or a larger 51.4kWh pack that delivers an ARAI-certified range of 526km,…

The sub-₹10,000 smartphone segment has grown in such a way over the past few years that buyers expect everything from a smooth display to capable cameras, among other things. And then there’s also the demand for 5G connectivity, which is no surprise. With the Lava Shark 2 5G, the Indian phone-maker isn’t chasing flashy specifications, but looking to tick the essentials for first-time smartphone buyers, students or anyone upgrading from an ageing 4G handset. The question is whether that approach is enough in a market filled with compelling alternatives. After spending time with the Arya Blue variant, here’s how the…

As a youngster, I desperately wanted to get into cycling. Not because I was a cyclist. Not because I owned a fancy road bike. But every sports fan eventually comes across those iconic images from the Tour de France. Riders climbing impossible mountains, crowds (some impossibly stupid and unruly) lining narrow roads, helicopters capturing stunning French rural landscapes, and athletes pushing themselves beyond what seems humanly possible. And there, of course, was the rise (and eventual fall) of Lance Armstrong. The problem was that every time I tried to understand the sport, it somehow became more confusing. I’d switch on…

I truly believe that a camera’s real calibre isn’t tested in a studio but on the road, where every scene, every light source, and every moment is different. During my recent trip across the United States, the OPPO Find X9 Pro became my primary camera, and the results speak for themselves. From dramatic Pacific Coast sunsets to the glowing lights of Las Vegas, from towering aircraft on airport tarmacs to sweeping views of Los Angeles’ skyline, the Find X9 Pro consistently delivered images packed with detail, colour, and atmosphere. What impressed me most was how effortlessly it adapted to different…

There’s something romantic about the monsoon. At least for me, there is. I know a few people who absolutely hate the rains, but I digress. Whatever your relationship with the monsoon, you must always be aware that things aren’t always rosy when it rains. Clothes refuse to dry, humidity creeps into wardrobes, power cuts arrive unannounced, and even something as basic as drinking water suddenly becomes something you think twice about. It’s funny how every year we stock up on umbrellas and raincoats, but rarely prepare our homes for the season. The truth is, surviving the monsoon comfortably isn’t about…

In the compact SUV segment, “space” is one of those words that’s used so often that it’s almost lost its meaning. Every manufacturer promises generous interiors and practical cabins, but the real test isn’t how spacious a vehicle feels when you’re sitting inside it. It’s how well that space adapts to your everyday life. That’s exactly what we wanted to find out with the Citroen Aircross X. Instead of quoting boot capacity figures or reading out dimensions from a brochure, we decided to put its practicality to the test with something everyone can relate to. A simple challenge: just how…

As Chief Operating Officer of Xiaomi India, Sudhin Mathur believes that enduring success isn’t built on speed alone—it begins with clarity. In an industry defined by relentless innovation and rapid product cycles, his leadership philosophy is rooted in questioning assumptions, making deliberate choices, and building brands that earn lasting trust rather than fleeting attention. In this edition of Tech Titans, Mathur shares how a simple question from his father shaped the way he approaches leadership, why Gen Z is pushing organisations toward greater transparency, and why AI should quietly improve everyday life instead of becoming a marketing buzzword. He also…

As Director of Intex Technologies, Keshav Bansal believes that technology achieves its true purpose only when it reaches beyond early adopters and becomes accessible to the masses. In an industry often driven by speed and hype, his approach is rooted in clarity, conviction, and building products that solve real problems for everyday consumers. In this edition of Tech Titans, Bansal shares the childhood lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy, why Gen Z responds better to purpose than hierarchy, and the biggest misconception surrounding AI adoption. He also reflects on the bold decision to invest in the IPL as a brand-building…

After helping build some of India’s most recognisable smartphone brands, Madhav Sheth, CEO of Ai+ Smartphone and Founder of NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, has embarked on a new mission: creating technology that puts users back in control of their digital lives. At a time when AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday devices, Sheth believes the industry’s biggest challenge isn’t making AI more powerful, but making it more transparent and trustworthy. In this edition of Tech Titans, Sheth discusses why clarity of intent drives every major decision he makes, how unequal access to opportunity shaped his entrepreneurial journey, and why Gen…

As Managing Director of Lava International, Sunil Raina has spent the past several years steering one of India’s most recognisable smartphone brands through one of the toughest periods in its history. Rather than chasing industry trends, he chose an unconventional path: that of stabilising the business first, rebuilding with discipline, and returning to smartphones with renewed purpose. For Raina, leadership isn’t about making bold decisions for the headlines; it’s about having the conviction to see them through. In this edition of Tech Titans, Raina reflects on the childhood experiences that shaped his resilience, why Gen Z values honesty over hierarchy,…

As Chief Marketing Officer of realme India, Francis Wong has helped shape one of the country’s fastest-growing smartphone brands by understanding what truly resonates with young consumers. His approach to marketing goes beyond benchmark scores and specification sheets, focusing instead on creating products and experiences that people can genuinely connect with. In this edition of Tech Titans, Wong shares why cycling helps him make better decisions, how an early lesson in embracing imperfect conditions shaped his leadership, and why Gen Z values purpose over hierarchy. He also discusses the biggest misconception around AI, the importance of creating opportunities for young talent,…

As the Founder of Equal AI, Keshav Reddy is building AI for everyday conversations. After scaling Equal Identity into one of India’s largest digital identity and data-sharing platforms, Reddy took another bold leap by launching a voice-first AI assistant designed to tackle one of the country’s most persistent problems: spam calls and digital noise. In this edition of Tech Titans, Reddy talks about the habits that keep him grounded, the family conversations that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, and why he believes voice, not text, will unlock AI for the next billion users. He also shares why execution always trumps overthinking,…

As Co-founder of Nothing, Akis Evangelidis has challenged one of the world’s most competitive industries by proving that a new consumer technology brand can still break through. From rethinking smartphone design to questioning the way people interact with technology, his philosophy has always been rooted in challenging convention rather than following it. In this edition of Tech Titans, Evangelidis shares why decisive action often beats endless deliberation, how moving continents as a teenager shaped his leadership, and why he believes the biggest mistake companies are making with AI is treating it as just another feature. He also reflects on building…

As Chairperson and CEO of Vu Group, Devita Saraf has built a reputation for blending technology with premium design, proving that consumer electronics can be as elegant as they are intelligent. Taking charge of the business at a young age, she has championed a vision where innovation isn’t measured by specifications alone, but by how seamlessly it fits into people’s lives. In this edition of Tech Titans, Saraf talks about the value of slowing down before making big decisions, why Gen Z’s authenticity is reshaping leadership, and the misconception that AI alone defines innovation. She also reflects on earning trust…

As President and Chief Business Officer for Reliance Retail’s Electronics Business, Kaushal Nevrekar has spent decades at the forefront of India’s technology transformation, from the early days of mobile data to making consumer electronics accessible to millions. Having witnessed multiple waves of disruption, he believes the biggest breakthroughs aren’t defined by cutting-edge technology alone, but by how effectively they improve everyday lives. In this edition of Tech Titans, Nevrekar shares why preparation is his most underrated leadership habit, the childhood lesson that shaped his approach to respect and discipline, and why he believes Gen Z is challenging leaders in all the…

As Vice President – Marketing, Asia Pacific at Dolby Laboratories, Ashim Mathur has spent more than a decade helping shape how audiences experience entertainment across cinema, streaming, gaming, and mobile. For him, technology has never been the hero of the story—it has always been the enabler. The real magic lies in preserving the creator’s vision and delivering it exactly as it was meant to be experienced. In this edition of our leadership series, Mathur reflects on the influence of Hindi cinema on his approach to marketing, why Gen Z’s authenticity-first mindset is reshaping workplaces, and why he believes AI should…

As President & Managing Director of Acer India, Harish Kohli has overseen the brand’s evolution from a PC manufacturer into a broader technology ecosystem spanning consumer electronics, enterprise solutions, and smart devices. At a time when AI dominates boardroom conversations and India’s manufacturing ambitions are accelerating, Kohli believes the biggest competitive advantage is clarity of purpose, disciplined decision-making, and the willingness to invest for the long term. In this Tech Titans interview, he talks about the philosophies that influence him every day and offers a glimpse into the mindset behind one of India’s most influential technology leaders. What’s a personal…

itel is gearing up to expand its accessories portfolio in India with the launch of the new Zeno Power Bank series. Scheduled to go on sale from July 23 via Amazon, the upcoming lineup will offer two battery capacity options and promises to deliver fast charging, durable construction and a travel-friendly design. The Zeno series will be available in 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh variants, with support for up to 45W fast charging. The higher-capacity model is also capable of charging compatible laptops, making it suitable for users looking for an all-in-one portable charging solution. Both power banks are expected to feature…

boAt has announced a partnership with Legacy, a community-led hip-hop talent platform judged by Indian rappers KR$NA and Raftaar, as the audio and wearables brand looks to strengthen its engagement with India’s growing creator economy and youth culture. The collaboration is aimed at supporting emerging artists, creator communities and cultural movements that are shaping the aspirations of young Indians. According to boAt, the partnership builds on its long-standing association with music and creators, extending its efforts beyond product offerings to nurturing the next generation of talent. The company said hip-hop has evolved from an independent movement into one of India’s…

Nothing has been recognised as India’s fastest-growing smartphone brand in the second quarter of 2026, registering a 105 per cent year-on-year growth in smartphone shipments, according to Counterpoint Research’s Q2 2026 India Smartphone Shipment Tracker. The company attributed the milestone to strong demand for its Phone (4a) series, along with increased brand visibility through its title sponsorship of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). With this latest achievement, Nothing says it has emerged as the country’s fastest-growing smartphone brand in nine of the last ten consecutive quarters, underscoring its sustained momentum in the highly competitive…

Mumbai at night can be intoxicating. It can also be exhausting. The endless stream of conversations, flashing lights, notifications, and traffic has a way of following you long after you’ve left the room. For entrepreneurs and creators like Vivek Dhadha, whose days are dictated by meetings, decisions and an always-on lifestyle, switching off isn’t as easy as turning off a phone. That was the thought behind a recent drive with the Volvo XC60. After stepping out of a bustling South Mumbai venue, Vivek got behind the wheel and headed into the city for a drive and some much-needed time to…

Royal Enfield has updated its bestselling Classic 350 for 2026, introducing two new rider-focused features aimed at improving everyday usability without altering the motorcycle’s iconic styling or mechanical character. The updated model is now available across all dual-channel variants at authorised dealerships, with prices starting at ₹1,87,434 (ex-showroom). The most significant addition is an Assist and Slipper Clutch, a first for the Classic 350. The system is designed to reduce clutch effort, making the motorcycle easier to ride in stop-and-go city traffic while also enabling smoother upshifts and downshifts. Royal Enfield says the feature enhances rider comfort and confidence across…

Nothing appears to have struck a chord with Indian buyers, even as its newly launched Nothing Phone (4b) has become Flipkart’s best-selling smartphone in the ₹30,000-plus segment on its very first day of sale, while simultaneously registering the biggest day-one smartphone opening in the company’s history. According to Nothing, online sales of the Phone (4b) surpassed the first-day online sales of every previous Nothing smartphone. More significantly, the figure even exceeded the combined day-one online and offline sales of the brand’s earlier launches, making the Phone (4b) its strongest commercial debut yet. The milestone comes at a particularly interesting time…

With the Sierra EV, Tata Motors is attempting to redefine what that icon stands for in the electric era. While the original Sierra earned cult status for its distinctive glasshouse design and adventurous spirit, the new version arrives with a far more ambitious brief: to blend nostalgia with cutting-edge EV technology, connected experiences and everyday usability. Built on Tata’s latest EV architecture, the Sierra EV promises more than just impressive range and performance; it represents the company’s vision of the software-defined SUV, where capability, intelligence and comfort coexist seamlessly. Ahead of its launch, we sat down with Anand Kulkarni, Chief…

As the monsoon season sweeps across India, the familiar challenge of drying clothes in humid weather returns in the form of damp garments, lingering odours and extended drying times. Samsung is positioning its latest Bespoke AI Washer Dryer range as a solution to these seasonal concerns by combining washing and drying capabilities with AI-powered automation. The new lineup caters to different household sizes, starting with a compact all-in-one washer dryer designed for smaller homes and extending to a premium model featuring a 25kg wash and 15kg dry capacity aimed at larger families. A mid-range 12kg wash and 7kg dry variant…

Short-form video has evolved far beyond entertainment, becoming a powerful medium for regional expression, community building and digital entrepreneurship. As India’s creator economy expands beyond the metros, platforms like ShareChat and Moj are playing a pivotal role in shaping how millions of users discover, consume and create content in their own languages. We caught up with Nitin Jain, Chief Technology Officer at ShareChat, to discuss the rise of vernacular communities, the explosive growth of microdramas, AI’s role in empowering creators, and what the next chapter of India’s digital content ecosystem looks like. EX: ShareChat and Moj have always had a…

Handheld fans aren’t exactly a new invention. Most of us have used one at some point or, at the very least, seen someone pull one out during a sweltering summer commute. But after a while, they all start to feel the same. After all, they are all small blades pushing around the same hot air that’s making you uncomfortable in the first place. Living in Mumbai, where summer temperatures regularly cross 35 degrees Celsius, and being someone who naturally sweats more than the average person, the launch of the TEMPT ICY immediately caught my attention. Not because it’s another portable…

For years, smartphone conversations have revolved around bigger camera sensors, faster processors and the latest AI-powered features. But a new consumer study suggests that buyers are beginning to value something far more practical: durability. According to the latest study by Corning, a staggering 87 per cent of Indian smartphone users admit to accidentally dropping their phones, making accidental falls one of the most common real-world challenges consumers face. It’s a statistic that explains why durability has quietly become one of the most important factors influencing smartphone purchase decisions. The study reveals that 56 per cent of users actively worry about…

Leh isn’t exactly where you’d expect to form your first impressions of a smartphone. But perhaps that’s what makes it the perfect place. Between mountain roads, blazing sunshine and delectably cold weather, the Nothing Phone (4b) got a rather unique baptism. I’ve been using the device for around a day and a half now, and while it’s far too early for a review, it’s certainly enough time to talk about what stands out,and what I’m looking forward to testing further. Design that Makes You Stop and Stare Let’s get the obvious bit out of the way first. Nothing simply doesn’t…

For Rajeev Singh, Managing Director of BenQ India and South Asia, lasting success comes from making bold decisions, adapting to change, and staying focused on long-term value over short-term gains. From reshaping BenQ’s product strategy to navigating the rapid rise of AI, Singh believes technology should empower people while leaders prepare their teams for an evolving future. In this edition of Tech Titans, he shares his perspectives on leadership, innovation, Gen Z, sustainability, and the importance of building brands that earn trust over time. A personal habit or ritual that quietly shapes how you make big decisions? Before any big…