Brands
BonV Aero takes flight with defence honours
MUMBAI: When it comes to innovation, this startup isn’t just flying high, it’s soaring into the nation’s defence hall of fame. Odisha-based aerospace firm BonV Aero has clinched the SIDM Champion Award (Special Jury) under technology/product innovation to address defence capabilities gap, a proud recognition of its indigenous advances in aerial systems.
The award was presented by defence minister Rajnath Singh to BonV Aero co-founder and CEO Satyabrata Satapathy, who dedicated the win to the nation and the armed forces. The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) instituted the awards to honour excellence in home-grown defence manufacturing and technology breakthroughs.
BonV Aero’s work in high-altitude, heavy-payload, and autonomous aerial systems has drawn national attention for expanding what unmanned aircraft can achieve in India’s tactical and logistics landscapes. The startup’s indigenous propulsion systems, rugged airframes, and self-flying technologies enable these drones to carry heavy loads, operate independently in complex terrains, and adapt to mission-critical defence operations.
As the only Odisha-based startup to receive this recognition, BonV Aero has put the state’s deep-tech ambitions on the national map. The company’s blend of design precision and operational reliability is creating aerospace solutions that are as strategic as they are self-reliant, aligning seamlessly with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
“This recognition from SIDM and the Ministry of Defence is a proud moment not just for BonV Aero, but for Odisha’s entire innovation community,” said Satyabrata Satapathy, adding that the firm’s mission is to “build systems that perform where it matters most, from high-altitude frontiers to rapid-response tactical environments.”
The awards jury, chaired by Satheesh Reddy, former DRDO chairman and scientific adviser to the Defence Minister, featured a distinguished panel including Prahlada Ramarao (padma shri), air marshal Anil Chopra (retd.), vice admiral S.K.N. Ghormade (retd.), and maj gen P.K. Saini (retd.), among others.
Endorsed by defence minister Rajnath Singh, the SIDM Champion Awards continue to highlight the power of collaboration between industry and the armed forces, spotlighting innovation as the new arsenal of modern defence.
With this recognition, BonV Aero has not just lifted off, it’s redefining flight itself, positioning India for a future where indigenous ingenuity leads the way in aerospace and defence technology.
Brands
Kingfisher bets big on music culture with Karan Aujla’s 2026 India tour
Water Partners with Karan Aujla for P POP Culture India Tour 2026
MUMBAI: Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water from United Breweries Limited, part of the Heineken Company, has announced its association as the co-presenting partner of Karan Aujla’s P POP Culture India Tour 2026. The collaboration places music and culture at the centre of the brand’s iconic “Good Times” philosophy, integrating the brand seamlessly into one of the most dynamic live music movements in the country.
As co-presenting partner, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water will play a significant role across the tour’s on-ground and digital ecosystem, creating immersive consumer experiences and driving meaningful engagement at every touchpoint. The partnership is designed to strengthen the brand’s cultural relevance among young and expressive audiences who see music as a core part of their identity and celebrations.
At the heart of the association is a series of three brand films featuring Karan Aujla, where the global music artist reimagines Kingfisher’s iconic “Oo La La La Le O” jingle across Afro, Punjabi and Funk genres. The Afro-inspired film sets a relaxed jam-session tone, with Aujla warming up, finding his rhythm and delivering a smooth rendition that builds anticipation. The Punjabi version draws from his cultural roots, transforming the jingle into a high-energy Punjabi pop track marked by confidence and commanding stage presence. The Funk interpretation introduces a playful yet bold edge, driven by contemporary beats and groove-led production that highlights his versatility while amplifying the epic Good Times spirit. Together, the films blend spontaneous performance moments with music-led storytelling, reinforcing Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water’s long-standing association with celebration and culture.
Commenting on the partnership, United Breweries Limited chief marketing officer Vikram Bahl, said that music remains a powerful cultural connector and a core passion point for consumers. He noted that the brand has always focused on creating moments that bring people together, and reimagining the iconic jingle across diverse musical styles offers a fresh expression of the Good Times philosophy. He added that the association with Karan Aujla’s P POP Culture India Tour enables the brand to embed itself authentically within one of the most exciting music movements in India today.
Expressing his excitement, Karan Aujla said that partnering with Kingfisher felt like destiny, as music and celebration are deeply embedded in both their identities. He described reinterpreting “Oo La La La Le O” across different genres as a creative high, allowing him to respect the legacy of the iconic tune while infusing it with his own energy and contemporary sound. He emphasised that the collaboration goes beyond a remake, presenting a fresh vibe that audiences can experience live as the tour travels across cities.
The P POP Culture India Tour 2026 will roll out across major cultural hubs including Delhi on 28 February, Mumbai and Pune on 3 March, Chandigarh on 14 March, Indore on 21 March, Bengaluru on 29 March, Kolkata on 3 April, Jaipur on 5 April and Lucknow on 10 April. At every stop, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water aims to deliver its signature Good Times experience, celebrating creativity, community and unforgettable shared moments.
With this partnership, Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water continues to strengthen music as a central pillar of its brand identity. Fans can experience the collaboration by watching the brand films across Kingfisher’s official digital and social media platforms.
