iWorld
Mumbai Police bans uniform reels and khaki swag videos
51,000 personnel ordered to stop social media content in uniform, violations face disciplinary action under 1979 rules.
MUMBAI: Mumbai’s finest are hanging up their khaki swag reels because sometimes the spotlight on uniform glamour risks turning into a security slip-up. In a circular issued on Thursday (20 February 2026) and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dattatray Kamble, the Mumbai Police has directed all 51,000 personnel to immediately cease posting reels, mini-vlogs, or any videos shot while in uniform on social media platforms like Instagram. The order warns of strict disciplinary proceedings under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules, 1979 for non-compliance.
The crackdown targets the viral “khaki swag” trend that saw younger officers gain big followings through entertaining, dance-filled, or motivational clips in uniform. The circular notes that such content often inadvertently shows office premises, government vehicles, equipment, or duty-related details potentially compromising operational security and confidentiality.
The Mumbai Police Social Media Lab has been tasked with actively monitoring platforms and flagging violations. The move aligns with a July 2025 Government Resolution regulating social media use by state government employees, which bars self-promotion, criticism of policies, sharing confidential material, or posting offensive content. It also mandates clear separation between personal and official accounts, prohibits displaying designations, logos, government property, or office details (except in profile photos), and stresses avoiding anything that could harm the force’s image or discipline.
Senior officers acknowledge that while many reels appeared harmless or even boosted public engagement, the risks of breaching secrecy or projecting an unprofessional vibe outweighed the perks. The trend had produced stars like Amol Kale, who amassed over 583,000 followers and collaborated with celebrities including Ranveer Singh, Nora Fatehi, and Malaika Arora.
For a force that thrives on discipline and discretion, this directive is less about killing fun and more about keeping the uniform’s authority intact on duty and off the feed. From now on, the only reels Mumbai cops are expected to chase are the ones involving actual lawbreakers.
e-commerce
American Express to acquire AI startup Hyper to boost automation
Deal targets expense management as AI reshapes corporate spending tools.
MUMBAI: From receipts to robots, the expense sheet is getting a brain upgrade as American Express moves to bring artificial intelligence into the heart of corporate spending. The company has announced plans to acquire Hyper, a relatively young but fast-rising startup founded in 2022 that builds AI-powered agents capable of organising expenses, generating reports, verifying compliance with budgets and policies, and nudging users with timely reminders. The deal, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, underscores a growing shift among financial institutions to automate traditionally manual, time-heavy workflows.
Hyper counts Sam Altman among its backers, adding a layer of Silicon Valley credibility to the acquisition. While financial details remain undisclosed, the strategic intent is clear: deepen automation capabilities and sharpen American Express’s position in the competitive corporate spending ecosystem.
The two companies are not strangers. They previously collaborated in 2024 on a co-branded credit card product, suggesting that the acquisition is less a cold buy and more an extension of an existing relationship. With this move, American Express is effectively bringing that capability in-house, aiming to embed AI directly into its commercial services stack.
Chief executive Stephen Squeri had already signalled the direction of travel in a recent shareholder letter, describing AI as a “structural shift” in how businesses operate. The Hyper acquisition appears to be a direct response to that shift, particularly in expense management, where processes such as approvals, compliance checks and reporting remain ripe for automation.
Alongside the acquisition, the company is also expanding its product suite. A recently launched business credit card offers cashback and benefits at an annual fee of $295, with another card expected later this year moves that complement its broader push into commercial services.
Taken together, the strategy points to a future where managing expenses may require fewer spreadsheets and more algorithms. For American Express, the bet is simple, if businesses are rethinking how work gets done, the tools that power that work need to evolve just as quickly.
