Brands
Aamir Khan becomes Vivo India’s new face
MUMBAI: After ending a two-year contract with Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo has found its new brand ambassador in Aamir Khan. The eminent actor has been signed for Vivo’s future brand and product communication initiatives of Vivo India.
Capturing the essence of brand Vivo, Aamir Khan will soon be seen in a full-fledged marketing campaign around the upcoming products and will feature in a new television commercial.
The company is said to launch its new mobile handset V9 on 23 March which will feature the actor in its campaign.
Vivo India CMO Kenny Zeng says, “We are thrilled about the possibilities that our partnership with one of the world’s biggest superstars, Aamir Khan, will open up for Vivo in India. He mirrors the values of versatility, perfection and innovation that we steadfastly follow at Vivo. This new association will enable us to explore newer avenues to reach our customers as we script our future growth strategy in India.”
Commenting on his association, Aamir Khan adds, “Vivo as a brand embodies the spirit of innovation and meaningful disruption. Over the years, the brand has been constantly pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology as we know it today to provide consumers with an enhanced mobility experience. I am enthused to be a part of Vivo’s transformative journey in India.”
Over the last few years, Vivo has established an extensive retail presence to provide varied choices to consumers across the length and breadth of the country. Additionally, it has also launched an e-store and experience centre to provide phenomenal experience to its valued customers. With sports as a key focus for brand building, Vivo has invested heavily to associate with popular platforms such as IPL and Pro Kabaddi League.
Brands
Maharashtra revokes Ola, Uber, Rapido bike taxi licences
Temporary e-bike taxi permits cancelled as firms fail to meet state rules
MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s roads are set to see fewer zipping two-wheelers after the state government pulled the plug on provisional licences granted to bike taxi giants Ola, Uber and Rapido. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced in the Legislative Council on Monday that temporary permissions would be revoked.
“These companies were given permission for just a month and were required to submit certain documents. Since they have not complied, their temporary licences are cancelled. This is to ensure illegal bikes do not operate on our roads,” Sarnaik said.
The move follows the Maharashtra E Bike Taxi Rules 2024, designed to generate employment for local youth and offer commuters a cheaper, greener ride option. The rules, approved in August 2024, allow electric bike taxis in cities with over one lakh residents.
Under the policy, only electric vehicles can ply as taxis, and operators had 30 days to fulfil licensing and compliance requirements. Yet, officials claim many continued operations without meeting these conditions. Sarnaik added that a large number of bike taxis currently running in Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region are illegal.
In a firm enforcement twist, the government has instructed authorities to focus on vehicle owners rather than riders when registering cases. Safety concerns, particularly for women passengers, and accident complaints have also been flagged by the transport department.
Since April 2024, Regional Transport Offices have taken action against 130 non-compliant bike taxis, collecting fines exceeding Rs 33 lakh. Authorities say further measures will follow to ensure services adhere to regulations before returning to city streets.
Maharashtra’s bike taxi saga has been a rollercoaster. Initially banned in January 2023 due to concerns over private vehicles ferrying passengers, the sector was later formalised through an electric bike framework in 2024. Provisional licences were granted in 2025, but the government now warns that any bike taxi operating on city roads without proper permits will be considered illegal.
Adding to the transport shake-up, the government has also halted the issuance of new auto rickshaw permits from March 9 to ease urban traffic pressures and safeguard livelihoods of existing drivers. A fresh standard operating procedure for future permits is set to go before the state cabinet soon.
Maharashtra commuters may have to find alternative rides as the state reins in its two-wheeled taxi revolution, leaving app-based bikers in a legal limbo.
