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Global recording artist Eylsia Nicolas has achieved a rare breakthrough in India, surpassing 100 million views on her original Hindi-language single after becoming one of the first Western artists to write, record, and release full original songs phonetically in Hindi specifically for Indian listeners.   Global recording artist Eylsia Nicolas, whose Hindi-language releases have surpassed 100 million views in india, becoming one of the first western artists to record in Hindi Her follow-up Hindi release generated more than 10 million views in its first 24 hours, marking one of the fastest audience accelerations in India for a non-Indian artist in recent years. A Western Artist Singing Her Own Original Music in Hindi-and Going Viral Nicolas’ decision to record her own compositions in Hindi-learning the phonetics line by line to honor the language-has resonated deeply with Indian audiences. Her Hindi vocals have been praised for their emotional accuracy and authenticity, helping her build a rapidly growing fan base in a country where she previously had no exposure. Indian media outlets have described her rise as “unexpected,” “refreshing,” and “a rare cultural bridge from West to East.” A Comeback Story That Captured Global Attention Just one year earlier, Nicolas was recovering from catastrophic COVID-related damage that left her bedridden for over a year, with 20% permanent loss of lung capacity and severe vocal cord injury. Through sound-restoration technology developed by her R&D company WorldIPI.com, and supported by AI-assisted processes, she regained her voice. This breakthrough resulted in a granted U.S. patent in December 2025, co-invented with renowned inventor Donald Spector. Once her voice returned, Nicolas wrote and released more than 90 songs in 2025, including a historic achievement: eight of the Top 10 singer-songwriter songs in one week on the global indie charts.   India Becomes the Center of Her 2026 Global Expansion Following her viral Hindi releases, Nicolas is preparing a major India-focused year that includes:   The India launch of BookKards™, her patented publishing format that delivers multimedia, AI-guided, personalized reading experiences for under ₹100 A charity tennis exhibition with a rising young Indian player, honoring her roots as the youngest winner of the Irish Open and a former Wimbledon competitor A collaboration with an Indian recording artist, who will perform one of her original compositions A multi-city visit to meet fans, creators, and partners   BookKards™: A New Format Debuting in India Nicolas’ BookKards™ format-built on an already granted patent portfolio with new filings pending-allows a single card to unlock:   Unlimited multimedia content Personalized AI-guided reading journeys Automatic translation Expansion or contraction of the story based on the reader’s preference   India, with its massive youth population and mobile-first reading culture, will be the first country where BookKards™ is introduced at scale.   A Story of Resilience and Cultural Connection Half Filipino, half Irish, and a first-generation American, Nicolas describes her connection to India as “unexpected, emotional, and humbling.” She credits Indian listeners for giving her a second life as an artist.   “I recorded in Hindi out of respect,” Nicolas says. “I never imagined India would embrace me this way. I’m honored, grateful, and excited to give India my very best.“   Follow Eylsia Nicolas: Instagram: www.instagram.com/lisaeylsia Facebook: facebook.com/eylsianicolas YouTube: www.youtube.com/@eylsia   About Nicolas of Palm Beach Nicolas of Palm Beach embodies the global reputation of Palm Beach as the casual luxury capital of the world. Renowned for its exquisite fashion, jewelry, fragrances, and accessories, the brand is part of the Worldipi.com family of companies. This unique collective merges science, technology, art, and entertainment, fostering synergistic collaborations on projects between its own companies and external partners.   About Eylsia Nicolas Eylsia Nicolas is a singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and innovator whose career spans athletics, education, business, and the arts. She is the owner of Nicolas of Palm Beach, Real Boxer, and WorldIPI.com. Her music blends multiple genres and has earned international recognition for its emotional depth and versatility.   About WORLDIPI.COM Intellectual Properties International Holdings, WORLDIPI.COM, is a worldwide leader in intellectual property. It represents the intellectual properties and technologies of Donald Spector, who has been called one of the world’s most prolific inventors. The company has hundreds of US and foreign patents in medicine, entertainment, communications, technology and consumer products. Mr. Spector has opened up several billion-dollar industries.   The principals of World IPI created the first hydraulic exerciser; the first hyperbaric chamber for seeds and the first ball that lit up at night. Bristol-Myers Squibb set up a separate division for Spector’s patents including the first electronic air freshener, the Aroma Disc System.   Spector’s patents range from the first known app for location-based advertising; the first known patents for a cyber translation system; patents that predate the wearable biosensor market, as well as hundreds of other patents and technologies.

In a remarkable display of grit, discipline, and sporting excellence, athletes supported by M3M Foundation under its flagship Lakshya Sports Program delivered an outstanding performance at the Kettlebell Sport Haryana State Championship 2026, held at The Shriram Millennium School, Gurgaon.   M3M Foundation Trustee and Chairperson, Dr Payal Kanodia with athletes at Kettlebell Sports Haryana State Championship 2026   Organised by the Kettlebell Sport Haryana Association under the aegis of Kettlebell Sport India Association, the championship witnessed participation across Sub-Junior, Junior, Senior, and Veteran categories, bringing together top kettlebell athletes from across the state.   20 athletes represented M3M Foundation’s iMpower Club, collectively secured an exceptional tally of 30 medals, including 18 Gold, 9 Silver, and 3 Bronze, reaffirming the transformative impact of structured sports training and opportunity on underserved youth.   The championship also marked a historic moment with the participation of Haryana’s first Para Kettlebell Athlete from iMpower Club, reflecting M3M Foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that sporting platforms remain accessible to talent across all abilities.   Young athletes such as Rohit, Rajnish, Sajid, Resham, and others delivered extraordinary performances, with several participants completing over 105 kettlebell lifts in a single go—a feat that demonstrated not just physical strength, but immense determination, stamina, and mental resilience. Coming from families of migrant workers and economically vulnerable communities, these children exemplified how talent, when nurtured with the right support, can transcend barriers and expectations.   Further elevating the spirit of the championship, Dr. Payal Kanodia, two time Gold Medallist at the world kettlebell championships, an accomplished international kettlebell sportsperson, joined the event alongside her sons, Master Kian Kanodia and Master Krishiv Kanodia, in an inspiring demonstration of encouragement and solidarity with the young athletes. Their participation reflected a powerful message of family-led inspiration and support for grassroots sports.   Adding to the prestige of the event, distinguished IUKL (International Union of Kettlebell Lifting) judges also participated in ceremonial kettlebell lifts during the championship, lending international sporting recognition to the event and inspiring athletes through their presence and engagement.   Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation, said, “Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their strength and pursue excellence, regardless of their background. Witnessing our iMpower athletes—especially children from migrant worker families and our para athlete—compete with such confidence and determination is truly inspiring. Their achievements reinforce our belief that when young talent is nurtured with the right platform, mentorship, and encouragement, they can achieve extraordinary milestones. At M3M Foundation, we remain committed to building champions both on and off the field.”   The championship performance stands as yet another milestone in M3M Foundation’s ongoing mission to democratize access to quality sports training and competitive exposure for underserved communities. Through its Lakshya Program, the Foundation continues to nurture grassroots talent, empower young athletes, and create pathways for inclusive sporting excellence.    About M3M Foundation M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

Business Core Solutions (BCS), the world’s first Agentic System Integrator, announced the acquisition of Techie2Pillar, a company specializing in voice and conversational AI.   Business Core Solutions acquires Techie2Pillar for AI scaling   This move is part of BCS’s plan to strengthen how it delivers AI solutions for enterprises and expand its Agentic Service as a Software (ASaaS) offerings, enabling organizations to move from fragmented automation efforts to more structured, scalable execution models.   The acquisition comes after six months of collaboration between the two companies. During this period, Business Core Solutions and Techie2Pillar worked on real business use cases using conversational and AI-driven agents. These engagements demonstrated how AI can move beyond experiments and be used effectively in everyday business operations, particularly in areas where real-time interaction, decision-making, and workflow execution are critical.   With this acquisition, Techie2Pillar will be integrated into BCS’ Agentic Service as a Software (ASaaS) portfolio and will form the foundation of Proxyn.ai, a newly established sister company of BCS. This integration brings together Techie2Pillar’s expertise in voice and conversational AI with BCS’ library of 400+ ready-to-deploy agent blueprints, refined across 60+ enterprise environments strengthening BCS’ ability to design and deploy outcome-driven structured and scalable enterprise AI execution.   Speaking on the acquisition, Prakash Palani, CTO of BCS, said “Many organizations have strong ideas for AI, but the real challenge lies in executing them consistently at scale. This acquisition strengthens our ability to deliver reliable production-ready AI Solutions. Through Proxyn.ai, we are enabling faster agentic use cases deployment with reduced risk, while our Agentic System Integrator model, supported by platforms like Symphony, Anugal, and deKorvai, ensures governance and scalability across the enterprise.”   Bharanish, CTO of Techie2Pillar, said, “Our collaboration with BCS has already shown how conversational AI can deliver real business impact. By becoming part of BCS’s ASaaS portfolio, we can now better design and deploy AI systems that integrate smoothly with enterprise tools.”   Together, the combined capabilities are intended to help enterprises move from fragmented automation initiatives to structured, agent-driven operations, addressing one of the key challenges in AI adoption, scaling from pilot programs to production systems.    About Business Core Solutions Business Core Solutions (BCS) is a global enterprise transformation company, recognized as the world’s first Agentic System Integrator. Founded in 2014, the company operates across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and India, providing services across enterprise ecosystems including SAP, Salesforce, OpenText, AI/ML, Agentic Orchestration, Cloud, and Data Analytics.   These capabilities are complemented by its platforms, Symphony for orchestration, Anugal for identity governance, and deKorvai for data intelligence, which enable control, coordination, and visibility across enterprise systems. BCS supports organizations in improving execution efficiency, reducing operational complexity, and delivering consistent outcomes across processes.    For more information, visit www.businesscoresolutions.com

Robb Report India, part of RPSG Lifestyle Media, in collaboration with the erstwhile royal family of Gwalior—Priyadarshini Raje Scindia and her son, Mahanaaryaman Scindia—hosted Palace Prive, an #RRExperience, at the iconic Jai Vilas Palace on April 8 and 9, 2026. The exclusive, invite-only gathering brought together a select group of guests for an immersive celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and royal hospitality, zooming in on the storied legacy of Madhya Pradesh and India.   Palace Prive by Robb Report India at Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior   The key partners at this one-of-a-kind soiree were Macallan (experience partner), Bentley (automotive partner), Vedica (hydration partner), Matsya (lifestyle partner), and PC Totuka (fine jewellery partner).   Personally curated by Priyadarshini Raje Scindia and the palace concierge, the special 24-hour itinerary offered an intimate window into the region’s cultural legacy, set within one of India’s most celebrated royal residences. Built in 1874 by Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia, Jai Vilas Palace—known for its European-Maratha architectural influences and its grand Durbar Hall—served as both setting and storyteller. As a residence that continues to be home to the Scindia family alongside a public museum, the palace provided a backdrop that bridges the past and the present.   Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior   Avarna Jain, Chairperson, RPSG Lifestyle Media, said, “Palace Prive represents the essence of Robb Report India, which is access to the exceptional. This collaboration allowed us to present an experience that is deeply rooted in heritage while remaining contemporary in its expression of luxury.”   On day 1, besides a grand tour of the Durbar Hall and a soulful performance by Nayab Midha, at the heart of Palace Prive was an intimate dining experience from the royal kitchen, set against the magnificent backdrop of the palace. The evening featured a curated menu inspired by recipes passed down through generations, reflecting the culinary traditions of the royal family.   Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior   “A lot of the experiences that we create around Gwalior and Jai Vilas Palace are based on our memories, our experiences, and the time we’ve spent here with our children,” said Priyadarshini Raje Scindia. “This, for us, is about opening our home and sharing those memories with our guests.”   The experience extended beyond the palace interiors to spotlight the region’s rich artisanal traditions. Local craftsmen, including lac bangle makers, chanderi weavers, and carpet artisans, were invited to present their work, offering guests a glimpse into their craft practices at the Crafters’ Brunch on the morning of April 9.   “When I was told we had such a short time with our guests, we tried to curate exclusive and special experiences for everyone,” Priyadarshini Raje Scindia added. “We reached out to many local crafters, from lac bangle makers to carpet weavers, and they were all excited to let [Robb Report India] guests experience the crafts—to touch, feel, and engage with what they do, and understand what art and craft mean in the region.”   “We have created magic. In 24 hours in Gwalior, you have witnessed an unveiling of the richness that Madhya Pradesh and Gwalior have to offer,” she added.   Palace Prive, an #RRExperience, was shaped through the close involvement of Priyadarshini Raje Scindia and Mahaaryaman Scindia, who worked alongside Robb Report India to design a deeply personal programme.   The event saw attendance from a distinguished guest list spanning tastemakers from film, food, design, and culture, including actor and philanthropist Dia Mirza and husband Vaibhav Rekhi, actor Aditi Rao Hydari and husband Siddharth, designers Raghavendra Rathore and Kavita Rathore, entrepreneur Devyani Jaipuria, and hotelier Yeshwant Holkar, among others.   Palace Prive, an #RRExperience, underscored a shared philosophy between the Scindia family and Robb Report India—one that places craftsmanship, heritage, and authenticity at the centre of luxury.   Aindrila Mitra, Editor, Robb Report India, emphasised, “The Robb Report Experience is our attempt to lend an immersive leg to the magazine title. And these experiences are always curated in a way that makes them one-of-a-kind. From 12 hours up to 36 hours, the #RRExperience itineraries are more about intentional storytelling rather than excess.”   By bringing together cultural narratives and artisanal excellence, the experience reflected Robb Report India’s ongoing commitment to curating meaningful luxury experiences.   About Robb Report India  Robb Report India is the global voice of luxury, trusted by those who never settle for anything but the exceptional. With 22 international editions, Robb Report curates the rare, the timeless, and the unforgettable for an audience that lives extraordinarily. At its core, the brand believes that true luxury today lies not merely in ownership but in experiencing fine craftsmanship, engaging intimately with culture, cuisine, and destinations, and embracing moments that are exclusive, private, and deeply personal. In India, Robb Report champions an India-first perspective within the high-end space, bringing to life emotionally rich, people-forward storytelling that celebrates the country’s heritage, creativity, and evolving definition of modern luxury.   About RPSG Lifestyle Media Part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, RPSG Lifestyle Media has recently launched multiple media titles, including Esquire India, The Hollywood Reporter India, Robb Report India, and its own wedding-forward title, Manifest. The group has plans to expand into various lifestyle verticals in the near future. The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group is a USD 7-billion group with interests in power, carbon black, IT, retail, FMCG, sports, media, and entertainment.

Chitkara University has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JAN AI, a flagship initiative of the Head Held High Foundation, to advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive access to Artificial Intelligence.    Chitkara University signs MoU with Jan AI to advance innovation and accessible AI The MoU was formalised in the presence of Dr. Madan Padaki, Founder of JAN AI, along with senior leadership and academic representatives from the University. This collaboration marks a forward-looking step towards democratising AI by enabling students and communities to engage with emerging technologies while addressing real-world challenges. It will focus on building capacity through AI-focused training programs, workshops, and hands-on learning opportunities, alongside the launch of the JAN AI Rural Internship Program that offers exposure to real-life problem-solving in diverse communities. As part of the partnership, a Rural AI Incubator will be developed to support student-led startups and innovations, complemented by joint research initiatives centered on AI for social impact, rural development, and inclusive growth. The collaboration will also encourage the creation of AI-driven solutions across sectors such as agriculture, livelihoods, financial inclusion, and governance, while providing students with opportunities to engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and grassroots innovators. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Madan Padaki emphasised the importance of making AI accessible and relevant to all sections of society, particularly underserved communities, and highlighted the role of academia in enabling this transformation. Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, “At Chitkara University, we believe that the true potential of technology lies in its ability to create meaningful impact. This collaboration with JAN AI is a step towards making Artificial Intelligence more accessible, relevant, and purpose-driven. By empowering our students and communities with the right skills and opportunities, we aim to nurture a generation of innovators who can address real challenges and contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth.” This MoU takes forward Chitkara University’s commitment to bridging the gap between technology, innovation, and societal needs, while enabling the next generation of entrepreneurs to harness AI for scalable and sustainable solutions. About Chitkara University Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, recognised among India’s leading institutions by NIRF, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning. The University’s academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into core curricula, supported by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry partners. Global Pathway programs, developed in partnership with leading universities in the United States, Australia and Canada, allow students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University, prepares graduates for careers in India and internationally.   For more information, please visit: www.chitkara.edu.in.  

Superplum, the company behind India’s first modern farm-to-shelf fruit supply chain, has launched InstaTrace™ — a first-of-its-kind digital intelligence system that does something no other fruit brand in the world does: it lets consumers see everything.   Superplum InstaTrace™ QR Scanner   Every Superplum pack carries a unique QR code. One scan — no app download, no login — and families get the full, verifiable life story of their fruit: where it was grown, who grew it, how it was tested, and how it reached their home. In a market where consumers have been told to just “trust the label,” InstaTrace replaces blind faith with open data.   Here Are The Receipts. India’s fruit industry is a $100 billion market with zero consumer-facing transparency. No brand lets you verify safety. No brand shows you the farm. No brand names the farmer. InstaTrace changes all of that.   When a consumer scans the QR code on a Superplum pack, they access a comprehensive intelligence report covering eight sections of verified data:   Pesticide Safety: Verified, Not Claimed Every batch is tested at a NABL-accredited laboratory for pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and growth regulators. The actual lab report is linked directly in the scan. Consumers don’t read a marketing claim — they read the lab data. When the InstaTrace report says “Within Safe Limits,” that’s not a tagline. That’s a test result.   The Farmer: Named, Photographed, Rewardable InstaTrace reveals the actual grower behind each pack — their name, photograph, years of farming experience, and a harvest calendar showing their growing season. For example, a scan of Superplum Papaya shows grower Daga Mahadu Karankal from Shindkheda, Maharashtra, farming for over a year with drip irrigation and high farm hygiene. Consumers can even pay the farmer a direct bonus through a secure portal — turning purchase into partnership.   The Farm: GPS-Pinpointed, Satellite-Mapped Every InstaTrace report includes a precise satellite map of the source farm. This is how Superplum guarantees provenance. A Sindhura Mango scan shows the exact orchard in Muthalamada, Kerala — with plant age, irrigation type, disease incidence levels, and farm hygiene rating. For GI-tagged varieties, this is irrefutable proof of origin: not “Alphonso-style,” but actual, verified Alphonso from its rightful region.   The Journey: Tracked all the way From the moment the fruit is hand-picked to the final quality check at the distribution centre, InstaTrace logs every step. Consumers see harvest time, sorting location, transport temperature, humidity levels, and the name of every quality inspector who handled their batch. A Papaya batch scan reveals it was harvested in Dhule at 9:30 AM, transported at 13°C with 51% humidity, and quality-checked in Noida — every checkpoint verified.   Hygienic Handling: Checked at Every Stage The report confirms that procurement centres, transport vehicles, distribution centres, and packaging lines all passed hygiene checks before the batch moved through. This isn’t a blanket assurance — it’s a checkpoint-by-checkpoint verification trail.   Carbon Footprint: Measured, Not Marketed For the first time in Indian fresh produce, consumers can view the calculated carbon emissions for their pack’s journey from farm to city. Sourced from the GHG Emission Factors Hub, this gives environmentally conscious families real data, not a green label.   See the reports in action: Papayas | Sindhura   Why There’s Nothing Like This. Anywhere. InstaTrace is not a QR code that links to a marketing page. It is not a blockchain gimmick. It is a live, batch-specific intelligence report powered by Superplum’s proprietary FreshManager™ platform — a system built over five years of in-house R&D to manage India’s most complex fresh produce supply chain.   Globally, no fresh fruit brand combines all of these elements in a single consumer-facing scan: batch-level pesticide lab reports, named and photographed growers, GPS farm coordinates, timestamped cold-chain journey tracking, hygiene verification, and carbon footprint data. Leading international brands offer partial traceability — a regional certification here, an anti-counterfeit code there. InstaTrace goes further by declassifying the entire supply chain for every individual pack.   The Safe Fruit Movement InstaTrace is the public-facing expression of Superplum’s broader mission: to make fruit safety visible and verifiable across India. Behind the QR code is a nationwide infrastructure of farm-level cold rooms, precision sorting and grading facilities, proprietary cold-chain transport (Fresherator™), automated ripening chambers, and state-of-the-art distribution centres — all digitally traced and connected through FreshManager™.   This modern supply chain enables Superplum to deliver what was previously impossible in India: high-quality, pesticide-tested, fully traceable fruit at scale — including delicate varieties like lychees, cherries, and ready-to-eat mangoes, delivered nationwide.   Don’t Guess. InstaTrace It!   About Superplum Superplum is reimagining India’s fruit supply chain with a mission to make fruit safety visible and verifiable. Through its proprietary technology platform, custom-designed digital cold chain, and direct farmer relationships, Superplum delivers premium, traceable, and safe-to-eat fruit to consumers while ensuring fair returns for farmers. The company operates India’s first state-of-the-art modern fresh produce supply chain, serving consumers across multiple states through retail, quick-commerce, and e-commerce channels.   Website: www.superplum.com

Bata India, India’s most trusted footwear brand, is set to launch its latest campaign, “Everyday Essentials. Reinvented,” bringing renewed focus to open footwear, an enduring staple in Indian wardrobes. Fronted by actor Taapsee Pannu, the campaign celebrates the category’s deep-rooted relevance in India while presenting a contemporary collection designed for modern women.   Everyday Essentials Reinvented The collection focuses on open silhouettes, including flat and low-heeled sandals, peep-toes, woven straps and styles with adjustable buckles. Crafted using lightweight materials and supportive construction, the range is designed for long hours of wear while keeping the look fresh, minimal and easy to style. A palette of beige, brown, silver and black gives the collection a relaxed, modern sensibility, while subtle heel heights add stability without compromising comfort. More than just a seasonal trend, open footwear continues to be a category deeply embedded in Indian consumer behaviour. From navigating daily commutes to transitioning into relaxed evening settings, sandals and open styles have consistently delivered on ease and adaptability. This sustained demand is reflected in scale, with Bata selling over 2 million pairs of open footwear in 2025, reinforcing its position as a category staple. Speaking about the campaign, Badri Beriwal, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, Bata India said, “Everyday Essentials. Reinvented reflects the way Bata is looking at modern footwear today – through the lens of comfort, utility and design that fits seamlessly into real life. With this collection, we are bringing together thoughtful construction and contemporary style to create footwear that feels relevant, easy to wear and dependable through the day.” Adding to the campaign’s spirit, Taapsee Pannu added, “For me, comfort is essential when it comes to footwear. My days are often packed and constantly on the move, so I naturally gravitate towards styles that feel effortless to wear while still looking stylish. The open footwear from Bata’s Everyday Essentials collection fit seamlessly into my everyday routine.” With “Everyday Essentials. Reinvented,” Bata positions open footwear not just as a category, but as an everyday constant, one that continues to evolve with the pace and preferences of modern India. With accessible pricing starting at ₹799, the collection aligns with Bata’s commitment to making well-crafted, everyday footwear widely available. Campaign link: www.instagram.com/reel/DW8qHyFot5X/?igsh=MXNheXRlNzliY3c0NQ%3D%3D About Bata India For close to a century, Bata India has been a symbol of trust and quality for the Indian consumers, serving 250,000 customers every day in 2023. Throughout this journey, Bata has continuously evolved to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers to become the largest footwear retailer and manufacturer in the country. Its expansive retail network consists of 1900+ stores (Company Owned and Franchise). Augmented by thousands of Multi Brand Outlets and a robust omni-channel presence across D2C and marketplaces, Bata India sells close to 50 million pairs annually. Bata India’s mission is to make global trends and premium fashion accessible to all consumers through its extensive retail network. It is redefining the intersection of fashion and comfort through its various brands – Bata Red Label for in trend global styles, Bata Comfit for technology enabled comfort in daily wear, athleisure brand Power for fitness sneakers and apparel, NorthStar for sneakers inspired by global youth trends, fashionable range of clogs and slip-ons under Floatz, kids brand Bubblegummers that has won the trust of parents while inspiring fun, and Hush Puppies the global brand that epitomises comfort and elegance to name a few. To explore the world of Bata, please visit www.bata.com  

OPPO, a leading global smartphone maker, recently announced that the latest models from its popular F-series – OPPO F33 5G and OPPO F33 Pro – will be launched on April 15th, 2026. The brand took to social media to share important updates, including the design and colour options of the two handsets. The F33 5G will be the base variant, and OPPO’s latest smartphones will continue the company’s tradition of offering exceptional front cameras, with a wide field of view.   Get the latest OPPO F33 5G on Bajaj Finserv Easy EMIs and enjoy a seamless upgrade   Users planning an upgrade can own OPPO’s latest smartphones without shouldering the entire expense upfront. With Bajaj Finserv Easy EMIs, users can split the cost into instalments and make payments over a 1 to 60 month tenure. Buyers can go to the nearest partner store, choose the Easy EMI option, and enjoy benefits like zero down payment offers on select models, flexible repayment tenures, and instant approvals.   OPPO F33 5G – A solid mid-range option OPPO hasn’t revealed the full specifications list of the OPPO F33 5G. However, users can expect best-in-class features, including a premium rugged and trendy design. The smartphone is also likely to get the same IP69K dust and water resistance rating as the F33 Pro, making it an excellent everyday use option. Moreover, the F33 5G is tipped to house a massive 7,000 mAh cell that promises long hours of scrolling, binge-watching, and multitasking.   Expected specifications Display: 6.57-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen, 120 Hz refresh rate Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Max RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X Storage: 128GB/256GB Rear cameras: 50MP main + 2MP depth Front camera: 16MP Battery: 7,000 mAh with 80W fast charging Operating system: ColorOS based on Android 16 Protection/durability: IP69K dust and water resistance   Design – Slim and trendy The OPPO F33 5G is expected to feature a slim body with a 6.57-inch flat display and an IP69K rating. Recent reports also point to a lighter build of around 194 grams, which should make the phone easier to carry and use for long periods.   Design highlights: 6.57-inch flat form factor IP69K dust and water resistance Slim and relatively lightweight build   Smooth 120 Hz AMOLED display The F33 5G is tipped to use a 6.57-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling feel smoother and improves motion clarity while streaming or gaming. The AMOLED panel offers better contrast and deeper blacks, which can make videos and app visuals look more refined.   Display highlights: 6.57-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display 120 Hz refresh rate Smoother scrolling and animations   MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Max processor for streamlined performance OPPO’s latest smartphone is expected to run on the MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Max chipset with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB storage. Users can expect smooth, streamlined performance, with the company focusing on optimised hardware.   Performance highlights: MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Max chip 8GB LPDDR4X RAM Up to 256GB internal storage   Dual-rear camera setup for crisp shots The OPPO F33 is rumoured to feature a 50MP main camera paired with a 2MP depth sensor, while the front may use a 16MP camera. OPPO is known for its finely-tuned cameras, and the rear imaging system promises stunning portraits with incredible clarity and detail.   Camera highlights: Rear: 50MP main + 2MP depth Front: 16MP Video recording: 4K @ 30 fps   7,000 mAh battery could be the biggest highlight One of the key highlights of the handset is tipped to be its battery pack, with reports suggesting a 7,000 mAh battery with 80W fast charging support. This means uninterrupted gaming, streaming, and binge-watching sessions for long hours, while the fast-charging support reduces downtime.   Battery highlights: 7,000 mAh battery 80W fast charging support   OPPO F33 5G – Pricing and options While OPPO hasn’t revealed the price range for the OPPO F33 5G, leaks suggest that the base variant (8GB RAM + 128GB ROM) can cost around Rs. 23,999. Moreover, OPPO’s latest smartphones (F33 5G and F33 Pro 5G) are likely to be offered in three colour options: Misty Forest, Passion Red, and Starry Blue.   *Disclaimer: The prices, specifications, and colours are based on recent reports and leaks. Please wait for official updates from OPPO for accurate specifications and pricing.   Best deals and offers on OPPO smartphones If users wish to explore some other OPPO smartphone, Bajaj Finserv has launched a limited time zero downpayment offer for the following OPPO phones, that’s valid from 1st April to 30th April 2026.   OPPO A6X – EMIs starting from Rs. 1,000/-, tenure up to 18 months + Save up to Rs. 5,000 OR get up to 30% off OPPO Reno 15 series – EMIs starting from Rs. 1,917/-, tenure up to 24 months + Save up to Rs. 5,000 OR get up to 30% off   *Disclaimer: EMIs may vary by location, partner store, and applicable offers. Please verify the latest pricing before purchase.   How to buy the OPPO F33 on Easy EMIs After the OPPO F33 5G becomes available in India, user can own the device by opting for Easy EMI plans. Buying from a Bajaj Finserv partner store helps user manage the cost better while keeping the purchase process simple. Here is how buyers can purchase the device after launch:   Visit the nearest Bajaj Finserv partner store. Select the Galaxy Z Fold 8 variant of choice. Check eligibility for Easy EMIs at checkout. Choose a flexible tenure between 1 and 60 months. Complete the purchase and take the new smartphone home. Bajaj Finance Limited Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial

West Avenue Realty, an emerging new-age real estate developer, has raised an incredible Rs. 50 crore through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) in just three years from the day of starting business! This is a huge accomplishment for the company and indicates the strength of investor confidence in its business model, execution capabilities and growth plan!   Vaibhav Kanabar & Saumitra Bhatkhalkar from West Avenue Realty successfully raise 50 crores NCDs Within Three Years of Operations   At a time that the real estate market is experiencing a constant cautious market place for investors due to ongoing worldwide disputes, and as the most recent decline in the stock markets with only a handful of capital deployments, there have been substantial and strong commitments from investors in West Avenue Realty. This level of investment in West Avenue Realty illustrates that the investment community believes that West Avenue Realty has established a clear discipline in the execution of its investment thesis and a reliable track record of successful past investments.   Since inception, the focus of the organization has been to acquire projects at marque locations such as Khar, Juhu, Carter Road, Mahalaxmi, Dadar, Wadala and Panvel. These strategic acquisitions highlight West Avenue Realty’s ability to identify high-potential opportunities and execute efficiently on-ground.   The funds raised will be utilized to expand the Company’s project pipeline, grow its presence in key Mumbai markets and speed up the execution of current developments.   According to Mr. Vaibhav Kanabar of West Avenue Realty, “The milestone demonstrates the confidence that our investors have in our vision and our execution of our vision. As you know, there is a long period of time in this business to build credibility, so it is very satisfying that we accomplished this in three years, which is a very good indication that we are committed to growing responsibly and creating value.”   Mr Saumitra Bhatkhalkar from West Avenue Realty said, “As West Avenue Realty continues to expand its footprint, the company remains focused on delivering high-quality developments with designing standards being the core element of the deliverables.”   About West Avenue Realty West Avenue Realty develops and builds high quality real estate for both residential and commercial purposes in Mumbai, India. Founded with a purpose of building quality and desirable homes and work areas that provide the highest level of quality of construction, aspirational design and intelligent use of space. West Avenue Realty was created to provide you with a development that not only meets your practical needs, but also enhances your quality of life and enhances your community. Our core belief is that we do not only create a place for people to live; we provide the backdrop for people’s most memorable times in their lives. Furthermore, West Avenue Realty operates with strict financial discipline in order to continue to grow, execute projects successfully and create value for its stakeholders through its financial performance.

As we build up to the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League, we will have a look at key personnel changes and how the teams shape up ahead of the season. In this analytical preview, Eoin Morgan – Chief Cricket Analyst, Parimatch, and Jonty Rhodes- Key Cricket Analyst, Parimatch, two of the game’s most respected cricket minds – deliver a comprehensive breakdown of the Impact Player Rule in the IPL.   Jonty’s Impact Player Rant: The diminishing value of all-rounders in IPL   Jonty Rhodes: Key Cricket Analyst, Parimatch The Indian Premier League took a different route in 2022 when the league’s stakeholders decided to introduce the ‘Impact Player’ rule in the cash-rich league, allowing all 10 franchises to field 12 players in each game instead of 11 players.   At that time, it was argued that the rule would bring in more opportunities for the fringe players and would unlock a new strategic side to the game of cricket, and thus add an extra enticing flavor for the watching fans as well.   Jonty Rhodes stresses on the value of all-rounders The Impact Player rule has had its positives over the years, with a few more players getting a chance to impress their team management and the fans alike. But, since the advent of the Impact Player rule, we have seen more focus on players with specialized skills, while all-rounders have been pushed into the background.   While some all-rounders have been able to retain their places in the playing squad, their contribution has been limited to their stronger skill, thus not even allowing them a chance to sharpen their second skill, as the franchise is not benefitting from their secondary skills in that season or in that phase, which could define the franchise’s IPL season.   All-rounders like Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube, who have been regulars of the Indian T20I setup, have been either ignored by their franchises in terms of playing squad selection or have been limited to their primary skills, as Dube has only been seen batting for CSK, while their main five bowlers and one impact player complete the job with the ball in hand.   If a team already has six to seven specialized batters and they also have an option to bring in another batter as an Impact Player if the top order collapses or the middle order fails to do their job in the crucial overs, no franchise or team would even invest in the batting skills of their bowling all-rounders and their secondary skills will continue to get ignored by the national team as well.   Being an all-rounder used to be a very valuable skill, and its importance only grew with the surge in popularity of the T20 format but a rule which allows a certain batter to be replaced by a certain bowler, or vice-versa mid-game would definitely hurt the stocks of all-rounders who are trying to find a footing or are trying to better their overall game in all aspects.   Another negative impact of the ‘Impact Player’ rule is the artificial inflation of scores, as the teams batting first often go for the big hits from the first ball, citing the availability of an extra batter if needed in the middle overs or the death overs. Even the former T20 World Cup-winning captain for India, Rohit Sharma, has previously expressed his thoughts along similar lines, and these rules end up negatively impacting the national team’s T20 setup in the long run.   Also, certain batters who are already spending hours in nets practising their strokes will be encouraged to spend even lesser time focusing on their fielding, as they know that they will be replaced by the team once their batting contribution is done, and a certain bowler will be brought into the game in his place.   Eoin Morgan praises the tactical loophole of the 12th Man   Eoin Morgan: Chief Cricket Analyst, Parimatch I have heard many people criticise the ‘Impact Player’ rule as it artificially inflates the team’s scores, but I feel that even if that’s happening, the score is getting inflated for both teams. So, if 160-170 is the average expected score, it would go up to 220 or 240 for both sides, offering more entertainment to the fans, and making the previously unachievable targets more realistic for the chasing team.   The presence of the ‘Impact Player’ rule also offers tactical flexibility, as we have seen in other sports when a certain player gets off the bench and impacts the game for their team. Similarly, a player that was not in the main playing XI could come into a situation he specialcises for and change the game by providing a favorable matchup for their side.   Over the last few years, many cricketing pundits, including me, have been vouching for a more balanced fight between bat and ball, and this rule allows a certain bowler to come into the game after the team management has witnessed or assessed that a specific kind of bowler could provide them with an added advantage to restrict the opposition batters.   I feel that for such a rule to be used internationally or in ICC tournaments like the World Cup, we might need two Impact Player substitutes to be allowed for both teams, which could start a cat-and-mouse game between the coaches of the two teams, further emphasising the importance of data-backed moves in the modern game.   Previously, teams that were stacked with all-rounders were easily the favorites but tactically savvy oppositions have now turned the game on its head by using the ‘Impact Player’ rule wisely to their advantage, thus neutralizing the benefit of having more all-rounders on the opposition side.