Author: Neel Achary

CM N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated India’s first Open Access Quantum Reference Facilities in Amaravati on World Quantum Day

Apr 17: On the occasion of World Quantum Day, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated India’s first Open Access Quantum Test and Reference Facilities in Amaravati under the ambitious Quantum Valley initiative. The milestone marks a significant step in India’s transition from technology adoption to technology leadership in the field of quantum innovation.

Commenting on the development, Ashok Chandak, President of India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), said:

“World Quantum Day 2026 marks a pivotal step in India’s journey from technology adoption to technology leadership. The launch of India’s first Quantum Test and Reference Facilities in Amaravati under the Quantum Valley initiative is a strong signal that India is now building foundational capabilities in next-generation computing.

This milestone, led by Hon’ble CM of Andhra Pradesh, Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu, reinforces that technology sovereignty begins with building core infrastructure—compute, materials, and systems—within the country.

The quantum revolution will be fundamentally enabled by semiconductors. From cryogenic control electronics and advanced chip design to packaging and precision manufacturing, the semiconductor ecosystem is the backbone of scalable quantum systems. With India’s growing strengths in design, emerging fabrication initiatives, and the momentum under the National Quantum Mission, we are uniquely positioned to co-develop the quantum hardware stack domestically.”

He further added:

“At IESA, our focus is clear—to ensure that India’s ESDM ecosystem scales in lockstep with quantum ambitions by designing, fabricating, packaging, and testing quantum-class hardware in India. India has already set its sights on scaling globally competitive deep-tech capabilities, and this initiative is a strong step in that direction.”

Asian Shares Ease as Investors Turn Cautious Despite US Market Rally

Rupee Strengthens in Early Trade as Market Sentiment Improves

Mumbai, Apr 17 (BNP): The Indian rupee moved higher in early trading on Friday, gaining 28 paise to reach 92.86 against the US dollar, supported by a more positive global outlook and firm domestic equities.

The currency opened the session at 92.93 in the interbank foreign exchange market and extended its gains shortly after, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

Traders pointed to easing geopolitical tensions as a key factor lifting sentiment. Hopes that recent developments in the Middle East could lead to broader stability have encouraged investors to return to emerging markets, including India.

Another supportive factor for the rupee has been fresh buying in Indian equities by foreign institutional investors. These inflows tend to boost demand for the local currency, contributing to its upward movement.

However, gains in the rupee were somewhat limited by the continued strength of the US dollar in global markets. A firm dollar often weighs on emerging market currencies, keeping traders cautious despite positive domestic cues.

Overall, the rupee’s early performance reflects a balance between improving risk appetite and external pressures, with investors closely watching global developments and capital flows for further direction.

Indian Markets Edge Up in Early Session on Improved Sentiment

Mumbai, Apr 17 (BNP): Indian benchmark indices began Friday’s session on a positive note, buoyed by improving global sentiment and renewed foreign investment.

 The BSE Sensex rose by 177.52 points to reach 78,166.20 in early trading, while the NSE Nifty gained 37.4 points, climbing to 24,234.15.

Market sentiment was lifted by signs of easing geopolitical tensions. A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has sparked hopes of broader stability in the region. Analysts believe this development could also revive the possibility of fresh negotiations between the United States and Iran.

In addition, steady inflows from foreign investors added further support to the upward momentum in equities.

Croma Unveils Akshay Tritiya ‘Golden Offers’ with Up to 50 Percent Off on Electronics

Chandigarh, April 17: This Akshay Tritiya, Croma, India’s trusted omni-channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group, is turning festive shopping into a golden opportunity with discounts of up to 50% across air conditioners, large-screen televisions, soundbars and more. Available on April 19, the limited-period offers combine deep price cuts, cashback, exchange benefits and easy EMIs, making it the perfect time to upgrade your home. Additionally, Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card holders can enjoy up to 10% savings as NeuCoins on select Apple & Google products.

Beat the Heat with Unmissable Cooling Deals:

As summer peaks, Croma is helping customers stay cool with compelling offers on inverter air conditioners, including a minimum of two EMIs free on select models and an exchange benefit of up to ₹8,500.

·Bluestar 1.5T Inverter AC now at 43% off, available for an effective price of ₹34,490

·Croma 1T inverter AC is available at an effective price of ₹26,590

·Samsung 1.5T Inverter AC now at 51% off, available at an attractive price of ₹38,990

·Godrej 1.5T Inverter AC can be availed for just ₹28,383

Big Screens, Bigger Savings on Home Entertainment:

Customers looking to elevate their entertainment experience can enjoy a minimum of 25% off on a wide range of 55-inch and larger TVs from leading brands such as LG, Samsung, Sony and Croma.

·Samsung 55-inch QLED 4K TV is now available at 41% off for ₹50,990

·Sony ‘Pay as Per Screen Size’ EMI Offer – for instance own a 55-inch Sony TV at just ₹5,500 per month for a 30-month tenure

·AI-powered QLED/QNED TVs is available from ₹2,999 per month, bringing next-gen viewing within easy reach

·Enjoy 1 EMI free on 75-inch and above TVs, making big-screen upgrades even more rewarding

Adding to the festive cheer, Croma is offering a flat 10% discount with savings of up to ₹3,200 on productsabove ₹25,000. The offer applies to a select range of air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions and Android smartphones from top brands. An exchange bonus of up to ₹15,000 is also available on select categories and brands. Also, for students and teachers, all MacBook are available with a special 10% discount.

“Akshay Tritiya is a time when customers look to invest in purchases that bring long-term value and prosperity. With our Golden Offers, we are bringing together the best deals on essential summer appliances and cutting-edge home entertainment, making it easier for customers to celebrate the festival with meaningful upgrades,” said a spokesperson from Infiniti Retail Ltd.

These festive offers are available pan-India across all Croma stores for a limited period, giving customers across budgets access to premium technology at compelling prices.

Final prices are inclusive of applicable bank cashback, exchange value of old devices, and additional exchange bonuses, where applicable.

VIRGIO Is Leading India’s Shift to Clean Fashion

Bengaluru, India, Apr 17 – VIRGIO, the fashion-tech brand at the intersection of sustainability and trend-forward design, is defining a new way of dressing, one where fashion is not just desirable, but also responsible.

Built on the belief that fashion can be both desirable and responsible, VIRGIO stands for a shift in how consumers engage with clothing today. As the market moves toward more conscious consumption, the brand is shaping Clean Fashion as the future of mainstream fashion, moving it beyond a niche idea into an everyday standard.

At its core, VIRGIO brings together trend-forward design with a more thoughtful approach to materials, production, and value. This creates a fashion experience that feels good in every sense, aesthetically, ethically, and emotionally—resonating with a growing consumer mindset that seeks both style and substance.

Unlike traditional approaches that isolate sustainability into limited collections, VIRGIO embeds Clean Fashion across its entire value chain. From mindful material choices and longevity-driven design to greater transparency in pricing and storytelling, the brand is building a more aware and intentional fashion ecosystem.

More than a brand narrative, VIRGIO is helping shape what Clean Fashion truly means today. Through cultural storytelling, creator-led conversations, and consumer-first communication, it is reframing conscious fashion as something that is not just responsible but also relevant, aspirational, and scalable.

VIRGIO’s approach challenges long-standing industry norms of opacity, inflated markups, and disconnected storytelling. Instead, it champions clarity, better choices, and a more informed relationship between consumers and what they wear—without compromising on style or individuality.

At a time when consumers are seeking greater awareness and intention in their choices, VIRGIO positions Clean Fashion as a natural evolution of fashion itself—where looking good and doing better are no longer separate ideas.

Amar Nagaram, Founder, VIRGIO, said, “VIRGIO was built on the belief that fashion can be both desirable and responsible. Clean Fashion, for us, is about bringing that balance to life, where great design is matched by transparency, better choices, and a deeper awareness of how clothes are made. We don’t see Clean Fashion as a niche or a trend. We see it as the future of how people will dress. Our focus is on shaping what that future looks like, making it relevant, accessible, and meaningful for today’s consumer.”

By positioning Clean Fashion as the future of mainstream fashion, VIRGIO is not just responding to change; it is helping define it, encouraging a move toward more thoughtful, informed, and meaningful choices in how India dresses.

LUMISTAR Launches TERO Series and Opens Preorders for its Always‑On Tennis Training Partner

TERO Pro leads the new series with 0.1-second adaptive returns and post-session reports that convert rallies into measurable improvement.

Los Angeles, CA, USA, April 17, 2026 – LUMISTAR, a sports technology company focused on making high-quality training more accessible, today announced its flagship TERO series Tennis Training Partner will be available for preorder by April 30, with sales beginning May 30, 2026. The series includes TERO and TERO Pro, with the Pro model offering the most responsive experience and the deepest training feedback through the Vision Module, including post-session training reports that offer clear feedback and next steps.

Tennis improvement often hits a ceiling that has little to do with talent or effort. Consistency is the difference maker, and it’s hard to build without a partner who can keep up and always be available when you are. When that’s missing, practice gets fragmented. Players end up doing workarounds that don’t feel like real points, or they simply don’t get the reps they need to keep progressing. A reliable, always-available partner changes that equation and that’s what LUMISTAR envisions TERO to be. TERO Pro Sets a New Standard for Match-Real Tennis Training on a Personal Level

For players who want the most comprehensive training loop, the TERO Pro takes competitive tennis even further. After each session, TERO Pro generates personal training reports with an objective breakdown of performance, then saves those reports in your history so you can track progress over time and plan the next step with purpose. TERO Pro is also designed around a more advanced hardware and interaction stack, including:

• The All-in-One Court Kit that keeps racket, balls, a detachable bag and machine
  integrated into one seamless system
• Real-time visual perception and AI insight that unlocks new ways to play through
  modes such as “All Star Game”, where you can face off against tennis legends like
  Roger Federer and Serena Williams
• 4K AI dual-focal lens (60fps) with an automotive-grade SoC and pre-trained AI model
  that makes each rally smarter and more adaptive as you grow (with Vision Module)
• Extendable system intelligence with swappable modules that allow TERO Pro to
  evolve and upgrade as new features are released

TERO Delivers Reliability to Tennis Training for Consistent Reps and Real Progress TERO is designed to make practice feel less like feeding and more like playing. With 238 built-in drills, it gives players a deep library to train consistency, patterns and point-ready scenarios without needing to plan every session from scratch. The session itself stays dynamic and reactive, so you can train against changing tempo and placement instead of settling into predictable routines.

Just as importantly, TERO is built to keep you in rhythm. You can start a session with one click, then make changes through voice and gesture control for speed and spin adjustments, or placement without stopping to dig through menus. With wristband positioning and swing-speed detection, TERO also understands your location, timing and pace during the rally, which makes the next ball feel earned and responsive rather than pre-programmed.

Core performance specs (TERO series):

• Max ball speed: 140 km/h
• Max range: 26 m
• Max height: ≥ 4.2 m
• 238 built-in drills
• Upgradeable with the Vision Module to add “sight” and expanded capabilities (Vision + AI features enabled with the module)
• The world’s first dual-axis, dual-end gimbal design, uniquely engineered for a
  rock-solid, stable feed

“Reps matter, but reps alone don’t necessarily make you a better player. You improve when practice gives you instantaneous feedback, real variety and moments that force better decision making,” said Rachel Yang, CMO at LUMISTAR. “That’s what we had in mind when designing TERO. We want it to truly feel like the training partner you wish you had on call, ready when you are, reacting instantly and pushing you in all the right ways. Then it shows you what actually improved and what still needs to be worked on.”

Further details for the TERO and TERO Pro, including ordering information and pricing will be announced towards the end of April.For product details and preorder updates, visit: https://lumistar.ai