6, Apr 2026
Bhilwara Sur Sangam 2026 Culminates in a Night of Captivating Performances
NEW DELHI, Apr 6: The 13th edition of Bhilwara Sur Sangam, the flagship Indian classical music festival presented by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, concluded on April 5 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, with an evening of profound musical brilliance. Following a resounding opening, the second day drew an equally enthusiastic gathering of music lovers, connoisseurs, and cultural patrons, bringing the two-day celebration to a memorable close.
The evening commenced with a captivating sitar recital by Shri Samanway Sarkar, whose performance reflected both technical finesse and emotive depth. With a command over raga exposition and a nuanced sense of rhythm, his rendition created an engaging musical narrative that resonated deeply with the audience.
Sharing his thoughts after the performance, Shri Samanway Sarkar said, “Performing at Bhilwara Sur Sangam is always special, as the audience here listens with deep understanding and openness. It allows an artist to truly explore and present the soul of a raga.” He further added, “The energy and attentiveness of the listeners tonight made this recital a deeply fulfilling experience for me.”
The highlight of the evening was a deeply evocative Hindustani classical vocal (khayal) performance by the legendary Pt. Mukul Shivputra. Known for his introspective and spiritually charged style, his rendition transported listeners into a meditative soundscape, marked by intricate improvisations and profound emotional intensity. His performance stood as a powerful reminder of the transcendental nature of Indian classical music.
Reflecting on his performance, Pt. Mukul Shivputra shared, “Music, for me, is a journey inward—it is not just performance but a form of sadhana. Platforms like Bhilwara Sur Sangam provide the space for that deeper connection to unfold.” He added, “The silence and receptivity of the audience here create an atmosphere where music can truly breathe and evolve.”
The second day’s performances not only upheld the artistic excellence established on the opening day but also reinforced the festival’s commitment to presenting maestros who embody the depth and diversity of India’s musical traditions.
Speaking on the successful culmination of the festival, Shri Ravi Jhunjhunwala, Chairman, LNJ Bhilwara Group, said, “Bhilwara Sur Sangam continues to be a celebration of India’s rich musical heritage and a platform that brings together exceptional artistry and appreciative audiences. The overwhelming response over both days reaffirms our commitment to preserving and promoting classical music for future generations.”
He further added, “This festival is not just an event, but a legacy we are proud to nurture and grow with each passing year. It is especially meaningful to see the next generation, including my son, actively carrying this vision forward, ensuring that our cultural roots remain strong and relevant.”
With a strong audience presence across both days, Bhilwara Sur Sangam 2026 once again highlighted the enduring appeal of classical music and its ability to create meaningful cultural connections.
Organized annually by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, Bhilwara Sur Sangam remains a significant cultural initiative dedicated to nurturing and promoting India’s classical arts while fostering deeper engagement between artists and audiences.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
6, Apr 2026
Joyalukkas Punjagutta set to light up with the ‘Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show’
Hyderabad, Telangana Apr 06: The world’s favourite jeweller, Joyalukkas, is set to dazzle Hyderabad with the Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show, from 4th April 2026 at its Punjagutta showroom. This much-awaited exhibition promises an unforgettable celebration of craftsmanship, elegance, and innovation in diamond jewellery.
Dr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman and MD of the Joyalukkas Group, remarked: “The Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show is our tribute to the enduring allure of diamonds and our passion for perfection in jewellery design. Hyderabad holds a special place in our journey, and this exhibition during the festive season will offer customers an exclusive opportunity to discover designs that reflect beauty, individuality, and craftsmanship at its finest.”
6, Apr 2026
Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to Inaugurate 10th Edition of CAHOCON 2026 in Chennai
Chennai, Apr 06: Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice President of India, is set to inaugurate the 10th edition of CAHOCON 2026, India’s premier healthcare quality conference organized by the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), scheduled to be held in Chennai from April 10 to 12, 2026.
Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, will be the Guest of Honour at the inaugural session. Dr. C. Sylendra Babu, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police and Head of Police Force, Tamil Nadu, will be the Guest of Honour at the Graduation Ceremony. The event is expected to bring together around 2,500 healthcare leaders, clinicians, administrators, and policymakers, including over 200 international delegates, to deliberate on advancements in patient safety, healthcare quality, accreditation, and digital transformation. Ms. Mallika Srinivasan, Chairman & MD, TAFE will be the Chief Guest and Mr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal IAS, Additional Secretary and CEO, National Health Authority, Government of India will be the Guest of Honour at the valedictory ceremony.
Other dignitaries participating in CAHOCON 2026 include Dr. Vijay Agarwal, President; Dr. Lallu Joseph, Secretary General, Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations, and AGS & Quality Manager at Christian Medical College Vellore; Dr. Nalla G Palaniswami, Organizing Chairperson CAHOCON 2026, and Chairman of Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital; Dr. S. Manivannan, Organizing Co-Chairperson, and Founder & Managing Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals; Dr. Sathish Devadoss, Organizing Secretary, and Vice Chairman of Devadoss Multispecialty Hospitals; and Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Academic Committee Member, CAHOCON 2026, and CEO of Apollo Hospitals Chennai.
Guided by the theme ‘Tech, Touch, Trust- The new Healthcare code.’, CAHOCON 2026 will emphasize the human connection, reliability, and innovation at the heart of advancing healthcare quality and patient safety. The main conference will feature high-impact scientific sessions, panel discussions, innovation showcases, and interactive networking opportunities, along with poster presentations by researchers and clinicians that highlight innovative projects and foster knowledge exchange.
Alongside the conference, CAHOCON 2026 will host a comprehensive healthcare exhibition with over 200 stalls, showcasing cutting-edge products and services from leading medical equipment manufacturers, digital health companies, pharmaceutical firms, and service providers. The conference will also feature four breakout houses, designed to facilitate smaller group discussions, interactive workshops, and focused learning sessions.
Recognized by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) as the first ISQua Regional Conference for South Asia, CAHOCON 2026 will witness addresses by 20 ISQua experts. The conference will honour excellence in healthcare quality and patient safety through the prestigious CAHO Awards, celebrating institutions and professionals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing healthcare standards.
A key highlight of CAHOCON 2026 is the pre-conference workshops. Over 40 such workshops will be organized on April 10 engaging 32 leading hospitals from Chennai, providing hands-on training and practical insights into quality improvement and patient safety for the participants.
Over the past decade, CAHO has evolved into a powerful national movement dedicated to strengthening healthcare quality and patient safety across India. Through continuous training, accreditation support, knowledge-sharing platforms and collaborative initiatives, the organization is working to build a culture where quality and safety are embedded in every aspect of healthcare delivery.
CAHOCON is one of the most influential platforms for advancing healthcare quality and patient safety in India. This collaborative forum aims to strengthen a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare systems and ensure that patients across the country benefit from safer and higher-quality care.
4, Apr 2026
Anand Vihar Station Unveils State-of-the-Art EV Charging Hub
New Delhi is taking a significant step toward cleaner, greener transportation with the launch of a new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Anand Vihar Namo Bharat Station. Designed to accommodate up to 10 vehicles charging simultaneously, the hub addresses one of the growing concerns of EV owners – accessibility and convenience.
The initiative is part of the city’s broader push toward sustainable mobility. Officials highlighted that the hub not only supports the rising number of electric vehicles but also contributes to reducing urban pollution, offering commuters a practical, eco-friendly alternative for daily travel.
With India’s EV market expanding rapidly, infrastructure like the Anand Vihar charging hub is expected to play a crucial role in encouraging more people to switch to electric vehicles. For residents and commuters, this hub provides a glimpse into a future where electric mobility is both efficient and widely accessible.
4, Apr 2026
Rini Sampath Becomes First South Asian Candidate on DC Mayoral Ballot
Washington, D.C. – Rini Sampath, originally from Theni, Tamil Nadu, has become the first South Asian candidate to appear on the Democratic primary ballot for Mayor of Washington, D.C.
The 31-year-old government contractor moved to the United States at the age of seven and has been a resident of Washington, D.C. for over a decade. Sampath’s campaign focuses on improving city services under the theme “Fix the Basics”.
“I’m not a politician. I don’t owe any special interest groups,” Sampath said. “It’s time for an outsider focused on making our city work better for everyone.”
Washington, D.C. is largely dominated by the Democratic Party and has never elected a Republican mayor since the position became an elected office in 1975. The city is currently administered by an elected mayor and a 13-member District Council.
Sampath’s historic candidacy marks a milestone for South Asian representation in local politics and highlights the growing participation of diverse communities in Washington, D.C.’s governance.
4, Apr 2026
JMIR Publications and Jisc Announce Renewal of Flat-Fee Unlimited Open Access Partnership for 2026-2027
Toronto & London, Apr 04: JMIR Publications, a leading open-access digital health research publisher, and Jisc, the United Kingdom’s not-for-profit organization providing digital services for research and education, are pleased to announce the renewal of their Flat-Fee Unlimited Open Access Publishing Agreement for 2026-2027.
Since its inception in 2022, this agreement has eliminated individual Article Processing Charges (APCs) for researchers at dozens of UK research institutions. The partnership has achieved significant milestones, enabling more than half of all UK research published in JMIR’s high-impact journals to be completely APC-free in 2025. Through this agreement, participating Jisc-member institutions have collectively published more than 700 articles, freeing up vital time and funding for researchers and librarians.
“We highly value our partnership with Jisc and their member institutions,” said Dennis O’Brien, VP Communications and Partnerships at JMIR Publications. “Through this agreement we have pioneered a sustainable funding model for Open Access publishing which is now being replicated across the globe. Forward-thinking librarians, like our UK partners, are important allies in our work to preserve bibliodiversity and a bright future for open science.”
By replacing individual APCs with a single flat fee, the agreement significantly simplifies the publication workflow and increases equity for researchers at all career stages.
Anna Vernon, Head of Research, Licensing at Jisc, added, “We’re pleased to renew the agreement with JMIR Publications for a further year. The partnership supports Jisc’s mission to remove barriers to open publishing for UK researchers, and ensure fair, sustainable access to OA opportunities across our membership.”
Under the renewed agreement, eligible corresponding authors affiliated with participating UK institutions will continue to enjoy unlimited, APC-free publishing across JMIR’s portfolio of over 30 Gold Open Access journals, including the renowned Journal of Medical Internet Research. The agreement covers articles accepted for publication between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.
4, Apr 2026
Delhi-NCR Shaken by Moderate Earthquake
Late Friday night, a moderate earthquake shook Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India, sending residents rushing out of their homes and offices in alarm. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported so far.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar confirmed that the quake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. It struck at 9:42 pm IST, with its epicenter in Afghanistan at a depth of 150 km.
Tremors were felt across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and surrounding regions of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Many residents reported sudden jolts while sitting, along with swaying furniture and hanging objects. Although the shaking lasted only a few seconds, it was strong enough to be clearly felt indoors.
In residential neighborhoods, people stepped out as a safety precaution, while office workers temporarily evacuated buildings. Crowds gathered in open spaces, awaiting updates from authorities.
Delhi-NCR falls under Seismic Zone IV, a high-risk area for earthquakes. Even moderate tremors from distant epicenters can be strongly felt, often triggering swift public response.
Social media quickly filled with accounts of the tremors, with residents describing the experience as sudden and unsettling. Many noted shaking of ceiling fans, furniture, and other household items, while some felt vibrations even while lying down.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have advised residents to stay calm, follow safety guidelines, and remain alert for potential aftershocks.
4, Apr 2026
ANA Names “Authenticity” and “Agentic AI” as 2026 Words of the Year
Apr 04: The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) has announced its annual Word of the Year, selecting two terms for the first time: “authenticity” and “agentic AI.” The dual selection reflects a rapidly evolving marketing landscape shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence and a growing consumer demand for transparency.
The ANA’s announcement highlights the tension between innovation and trust, as brands increasingly adopt AI-driven tools while navigating heightened consumer skepticism around digital content.
“In recent years, consumers have seen this technology evolve in real time—with increasingly sophisticated AI-generated content infiltrating television, social media, and other platforms,” said Colleen Kirk, Professor of Marketing and Management at the New York Institute of Technology. “However, at the end of the day, people still crave real connection and transparency. Brands must strike a balance between leveraging AI and engaging consumers in ways that feel genuine.”
Kirk’s research, published in the Journal of Business Research, underscores the potential risks of using AI-generated emotional content in marketing. The findings indicate that such content may negatively impact brand perception and weaken consumer relationships if not handled transparently.
The study emphasizes the importance of clear disclosure when using AI in communications, urging companies to prioritize authenticity in their engagement strategies.
Brands are already beginning to adapt. For instance, Coca-Cola faced consumer backlash over its AI-generated holiday advertisements in 2024. However, recent campaigns have shown improvement, resonating more effectively with audiences by incorporating AI-generated animals instead of humans and emphasizing the role of human creativity in the process.
“Consumers are becoming increasingly skeptical about the human origin of advertisements and marketing messages,” Kirk added. “While AI tools offer an exciting frontier for marketers, a time-tested principle remains true—authenticity is always best.”
As AI continues to reshape the marketing ecosystem, the ANA’s recognition of these two defining terms signals a clear message to brands: innovation must go hand in hand with trust, transparency, and genuine human connection.
4, Apr 2026
Puri Railway Station Upgrades Completed Ahead of Rath Yatra, ECoR Records Strong Freight Growth
April 4: Renovation work at Puri Railway Station is expected to be completed ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatraath festiva, ensuring improved facilities for thousands of pilgrims visiting the temple town.
East Coast Railway (ECoR) General Manager Parameswar Funkwal confirmed that the main station building is complete, with platform upgrades and boundary works underway. These improvements aim to offer a comfortable and efficient experience for visitors during the busy festival season.
Pic Credit: Pexel
Infrastructure development across Odisha is progressing rapidly. The Khurda Road–Bolangir railway line is expected to be operational by December 2026, with all seven tunnels completed and major bridge work in its final stage. Other key projects, including the redevelopment of Bhubaneswar Railway Station, are also advancing steadily.
ECoR continues to excel in freight operations. In the 2025–26 financial year, it handled 544.82 million tonnes of cargo, generating over ₹32,700 crore in revenue, with ₹29,456 crore from freight alone. For the seventh consecutive year, the zone crossed 200 million tonnes of freight loading, achieving a record 286.26 million tonnes this year, while freight unloading also increased to 258.56 million tonnes.
With these upgrades and strong operational performance, East Coast Railway is well-prepared to manage the rising demand for both passenger and freight services efficiently.
4, Apr 2026
IRCTC Launches Bharat–Nepal Faith Tour to Boost Pilgrimage Travel
New Delhi: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a special “Bharat–Nepal Faith Tour” aimed at strengthening cultural and religious connections between India and Nepal.
The tour will run for 10 days and 9 nights, starting from April 21, 2026. It will be operated through the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, offering यात्रियों a comfortable and organised pilgrimage experience.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The journey begins in Delhi and will cover major destinations including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Janakpur, Kathmandu, and Pokhara before returning to Delhi. Passengers can also board or deboard at several stations along the route such as Ghaziabad, Kanpur, and Lucknow.
The itinerary includes visits to prominent religious sites such as Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, the Ram–Janaki Temple in Janakpur, and Pashupatinath Temple, along with Boudhanath Stupa. Key attractions in Pokhara are also part of the tour.
The package includes AC train travel, hotel accommodation (3-star or similar), meals, local transport, guides, and travel insurance. Around 150 seats are available across different AC classes.
Ticket prices range from ₹73,000 to ₹1,03,000 depending on the class. The cost already includes a subsidy under the Bharat Gaurav scheme.
This initiative is expected to make pilgrimage travel easier and more accessible while promoting shared cultural heritage between the two neighbouring countries.
