30, Mar 2026
Arth Art International presents Artist Talk – ‘Journey with the Divine Flow’: A Solo Exhibition by Jayant K, Ambassador of India to Spain and Andorra
New Delhi, Mar 30: Arth Art International presents Artist Talk – ‘Journey with the Divine Flow’, an immersive evening featuring a solo exhibition by Jayant K, Ambassador of India to Spain and Andorra, along with an engaging conversation with Jyoti A. Kathpalia, Associate Professor and Art Curator. To be held at Travancore Palace Gallery, 10A, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi, on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 6:00 PM, the evening brings together the exhibition viewing and an in-depth dialogue on the artist’s journey, processes, and philosophical underpinnings.
The exhibition is curated by Gargi Seth and artworks are on display until April 5th, 2026. Shaped by his years in the Indian Foreign Service, Jayant K’s artistic journey draws deeply from a life of constant movement; of uprooting and re-rooting across cultures, absorbing new landscapes, people and sensibilities. This cycle of displacement, discovery and quiet introspection has lent his work an emotional undercurrent, where art becomes both anchor and expression. Without formal training, his practice has evolved through lived experience and sustained exposure to art across geographies, allowing instinct, memory and observation to guide his visual language. This journey finds expression across 45 artworks, rendered in oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas, mixed media, oil on print on canvas and installation.
The exhibition brings together a body of work that unfolds through a threefold lens: nature, rhythm and the divine icon. Nature appears as more than a backdrop, emerging as a living, contemplative space carrying an unseen presence; dance and music infuse the canvases with movement and inner rhythm, where figures swirl, play and dissolve into their own worlds; while icons of gods and epic imagery, inspired by Indian traditions and their echoes across Southeast Asia, anchor the works in a sacred visual vocabulary. Together, these elements are bound by a continuous thread of lyricism, introspection, and a quiet search for the divine flowing through all creation.
On his artistic journey, Jayant K says,
“Nature, for me, is where the divine first reveals itself – petal by petal, leaf by leaf, in a language that is quiet yet profound. In its rhythms, I begin to hear deeper music, one that flows into movement, into dance, where the body becomes a vessel of that same unseen energy. And then, in the forms of the divine, I seek to give that presence a shape; something we can recognise, revere and connect with.”
Jayant further added, “My work moves through these three realms: nature, rhythm and the sacred form, all as a continuous journey. It is my way of seeking meaning, of allowing the finite to reach towards the infinite, and of discovering that the divine is not distant, but present in all that surrounds and moves within us.”
Jyoti A Kathpalia shared her views as,
“I look forward to engaging in a conversation that goes beyond the canvas—exploring the many layers within Jayant K’s work, from the quiet presence of the divine in nature to the rhythm and movement that animate his figures. The idea is to open up the artist’s journey, his processes and the philosophical threads that run through his practice, creating a space for dialogue, reflection and deeper connection with the works.”
Enthralled to open this one-of-a-kind evening to the audiences, Mr. Sushil Shriwastwa, CEO, Arth Art International and Founder, Asian Art Diversity, said,
“With Artist Talk – Journey with the Divine Flow, we wanted to create an evening that goes beyond viewing art to truly engaging with it. Jayant K’s works are deeply introspective, and the conversation with Jyoti A. Kathpalia adds an important layer. Together, the exhibition and the talk open up a more immersive space to explore the ideas of nature, rhythm, and the divine that run through his work.”
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- By Neel Achary
30, Mar 2026
Governor Stresses Value-Based Education for a Peaceful Society
Bhubaneswar, March 29: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Sunday emphasized the crucial role of value-based education in shaping a peaceful and progressive society, urging teachers to focus on character development alongside academic knowledge.
Addressing the inauguration of the value education programme for teachers at the Ramakrishna Mission’s Vivekananda Hall, the governor quoted Swami Vivekananda, saying that education is not merely the accumulation of information but the manifestation of inner perfection, strength, and character.
He lauded the Ramakrishna Mission for its long-standing contributions to education, social service, and spiritual growth. “Inspired by the ideals of Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda, the mission has consistently promoted a balanced system of education that nurtures intellectual, moral, and spiritual development,” he added.
Highlighting India’s rich civilisational heritage, Governor Kambhampati noted that traditional education emphasized values such as truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence. “These are not just ideals but principles to be practiced in daily life,” he remarked.
Referring to today’s global challenges marked by conflicts and instability, he stressed the importance of fostering understanding, tolerance, and dialogue. The governor concluded by underlining the pivotal role teachers play in shaping students into ethical, responsible, and socially conscious citizens.
30, Mar 2026
Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR Hosts Seminar on Governance and Regulation in a VUCA World
Greater Noida, Mar 30: Shiv Nadar University, Delhi–NCR‘s School of Management and Entrepreneurship hosted a seminar titled “Governance and Regulation in a VUCA World: Understanding the Business of Government,” bringing together senior policymakers, economists, industry experts, and students for a day of discussion and reflection on the future of governance.
The seminar featured a deep-dive workshop on “Measuring Good Governance: Towards Generally Accepted Performance Principles,” led by Dr. Prajapati Trivedi, former Special Envoy for SDG Implementation at the Commonwealth Secretariat, former Secretary to the Government of India, and former Senior Economist at the World Bank. The session focused on the importance of measurable outcomes, robust systems, and clarity in defining policy objectives.
Dr. Trivedi said, “In public policy, while goals may differ, the logic of causality remains the same, and the quality of outcomes ultimately depends on the quality of assumptions, robust systems, and clear priorities set in advance, because while designing policy is straightforward, effective implementation is the real challenge.”
This was followed by a roundtable discussion on regulation, business, and citizen engagement featuring Mr. Shailesh Pathak, Senior Advisor, Policy, National Stock Exchange (NSE) and former Secretary General, FICCI; Dr. Laveesh Bhandari, President, Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) and Founder, Indicus Analytics; and Ms. Aparajita Bharti, Co-founder, Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) and Founding Partner, TQH Consulting. The session was moderated by Professor Rajat Kathuria, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), Shiv Nadar University, Delhi–NCR.
The panellists engaged in a wide-ranging exchange on regulatory reform, ease of doing business for MSMEs, and the evolving interface between citizens and the state in a digital age. Discussions highlighted how technology is reshaping governance while also cautioning that digital tools must not mask deeper systemic challenges.
Ms. Bharti noted, “A lot of things that were taken for granted have been challenged in the past few years,” adding that “samaaj (society), sarkar (government) and bazaar (market) need to get together.” She highlighted the transformative yet complex role of technology, observing that “technology gives an illusion in giving solutions, but it is a layer on a broken system,” and stressed that “each technology stack must be seen from an angle of digital sovereignty.”
Dr. Bhandari underscored the need for regulatory clarity and flexibility, stating, “Regulate hard if you want to regulate right,” while also pointing out that “government is structured to be structured; it is not structured to be flexible.” He added that market dynamics often address skill gaps, noting that “if we have skill problems, then demand for that has not been created.”
Mr. Pathak emphasised the importance of institutional quality and data-driven governance, stating that “by having better quality cohorts, we get better quality legislators,” and highlighted the need to examine India’s governance frameworks alongside improved data-tracking mechanisms.
Professor Kathuria, in his remarks, said, “Policy is not worth the paper it is written on unless it is implemented, monitored, and constantly corrected, and in a VUCA world shaped by AI and shifting global narratives, the real challenge is building robust institutions and leadership that can keep pace with change, because regulation will always struggle to stay ahead of the regulated.” He further added that institutions are critical not only for policy formation but also for effective implementation.
The seminar underscored Shiv Nadar University, Delhi–NCR‘s commitment to fostering thought leadership at the intersection of academic research, public policy, and business strategy. By convening voices from government, industry, and civil society, the University continues to enable meaningful dialogue to address complex governance challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.
30, Mar 2026
Rethink Rajasthan: This Summer, It’s Not Jaipur – It’s Jaisalmer
Mar 30: For decades, Rajasthan’s travel narrative has centred around Jaipur and Udaipur – palaces, lakes and well-trodden itineraries. But this summer, the spotlight shifts westward, to a city that feels more immersive, more elemental, and quietly more compelling: Jaisalmer.
Set deep within the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer offers a version of Rajasthan that is less curated and more experiential. Its golden sandstone architecture doesn’t just define the skyline—it reflects the desert itself, changing colour with the light through the day. At its heart, the Jaisalmer Fort rises as a living citadel, where homes, temples, and markets continue to exist within its ancient walls.
Beyond the city, the experience transforms. The desert becomes the destination—rolling dunes, vast skies, and a pace that naturally slows. Early mornings begin with stillness and soft light, while evenings unfold with cultural performances, local cuisine, and stargazing that feels far removed from urban life.
Framing this shift in perspective is Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa, offering a contemporary gateway into the region. Designed to mirror the tones and textures of the city, the resort blends seamlessly into its surroundings while providing the comfort and scale of a modern luxury retreat. Spacious rooms and suites open out to views of the fort or the desert horizon, ensuring the destination remains ever-present. Experiences extend beyond the property—from curated visits to the Sand Dunes to evenings that bring together regional flavours and storytelling—allowing guests to engage with Jaisalmer in a more considered, immersive way.
What sets Jaisalmer apart, especially in the summer months, is its ability to feel expansive rather than overwhelming. With fewer crowds and a landscape that invites slower travel, it offers a more intimate way to experience Rajasthan—one that goes beyond landmarks and into atmosphere.
This season, Rajasthan isn’t about revisiting the familiar. It’s about rediscovering it – through Jaisalmer.
30, Mar 2026
Odisha Khadi Fair 2026 Showcases Artisans and Boosts Rural Economy
Bhubaneswar, March 30, 2026 – The Odisha Khadi Fair 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar after seven days of celebration, highlighting the pivotal role of khadi in generating rural employment and driving economic growth.
The 7 day long Odisha Khadi Fair–2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar, highlighting khadi’s key role in rural employment and economic growth.
Organized by the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board, the fair onboarded 50 artisan groups to ONDC, promoting digital inclusion. With 75… pic.twitter.com/hdfgBiBnOd
— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) March 29, 2026
Organized by the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board, the fair provided a platform for over 50 artisan groups to onboard onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), advancing digital inclusion for traditional crafts. With 75 stalls featuring products from Odisha and other states, the event facilitated business worth approximately ₹1.2 crore, strengthening market connections and supporting artisan livelihoods.
The fair emphasized not only commerce but also the preservation of handloom traditions, creating opportunities for small-scale producers to reach wider audiences while promoting sustainable, locally-made products.
30, Mar 2026
Odisha Celebrates a Year of Transforming Lives Through Antyodaya Gruha Yojana
Bhubaneswar, March 30, 2026 – Odisha has completed a year of significant progress under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, a flagship program focused on providing safe and dignified housing for the State’s most vulnerable families. The initiative has reached thousands of households, including in remote districts such as Kalahandi, ensuring that marginalized communities have access to secure homes and improved living conditions.
Pic Credit:https://x.com/CMO_Odisha
The scheme goes beyond building houses, fostering stability, security, and dignity for families that have long faced economic and social challenges. With effective implementation across the State, Antyodaya Gruha Yojana has become a model of inclusive development, demonstrating how targeted social welfare programs can transform lives and strengthen communities.
30, Mar 2026
Housing Sales in India’s Top Cities Dip Below 1 Lakh Units in Q1 2026: PropEquity Report
Mar 30: Housing sales across India’s top nine cities declined in Q1 (January–March) 2026, falling below the 1 lakh unit mark for the first time in 18 quarters, primarily due to reduced supply across major markets, according to PropEquity.
The report highlights that housing sales dropped by 13% year-on-year (YoY) and 6% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to 98,761 units, while new launches declined by 19% YoY and 8% QoQ to 92,411 units during the quarter.
Among key markets, Bengaluru emerged as the top-performing city with 17,991 units sold, registering 16% QoQ growth and 3% YoY growth. Delhi-NCR followed with 12,141 units, recording a 13% YoY increase, though sales declined marginally by 1% QoQ.
Most other cities witnessed a decline in housing absorption, including:
- Mumbai (down 20% YoY)
- Pune (down 25% YoY)
- Thane (down 24% YoY)
- Hyderabad (down 16% YoY)
- Kolkata (down 8% YoY)
- Chennai (down 4% YoY)
Commenting on the trend, Samir Jasuja, Founder & CEO of PropEquity, said,
“Housing sales continued to moderate in the first quarter of 2026 with Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru emerging as outliers. This decline is largely due to reduced supply, with nearly 22,000 fewer units launched compared to the same period last year.”
On the supply side, Delhi-NCR stood out as the only market to register growth, with 17,227 units launched, marking an 89% YoY increase and 8% QoQ growth, making it the second-largest market in terms of new supply. Meanwhile, Bengaluru regained the top position in launches with 17,782 units, despite a 24% YoY decline.
Cities such as Pune, Hyderabad, Thane, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai recorded significant declines in new launches, reflecting a broader slowdown in supply across markets.
Jasuja further added,
“While Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru witnessed similar levels of supply, Delhi-NCR saw comparatively lower absorption due to high-ticket launches. Notably, for the first time post-COVID, Delhi-NCR recorded higher supply than traditionally strong markets like Pune, Hyderabad, and Thane.”
The report indicates a clear trend of supply-led moderation in housing sales, even as select markets continue to demonstrate resilience. Industry experts believe that future recovery will depend on balanced supply, pricing strategies, and sustained buyer demand across segments.
30, Mar 2026
Record Foreign Investor Outflow Hits Indian Equities
Foreign investors have withdrawn a record ₹1.14 lakh crore (around USD 12.3 billion) from Indian equities in March, marking the largest monthly outflow in the country’s history. Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, a weakening rupee, and concerns over high crude oil prices affecting economic growth have driven the sell-off.
With one trading session left in the month, analysts expect outflows could climb even higher, breaking the previous record of ₹94,017 crore set in October 2024. So far in 2026, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have pulled out ₹1.27 lakh crore, showing sustained caution amid global and domestic uncertainties.
Market experts say the withdrawals reflect how sensitive foreign capital remains to both international developments and domestic macroeconomic signals. “While India’s fundamentals are strong, investors are closely monitoring currency volatility and external risks before committing more funds,” noted a senior market strategist.
The coming months will be crucial to see whether foreign inflows stabilize or continue, potentially influencing market sentiment and liquidity.
30, Mar 2026
Screen time among children and adolescents has increased over three decades – especially after COVID-19 pandemic
| First systematic review to track long-term trends across pre- and post-pandemic periods finds dramatic rise in screen use among children and adolescents. |
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Screen time among children and adolescents has increased significantly over the past three decades, with clear rise occurring after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new systematic review conducted at the University of Turku, Finland. The review analysed 60 peer-reviewed studies published between 1991 and 2022 and is the first to comprehensively examine long-term trends in screen time use among individuals aged 0–19 years across both pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Postdoctoral Researcher Yuko Mori from the Research Centre for Child Psychiatry at the University of Turku, Finland, the shared lead author, tells that the nature of screen use has changed dramatically, shifting from traditional television to more interactive and personalised digital devices, such as mobile phones and video games. Earlier studies focused mainly on TV viewing, but from the mid-2010s onward, research began to include newer devices, such as smartphones and tablets. “Interestingly, even during the pandemic, television viewing continued to decline,” says Mori. School closures during the pandemic intensified screen dependence Before the COVID-19 pandemic, research showed a mixed picture, as most studies indicated an increasing trend while others showed mixed results. The majority of studies conducted after the pandemic showed a dramatic increase in both total and leisure screen time among children and adolescents. Across age groups, older children and adolescents generally reported higher screen time than younger children. “This likely reflects developmental factors,” says shared lead author Sanju Silwal, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Turku. “Adolescence is a life stage where peer relationships, online social interaction, and romantic relationships become increasingly central.” The increase in screen time was observed across socioeconomic groups, but it was more pronounced among children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. The authors suggest this may reflect greater access to personal digital devices. Guidance needed for healthy screen use The sustained rise in screen exposure raises concerns regarding potential impacts on physical health, mental well-being, sleep, and development. Beyond time spent on digital devices, digital environments may expose young people to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and unrealistic body ideals. Several countries have introduced regulatory measures in response to growing concerns about youth digital media use. The authors emphasise that effective responses must be grounded in high-quality evidence. Most research has focused on the duration of screen use rather than the quality, context, or content of digital activities. The authors call for future research to adopt a more nuanced and multidimensional approach, examining not only how much time children spend on screens but also what they are doing online and how it affects their well-being. “Technology offers tremendous opportunities, but it also presents risks,” Silwal notes. “To ensure that children benefit from digital environments, we need continuous research, evidence-based policies, and coordinated efforts from families, schools, communities, and governments.” This systematic review was funded by the INVEST Flagship programme of the Research Council of Finland and the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. The review titled “Long-term trends in screen time use among children and adolescents: A systematic review including pre- and post-COVID periods” was published in the journal Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry on March 2026: https://doi.org/10.1177/ |
30, Mar 2026
Virtualware Reports Audited 2025 Results: Margin Improvement and Record Bookings
Gross margin rises to 93.7%, EBITDA reaches €672K (15.53% margin), and the company moves to a pro forma net cash position
Bilbao, March 30, 2026.- Virtualware (Euronext Growth Paris: ALVIR) closed 2025 with a gross margin of 93.7%, up from 86.8% in the prior year, and EBITDA of €672,626 (15.53% margin), according to audited annual results filed today with Euronext.
The figures confirm the operational picture outlined in the February preliminary communication and show margin improvement, reflecting discipline and resilience throughout the year.
Audited revenues reached €4.32 million, in line with the preliminary figure. The EBITDA improvement from the €598,500 (13.8%) reported in the unaudited release reflects the final allocation of depreciation and subsidy recognition under the audited close.
The gross margin expansion was driven by the growing weight of software and XRaaS in the revenue mix and a reduction in direct costs.
The VIROO XRaaS line, which includes the international commercialization of the company’s proprietary VIROO platform, contributed €1.95 million. Annual bookings reached a record of over €8 million, driven primarily by government and nuclear projects.
“The audited results confirm that our model delivers both operational discipline and financial flexibility. We enter 2026 with the strongest liquidity position in our history, a record backlog, and expanding margins. This combination allows us to invest selectively while maintaining the financial sustainability that has defined our trajectory,” said Unai Extremo, CEO of Virtualware.
Net financial debt was approximately €2.70 million as of year-end 2025. However, a €6.22 million payment received on January 8, 2026, corresponding to a receivable on the balance sheet, enabled the company to repay debt and move to a pro forma net cash position.
This post-closing event normalizes working capital and strengthens financial flexibility for selective growth. It does not affect the 2025 income statement.
In June 2025, Virtualware uplisted to Euronext Growth Paris under the ticker ALVIR, broadening its market access and investor visibility.
The company enters the final year of its 2024-2026 Strategic Plan supported by a record backlog, expanding gross margin, operational discipline, and a post-collection cash position that enables selective investment and prudent capital allocation.
Founded in 2004, Virtualware is one of the leading companies in enterprise software based on immersive and 3D technologies for industry and education.
Virtualware serves global organizations and institutions including GE Vernova, Volvo, Gestamp, Alstom, ADIF, Bosch, Biogen, Kessler Foundation, Invest Windsor Essex, McMaster University, the University of El Salvador, Ohio University, the Spanish Ministry of Defense or the Basque Government.
The company’s headquarters are in Bilbao, Spain, with offices in Orlando, US, Toronto, Canada, and Skövde, Sweden.
Investors can consult the company’s Equity Story by clicking on the following link.
An investor conference will take place on April 14th online. Investors can join the following link:
https://virtualwareco.com/investors/call/
