7, Apr 2026
Seeti 2.0 puts Meghalaya on the global culinary map through deep cultural immersion

Seeti 2.0 puts Meghalaya on the global culinary map through deep cultural immersion

 

Shillong, April 6, 2026: Seeti 2.0, a never-before-seen five-day culinary immersion initiative, brought together around 50 chefs, creators, and storytellers for an experience designed to go beyond conventional food tourism in Meghalaya. Unlike typical food festivals, Seeti 2.0 focused on deep cultural engagement, with participants experiencing Meghalaya through its communities, landscapes and traditions.

Seeti Movement is a platform for people in the food industry to come together at different locations and experience not only the space, but also celebrate the generosity of feeders. The guests give back to each other or to the environment. Rooted in a pillar of generosity, it seeks to reawaken the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava, fostering a culture of respect, openness, and shared value. Rather than fleeting engagement, it builds lasting ideas, collaborations, and intellectual capital beyond the event itself.

“This year, Seeti 2.0 Meghalaya Experience decided to do things differently. Keeping our mission in mind, we explored how we could work in the North East and introduce it to our storytellers, so they can carry the food, craft, and culture of Meghalaya forward. We wanted to understand what we could give to Meghalaya, and what we could introduce to the rest of the world as well. This year, Seeti 2.0 Tables in the Clouds not only focused on the food of India and the food industry, but also directly invited local chefs to curate experiences, and to share and participate in our panel discussions,” said Priyadarshini Raje Scindia, Co-Founder of the Seeti Movement.

The Seeti 2.0 Meghalaya experience was preceded by nearly a year of on-ground research and curation, with the team mapping Meghalaya’s landscapes, communities and food systems to identify locations and narratives that best represent the state’s diversity. This translated into carefully designed experiences set in unique and context-rich environments, from curated meals following the visit to the sacred forest, to immersive sessions at tea estates overlooking Umiam Lake, allowing participants to engage with the cultural and ecological significance of each setting rather than viewing them as standalone destinations. The programme was also structured around the cultural identities of Meghalaya’s Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities.

“Designed as a cultural platform rather than a conventional food event, Seeti focused on creating deeper connections between our Storytellers and local contexts. In many food-led events, the deeper conversation gets lost if it is only about food. We wanted each experience to reflect something iconically rooted in the place. A key aspect of the initiative was its emphasis on participation over observation, allowing visitors to experience food within its cultural and social context. People begin to feel a sense of ownership when they experience something meaningful, whether it is an experience at the sacred forest, a tea estate or a community meal,” said Sid Mewara, Co-Founder of the Seeti Movement.

Mewara also noted, “Many visitors arrived with a limited understanding of regional cuisines. There is a perception that it is only very spicy or non-vegetarian food, but once people experience it, they realize the depth and diversity, from vegetarian dishes to subtle flavours that can be cherished among the locals at breathtaking venues”.

The Seeti 2.0 Meghalaya programme also highlighted how local food systems are inherently sustainable. Organizers pointed to practices such as local sourcing, low carbon consumption, use of whole ingredients and community-based food systems as examples of long-standing ecological balance.

“The initiative also reinforced the importance of responsible and respectful tourism, encouraging visitors to engage with heritage spaces such as sacred forests and community-owned ecosystems. The initiative also highlighted how food can serve as an entry point into larger conversations around identity, sustainability and responsible tourism. The idea was to balance heritage and modernity, with visits to contemporary dining spaces alongside traditional settings, offering a holistic perspective on the evolving Northeastern urban culture,” said Priyadarshini.

While the on-ground programme involved around 50 participants, organizers said its impact is designed to scale through Live and post-event storytelling through its carefully selected guests, which included world-renowned chefs, hoteliers, investors, traditional media, new age content creators, and marketing professionals. Seeti 2.0 aimed to enable its guests to become its storytellers, to accelerate inbound tourism for the State.

Seeti 2.0 Meghalaya Experience was also designed to merge with Meghalaya Government’s existing food festival, Culinary Cascades, where Seeti 2.0 storytellers were again able to directly meet farm-to-table vendors and chefs, as well as hold a panel on the future of Meghalaya’s food, craft, and journey.

The founders of Seeti 2.0 also highlighted the role of Meghalaya Government’s Support in enabling the initiative, noting that proactive coordination by state agencies helped facilitate access and logistics across locations. When a state comes forward and supports an initiative like this, it allows us to build something much larger than an event. It creates an ecosystem that organically surpasses the event.

Following the success of Seeti 2.0 Meghalaya edition, the experience has emerged as a scalable model for cultural tourism in India, with organizers positioning the platform as a format that can be adapted across states by combining food, community engagement and storytelling at offbeat locations. The event also includes a long-form film documenting the experience, with participants serving as storytellers, carrying narratives to wider audiences.

6, Apr 2026
Europe accounts for half of the world’s top 10 seasonal chocolate markets: Euromonitor International

London, UK – From Easter eggs in the UK and Germany to refined gifting boxes in France and Switzerland, Europe continues to dominate the seasonal chocolate industry, accounting for half of the world’s top 10 seasonal chocolate markets by value, according to market intelligence company Euromonitor International.

Among those top markets, the fastest value growth in 2025 is being recorded in Switzerland (23%), Germany (18%) and France (18%). However, this surge is largely price-driven rather than demand-led, reflecting the impact of tariffs and the passthrough of high cocoa commodity costs. Outside of Europe, the US, Japan, Canada, Brazil and Australia appear on the ranking.

Meanwhile, the global seasonal chocolate market reached USD 16 billion globally in 2025, underlining the category’s enduring importance even as consumers become more price conscious.  According to Euromonitor International’s Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyle Survey, fielded January to February 2026, 29% of global consumers tend to eat snacks during the holidays, a figure that remains unchanged from 2025.

Carl Quash III, global insights manager for snacks at Euromonitor International, said: “Despite chocolates made with costly cocoa still in market and evolving geopolitical risks, like global conflicts and SNAP food restrictions, demand for seasonal chocolate is holding up better than others because of the strong emotional and tradition-driven value assigned to it.”

Retail takes the lead as supermarkets shape Easter chocolate innovation

Supermarket retailers have emerged as some of the most dynamic innovators in the seasonal chocolate space, with retailers such as Aldi, M&S, Waitrose and Costco driving growth through curated collections, limited-edition ranges and experience-led products that tap into consumer demand for novelty and shareability.

According to Quash: “Supermarkets are uniquely positioned in that they hold large consumer reach with real-time visibility into purchasing behaviour, emerging preferences and now more tapped into social media trends – even displaying visually striking ‘Dubai-style’ chocolates and other pistachio-infused creations for example. Unlike traditional retailers, supermarkets provide scale for testing limited editions, rotating seasonal offerings and fulfilling consumer affordability demands through private labels. Retailers are also evolving to quickly reposition brand identity and create in-store experiences that feel fresh, relevant and exclusive.”

Climate change and geopolitical tensions impact the market in the coming years

While seasonal chocolate continues to show strong global growth, the underlying story is less about rising consumption and more about rising costs. Value gains across key markets are being driven primarily by higher prices linked to the ongoing cocoa supply crisis, itself exacerbated by climate change and sharp harvest decline in major producing countries. At the same time, geopolitical tensions, including trade disruptions and tariffs on key inputs such as cocoa butter, sugar and dairy are adding further pressure to already strained supply chains.

Quash added: “Behind the headline growth in Easter chocolate lies a more complex reality. Climate-related disruptions to cocoa production, combined with geopolitical pressures on trade and inputs have pushed prices higher globally, meaning consumers are often paying more for less, even as the emotional importance of seasonal chocolate remains unchanged.”

Read more insights on Chocolate Confectionery at Euromonitor’s Insights Hub to explore how global trends, pricing pressures and innovation are shaping the future of seasonal chocolate.

6, Apr 2026
The Potbelly Curates an Evening of Live Sarod and Dining in Delhi
 

The Potbelly Curates an Evening of Live Sarod and Dining in Delhi

New Delhi, 6th April 2026: The Potbelly, a restaurant brand with over 15 years of experience in bringing regional Indian cuisine into the mainstream, will host a live performance by sarod player Madhav Kalra at its Delhi outlet. The initiative reflects the brand’s continued effort to extend its space beyond dining, creating a platform for emerging artists while remaining rooted in the culinary traditions of Bihar.

 
The event marks another step in Potbelly’s vision to give a spotlight to emerging talent while expanding the overall dining experience. Madhav Kalra, a rising sarod player, is at the heart of this evening. Renowned for his careful balance between traditional form and modern sensitivity, Kalra has performed at the India International Centre and the G-20 Summit in Mysore. Potbelly sees his presence at their institution as a more significant and intentional change. For fifteen years, Potbelly has been developing a Bihar-based culinary identity, but now it’s constructing itself as a cultural hub that encourages and nurtures upcoming artists and gives its patrons an opportunity to delve further into the restaurant’s values.
“Over the years, our focus has been on building visibility for Bihari cuisine and establishing its place within the larger food landscape,” said Puja Sahu, Founder, The Potbelly. “What started as an effort to revive and reintroduce regional flavours has now evolved into creating a more holistic cultural space. With this initiative, we plan to extend our platform to emerging artists and help them create an identity for themselves while also providing our guests with an interactive, nuanced experience.”
 
Adding to this, Madhav Kalra commented, “As an artist, there’s something particularly amazing about performing in spaces that carry cultural weight. The Potbelly has spent years building an identity that is genuinely regional, making it an incredibly valuable resource to artists. Sarod to Soul is about making Indian classical music feel relevant and present, and establishments like The Potbelly, which truly understand tradition, help us deliver our art more immediately and intimately.”
 
The culinary foundation Potbelly has built over fifteen years is what makes this moment possible. This goal is achieved through constant and deliberate dedication to regional ingredients, a healthy twist on traditional cooking methods, and a kitchen philosophy that never sacrifices complexity for accessibility. This authenticity in the philosophy of bringing Bihari cuisine to the organised dining sphere is what gives Potbelly’s cultural programming its credibility.
 
With initiatives like this and many more in the pipeline, the brand aims to evolve beyond a dining destination into a long-term cultural hub – one that brings together local identity, emerging artistic voices, and a strong sense of community. Backed by fifteen years of shaping one of India’s most distinctive regional dining experiences, The Potbelly now holds both the credibility and the platform to create meaning that extends far beyond the plate.
6, Apr 2026
KEZAD Group Attracts AED 147 Million in New Projects Across Al Ain and Abu Dhabi

Five new projects span more than 84,000 sqm and create 500 jobs, extending KEZAD’s strong 2025 growth momentum

KEZAD Group Attracts AED 147 Million in New Projects Across Al Ain and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 06 April 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, today announced that it has attracted five new industrial and logistics projects across KEZAD Al Ain and KEZAD Al Ma’mourah – Abu Dhabi, with investors committing a combined investment of AED 147 million, a total footprint of over 84,000 square metres, and the creation of 500 jobs.

The projects include Haber/Elixir, which will establish an oilfield chemicals blending facility; Grand Line Industries, which will set up a car cleaning products manufacturing facility; Precent Enterprises Metals Coating, which will develop a metal forming and coating facility; Unibal Group Investment, which will develop its second industrial and logistics warehousing project in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its first project in KEZAD Al Ain (Unibal Park II). Meanwhile, Al Lul Transport & General Contracting, will develop a major industrial and logistics warehousing project in KEZAD Al Ma’mourah.

The projects add to the momentum KEZAD built in 2025, when it reached 73.6 sq km of leased land, recording 3.3 sq km of net new land leases, with 67 per cent of total land leases linked to industrial and manufacturing activity. The AD Ports Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones cluster, which KEZAD Group is a part of, also reported AED 2.87 billion in revenue in 2025, up 45 per cent year on year. 

Abdullah Al Hameli, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “These new projects reflect steady demand for industrial and logistics assets that support real economic activity in Abu Dhabi. The combined scale of investment, the diversity of sectors involved, and the 500 jobs these projects are expected to create are the highlights of these projects. This is the kind of growth that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s industrial base in practical terms, adding production capability, warehousing capacity, and long-term value across the wider trade ecosystem.”

Four of the projects are in KEZAD Al Ain, where they represent a little more than a combined 37,400 square metres, AED 47 million in investment, and 200 jobs. The fifth project, located in KEZAD Al Ma’mourah in Abu Dhabi, represents more than 46,500 square metres, AED 100 million in investment, and 300 jobs, making it the largest of the five by both value and employment.

The latest agreements show that businesses continue to choose KEZAD for infrastructure that is ready, connected, and built for growth. From specialist chemicals and metal processing to warehousing and logistics development, these projects add depth to KEZAD’s industrial offering and support its role in enabling investors to scale with confidence in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The new agreements come at a time when KEZAD continues to expand its industrial and warehousing base. In 2025, the Economic Cities & Free Zones cluster delivered 146,000 square metres of new warehouse capacity, while maintaining 91 per cent warehouse occupancy despite this additional supply. KEZAD also continued to advance specialised hubs including Metal Park, Rahayel Auto and Mobility City, Agtech Park, and Abu Dhabi Food Hub, widening its offer across core industrial sectors.

As Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its industrial and logistics base, KEZAD Group remains focused on enabling investors with integrated solutions that bring together industrial land, warehousing, utilities, and connectivity within one operating environment.

6, Apr 2026
SUD Life puts customers at the center of its technology-led transformation

Mumbai, Apr 06: Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance (SUD Life) has strengthened its customer experience with the deployment of a proprietary AI-enabled voice bot and a series of operations-led enhancements to improve service efficiency. The Voice Bot is designed to bridge the gap between the insurer and its customers by enabling faster access to policy-related information, quicker service resolution, and reducing reliance on manual touchpoints.

These initiatives support the company’s goal of making insurance simpler and more accessible to customers across life stages.

The AI-powered voice bot is a significant addition to SUD Life’s technologyled customer experience transformation, as the company eyes deeper insurance penetration in the country.

Available in 2 Indian languages—English and Hindi and offering 24×7 assistance, the Voice Bot simplifies insurance interactions by helping customers access policy details, check premiums due and payment status, and get answers to policy-related queries and services, and the Voice Bot will help you raise the service requests. It supports existing policyholders with faster servicing while also assisting new customers with product information. By reducing reliance on human intervention, the innovation reduces wait times and delivers accurate information, thereby enhancing service efficiency and customer trust.

The solution received external validation when it was awarded “Best Use of Technology to Enhance Customer Experience” at the UBS Forums (Insurance Summit), reinforcing the company’s leadership in insurance tech adoption. 

For SUD Life, the initiative reflects its focus on leveraging automation and conversational AI to create seamless, scalable, and efficient service models. 

Complementing this innovation, SUD Life has bolstered its backend operations to ensure faster and more efficient service delivery.  Increased adoption of ECS and auto-debit mandates have streamlined premium collections, reduced policy lapses, and improved persistency ratios.

Process automation in payouts, including workflow-enabled systems and auto-receipting of online renewal premiums, has minimized manual errors, ensured timely premium updates, and reduced administrative burden for both customers and service teams. 

SUD Life has also simplified its operations to enable a clearer and more transparent premium handling process that is aligned with the recent regulatory and tax changes.

Further enhancing its customer-first approach, SUD Life’s “You Matter” wellness and self-service app serves as an integrated platform that allows policyholders to seamlessly access policy details and self-service options but also gain from wellness tips such as guided yoga and fitness sessions. 

Together, these digital and operational enhancements reflect a shift towards a more customer-centric insurance ecosystem that goes beyond traditional servicing. 

“At SUD Life, we are constantly innovating to enhance customer experience and strengthen feedback mechanisms as we take insurance to the hinterland. Our focus is not just on leveraging technology, but also on making it simple even for those who are not tech-savvy. We will continue to drive operational improvements to make insurance more affordable and accessible, while ensuring that more people are financially protected,” said Abhay Tewari  MD & CEO, SUD Life .

SUD Life remains committed to its broader goal of scalable growth while maintaining service quality across its expanding customer base. With over 1.52 crore lives covered, 6000+ employees, and 170+ offices, robust technology-driven operations are critical to sustaining consistency, and speed. The company will continue to develop future-ready insurance services that blend human support with intelligent automation.


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6, Apr 2026
Varun Dhawan Unboxes Fossil’s Big Tic, Bringing the Y2K Energy Back

Following the reintroduction of its iconic Big Tic collection, Fossil brings the spotlight onto the relaunch through a candid unboxing moment featuring India brand ambassador Varun Dhawan. Reviving a cult-favourite from the late ’90s and early 2000s, the Big Tic returns with its signature ana-digi display and animated scrolling seconds blending nostalgia with a fresh, contemporary edge with two collections: Machine and Y2K.

Varun Dhawan Unboxes Fossil’s Big Tic, Bringing the Y2K Energy Back

 In a recently released Instagram Reel, Varun Dhawan is seen unboxing a Fossil box two distinct iterations from the Big Tic collection, offering a first-hand take on how the watches translate into everyday style.

He first picks up the Big Tic Machine FS6165, calling out its “Y2K watch vibe” and noting that it feels like “not just a time-telling watch, but something that has a personality of its own.” With its gold-tone stainless steel case and signature animated digital seconds, the piece leans into a bold, expressive aesthetic that taps into the resurgence of retro-inspired style.

He then styles the Big Tic Machine FS6157, highlighting its versatility, sharing that he “likes it a lot,” especially for how seamlessly it pairs across looks “whether you’re wearing boots or shoes,” adding that “if you want to look formal, it fits the bill.” Designed with a black stainless steel case and brown leather strap, the watch brings a more grounded, wearable take on the Big Tic design, balancing statement with everyday ease.

6, Apr 2026
Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal – Egypt Receives STS and RTG Cranes, Enhancing Connectivity Across the Red Sea

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 06 April 2026: Noatum Ports, the international ports operating arm of AD Ports Group (ADPORTS:ADX), today confirmed the delivery of three new ship-to-shore (STS) and six rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to its new multipurpose terminal in Safaga, Egypt, marking a crucial step ahead of the opening later this year of a major new commercial maritime gateway on the Red Sea in southern Egypt.

The Super Post-Panamax-class cranes made by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (ZPMC), a leading global manufacturer of industrial cranes, were successfully delivered following ocean transport from China, confirming the commencement of phased operational activities at Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal, subsequent to the completion of major infrastructure development works.

Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal - Egypt Receives STS and RTG Cranes, Enhancing Connectivity Across the Red Sea

Strategically located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal is poised to be the first internationally operated port terminal in the Upper Egypt region of southern Egypt, serving as a key gateway for the region and strengthening connectivity across Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, and global shipping routes. Designed to handle containers, general cargo, dry and liquid bulk, and Ro-Ro cargo, the terminal will support regional and international trade flows while delivering high productivity, deep draft capabilities, and best-in-class port operations, in addition to playing a central role in enabling industrial development across Upper Egypt and the wider Red Sea region, including container trade, project cargo for industrial and green energy infrastructure, and mining logistics.

Mohammed Al Tamimi, Chief Executive Officer of Noatum Ports, said: “The arrival of the STS and RTG cranes marks a key operational milestone for Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal, ahead of its opening later this year as a major gateway for economic development in southern Egypt. This milestone signals the transition from development to operations at a strategically important location. The terminal will serve as a key Red Sea gateway, supporting global trade flows and contributing to Egypt’s economic growth.”

Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal will span approximately 810,000 m2, featuring a 1,000-metre quay wall designed to handle up to 450,000 TEUs, alongside 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk, and 50,000 CEUs of Ro-Ro cargo.

The development includes administration buildings, workshops, warehouses, and authority facilities, supported by comprehensive infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and integrated security systems.

AD Ports Group has invested AED 193 million to procure the cranes for Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal, which is expected to commence operations in the second half of 2026. The cranes form a part of a total investment of USD 200 million committed by the Group for the Safaga Terminal, following the award in 2023 of a 30-year concession to develop and operate the multipurpose terminal in partnership with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA).

The project is partially financed through a USD 115 million facility from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with participation from the National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (NBK – Egypt) and other institutional investors, as announced by the Group in February 2026. The IFC managed co-lending portfolio programme carries a tenor of 15 years and reflects strong international confidence in AD Ports Group, as well as Egypt’s strategic role in the global supply chain.

The new terminal forms part of AD Ports Group’s broader strategy to develop and operate high-performance port assets across high-growth trade corridors, particularly in Egypt, one of the Group’s most important international markets. The successful delivery of the cranes reflects Noatum Ports’ long-term commitment to investing in advanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment, reinforcing its role in delivering safe, efficient, and reliable terminal operations worldwide.

6, Apr 2026
Keturah Resort to reinforce UAE’s place among world’s fastest-growing wellness destinations

Developer reveals four ultra-luxury waterfront mansions and 110 luxury apartments secured at Ritz-Carlton Residences 

Dubai, UAE, 6th April; 2026:  Investors have secured four ultra-prime waterfront mansions and more than half of the luxury apartments at The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Keturah Resort, the Middle East’s first fully wellness-certified resort in Dubai. 

Located on the shores of Dubai Creek and adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, the Resort continues to advance steadily, with construction activity continuing as planned in recent weeks, luxury developer Keturah said in a project update today. 

Keturah Resort to reinforce UAE's place among world's fastest-growing wellness destinations

 

The gated community comprises 12 Creek-side mansions of 42,000 sq ft, eight residential buildings with 193 apartments – 110 now sold – a five-star Ritz-Carlton boutique hotel, a standalone wellness centre, and a private marina with moorings for yachts up to 120 feet. 

With eight remaining mansions priced in the AED335 million to AED363 million range, Keturah is confident of continued interest from buyers, many aiming to make Dubai their home. The developer also believes the resort will help reinforce the UAE’s $40.8 billion wellness economy. 

The UAE ranks first in the latest global five-year wellness growth figures, and Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand, says this reflects the UAE’s Wellbeing 2031 agenda to make the country a global leader in quality of life. 

“The UAE’s wellness economy is already the fastest-growing in the MENA region, as a direct result of genuine intent, and Keturah Resort is our contribution to that vision,” says Talal. 

“Dubai recognises that there has been a clear shift in how luxury real estate is defined and valued, with buyers now asking whether a home will improve their health, enhance sleep, lift mood, support family wellbeing, and strengthen their connection to nature.” 

Added Talal: “Dubai’s luxury property market has always emerged from periods of uncertainty with renewed momentum. We see high-net-worth capital continuing to flow from international buyers, particularly those seeking freehold assets underpinned by a globally recognised hospitality brand.” 

A recent Keturah survey of Dubai real estate brokers showed that the majority of global investors in luxury real estate want to live in the city, not just own property. It also found that lifestyle quality and wellness are key factors shaping luxury purchasing decisions.

According to the latest Global Wellness Institute (GWI) rankings, the UAE is No.1 globally for five-year wellness growth. In the GWI’s 2025 report it also led the MENA region in wellness real estate ($1.4 billion), spa revenue ($2.9 billion), and personal care and beauty ($14.8 billion).

Meanwhile, the Emirates has been growing faster than any other MENA country in public health, prevention and personalised medicine, physical activity and workplace wellness. Reflecting these trends, the Keturah Resort, is certified by Delos, the US-based wellness real estate and technology firm, and the International WELL Building Institute.

Management under The Ritz-Carlton brand brings residents a full range of personalised attention, including dedicated concierge and butler services and in-residence dining. They also have access to the Keturah Wellness Centre featuring a 5-star Spa, health & fitness club, multiple yoga rooms and organic health care facility.

The resort features over 550 meters of waterfront promenade and 80,000 sqm of landscaped green spaces. The nearby sanctuary’s natural mangroves attract over 20,000 birds of 67 species, including the renowned greater flamingo.

6, Apr 2026
AWE Funds appoints Steve Taub as Venture Partner, Bringing Global Deep Tech Investing Expertise

April 6: AWE Funds, an early-growth venture equity platform focused on building scalable innovations across Climate Tech, HealthTech, FinTech, announced the appointment of Steve Taub as Venture Partner, Deep Tech and Innovation. With 17 years of experience investing in breakthrough technologies across corporate and strategic venture platforms, Steve will support AWE Funds in strengthening its deep tech strategy, enhancing technical diligence, and scaling high-impact innovations globally.

AWE Funds appoints Steve Taub as Venture Partner, Bringing Global Deep Tech Investing Expertise

 Steve brings a distinguished track record in venture capital and technology investing. He previously held senior roles at GE Ventures, where he played a key role in building and scaling the firm’s corporate venture investing capabilities across energy, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and industrial technologies. He later served as a Partner at In-Q-Tel (IQT), the strategic investment arm supporting emerging technologies for national security applications.

Most recently, Steve was Managing Director of Investments at JetBlue Technology Ventures, where he led sourcing, evaluation, and execution of investments in climate tech, aerospace, transportation, and other frontier technologies. His investment approach combines technical depth with commercial insight, enabling early-stage innovations to translate into scalable, market-ready solutions.

Steve holds master’s degrees in Technology and Policy and Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University.

“AWE Funds is building a disciplined, forward-looking deep tech platform at a critical moment in global industrial transformation. I’m excited to partner with the team to strengthen technical diligence and support founders developing scalable, globally relevant technologies.” says Steve Taub, Venture Partner at AWE Funds.

In his role as Venture Partner, Steve will work closely with AWE Funds’ leadership and portfolio companies to refine investment theses, strengthen technical evaluation frameworks, and mentor founders building next-generation technologies.

“At AWE Funds, we believe deep tech requires both conviction and expertise,” said Seema Chaturvedi, Founder and Managing Partner, AWE Funds. “Steve’s experience across breakthrough technologies and his disciplined investment lens will help us further strengthen our deep tech strategy and back companies shaping the future of industry and society.”

Steve’s appointment reinforces AWE Funds’ commitment to backing scalable, technology-driven ventures that generate both financial returns and meaningful social impact.

6, Apr 2026
realme Buds T500 Pro set to launch on 16th April with flagship Hi-Res sound and advanced ANC

New Delhi, Apr 06: realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, is set to expand its portfolio with the realme Buds T500 Pro on 16th April. Built for young users who value performance and design, the realme Buds T500 Pro offers flagship Hi-Res sound coupled with advanced ANC. Its real-time AI noise cancellation algorithm and 6-mic system ensures clear calls whether you’re in one place or on the go. With the upcoming launch realme continues its commitment to offering power-packed technology that is practical, aesthetic and catering to the evolving needs of today’s youth.

The realme Buds T500 Pro is geared up to set a new standard for truly wireless earbuds introducing a candy box inspired design that is a culmination of playful aesthetics with exceptional portability. This power-packed compact device comes with 12.4mm Hi-Res Audio Drivers and LHDC 5.0 protocol, alongside 50dB flagship-grade noise cancellation and an exceptional 56-hours total battery life. The latest realme Buds T500 Pro comes with Bluetooth 6.1 connectivity as well as 45ms Ultra-Low Latency for a seamless experience. With multiple EQ modes it matches a wide array of listening styles while also offering 14 days of playback on a single charge. Additionally, the realme Buds T500 Pro offers a smooth two-way and face to face translation, reducing language barriers and ensuring smooth flowing conversations.  A culmination of superior audio quality, advanced noise cancellation, and intelligent features within this uniquely designed package, it delivers unmatched value for the youth.

With its thoughtful combination of performance and a unique design, the realme Buds T500 Pro is crafted to support modern lifestyles without compromise. The TWS will officially launch on 16th April, 2026 in three exciting colours – Lemon Cola, Orange Mint and Chocolate. Further details on pricing and availability will be announced on the launch day. tuned, and for more information visit: realme.com, Flipkart and Amazon.