Category Archives: Business

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.

Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 Wraps Up in Delhi, Boosts Tribal Art Sales

New Delhi: The Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 concluded successfully in Delhi, attracting large crowds and generating sales exceeding ₹4.5 crore. The festival celebrated India’s vibrant tribal culture, showcasing a wide variety of traditional crafts, textiles, artwork, and organic products.

The event provided tribal artisans with a unique platform to reach wider audiences, share their heritage, and boost their livelihoods. Visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with craftsmen, learn about their art forms, and purchase authentic products, supporting both cultural preservation and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Organizers highlighted that the strong turnout and robust sales reflect growing interest in India’s indigenous arts and crafts, and underline the festival’s role in promoting tribal innovation and economic empowerment.

LTM to Offer MIT Open Learning’s Universal AI to its Workforce in Cooperation with upGrad Enterprise

Mumbai, India  Apr 06: LTM, the Business Creativity partner to the world’s largest enterprises, announced that Universal AI, a dynamic online learning experience by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Open Learning will be made available to its workforce. The program is being delivered in cooperation with upGrad Enterprise as part of LTM’s commitment to institutionalizing foundational AI reasoning across its talent pool. 

LTM is focused on empowering its employees, across both tech and non-tech functions, to make informed, logic-driven decisions that drive client growth by preparing its workforce with scientific thinking and first-principles reasoning skills essential for success in an AI-driven economy and long-term career development. MIT Open Learning’s Universal AI program focuses on how AI systems work, the technologies that power them, and the ethical considerations surrounding their deployment. It is a self-paced learning experience designed by MIT Open Learning faculty, covering 16 foundational modules and vertical-specific modules, suitable for all skill levels, with no coding required.  

“With AI advancing rapidly, the importance of human intervention in AI solutions is crucial for effective functioning and optimised outcomes. Strategic workforce upskilling is essential to building impactful AI-led solutions. Deploying this cutting-edge MIT Open Learning program through our upGrad partnership will strengthen our AI expertise that will define the next era of innovation,” said Gururaj Deshpande, Chief Delivery Officer, LTM.  

“Providing upskilling opportunities in AI to employees in turn bridges capability gaps with the speed, scale, and precision. It builds a future-ready workforce that can develop innovative AI-led solutions for diverse industries, with social and economic impact in mind. At upGrad Enterprise, we bring our deep expertise in outcome-driven workforce development to build a powerful global skilled workforce, and we are very excited to partner with LTM to implement this,” said Ronnie Screwvala, Chairperson & Co-Founder, upGrad. 

Delivered in cooperation with upGrad Enterprise, the program serves as the gateway for LTM employees to access MIT-tier expertise. upGrad Enterprise facilitates the deployment of these modules, enabling LTM to institutionalize AI fluency and build its organizational AI muscle at scale. 

Upon completion, LTM employees will receive credentials from MIT Open Learning, certifying their recognised level of AI readiness and understanding of its first principles. 

Major Ports in India Beat Cargo Targets, Post Steady Growth in FY26

New Delhi: India’s major ports have outperformed expectations in the financial year 2025–26, reflecting strong growth in cargo movement and improved operational efficiency.

Data released by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways shows that the country’s 12 major ports handled a total of 915.17 million tonnes of cargo during the year—surpassing the target of 904 million tonnes. This marks a growth of 7.06% compared to 2024–25, signaling a positive trend in maritime trade.

Deendayal Port led the chart with the highest cargo handling of 160.11 million tonnes. Paradip Port followed closely with 156.45 million tonnes, while Jawaharlal Nehru Port handled 102.01 million tonnes, maintaining its position as a key hub for container traffic.

Among other major ports, Visakhapatnam handled 91.16 million tonnes and Kolkata recorded 70.87 million tonnes. Ports such as Chennai, Kamarajar (Ennore), New Mangalore, Cochin, V.O. Chidambaranar, and Mormugao also contributed significantly to the overall cargo volume.

In terms of growth, Mormugao Port emerged as the fastest-growing, registering an impressive 15.91% increase in cargo handling. Kolkata Dock System followed with 14.28% growth, while Jawaharlal Nehru Port recorded a rise of 10.74%. Paradip Port also posted a steady growth of 4.02%.

The strong performance highlights the increasing capacity and efficiency of India’s port sector. With continued focus on infrastructure upgrades and streamlined logistics, the country’s ports are set to play an even bigger role in driving trade and economic growth.

Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa Rebrands to ALDOVIA Resort & Convention

Bengaluru, Apr 6: Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa has rebranded as ALDOVIA Resort & Convention, marking a strategic shift towards building an independent, owner-led hospitality brand. The move comes in the wake of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) acquiring a majority stake in Clarks Hotels & Resorts, prompting a transition from brand affiliation to full brand ownership and creative control.

 The transition comes in the wake of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) acquiring a majority stake in Clarks Hotels & Resorts, prompting a natural pivot for the property from brand affiliation to full ownership and creative control. While the brand association evolves, the ownership of the property remains unchanged and continues under the stewardship of the Colaco family, led by Dr. Ronald Colaco, along with Executive Directors Mr. Nigel Colaco and Mr. Randal Colaco.

For nearly two decades, Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa has built a strong reputation for service excellence, scale, and trust. That foundation remains firmly intact. Strategic direction continues under Mr. Vivek Kumar, with business development led by Mr. Balaji, whose 19-year association with the property has played a pivotal role in shaping its identity and market presence.

The transition to ALDOVIA is not merely a rebranding, but a strategic transformation. It marks a shift from affiliation-led growth to full brand ownership, allowing the leadership to shape a more personal, values-driven, and future-focused hospitality experience.

Derived from “Aldo,” meaning wisdom, and “Via,” meaning journey, ALDOVIA represents a journey guided by experience, strengthened by legacy, and driven by purpose. The swan, its chosen emblem, reflects the brand’s philosophy—the “Spirit of Tranquillity”—symbolising grace, calm, and quiet confidence.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Balaji M, CEO, Aldovia, said,

“Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa has been more than a workplace: it has been a journey of passion, people, and purpose. ALDOVIA is a natural evolution of that journey. While the name changes, the heart of what we have built remains the same. This transition gives us the opportunity to craft a brand that is truly our own, one that reflects our values, our learnings, and our long-term vision for hospitality.”

The rebranding marks a broader transformation and repositioning strategy. With full ownership of the brand, the leadership now has the flexibility to shape product, experience, and growth on its own terms, laying the foundation for a long-term, values-driven hospitality brand.

Adding to this, Ms. Nilisha Ghuliani, Vice President, Aldovia, With ALDOVIA, we are gently refining the experience to feel more intuitive, more personal, and truly meaningful, always keeping people at the heart of everything we do. It’s about how every guest is welcomed, understood, and remembered; how every interaction carries warmth, care, and a sense of belonging.

Our approach is rooted in grace in the way we shape our spaces, in the sincerity of our service and most importantly, in how people feel when they are with us. Because beyond the place, it is the people who create the experience, turning moments into memories. ALDOVIA is a place where Grace find you and our people embody the philosophy “Be the Grace”

This journey is not about changing what we are, but about elevating what already exists together. 

Guests can expect the same warmth, team, and commitment to service that defined Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa. Under the continued guidance of Vivek Kumar and Balaji, the resort’s core strengths remain unchanged. What evolves is the experience, becoming more refined, personalised, and aligned with a clear philosophy.

Under the leadership of Vice President, Nilisha Ghuliani and General Manager Varun Sharma, ALDOVIA will introduce a more cohesive and experience-led approach to hospitality. Enhancements will be thoughtful and phased, designed to elevate rather than disrupt.

As part of this evolution, select areas of the property will undergo curated upgrades. The poolside will be reimagined into a vibrant Swiss Town Square, envisioned as a dynamic social hub. The resort will also introduce distinctive culinary destinations, including Mirage (Pool Café), Shogun (Pan Asian Restaurant), and Ember (Grills Restaurant), each designed to offer immersive and concept-driven dining experiences.

Culinary direction will continue to be led by Executive Chef Suresh Babu and Associate Director F&B Senthil Kumar, with a focus on making dining at ALDOVIA not just a service, but a memorable experience.

Positioned near Bengaluru’s airport, ALDOVIA differentiates itself through a philosophy that goes beyond conventional luxury. Anchored in the belief, “Where Grace Finds You,” the brand is built on emotional intelligence, authenticity, and a deeply personalised approach to hospitality.

With this transformation, ALDOVIA Resort & Convention sets out on a long-term journey, to build a brand that stands independently, carries forward a proud legacy, and aspires to be recognised among the finest in global hospitality.

Joyalukkas Punjagutta set to light up with the ‘Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show’

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.”

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.

Air Ticket Prices Rise Sharply Due to Costlier Fuel

New Delhi: Air travel in India has become more expensive as flight ticket prices have increased sharply in recent weeks. The rise is mainly due to higher fuel costs caused by global tensions.

Compared to last year, airfares in April have gone up by about 44%. A ticket that cost around ₹5,850 in April 2025 now costs nearly ₹8,450. International ticket prices have also increased, rising from about ₹52,000 to ₹74,500.

Major routes are seeing big jumps in fares. For example, Delhi to Bengaluru tickets now cost between ₹10,500 and ₹14,000, up from ₹7,200–₹8,500 last year. Mumbai to Chennai fares have also increased significantly, and Mumbai to Delhi tickets are now much more expensive than before.

The main reason for this increase is the rising price of aviation fuel. Global oil price hikes, airspace restrictions, and changes in currency value have made airline operations more costly.

The government has taken some steps to control the situation, including offering relief on fuel prices and trying to improve seat availability. However, ticket prices are still rising. Experts say fares could have been even higher without these measures.

Passengers are likely to continue facing high ticket prices, especially during busy travel seasons.

Russia Steps In to Boost Oil and Gas Supply to India Amid Global Disruptions

New Delhi: In a move that underscores long-standing strategic ties, Russia has offered to increase oil and gas supplies to India as global energy markets face uncertainty due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The assurance came during high-level discussions between Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and key Indian leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Manturov also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The discussions placed strong emphasis on expanding collaboration in the energy sector. Manturov noted that Russian companies are well-positioned to quickly ramp up supplies of oil and gas to meet India’s growing needs.

The offer comes at a critical time, as disruptions in shipping routes—particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz—have affected global energy flows following conflict in the Middle East. These developments have raised concerns about potential supply shortages, especially in West Asia.

With this renewed commitment, Russia once again signals its readiness to support India during periods of global uncertainty, reinforcing a partnership that continues to play a key role in energy security.

Springtime Indulgence: Easter at ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar, Kolkata

As spring blooms in the city, ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar come together to mark Easter with two beautifully curated brunch experiences, set to unfold on 5th April 2026.

At Grand Market Pavilion, the Easter Garden Brunch from 1:00 PM to 3:45 PM transforms the space into a charming garden escape alive with the warmth and colour of spring. Families can enjoy a festive spread of seasonal favourites and indulgent desserts, complemented by interactive live stations, an Easter egg hunt, and cupcake decorating activities — making it a thoroughly delightful afternoon for all ages.

Meanwhile, Eden Pavilion hosts Easter Eggcitement, a refined celebration featuring a lavish buffet of gourmet delights, festive flavours, and decadent sweet creations in an elegant, relaxed setting — ideal for gathering with loved ones and toasting to the season. Priced at INR 1,800 plus taxes per person, this is available from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

Whether you seek festive family fun or an elevated culinary affair, both venues offer the perfect backdrop for a truly memorable Easter celebration. Reserve your table and make this spring one to cherish.