11, Mar 2026
The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia by Johnny Teague, now available from Histria Books

The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia by Johnny Teague, now available from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia by Johnny Teague. This compelling novel is published by Histria Fiction, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding original works of fiction.

In The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia, a forgotten confessional surfaces from beneath a Roman basilica and refuses to stay buried. This is a story for lovers of secret histories, dark academia and morally complex heroines. 

At its heart are two souls divided by five centuries yet bound by the same questions. What if the woman history branded a poisoner and seductress had written her own defense? What if her words could upend everything we think we know about power, faith and female ambition?  

Moving between glittering Renaissance courts and the shadows of modern Rome, the novel explores the allure and danger of sacred objects, the seduction of corruption and the cost of choosing conscience over survival. For readers of dual timeline epics, ecclesiastical thrillers and feminist retellings, The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia invites you into a world where every relic hides a story and every story threatens the official truth.

Dr. Johnny Teague is a historian, author, and patented inventor. With four published books to his name, his works have gained notable recognition. His book Preaching Your Way Out of a Mess was awarded Preaching Magazine’s 2019 Book of the Year. The Lost Diary of Anne Frank earned a place on the Association for Jewish Studies Honor Roll of 2021 and is available in hardcover, softcover, eBook, and Audible formats. His other notable works include The Lost Diary of George Washington, The Revolutionary War Years (Editors’ Pick in The Manhattan and finalist for the Goethe Book Award) and The Lost Diary of Mary Magdalene, which received a 5-star rating from Readers’ Favorite.

The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia by Johnny Teague, 150 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-600-3, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. The book is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

 
11, Mar 2026
The Midnight Boy: A Percy St. John Novel by E. A. Allen, now available from Histria Books

The Midnight Boy: A Percy St. John Novel by E. A. Allen, now available from Histria Books

 

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Midnight Boy: A Percy St. John Novel by E. A. Allen. This book is published by Histria YA, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works for teens and young adults.

In Edwardian England, where gaslight meets gutter magic, a boy thief with a haunted past is recruited into the empire’s most secret war. The Midnight Boy, the standalone prequel to Percy St. John and the Chronicle of Secrets blends dark academia, supernatural thriller, and Victorian spy caper into a fast-paced series opener for fans of Garth Nix, Philip Pullman and Samantha Shannon.

At its heart are classic tropes with a twist: the brutal orphanage that hides a conspiracy, a snarky

guardian cat that may be more than it seems, found family in a locksmith’s workshop, and a reluctant prodigy drawn into cloak and dagger missions. Expect cursed schools, demonic infestations in the city’s underbelly, and a charismatic villain who refuses to stay dead.

Perfect for readers seeking a high concept, cross over supernatural fantasy, The Midnight Boy offers espionage, occult mystery and coming of age peril in the shadows of a crumbling empire.

E. A. Allen is a cattle farmer, historian, and retired CIA intelligence officer who writes mystery and adventure fiction for both adults and young readers. He is the author of the Montclaire Mysteries for adult readers, and the Percy St.-John Adventures for teens and young adults, inspired by the classic traditions of Arthur Conan Doyle, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Agatha Christie. Allen holds a Ph.D. in Modern European History from Tulane University, has studied in France at the University of Montpellier and the Sorbonne, and previously served as Senior Analyst for European Security Affairs at the CIA and Deputy National Intelligence Officer for Europe on the National Intelligence Council. He lives with his wife on a farm in the mountains of northwest Arkansas.

The Midnight Boy: A Percy St. John Novel by E. A. Allen, 200 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-590-7, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. The book is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

 

11, Mar 2026
¿Cómo te sientes? by Amy Conroy, now available from Histria Books

¿Cómo te sientes? by Amy Conroy, now available from Histria Books

 

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of ¿Cómo te sientes?: A Beginner Reader book in Spanish to teach children social-emotional literacy by Amy Conroy. This story is published by Histria Kids, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works for children that both educate and entertain.

Meet ¿Cómo te sientes?, a joyful gateway to Spanish for the youngest learners and the grownups who guide them. This is not just another vocabulary book; it is a gentle introduction to big feelings in a little-kid format, perfect for storytime snuggles and circle time alike.  

Built around high-frequency, socio-emotional language, ¿Cómo te sientes? supports key early literacy goals while opening the door to bilingualism. Repetition, rhyme and clear first-person expressions invite children to speak up, try out new words and immediately use them in real life.  

For educators and librarians, it fits seamlessly alongside SEL and world language curricula. For families, it feels like a cozy picture book that just happens to be in Spanish. With vibrant, contemporary art and a focus on diverse, modern families, ¿Cómo te sientes? delivers what today’s market seeks: a warm, accessible, classroom-ready resource that builds empathy, confidence and a love of language.

Amy Rush Conroy is an anthropologist, educator, and mother of three bilingual children in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder of Habla Blah Blah, a company dedicated to engaging young children in second-language learning through song and experiences since 2006, inspiring thousands of children to learn Spanish, French, or English. Habla Blah Blah was named “Best Children’s Songwriter” (2016) and awarded “Best Children’s Song” (2017) by the Indie Music Channel. Amy is also a Spanish elementary teacher and a pioneer in the Global Parenting movement.

¿Cómo te sientes?: A Beginner Reader book in Spanish to teach children social-emotional literacy by Amy Conroy, 20 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-684-3, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. This title is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. 

 

 
11, Mar 2026
Paphos by Nick Burnette, now available from Histria Books

Paphos by Nick Burnette, now available from Histria Books

 

Mar 11: Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of Paphos by Nick Burnette. This book is published by Histria SciFi & Fantasy, an imprint of Histria Books encompassing outstanding, innovative works in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.

Paphos is a heart-wrenching science fiction novel of first-contact mystery and claustrophobic survival horror set on a world that does not want to give up its secrets.

When a small research team touches down on a pristine alien planet, they expect data, samples and maybe a publication or two. Instead, they awaken something ancient, hungry and far more intelligent than they are. Trapped light years from help, cut off from Earth, they become test subjects in a planetary laboratory that rewrites the rules of life itself.

Paphos is a story of a single father, a brilliant young girl and the terrifying price of curiosity. Fans of Annihilation, The Last of Us and classic “science team in over their heads” tales will find familiar tropes twisted into something unsettling and new, as humanity’s drive to explore collides with an ecosystem that has its own plans for us.

Nick Burnette is an American author specializing in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Raised in a secret society of 80’s movies, he honed a unique blend of adventure, suspense, and imagination—along with a few deadly skills best left in the dojo. When he’s not crafting high-stakes stories of first contact, cyberpunk detectives, and kung fu, he can be found plotting his next twist, exploring the cosmos with a telescope, or debating the finer points of old television series with his wife.

Paphos by Nick Burnette, 250 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-683-6, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. The book is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. 

 

 

 

11, Mar 2026
HCLTech partners with Hockey Victoria to support Melbourne Cobras

 

MELBOURNE and NOIDA, India, Mar 11 —HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today announced a partnership with Hockey Victoria to support the Melbourne Cobras franchise, which will debut in the Hockey One League this year.

The Melbourne Cobras is the eighth franchise to join Australia’s premier domestic hockey competition. As part of Hockey Victoria’s vision to build a globally connected and inclusive franchise, the Melbourne Cobras will bring together Indian international players alongside leading local talent, strengthening the future of the sport in the region while celebrating the diversity of the community.

As part of the partnership, HCLTech will design and develop a digital fan engagement platform for Hockey Victoria and the Melbourne Cobras. Going beyond traditional sponsorship, HCLTech will apply its global experience in building large-scale digital platforms for sports organizations to enhance fan engagement across digital channels.

The platform will feature live match insights, interactive content and personalization, helping fans across Australia and India connect more closely with the team and the sport.

“We are proud to partner with Hockey Victoria to launch the Melbourne Cobras,” said Sonia Eland, Executive Vice President and Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand, HCLTech. “We have helped leading sports organizations around the world build strong, scalable fan platforms and we are excited to bring that experience here to create a more connected fan experience and help grow hockey across Australia and India.”

Andrew Skillern, Chief Executive Officer of Hockey Victoria, said, “The launch of the Melbourne Cobras represents a defining moment for Hockey Victoria and for the future of our sport. From the outset, our vision was to build a team that reflects the diversity of our community while showcasing world-class hockey talent on an international stage. Partnering with HCLTech enables us to offer a truly innovative and inclusive experience for fans.”

 

10, Mar 2026
Ember Sports Ignites the Future of Baseball and Softball Training With Launch of Mobile-First VR Platform

Affordable and hardware-free, Ember Sports is bringing major league analytics to the phones of baseball and softball athletes nationwide 

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — March 10, 2026 — Baseball and softball season is almost in full swing, and sports technology company Ember Sports is stepping up to the plate to launch its mobile-first training platform that puts professional-level analytics and affordable training tools into the hands of players and coaches nationwide. Backed by former MLB players and coaches such as Brady Clark and Damon Mashore, the Ember Hitting Analyzer and Ember Pitching Analyzer are redefining the landscape of baseball and softball training, this time without the barriers of expensive equipment or exclusive training facilities.  

Expertly designed for accessibility, Ember’s iOS-based Hitting Analyzer delivers instant metrics such as exit velocity, launch angle, bat path and distance directly to players’ phones; no bulky, external hardware required. Meanwhile, Ember’s Pitching Analyzer tracks velocity, flight path and strike zone and offers multi-pitch comparisons to evaluate performance. Integrated video replay, telestrations and side-by-side comparison tools make it easy for players and coaches to break down performance in real time, whether on the field or at home. 

Where similar products rely on extensive and costly hardware, Ember Sports is pioneering the future of training on users’ mobile devices. The analyzers’ engagement-driven features, including gaming-style progression systems, recruiting profiles and historical data streams, are all designed to fuel continuous skill development and track measurable progress. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all algorithm, Ember built a holistic development system that helps both players and coaches reach their full potential.  

“Parents invest significant time and money to develop their children into professional players, but for the longest time, professional-grade training tools have been widely out of reach,” said Fred Williams, CEO of Ember Sports. “Our goal is to provide players, coaches and parents with an affordable, data-driven platform that delivers real performance feedback and gives coaches a scalable, modern way to train their athletes in hopes of becoming major leaguers.” 

With over 25 million youth participating in baseball and softball across the United States, Ember is tapping into a long-overlooked market of players, coaches and parents eager for accessible, professional-grade training. Through Ember’s mobile platform, high-level development is now both affordable and scalable, bringing elite training directly into the hands of athletes everywhere. More than just an app, Ember is a connected performance ecosystem that’s designed to elevate skill, track progress and transform the way the next generation of players trains and grows. 

10, Mar 2026
GNLU Report Highlights Policy Pathways for Crypto-Asset Regulation in India

New Delhi, March 10: 

The Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), in partnership with the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF), on Tuesday formally launched its project report titled “Crypto-Assets in India: Assessing the Case for Regulation” at an event held at The Lalit, New Delhi. The report presents a comprehensive examination of India’s current approach to crypto-assets and outlines a structured framework for regulation aimed at balancing innovation, investor protection and financial stability.

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) launches Report on ‘Crypto-Assets in India: Assessing the Case for Regulation’

 

The report underscores that India is at a critical juncture in shaping its regulatory architecture for digital assets. While the government has introduced certain fiscal and compliance measures in recent years—such as the taxation of virtual digital assets and the extension of anti-money laundering obligations to crypto intermediaries—the absence of a dedicated statutory framework continues to create regulatory ambiguity for market participants. The study argues that a coherent and forward-looking regulatory regime is essential to ensure that India remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global Web3 ecosystem. The report puts forth various models of regulation by different existing regulators, along with a new model of self regulation under government oversight till the time a robust regulatory ecosystem is established.

The launch event brought together senior members of the judiciary, leading legal practitioners, policy experts and representatives from the digital asset industry to deliberate on the future trajectory of crypto regulation in India.

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) launches Report on ‘Crypto-Assets in India: Assessing the Case for Regulation’

 

The event was attended by Justice Hima Kohli, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, who shared her views on the evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding digital assets. Other distinguished speakers at the event included Justice M. R. Shah, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India; Justice Ravi Tripathi, Former Judge of the Gujarat High Court; Dr. Lalit Bhasin, President of the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF); and Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Director of Gujarat National Law University.

Justice Hima Kohli, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, said, “Crypto assets illustrate the broader challenge that legal systems face when technological innovation evolves faster than legislative processes. Today, with the global crypto market exceeding $2.4 trillion and India emerging as one of the largest markets with millions of users, the policy debate is no longer about whether such technologies should exist but about how they should be regulated. The task before policymakers is to craft a balanced framework that protects financial stability, ensures investor protection and transparency, while allowing innovation in blockchain and digital technologies to continue.”

 

Justice M. R. Shah, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, said, “With nearly 12 crore Indians already investing in crypto assets, it is no longer possible to simply ignore this sector. In a globalised digital economy, attempts to stop such technologies are neither practical nor effective. The real need is for a clear regulatory framework that ensures transparency, prevents misuse and protects the interests of investors. The government’s decision to tax income from virtual digital assets is an important first step, but comprehensive regulation will be essential to strengthen confidence in this emerging ecosystem.”

Justice Ravi Tripathi, Former Judge, Gujarat High Court, said, “In an era where technology is rapidly transforming society and the economy, institutions cannot afford to ignore emerging developments such as crypto assets. Academic institutions have an important role to play in studying such complex issues and contributing thoughtful recommendations to policymakers. Initiatives like this report demonstrate how research and informed dialogue can help shape regulatory thinking on technologies that already exist and are increasingly influencing economic activity.”

Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Director, Gujarat National Law University, said, “What began as a classroom discussion on a regulatory grey area eventually evolved into a national research initiative. With nearly 12 crore Indians engaging with crypto assets despite the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework, we felt it was important for academia to contribute to the policy conversation. Through stakeholder consultations in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi involving developers, exchanges, regulators and legal experts, the university sought to understand the technology and its challenges. The report ultimately presents five possible regulatory models, leaving policymakers with practical options to consider while shaping India’s approach to crypto regulation.”

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) launches Report on ‘Crypto-Assets in India: Assessing the Case for Regulation’

 

Drawing on comparative regulatory models and global policy developments, the report highlights that several major economies have moved toward clear regulatory frameworks for crypto-assets. It notes that the absence of a comprehensive domestic framework in India has contributed to regulatory uncertainty, with implications for capital flows, industry development and technological innovation.

The report calls for a calibrated regulatory approach that combines institutional oversight with coordinated participation from relevant regulators. It recommends a framework that strengthens consumer protection, addresses risks relating to financial stability and illicit finance, and simultaneously supports the development of blockchain-based innovation within India.

The project was guided by an eminent advisory board comprising Justice M. R. Shah, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India; Justice Ravi Tripathi, Former Judge of the Gujarat High Court; Rajkumar, Former Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat; J. P. Gupta, Former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat; Dr. Keshav Kumar, Former DGP and Director, Anti-Corruption Bureau; Senior Advocate N. S. Nappinai; Prof. Vijaya Bhaskar Marisetty, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Chair Professor at IIM Visakhapatnam; Prof. M. K. Bhandari, Founder, ILTES and expert in Blockchain, AI, FinTech and Law; Chittu Nagarajan, Online Dispute Resolution expert; Advocate Mitali Gupta; Kalyanjit Hatibarua, Managing Director, Flugelsoft Group of Companies; and actor Kabir Bedi.

10, Mar 2026
A Viral Menu with a Strong Message: India Gate’s Not Your Biryani Sparks Conversation on Respect This Women’s Day

 New Delhi, Mar 10: KRBL Limited, a global leader in the food industry and the parent company of the World’s leading Basmati Rice Brand, India Gate Basmati Rice, has launched its new campaign, #NotYourBiryani, this International Women’s Day. With this initiative, the brand takes a resolute stand against everyday language that disguises objectification as praise. Words like ‘Hot,’ ‘Spicy,’ and ‘Sizzling’ are no longer exclusive to the kitchen, used so carefreely to describe women that their original culinary meaning now seems almost secondary.

The core of the campaign is the viral #NotYourBiryani Menu Card. Designed like a restaurant menu, it places these words firmly back in their rightful setting. ‘Spicy’ is a flavour that brings heat to a dish, not a passing remark. ‘Hot’ refers to temperature or taste, not a comment on their appearance. ‘Sizzling’ celebrates layered flavour, not a person’s identity. The visual is simple, striking, and impossible to ignore. These words belong on our plates, not in the way we speak about women. 

Online, the campaign gains momentum through voices that resonate with young audiences, including Nayab Midha, Ayesha Khan and Harshita Gupta, supported by hundreds of nano influencers who share their own stories with #NotYourBiryani. Real-time brand conversations keep the tone sharp and relevant. Furthermore, on Women’s Day, a Vox Pop takes the conversation straight to the public. The message also extends offline with bold billboards. The campaign culminates in a powerful reminder: she’s a woman, not your biryani. The words used to describe flavour, heat and spice belong on a plate, not as labels that reduce women to something meant for commentary or consumption.

Commenting on the campaign, Kunal Sharma, Vice President – Marketing and Organised Trade, KRBL Limited, said,

“As a trusted kitchen staples partner of India, we recognise the central role that women play in shaping the community and culture, and how connection to food is woven into the social fabric of the country. At India Gate, this belief is reflected in our core philosophy, the Taste of Indian Values, which celebrates respect, dignity, and the cultural principles that bind households together. With #NotYourBiryani, we wanted to gently but firmly put certain words back where they belong. The idea is not to shame, but to spark reflection. Respect begins with everyday language, and as a household brand, we believe it is our responsibility to use our voice to challenge what has been normalised for far too long.”

India Gate has long been part of everyday meals across India. With that presence comes responsibility. #NotYourBiryani is more than a campaign. It is a cultural wave aimed at young, socially active audiences who shape conversations online and offline. With #NotYourBiryani, India Gate turns a familiar phrase into a powerful reminder. The language we use matters. Spice is for food. Respect is for people. 

9, Mar 2026
K&L Gates Among First Law Firms Globally to Earn ISO/IEC 42001:2023 AI Governance Certification
Global law firm K&L Gates LLP has earned ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for its Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS), becoming one of the first law firms worldwide to achieve the internationally recognized standard for AI governance.

The certification establishes a formal framework for the responsible development, deployment, and oversight of artificial intelligence systems. Following a comprehensive independent audit, the certification confirms that K&L Gates’ AI program operates with robust controls around accountability, risk management, ethics, transparency, data protection, and regulatory compliance.

This milestone validates that governance principles are embedded across K&L Gates’ AI lifecycle—from evaluation and implementation to ongoing monitoring and improvement. As regulatory scrutiny and client expectations surrounding AI continue to evolve globally, the certification reinforces K&L Gates’ leadership in responsible AI adoption within the legal industry.

“This certification reflects our commitment to combining innovation with accountability,” said Stacy Ackermann, Global Managing Partner of K&L Gates. “Clients are embracing AI to transform their businesses, and they expect their law firms to responsibly do the same. Achieving ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification demonstrates that we have built a governance framework that prioritizes risk management, transparency, and trust while enabling us to deliver valuable insight and legal services to our clients.”

Harpreet Suri, Chief Technology Officer of K&L Gates, added: “As organizations across industries implement or evaluate AI technologies, they increasingly expect the same discipline and transparency from their legal advisers. Achieving ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification is a direct result of the dedication and rigor of our technology, security and information governance teams, whose work ensures that AI is deployed responsibly, securely, and in alignment with our professional obligations. This certification enables K&L Gates to provide enhanced confidence in how AI is thoughtfully and responsibly integrated into our client service delivery.”

In 2023, K&L Gates established a cross-disciplinary AI Solutions Group to guide its firmwide AI strategy, advising clients on developing, deploying, and investing in AI technologies. The firm also implemented a comprehensive Generative AI Policy and AI Forward℠ framework that mandates approved platforms, transparency with clients, verification of AI outputs, and mandatory training, all guided by principles of responsible innovation and human-centric excellence.

As an early adopter of generative AI, K&L Gates employs centralized governance to oversee AI deployment across its global platform, ensuring alignment with confidentiality obligations, data-governance requirements, and professional standards. AI enhances legal research, drafting, contract review, due diligence, and discovery through vetted AI platforms including Legora, Vincent, Westlaw Precision AI, Relativity Analytics, CoCounsel, and Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Firmwide adoption is supported by role-specific training with AltaClaro, as its first law firm partner, and Hotshot Legal, emphasizing AI literacy, prompt engineering, and partner supervisory oversight. The firm’s leadership extends beyond internal operations through the K&L Gates Endowment for Ethics and Computational Technologies at Carnegie Mellon University in 2016 and a founding sponsor for the AI Access to Justice Summit. In 2025, K&L Gates was named an “Innovation Icon” by BTI Consulting Group for integrating AI into its global client-service strategy.

 
 
9, Mar 2026
Comau’s Hyperflex wins the Solution Award – Robotics Innovation Award at MecSpe 2026
Comau’s Hyperflex project wins the 11th edition of the Solution Award – Robotics Innovation Award, promoted by Automazione News, a milestone that highlights its high innovative value and leadership in the sector.
The award ceremony was held today, Thursday, March 5, at 2:30 p.m., with the participation of Giovanni Di Stefano, Head of Engineering Advanced Robotics at Comau, who presented the solution.
 
Comau’s Hyperflex is a new paradigm for solar panel installation, enabling faster construction of photovoltaic systems with up to 25% savings in time to market. This temporary mobile robotic factory automatically assembles the entire solar sail (up to 48 m²) directly in the field, helping reduce operating costs. Thanks to its flexible design, Hyperflex adapts to different types of trackers and panels. With Hyperflex, Comau has optimized the production and installation process in a single, easily transportable robotic station, improving efficiency, reducing overall energy consumption, and improving the photovoltaic value chain.
 
Hyperflex represents a new paradigm in solar plant installation, responding to the clear market need to increase production capacity more quickly and safely. By automating the most complex processes, we make the entire construction site more efficient and deterministic, and also improve working conditions for operators. It is a fundamental step in accelerating the energy transition.” 
Giovanni Di Stefano, Head of Engineering Advanced Robotics at Comau
 
At the MecSpe trade fair, held in Bologna from March 4 to 6, Comau is also exhibiting its most advanced technologies in collaboration with its partners, demonstrating the effectiveness and versatility of its solutions in various application context.