Category Archives: News

From School Tiffins to Weekend Hangouts – The Snacks That Have Stayed with Every Friendship

July 31: Some friendships are built on endless conversations. Others on shared secrets. But almost all of them, if you trace them back far enough, are built on shared snacks; the ones swapped over tiffin lids, split during exam-week study sessions, and passed around during long train rides and longer gossip sessions. Snacks have witnessed more friendship milestones than we give them credit for: the first sleepover, the reunion after years apart or the impromptu evening when a friend just showed up at your door. 

This Friendship Day, look at some of the timeless Indian snacks that have travelled alongside friendships, from school tiffins to weekend reunions.

1. Methi Fulwadi: Feels Like Home

Every friend group has that one person whose presence instantly puts everyone at ease.  Jagdish Farshan’s Methi fulwadi carries that same comforting familiarity. Its distinctive flavour and satisfying crunch have made it a staple during friends’ festive gatherings, or even casual evening get-togethers.

2. Coin Khakhra: The Reliable One 

Some friends don’t demand attention. They are the reliable, low-maintenance kind who show up exactly when needed, without fuss. Coin khakhra is like that friend: crisp, unassuming, and always the first thing reached for during a lazy evening chai session when nobody wants anything too heavy.

3. Mini Bhakharwadi: Small Bites, Big Memories

Some friendships begin with a simple question: “Can I have one?” Jagdish Farshan’s Mini bhakharwadi has long been one of those snacks that disappears almost as quickly as it’s opened. Its bite-sized format makes it perfect for passing around, whether during school breaks or while catching up with friends years later.

4. Peri Peri Chakri: The Firecracker One

Every group has that one friend who brings the energy, dares everyone to try something new, and keeps the excitement alive. With its bold peri peri seasoning and irresistible crunch, Peri Peri Chakri is that friend on the snack table. Fiery, fun, and full of personality, it is the snack that sparks conversations, livens up game nights, and keeps everyone reaching back for just one more bite.

5. Masala Papdi: The Conversation Starter

As friendships grow, so do the conversations. Weekend catchups often stretch over cups of tea and plates of crunchy snacks. Masala papdi brings the right balance of flavour and crunch, making it the perfect companion for those long conversations with friends who somehow never run out of topics.

6. 3 Vegetable Chips: The Balanced One

Every group has that one friend who effortlessly brings everyone together. Thoughtful, dependable, and full of colour, they know how to strike the perfect balance. Just like them, 3 Vegetable Chips combine the goodness of palak, pumpkin, and beetroot into one vibrant snack. Crisp, wholesome, and packed with natural flavour, they add variety to every gathering, proving that the best moments are often made when everyone brings something unique to the table.

7. Roasted Chana Jor Garam: The Nostalgic One

Some friends may not be part of your everyday routine but meeting them feels like nothing has changed, instantly familiar and comforting. Roasted Chana Jor Garam captures that same feeling. Tangy, flavourful, and full of nostalgia, it’s the kind of snack that brings back memories of shared childhood moments and carefree afternoons.

This Friendship Day, as you catch up with the people who have stuck around through everything, let the snacks do the talking. Whether it’s Jagdish Farshan’s peri peri chakri straight out of the box or a bowl of chevdo passed around during old-friend gossips, some things, like good company and good snacks, are simply meant to be shared.

Bybit Dual Asset Now Upgraded with New Simulator and Expanded VIP Access

DUBAI, UAE, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce new upgrades to Bybit Dual Asset, introducing a newly added simulator, a simplified interface and expanded access to VIP-tier products for all users.

Bybit Dual Asset is a short-term, non-principal-protected structured investment product with built-in yield. It allows users to set a target price to buy or sell crypto at a preferred rate. Regardless of whether the target price is reached at settlement, participating users earn APR rewards on their principal, combining price flexibility with a competitive yield for Bybit traders.

Dual Asset, Multiple Benefits

The upgrade introduces an ultra user-friendly simulator, allowing users to preview potential outcomes before placing an order. Within the simulator, users can select a preferred token from a searchable list, enter a custom investment amount, choose from available durations and view both settlement scenarios side by side in a single, clear illustration. A “Match My Assets” filter also surfaces coins based on a user’s current holdings, streamlining product selection. To access the simulator, traders can switch on “Beginner Mode” by navigating to “Choose Product Plan”.

In addition, the Dual Asset interface has been redesigned for a simpler, more intuitive experience, reducing the steps required to compare terms and place an order.

As part of the upgrade, VIP-exclusive Dual Asset products with enhanced APR rates will be unlocked for all Bybit users every Friday, during which weekly window no VIP membership is required. This further broadens access to enhanced-rate products that were previously reserved for top-tier accounts.

The new and improved Bybit Dual Asset retains all the most loved features about the product while introducing exclusive benefits:

• Competitive yield: when the target trade is executed, users settle at the preset price while also earning additional APR rewards.
• Better pricing: compared with direct trading, users can buy at a lower price or sell at a higher price once the target price is reached.
• Inclusive access: VIP-tier products with enhanced rates now are available to all users every Friday, extending VIP benefits to the broader Bybit community.

Terms and conditions apply. For details on potential restrictions and eligibility, users may visit: Bybit Dual Asset — Revamped for a Better Experience and Bybit Dual Asset.

#Bybit  / #NewFinancialPlatform 

About Bybit

Bybit is The New Financial Platform.

We believe every person should have access to every financial opportunity on earth. That’s why we’re building the first intelligent platform that connects anyone, anywhere to the world’s finance.

Trusted by more than 80 million users worldwide, Bybit brings together investing, trading, payments, and wealth-building in a single secure and intelligent ecosystem. Through the combination of AI-powered technology, deep global liquidity, robust security, and transparent operations, Bybit makes global finance more accessible, efficient, and empowering for everyone.

Built for everyone. Powered by intelligence. Open to the world.

Learn more at Bybit.com

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

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Tata Mutual Fund celebrates Friendship Day with ‘Dost Hi Sikhaate Hain’, a heartwarming campaign on friendship

Mumbai, July 31: This Friendship Day, Tata Mutual Fund has unveiled ‘Dost Hi Sikhaate Hain‘, a heartwarming Pomedy performance launched under its investor education platform ‘Mehfil e-fund‘. The initiative uses humour, relatable storytelling and spoken-word poetry to encourage investors to appreciate the value of long-term, disciplined investing through Systematic Investment Plans.

Mehfil e-fund is Tata Mutual Fund‘s unique content platform that brings together Kahaniyan, Kavita, Comedy aur Zyada, using engaging and culturally relevant formats to simplify personal finance and make investing more relatable for audiences across age groups.

The latest edition, released to mark Friendship Day, blends humour, poetry and relatable storytelling to celebrate one of life’s most cherished relationships. Through a warm and engaging narrative, it encourages audiences to appreciate the value of trust, consistency and long-term commitment—both in life and in their financial journey.

The campaign concludes with a simple yet powerful message: good friends are like SIPs—their value may not be visible every day, but over time, they become one of life’s greatest investments.

Commenting on the Friendship Day campaign, Ashish Pawar, Chief Marketing Officer, Tata Asset Management, said: 

“Friends influence some of the most important decisions we make in life. They guide us, support us and teach us lessons that stay with us forever. ‘Dost Hi Sikhaate Hain‘ celebrates these everyday moments of friendship and reminds us that, much like strong friendships, meaningful journeys are built on trust, patience and consistency, qualities that also lie at the heart of investing through SIP.

The Friendship Day special is the latest offering from Mehfil e-fund, Tata Mutual Fund‘s investor education initiative that leverages creative expression—including stories, poetry, comedy and performances—to make financial concepts simple, engaging and memorable. By moving beyond conventional financial communication, the platform aims to encourage more people, especially young investors, to begin their investment journey with confidence.

The campaign will be promoted across Tata Mutual Fund‘s digital and social media platforms as part of its ongoing commitment to making investor education more accessible, relatable and impactful.

The film has been produced by Adsto Media House, bringing together humour, poetry and relatable storytelling to communicate the importance of disciplined investing.

Berger Paints Enhances Puri’s Iconic Rath Yatra Procession Route

Bengaluru, July 31: Following the successful conclusion of this year’s Jagannath Rath Yatra, Berger Paints India Ltd. marked the completion of painting the Puri’s iconic Grand Road , continuing its association with the landmark route for the second consecutive year. The company contributed decorative paint solutions to the stretch that served as the centrepiece of one of India’s most significant religious festivals.

The initiative covered nearly 300 buildings lining both sides of the 4-kilometre stretch between the Shree Jagannath Temple and the Mausi Maa Temple, with close to 10 lakh sq. ft. of surface painted over a period of one month. Finished in a uniform light peach colour with white borders, the refreshed route formed the backdrop to this year’s Jagannath Rath Yatra, welcoming millions of devotees during the annual procession.

Mr. Abhijit Roy, MD & CEO, Berger Paints India Limited, said,

“We were honoured to contribute to this year’s Rath Yatra celebrations and see the Grand Road serve as the backdrop to one of India’s most revered cultural and spiritual traditions. It was a privilege to be part of an initiative experienced by millions of devotees and visitors during the festival. At Berger Paints, we believe preserving colour goes beyond surfaces—it’s about preserving the spirit, identity and stories that make places and people unique. That belief lies at the heart of our recently launched Rang Bana Rahe campaign, which celebrates the resilience to hold on to what defines us, even as life changes around us.”

With decades of expertise in decorative and protective coatings, Berger Paints continues to support projects that enhance public spaces while celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage. The company’s association with this year’s Rath Yatra reflects its commitment to combining technical excellence with meaningful cultural engagement, contributing to initiatives that leave a lasting impact on communities.”

From Cutting Smartphone Glass to “Painting” with Light: 3 Applications of Femtosecond Lasers

Nikolajus Gavrillinas, co-founder and CEO of LITILIT. (Source: LITILIT)

Femtosecond lasers are among the most advanced tools in precision manufacturing and can shape materials with great precision without damaging surrounding structures. According to experts at LITILIT, one of the biggest barriers to mass adoption of femtosecond lasers is that they evolved from laboratory-grade systems and are notoriously difficult to produce at scale.

July 29, Vilnius, Lithuania. Researchers at EPFL university in Switzerland recently demonstrated a lab concept of ultrafast laser integrated onto a photonic chip, showing how rapidly the technology is becoming smaller. According to experts at femtosecond laser company LITILIT, industrial femtosecond lasers are already used to cut display glass, create colours without paint and perform precision eye surgery, but their complexity continues to limit wider adoption.

Femtosecond lasers, a group of ultrafast lasers, are among the most advanced tools in precision manufacturing. They fire pulses of light so brief that trillions of them fit inside a single second. This is what allows materials to be shaped with great precision, without damaging surrounding structures in many applications, ranging from manufacturing electronics to medicine.

Smartphone screens

Nikolajus Gavrilinas, the CEO of LITILIT, says that the high precision makes femtosecond lasers one of the few methods for manufacturing day-to-day electronics. For example, many screens and camera lenses of the latest smartphones are cut with a femtosecond laser.

“Femtosecond lasers are used across electronics manufacturing because they can process delicate materials with extremely high precision and minimal heat damage. They help cut display glass, ceramics, circuit boards and semiconductor components, while also drilling microscopic holes and creating fine structures that would be difficult to produce with conventional tools,” Gavrilinas explains.

“Painting” with light

Another growing application of ultrashort-pulse lasers is replacing toxic chemicals with physics. Laser pulses are short enough to sculpt a material’s surface at a nanoscale level without melting or damaging what’s underneath. This makes it possible to add color to metal without paint or ink.

“The colour comes from how that microscopic texture bends light, the same physics that gives a peacock feather its colour without any pigment at all,” Gavrilinas says.

The same principle can be applied to make surfaces water-repellent, and to replace PFAS-based coatings and other toxic chemical treatments.

Eye surgery

For years, femtosecond lasers have been used in ophthalmology. They revolutionized ophthalmic surgery by enabling high-precision procedures with minimal tissue damage and rapid recovery times.

“In LASIK surgery, the laser cuts a thin flap on the surface of the eye so precisely and evenly that a blade never could. In cataract surgery, it does the same careful cutting and even softens the lens before the surgeon removes it, so there’s less manual cutting involved than there used to be,” Gavrilinas explains.

Now, as technology progresses, femtosecond lasers could extend to other fields of medicine. A study published this year by researchers at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh found that femtosecond lasers can also remove tissue with unprecedented accuracy, potentially helping treat cancer.

The adoption gap

While the EPFL research showed that ultrafast lasers could one day be integrated onto photonic chips, Gavrilinas says the more immediate challenge is bringing today’s higher-power femtosecond laser systems into industrial production.

“Many existing femtosecond laser systems trace their design back to complex laboratory instruments. Although they can achieve very high performance, they are often difficult to assemble and depend on highly qualified specialists. To address this gap, we built lasers on a purpose built design, high level of automation and easily integrated into factories, which makes them suitable for a wide range of applications,” Gavrilinas says.

The company’s technology is based on patented inventions (𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟏, 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟐) developed by LITILIT co-founders Kęstutis Regelskis, Nerijus Rusteika and Gavrilinas in close collaboration with the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology in Vilnius.

Star Health reports normalised PAT of ₹ 386 Crores in Q1 FY27, up 44% YoY; Underwriting Profit increases sharply to ₹ 111 Crores, compared to ₹ 16 Crores in Q1 FY26

CHENNAI, India, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (“Star Health”), India’s largest standalone health insurer, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 (Q1 FY27). The Company posted a normalised Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹ 386 Crores, an increase of 44% YoY, driven by healthy premium growth, disciplined underwriting and sustained operating efficiencies. Underwriting Profit for Q1 FY27 was ₹ 111 Crores, compared to ₹ 16 Crores for Q1 FY26.

The Company recorded Gross Written Premium (GWP) of ₹ 4,287 Crores during Q1 FY27, representing a growth of 19% YoY on Reported 1/N basis. On the same basis, Fresh Retail Health GWP for the quarter stood at ₹ 730 Crores, a 37% YoY increase.

Under Ind AS Accounting Standards, the Company posted Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹ 550 Crores, an increase of 25% YoY.

Performance highlights for Q1 FY27

Business Performance

• GWP (Reported 1/N basis) increased 19% YoY to ₹ 4,287 Crores
• Retail Health fresh GWP (Reported 1/N basis) increased 37% YoY to ₹ 730 Crores

Financial Performance (Ind AS)

• Underwriting Profit: ₹ 111 Crores (6x YoY growth | Q1 FY26: ₹ 16 Crores)
• Profit After Tax (PAT): ₹ 550 Crores (25% YoY growth | Q1 FY26: ₹ 438 Crores)
• Combined Insurance Service Ratio (CISR): 97.0% (improvement of 1.7% over 98.7% in Q1 FY26)

Claims Excellence & Customer Trust

• Star Health settled 9.6 lakh claims during Q1 FY27
• Retail Claims Settlement Ratio improved by 1% and moved to 91% for Q1 FY27
• Persistency improved by 3% YoY to 102%
• Company Net Promoter Score (NPS) improved by 12 points and stands at 65 as on June 2026

Digital First approach

Digital continued to be a key growth and operating lever for the Company during Q1 FY27. During the quarter, the Company’s proprietary digital D2C Channel contributed 16% of fresh retail sales, with a YoY growth of 142%.

97% of fresh policies were sourced digitally, reflecting digital adoption at scale for a granular retail distribution franchise. The Company also strengthened its technology-led capabilities through ATOM PRO, its AI-enabled digital platform for business acquisition, which continued to witness increasing adoption. Designed as an end-to-end productivity platform, ATOM PRO enables advisors with intelligent product recommendations, instant quotations, policy comparisons, network hospital search, business dashboards and other digital servicing capabilities, helping improve customer engagement and advisor productivity. ATOM Pro was recognized by The Economic Times in the BFSI FinNext Awards 2026, under ‘InsurTech Product Excellence of the Year’. 

The Star Health Customer App also continued to witness strong traction, with 14.7 million downloads and over 1.5 million monthly active users, and increasing adoption of self-service capabilities- such as, digital renewals, and claims submissions and wellness initiatives.

Artificial intelligence use cases are being deployed across the value-chain with dedicated management focus on measurable outcomes. Claims operations, for example, have been strengthened by an AI-ML analytics layer designed to enhanced precision and efficiency. The Company is now in the process of layering Generative AI capabilities to further improve outcomes. In-house capabilities on AI have been strengthened through global technology partnerships. 

Distribution Strength

Star Health’s robust distribution network and service infrastructure continued to support its growth momentum during Q1 FY27. As of June 30, 2026, the Company had a multi-channel distribution network comprising 900+ branch offices, 8.5 lakh+ agents, 16,000+ network hospitals, and 18,500+ employees. These capabilities, complemented by the Company’s continued investments in technology, digital enablement, and customer service, position Star Health strongly to drive sustainable growth and expand quality health insurance access across the country.

CEO Commentary

Commenting on the performance of the Company, Mr. Anand Roy, CEO & Managing Director, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, said, “Our performance in the first quarter reflects the strength of our fundamentals and the consistency of our execution. Sustainable growth, driving improvement in core underwriting profitability, and sustained operating discipline have enabled us to deliver a strong start to the year. We remain focused on expanding health insurance access across the country while maintaining prudent risk selection and delivering superior customer experience. Investments in digital capabilities, AI-led innovation, and distribution network continue to strengthen our ability to serve customers more efficiently and at scale. As health insurance adoption deepens in India, we remain committed to building a resilient, digital-first organisation that creates long-term value for our policyholders and shareholders.”

About Star Health and Allied Insurance

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH) (BSE: 543412), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance companies, commenced operations in 2006 as India’s first standalone health insurance company. Star Health provides Health, Personal Accident and Travel Insurance to its customers. The Company has grown to emerge as one of the preferred health insurance companies in India with several pioneering products and services to its credit. With customer-centricity at its core, the Company has developed superior and innovative product offerings, service capabilities and a seamless claims management process. Star Health offers tailor-made products to cater to needs such as cancer, diabetes and cardiac illnesses, as well as specific segments such as senior citizens, women and children. Star Health is India’s first health insurance company to settle over 1 crore claims.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. has a strong multi-channel distribution network of 900+ offices, over 8.5 lakh+ agents and robust bancassurance and financial institution partners. The Company has 16,000+ network hospitals and 18,500+ employees.

Talk to Star: helping policyholders plan care with confidence: Star Health offers guided support through 7200 222 333 for eligible policyholders seeking Home Healthcare or planned hospitalisation assistance. Customers can call the number and press 1 for Home Healthcare or press 2 for planned hospitalisation. The service helps customers understand coverage, network hospital options, the cashless process, required documents and care pathways before admission or home-based treatment. Non-policyholders can access free 24/7 Virtual OPD consultations through the Star Health Customer app.

For more information visit www.starhealth.in 

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HDFC Bank’s CSR footprint touches 10.77 crore lives till date across all States and Union Territories

Mumbai, July 30: HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, has impacted over 10.77 crore lives through its CSR initiatives. Parivartan, the umbrella for these programmes, now spans all 28 States and 8 Union Territories of India. The Bank works in partnership with NGO partners, local administrations and community institutions to ensure that interventions remain locally relevant, scalable and capable of delivering sustainable long‑term impact.

The Bank reported a spend of ₹1,316.18 crore on its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in Financial Year 2025-26, as disclosed in its Integrated Annual Report for the year. This marks an increase of over ₹248 crore over the previous fiscal, taking the Bank’s cumulative CSR investment under its umbrella programme, Parivartan, to approximately ₹7,492 crore since inception.

The Bank’s flagship Holistic Rural Development Programme  has expanded its reach to more than 11,000 villages across the country, up from over 10,430 villages a year earlier. Through an integrated approach spanning water stewardship, agriculture, livelihoods, education, healthcare, sanitation and community infrastructure, the programme continues to improve quality of life while strengthening rural ecosystems.

During the year, the Bank also deepened its work in remote and hard-to-reach geographies, extending its coverage to 498 border villages — up from 298 villages in the previous year — in keeping with the national priorities under the Border Area Development Programme and the Vibrant Villages Programme of the Government of India. Interventions in these areas span rural electrification, livelihood enhancement and improvement of basic infrastructure in agriculture, education and health.

Mr. Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Bank, said,

 “Our CSR Initiatives through Parivartan continue to be guided by our belief that lasting change is built village by village, family by family, in close partnership with the communities we serve. This year, our efforts to deepen the Holistic Rural Development Programme and extend our reach into border villages reflect our commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind. As we look ahead, we remain focused on building on this journey with the same philosophy that has guided us from the start — that development must be inclusive, locally relevant and future focused.”

Key Focus Areas of Parivartan

The Bank’s initiatives under Parivartan continue to be organised across six core focus areas:

●Rural Development: The Bank’s flagship CSR initiative — the Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP) — follows an integrated, cluster-based approach driving improvements across rural infrastructure, education, natural resource management, health and sanitation. HRDP now covers over 11,000 villages, with the Bank’s outreach to border villages growing to 498.

●Promotion of Education: This focus area strengthens quality education through scholarships, school infrastructure and digital learning initiatives. HDFC Bank had disbursed 36300+  scholarships, set up 3460+  SMART schools and built 930 community libraries

●Skill Training & Livelihood Enhancement: The Bank equips youth, women and individuals with vocational training and entrepreneurship support to help them secure sustainable livelihoods, reaching over 9.6 lakh individuals till date.

●Healthcare & Hygiene: This focus area expands access to preventive care, maternal and child health, and hygiene awareness through mobile clinics and community health initiatives, over 3 lakh individuals had benefitted from these initiatives.

●Financial Literacy & Inclusion: Under this focus area, the Bank empowers individuals with financial awareness, promotes savings, and provides access to banking and insurance services, including through its flagship ‘Vigil Aunty’ digital fraud awareness campaign, which had reached 75 lakh+ followers across platforms .

●Natural Resource Management: This focus area promotes sustainable practices in water conservation, afforestation, solar solutions and biodiversity conservation. HDFC Bank has created 16,091 water conservation structures and installed over 80,527 solar lights, till date.

Aligned with 10 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, these six focus areas reflect HDFC Bank’s integrated approach to inclusive and sustainable development.

Esports Foundation and adidas Announce Landmark Partnership to Outfit Every Team at the Inaugural Esports Nations Cup

• Over 100 countries and territories will wear custom adidas national jerseys at the Esports Nations Cup (ENC), equipping every team competing across 16 of the world’s most popular esports titles.

• The inaugural four-week event is set to take place starting November 2, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. National team jerseys will be revealed in the coming weeks.

• The partnership directly supports the ongoing convergence of esports, culture, entertainment and sports, creating a defining moment for the esports industry and the global sport landscape.

Media Kit

Watch Announcement Video

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia and HERZOGENAURACH, Germany, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Esports Foundation (EF) and adidas made sports history today, announcing a landmark partnership that will see the sportswear company outfit every national team at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), the first nation-based esports event of its scale, set to debut November 2, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The partnership directly supports the ongoing convergence of esports, culture, entertainment and sports, creating a defining moment for the esports industry and the global sport landscape.

As Official Kit Partner and a Global Partner of ENC, adidas will design and produce custom competition apparel for the more than 100 participating countries and territories, with each delegation – including 2,000 athletes and coaches – receiving uniquely tailored jerseys and tracksuits that reflect their national identity while celebrating the global spirit of esports competition. National team jerseys will be revealed in the coming weeks. Fans can follow the national team jersey reveals at esportsnationscp.com/jerseys.

“National team jerseys carry identity, pride and the ambition of an entire country or territory,” said Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer, Esports Foundation. “By partnering with adidas, one of the most iconic brands in global sport, we are giving esports athletes the opportunity to represent their nations on the world stage with the same sense of meaning and prestige seen across traditional sport. This partnership will help the Esports Nations Cup create powerful national moments and inspire a new generation of players and fans.” 

“At adidas, we’ve spent decades outfitting athletes at the world’s biggest sporting events, and we understand the role a jersey plays in identity, belonging and competition,” said Phillip Waller, adidas SVP Brand Development. “The Esports Nations Cup gives us the opportunity to bring that experience into esports at a global scale.”

The Esports Nations Cup introduces nation-based competition to the global esports calendar in a structured and recurring format. By enabling countries and territories to organize their teams, develop talent pathways, and compete on a global stage, the ENC provides a framework for expanding participation and strengthening esports ecosystems worldwide.

The Esports Foundation has worked to establish the global structure of the ENC through the appointment of Official National Team Partners, National Team Managers, and more than 700 national team coaches across 100 countries and territories. Drawn from over 90 leading esports organizations, the coaches oversee player selection and team development across the world’s top esports titles, helping bring the first large-scale national team ecosystem in esports to life ahead of the event in Riyadh.

For the latest information about the Esports Nations Cup, visit esportsnationscup.com, and follow ENC on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

About the Esports Nations Cup

The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is a biennial global esports competition created by the Esports Foundation (EF) that brings national pride to the world stage. Launching in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026, the ENC will feature the world’s best players competing not for their clubs, but for their countries and territories, across a lineup of leading esports titles. Built in collaboration with game partners, clubs, and esports organizations, the ENC establishes the first recurring, large-scale platform for national teams in esports. Beyond competition, it aims to fuel fandom, inspire heroes, and provide sustainable pathways for nations, players, and partners to grow within the global esports ecosystem. esportsnationscup.com

The ENC features a $20 million prize pool with equal pay per placement, ensuring players and coaches receive the same prize money for the same finishing position across all 16 titles. Backed by a $45 million overall funding commitment, the ENC also includes a $20 million Development Fund that supports National Team Partners, local esports ecosystem development, travel, and national team operations.  

About the Esports Foundation

The Esports Foundation (EF) is a non-profit organization based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to advancing and professionalizing the global esports industry. Through the annual Esports World Cup (EWC) and the biennial Esports Nations Cup (ENC), EF brings together the world’s top players, leading clubs, and millions of fans for the biggest stages in competitive gaming. Beyond hosting tournaments, the Foundation works year-round to grow the esports ecosystem, support talent development, and create lasting opportunities for players, teams, and partners worldwide.

About adidas

adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the company employs more than 65,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 24.8 billion in 2025.

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Mithu Chakraborti’s Debut Book Anatomy Of Misery: Part I – Men’s Misery Launched, Sparking Conversations On Men’s Emotional Well-Being

Kolkata, July 30: Pages And Chapters launched Ms Mithu Chakraborti’s debut book, Anatomy of Misery, Part I: Men’s Misery at Oxford Bookstore. The launch brought together eminent personalities from literature, cinema and psychology for a thought-provoking discussion on men’s emotional well-being, mental health and the culture of silence surrounding male vulnerability.

The evening featured a panel discussion moderated by Ms Oindrila Dutt, arts curator, broadcaster and writer, with legendary actor-author Mr Barun Chanda, National Award-winning filmmaker Mr Ashoke Vishwanathan, and Dr Nilanjana Bagchi , a veteran in the field and Head of Department, Psychology, Bethune College, joining the author in an engaging conversation that explored the central themes of the book and the urgent need for empathy-driven conversations around men’s emotional struggles.

Anatomy of Misery, Part I: Men’s Misery is a work of narrative nonfiction and popular psychology comprising twelve interconnected case narratives revolving around veteran psychologist Dr Leela Menon and the men who seek her counsel after years of suppressing their emotions behind the familiar phrase, “I’m fine”. Through these narratives, the book examines themes such as loneliness, emotional isolation, domestic abuse against men, the pressures of being a provider and the personal cost of a society that often expects men to remain emotionally silent.

“For over twenty years in corporate India I watched men break quietly and get promoted for it. I wrote this book because the man who most needs to hear this conversation will rarely pick up a self-help book, but he may choose to read a story. Empathy is not a limited resource. Extending compassion to men does not diminish it for women”, said Author, Mithu Chakraborti.

The author also shared that the second volume of the series, Anatomy of Misery, Part II: Working Women’s Misery, is currently in progress – a book about two jobs, one guilt, and everything a woman carries between them – reinforcing her larger vision of creating conversations rooted in empathy across gender.

The book has already drawn comparisons to the narrative sensitivity of Mitch Albom and the case-study tradition of Oliver Sacks, while its consulting-room framework evokes the storytelling architecture associated with Arthur Conan Doyle.

The launch concluded with a discussion with readers, reinforcing the growing relevance of conversations around emotional well-being and mental health in contemporary society. Anatomy of Misery, Part I: Men’s Misery, priced at INR 499/-, will be available at all leading bookstores and online platforms for purchase.

Leica India Hosts Legendary Photographer Steve McCurry for an Exclusive India Visit

July 30: Celebrating over 100 years of pioneering craftsmanship and visual storytelling, Leica India hosted an exclusive evening with legendary photographer Steve McCurry at The St. Regis Mumbai, commemorating the brand’s continued journey in India following the launch of its operational store in Mumbai and Delhi. Staying true to Leica’s vision of Creating Meaningful Moments, the event brought together photographers, creators, artists, and members of the creative community for an intimate conversation on photography, storytelling, and human connection.

The evening featured an engaging conversation between Steve McCurry and acclaimed filmmaker Kabir Khan. The discussion explored McCurry’s remarkable four-decade career, the stories behind some of his most iconic photographs, and the enduring power of visual storytelling. The event was attended by several distinguished names from the worlds of photography, cinema, art, and culture, making it a celebration of creativity and shared experiences.

The event was attended by Leica India Brand Ambassador Ranveer Brar, alongside celebrated actors and filmmakers including Mrunal Thakur, Anurag Kashyap and Anubhav Sinha, making it a memorable gathering of some of the country’s most influential voices across cinema, photography and culture.

Speaking at the event, Steve McCurry said,

“Photography has always been about people and the stories they carry. Every image is an opportunity to preserve a moment that may never exist again. It has been wonderful to engage with India’s passionate photography community and share experiences that continue to shape my journey behind the camera.”

Reflecting on the evening, Kabir Khan said,

“Storytelling, whether through cinema or photography, has the power to transcend borders and connect people through emotion. Listening to Steve speak about the journeys behind his images was both inspiring and a reminder that the most memorable stories are often the simplest and the most human.”

Speaking on the occasion of Steve McCurry’s visit in India, Sunil Kaul, Managing Director, Leica Camera Asia Pacific, said,

“With Steve McCurry’s visit to India, we are proud to further Leica’s commitment to creating platforms that celebrate visual storytelling and meaningful creative exchange. For over a century, Leica has remained committed to empowering photographers who shape the way we see the world. Steve’s work embodies the values that define our brand, authenticity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to human stories. His visit offers a unique opportunity to engage with India’s vibrant creative community and celebrate the enduring power of photography.” 

Reflecting on Leica’s vision Manish Nichani, Managing Director of FCE Lifestyles, Leica’s official representative in India, said,

“Steve McCurry’s visit to India reflects Leica’s continued commitment to celebrating the art of photography and fostering meaningful engagement with the country’s creative community. As Leica strengthens its presence in India, our focus extends beyond products to creating platforms that inspire creativity, encourage dialogue, and bring photographers closer to some of the world’s most influential visual storytellers. We are proud to continue building a community that shares Leica’s passion for craftsmanship, storytelling, and visual excellence.” 

Steve McCurry’s visit reflects Leica India’s continued commitment to fostering meaningful experiences that celebrate visual storytelling and bring the country’s creative community closer to some of the world’s most influential photographers. Through initiatives such as these, Leica continues to honour its enduring legacy while inspiring the next generation of storytellers.