23, Apr 2026
Kedarnath Dham Reopens Amid Grand Ceremony; Over 12,000 Devotees Attend Opening Day !
Kedarnath Temple, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, Apr 23 (BNP): The sacred portals of Kedarnath Dham were ceremonially opened to devotees at 8:00 AM on April 22, 2026, amid Vedic chants and traditional rituals, marking the beginning of this year’s pilgrimage season.
The Himalayan shrine witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with over 12,000 devotees present to witness the grand opening ceremony. The temple premises were beautifully decorated with nearly 15 quintals of flowers, while the atmosphere echoed with chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” reflecting deep spiritual devotion.
Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, attended the ceremony, performed the first puja, and reviewed arrangements for the ongoing pilgrimage. Emphasizing efficient management, he stated that the queue system has been streamlined to ensure smooth and timely darshan for all pilgrims, with early visitors completing their prayers within minutes.
The Chief Minister also appealed to devotees to support a “Green Yatra” initiative by maintaining cleanliness and keeping the shrine area plastic-free.
The reopening of Kedarnath marks a key phase of the annual Char Dham Yatra. Meanwhile, the portals of Badrinath Temple opened on April 23 at 6:15 AM, while Yamunotri Temple and Gangotri Temple had already opened on April 19.
Authorities have put in place extensive arrangements to ensure the safety, facilities, and smooth movement of pilgrims, with a significant surge in footfall expected in the coming days.
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- By Neel Achary
23, Apr 2026
EkoStay Crosses INR 40 Crore in Revenue, Scales to 150 plus Villas Across 12 plus Cities, Built Entirely Without External Funding
Mumbai, April 23: At a time when growth in hospitality startups is often equated with capital raised, EkoStay is charting a fundamentally different trajectory, one anchored in profitability, operational discipline, and consistent guest demand.
The Mumbai-based alternative accommodation brand has reported ₹40 crore in revenue for FY 2025–26, marking a 43% year-on-year growth, while continuing to remain EBITDA-positive with ~10% margins.
But beyond revenue, the scale of the business tells a deeper story.
From its inception in 2018, EkoStay has grown into a network of 150+ professionally managed villas across 12+ leisure destinations, translating into hundreds of operational rooms and guest units serving travellers across India’s most in-demand holiday markets. The brand currently operates at an average occupancy of 56%, with a strong and growing base of repeat customers.
Looking ahead, the company is targeting ₹52+ crore in revenue in FY27, alongside a 30%+ growth trajectory and plans to scale its footprint to 220+ properties nationwide.
A Bootstrapped Model That Prioritised Fundamentals Over Funding
Founded by Husain Khatumdi, Sohail Mirchandani, Varun Arora, and Zishan Khan, EkoStay has been built without raising external capital, relying instead on internal accruals, measured expansion, and sharp operational control.
“Being bootstrapped meant every decision had to be efficient and accountable. That discipline is what continues to define how we scale today,” said Varun Arora, CEO & Co-Founder, EkoStay.
This approach has enabled the company to grow sustainably, while maintaining profitability in a segment often characterised by high burn and fragmented supply.
Repeat Behaviour, Not Discounts, Driving Growth
A defining lever of EkoStay’s growth has been repeat bookings and organic referrals, significantly reducing dependence on paid acquisition channels.
“Consistency in guest experience has been critical in building trust. A large part of our growth today comes from guests who choose to stay with us again or recommend us within their network,” added Sohail Mirchandani, COO & Co-Founder.
This repeat-driven model has allowed the brand to strengthen unit economics while scaling demand in a capital-efficient manner.
Scaling Supply Where Demand Already Exists
EkoStay’s expansion strategy has remained sharply demand-led, focusing on high-traction leisure micro-markets rather than aggressive, undifferentiated inventory addition.
The brand has seen particularly strong growth across South India, including the Nilgiris region, where demand for private villa stays continues to rise alongside evolving travel preferences.
“Our focus has always been on identifying destinations where demand is structurally strong and aligning our supply accordingly,” said Zishan Khan, Chief Acquisition Officer & Co-Founder.
A Standardised Yet Personalised Hospitality Model
Operating at the intersection of hospitality and vacation rentals, EkoStay combines the reliability of branded hospitality with the privacy and comfort of homestays.
Its model also enables homeowners to unlock value from their properties through professional management, without the operational complexities of hosting, creating a parallel supply pipeline that supports scalable growth.
What ₹40 Crore Represents
For EkoStay, this milestone is not just about topline growth.
It reflects a business built with zero external funding, zero dilution, and no reliance on debt, driven entirely by customer demand and internal reinvestment.
“₹40 crore is not just a revenue milestone, it validates a model that has been built sustainably, with long-term value creation at its core,” said Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director & Co-Founder.
Positioned for the Next Phase of Category Growth
India’s alternative accommodation segment is witnessing a structural shift, driven by rising domestic travel and increasing preference for private, curated, and experience-led stays.
With a strong foundation of profitability, repeat demand, and a growing supply base, EkoStay is well-positioned to capitalise on this momentum.
As the company scales towards 220+ properties and ₹52+ crore in revenue, its focus remains clear: disciplined growth, stronger operations, and delivering consistently high-quality guest experiences at scale.
23, Apr 2026
Navi UPI’s latest ‘Hurrypur’ film turns an auto breakdown into a high-speed pit stop
April , 23: Navi Limited one of India’s fastest-growing financial services companies, has released a new film under its ‘Hurrypur’ campaign, continuing its focus on speed and simplicity in everyday transactions.
The film, synced to US based musical act Baalti’s track “123”, opens with an autorickshaw breaking down mid-ride. Within seconds, the situation shifts. The repair unfolds like a Formula 1 pit stop. The tyre is replaced instantly, the vehicle is back on the road, and even the conversation that follows moves at the same pace. A ride is agreed upon in seconds, and the journey resumes.
The idea is simple. In a world where everything moves fast, systems around it have to keep up.
The film builds on the larger Hurrypur narrative, a fictional setting where time is treated as the most valuable resource. Each story translates this into everyday situations, using humour and exaggeration to reflect how people increasingly expect services to respond.
Rajiv Naresh, MD & CEO, Navi Limited (formerly Navi Technologies Limited) said,
“In Hurrypur, whether you’re on a racetrack or on a regular commute, we understand that time is of the essence and the importance of moving fast. This world we’re creating is designed to creatively underscore our obsession with delivering a fast and seamless experience, where every second counts and everything keeps moving seamlessly.”
Mr. Abhijit Avasthi, Founder of Sideways, added,
“When Hurrypur connected the way it did, we knew we had something worth building on. Pitstop doesn’t just continue the story – it takes it somewhere unexpected, and in the most entertaining way possible, brings out Navi’s attribute of speed. Honestly, it’s the kind of film you’re really happy to be a part of.”
Director Ayappa KM, said,
“What was a really fun script, proved surprisingly difficult to conceive. We took inspiration from Balti’s track “1, 2, 3,” using its rhythm and spirit as the backbone of the film’s pacing and vibrant colour palette, landing on something exuberant and unmistakably Indian.”
The campaign continues Navi UPI’s approach of using storytelling over feature-led messaging, focusing on relatable moments rather than product demonstrations.
23, Apr 2026
West Bengal & Tamil Nadu Polls 2026: High-Stakes Voting Begins Amid Intense Political Contest !
West Bengal / Tamil Nadu,Apr23(BNP): Voting for the 2026 Assembly Elections commenced today in two politically significant states—West Bengal and Tamil Nadu—marking a crucial phase in India’s electoral landscape.
In West Bengal, polling is underway in 152 of the state’s 294 constituencies spread across 16 districts, including key regions such as Nandigram, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar. Approximately 3.6 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in this phase. The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29.
The electoral contest in the state is primarily between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, amid heightened political tensions over voter list revisions and campaign narratives.
Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, polling is being held across all constituencies, witnessing a multi-cornered contest. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance is facing competition from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam alliance with the BJP, alongside the political entry of actor Vijay, adding a new dimension to the electoral dynamics.
The DMK has focused its campaign on the “Dravidian Model” of governance and welfare initiatives, while the AIADMK-BJP alliance has campaigned on promises of corruption-free administration and an end to what they describe as “one-family rule.”
The Election Commission of India has put in place extensive security and logistical arrangements to ensure smooth, free, and fair polling across both states. Voter turnout is being closely monitored, with authorities encouraging maximum participation in the democratic process.
Polling will continue until the designated hours, with counting scheduled as per the official election timeline.
23, Apr 2026
AD Ports Group and NYU Abu Dhabi to Build and Pilot a High-Fidelity Intelligence Engine for Smarter Port Operations
Research-focused initiative to leverage stochastic AI models and spatial analytics for integrated vessel arrival prediction, berth allocation, and emissions insights
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 23 April 2026: Powering ahead in its adoption of next-generation digital capabilities, AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry and logistics solutions, today announced a strategic partnership and research collaboration agreement with NYU Abu Dhabi.
This multi-year partnership aims to build and pilot a high-fidelity intelligence engine based on stochastic models and spatial intelligence. The engine is designed to serve as a sophisticated decision-support layer for human operators, bringing together vessel arrival time predictions, berth allocation optimisation suggestions, and environmental impact considerations with high precision.
In an industry where global berth waiting times often stretch into multiple days at anchorage, the opportunity to improve planning precision is noteworthy. This high-fidelity intelligence engine aims to further de-risk port call uncertainty and continue port operations fluidity enhancement, resulting in smarter port calls that unlock more capacity without physical expansion.
Furthermore, depending on the vessel type, aligning arrival times with berth allocation can reduce idle time and save fuel burn considerably, minimising environmental harm and facilitating greener port calls.
Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, Group Chief Digital & Information Officer – AD Ports Group, said: “As we continue to reimagine logistics ecosystems to advance the frontiers of global trade, pioneering research and strategic partnerships remain key pillars of our digitally-led approach. By integrating our deep expertise in port operations and trade facilitation with advanced predictive arrival intelligence and resilient operational modelling, we are accelerating the pace towards a future of autonomous decision-support. Through strategic partnerships such as this with NYU Abu Dhabi, we are ensuring that our move to predictive precision is both robust and ethically sound, giving our global partners the certainty they need to navigate an increasingly complex trade landscape.”
This jointly-developed initiative aims to turn variability into reliability and significantly advance terminal-focused decarbonisation transparency, serving as an integrated operational and environmental digital decision layer. As part of a long-term commitment to technological evolution, plans are in place to pilot the initiative at select terminals and trade lanes, with the objective of scaling successful outcomes across the Group’s global network.
Arlie Peters, Provost – NYU Abu Dhabi, said: “At NYU Abu Dhabi, we focus on research that addresses real-world challenges. Our collaboration with AD Ports Group brings together academic expertise and practical insight to strengthen the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of modern logistics. This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader ambitions and the UAE’s leadership in trade and infrastructure. By connecting research with application, we aim to support the UAE’s continued role as a global hub for logistics. Led by Professor Ali Diabat from Civil and Urban Engineering, this work develops data-driven approaches to support better decision-making and improve long-term performance across port and logistics operations.”
This partnership represents a powerful synergy of specialised expertise and operational reach. NYU Abu Dhabi brings world-class analytical capabilities and advanced research, providing the scientific rigor needed for high-fidelity modelling. In line with internal data governance controls, AD Ports Group will support the initiative by providing secure access to relevant operational information and by facilitating controlled, real-world pilot deployments across selected terminals and trade lanes, helping translate the high-fidelity engine into an executable, field-tested solution.
23, Apr 2026
Anytime Fitness Expands in Gurgaon with Vision to Transform India’s Gym Culture
Gurgaon, Apr 23: Strengthening its growth momentum in North India, Anytime Fitness, India’s fastest-growing fitness franchise and part of the world’s largest gym chain, has unveiled its newest club in Sec-82A, Gurgaon. The launch underscores the brand’s continued commitment to making premium, world-class fitness more accessible across fast-growing urban communities.
The newly launched club is owned and operated by Ruchi Prashar. Her entry into the fitness entrepreneurship space reflects the growing demand for structured, premium fitness solutions in cities like Gurgaon and the increasing awareness around preventive health and active lifestyles.
The Anytime Fitness Gurgaon club features state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, dedicated functional training zones, certified personal trainers, and Anytime Fitness’ signature 24/7 access, offering unmatched convenience and flexibility. Members will also benefit from access to the brand’s global network of clubs and its holistic approach to fitness, which combines personalized coaching, community engagement, and safe workout environments. This launch also features the new design theme, built to deliver a more immersive, modern, and member-first fitness experience.
Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director, Anytime Fitness India, said:
“We are proud to partner with entrepreneurs like Ruchi Prashar, whose entry into the fitness industry reflects how more women are breaking stereotypes and building successful businesses beyond traditional sectors. Their leadership is inspiring stronger, healthier communities through fitness. At Anytime Fitness, we have always believed in supporting passionate entrepreneurs who share our vision for fitness and community wellness. The launch of our Sector 82A Gurgaon club marks another significant milestone in our growth journey in North India, as we continue expanding premium fitness across high-potential markets like Gurgaon.”
Anytime Fitness has built a strong presence across India through its rapidly expanding network, serving a growing community of fitness enthusiasts. Gurgaon remains a strategic focus market for the brand, driven by rising health awareness, rapid urbanisation, and increasing demand for premium fitness experiences.
Since entering India in 2013, Anytime Fitness has grown to 180+ clubs nationwide, redefining fitness with its accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation. Beyond gyms, the brand has fostered community-driven initiatives like FitCraft and Be Fit Fest, bringing together members, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts to celebrate active living.
The new launch aligns with Anytime Fitness India’s vision to strengthen its presence in high-growth markets and contribute to building a healthier, fitter India.
23, Apr 2026
XIM University, Bhubaneswar celebrates its 10th Undergraduate Convocation with elegance and pride!
XIM University, Bhubaneswar marked its Tenth Undergraduate Convocation on 22nd April 2026 with elegance and solemnity, celebrating an important milestone in the academic journeys of its students. During the ceremony, degrees were awarded to 554 undergraduate students across multiple disciplines, recognizing their years of commitment, perseverance, and academic excellence.
The convocation was graced by Mr. Shubhranshu Patnaik, Partner and Industry Leader for Government and Public Services, Deloitte South Asia. Mr. Patnaik, an alumnus from the batch 1994-1996 of Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar, has more than 25 years of consulting experience in advising Governments and clients in the Energy & Utilities sector. He is the National Leader for Power & Utilities sector and leads the Core Business Operation practice for Deloitte India.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Patnaik shared the importance of genuine friendships as strong personal and professional support systems. He encouraged continuous learning through curiosity, adaptability and openness to new ideas. Mr. Patnaik also emphasized sincere, ethical work (karma) over chasing immediate rewards. Lastly, he urged an interdisciplinary mindset and responsible use of AI for future leadership.
Among the distinguished dignitaries present were Dr. Fr. K.S. Casimir, S.J., Vice Chancellor of XIM University, Fr. S. Antony Raj, S.J., Registrar, Fr. Arokiyadass Vanathaian, S.J., Chief Finance Officer; Prof. V.R Sathish Kumar, Controller of Examination, Deans of various Schools, senior officials, and distinguished members of the Board of Governors.
Prof. Sutapa Pati, Dean, School of Sustainability, extended a warm welcome to the students, parents, dignitaries, and guests, setting the tone for the momentous occasion.
Dr. Fr. K.S. Casimir, S.J., Vice Chancellor, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shri Shubhranshu Patnaik for his presence at the convocation and for delivering an eloquent and insightful address to the entire XIM University community.
The meritorious students were awarded gold medals for Academic Excellence in various specialisations in their respective schools by the Chief Guest.
Fr. S. Antony Raj, S.J., Registrar of XIM University, delivered the vote of thanks, conveying deep appreciation to all.
XIM University, Bhubaneswar, remains dedicated to nurturing academic excellence, ethical leadership, and a strong sense of social responsibility, preparing the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
23, Apr 2026
Agora and Thymia Partner for Real-Time Voice Safety Intelligence
Bangalore, April 23: Agora, Inc a global leader in real-time engagement and conversational AI, today announced a strategic partnership with thymia, the human state voice intelligence company that has built the first clinically validated infrastructure for reading the complete signal carried in voice – and acting on it in real-time.
The partnership brings together Agora’s global, low-latency real-time conversational AI infrastructure and thymia’s clinically validated voice intelligence layer. Together, they enable a new class of voice applications that understand the human state during live interactions, delivering both safety and commercial value across healthcare, automotive, workplace wellness, education, and other safety-critical environments.
The collaboration is laying the foundation for voice communication systems that don’t just process what is said but understand how it’s said.
From Voice Data to Health Intelligence – In Real-Time
Voice is one of the most widely used interfaces in the world, yet most systems today focus only on transcription, intent, and commands. Signals carried in voice – including engagement, cognitive load, stress, fatigue, emotional state, and physical health – remain invisible to current systems.
thymia’s proprietary AI models analyze just 15 seconds of speech to extract acoustic, linguistic, and temporal biomarkers associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, respiratory disease, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic health. Built to clinical-grade standards, these models are already being used by healthcare systems, Fortune 500 companies, and safety-critical industries.
“Voice carries far more information than words alone; it carries signals about our mental and physical health, our emotional state, our cognitive load – the complete picture of our nervous system, of how we actually are. For the first time, that complete signal can be understood and acted on in real-time. Partnering with Agora brings clinically validated human state voice intelligence into real-world interactions at global scale, driving better outcomes, safer systems, and experiences that genuinely understand the human in the conversation,” said Emilia Molimpakis, CEO and Co-founder of thymia.
Agora provides the real-time orchestration layer that makes this intelligence actionable in production. Built on its Software-Defined Real-Time Network (SDRTN®) – processing over 80 billion minutes of engagement monthly – the platform delivers ultra-low latency, continuous audio fidelity, and network resilience required to apply voice intelligence within live interactions, not in post-processing.
Powering a New Health & Safety Infrastructure Layer
By embedding thymia’s voice intelligence directly into Agora-powered voice interactions, platforms can move from passive communication to active, real-time health and safety awareness.
Use cases include:
- Healthcare & Mental Health Platforms: Objective, biomarker-driven insights during and between sessions, supporting faster triage, better clinical decisions, and reduced clinician burnout.
- Automotive & Mobility: Real-time detection of driver fatigue and stress to reduce accidents and enable safer voice-first vehicle experiences.
- Workplace Wellness & Call Centers: Early identification of burnout, stress, and emotional distress, before performance drops or attrition increases.
- Education & Remote Learning: Insight into student and tutor mental states to improve engagement, retention, and learning outcomes.
This integration enables enterprises to deploy safe, production-ready voice AI systems without adding user friction or requiring new infrastructure.
Built for Enterprise Scale and Regulatory Trust
thymia’s technology is built to clinical-grade standards, validated across one of the largest datasets of its kind – including more than 75,000 unique voices – and trusted in healthcare and safety-critical settings for high-stakes decisions. Engineered on consent, transparency, and human oversight, the models ensure compliant and secure AI deployment.
Agora operates 200+ global points of presence, powered by its SDRTN®, and maintains SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA certifications, ensuring compliant, enterprise-grade infrastructure for deploying health and safety intelligence at scale. With 99.999% uptime, resilience under degraded network conditions, and multi-platform support across edge and enterprise environments, the platform ensures this intelligence is available where and when it matters most, not just in ideal conditions.
“Voice is becoming the primary interface between people and AI, yet the human state behind those words has remained invisible to most systems. Through our partnership with thymia, we’re introducing this critical layer into live interactions – combining real-time, production-grade infrastructure with clinically validated voice intelligence to enable safer, more secure AI experiences at scale,” said Tony Wang, Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Agora.
Shaping the Future of Voice-First AI
As voice becomes the dominant interface for AI agents, vehicles, healthcare platforms, and connected devices, Agora and thymia are defining what comes next: voice systems that are not only intelligent but safe, responsive, empathetic, and human-aware.
The next generation of voice AI will not be measured solely by accuracy or speed, but by its ability to understand the human behind the conversation. The gap between systems that process voice and systems that truly understand it is where safety, trust, and competitive advantage are won or lost.
Together, Agora and thymia enable voice-first experiences that put people at the center of every interaction, driving better outcomes, safer systems, and more responsible AI deployment across industries where the cost of not understanding people is simply too high.
23, Apr 2026
Saviynt Appoints Tim Wedande as Field CTO for Asia Pacific and Japan
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Bangalore, April 23: Saviynt, a leading provider of identity security solutions, today announced the appointment of Tim Wedande as Field Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region.
Based in Melbourne, Tim will lead regional technology strategy, support strategic customer engagements, and serve as a trusted advisor to enterprises navigating complex identity security transformations. He will work closely with customers, partners, and internal teams to accelerate adoption of Saviynt’s Identity Cloud and deliver measurable business outcomes across APJ.
With more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, Tim brings extensive expertise in security advisory and enterprise digital transformation. He has a strong track record of helping organisations modernise identity investments and align cybersecurity with business growth. In his most recent role as Partner at EY, Tim worked with global organisations across regulated industries to design scalable, resilient identity capabilities.
“APJ is a dynamic and rapidly evolving market where organisations are prioritising identity as their core security control,” said Alex Lei, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ), Saviynt. “Tim’s deep business consulting expertise and customer-first mindset will strengthen our presence in the region and help customers unlock the full value of identity security.”
The Asia Pacific identity and access management market continues to expand rapidly, with regional demand projected to grow significantly over the next decade as organisations modernise security, support hybrid work environments, and adopt cloud-first strategies. Industry research shows the APJ IAM market could more than double in size by 2030, with strong growth driven by digital transformation, compliance requirements, and rising cybersecurity risks.
“Having worked closely with customers and teams across Saviynt, I’ve seen firsthand how central identity has become to business resilience and growth,” said Tim Wedande, Field CTO for Asia Pacific and Japan. “As organisations across APJ accelerate digital and AI-led transformation, there is a clear opportunity to modernise identity as a strategic control plane, enabling stronger security, faster innovation, and measurable business value. Saviynt is well positioned to help enterprises navigate this complexity with clarity and confidence.”
23, Apr 2026
The Backbone of Vehicle Electronics: Exploring the Role of Automotive Microcontrollers in Modern Cars
- Automate complex tasks
- Respond instantly to changing conditions
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Enhance driver and passenger safety
- Enable smart and connected features
- Power windows and seats
- Climate control systems
- Infotainment and touchscreen displays
- Keyless entry and push-button start
