28, Sep 2026
Vizag Comic Con to bring Roll Rida, Kumar Varun, C-SHOR & more to celebrate a Weekend of all things pop-culture
Visakhapatnam, Sep 28: Get ready, Vizag! The city is all set for its first-ever weekend of comics, anime, gaming, music, comedy and pop culture as Maruti Suzuki presents Vizag Comic Con makes its debut on October 10-11 at the Kalam Convention Centre, AMTZ Campus. Bringing together high-energy performances, creators, artists and immersive fan experiences, the two-day celebration is set to turn Vizag into a vibrant hub of pop culture and fandom.
Fans can step into a vibrant world of comics and visual storytelling with an exciting line-up of creators, artists and publishers including Urban Tales, Ubharta Kalakar by Dhruv, Bullseye Press, Holy Cow Entertainment, Lilorosh, Studio Kapi, Yali Dream Creations, Dizon Draws and Rage Sage. Together, they will showcase the many ways stories can come alive through comics, graphic novels, illustration, digital art, live art and original visual storytelling, giving fans an opportunity to discover new stories, interact with creators and explore the imagination shaping India’s growing pop-culture community.
The performers’ line-up will feature Telugu hip-hop artist Roll Rida (Rahul Kumar Velpula), known for his witty lyrics, distinctive flow and high-energy performances. From Kakinada Kaja to his Bollywood debut with War 2, Roll Rida has taken Telugu rap to audiences across the country. Joining him is C–SHOR, Vizag’s own independent hip-hop artist and rapper with over seven years of experience, known for his sharp lyricism and signature mass-meets-class sound. The 9TEEN, comprising Lav, Arun and Abhilash, and Fluteboxers, a unique flute and beatbox duo, will further add to the musical energy with their distinct sounds and performance styles.
The line-up also reflects Comic Con India’s commitment to giving local and emerging talent a larger platform, allowing audiences to discover fresh voices from Vizag and the wider Telugu creative community. From rap and hip-hop to pop and experimental sounds, the mix promises to keep the energy going throughout the weekend.
Adding to the entertainment, stand-up comedians Kumar Varun, Gokul Kumar and Vivek Muralidharan will bring their distinct styles of humour to the stage, promising plenty of laughs through witty storytelling, observational comedy and sharp punchlines.
Vizag Comic Con promises a packed weekend, from comics, art, anime, gaming to live performances and stand-up comedy shows to brand experiences, gaming zones, VR experiences and interactive entertainment. As Vizag hosts Comic Con for the first time, the celebration will also mark the beginning of Comic Con India’s new season, setting the stage for an exciting year of fandom across the country.
Event Details
Event: Vizag Comic Con
Dates: October 10–11, 2026
Venue: Kalam Convention Centre, AMTZ Campus, Vizag
Time: 11am onwards
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- By Neel Achary
28, Sep 2026
D. Sridhar Babu Inaugurates Billtrust’s New Global Capability Centre In Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Sept 28: Billtrust, the B2B Cash Generation Platform, today inaugurated its new Global Capability Centre (GCC) at Raheja Mindspace, Building No. 14, Madhapur, Hyderabad, marking the formal establishment of the company’s India operations.
Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, was the Chief Guest at the inauguration. He inaugurated the facility alongside Billtrust Chief Executive Officer Grant Halloran and members of the company’s global executive leadership team.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister D. Sridhar Babu appreciated Billtrust for its vision to establish an AI-first Global Capability Centre in India. He expressed confidence that the Hyderabad centre would become an important part of Billtrust’s global operations and its technology and innovation journey.
The Minister assured Billtrust of the Telangana Government’s continued support and cooperation as the company expands its presence in the state. Billtrust’s leadership, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to building a 1,000-member-strong team over the next three years, further strengthening Hyderabad’s position as a hub for technology, innovation and global capability centres.
Emphasising the availability of a strong and future-ready talent pool in Hyderabad, Minister Sridhar Babu said there was no dearth of skilled talent in the city and encouraged Billtrust to leverage the ecosystem and support available through T-Hub and TASK (Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge).
He highlighted TASK’s role in helping IT and technology companies access a ready-to-work and highly trained talent pool equipped with skills in emerging and cutting-edge technologies. This, he said, would enable companies to access the required talent without having to make significant investments or undertake extensive efforts in building such capabilities independently.
“Telangana will be a partner in your progress,” the Minister told the Billtrust leadership, reiterating the state government’s commitment to supporting the company’s growth and expansion in Hyderabad.Located at Building #14, Mindspace IT Park, Madhapur, the new facility spans over 40,000 sq. ft. with capacity for up to 250 employees. The space has been designed to reflect Telangana’s rich cultural heritage and India’s artistic traditions, a deliberate choice to root Billtrust’s India operations authentically in the region.
The inauguration comes at a moment of rapid growth. Under the leadership of Farhad H. Baria, Country Head, India GCC, Billtrust has scaled from the ground up to 100 employees within six months, a pace that reflects both the depth of Hyderabad’s talent ecosystem and the urgency of the mandate. The India GCC is backed by a ₹450 crore investment commitment over three years, underscoring Billtrust’s long-term intent to build a high-caliber engineering, AI, and operations hub in the state.
The Hyderabad center connects directly to a platform operating at global scale: Billtrust serves a network of 2,600 B2B suppliers and 14 million buyers worldwide, processing more than $1 trillion in trade credit volume annually. The India GCC’s work, spanning engineering, AI development, and operations, feeds directly into a platform that finance leaders use to convert earned revenue into cash they can predict, defend, and deploy.
“Hyderabad offers deep technical talent, strong infrastructure, and a government that partners with industry,” said Grant Halloran, Chief Executive Officer, Billtrust. “Since we kicked off the build of our Hyderabad GCC, the demand to join our team has been exceptional. At Billtrust, we generate cash for our customers — more of it, faster, and at lower cost — and the people we’ve assembled here, some of the best talent in the world, are how we build AI directly into how that cash moves. This office reflects our long-term commitment to Telangana and to building capabilities here that power Billtrust’s global business.”
“Telangana continues to attract and nurture some of the finest technology talent in the world, and Billtrust’s decision to deepen its footprint here is a strong endorsement of our state’s ecosystem,” said Shri Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Telangana. “We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding partnership with Billtrust.”
“In just six months, we have built a team of 100 exceptional professionals and the foundation of a capability center that will be central to Billtrust’s future,” said Farhad H. Baria, Country Head, India GCC, Billtrust. “Hyderabad’s talent, energy, and openness to innovation have made that possible. This office is built to match the ambition of the people in it.”
28, Sep 2026
Crypto, Sports, Esports: Bybit Gamifies Freedom of Choice Through ByPick
DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the New Financial Platform trusted by more than 80 million users worldwide, has introduced ByPick, a free-to-play prediction game built on winning points other than prize money. Launched with a “Make Your Pick” campaign, ByPick enables users to forecast outcomes across crypto, sports, and esports and major market-moving financial events, with participants racing to build winning streaks and climbing seasonal leaderboards for a share of a 100,000 USDT leaderboard prize pool.
Prediction markets have become a defining trend across financial platforms, drawing millions of participants to platforms built on real-money wagers. That model has also brought controversy and introduced a slew of risk factors for players. ByPick takes a different format: a points-based game in the Bybit app, where the outcome of a pick affects a user’s streak and leaderboard standing instead of a direct shift in a wallet balance.
Make Your Pick: Turning Opinions into Fun Gameplay and Rewards
To participate, eligible Bybit users may register for the event to receive 200 Campaign Points as a one-time starter bonus, with no deposit or trading tasks required. From there, a Points Top-up Station keeps active users supplied: eligible users who complete a trade that day can refill their balance back up to a 200 cp floor once every 24 hours, with the offer resetting at 00:00 UTC.
Participants can also embark on their personal quest for additional points by completing tasks, including daily check-ins for consistency and receiving milestone bonuses for consecutive streaks. A variety of tasks are tailored to players of various styles:
- Correct picks pay out Campaign Points proportionally based on the odds at the time of the prediction.
- Battle Pass milestones unlock further Campaign Points.
- Designated Trading Tasks offer a repeatable, uncapped way to earn Campaign Points through qualifying trades.
- Referrals yield Campaign Points for each friend who joins.
- New players who register partway through the season are automatically enrolled in a time-limited Sprint Task with enhanced Campaign Points rewards, giving later joiners a way to close the gap on the leaderboard.
All users are ranked on a single leaderboard based on total Campaign Points earned during the season, with two prize pools for user groups divided by a threshold of 10,000 USDT in cumulative trading volume, including the Standard Prize Pool and the Grand Prize Pool.
The community-first, experience-based new feature underscores Bybit’s commitment to serving its global user base and meeting every Bybit customer’s diverse needs, unlocking one financial freedom at a time.
ByPick is available now to eligible Bybit users through the Bybit app under the Make Your Pick campaign. Terms and conditions apply. For details, users may visit: ByPick Season 1: Free Picks to Earn Points
Campaign Points (cp) have no monetary value and cannot be withdrawn or transferred. Bybit reserves the right of final interpretation.
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
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
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28, Sep 2026
Odisha Collects Rs 95.91 Lakh in Food Safety Penalties Over Two Years
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): The Odisha government has collected around Rs 95.91 lakh in penalties from food safety violators over the past two years, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling informed the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
Representational Image
The minister said the state has stepped up inspections, food sampling and enforcement measures to check adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety regulations across districts and urban local bodies.
Nearly 40,000 Food Samples Tested
Replying to a question from MLA Souvik Biswal in the Assembly, Mahaling said enforcement teams collected 7,392 legal samples and 32,498 surveillance samples during the two-year period.
The samples were collected from different parts of the state as part of regular food safety inspections and surveillance activities.
Over 427 Quintals of Suspected Adulterated Food Destroyed
The enforcement drive also resulted in the seizure and disposal of large quantities of food items suspected to be adulterated.
According to the minister’s statement, around 427.86 quintals of adulterated food items were destroyed during the period under review.
431 Cases Registered
Authorities also initiated legal proceedings against those found violating food safety provisions.
A total of 431 cases were filed, comprising:
298 adjudication cases
133 prosecution cases
The government said the enforcement measures are part of its efforts to strengthen monitoring of food products and curb adulteration across Odisha.
Focus on Food Safety Enforcement
The state has continued inspections and sample testing through designated food safety authorities, with enforcement action being taken where violations are detected.
The figures presented in the Assembly highlight the scale of sampling, seizure and legal action undertaken during the two-year period.
28, Sep 2026
India-Egypt Step Up Sports and Youth Engagement Through New Exchange Opportunities
Sep 28: India and Egypt are exploring new opportunities to expand cooperation in sports and youth affairs, with discussions focusing on sports exchanges, cricket, football and greater participation in international sporting events.
The discussions took place during a meeting between India’s Ambassador to Egypt, Suresh K. Reddy, and Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Gohar Nabil. The meeting also explored ways to strengthen people-to-people connections through youth and sporting activities.
A key area of discussion was the promotion of cricket in Egypt and greater engagement in football between the two countries. The Indian Ambassador also invited Egypt to participate in the BRICS Indigenous and Traditional Games 2026, opening another avenue for athletes and young people from both countries to interact and share sporting experiences.
Sports as a platform for youth engagement
The proposed cooperation can create opportunities for athletes, coaches and young people to participate in exchange programmes, training activities and sporting events.
For India, cricket provides an important area for engagement with Egypt, while football offers a natural platform for greater sporting interaction given its popularity in Egypt. Exchanges in these areas could support knowledge-sharing and help sports organisations from both countries develop stronger institutional links.
International events can strengthen exchanges
Egypt’s participation in international sporting events hosted or supported by India could further broaden engagement between young athletes and sports communities.
The invitation to the BRICS Indigenous and Traditional Games 2026 is particularly significant in this context, as traditional and indigenous sports can also provide a platform for cultural exchange alongside athletic participation.
Youth cooperation adds a new dimension to bilateral ties
Sports and youth engagement form part of the wider India-Egypt relationship, which includes cooperation across trade, technology, education, culture, health and other sectors.
The two countries have also developed youth and cultural exchanges through initiatives involving schools, universities and community programmes. The Indian Embassy in Cairo has highlighted activities such as university interactions, school-connect programmes and cultural workshops as part of people-to-people engagement.
Greater cooperation in sports can complement these initiatives by giving young people another avenue for international exposure and interaction.
Building stronger people-to-people links
The latest discussions indicate that sports could become a larger component of India-Egypt people-to-people engagement. Cricket, football, traditional sports and youth programmes can provide practical platforms for athletes and young participants to learn from one another while strengthening institutional cooperation.
With both countries continuing to expand engagement across multiple sectors, greater sports and youth exchanges could add a new dimension to the broader India-Egypt partnership.
28, Sep 2026
Odisha Orders District-Wise Review of Unused Government Land
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): The Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Department has directed all district Collectors to conduct a time-bound review of government land that has remained unused for extended periods or is being used in violation of the purpose for which it was allotted.
Representational Image
The review will cover government land provided through advance possession, permissive possession, lease and alienation, with authorities instructed to identify cases requiring resumption, relinquishment or other action under the applicable laws.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, in a communication to all Collectors, said government land is a valuable public resource and must be protected from unauthorised occupation, misuse and unlawful retention.
Collectors Asked to Act Within Legal Framework
District administrations have been instructed to undertake field-level verification and take necessary action wherever land is found to be lying unused or being utilised for purposes other than those approved.
The department has also stressed that revenue officials must discharge their statutory responsibilities impartially and in accordance with the law, particularly in cases involving influential individuals, organisations or vested interests.
The government has further warned that if any involvement or collusion of government employees with vested interests or corrupt entities is established, disciplinary and criminal proceedings may be initiated under applicable laws.
Review of Land Given in Advance Possession
For land provided under advance possession, officials have been directed to take action under Rule 11-A of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 1983.
Pending cases will undergo field verification. If the allotted land is found unused or diverted from the sanctioned purpose, authorities will initiate the prescribed process for revesting it with the government.
Permissive Possession Cases Under Scanner
The utilisation status of land granted under permissive possession will also be examined.
Where such land is vacant or the conditions attached to permissive possession have not been followed, action will be taken under Rule 9-A(2) of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 1983, the department said.
Leased Land to Face Case-by-Case Review
Government land leased to institutions, organisations and individuals will be reviewed individually.
Cases where leased land has remained unused for more than three years from the date of settlement, or where it is being used for an unauthorised purpose, will be identified for possible resumption.
Where applicable, proceedings under Section 3-B of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Act, 1962 will be undertaken following due legal procedure and principles of natural justice.
Once the resumption process is completed, the land will be restored to government possession and revenue records will be updated wherever necessary.
Departments Asked to Relinquish Unused Land
Land transferred to government departments for specific projects will also undergo field verification.
If land or any portion of it has remained unused for more than three years and is no longer required for the original purpose, the concerned department will be asked to consider relinquishing it to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
Where only part of the transferred land has been utilised, officials will have to specifically assess whether the remaining portion is still required.
Action Against Encroachment
The department has also instructed district administrations to take prompt action against encroachments on government land that has been leased or alienated.
Eviction proceedings will have to be initiated in accordance with the applicable rules and prescribed legal procedures.
Monthly Reports to Track Progress
Collectors have been directed to maintain comprehensive district-wise records covering cases reviewed, cases requiring action, proceedings initiated, completed cases and land restored to government possession.
For regular monitoring, monthly progress reports must be submitted online to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department by the 5th of every month under four categories:
Advance Possession
Permissive Possession
Resumption
Relinquishment
The review has been designated as a priority assignment, with Collectors made responsible for ensuring timely action and preventing unnecessary delays. District administrations have also been asked to clearly assign responsibilities among concerned officials.
28, Sep 2026
Deakin University awards Vice Chancellor’s Meritorious 50% Scholarships to 8 students across 4 HUBs in India
NEW DELHI, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Deakin University, Australia, is proud to announce the Vice Chancellor’s Meritorious 50% Scholarships 2026, recognising eight high-achieving students from across its four India HUB partners — Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Symbiosis International University (SIU), O.P. Jindal Global University and Chitkara University.
Two outstanding students from each HUB will receive a 50% contribution towards their Deakin tuition fees, recognising their academic excellence, leadership potential, achievements and ambition to make a meaningful difference. Six students have already been recognised, with two scholarships still to be awarded this year.
The scholarships reflect Deakin’s commitment to its ‘in India, with India, for India’ approach to engagement, working with its India HUB ecosystem to create meaningful international pathways that connect strong academic foundations in India with globally connected education, networks and career opportunities.
For the recipients, the scholarship represents more than financial support. It is recognition of their journey, confidence in their potential and an opportunity to develop the global capabilities, connections and experiences needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Sharing her thoughts on the occasion, Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University, said, “Our India HUB partnerships are about opening doors to a world of opportunity by giving students the ability to build on their education in India while accessing Deakin’s global learning, industry and professional networks.”
“These scholarships are an important part of that journey, recognising ambitious students and giving them the support and confidence to pursue their aspirations, embrace global opportunities and create impact in the world.”
Ishan Attri, from Chitkara University, who will pursue the Master of Data Science (Professional), sees the scholarship as a significant step towards advancing his career in the data science industry, with Deakin’s internationally recognised qualification opening pathways to senior roles and global opportunities.
For Parth Bhandari of Chitkara University, the scholarship brings him closer to his ambition of becoming a leader in cybersecurity with opportunities to build the skills, knowledge and global exposure at Deakin.
Aditi Raj, from O.P. Jindal Global University, sees the scholarship as recognition of her journey, giving her confidence to begin her education in a new country and experience a global learning environment.
For Alekhya Chaganti, of SIU, the scholarship is more than an award. It offers access to a global community and a launchpad for her ambitions.
Snigdha, from MAHE, sees the opportunity as a catalyst for personal and academic growth, empowering her to broaden her horizons and connect with an inspiring global community.
Deakin’s India HUB strategy is built on developing deep, long-term partnerships with leading Indian institutions, creating integrated ecosystems that bring together education, research, industry engagement and student mobility. Through these partnerships, Deakin works with its HUB institutions to create diverse pathways including dual degrees, curriculum licensing, articulation pathways, integrated Masters, cotutelle programs, academic mobility and joint research opportunities.
At the heart of this strategy is an aim to create meaningful global pathways for India’s brightest students. By building on the strong academic foundations students develop in India, the HUB model connects them to Deakin’s international learning environment, global networks and industry opportunities.
To know more about Deakin HUBs in India, please visit Partnerships
About Deakin University:
Established in 1974, Deakin University successfully combines excellence in teaching, research and effective partnerships with industry and government to deliver high-quality courses and undertake research that makes a difference to the domestic and international communities it serves.
Deakin’s South Asia operations commenced in 1994 at New Delhi, India, making it one of the first overseas education providers to set up operations in this region. Here, Deakin engages with the government, industry, and academia to share its vibrant culture of education and research.
To know more about Deakin University and its various initiatives as part of its ‘in India, with India, for India’ approach towards engagement, please visit Deakin South Asia partnerships and pathways | Deakin
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28, Sep 2026
Family with Roots in Bihar Celebrates Dr Ian Sinha’s Prestigious Recognition by Prince Harry
Sept 28: The Sinha family has expressed immense pride and happiness following the prestigious recognition conferred upon Dr Ian Sinha by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, honouring his outstanding dedication to improving the lives of children through exceptional medical care and compassionate service.
Dr Ian Sinha, Consultant Respiratory Paediatrician at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, and Honorary Associate Professor in Child Health at the University of Liverpool, was recognised after being nominated by the parents of a child whose life was profoundly impacted by his care and commitment. The recognition celebrates not only his clinical expertise but also the trust and gratitude he has earned from the families he serves.
An internationally respected expert in paediatric asthma, neonatal lung diseases and child respiratory health, Dr Sinha has devoted his career to improving healthcare outcomes for children, particularly those affected by poverty and health inequalities.
He also serves as Clinical Lead for the Children and Young People’s Workstream of the National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme and as a Specialty Advisor to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), contributing to the development of national asthma guidelines.
For the Sinha family, whose roots are in Bihar, the recognition represents a deeply significant and proud moment.
“This honour is a proud and emotional moment for our family. Ian’s unwavering commitment to children and their families, his compassion and his pursuit of excellence have always inspired us. To see his work recognised by Prince Harry, following a heartfelt nomination by parents whose child he cared for, makes this achievement even more meaningful. It reinforces our belief that kindness, dedication and service to humanity are among the greatest legacies one can build,” the family said in a statement.
The family also acknowledged the countless children, parents, colleagues and healthcare professionals who have been part of Dr Sinha’s professional journey. They expressed particular gratitude to the parents whose nomination brought attention to the profound difference his care has made in the lives of young patients and their families.
The Sinha family extended their heartfelt congratulations to Dr Ian Sinha and wished him continued success in his efforts to advance child healthcare, inspire future generations of medical professionals and contribute to healthier futures for children across the United Kingdom and beyond.
28, Sep 2026
Dr. Achyuta Samanta Conferred Honorary Citizenship by Romanian Town, Receives Multiple International Honours
BHUBANESWAR, India, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Eminent educationist, social reformer and Founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta (https://achyutasamanta.com/) was conferred Honorary Citizenship of Milișăuți, Romania, on 21st September 2026 in recognition of his lifelong contributions to education, social development and humanitarian service. He was also presented with the Key to the City of Bârladby by the Municipality of Bârlad, becoming the first Odia to receive these civic honours from two Romanian municipalities.
Honorary citizenship is the highest recognition a town in Romania can give. The Key to the City is an old European tradition from the days when towns had gates and handed their key only to a person they trusted completely. Dr. Samanta visited Bârlad along with Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Ambassador of India to Romania.
“I was deeply touched by the warm welcome I received in Milișăuți, Romania. The love and warmth I received in both cities will always remain close to my heart,” Dr. Samanta said, expressing his deepest gratitude to the people of Romania.
Dr. Samanta was also named ‘Leader of the Year’ at the CEEMAN Champions Awards 2026 in recognition of his contributions to education, social development, humanitarian service and institution building. The award was presented at the 34th CEEMAN Annual Conference held in Romania. A representative of Dr. Samanta received the award in his absence. CEEMAN, the International Association for Management Development in Dynamic Societies, is based in Bled, Slovenia, and has around 180 members from about 50 countries.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta received FIDE’s ‘Education Philanthropic Award’ at the Summit on Chess in Education in Uzbekistan on 24th September 2026, during the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad and Congress. A representative accepted the award on his behalf.
The award was presented by Viswanathan Anand, Acting President of FIDE, and Ms. Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, in the presence of representatives from 120 countries. Dr. Samanta from India is among the recipients, who include heads of various countries. He was recognised for his lifelong contributions to sports and education. On the occasion, FIDE, KIIT and KISS signed an MoU to expand their Chess in Education initiatives.
In other developments, Dr. Samanta was conferred four honours – ‘Mother Teresa Award’; ‘Professor Honoris Causa’ from AAB University College, Pristina; ‘Recognition from the City of Peja’; and ‘Medal of the President of the World Congress of Poets’ during the 45th World Congress of Poets, being held in Pristina, Republic of Kosovo.
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28, Sep 2026
Herbalife India Joins Hands with Indian Olympic Association as Official Nutrition Partner for the Indian Contingent at Asian Games 2026
BENGALURU, India, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Herbalife India, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform has announced its partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as the Official Nutrition Partner for the Indian contingent at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, being held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the support ecosystem for Indian athletes, with nutrition playing an increasingly important role in preparation, recovery and performance.
Speaking on the partnership, Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, said, “We are incredibly proud to stand with Team India at the Asian Games. Drawing on decades of global experience in sports nutrition, we are committed to providing the science-backed nutrition support, our athletes need to perform at their peak. Beyond the competition, we hope this partnership strengthens India’s sporting ecosystem and inspires people across the nation to embrace a healthier, active lifestyle.”
P. T. Usha, President, Indian Olympic Association, said, “As our athletes prepare for the rigours of continental competition, the support of credible partners is invaluable to their journey. We are pleased to welcome Herbalife India as the Official Nutrition Partner for the Indian contingent at Aichi-Nagoya 2026. This collaboration further strengthens the ecosystem supporting our athletes, and we look forward to seeing Team India perform with confidence and pride.”
Herbalife India leadership, including Akash Mehrotra, Senior Director – Marketing, and Ratnesh Lal, Senior Director – Public Affairs, officially commenced support for the contingent at the Athlete Send-off Ceremony in New Delhi on 8 September 2026. During the Games, the brand has launched a national campaign across print and social media, spotlighting the Indian contingent’s journey and driving awareness around the critical role of sports nutrition.
Herbalife India’s association with the Indian Olympic Association builds on its continued commitment to sports nutrition and athlete wellbeing. Through the partnership with the IOA, Herbalife India aims to further support India’s evolving sporting ecosystem and celebrate the athletes representing the country at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
About Herbalife International India Private Ltd.
Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed food & non-food products to consumers in more than 95 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life. For more information, visit https://www.herbalife.com/en-in
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