Alta School of Technology, an AI-first computer science institute, has announced the appointment of Santosh Mishra as Director, AI Innovation. With over eight years of experience across global technology companies such as Microsoft and VMware, Santosh brings deep expertise in software engineering, system design, and emerging AI applications to the institution’s leadership team.

Santosh Mishra

In his new role, Santosh will lead the development and execution of Alta’s AI-focused initiatives, with a strong emphasis on integrating cutting edge technologies into the learning ecosystem. He will work closely with academic and product teams to strengthen the institution’s AI-first approach and ensure that learners are equipped with industry relevant skills aligned with the evolving demands of the technology landscape.

An alumnus of the NIT , Tiruchirappalli, Santosh has built a strong reputation as an educator and mentor in the technology space. Over the years, he has guided more than 50,000 students globally, helping them navigate technical interviews and build sustainable careers in software engineering. His structured teaching approach and practical insights have made him a trusted voice among aspiring engineers and working professionals alike.

Santosh is also an accomplished author, having written more than ten technical books focused on software engineering principles and system architecture. His work simplifies complex concepts for learners and bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real world application. Beyond publishing, his contributions to tech education have been widely recognised across leading media platforms including AajTak, ABP News, Economic Times, Humans of Bombay, and JoshTalks. His impact earned him a feature at Times Square, underscoring his growing influence in the global education and technology ecosystem.

This appointment comes at a time when Alta School of Technology is strengthening its focus on building an AI-led curriculum that prepares students for the next wave of technological transformation. The institution continues to invest in leadership and innovation to enhance its offerings and expand its reach among learners seeking practical and future ready education.

Commenting on the appointment, Ashish Munjal, Founder of Alta School of Technology, added, “At Alta, we believe that the future of education lies in bridging the gap between learning and real world application. Santosh’s experience across leading technology organisations and his deep engagement with the student community will help us accelerate this vision. His leadership will further strengthen our commitment to delivering high quality, outcome driven education powered by emerging technologies.”

Harshit Agarwal, Founding Director at Alta School of Technology, said, “We are delighted to welcome Santosh to Alta. His strong foundation in technology combined with his passion for teaching makes him uniquely positioned to drive our AI innovation efforts. As we continue to evolve our curriculum, his insights will play a crucial role in shaping programs that are both industry aligned and learner centric.”

Sharing his thoughts on joining the organization, Santosh Mishra said, “I am excited to be a part of Alta School of Technology at a time when AI is redefining how we learn and work. I look forward to contributing to an ecosystem that prioritises practical learning and empowers students to build meaningful careers. Together, we aim to create programs that not only teach technology but also enable learners to think critically and innovate with confidence.”

With this appointment, Alta School of Technology continues to reinforce its position as a forward looking institution focused on innovation, scalability, and impactful learning experiences in the field of technology education.

About Alta School of Technology
Alta School of Technology is an AI-first computer science institute focused on delivering industry-integrated, hands-on learning. Founded by Ashish Munjal and Harshit Aggarwal, Alta combines real-world projects, expert mentorship, and a portfolio-driven approach to build future-ready engineers.

MSI, a global leader in gaming, content creation, and business & productivity laptops, today announced the availability of two flagship products in India: the Prestige 13 AI+ A3M, a featherweight professional laptop built for the AI era, and the Raider 18 Max HX, an industry-leading 18-inch gaming powerhouse. Together, these two machines span the full spectrum of laptop performance, one crafted for enterprise mobility, the other engineered for no-compromises gaming.
 

MSI Raider 18 Max HX A2W
 

“India represents one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving technology markets in the world, and today’s launch reflects our commitment to meeting every Indian user exactly where they are,” said Mr. James Sung, NB Sales Director, MSI. “Whether you’re a professional who needs the lightest, most powerful laptop you can carry through an airport, or a gamer demanding the absolute highest frame rates on an 18-inch canvas, MSI has the answer. The Prestige 13 AI+ and Raider 18 Max represent the very best of what MSI can build — and we’re proud to make them available to Indian customers today.”
 

For more details on the offers:

MSI Raider 18 Max – msi.gm/SB5C898A

MSI Prestige 13 AI+ – msi.gm/SE3E6B3E
 

Raider 18 Max HX: The Ultimate 18-Inch Gaming Powerhouse Lands in India.

The Raider 18 Max HX A2WJ-1068IN is engineered for users who demand uncompromising power and performance. Equipped with an Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor and the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 Laptop GPU, it is built to handle intensive gaming and high-performance workloads with ease. Backed by 64GB DDR5 memory (32GB x2) and a 2TB NVMe PCIe SSD, it ensures fast, seamless performance even under the most demanding conditions.
 

Priced at INR 589,990, the Raider 18 Max HX is ideal for enthusiasts and power users seeking top-tier performance in a powerful laptop setup.
 

Prestige 13 AI+ A3M: Ultralight. AI-Ready. Built for India’s Mobile Professionals.

The Prestige 13 AI+ A3MG-048IN is designed for modern professionals who need a seamless blend of performance and portability. Powered by the Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor and integrated Intel® Arc™ graphics, it enables smooth multitasking and AI-driven workflows for everyday productivity. With 16GB LPDDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe PCIe SSD, it delivers responsive performance and ample storage for work on the go.
 

Available in India at a promotional price of INR 154,990, the Prestige 13 AI+ is built for those who want dependable performance in a sleek, highly portable form factor.
 

Available Models

Availability Across India

The latest models are available exclusively at MSI Brand Stores in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Surat, and Pune.
 

Limited-Time Launch Offers (8th April – 8th June 2026)

To celebrate the India launch, MSI is offering exclusive benefits for early buyers:

• Purchase the Raider 18 Max HX and Prestige 13 AI+ to receive a complimentary NordVPN 1-Year Plan (worth $69.99).

• Rate and review either model on eligible platforms to redeem an additional 1-year warranty extension.

• Both offers must be claimed through the MSI Membership Center with eligible product registration.

About MSI
MSI is a world leader in gaming, content creation and AIoT solutions. Bolstered by its cutting-edge R&D capabilities and customer-driven innovation, MSI has a wide-ranging global presence spanning over 120 countries. Its comprehensive lineup of laptops, graphics cards, monitors, motherboards, desktops, peripherals, servers, IPCs, robotic appliances, and vehicle infotainment and telematics systems are globally acclaimed. Committed to advancing user experiences through the finest product quality, intuitive user interface and design aesthetics, MSI is a leading brand that shapes the future of technology.

For more product information, please go to www.msi.com.

As Bitcoin adoption steadily gains momentum in India, investor conversations are beginning to evolve beyond trading and short-term gains toward long-term ownership and wealth preservation. Recognising this shift, Getbit has announced the launch of its Bitcoin Inheritance & Custody Planning solution in partnership with Theya, a global provider of collaborative custody infrastructure built on Bitcoin’s native multi-signature technology.
 

Getbit X Theya
 

For many Indian investors, Bitcoin is being viewed as a long-term store of value—one that is accumulated patiently and intended to be preserved across generations. Yet, a key question remains: what happens if the owner loses access? Unlike traditional systems, Bitcoin operates without intermediaries or recovery mechanisms. Globally, millions of bitcoins are estimated to be inaccessible, underscoring the growing need for secure and inheritance-ready custody frameworks as adoption rises.

Getbit’s new solution addresses this challenge through a structured 2-of-3 multi-signature custody framework. Under this model, one key remains with the user, one recovery key is secured through Theya’s collaborative custody infrastructure, and the third key can be held by Getbit or a trusted nominee. This architecture ensures that no single party can independently move funds, eliminating single points of failure while preserving user sovereignty.

Commenting on the launch, Abhay Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Getbit said, “One of the biggest risks in Bitcoin ownership today is not market volatility but the possibility of permanent loss due to poor succession planning. Our partnership with Theya allows us to solve this structurally, offering a secure framework that eliminates single points of failure while keeping users in control of their assets.”

Joe Consorti, founding team at Theya, added, “Bitcoin forces people to think differently about ownership. There’s no safety net, which means custody and inheritance aren’t optional, they’re foundational. What we’re building with Getbit is a simple way for people to hold Bitcoin today and know it won’t be lost tomorrow.”

This initiative signals an important shift in India’s Bitcoin landscape, from transactional engagement to responsible ownership. By embedding inheritance-ready custody into its platform, Getbit aims to empower users not just to buy Bitcoin, but to safeguard it thoughtfully for the future.

About Getbit

Getbit is India’s first and only Bitcoin-native financial services platform, designed to help people understand, buy, and securely store Bitcoin with confidence. Launched in 2022, Getbit cuts through the noise of altcoins and speculative tokens to offer a clean, focused experience for those seeking real financial independence.

At its core, Getbit is built on the belief that Bitcoin isn’t just another asset — it’s a fundamental rethinking of how money works. The idea for Getbit was born out of deep frustration with both the legacy financial system and the chaos of the broader crypto landscape. While most platforms chase trends and hype, Getbit is grounded in first principles, financial sovereignty, and clear, practical education.

Bajaj Finance has increased the maximum repayment tenure for its personal loan offering from 96 months to 108 months, providing customers with greater flexibility in managing their finances. With a longer repayment window, borrowers can spread their repayment over a longer period, making monthly instalments more manageable and supporting better financial planning.

Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan

In today’s dynamic financial environment, individuals often face situations that require quick access to funds. Whether it is a medical emergency, a family celebration, travel plans, or urgent home repairs, arranging funds at short notice can be challenging. A personal loan provides a convenient solution by offering timely financial support without disrupting long-term savings. By extending the repayment tenure, Bajaj Finance aims to make borrowing more affordable, flexible, and accessible for customers with varying financial needs.

Longer repayment tenure helps reduce monthly financial pressure
The availability of repayment tenure of up to 108 months allows customers to distribute their repayment over a longer duration. This approach can help reduce the size of monthly instalments, making it easier to manage household expenses alongside loan obligations. It also improves monthly cash flow, allowing borrowers to allocate funds towards savings, investments, or other financial priorities.

Customers can choose a repayment tenure ranging from 12 months to 108 months, depending on their income, financial commitments, and repayment preferences. This flexibility enables individuals to align their loan repayment with their monthly budget and avoid unnecessary financial strain. A longer repayment period can be particularly beneficial when managing large or long-term expenses that require careful planning.

Personal loan interest rate supports better decision-making
Clear communication of loan terms is an essential part of responsible lending. Bajaj Finance ensures that customers are informed about the applicable personal loan interest rate before finalising their loan. This transparency helps borrowers understand the total cost of borrowing and plan their repayments accordingly.

The interest rate typically ranges from 10% to 30% per annum, depending on factors such as income level, credit history, and repayment behaviour. By providing clear information about interest rates and repayment obligations, the company supports informed financial decisions and helps customers avoid unexpected repayment challenges over the loan tenure.

Flexible loan amounts support different financial needs
Financial requirements vary from person to person, and access to the right loan amount is essential for responsible borrowing. Bajaj Finance offers a wide loan amount range starting from Rs. 40,000 and extending up to Rs. 55 lakh, allowing customers to select an amount that matches their specific needs.

This flexibility ensures that customers can manage both small and significant expenses without borrowing more than necessary. Choosing an appropriate loan amount helps maintain financial discipline and reduces the risk of repayment challenges in the future. By providing options that suit different financial situations, the personal loan offering supports customers in making informed borrowing decisions.

Quick approval process ensures timely financial support
Speed is often a critical factor when dealing with financial requirements. Bajaj Finserv Personal Loan process is simple and efficient, enabling customers to apply online with minimal effort. The digital application system reduces paperwork and shortens processing time, making the borrowing experience more convenient.

For eligible applicants, approval is completed quickly, and funds are typically disbursed within 24 hours* after verification. This timely access to funds can be especially valuable during emergencies or situations where immediate financial support is required. A seamless and responsive process helps customers address urgent needs without unnecessary delays.

Collateral-free borrowing makes access to credit easier
Another important feature of the personal loan offering is that it is completely collateral-free. Customers are not required to pledge property, gold, or other assets as security to obtain funds. This reduces financial risk and simplifies the borrowing process, particularly for individuals who prefer unsecured financing options.

Minimal documentation requirements further enhance convenience. In most cases, customers only need to provide basic identity, address, and income details to complete their application. A straightforward process allows borrowers to focus on their financial priorities rather than complex paperwork.

Supporting customers through important life moments
Access to reliable financing can make a significant difference during important life events. Customers often rely on a personal loan to manage expenses related to planned milestones such as weddings, education, and travel, as well as unplanned situations like medical emergencies or urgent repairs.

Having a dependable source of funds allows individuals to move forward with their plans without delay. The availability of a longer repayment tenure further enhances convenience by giving borrowers more time to manage their financial commitments comfortably. This helps customers stay financially prepared across different life situations without disrupting their broader financial plans.

Focus on responsible lending and customer convenience
With repayment tenure now extended up to 108 months, Bajaj Finance offers customers greater flexibility in structuring their loan repayments. This is supported by loan amounts ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, transparent personal loan interest rates, minimal documentation requirements, and disbursal within 24 hours*, covering a wide range of financial needs.

Customers planning an expense or facing an urgent financial need can review their eligibility, apply now, and select a repayment plan that aligns with their financial goals and monthly budget.

Terms and conditions apply*

Bajaj Finance Ltd. (‘BFL’, ‘Bajaj Finance’, or ‘the Company’), a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., is a deposit taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC-D) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is classified as an NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). BFL is engaged in the business of lending and acceptance of deposits. It has a diversified lending portfolio across retail, SMEs, and commercial customers with significant presence in both urban and rural India. It accepts public and corporate deposits and offers a variety of financial services products to its customers. BFL, a thirty-five-year-old enterprise, has now become a leading player in the NBFC sector in India and on a consolidated basis, it has a franchise of 69.14 million customers. BFL has the highest domestic credit rating of AAA/Stable for long-term borrowing, A1+ for short-term borrowing, and CRISIL AAA/Stable & [ICRA]AAA(Stable) for its FD program. It has a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+/Positive and a short-term rating of B by S&P Global ratings.

• With participation from over 750+ students across MAAC centres nationwide, the 100-hour challenge witnessed enthusiastic engagement and creativity

• Participants collectively benefited from over 1,400 hours of expert mentorship, enhancing their practical skills and industry readiness

MAAC, a premier institute and pioneer in high-end 3D animation, VFX, gaming, and digital content creation, and a training brand of Aptech Limited, successfully organized the 7th edition of “100 Hours” – a creative challenge designed to push the boundaries of storytelling, design, and digital filmmaking for students across India.

MAAC students during 100 Hours competition

Building on the growing demand and consumption of digital content creation, MAAC introduced a new category this year Digital Brand Experience — enabling students to explore branding, user experience, and content strategy alongside filmmaking.

The competition was a high-intensity creative marathon where students worked in teams to produce 30-second 3D animated short films and 60-second mobile films and Complete brand experience through Brand Strategy, UI/UX and brand promotion video using AI, all within a span of 100 hours (approximately 4.2 days of continuous creation).

During the event, 750 students across 150 teams received expert mentorship and gained hands-on exposure to the complete production pipeline from pre-production and production to post-production across 3D Animation and digital content creation. The mobile filmmaking category, introduced last year, continued to see strong participation, reflecting the rising popularity of short-form video formats among today’s youth.

The creative challenge witnessed high participation, with students producing a wide range of animated, mobile-shot films and brand campaigns. The structure of the challenge is based on MAAC’s 360 Degree Skills Advantage approach, which puts students’ creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities to the test while evaluating their industry readiness.

Participants experienced real-world work scenarios, managing tight deadlines while leveraging relevant tools, software, and backend support provided by MAAC centres. The challenge offered a studio-like working environment, enabling students to develop practical skills, collaborate effectively, and become industry-ready from day one.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited and Brand Custodian, MAAC, said, “MAAC’s 100 Hours challenge goes beyond being a competition, it is an immersive learning experience that encourages students to innovate, collaborate, and push their creative boundaries. The intensity of the format helps them build resilience, sharpen problem-solving skills, and gain hands-on exposure to real-world production environments. It is inspiring to witness the level of dedication and passion our students bring to this platform. Through this process, they not only refine their technical and creative capabilities but also develop the confidence to execute ideas under pressure. Initiatives like these play a crucial role in preparing them for the evolving demands of the AVGC industry, shaping them into future-ready professionals and leaders.”

Winners of the competition are awarded a cash prize, a memento, and a Certificate of Merit, while all participants receive a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their efforts.

Through its industry-aligned curriculum and holistic approach to skill development—spanning technical expertise, creative thinking, industry exposure, teamwork, time management, resilience, and personality development—MAAC continues to nurture talent across key segments of the Media & Entertainment industry, including 3D Animation, VFX, Gaming, Digital Content Creation and Multimedia & Broadcast. Initiatives like “100 Hours” play a crucial role in not only strengthening these competencies but also preparing students for successful and sustainable careers in the evolving Media & Entertainment landscape.

For more details – log on to 100hrs.maacindia.com.

About MAAC

Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC) is India’s premiere training institute for high-end 3D Animation and Visual Effects. Founded in 2001, MAAC has trained over lakhs of students, worldwide. It has in total over 130 centers globally with cutting-edge infrastructure in over 65+ cities.

MAAC offers industry relevant career courses on 3D Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Digital Design Filmmaking, Broadcast, VR & AR. MAAC courses are thoughtfully designed to provide students thorough insights about the dynamics of the industry. It provides real-life training environment to students, backed by excellent faculty, world-class infrastructure, and the latest technical tools.

MAAC students are placed across all domains of the Media & Entertainment industry in India & overseas. With our job-ready courses, MAAC students are placed in leading production houses and studios such as Polyphonic Tech, StudioVSync, Squad VFX, Resonance Digital, CRI Studio, Team Pumpkin, Scalex Media, Studio EEKSAURUS, Famous Studios, Reliance Games, Addnectar, etc. amongst others.

For further information please visit www.maacindia.com.

The real estate landscape in smaller cities and spiritual destinations is undergoing a noticeable change. Buyers today are moving away from scattered, unplanned developments and showing a clear preference for organized townships backed by strong infrastructure and connectivity. Haridwar is emerging as a key beneficiary of this shift, especially among second-home buyers from Delhi-NCR seeking a well-connected, wellness-focused lifestyle.
 

Alaknanda by Hero Realty 
 

One of the developments reflecting this trend is Alaknanda by Hero Realty. Located along the Delhi-Dehradun Highway (NH-58), the project is part of a larger 88-acre township in Haridwar. The recently launched plotted phase, spread across 4.7 acres with over 170 plots, saw strong demand, with the entire inventory sold out shortly after launch. With prices starting from Rs. 35 lakh, the project is positioned in the mid-housing segment and is expected to be completed by February 2029, catering to both end-users and long-term investors.
 

What sets such developments apart is their focus on early-stage planning and infrastructure readiness. At Alaknanda, key site infrastructure, including internal roads and essential services, has already been put in place. The township also offers lifestyle features such as sports amenities, open green spaces, and community areas. Its proximity to institutions like IIT Roorkee and healthcare facilities such as Patanjali Ayurvedic Hospital further adds to its appeal.
 

This reflects a broader shift in buyer expectations from standalone plots to integrated, self-sustained communities that offer a better quality of living.
 

Manoj Dixit, AMM Property, and Channel Partner for Hero Realty expressed, “We have been working with Hero Realty since 2020, and our experience with Alaknanda over the last five years has been quite positive. The project stands out for its well-planned layout, wider roads and ample green areas, which are key factors for today’s buyers. Being RERA-registered also adds to the confidence among investors. In fact, we are seeing that many buyers who invest here often come back for repeat investments, reflecting strong satisfaction and trust in the development.”
 

The investment potential of the region further strengthens its appeal. Market trends indicate that property prices in this micro-market have grown nearly five times over the past 13 years, with appreciation levels reaching around 500%. This steady growth has positioned Haridwar as not just a spiritual destination, but also a viable market for long-term real estate investment.
 

Manish Ahuja, a resident at the township shared his views, “I had an excellent experience with Hero Realty. The team is backed by a strong group and a credible brand, which immediately gave me confidence. What impressed me the most was their commitment to transparency and trust throughout the entire process. It’s clear they prioritize quality and customer satisfaction, making the whole experience smooth and reassuring.”
 

As the city continues to evolve, the demand for well-planned developments is expected to grow further. Projects like Alaknanda highlight how integrated townships, supported by infrastructure and connectivity, are shaping a more structured and sustainable residential landscape in emerging cities like Haridwar.

Fully Promoted, a global leader in branded apparel and promotional merchandise, continues to strengthen its presence in India with the launch of a new franchise store in Sholinganallur, Chennai.

Fully Promoted launches in Sholinganallur, Chennai, graced by Michael O’Connor alongside India’s Master Franchise member

Strategically located within Tecci Park on OMR, one of the city’s most vibrant business corridors, the new store reflects the brand’s focused approach to entering high-growth markets. Designed to cater to startups, SMEs, and large enterprises, the Sholinganallur outlet brings Fully Promoted’s globally established standards in customised branding closer to Chennai’s evolving corporate ecosystem.

Fully Promoted launches in Sholinganallur, Chennai, graced by Michael O’Connor alongside India’s Master Franchise member

The franchise is led by Sandeep and Nagadeepa, who will drive local operations while delivering the brand’s commitment to quality, consistency, and service excellence.

The launch will be inaugurated by Michael O’Connor, Senior Operations Advisor at United Franchise Group, along with India’s Master Franchise Partners Suresh Raghuraj and Deepika Loganathan, reinforcing the brand’s strong foundation in global expertise and operational excellence.

A Franchise Model Built for Scalable Growth
Fully Promoted’s expansion in India is built on a franchise model that combines global experience with local entrepreneurial drive. With a presence in 11+ countries and over 300 stores worldwide, the brand offers partners a well-structured, proven business framework designed for long-term growth.

Franchise partners benefit from:

• End-to-end support, from setup to day-to-day operations

• Access to a reliable global sourcing and supply network

• A diverse portfolio including branded apparel, corporate gifting, promotional merchandise, workwear, and safety gear

• Structured systems that ensure consistency, quality, and operational efficiency

A key differentiator in the Indian market is the integration of AI-led operational support through the HaiVE platform. This enables franchise partners to work with smarter tools, streamlined workflows, and real-time insights – bringing a level of operational efficiency that is still evolving within India’s franchise ecosystem.

Expanding into Growth Corridors & Building a Future-Ready Network
The choice of Sholinganallur reflects Fully Promoted’s strategy of establishing a presence in high-growth business corridors where infrastructure and enterprise activity converge. As OMR continues to evolve as a hub for technology companies and corporate offices, the demand for professional branding and merchandising solutions is expected to rise significantly.

Fully Promoted aims to become a trusted partner for businesses in the region, helping them enhance brand presence through customised, high-quality solutions.

This expansion also aligns with the brand’s larger vision of building a strong and scalable franchise network across India. With further growth planned across key cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, Fully Promoted is actively inviting entrepreneurs to be part of a globally established brand that combines market relevance, operational strength, and forward-looking technology.

About Fully Promoted
Fully Promoted is a one-stop B2B branding partner specialising in end-to-end sourcing of corporate gifts and branded merchandise. Its offerings include uniforms, custom apparel, workwear, safety gear, and a wide range of promotional products.

With a strong global presence across 11+ countries and 300+ stores worldwide, Fully Promoted combines creative expertise with operational excellence to deliver high-quality, customised solutions that help businesses strengthen their brand identity and visibility.