Galgotias University, in collaboration with the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University, Australia, brought together judges, legal scholars, policymakers, vice-chancellors, academicians, and legal practitioners from across India and several countries for the International Conference on Comparative Law held on May 29 and 30, 2026.

The International Conference on Comparative Law at Galgotias University emerged as a defining platform for global legal dialogue and academic exchange

YouTube Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDzO5vIZuqM

The conference focused on comparative law and its growing relevance in understanding how different legal systems respond to shared global challenges across constitutional governance, human rights, business regulation, intellectual property, arbitration, technology, and international legal frameworks. Discussions explored how comparative legal scholarship can help institutions, policymakers, and legal practitioners engage with evolving judicial systems, cross-border legal questions, and emerging regulatory challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.

One of the major highlights of the conference was the participation of senior members of the Indian judiciary, including Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Hon’ble Justice Tejas Karia, Judge, Delhi High Court; Hon’ble Justice Shubhash Vidyarthi, Judge, Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench; Hon’ble Justice JR Midha, Former Judge, Delhi High Court; and Hon’ble Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, Former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court.

During his address, Hon’ble Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh appreciated the efforts of Galgotias University in creating an international academic platform that brought together legal scholars, members of the judiciary, academic leaders, and institutions from different countries for substantive dialogue on law, justice, governance, and contemporary legal developments.

The conference also featured internationally respected legal scholars including Prof. (Dr.) Upendra Baxi from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, whose work on constitutionalism, human rights, and law in development has shaped global legal thought for decades.

Speakers and participants joined from institutions across India, the United Kingdom, Italy, Brazil, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Macedonia, Australia, and other countries, reflecting the growing international engagement in comparative legal scholarship and academic collaboration.

Among the notable international speakers were Prof. Mauro Bussani from the University of Trieste and the University of Macau, Prof. Giuseppe Martinico from Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Prof. Renata Deskoska from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Macedonia, Prof. Shamini K. Ragavan from the University of Birmingham Dubai, Prof. Muhammad Ekramul Haque from the University of Dhaka, Professor Indira Nanayakkara from the University of Colombo, and Dr. Oyeniyi Abe, Chair of the Committee on Business and Human Rights, Ila, Nigeria.

The conference opened with remarks by Prof. (Dr.) Aditya Tomer, Dean, School of Law, Galgotias University, while Dr. Joshua N Aston, Associate Dean and Conference Co-Chair from Edith Cowan University, Australia, spoke about the importance of comparative legal understanding and international academic collaboration in contemporary legal education.

As part of the conference proceedings, Galgotias University also formalised multiple institutional collaborations through MoU signings with Dharmashastra National Law University, National Law University Assam, Study In, and Bein Legal Partners to strengthen engagement in legal education, research, academic exchange, and industry collaboration.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “We are delighted that such distinguished legal luminaries, members of the judiciary, and globally respected scholars from India and across the world came together at the School of Law at Galgotias University for meaningful discussions on comparative law and contemporary legal challenges. At Galgotias University, we are building an internationally engaged law school deeply connected with contemporary legal realities, global legal developments, interdisciplinary learning, and international academic engagement. Bringing together distinguished judges, global legal scholars, and academic leaders for discussions on comparative law gives students and researchers exposure to diverse legal systems, judicial perspectives, and evolving conversations shaping the future of law, policy, governance, and justice.”

The valedictory session also featured addresses by Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Hon’ble Justice Tejas Karia, Judge, Delhi High Court; Lalit Bhasin, President, Society of Indian Law Firms; and other distinguished members of the judiciary and legal fraternity.

The conference also included academic paper presentations, keynote discussions, release of the conference abstract book, and the announcement of the Best Paper Awards for ICCL 2026.

Organised by the School of Law at Galgotias University, the conference further strengthened the School’s growing thought leadership in comparative law, international legal discourse, and globally connected legal education through participation from distinguished judges, legal scholars, academic leaders, and institutions from across India and multiple countries.

About Galgotias University
Galgotias University is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities recognised for academic excellence, research, innovation, global collaborations, and industry aligned education. With a vibrant student community of over 50,000 learners and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates, the University has built a rapidly growing ecosystem focused on technology, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world impact.

In the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, Galgotias University was placed in the 1201-1400 global band and ranked 15th among private universities and 43rd among all universities in India. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the University was placed in the 1201-1500 global band and ranked 27th among private universities and 65th among all universities in India. The University is also accredited with NAAC A+, one of India’s highest institutional quality ratings.

Galgotias University offers programmes across engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, semiconductors, business, law, media, design, health sciences, hospitality, liberal education, and emerging interdisciplinary domains. In 2026, students secured more than 5,100 job offers from over 1,250 recruiters. The University has built strong industry and innovation partnerships with organisations including Apple, Infosys, Intel, Cisco, Tata Technologies, L&T EduTech, Capgemini, and Salesforce, while continuing to strengthen its global academic engagement and startup ecosystem.

To know more, visit: www.galgotiasuniversity.edu.in

Ameera Shah-led Metropolis Healthcare Limited, India’s second-largest and the most respected diagnostic chain, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Excellence in Laboratory Quality‘ Award at the BW HealthcareWorld Excellence Summit & Awards 2026.

Metropolis leadership team – Dr. Kirti Chadha, Dr. Vani Ravikumar, Dr. Ravikumar HN and Dr. Naveen Kumar S at the event

The recognition acknowledges Metropolis’ leadership in building a robust, technology-enabled quality ecosystem that delivers accurate, reliable, and clinically meaningful diagnostics to millions of patients across India. At the core of this achievement is Metropolis’ integrated quality intelligence framework, which combines scientific rigour, data-driven governance, advanced analytics, standardised laboratory practices, and continuous quality monitoring to ensure consistency across the entire diagnostic journey—from sample collection and transportation to testing and report delivery.

Achievements at a Glance

Metropolis today delivers 99.99% report accuracy across 3,512 diagnostic tests, maintains 100% compliance with ISO 15189:2022 standards across accredited laboratories, and stringently monitors quality data points through advanced analytics platforms. Its quality ecosystem is further strengthened by 582 NABL-accredited sample collection facilities, and a network of more than 275 authorized signatories providing scientific oversight and governance over reporting and verification of all new test/ method/ platform before induction.

Metropolis has consistently invested in building one of India’s most comprehensive laboratory excellence ecosystems. Its network-wide governance framework spans over 210 laboratories and thousands of patient touchpoints, supported by NABL and CAP accreditations, standardised SOPs, structured audit systems, real-time monitoring, and analytics-driven quality control processes.

A key differentiator has been the introduction of the Quality Score Index (QSI), a first-of-its-kind scientific performance framework that establishes measurable and uniform benchmarks across laboratories. The framework evaluates performance across multiple scientific and operational parameters, including audit outcomes, external quality assurance performance, compliance indicators, complaint resolution timelines, and academic engagement metrics, helping drive continuous improvement across the network.

Building on this foundation of measurable quality, Metropolis has developed advanced scientific and digital initiatives, including an AI-assisted Directory of Services and Tests and ‘Next Best Action’ clinical intelligence tools that support evidence-based diagnostic interpretation and clinical decision-making. The framework is further supported by annual audits aligned with ISO 15189, CLSI, and CAP guidelines, along with Internal Quality Control (IQC) analytics, digital audit management systems, and real-time intelligence dashboards. Together, these enable proactive identification of quality gaps, faster corrective actions, and continuous improvement across the network. Collectively, these initiatives translate into greater diagnostic confidence, improved consistency, and more informed clinical decision-making for patients and healthcare providers.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Surendran Chemmenkotil, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said, “Quality in diagnostics directly impacts clinical decision-making and patient outcomes, making it one of the most critical responsibilities in healthcare. This recognition validates our long-standing commitment to building a deeply integrated and standardised ecosystem across our network. As we continue to expand our footprint, our focus remains on ensuring that every patient, irrespective of location, receives the same high standard of diagnostic accuracy, reliability, and scientific excellence. Initiatives such as the Quality Score Index and Pre-Analytical Compliance (PAC) framework reflect our commitment to making excellence measurable, transparent, and continuously improvable.”

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, added: “At Metropolis, quality is not viewed as a checkpoint, but as a continuously evolving scientific discipline embedded into every stage of laboratory operations. Our integrated quality intelligence framework combines rigorous accreditation standards, structured governance, advanced analytics, internal quality controls, EQAS (External Quality Assurance Scheme) monitoring, and continuous skilling of laboratory professionals. This recognition reflects the collective commitment of our scientific and operational teams towards delivering consistent, reliable, and clinically meaningful diagnostics.“

Supported by 100% participation in External Quality Assurance Programmes (EQAS/PT), specialist-led medical governance, and over four decades of diagnostic expertise, Metropolis remains committed to advancing diagnostic excellence, strengthening patient trust, and improving healthcare outcomes through scientific innovation and operational discipline.

*NABL – National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories

*CAP – College of American Pathologists

*CLSI – Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute

About Metropolis Healthcare Limited

Established in 1981, Metropolis Healthcare Limited is India’s second-largest diagnostic chain, led by visionary leader Ms. Ameera Shah. With over four decades of excellence, Metropolis has been a pioneer in delivering best-in-class diagnostic services to patients, healthcare providers, and corporates across India and Africa. The company’s extensive footprint spans 28 states, 7 Union Territories, and over 750+ towns in India, supported by a robust network of more than 219 laboratories, 5000 plus patient service centers, and over 10,000 touchpoints. Each year, Metropolis serves millions of individuals by providing actionable health insights that empower better clinical outcomes. Metropolis offers a comprehensive range of more than 4,100 tests and profiles, including advanced tests for diagnosing cancer, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and various genetic abnormalities. The company’s commitment to quality and accuracy is reinforced by its consistent CAP proficiency score of over 99% for the past decade, placing it among the top 1% of laboratories worldwide for quality assurance. The Metropolis philosophy is built on the pillars of technological superiority, a warm, patient-centric approach, and reliable diagnostic reports.

sFor more information, please visit www.metropolisindia.com or click on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn

Students of Amity Group of Schools and the Amity Institute for Competitive Examinations (AICE) – Synchro Study Program have delivered exceptional results in JEE Advanced 2026, once again demonstrating academic excellence and competitive success at the national level.

Amity Group of Schools Celebrates Outstanding JEE Advanced 2026 Results

This year, out of 338 students from the Engineering stream, 150 students qualified to appear for JEE Advanced 2026. Of these, over 100 students successfully qualified in one of India’s most prestigious and challenging engineering entrance examinations, opening doors to admission in the country’s premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other leading engineering institutions.

Amity proudly celebrates:

• 1 student in the Top 100

• 6 students in the Top 500

• 10 students in the Top 1000

Along with many other students securing commendable ranks and strengthening Amity’s legacy of excellence in competitive examinations.

Among the top achievers are Arnav Jain (AIR 84), Shreyansh Dixit (AIR 211), Pakhi Bisht (AIR 302) – the Girls Topper of Amity, Shivansh Sinha (AIR 327), Param Pranav (AIR 458), Shashank Kumar Maurya (AIR 500), Vyom Agarwal (AIR 772), Pratham Madhav B (AIR 787), Ojas Mittal (AIR 969), and Anirudh Maheshwari (AIR 997).

Leading the achievers is Arnav Jain, who secured an outstanding All India Rank (AIR) 84. He had earlier scored 99.963 percentile in JEE Main 2026 and 98.2% in the CBSE Class XII Board Examination.

Arnav has also excelled in national and international Olympiads. He attended the prestigious OCSC – Orientation cum Selection Camp (Chemistry) at HBCSE, Mumbai, in both 2025 and 2026 and received Gold Medals for his outstanding performance in the Indian National Chemistry Olympiad. He is also the proud winner of two Gold Medals at the 11th Amity International Olympiad in Chemistry 2026.

With these exceptional results, many Amity students are now poised to secure admission to some of the top IITs in India, including institutions renowned globally for engineering, innovation, research, and technology. Their achievements reflect years of dedication, disciplined preparation, and a passion for academic excellence.

Dr. Amita Chauhan, Chairperson, Amity Group of Schools, said, “At Amity, we believe in empowering students to dream big and achieve excellence through dedication, discipline, and perseverance. We are immensely proud of our students and wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.”

The exceptional results reflect the strong academic ecosystem and focused mentorship provided through the Amity Institute for Competitive Examinations (AICE) – Synchro Study Program, which seamlessly integrates school education with advanced studies in Mathematics and Sciences. The program equips students with conceptual clarity, analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence required to excel in highly competitive national examinations.

The institution congratulates all students, parents, mentors, and faculty members on this remarkable achievement and wishes the students continued success as they embark on the next chapter of their academic journey at India’s leading engineering institutions.

The Ramaiah Group’s Gokula Education Foundation (Medical) in Collaboration with University at Albany, State University of New York today launched Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management (RISM), India’s first distinct greenfield deemed‑to‑be university in Bengaluru. Conceived as a next‑generation STEM and management university, RISM will deliver a globally benchmarked, industry‑embedded engineering and management education that prioritizes resilience, translational research, and measurable societal impact.

Dr. M R Jayaram and Havidan Rodríguez with senior leaders at the launch of the Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management (RISM) in Bengaluru

“Build. The Future.” is embedded across RISM’s curriculum and culture. RISM’s main residential campus is being developed in Bengaluru’s Information Technology Investment Region near Devanahalli, close to major innovation hubs and industry anchors. Academic operations will begin from a transit campus in Yelahanka in August 2026, with the main campus scheduled for full operation by September 2028. All programmes will follow a fully residential model to support holistic development through sports, culture, wellness, leadership, and entrepreneurship initiatives, creating an immersive environment where industry context, academic rigor, and research converge to build the future.

Extracts from Speeches at the Inaugural Event Today.

Dr. M. R. Jayaram, Chairman and Trustee of Gokula Education Foundation (Medical) and Chancellor Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management,

Dr. M R Jayaram, Chairman and Chancellor of RISM: described the day as “A great day for us. It has taken almost 25 years of dreaming of what has come true today.” He traced his journey of lifelong commitment and experiential learning in higher education that helped to launch a transformative higher education system that brings in the new change of “teaching institutions” to true “learning institutions.”

Why RISM? The Vision Behind the Institution

Dr. Jayaram explained that India’s education sector has lagged industry liberalization since 1990, creating a 40-year gap between industry needs and educational outcomes. RISM was conceived to bridge this chasm through experiential, outcome-based learning embedded with industry from day one.

Why U Albany -Global Knowledge Partnership,

A defining feature of RISM is its genuine knowledge partnership with the University at Albany (State University of New York), chosen after 18 months of searching. Dr. Jayaram emphasized: “We wanted a genuine knowledge partnership, not a transactional arrangement where knowledge is offered as a service for a fee. We were looking for something deeper and more meaningful.”

Dr. Jayaram affirmed that partnership’s depth, centered on co-developed curriculum, faculty engagement, shared academic standards, international pathways and research collaboration.

“This is a great day for us. It has taken me almost 25 years of dreaming for what has come true today. We have had excellent teaching institutions, but did they truly contribute to India’s industrial and economic growth? That was the biggest question I faced. RISM is my answer to those questions. RISM is designed to transform institutions from teaching to learning, to translate learning into systems, products and practices, and to serve the largest sections of society in this country.”

Philosophy and Future Vision

Ramaiah philosophy—“Gnyanam, Vignyanam cha Bhakti Saritam” (Knowledge, Science, and Devotion as a River)—guides its mission. Dr. Jayaram described his role as a “younger brother” learning from global “elder brothers” U Albany to build institutions that serve India.

The institution represents a triad: RISM (the university), Ramaiah Academy Foundation (skill development), and Vyuha Deep Science (Deep Science Translational Research Centre), creating a 360-degree ecosystem from learning to commercialization.

As Dr. Jayaram concluded: “I want to learn for my country, and give a learning institution for India’s next generation, RISM’s launch signals a new possibility: global-benchmark universities rooted in Indian realities, ready to produce engineers who are adaptable, ethically grounded, and capable of translating ideas into societal impact in the age of AI.”

Dr. Havidan Rodríguez, President, University at Albany, State University of New York stated that, “Higher education systems-built decades or centuries ago served an economy that no longer exists; RISM is being built from the ground up to thrive in today’s rapidly changing economy—and to lead it, not just follow it.”

Rodriguez highlighted that RISM’s DNA is infused with industry and global collaboration, ensuring students solve real-world problems in AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, health equity, and climate change. He concluded with UAlbany’s motto: “Today, like every single day, it is a great day to be a Great Dane,” declaring that “today is a true manifestation of what a truly transformational partnership can do for our countries.”

Together, the two institutions pledged: “Together we are going to build the future—and we are starting today.”

Sri Gurucharan Gollerkeri, Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer in his strategic address stated that, “RISM will be uniquely focused on STEM and management disciplines, offering rigorous foundational science programs designed to develop transferable technology skills. The institute will emphasize industry-embedded capstone projects that follow the principle “doing is learning,” and will promote translational research that encourages students to apply knowledge for societal benefit.”

He stated, “We must move from being mere teaching institutions to becoming learning institutions—combining knowledge with practice, embedding industry partners, and benchmarking ourselves against global standards, so that ideas move from lab to prototype, prototype to validation, validation to market, and market to societal impact, and in the age of AI, we reinforce what makes us human: curiosity, creativity, judgment, ethics, empathy, and the ability to work across disciplines.”

Prof. Raghunandan, Chairman, Task Force RISM, explaining how RISM will distinguish itself across India’s higher‑education echelons. “RISM will redefine India’s higher education echelons by shifting from credentialing to capability-building. Rooted in deep industry co‑creation and translational research, our programmes merge rigorous fundamentals with continuous, applied engagement—internships, live projects, industry‑sponsored Centres of Excellence, and a three‑year capstone starting in year two. The Mentor Professor model embeds senior industry leaders within the faculty, ensuring curriculum relevance and career‑ready graduates. Interdisciplinary schools in AI, aerospace, electrical sciences, and technology management will accelerate cross-domain problem solving and entrepreneurship. A fully residential, outcomes-driven ecosystem will cultivate leadership, resilience, and social responsibility alongside technical mastery. Strategically located in Bengaluru’s innovation corridor and partnering with global universities, RISM will produce professionals who translate research into scalable solutions and new enterprises. In doing so, RISM will elevate academic standards, employer trust, and societal impact—creating a replicable model that advances India’s leadership in technology, industry collaboration, and inclusive national development.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited to develop InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon. Scheduled to open in Q1 2030, the hotel marks a significant addition to IHG’s luxury portfolio in India and further strengthens its presence in Mumbai, one of the country’s leading commercial and hospitality markets.

IHG Hotels & Resorts Signs InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon

Located in Goregaon, one of Mumbai’s thriving western suburbs, InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon will feature 350 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including 70 suites. Strategically positioned between Andheri and Malad, the hotel will offer seamless connectivity across the city, providing an ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers. This signing expands IHG’s luxury presence in Mumbai and reinforces its commitment to growth in one of India’s most dynamic hospitality markets.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the world’s first international luxury hotel brand, synonymous with bold exploration, cultural discovery, and the worldliness that travel brings. With over 237 hotels open globally and more than 100 in the pipeline, the brand continues to pioneer new destinations, from iconic urban landmarks to immersive resort escapes. Each property serves as a distinguished gateway to its destination, seamlessly connecting guests with local culture and experiences.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are delighted to partner with Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited to bring InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon to the city. Mumbai continues to demonstrate strong demand across both business and leisure travel, and Goregaon’s emergence as a growing commercial corridor makes it an ideal location to expand our luxury portfolio.”

He added, “InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is synonymous with culturally rich and globally inspired hospitality. With InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon joining our portfolio, we look forward to creating a destination that offers world-class amenities, intuitive service, and a strong sense of place, catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers.”

Sandip Gupta, Director, Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited, said, “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the world-renowned InterContinental brand to Goregaon. This collaboration builds on our existing relationship with IHG and reflects our shared vision of developing landmark hospitality destinations. We are confident the hotel will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Mumbai. Leveraging IHG’s global expertise, enterprise systems, and powerful loyalty platform, we are well positioned to deliver exceptional value to both guests and stakeholders alike.”

Guests at InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon will experience the brand’s hallmarks of refined luxury, personalised service, and meaningful cultural connections. The hotel will feature five distinct dining venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, bar, specialty restaurants, and a lobby lounge.

The property will also offer extensive meeting and event facilities across multiple versatile spaces, including one of the largest ballrooms in the city. Wellness and recreation offerings will include a fully equipped fitness centre, spa, and swimming pool. Retail spaces and ample parking facilities will further enhance the overall guest experience.

Ishwar Shukla, Director, DGS Group, said, “The hotel will be a landmark destination in North Mumbai and a flagship asset for all stakeholders involved. Designed to the highest international standards, the property will feature exceptional architecture and contemporary design, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. Catering to a diverse range of customer segments, the hotel will offer world-class experiences, combining luxury, comfort, and outstanding service.”

As IHG continues to expand its luxury and lifestyle portfolio in India, InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon represents another important milestone in strengthening its presence in key gateway cities. The hotel is set to become a landmark destination, offering a seamless blend of global standards and local cultural experiences.

IHG currently has 52 hotels operating across seven brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express, with a strong pipeline of 98 hotels expected to open over the next three to five years.

About Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited
Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited is a joint venture between the SanRaj Group and the DGS Group. The SanRaj Group currently owns the 245-key Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, and this project marks its second hotel partnership with IHG, further strengthening the relationship between the two groups.

The SanRaj Group owns and operates a portfolio of seven hotels across India and the United Kingdom, comprising approximately 1,100 operational rooms which includes the 245 keys Holiday Inn Mumbai

Alongside its existing portfolio and the recently announced InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon, the Group is developing a greenfield luxury resort in Goa, which is expected to feature approximately 150 rooms upon completion.

The Group is also actively pursuing the acquisition of two additional premium and luxury hotel assets. Upon completion of these transactions, SanRaj Group’s portfolio is expected to expand to nine operating hotels within the current year, further strengthening its position as a leading hospitality owner, developer and operator across key markets.
 

About IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts (tickers: LON:IHG for Ordinary Shares; NYSE:IHG for ADRs) is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
 

With a family of 20 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes with over 160 million members, IHG has more than one million rooms across 6,963 open hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of a further 2,300 properties.

• Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo

• Premium: voco hotels, Ruby, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels

• Essentials: Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Garner hotels, avid hotels

• Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites

• Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 400,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores.

A premium real estate pocket once held back by regulatory uncertainty is now witnessing one of the strongest revival stories in NCR.

Noida Sports city sector 150

Sector 150 has long been positioned as one of Noida’s most aspirational luxury destinations. With improving regulatory clarity and accelerating infrastructure growth, the sector is now rapidly re-emerging as a high-confidence investment corridor.

The turning point came after the Noida Authority’s 222nd Board Meeting on April 6, 2026, which lifted the long-standing registry restrictions in the Sports City cluster. The move, aligned with Supreme Court directives, has significantly improved market confidence and reopened the path for registries in compliant projects.

The impact has been immediate.

Over the past five years, residential prices in the region have recorded massive appreciation, with demand continuing to rise in 2026. Industry experts believe the combination of infrastructure expansion, improved legal clarity, and limited premium inventory could push the market into a completely new growth cycle. Industry experts believe the return of registries, improving liquidity, and expected resumption of home loan disbursals could further accelerate demand in the coming months.

What continues to differentiate this location is its planning-led development. Spread across nearly 300 acres, with close to 70% dedicated to green and open spaces, the sector remains one of Noida’s lowest-density luxury corridors. Strategic connectivity through the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Yamuna Expressway, and proximity to the Noida International Airport at Jewar at a distance of approx 40 minutes have further strengthened its long-term investment appeal.

The region is also set to benefit from a significant infrastructure upgrade directly tied to Sector 150. The Noida Authority has announced plans to expand the Yamuna Pushta Road — which runs from Sector 94 and connects directly to Sector 150 — into a 10-lane corridor, specifically to handle rising traffic from the upcoming Noida International Airport. Krishna Karunesh, CEO of the Noida Authority, confirmed the road will be widened to 8–10 lanes to meet future demand, with at least six lanes in the initial phase. The Authority is also developing the Chilla elevated road and a link road from the Mahamaya Flyover to Pushta Road to further ease traffic pressure (Source: Hindustan Times, April 4, 2026).

Among the developers that have played a defining role in shaping the sector’s identity, ACE Group stands out for creating an integrated residential and commercial ecosystem in the region.

The Group’s flagship developments include ACE Golfshire (Rs. 4,000–13,000 per sq. ft.), the sector’s first fully sold-out luxury residential project delivered in 2020, designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor with interiors by Gauri Khan. This was followed by ACE Parkway (Rs. 4,000–16,000 per sq. ft.), an 11-acre premium residential development facing a 42-acre green park, further strengthening the Group’s presence in the area.

On the commercial front, ACE Medley Avenue became the sector’s first major commercial destination and witnessed a complete sell-out on launch day — a milestone that highlighted growing investor confidence in the location’s future potential.

Speaking on the market’s transformation, Ajay Chaudhary, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, ACE Group, said, “Sector 150 is uniquely positioned at the intersection of infrastructure growth and lifestyle-driven planning. With improving regulatory clarity and rapid development along the Yamuna Expressway corridor, we are witnessing a strong shift in both investor and end-user sentiment.“

Building on this momentum, ACE Group has also announced plans for new developments in the region, signalling long-term confidence in the market’s next growth cycle.

For investors, the story is becoming increasingly clear — a premium low-density location, improving legal clarity, major infrastructure upgrades, and rising institutional confidence are collectively reshaping the future of this once-overlooked market.

A dominant developer already embedded — and expanding. Sector 150 is not emerging. It has arrived. And ACE Group is leading from the front. And for NCR real estate, this could just be the beginning of its biggest turnaround story yet.

Website: www.acegroupindia.com.

• MSI partners with NVIDIA to unveil the Prestige N16 Flip AI+, its first laptop powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark

• World’s first gaming handheld powered by Intel ArcG3 Extreme processors

• 40th anniversary flagship Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Draco Epic with Intel CoreUltra 9 290HX Plus

MSI, a global leader in gaming, content creation, and business & productivity laptops, today announced its COMPUTEX 2026 lineup, featuring the Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld, the limited-edition Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Draco Epic, and a series of new laptop additions spanning gaming and productivity. The announcements mark a key milestone in MSI’s 40th anniversary year, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to performance-driven design and AI-powered computing.

MSI 40 years of innovation at Computex 2026

Commenting on the announcements, Mr. James Sung, NB Sales Director, MSI India said, “COMPUTEX 2026 is where MSI’s engineering ambition truly comes to life. From the Prestige N16 Flip AI+, our first laptop powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark, to the Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Draco Epic and the world’s first Intel ArcG3 Extreme-powered handheld, every product we are unveiling this year represents a significant step forward in gaming performance, design, and AI-driven computing. This is our strongest lineup yet, and it reflects what MSI stands for, pushing the boundaries of what gaming hardware can deliver.”

Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Draco Epic: MSI’s 40th Anniversary Flagship

The Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Draco Epic is MSI’s limited-edition 40th anniversary laptop, inspired by the Draco constellation. The chassis features precision metal etching with an anodized finish that embeds colour directly into the metal, creating dynamic light reflections and enhanced durability. The laptop ships with an exclusive collector’s bundle comprising a gaming mouse, mouse pad, and commemorative coin.

Claw 8 EX AI+: World’s First Gaming Handheld with Intel ArcG3 Extreme

MSI introduces the Claw 8 EX AI+, the world’s first gaming handheld powered by Intel ArcG3 Extreme processors — Intel’s first platform specifically optimised for handheld gaming. The device delivers a significant leap in AAA gaming performance while maintaining strong power efficiency for extended play sessions.

Prestige N16 Flip AI+: MSI’s First Laptop Powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark

MSI, in partnership with NVIDIA, unveils the Prestige N16 Flip AI+ — its first laptop powered by the new NVIDIA RTX Spark platform. Designed for creators, AI developers, and gamers, the Prestige N16 Flip AI+ combines NVIDIA’s full-stack AI platform and full suite of RTX technologies with exceptional power efficiency in a premium thin-and-light 2-in-1 form factor.

The laptop features a 16-inch UHD+ Tandem OLED display with peak brightness of over 1,000 nits, 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage, Calman Verification, and Delta E <1 colour accuracy, delivering cinema-grade visuals for both creative professionals and everyday users. The versatile flip design supports laptop, tablet, tent, and presentation modes, while the MSI Nano Pen enables natural stylus input for sketching, note-taking, and creative workflows. A 99.9Wh battery ensures all-day productivity without compromise.

Prestige 14 Flip AI+ Vincent van Gogh Edition: Art Meets Productivity

The latest addition to MSI’s Artisan Collection, the Prestige 14 Flip AI+ Vincent van Gogh Edition draws design inspiration from The Starry Night and Starry Night Over the Rhône. Powered by Intel CoreUltra Series 3 processors, it combines a 14-inch OLED touchscreen, all-day battery life, and a slim, portable form factor — designed for creators and everyday professionals.

New Series: Katana, Venture, and Crosshair 16 HX MLG Edition

MSI also expands its portfolio with three new additions. The refreshed Katana Series brings reliable gaming performance for mainstream users, powered by Intel Corei9/i5 processors and up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX5070 Laptop GPU. The Venture Series, powered by Intel CoreUltra processors (Series 3), is engineered for everyday productivity with a robust cooling system for stable, efficient performance. The Crosshair 16 HX MLG Edition features a Stellar White chassis inspired by MSI’s original mascot character, MLG (Dragon Princess), and is powered by Intel CoreUltra processors with NVIDIA GeForce RTX50 Series Laptop GPUs.

Availability and pricing for the Indian market will be announced separately through official MSI India channels.

For more information, please visit www.msi.com.

In a series of extraordinary medical recoveries, three teenagers facing certain death from end-stage heart failure have been given a second chance at life, thanks to the successful use of artificial heart pumps. The clinical team at Narayana Health used these advanced artificial heart pumps known as Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) to keep the young patients alive until life-saving donor hearts could be found.

Three Lives, One Second Chance: Advanced Heart Pumps Bridge Three Teenagers to Successful Heart Transplants at Narayana Health

All three teenagers, who arrived separately at the hospital in extremely critical condition, have now returned home to their families following successful heart transplants.

Bridging the Gap to Survival

When the teen patients were admitted, their hearts were too weak to sustain life. To buy them precious time, doctors implanted mechanical pumps that took over the work of their failing hearts. These devices acted as a bridging support, stabilising their hearts and keeping the young patients alive while they were placed at the top of a priority list for transplantation.

In a region where donor organs are often scarce and waiting lists can be long, suitable matches were remarkably found for all three patients within 28 to 45 days.

Three Inspiring Stories of Recovery

The three cases highlight the complexity and success of the hospital’s paediatric heart programme:

• Case 1: A teenager suffering from severe heart dysfunction and dangerous blood clots was supported by a machine that assisted both sides of his heart (a BiVAD). After 45 days on the device, he received a transplant and was discharged from hospital in just a few weeks.

• Case 2: Diagnosed with a condition where the heart becomes stretched and weak, this teenager was kept alive by a mechanical pump for 28 days before a successful transplant was performed.

• Case 3: A childhood cancer survivor who had previously lost a kidney to a tumour, faced a new battle with heart failure. Supported by an artificial pump for 30 days, he successfully underwent a transplant, marking a triumphant recovery against all odds.

A New Era for Specialist Care in India

This medical milestone for the hospital represents a significant shift in the availability of advanced medical treatment in India. Previously, these complex therapies were only accessible at a handful of specialised centres worldwide.

“These young patients were at the very edge of survival. Using artificial pumps to keep them alive until a donor heart became available, was a landmark moment for heart failure care in the country,” said Dr. Shashiraj Subramanya H S, Head of Paediatric Cardiology, Narayana Health.

“Over the last decade, we have worked to make these advanced technologies a reality for families who previously had no options. Today, these life-saving treatments are achievable in India through better systems and a focus on making healthcare affordable,” said Dr. Varun Shetty, Senior Consultant – Cardiac Surgery, Narayana Health.

“When these patients first arrived, survival looked nearly impossible. VADs acted as lifesaving bridges, keeping them alive until donor hearts arrived. Seeing them return home smiling with their families is one of the proudest moments for our entire team.” said Dr. Riyan Sukumar Shetty, Director of Paediatric Intensive Care, Narayana Health

About Narayana Health

Narayana Health, founded by Dr. Devi Shetty and headquartered in Bengaluru, is a leading presence in the global healthcare landscape. As one of the largest healthcare providers in India, Narayana Health operates a comprehensive range of primary, secondary and super-speciality tertiary care facilities across India and the Caribbean. The group’s Centres of Excellence in various medical domains, a team of 18,822 dedicated professionals, including 3,868 skilled doctors and specialists, and a relentless focus on patient well-being and clinical excellence underscore its position as a beacon of hope and healing in the healthcare industry.

Narayana One Health (NH Integrated Care) and Narayana Health Insurance are subsidiaries of Narayana Health.

For more information, visit www.narayanaone.health.

T20 cricket didn’t emerge from a boardroom in London or a sports science lab in the United States. It emerged because India demanded it. Shorter. Faster. More suited to the attention patterns of a young, mobile, time-compressed audience. It then became one of the most valuable sporting formats ever created, exported globally and imitated across other sports.

Investor Nicole Junkermann highlights India’s role in shaping future sports formats

That wasn’t an accident. It was a consequence of market conditions. And those conditions, Nicole Junkermann argues, are more present in India today than anywhere else in the world.

“The markets that produce format innovation aren’t always the biggest or the richest. They’re the ones with the right combination of audience appetite, digital infrastructure and low attachment to the way things have always been done. India has all three. It had them when T20 happened. It still has them now, across a much broader range of sports.”

Nicole Junkermann, founder of NJF Holdings and Gameday by NJF Holdings, has developed her view on format innovation through Gameday’s work in professional sports leagues across Europe, most notably its partnership with Lega Volley Femminile in Italy, where the platform has supported a significant transformation in how a traditional league reaches and engages modern audiences. The experience has sharpened her thinking on what makes certain markets generative and others imitative.

What makes a market produce innovation
Junkermann identifies three structural conditions that tend to produce sports format disruption rather than replication.

Audience sophistication without legacy loyalty. Indian sports fans are deeply knowledgeable and intensely engaged, but outside cricket and one or two other sports, haven’t spent decades attached to a single format. That creates genuine openness to new propositions. A fan in Manchester has forty years of expectations about what a football match looks like. A fan in Mumbai watching the ISL in its early seasons does not. That difference matters more than it appears.

Mobile-first infrastructure that determines what works. India’s sports audiences access content almost entirely through mobile devices. That shapes what succeeds: shorter windows, interactive features, creator-led storytelling, real-time participation. Formats designed for television audiences require significant adaptation. Formats designed for mobile audiences from the start look different, and India’s market provides the clearest signal anywhere for what that means in practice.

Commercial conditions that reward experimentation. The IPL demonstrated that new formats can generate extraordinary value very quickly. That proof of concept has made India’s sporting ecosystem more willing to try things than more conservative markets. The cost of failure is lower. The upside case is highly visible. That changes the risk calculus for everyone involved.

What to watch
Junkermann sees three areas where India’s market conditions are most likely to produce something genuinely new in the near term.

Women’s leagues designed for digital audiences from day one. New women’s leagues in India can be built with creator ecosystems, direct fan access and mobile distribution as primary channels rather than treating broadcast as the default and digital as an afterthought. That’s a fundamentally different product architecture, and it’s only available to new entrants. Established men’s leagues in Europe have spent years trying to retrofit it.

Fan participation integrated into the live experience. India’s fantasy sports and gaming market is one of the largest in the world. Leagues that build prediction, participation and personalisation into the live event itself, rather than treating them as adjacent products, may produce something that doesn’t yet have a name. The technology exists. The audience appetite is demonstrable. The format hasn’t arrived yet.

Creator-first content distribution. India’s creator economy is enormous and sports-adjacent content is among its fastest-growing categories. Leagues that treat creator partnerships as primary distribution infrastructure rather than a marketing channel gain direct access to engaged audiences without dependence on broadcast intermediaries. That changes the economics of reaching fans in ways that haven’t been fully explored.

“The interesting question isn’t whether India will produce the next format innovation in sport. It’s which sport, and which league will be positioned to capture it when it happens. The conditions are structural. The timing is harder to predict.”

Why format travels
Nicole Junkermann is clear that format innovation doesn’t stay where it starts. T20 may have originated in England, but India transformed it into a global phenomenon. The formats that emerge from India’s current market conditions, whatever they turn out to be, are likely to travel for the same reason: they’ll be built for the audiences the rest of the world’s sports markets are increasingly trying to reach.
Mobile-first, creator-adjacent, participation-oriented sport isn’t an Indian preference. It’s a generational one. India is simply the market where the conditions to develop it are most concentrated right now.

Nicole Junkerman adds, “Every major format shift in sport has started somewhere specific before it became universal. T20 became a global cultural and commercial phenomenon in India. The next one might too. The underlying logic is the same: build for the audience that exists, not the one that used to.”

About Gameday by NJF Holdings
Gameday by NJF Holdings is a sports investment and strategic platform founded by Nicole Junkermann. Focused on building long-term value across leagues, media and sports technology, its approach centres on structural growth, digital transformation and scalable fan ecosystems.

The platform is the largest shareholder in Italy’s professional women’s volleyball league, Lega Volley Femminile (LVF), where it is supporting league-level commercial and digital development.

For more information, visit gameday.team

A wedding doesn’t wait for savings to catch up. Neither does a medical emergency, or a child’s tuition deadline. Large expenses rarely arrive on schedule — and for most households, the gap between when a cost hits and when the money is ready is where financial pressure builds.

Bajaj Finance Personal Loan

Bajaj Finance Personal Loan is designed to address that gap, with loan amounts from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, repayment tenures stretching up to 108 months, and a fully digital application process that puts funds in the borrower’s account within 24 hours* of approval. * Here is what that means in practice.

Repay over 9 years — and breathe every month
Most personal loan products cap repayment at 5 years. Bajaj Finance extends that to 108 months — 9 full years, giving borrowers the ability to meaningfully reduce their monthly EMI burden without paying down the loan faster than their income allows.

To put numbers to it: a Rs. 5 lakh loan at 14% per annum over 60 months carries an EMI of roughly Rs. 11,634. Spread the same loan over 84 months and that drops to approximately Rs. 9,117. The loan costs more over its lifetime — but for a household managing finances on a fixed monthly income, that Rs. 2,500 difference is rent, groceries, or a child’s school fee. The right tenure isn’t always the shortest one. It is the one that fits the borrower’s actual cash flow.

Know the EMI before applying — Not after
Bajaj Finance Personal Loan EMI calculator allows borrowers to model their monthly obligation before submitting a single document. By entering the desired loan amount, tenure, and applicable interest rate, the calculator returns the exact monthly EMI, total interest payable, and total repayment amount.

This matters because most borrowers make loan decisions based on the headline loan amount, not the true cost of credit. Seeing the full repayment figure upfront — interest included — is what separates an informed borrowing decision from a regrettable one. Financial advisors generally recommend running at least two scenarios: one with the shortest tenure manageable comfortably, and one with the longest. The difference reveals exactly what flexibility costs — and whether it is appropriate for a given financial situation.

Interest rates: 10%–30% p.a. — Eligibility determines where borrowers land
Bajaj Finance Personal Loan interest rates range from 10% to 30% per annum (indicative range, subject to eligibility assessment and prevailing rates at time of application). Where a borrower lands within that range depends primarily on three factors: CIBIL score, income stability, and existing debt obligations relative to income.

Salaried or self-employed applicants with a CIBIL score above 650, a stable income history, and low existing EMI commitments typically qualify for lower interest rates. Self-employed individuals or those with shorter credit histories may be offered higher rates due to income variability. Checking one’s CIBIL score before applying is recommended, as a stronger credit profile directly influences the interest rate offered.

Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 Lakh — Matched to actual financial needs
The loan range is wide enough to cover nearly any personal financial requirement. A Rs. 40,000–Rs. 2 lakh loan covers emergency medical expenses, urgent home repairs, or a short-notice travel requirement. A Rs. 2–10 lakh loan handles wedding costs, higher education fees, or a significant home renovation. A Rs. 10–55 lakh loan is suited to larger financial needs — full home interiors, major surgeries, or a significant business investment.

Because the loan is unsecured — no collateral or guarantor required — access does not depend on the assets a borrower owns. Eligibility is assessed on income and creditworthiness, making the product accessible to a broader range of borrowers, including those without property to pledge.

Fully digital application — No branch visit required
The application process is entirely digital for both salaried and self-employed applicants. Borrowers are required to submit standard KYC documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, and additional identity proof where required, along with income documents — salary slips or bank statements for salaried applicants, and ITR with business financials for self-employed borrowers. Address proof may include utility bills, phone bills, piped gas bills, property or municipal tax receipts, pension orders, or employer accommodation letters. A real-time photograph and employee ID card may also be required. Eligible applicants can complete the process in a single sitting, with quick approval for profiles meeting standard criteria.

Funds disbursed within 24 Hours*
Once verification is complete and the loan is approved, disbursement typically occurs within 24 hours*. For time-sensitive requirements — a hospital admission deposit, a vendor advance for a wedding booking, or a school fee deadline — that turnaround can be decisive.

Bajaj Finance recommends that borrowers use the EMI Calculator to confirm repayment comfort before accepting a loan offer. Borrowing within one’s repayment capacity — not just the eligibility limit — is the responsible starting point for any personal finance decision.

*Terms and conditions apply. Interest rates are indicative and subject to change. Loan approval and disbursement timelines are subject to verification and eligibility.

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.