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Kiro Spotlights Its Stackable and Multi-Tasking Range This Earth Day, Championing a Shift to 'Slow Beauty'

This Earth Day, Kiro is placing its stackable and multi-tasking product range at the centre of a broader sustainability narrative one that moves beyond symbolic, one-off actions and instead focuses on everyday consumption habits.

 

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Four Play Non-Stop Airy Matte Liquid Lip – Ultimate Quad


As sustainability conversations evolve, the brand is advocating for a more consistent, behaviour-led approach encouraging consumers to integrate mindful choices into their daily routines, rather than limiting action to annual moments.


At the core of this approach is Kiro’s stackable range, designed to consolidate multiple products into a single unit. The 3-in-1 Eye Stack, which combines a full-size mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow, and the 4-in-1 Liquid Lipstick Stack, offering multiple shades in one format, are positioned as practical solutions to reduce product redundancy and packaging waste.

 

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3 in1 eyestack


By integrating three to four products into one, the brand reduces the need for individual plastic components and outer cartons, lowering overall material consumption while also improving efficiency across storage and transportation.


Alongside this, Kiro continues to build on its foundation of clean, vegan formulations through multi-tasking products that simplify routines. Its skin tint combines hydration, primer, pigment and SPF in a single step, while multi-use formats for lips, cheeks and eyes allow consumers to replace multiple products with one reducing both purchase volume and product waste.


Together, these innovations support the brand’s larger philosophy of “slow beauty” a shift away from excessive consumption towards fewer, high-performance products that are used fully rather than discarded midway.

 

Commenting on this, Vasundhara Patni, Founder, Kiro, said, “Sustainability cannot be a once-a-year activity it has to become part of our everyday routine. At Kiro, we’ve always believed in buying less, but buying better. That means creating products that truly work for you, so they are used fully rather than wasted. Our approach to slow beauty is rooted in reducing excess whether through multitasking formulations that replace multiple steps, or stackable formats that bring several products into one and reduce packaging. We are not here to sell more, but to create better because small, consistent choices in how we consume have a far greater long-term impact than occasional actions.”


The brand also operates as a plastic-neutral company, offsetting the amount of plastic it introduces into the environment, while continuing to prioritise reduction through design and formulation.


With sustainability in beauty increasingly expanding beyond ingredients to include packaging, lifecycle impact and consumer behaviour, Kiro’s Earth Day initiative reflects a broader industry shift where clean beauty, design innovation and mindful consumption come together to streamline routines and minimise waste.


This Earth Day, Kiro underscores a clear message: meaningful change lies not in doing more occasionally, but in doing better every day.


To explore the range visit www.kirobeauty.com.

University of Design, Innovation and Technology (UDIT) Celebrates 10-year Transition from India Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) with Celebratory Evening

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) marked its evolution into University of Design, Innovation and Technology (UDIT) recently with an evening of music, craft and conversation at Bikaner House, New Delhi which featured live performances steeped in soulful sufi music by Madan Gopal Singh and ensemble Chaar Yaar.

 

L to R – Leena Singh, Cofounder of Ashima-Leena, Shovana Narayan Padma Bhushan Recipient & Kathak exponent, Jitin Chadha, Pro Chancellor UDIT and Samar Jodhi at UDIT’s celebratory evening

 

The celebratory evening was graced with the presence of eminent dignitaries from the creative, academic, arts and cultural community like Dr. Jitin Chadha (Pro Chancellor, UDIT), Rhea Jay Singh, Leena Singh (Co-Founder, Ashima-Leena), Sunil Sethi (Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India), Amitabh Kant (Former CEO, NITI Ayog and Ex-G20 Sherpa, Government of India), Rita Chadha, Ajit Singh Chadha (Chancellor, UDIT), Shovana Narayan (Padma Bhushan Recipient & renowned  Kathak exponent), Sharon Lowen (Eminent American-born Indian Classical Dancer and Cultural Ambassador; Exponent of Odissi, Manipuri & Chhau) and Jatin Das (Padma Bhushan recipient and celebrated painter, muralist and artist). Also present at the event were Ashwajit Singh (Founder & Managing Director of IPE Global) and Nalini Singh (Senior journalist & media entrepreneur and Founder of Synergy Media Entertainment) among others.

 

Bringing together distinctive practitioners from across design, education and the arts, The Transition positioned itself as a moment of continuity, carrying forward a decade of practice while opening into new academic possibilities and creating space for dialogue. The evening opened with a visual retrospective of the institution’s decade-long celebration, a culinary programme inspired by Shahjahanabad and live musical performances, creating a setting for dialogue and exchange. A live performance by Madan Gopal Singh & Chaar Yaar anchored the occasion with a second musical showcase featuring Gazi Khan Barna and Sawai Khan on khartal, Thanu Khan Manganiyar on bhapang, morchang and vocals, with Rhea Jay Singh, blending traditional forms with contemporary interpretation.

 

Marking the occasion, Dr. Jitin Chadha, Pro-Chancellor, UDIT, described the university as an evolution made possible by the collective efforts of the IIAD family, past and present. Reflecting on the decade-long journey from IIAD to UDIT, he noted, “This celebratory evening marks a pivotal moment in our journey from the Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) to the UDIT, honoring a decade of design-led learning while embracing an integrated future that aligns with emerging technologies and collaborative practice.”

 

Building on the 10-year legacy of IIAD, design-led learning and sustained industry engagement has shaped UDIT’s academic foundation. UDIT now sustains an integrated academic framework that aligns design, and emerging technologies, underpinned by project-led coursework, studio-based practice and collaborative endeavours.

 

The University is anchored in an interdisciplinary approach across its three schools offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a diverse range of disciplines. The School of Design comprises the departments of Fashion, Visual Communication and Product & Interior Design. The School of Management includes the departments of Fashion Management and Technology Management. A unified approach to learning, where multiple ways of thinking converge to shape thoughtful, well-rounded creators.

 

About UDIT

The University of Design, Innovation and Technology (UDIT) marks a new direction for higher education in India. Established through an Act of the Haryana State Legislature, UDIT is conceived as a university for creators, built to respond to a world where design, technology and business increasingly operate together.

 

UDIT marks the evolution of a decade of design excellence at the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), founded in 2015. IIAD has proved over the past decade that studio-based, hands-on education produces industry-ready graduates. UDIT extends this philosophy across three integrated schools: Design, Technology and Management. These are not separate schools sharing a campus. They are three dimensions of a single educational philosophy, with deliberately porous boundaries, shared studios and collaborative curricula designed to shape professionals who build an understanding between creative vision, technical execution and business strategy.

 

UDIT’s Gurugram campus is by design made for collaboration and creation. With co-working hubs, dynamic exhibition spaces, an open-air amphitheatre, an expansive library, industry-grade labs and full-scale sports courts, the environment itself contributes to students’ learning.

 

The studio is the core of a UDIT education. What truly sets UDIT apart is its inclination towards studio-based hands-on learning, with the curriculum being constantly tailored in sync with evolving industry trends.

 

The School of Design brings together Visual Communication, Fashion, Product & Interior Design, with B.Des. and M.Des. degrees grounded in rigorous creative thinking and applied practice. The School of Management focuses on industries where creativity and commerce intersect, spanning fashion, luxury and technology, with BBA and MBA programmes designed to cultivate business leaders who can navigate both strategic and operational realities. Complementing this, the School of Technology offers B.Tech and M.Tech programmes that approach computer science, AI & Design and emerging technologies through a design-led lens, producing technologists who understand users, systems and product thinking in equal measure.

 

A strong network of over 500 industry partnerships, developed through IIAD, continues to anchor UDIT’s engagement with practice. Collaborations with leading international universities, including Kingston University, Nottingham Trent University, University for the Creative Arts and Arts University Bournemouth, bring global perspectives into the academic experience. Bringing global standards to an education that is distinctly, purposefully India.

 

UDIT represents a fundamental reimagination of higher education for the creative economy. Built on IIAD’s decade of design excellence, UDIT is India’s first university to fully integrate design, technology and management education around a creator-centred pedagogy.

Morepen Labs' Facility Clears USFDA Inspection with NIL Adverse Observation for the Record Fourth Consecutive Time

Morepen Laboratories Limited (NSE: MOREPENLAB; BSE: 500288) has announced the successful completion of a USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) inspection at its Masulakhanna (Himachal) facility, with Zero adverse observations (No Form 483 issued by the drug regulator). This marks the Fourth consecutive NIL 483 USFDA inspection for Morepen over the past eight years.

 

Morepen Successfully Clears Fourth Consecutive USFDA Inspection for its Masulkhana Facility with NIL 483 Observation

 

The milestone arrives at a defining moment for Morepen Labs just weeks after the company disclosed a multi-year CDMO mandate worth approximately Rs. 825 crore (USD 91 million) from a leading global pharma major. “Impeccable clean record with the regulators and a past hattrick of Nil 483 inspections had paved the way for the recent Rs. 825 crore global mandate. The last concluded successful inspection will further drive engagements of similar scale in future,” Mr. Sushil Suri, Chairman and Managing Director, Morepen Laboratories Ltd., said.

 

Mr. Suri further added,“Global pharmaceutical companies considering long-term manufacturing partnerships do not take quality assurances at face value, they look for strong systems, documentation and more importantly the consistency which these events substantiate.”

 

“Our consistent track record of NIL 483 inspections is a testament to the strength of our quality systems and our team’s discipline in adhering to the highest global regulatory standards. It strengthens Morepen’s positioning in highly regulated markets by enhancing company’s credibility with global regulators, customers, and partners thus facilitating for long term supply contracts across the globe. Our global orders pipeline only gets stronger from here,Mr. Sanjay Suri, Executive Director and CEO (API) Morepen Laboratories Limited, claimed.

 

Morepen Labs is consistently imbibing robust quality management systems, strong data integrity practices, automation, digitization and deep-rooted culture of regulatory compliance in all its manufacturing operations. A large amount of investment has been done by the company in these key areas over the past several years. The Company has consistently aligned its operations with evolving global standards, including current ICH and CFR (Part-21) guidelines, ensuring high levels of product quality, safety, and efficacy as required by global drug regulators. The Company’s focus on digitalization enhances traceability, transparency, and operational efficiency across its manufacturing and quality processes.

 

As an outcome of these initiatives, Morepen Labs continues to be a preferred partner for global pharmaceutical companies, successfully catering to regulated markets across the US, Europe, and other geographies. Supported by regular and rigorous customer audits, the company exports APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) to over 80 countries, aggregating to more than Rs. 670 crores annually. The company is a recognized market leader in six key APIs, with a strong presence in global supply chains. Building on this foundation, the Company is now strategically expanding into the CDMO space, aiming to leverage its regulatory track record, infrastructure, and technical expertise.

 

About Morepen Laboratories Limited

Morepen Laboratories Ltd. is a vertically integrated, innovation-led pharmaceutical and healthcare company delivering high-quality APIs, having expanded into CDMO space, branded generics, medical devices, and consumer wellness products to over 90 countries worldwide. With a high installed API capacities, a 14 million-strong glucometer user base, and a rapidly expanding digital footprint, Morepen stands at the forefront of India’s health-tech evolution. Backed by decades of trust, regulatory approvals from USFDA, WHO, and EU bodies, and a passion for innovation, Morepen is committed to making quality healthcare accessible, affordable, and future-ready.

 

Morepen Laboratories Limited is a leading pharmaceutical company with a strong presence in APIs, formulations, and home health products. With world-class manufacturing facilities and a global footprint, the Company continues to focus on innovation, quality, and compliance to serve customers across regulated and emerging markets.

Water Management takes Centre Stage at PlumbexIndia 2026 in Bengaluru

PlumbexIndia 2026, India’s leading platform for water, sanitation and plumbing, concluded with strong industry and government participation, reinforcing its role in advancing the country’s water security and sustainable infrastructure agenda.

 

PlumblexIndia 2026 successfully concludes in Bangalore, drawing key industry players and an overwhelming visitor turnout

 

The three-day event, organised by the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), brought together over 15000 visitors, 180 exhibitors, and representatives from countries, such as USA, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, France, Isreal Japan, Tiwan and China.

 

The event was supported by two key ministries of government of India, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) and The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT Mission), underscoring growing alignment between policy and industry.

 

Gurmit Singh Arora, National President, Indian Plumbing Association said,“Plumbex India 2026 has once again demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing India’s most pressing water challenges. The conversations, innovations, and partnerships forged here reflect a shared commitment across government, industry, and academia to build resilient, efficient, and sustainable water systems. As India continues to urbanise rapidly, platforms like PlumbexIndia are essential in translating ideas into actionable solutions on the ground,”

 

Chandra Shekhar Gupta, National Vice President, IPA, added, This year’s PlumbexIndia has reinforced the importance of integrating engineering excellence with policy direction and on-ground implementation. The strong participation and the MoU signing with CaHO are significant steps towards improving water and sanitation standards, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare.

 

A key outcome of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IPA and the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations, aimed at strengthening water, sanitation, and plumbing standards in healthcare infrastructure.

 

The event featured high-level discussions on urban water management, groundwater sustainability, engineering-led infrastructure solutions, and design-driven innovation, with participation from leading experts across sectors.

 

Key initiatives included the IPA Bathroom Challenge, a live technical competition supported by IAPMO and IWSH, and “Around the Drop”, a student-focused design platform in partnership with Ethos Empowers.

 

The event also recognised 21 industry leaders through the IPA Awards of Excellence and honoured winners of the “My Water My Story” an initiative by IPA Vanita (women’s wing of Indian Plumbing Association), celebrating grassroots contributions to water conservation, Among the participants, Anvitha A, emerged as the National Winner, standing out for her exceptional contribution to the “My Water My Story” initiative.

 

Building on the outcomes of 2026, the next edition of PlumbexIndia is expected to further strengthen its role as a national platform for collaboration, innovation, and actionable solutions in water and sanitation.

 

About PlumbexIndia

Since its inception in 2008, PlumbexIndia is India’s largest exhibition and knowledge platform focused on plumbing, water and sanitation technologies. The event is organised by the Indian Plumbing Association, the apex body working to advance professional standards, education and sustainable water practices in the built environment.

 

Website: indianplumbing.org ; PLUMBEX INDIA EXHIBITION 2026 – Indian Plumbing Association.

Water Management takes Centre Stage at PlumbexIndia 2026 in Bengaluru

PlumbexIndia 2026, India’s leading platform for water, sanitation and plumbing, concluded with strong industry and government participation, reinforcing its role in advancing the country’s water security and sustainable infrastructure agenda.

 

PlumblexIndia 2026 successfully concludes in Bangalore, drawing key industry players and an overwhelming visitor turnout

 

The three-day event, organised by the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), brought together over 15000 visitors, 180 exhibitors, and representatives from countries, such as USA, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, France, Isreal Japan, Tiwan and China.

 

The event was supported by two key ministries of government of India, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) and The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT Mission), underscoring growing alignment between policy and industry.

 

Gurmit Singh Arora, National President, Indian Plumbing Association said,“Plumbex India 2026 has once again demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing India’s most pressing water challenges. The conversations, innovations, and partnerships forged here reflect a shared commitment across government, industry, and academia to build resilient, efficient, and sustainable water systems. As India continues to urbanise rapidly, platforms like PlumbexIndia are essential in translating ideas into actionable solutions on the ground,”

 

Chandra Shekhar Gupta, National Vice President, IPA, added, This year’s PlumbexIndia has reinforced the importance of integrating engineering excellence with policy direction and on-ground implementation. The strong participation and the MoU signing with CaHO are significant steps towards improving water and sanitation standards, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare.

 

A key outcome of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IPA and the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations, aimed at strengthening water, sanitation, and plumbing standards in healthcare infrastructure.

 

The event featured high-level discussions on urban water management, groundwater sustainability, engineering-led infrastructure solutions, and design-driven innovation, with participation from leading experts across sectors.

 

Key initiatives included the IPA Bathroom Challenge, a live technical competition supported by IAPMO and IWSH, and “Around the Drop”, a student-focused design platform in partnership with Ethos Empowers.

 

The event also recognised 21 industry leaders through the IPA Awards of Excellence and honoured winners of the “My Water My Story” an initiative by IPA Vanita (women’s wing of Indian Plumbing Association), celebrating grassroots contributions to water conservation, Among the participants, Anvitha A, emerged as the National Winner, standing out for her exceptional contribution to the “My Water My Story” initiative.

 

Building on the outcomes of 2026, the next edition of PlumbexIndia is expected to further strengthen its role as a national platform for collaboration, innovation, and actionable solutions in water and sanitation.

 

About PlumbexIndia

Since its inception in 2008, PlumbexIndia is India’s largest exhibition and knowledge platform focused on plumbing, water and sanitation technologies. The event is organised by the Indian Plumbing Association, the apex body working to advance professional standards, education and sustainable water practices in the built environment.

 

Website: indianplumbing.org ; PLUMBEX INDIA EXHIBITION 2026 – Indian Plumbing Association.

Ai+ Smartphone Nova 2 Ultra’s Goes on Sale on FlipKart Starting April 17

Ai+ Smartphone has announced the sale commencement of its latest device, Nova 2 Ultra, as part of the newly launched Nova Series. Designed as the most complete expression of the Nova lineup, the Nova 2 Ultra will be available exclusively on Flipkart and select retail outlets starting April 17 at 12 noon (Day 1 of Sales). Post Day 1, Nova 2 Ultra will again go on sale on April 24, 2026, giving an opportunity to the fans to catch hold of one of the most promising smartphones from the Ai+ Smartphone repertoire.  

 

Ai+ Nova 2 Ultra goes on sale

Furthermore, the launch of Nova 2 Ultra builds on the strong momentum of Nova 2, which witnessed an exceptional Day 1 response with all units selling out within 15 minutes underscoring robust consumer demand and growing affinity for the Nova series.

 

Nova 2 Ultra will be available at the following pricing:

 

6GB + 128GB | Rs. 14,999* onwards
8GB + 128GB | Rs. 16,999* onwards

*Exchange any phone and get Rs. 2,000 additional off (working or damaged phone)

 

With Nova 2 Ultra, we wanted to push what is possible at this price point — a Sony camera system, a flagship-grade display, and a design that actively responds to how you use your phone. This is for users who want everything, without having to choose between performance and personality,” said Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies.

 

Performance and Display Built for More
The Nova 2 Ultra is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset with an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.6GHz and Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, paired with VC cooling for sustained performance through demanding tasks. It runs on Android 16 with NxtQuantum OS, delivering a smooth, optimised experience with real-time privacy transparency through the NxtPrivacy Dashboard. The 6.78-inch 1.5K punch-hole AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1800 nits HBM peak brightness delivers vivid, true-to-life visuals with fluid scrolling whether users are streaming content or navigating everyday tasks. Backing it all is a 6000mAh battery with 40W fast charging, ensuring the device keeps up through even the most demanding days.

 

A Camera and Design Built to Stand Out
The Nova 2 Ultra is equipped with a 50MP Sony Sensor IMX752 primary camera and an 8MP wide-angle lens, backed by Matrix AI Camera processing for detailed, accurate images across conditions. A 13MP front camera ensures sharp selfies and high-quality video calls. The IP68-rated build features dynamic, customizable lights in the back panel for calls & notification and more. It also has customizable action keys for gaming and storage expandable up to 1TB. Available in Blue, Green, Purple, Black, and Red, each finish is designed to make a statement.

 

What’s in the Box
The Nova 2 Ultra comes with free earbuds inside the box with 18W charger, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, a transparent TPU case, a screen protection film, and a SIM card tray ejector, user guide.

 

About Ai+ Smartphone

Ai+ Smartphone is a next-generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

 

From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

 

About NxtQuantum Shift Technologies
NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is authored in India and globally competitive.

The Chanakya Playbook by Abhiraj Gupta Receives Strong Reader Response Across India

The Chanakya Playbook: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Entrepreneur, authored by Abhiraj Gupta, Executive Director at IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, has been receiving an overwhelming response from readers across India following its recent launch. The book has generated interest among management students, young professionals, startup founders, and business leaders looking for practical insights on leadership, strategy, and decision-making

 

The Chanakya Playbook

 

Available on Amazon and leading bookstores, the book is inspired by the timeless principles of the Arthashastra. It presents Chanakya’s strategic wisdom in a contemporary and accessible format for today’s business environment. It offers practical insights on leadership, governance, discipline, and business growth ideas which are the areas increasingly relevant in a fast-changing and highly competitive world.

 

The enthusiastic response to the book reflects a growing demand for management thinking rooted in Indian knowledge systems while remaining relevant to modern business realities. Readers have particularly appreciated its practical approach, relatable examples, and the way it connects classical strategy with present-day entrepreneurial challenges.

 

Mr. Rajinder Gupta, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chairman Emeritus of Trident Group shared his thoughts about the book by saying, The Chanakya Playbook is a rare and intellectually rigorous book that bridges ancient Indian strategic wisdom with the realities of modern enterprise.

 

Similar sentiment resonated in Mr. Chandrasekhar Sripada, Clinical Professor (OB), Indian School of Business words who said, ”Covering a wide range of critical issues in corporate growth and governance, Abhiraj Gupta presents insightful perspectives on navigating modern business dilemmas.

 

Speaking on the response, Abhiraj Gupta, said, Our country’s rich culture and heritage hold timeless solutions that remain highly relevant to many of today’s modern challenges, and I strongly believe in applying that wisdom in a practical way. With this thought, I penned the book with the belief that its ideas would be meaningful in today’s context. It is deeply encouraging to see readers connect with the perspectives shared in the book. My objective was to present Chanakya’s wisdom in a practical manner for today’s leaders, entrepreneurs, and students. The response so far has been truly humbling. I firmly believe that in life and business alike, we must always adopt a solution-oriented approach and continue learning from the wisdom available to us.

 

About the Author

Abhiraj Gupta is the Executive Director of IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited, one of India’s largest API and specialty chemicals company. With academic foundations from the University of Warwick and the Indian School of Business, he bridges ancient strategic wisdom with modern corporate practice. His leadership experience spans research and development, regulatory strategy and large-scale manufacturing. The Chanakya Playbook reflects his commitment to building resilient, ethical and future-ready organizations grounded in India’s strategic intellectual tradition.

Arena365 Appoints Nicholas Pooran as Brand Ambassador, Launches New Athlete Partnership Model

Arena365 has announced T20 superstar Nicholas Pooran as its Official Brand Ambassador, marking the launch of a new approach to athlete partnerships in cricket.
 

Rather than a traditional sponsorship, the collaboration is built around a more connected model — bringing fans closer to the game through real-time moments, interactive experiences, and a new way to engage with cricket as it unfolds.
 

Nicholas Pooran joins Arena365, the home of Next Over predictions
 

Pooran, former West Indies captain and one of the most explosive players in world cricket, is widely recognised for his impact across global T20 competitions.
 

Arena365 is building a cricket-first platform for a global audience — designed around speed, simplicity, and live engagement across every over.
 

From matchday experiences to real-time predictions, the focus is simple: making cricket faster, more immersive, and more connected for fans everywhere.
 

Tom Gant, Chief Marketing Officer at Arena365, said, “Most partnerships in sport are just logos and posts. This isn’t. We’re building something that actually connects fans to the game in real time — faster, simpler, and built around how people experience cricket today. This is a different model, and it’s exactly where the space is going.”
 

Nicholas Pooran added, “Cricket moves fast, and the way fans experience it should match that. Arena365 feels built for the moments that matter — live, simple, and right in the middle of the action. I’m excited to be part of something that’s pushing the game forward.”
 

The partnership signals Arena365’s ambition to become the world’s most recognisable cricket-first platform, bringing a new kind of fan experience to audiences globally. And this is only the beginning of what Arena365 plans to build in cricket.

Bisleri International and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Drive Plastic Waste Management in the City

  • Unveils recycled plastic benches and waste collection bins under its Bottles for Change Initiative

  • Collection of 219 metric tonnes of used plastic from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation in the year 2025-26

 

Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), today unveiled recycled plastic benches and plastic collection bins at a ceremony held at the PCMC premises. The initiative, part of Bisleri’s flagship Bottles for Change programme, underscores the company’s commitment to plastic waste management via collection and recycling.

 

As part of the Greener Promise campaign, Bisleri has installed benches made from recycled plastic and plastic collection bins at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)

 

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Ravi Babasaheb Landge, Mayor of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation as the Chief Guest, alongside Dr Pradip Thengal, Deputy Municipal Commissioner & Head of Health Department, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation along with senior officials from PCMC’s Solid Waste Management (SWM) Department and CSR Cell. Bisleri was represented by Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs.

 

Mr K Ganesh, Director – Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International, said, “Through sensitisation about waste segregation at source, awareness drives and engaging with institutions, Bisleri and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation have demonstrated a successful, practical avenue for waste management. Bisleri is committed to forging meaningful collaborations with various institutions to ensure that proper waste management becomes a norm rather than an exception in India.”

 

Shri Ravi Babasaheb Landge, Mayor, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) spoke about Bisleri’s continued partnership with the PCMC Municipal Corporation, “Our partnership with Bisleri is a testament to what corporations and governance bodies can achieve when they work together. The company’s initiatives in the city will deflect a significant amount of waste from landfills, raise citizens’ awareness about waste management, and build a foundation for a circular economy.”

 

Dr Pradip Thengal, Deputy Municipal Commissioner & Head of Health Department, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation added, “Our focus has been on building robust systems for efficient waste management at scale. Bisleri’s ‘Bottles for Change’ initiative is accelerating our progress towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient urban ecosystem.”

 

The Mayor accompanied by the Deputy Municipal Commissioner – Health, presented certificates of recognition to 8 educational institutions across Pimpri-Chinchwad in acknowledgement of their sustained commitment to collecting plastic waste on their campuses throughout the year.

 

A highlight of the event was a presentation of the impact of Bottles for Change programme in FY 2025–26. Through Bisleri’s partnerships with municipalities, institutions, and citizens across India, 30,309 metric tonnes of plastic waste has been collected and sent for recycling.

 

The partnership with PCMC represents Bisleri’s continued expansion of its municipal collaborations that engage and enable communities to adopt good waste management practices. These initiatives are a part of the company’s Greener Promise campaign that include driving plastic circularity, enabling community-led recycling practices, supporting water conservation, and building sustainable waste management ecosystems.

 

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

 

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

 

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. 

 

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com

Alt Capital Launches AYF III; Partners with FundsIndia Private Wealth to Raise Rs. 1,000 Crore

Alt Capital, a SEBI-registered Category II AIF manager, today announced the launch of AltCap Yield Fund III (AYF III), the third scheme under its existing Alternative Investment Fund platform. The firm has partnered with FundsIndia Private Wealth to raise Rs. 1,000 crore, with an additional Rs. 200 crore green shoe option.


The launch builds on the strong track record of AYF I and AYF II. The maiden scheme has been fully deployed, with approximately Rs. 120 crore invested across four rent-yielding office assets in Bengaluru and Mumbai, delivering a weighted average yield of 8.6%. The second scheme has raised Rs. 135.9 crore, with Rs. 46.41 crore already deployed across two warehouse and office assets in Mumbai, generating a weighted average yield of 8.2%.


AYF III will focus on investing in stable, high-quality, pre-leased Grade A/A+ office and warehousing assets, two of India’s fastest-growing real estate segments while avoiding risks associated with greenfield development. The fund is targeting a 16–18% internal rate of return (IRR) over a 4–5 year hold period, with prudent leverage to enhance overall portfolio returns.


The investment team is currently evaluating a strong pipeline of approximately Rs. 2,520 crore across Bengaluru, NCR, and Pune.


India’s office market is poised for sustained growth, driven by increasing global outsourcing and expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Multinationals continue to scale operations in India due to significant cost advantages, while domestic technology firms are accelerating office expansion amid return-to-office trends. These dynamics, combined with an easing interest rate cycle, are expected to support cap rate compression and enhance exit outcomes.


Alt Capital’s leadership team brings deep institutional expertise, having previously played a key role in building office portfolios at global real estate major Blackstone Group. The team collectively brings experience across over $3 billion in real estate investments.


Commenting on the launch, Kunal Moktan, CEO and Co-founder, Alt Capital, said, “Following up on the success of AYF I and AYF II, we are excited to launch the third scheme under AltCap Yield Fund targeting income-generating office and warehousing assets in India. 


We believe AYF III is the right vehicle for investors looking to invest in Indian commercial real estate as it ensures diversification across 4-5 assets, advantages of leverage and the potential of sharper exit yields through a portfolio exit.”


Srinivas Mendu, CEO, FundsIndia Private Wealth, further stated, “We are delighted to partner with Alt Capital on AYF III as we raise Rs. 1,000 crores from our investors. Our conviction is strengthened by AltCap’s institutional pedigree and its alignment with high-quality platforms backed by WestBridge Capital. The team’s experience, including significant deployment during their time at Blackstone, combined with a disciplined investment approach, gives us strong confidence in the strategy.


Importantly, the focus on premium, pre-leased Grade A+ assets with no developer risk provides stability, predictable cash flows, and attractive risk-adjusted returns. We believe this partnership enables us to deliver a compelling solution to our clients, one that combines institutional quality, capital preservation, and steady income, ultimately providing greater confidence and peace of mind in their investment journey.”


AYF III is targeted at institutional investors, HNIs, family offices, and select domestic and NRI investors


About Alt Capital & Alt
Alt Capital is a SEBI-registered Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor, and Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) manager, focused on delivering returns through high-yield, rent-generating real estate assets across India’s key offshoring hubs. Founded by Kunal Moktan and Hashim Khan, the firm brings deep institutional expertise. Kunal, an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, has over 15 years of real estate investment experience, including 7+ years with Blackstone Group, while Hashim combines 15+ years of experience in technology and operations with prior leadership roles in a large Middle Eastern real estate conglomerate. Since 2016, the founders have collectively invested over
Rs. 2,378 crore in real estate and returned approximately Rs. 675 crore to investors.


Alt Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alt, a Series B-funded, tech-enabled platform backed by investors including WestBridge Capital, Lightspeed, Beenext, and Pravega Ventures. Alt has been at the forefront of democratizing access to alternative assets, having pioneered fractional real estate investing in India through Property Share, which became the first platform to receive a Small and Medium REIT license from SEBI. With a presence across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and London, Alt offers access to a diversified suite of alternative investments spanning private credit, real estate, and listed REITs across global markets, serving over 300,000 users and managing more than $250 million in assets.

 

About FundsIndia
Founded in 2008, FundsIndia is one of India’s pioneering digital-first wealth management platforms, focused on simplifying investing for individuals, partners, and families nationwide. Built on a foundation of research-led insights, robust technology, and customer trust, FundsIndia enables investors to make informed, goal-oriented financial decisions with clarity and confidence. 


Backed by WestBridge Capital, a leading global investment firm, FundsIndia has further strengthened its capabilities through long-term strategic capital, governance expertise, and a strong focus on scalable, technology-driven growth.The company operates through three integrated business verticals, Digital (Retail), B2B (Partners), and Private Wealth, each led by dedicated leadership and working in close alignment to deliver scalable, long-term value. Together, these verticals serve a diverse investor base through a seamless blend of digital and advisor-led experiences.FundsIndia offers a comprehensive suite of investment solutions spanning mutual funds, equities, insurance, and other wealth products, supported by intuitive digital journeys, strong research capabilities, and personalized guidance. Headquartered in India and backed by institutional investors, FundsIndia remains committed to its mission of making investing simpler, more transparent, and accessible, helping millions of Indians build long-term wealth through disciplined, technology-enabled investing.