Ai+ Smartphone today announced as the Official Smartphone Partner for 2 leading teams – Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming T20 season.

Ai+ Smartphone Partners with Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders as Official Smartphone Partner

The partnership places Ai+ Smartphone at the centre of one of India’s most powerful and biggest cultural platforms connecting the brand directly with millions of passionate cricket fans across the country offering exclusive fan experiences including player meet and greet, match tickets, and signed merchandise and access to exclusive player content shot on Ai+ Smartphone.

Commenting on the partnership, Madhav Sheth, CEO of Ai+ Smartphone and Founder of NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, said, “Sport has a unique ability to bring people together in moments of shared excitement and aspiration. Our partnership with Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders allows Ai+ Smartphone to connect with millions of fans where India’s energy is most visible and alive. It reflects our belief that technology should move at the same pace as the ambition and passion of the people who use it.”

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said, “Ai+ Smartphone’s focus on delivering accessible, high-performance technology aligns well with the evolving expectations of today’s fans. We look forward to collaborating on initiatives that enhance how fans engage with the game.”

Binda Dey, CMO, Knight Riders Sports, said, “Cricket in India brings together fans, communities, and shared moments at an unmatched scale. Our approach to partnerships is focused on creating meaningful engagement and delivering experiences that feel relevant and accessible to fans. With Ai+ Smartphone, we look forward to building initiatives that deepen this connection and add value to the overall fan journey.”

For Ai+, the partnership represents more than brand visibility, its when India comes together across cities, communities, and generations. By aligning with two of the league’s most iconic franchises, Ai+ Smartphone aims to become part of those moments where competition, celebration, and collective excitement define the national conversation.

The collaboration will see Ai+ Smartphone integrated across team platforms, fan experiences, and digital activations throughout the season, creating new opportunities for fans to interact with the teams and the brand.

With this partnership, Ai+ Smartphone strengthens its presence at the intersection of technology, culture, and sport, positioning the brand within the moments that shape modern India.

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.

• Records INR 550 Cr ARR with 50x growth in three years, delivering a rare profitability story in India’s consumer app market.

• Primetrace’s portfolio of AI apps crossed 350 million cumulative downloads by focusing on what actually matters: product retention and obsessive user engagement.

• Builds AI-first products for Bharat from the ground up using proprietary datasets and custom model training.

Primetrace, India’s leading AI-first consumer startup, announced it has scaled to a INR 550 Cr Annual Revenue Run Rate (ARR) with INR 200 Cr EBITDA run rate as of February 2026. This marks a rare profitability milestone in India’s consumer app ecosystem that runs on high cash burn, vanity metrics and broken unit economics. Primetrace has delivered 50x revenue growth over three years — building its growth on real user needs, deep engagement, and strong retention.

Primetrace Team: Naveen Dewangan, Co-founder, Tech; Abhishek Kejriwal, Founder & CEO; Vipul Allawadhi, Co-founder & CPO; ⁠Mohit Sharma, Co-founder, Tech

Primetrace operates a ‘house of apps’ model, identifying large consumer opportunities to build AI-native products around everyday use cases. The company focuses on retention and proven engagement before scaling distribution through a subscription-based monetization strategy.

The company’s product portfolio includes Kutumb (a community platform used by 2 Lakh communities), Crafto AI (AI-powered content creation app used by 200M users), Tarot AI (AI-powered personalised tarot readings), Polo (an inclusive dating platform), and Sundar AI (an AI-powered image enhancement platform). Each of the apps are the most downloaded in their respective categories – with cumulative downloads exceeding 350 million.

Primetrace is powered by a proprietary AI infrastructure built specifically for the Indian market. Rather than relying on standard third-party solutions, the company engineers true AI-first products for Bharat using custom model training and proprietary datasets. Primetrace has built an intelligence layer that deeply understands the needs and preferences of Bharat users.

The company has also received industry recognition for the scale of its technology adoption. OpenAI recognised Primetrace for surpassing 10 billion tokens in usage, while the company ranks among the top service users of Google AI in India. Primetrace had earlier raised $30 million in funding from Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India), providing the foundation for building and scaling its AI-driven consumer app ecosystem.

Talking about the company’s approach to building and scaling consumer products in India, Abhishek Kejriwal, Founder and CEO, Primetrace, said, “India’s consumer AI opportunity is massive and largely uncaptured. Over the next decade, AI will transform every digital touchpoint for a billion Bharat users — how they learn, earn, communicate, and make decisions. Primetrace is here to lead that transformation. Our greatest strength is the deep, real-world understanding of daily user behavior we’ve gained through our proprietary dataset across our suite of products. This is the right time, this is the right market, and we have the right playbook. Our goal is clear: to build AI-powered apps that empower one billion Bharat users every single day.”

Looking ahead, Primetrace is actively expanding its suite of AI-native applications to solve everyday needs for Indian consumers. Driven by a dedicated internal research and development team, the company is constantly exploring new high-utility categories across the digital ecosystem. Their long-term mission is singular and focused: to build the native AI products that powers daily lives of Bharat.

Milton, India’s leading name in innovative houseware and hydration solutions, has officially announced the launch of ‘Malmo’, a premium, design-forward tumbler designed to cater to the evolving lifestyle of the new-age Indian consumer. Unveiled amidst the creative fervor of the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai, the Malmo launch marks a significant strategic pivot for the brand, moving beyond traditional utility to establish Milton as a centerpiece of personal style and contemporary youth culture.

Milton Malmo makes a statement—where trusted performance meets bold, design-led style. Featuring Ahsaas Channa, it turns everyday hydration into effortless self-expression

The launch event was headlined by popular actor and digital sensation Ahsaas Channa, whose strong resonance with Gen Z and millennial audiences perfectly mirrors Milton’s ’s brand identity. As a platform that celebrates artistic expression and youth-led innovation, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival provided the ideal backdrop for Milton to showcase a new product that is as much an accessory as it is a functional tool.

The Shift: From Utility to Fashion accessory 
For decades, hydration was viewed through the lens of pure functionality. However, the modern Indian consumer, particularly the youth increasingly views every daily essential as an extension of their personality. Milton’s Malmo is a direct response to this “Emotional Hydration” trend, where the aesthetic appeal of a product is as vital as its performance.

Designed for a demographic that is constantly on the move, balancing college, workspace, fitness routines, and social commitments– Milton Malmo fits seamlessly into the “dynamic and expressive” lifestyle.The Malmo collection is characterized by its sophisticated silhouette and a curated palette of contemporary shades, including Black, Pink, & Olive green. However, the standout feature of the range lies in its celebration of identity through specifically designed variants.

Milton has introduced city-themed designs such as “Mumbai Meri Jaan”, “Dilli Dilwalon Ki,” “Bong connection” etc allowing users to carry a piece of their regional pride wherever they go. Complementing these are nature-inspired patterns featuring floral and bird motifs, catering to those who lean toward a more soft, artistic aesthetic.

Somasree Awasthi, Business Unit Head-Drinkware Milton said, “For Gen Z and young millennials, functionality alone is no longer enough. They seek self-expression in every detail of their daily routine. Milton Malmo reflects our understanding of this cultural shift, combining bold aesthetics, customization elements and Milton’s trusted technology & innovation focus to deliver a product that is both performance-driven and deeply relevant.” 

Performance Without Compromise
While Milton Malmo leads with design, it remains rooted in the engineering excellence Milton is known for. Each tumbler is crafted using SS 304 food-grade stainless steel on both the interior and exterior. This choice of material ensures a premium tactile feel while guaranteeing durability and safety for daily use.

Underpinning its sleek exterior is Milton’s signature vacuum-insulated technology, which provides superior temperature retention. Whether it is keeping an iced coffee chilled during a long commute or ensuring tea remains hot through a back-to-back lecture schedule, Milton Malmo is engineered to perform in the high-pressure environments of modern life.

Somasree further added “At Milton, we have always taken pride in evolving alongside our consumers. With Milton Malmo launch, we are acknowledging a fundamental shift in how the younger generation perceives daily essentials. They aren’t just looking for a tumbler; they are looking for a companion that complements their aesthetic and keeps up with their fast-paced, mobile lifestyle. Launching Malmo at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a testament to our new direction where performance meets high-end design.”

Why the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival?
Choosing the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival as the launchpad was a deliberate move to distance the product from traditional retail spaces and place it within a cultural context. The festival attracts thousands of young artists, students, and trendsetters every year, making it the most authentic environment to debut a product that prioritizes creativity and self-expression. By featuring Ahsaas Channa, Milton successfully bridged the gap between trusted high quality products and the demands of digital-native audience that defines today’s market trends.

The Milton Malmo series is set to become a staple in Milton’s contemporary hydration portfolio. Following the successful unveiling in Mumbai, the product will be available across major retail outlets and e-commerce platforms, ensuring that style-conscious consumers across the country can integrate Malmo into their daily routines.

With this launch, Milton continues to solidify its position not just as a market leader in houseware, but as a lifestyle brand that understands the pulse of the new-age Indian consumer.

About Milton
Milton is a household name in India, known for its legacy of innovation, quality, and consumer-centric design. For over five decades, the brand has been at the forefront of providing solutions that make life easier and more efficient. From the iconic thermosteel bottles to advanced kitchenware, Milton continues to be a trusted partner in millions of homes, constantly evolving to meet the needs of a changing world.

For more information, visit: www.milton.in/pages/about-us.

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is proud to announce its recognition in the ‘Leadership’ category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard, as assessed by Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS). This recognition is awarded to companies that scored 75 and above on the overall scorecard as of 31^st December 2025.
 

HDFC Life recognised in the ‘Leadership’ category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard, assessed by Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS)
 

This milestone reflects HDFC Life’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and exemplary Corporate Governance practices. The recognition in the ‘Leadership’ category marks a significant milestone for Corporate Governance in HDFC Life as the Company completes 25 years of its journey.

Speaking on the recognition, Narendra Gangan, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, HDFC Life, commented, “We are truly honoured to be recognised in the ‘Leadership’ category of the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard. It reflects the collective effort of every individual at HDFC Life to uphold the highest standards of Corporate Governance. For us, Corporate Governance is not merely a compliance obligation rather it is a core value that shapes every decision we make. This recognition inspires us to hold ourselves to an even higher standard as we continue to serve millions of Indian families.”

The Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard framework was developed jointly by IFC, BSE, and IiAS. It is anchored in the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance and has been in use since 2015. The assessment covers BSE 100 companies and is widely regarded as a benchmark for governance excellence in India.

India Market Entry (IME) is proud to launch AV1 in India. AV1 is an innovative telepresence robot designed to help students who are temporarily or for longer periods unable to attend school remain connected with their classrooms and peers. The introduction of AV1 marks an important step toward enabling inclusive and uninterrupted learning experiences for students across India.

India Market Entry (IME) is proud to launch AV1 in India

Developed to bridge the gap between students and their classroom environment, AV1 allows children to virtually attend school through a robot placed on their classroom desk. Using a smartphone or tablet, the student can see and hear everything happening in the classroom in real time, allowing them to follow lessons and stay connected with teachers and classmates even when they cannot be physically present.

Through its market entry and expansion expertise, IME played a key role in bringing this globally recognized assistive technology to India, enabling schools, healthcare institutions, and education partners to adopt a solution that addresses both academic continuity and emotional well-being among students who are unable to be physically present in school.

Commenting on the launch, Dhiraj Trakru, Founder & CEO, India Market Entry (IME), said, “When a child cannot attend school for an extended period, the biggest loss is often the sense of belonging. With AV1, schools can ensure that students remain connected to their teachers, friends, and daily classroom life. At IME, we are proud to bring solutions like this to India that help schools support both learning and student well-being.”

Adding to this, Petter Karal, Chief Growth Officer, No Isolation (the company behind the AV1), said, “School is not only about lessons; it is about belonging. Through AV1, our goal is to help students remain part of their classroom community even when they cannot attend in person. We are delighted to see AV1 introduced in India and look forward to supporting many more students in staying connected to their education and peers.”

AV1 has been widely adopted in several international markets, where it has supported students  experiencing extended absence from school by helping them remain socially connected and academically engaged with their schools.

With the increasing focus on inclusive education and digital learning in India, solutions like AV1 can play a crucial role in supporting students who face temporary or prolonged absence from classrooms due to medical conditions. IME aims to work closely with educational institutions, healthcare providers, and social organizations to expand the accessibility of this technology across the country.

For more information please visit – indiamarketentry.com/no-isolation.

Galgotias University is pleased to announce receipt of a research grant of Rs 42 Lakh from TIH-IoT, IIT Bombay. Received the grant for the project titled “Development of Intelligent Ripening Detector for Mango and Watermelon” under the Technology Development Program (TDP) of TIH-IoT (Technology Innovation Hub).

Knowledge Centre at Galgotias University

The project is supported by TIH-IoT, a not-for-profit Section 8 company established at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS) being implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Gov. India.

The focus of the project is to develop a cost-effective, portable and intelligent ripening detection system which can identify ripening stages and detect artificial intelligence in different species of Mango and watermelon. Dr. Agniv Tapadar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical, Electronics and Communication Engineering at Galgotias University, Principal Investigator (PI) of the project.

The intelligent system will use a novel sensor-based approach and intrinsic impedance sensing that will be able to analyse the internal features of the fruits without causing any external damage to the fruit. With this study, researchers will be able to efficiently assess fruit quality across different growth stages.

Galgotias University always supports interdisciplinary innovation through the junction of agriculture, sensing technologies, and intelligent systems. This project also aligns with the goals of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems.

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University is among the world’s leading universities in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS Rankings) and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings.

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities, this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education. Galgotias has also been accredited with NAAC A+ grade in its very first cycle, achieving these milestones in a record time of just 14 years.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This recognition reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic landscape and reflects its consistent progress across global higher education benchmarks.

These recognitions highlight Galgotias University’s strong focus on teaching excellence, research impact, internationalization, industry integration, and innovation driven learning, shaping globally competent graduates ready for the challenges of the future.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. N K Gaur

Registrar

Galgotias University

registrar@galgotiasuniversity.edu.in.

Please visit: www.galgotiasuniversity.edu.in.

Toki Premium Club Soda hosted One Night in Toki-O in Kolkata for the very first time at Miss Ginko on 7 March. The evening celebrated contemporary Japanese culture. It was inspired by the idea of Traditions Reinvented, where old and new Japan come together. The experience brought together music, art, craft and Japanese-style dining. Guests got a glimpse of Tokyo’s vibrant creative spirit in the heart of the city.

One night in Toki-O in Kolkata

The venue transformed into a lively cultural setting where music, design and interactive experiences unfolded through the evening. Throughout the venue, guests discovered spaces that reflected both traditional inspiration and modern creativity, creating an atmosphere that felt distinctly Japanese while resonating with Kolkata’s vibrant cultural sensibility.

Commenting on the occasion, Rohini Menezes, Category Manager (The House of Suntory), Suntory Global Spirits in India, said, “With One Night in Toki-O, our intention was to create an experience that brings together different expressions of creativity while offering guests a glimpse into the spirit of Toki™ and the cultural inspiration behind it. The evening was designed to blend music, art, craft and food in a way that feels immersive yet approachable. Hosting this experience in Kolkata for the first time made it even more meaningful, as the city has such a deep appreciation for culture, creativity and shared experiences. It was wonderful to see guests engage with the different elements of the evening and make the experience their own.”

Music played a defining role in shaping the atmosphere of the evening. A vinyl set by Sindhi Curry introduced guests to the warmth and richness of analogue sound, setting the tone for the evening, followed by an energetic live performance by PhreshPrince.

Alongside the music, guests explored an interactive creative space featuring hands-on activities such as trinket making and matchbox printing, along with screen printing of an exclusive one-time Kolkata-inspired tote print, allowing attendees to create personalised keepsakes from the evening.

The venue also featured art installations inspired by the historical cultural exchange between Japan and Kolkata, interpreted through the philosophy of Toki, which means “time” in Japanese — a reflection of the balance between tradition and reinvention. One installation, Nihonga: A Tokyo Spring in Calcutta, paid tribute to Japanese artists such as Yokoyama Taikan, Hishida Shunsō and Kampo Arai, who visited and worked in Calcutta in the early 20th century. Conceptualised as a visual walkthrough, the installation brought together scroll paintings, drawings and music to imagine an artistic dialogue across time. At its centre was an imagined story between Koharu, a Japanese artist and Shamisen player from Tokyo, and Mukul, a musician from Calcutta, whose shared exploration of music and painting reflected the spirit of cultural exchange between the two cities. Through hand-painted canvases inspired by Nihonga techniques and accompanying soundscapes, the installation created an immersive space where memories of Tokyo and Kolkata converged, echoing Toki’s philosophy of tradition meeting reinvention.

The experience was further brought together through a specially curated Izakaya-style menu by Miss Ginko. Inspired by the relaxed and social spirit of Japanese izakayas, the food added a convivial element to the gathering. Through its blend of music, art and Japanese hospitality, One Night in TokiO offered Kolkata a distinctive cultural evening and a fresh way to experience the contemporary spirit of Japan.

About House of Suntory

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies: Yamazaki—Japan’s number one single malt, multi-layered and profound, and Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and Suntory Whisky Toki. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. This year, the House of Suntory celebrates one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand’s history but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole.