Pantaloons, India’s most loved and trusted fashion retailer, announces the launch of Truly SMA, the contemporary fashion label founded by actor and fashion icon Samantha Ruth Prabhu. This first launch event of Truly SMA at Pantaloons also builds on the brand’s ongoing association with the actor as the face of Pantaloons, bringing the collaboration together in a deeper way. The introduction of the brand further strengthens Pantaloons’ commitment to offering customers thoughtfully curated labels that reflect the evolving style of modern India. Pantaloons is a playful and youthful fashion destination from the house of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.

Pantaloons x Truly SMA

With a sharp understanding of what today’s woman seeks from her wardrobe, Pantaloons continues to expand its fashion portfolio with brands that balance aspiration and accessibility. Truly SMA is a natural addition to this journey, bringing a perspective that is rooted in confidence, comfort and individuality.

 The launch event, held at the flagship Pantaloons store in Hyderabad, saw a massive turnout of fans and fashion enthusiasts eager to get a first look at a brand that promises to blend Samantha’s signature effortless style with high-quality, everyday functionality. The Pantaloons store came alive with conversations around personal style, self-expression and effortless dressing as guests experienced Truly SMA up close in a high-energy retail setting.

Speaking about the launch, Sangeeta Tanwani, Chief Executive Officer, Pantaloons and OWND! said, “At Pantaloons, our focus is on bringing fashion that resonates our customers. Truly SMA embodies a modern sensibility for effortless style, which aligns beautifully with our vision. We are delighted to introduce the brand across select stores and celebrate this milestone with a special launch in Hyderabad. It also marks an exciting new chapter in our ongoing association with Samantha.”

Adding to this, Samantha Ruth Prabhu said, “Truly SMA is very personal to me. I wanted to create clothing that feels authentic and empowering – pieces that move with you through everyday life. Launching Truly SMA at Pantaloons feels great as it takes my association with the brand forward, enabling us to bring the Truly SMA collection to women across the country. And being at the starting line of this journey in Hyderabad feels really special.”

Truly SMA which is born from Samantha’s personal philosophy of authenticity and mindful living, is designed to be fluid, effortless and versatile. The debut collection features an array of everyday wardrobe essentials, including versatile co-ords, tops, dresses, and separates, designed for comfort, repetition, and effortless style – pieces that move seamlessly through real life.

By launching at Pantaloons, Truly SMA now gains an immediate footprint across major Indian metros, offering customers an immersive ‘touch-and-feel’ experience. Truly SMA will now be available at select Pantaloons stores across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata as well as online at www.pantaloons.com

About Pantaloons

Pantaloons, a division of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., is a playful and youthful fashion destination with 405 stores, spread across 189+ cities and towns. As a playground for fashion, Pantaloons offers a wide variety of styles across categories and occasions. The brand speaks to the ever-evolving millennial customer of today who is confident and expressive. Be it through the physical retail experience or online, the Pantaloons experience is exciting, friendly and uplifting. With a vibrant, expressive and fun-loving approach to style, the brand seeks to enable the customer to be their fashionable best.

About Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), part of the Aditya Birla Group, is India’s leading fashion powerhouse, offering a distinguished portfolio of renowned brands and retail formats, catering to multiple high-growth segments. As of March 31, 2025, the Company has presence across 1,168 stores spanning 7.1 Mn sqft. retail space.

ABFRL’s portfolio includes Pantaloons, one of India’s most loved fashion destinations, and OWND!, a growing value retail format. The Company also operates The Collective, who commands a dominant position as one of the country’s most influential multi-brand luxury retailers, with exclusive long-term tie-ups with global fashion brands including Ralph Lauren, Hackett London, Ted Baker and Fred Perry. ABFRL has also partnered with Paris based Galeries Lafayette to introduce a high-end luxury destination in India.

ABFRL is a market leader in branded ethnic wear, its portfolio includes Jaypore, Tasva and TCNS brands and it has forged strategic partnerships with India’s top designers such as Shantnu & Nikhil, Tarun Tahiliani, Sabyasachi, and House of Masaba. Recently, the Company further expanded its ethnic wear leadership with the integration of TCNS brands, home to leading women’s brands W, Aurelia, Wishful, Elleven and Folksong.

To address the evolving preferences of digitally native consumers, ABFRL is also building a portfolio of new-age, digital-first fashion brands under its tech-led venture TMRW. This platform collaborates with emerging entrepreneurs to co-create scalable fashion businesses in India’s rapidly expanding fashion ecosystem.

Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), under the Aditya Birla Education Trust, has commenced admission enquiries for Academic Year 2027–2028. 
 

Students of Aditya Birla World Academy engage in collaborative learning experiences that nurture minds that Think. Create. Lead. Impact., while fostering character development and leadership

The school continues to build on its early years framework with the Nursery programme forming part of a seamless academic pathway from foundational learning through Grade 12. Applications for Nursery, LKG and higher grades across Cambridge Primary, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) will open in line with the forthcoming admissions schedule.

In the Times School Survey, ABWA has been ranked No. 1 among Mumbai Schools (International Curriculum) and No. 1 in Zone A – South Mumbai & Midtown for five consecutive years. Such independent recognitions have positioned it among the best international schools in Mumbai in recent years.
 

Founded under the leadership of Mrs. Neerja Birla, the school is guided by the belief that academic rigour must be balanced with empathy and care. This philosophy underpins its commitment to Nurturing Minds That Think. Create. Lead. Impact.
 

The most recent Grade 12 cohort recorded strong outcomes across both Cambridge and IB examinations, with students securing admissions to universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe and Asia across disciplines including Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, Sciences, Design and Technology.
 

As an International School in Mumbai offering both Cambridge and IB pathways, ABWA integrates globally benchmarked academics with structured mentorship and university guidance. A 1:8 teacher–student ratio enables personalised academic planning and individual attention.
 

Beyond academics, the school places emphasis on character formation and leadership development. Its stated mission is to shape compassionate global leaders — young individuals who combine intellect with empathy, ambition with humility, and individuality with a strong sense of community.
 

Student-led platforms such as INFINITY (inter-school mathematics challenge), FETE (creative and social impact festival), ABMUN, and Football Fiesta complement robotics, STEM initiatives and the arts, creating avenues for collaboration and applied learning.
 

Emotional well-being remains central to the school’s framework. The Minds Matter curriculum, grounded in Positive Psychology and Social-Emotional Learning, supports resilience and self-awareness. The Happy Place, a student-led inter-school mental health festival, further extends this focus within the wider Mumbai student community.
 

The Nursery programme strengthens the school’s early learning continuum, offering an inquiry-led introduction to literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional development within a structured international environment.
 

Commenting on the announcement, Ms Shalini John, Principal, Aditya Birla World Academy, said: “At ABWA, we prepare students not only for university, but for life. Our focus remains on clarity of thought, strength of character and the confidence to lead with empathy. As enquiries begin for 2027–2028, we look forward to welcoming families seeking a globally benchmarked yet values-driven education. At the heart of our journey is our belief in Nurturing Minds That Think. Create. Lead. Impact. We are committed to shaping compassionate global leaders — young individuals who combine intellect with empathy, ambition with humility, and individuality with a strong sense of community.”
 

Students from Aditya Birla World Academy have secured admissions to leading universities across the world, including institutions such as the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University of Manchester, Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University, New York University and the University of Southern California, among others. Graduates have progressed to universities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia, reflecting the strong global orientation of the school’s academic pathways. The learning environment at ABWA equips students to adapt confidently to international university curricula, preparing them to navigate new academic and cultural contexts with resilience and independence.
 

Admission enquiries for Academic Year 2027–2028 are now open. Detailed timelines will be communicated separately.
 

Parents may contact the Admissions Office at www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/admission-enquiry Aditya Birla World Academy, Mumbai, for further information.
 

About Aditya Birla World Academy

Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), backed by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, is a leading international school located in South Mumbai. Guided by its vision of blending global standards with strong values, ABWA is committed to holistic education that goes beyond academics to nurture confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals.
 

Through a dynamic learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a growth mindset, ABWA empowers students to discover their individuality and develop into resilient global citizens. With a strong emphasis on character, empathy, and leadership, the school strives to shape young minds that are prepared to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond—nurturing minds that Move the world.

Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled (RMSD), a free residential school for visually impaired girls, is proud to recognise/honour/felicitating the talent of its distinguished alumna and Captain of Indian Women’s Blind Cricket, Deepika TC, at her hometown in Sira. As captain, Deepika, drove the team to victory at the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind, achieving a historic milestone for blind women’s cricket in India. For the past 77 years, NR Group (Makers of Cycle Pure Agarbathi) has been nurturing talent across India, and Deepika stands as a shining example of this legacy. Her journey from RMSD to the world stage is a testament to resilience, excellence and inspiration for generations to come.

Deepika T C, captain of India’s Women’s Blind Cricket Team, receives a warm hometown welcome after leading India to the historic T20 World Cup victory

A former student at Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled in Mysuru, Deepika led Team India to an unbeaten run throughout the tournament, demonstrating exceptional leadership, talent and determination at a global level. Her interaction highlighted the importance of perseverance and access to inclusive educational spaces.

Deepika has always stood out as a bright student with a strong passion for sports. Her school years not only nurtured her academic excellence but also instilled in her the confidence to lead life independently. While her choice to pursue cricket may surprise some, her teachers recognized early on her determination and talent, making this step a natural progression in her journey.

At a special event organised following Deepika’s return at her home town, she spoke in detail about her journey starting from her early years at RMSD to leading the national side at a historic global tournament. She reflected on the challenges she overcame, the discipline and unity that defined the team’s campaign, and the pride of representing India in women’s cricket. Her address offered powerful insights into resilience, perseverance and the role of inclusive education in shaping her path.

Deepika T.C., Captain, Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team, said, “This victory belongs to every girl who has ever been told that her limitations define her. It is proof that with the right support, opportunity and belief in themselves, any girl  can dream without boundaries and excel in their career path. The education and values I received from Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled have shaped me not just into a cricketer, but into a better human being. This win is for my country, and I will continue to give my best to make it proud.”

Mr. R Guru, Chairman, NR Foundation added, “Deepika’s achievement reflects the power of inclusive education and sustained mentorship. When students are given the right environment and encouragement, they are able to discover their strengths and pursue their aspirations with confidence. We are very proud to host Deepika in her hometown who we know will inspire million girls like her.”

Supported by the NR Foundation, RMSD has for over three decades empowered visually challenged girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through free residential education and vocational training. Deepika’s success is a moment of immense pride for the institution and reinforces RMSD’s commitment to enabling visually impaired girls to excel in all spheres, including sport at the highest international level.

As online scams like digital arrests, impersonation fraud and AI voice cloning evolve into direct threats against the security of Indian households, Truecaller, the leading global communications platform, is shifting the narrative from simple identification to proactive family immunity with the launch of Family Protection in India. This follows its successful rollout in several global markets, including Sweden, Chile, Malaysia and Kenya.

Truecaller Launches Family Protection in India

Truecaller’s Family Protection is a sophisticated digital shield, designed to protect the entire household from the rapidly evolving landscape of predatory scams. Every family has a tech-aware individual or CTO (chief technology officer) who manages the digital well-being of their parents, elders and children. Family Protection gives the CTO real-time fraud alerts and a remote call hang-up feature, allowing them to end suspicious calls for any member of the group instantly. It also includes shared block lists, customizable security levels and a dashboard to monitor device safety settings, ensuring seamless protection across both Android and iOS devices. Importantly, Family Protection is free to use, allowing people to begin safeguarding their family members immediately.

“Identifying who is calling is a 2010 solution. In 2026, the question is if the call is safe to answer,” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO, Truecaller. “With scams becoming more personalized and emotionally manipulative, we need a collective defense. By launching Family Protection in India, we are giving the most tech-savvy member of the household the tools to become the digital guardian for their loved ones, ensuring that the entire family is covered by the same high standards of security that our users enjoy.”

While Family Protection is free, if the CTO/admin opts for the Premium Family Plan subscription, they gain access to a broader suite of advanced safety features designed to deliver comprehensive protection for every member of the group.

Crucially, the system is built on a foundation of “safety without surveillance.” While the family benefits from a shared security umbrella, individual privacy remains absolute. Members cannot see each other’s call logs, messages, or personal data, ensuring that protection does not come at the cost of personal boundaries.

As India continues its rapid digital transformation, the risks associated with mobile communication have evolved from mere nuisances to serious financial and emotional threats. By transitioning from individual-centric security to a household-wide protection model, Truecaller is reinforcing its commitment to making communication safe for everyone, everywhere. Family Protection is a necessary evolution in the fight against modern digital fraud, placing the power of advanced AI defense in the hands of the family’s most trusted protector.
 

For more information about Family Protection, please read the detailed FAQs

About Truecaller
Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for over 450 million active users worldwide, with more than one billion downloads since launch and 68 billion spam and fraud calls identified in 2025 alone. The company is headquartered in Stockholm and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021. For more information, visit www.truecaller.com.

i-Sprint Corporation today announced the successful completion of a management buy-out (MBO) of all its operating companies, and marks a pivotal milestone as the company celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The transaction was led by the company’s existing management team in strategic partnership with KV Asia Capital.

i-Sprint Corporation Announces Successful Completion of Management Buy-Out in Partnership with KV Asia Capital

This landmark transaction ranks among the significant Identity and Access Management acquisitions in Asia. It underscores i-Sprint’s strategic importance in the region’s cybersecurity landscape as AI-driven threats, machine identity proliferation, and tightening regulatory requirements reshape cybersecurity across the region. The deal positions i-Sprint for its next phase of innovation and global expansion, as it continues to invest in next-generation capabilities, while expanding its footprint across the region.

This milestone firmly establishes i Sprint as one of the region’s largest independent IAM, Quantum Safe and Mobile cybersecurity provider.

Dutch Ng, Chief Executive Officer of i-Sprint, commented, “This Management Buy-Out is a defining moment for i-Sprint and a testament to the strength of the business we have built and our deep belief in its future. Partnering with KV Asia Capital provides us with the strategic tools and capital to accelerate growth while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and customer focus that define i-Sprint. We are grateful for the trust and support of our clients, partners, and team—and excited about the future we’re building together.”

KV Asia Capital has a proven track record of scaling growth-stage companies across Asia. Their expertise and financial backing will enable i-Sprint to enhance product offerings, invest in cutting-edge R&D, and pursue new market opportunities with greater agility.

Lee Gan Ping, Managing Director, at KV Asia Capital, said, “We are thrilled to partner with i-Sprint’s founders and management team, whose deep domain expertise and track record has earned the trust of Asia’s leading financial and government institutions. As identity and authentication become increasingly complex and relevant, we look forward to supporting the team in their next chapter of growth. Together, we will scale i-Sprint’s global footprint through accelerated R&D investments and strategic M&A.”

The existing management team will continue to lead the company, ensuring seamless operations and a continued focus on delivering innovative and superior products and services.

About i-Sprint Innovations
i-Sprint Innovations is a global leader in Digital Identity, Mobile Security, PQC App Migration, and Brand Protection solutions. For 25 years, i-Sprint has provided award-winning security solutions to financial institutions, multinational corporations, and government agencies worldwide.

About KV Asia Capital
KV Asia Capital is a private equity firm dedicated to partnering management teams and companies across Southeast Asia. The firm has a multi-year track record of successfully investing behind management teams to drive strategic transformation and growth of mid-market businesses into regional success stories.

As the ICC tournament gathers momentum, every match becomes a defining chapter in the story of modern cricket. In this analytical review, Eoin Morgan – Chief Cricket Analyst, Parimatch Sports, former international captain and one of the game’s most respected cricket minds – delivers a comprehensive breakdown of the latest ICC fixtures.

The Downfall of Australian Stocks in White-ball Cricket

Drawing on elite-level experience and tactical expertise, Morgan examines key turning points, captaincy decisions, bowling strategies, and batting performances that shaped each contest. His analysis, as a Chief Cricket Analyst by Parimatch Sports, goes beyond the scoreboard, highlighting the strategic nuances, pressure moments, and individual brilliance that ultimately determined the outcomes.

Australia has struggled to win any ICC tournament since the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup

1. Australia’s Transitional Phase in White-Ball Cricket

Australia’s campaign offered an interesting case study in squad evolution and tournament dynamics. After their triumph at the 2023 ODI World Cup, this T20 cycle represents a period of recalibration, particularly in leadership structure and role clarity.

An untimely injury to Mitchell Marsh meant early leadership adjustments were required, with Travis Head stepping in. Tournament cricket rarely allows much time for teams to settle, and small tactical moments — batting order flexibility, bowling matchups, and middle-over control — can significantly influence outcomes.

There were encouraging signs as well. Matt Renshaw’s composure on slower surfaces added variety to a predominantly right-handed batting lineup, offering balance in the middle overs. Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis continued to develop as a multi-phase bowler, operating effectively in powerplay, middle overs, and at the death — a skillset that is increasingly valuable in global tournaments.

Australia’s campaign may not have progressed as far as expected, but tournaments often accelerate learning cycles. With a blend of experience and emerging options, this period could prove foundational for the next ICC events.

2. India’s Clinical Tournament Management

India once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most complete white-ball sides in world cricket. What has stood out is not merely individual brilliance, but clarity in execution.

Their bowling units adapted impressively to varying conditions, particularly on slower surfaces where control through the middle overs became decisive. With experienced players anchoring innings and dynamic stroke-makers accelerating at the right moments, India have shown a strong understanding of tempo — a crucial T20 skill.

Perhaps most notably, their composure in high-pressure phases has allowed them to close out matches efficiently. In tournaments of this scale, game awareness often separates contenders from champions, and India have consistently displayed that awareness.

3. England’s Continued Tactical Evolution

England’s white-ball philosophy continues to evolve. Known for their aggressive batting blueprint, this tournament has also revealed subtle tactical refinements.

Their approach to powerplay batting remains assertive, yet there has been greater situational flexibility when early wickets fall. Additionally, England’s use of all-rounders provides depth that allows them to adjust bowling combinations depending on matchups.

In a format where momentum can shift quickly, England’s emphasis on adaptability — rather than rigid structure — has kept them competitive in varied conditions. It reflects the maturity of a side that understands tournament pacing.

4. The Impact of Spin and Middle-Overs Control

One of the defining tactical elements of this World Cup has been the influence of spin, particularly during middle overs on slower pitches.

Teams that have managed this phase effectively — whether through wrist spin variations or disciplined left-arm orthodox lines — have often dictated the game’s direction. Controlling scoring rates between overs 7 and 15 has proven just as important as explosive powerplay starts.

Batters capable of rotating strike against spin, rather than relying solely on boundary hitting, have gained increasing importance. The tournament has reinforced that T20 cricket is no longer just about power; it is equally about manipulation of angles, tempo, and field settings.

5. Emerging Players Seizing Opportunity

Every ICC tournament introduces new names to the global stage, and 2026 has been no different.

Across multiple teams, younger players have stepped into prominent roles — whether stabilising innings after early wickets or delivering decisive overs at critical junctures. These performances underline the growing depth in international cricket and the narrowing gap between traditional powerhouses and ambitious challengers.

The unpredictability of the format continues to reward fearless intent, but also tactical discipline — a combination that the next generation appears increasingly comfortable embracing.

Looking Ahead

If this tournament has highlighted anything, it is how quickly the white-ball landscape evolves. Teams are balancing experience with renewal, aggression with adaptability, and instinct with data-driven preparation.

For Australia, this represents a phase of refinement rather than regression. For India and England, it is about sustaining high standards in an increasingly competitive field. And for the broader cricketing world, it confirms that margins at the elite level are slimmer than ever.

As the knockout stages approach, strategy, composure, and clarity of roles will become even more decisive. The story of the 2026 T20 World Cup is still being written — and it continues to showcase the depth and dynamism of the modern game.

Contributed By- Eoin Morgan, Chief Cricket Analyst, Parimatch Sports