Post

Two-day ‘India Pharma 2026’ concludes with strong call for enhanced funding, infrastructure and speed to drive pharmaceutical innovation India must proactively position itself in the evolving global pharmaceutical landscape to remain competitive and relevant: Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals Over 800 delegates, 60 national and international speakers attended 10 sessions NEW DELHI, 14 April 2026: The 9th edition of ‘India Pharma 2026’, the flagship event of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt of India, today concluded after two days of extensive deliberations on strengthening India’s pharmaceutical and biopharma ecosystem. The event witnessed participation from over 800 delegates, with more than 60 speakers engaging across 10 sessions, supported by over 20 partner organisations, reflecting the growing importance of the platform in shaping the sector’s future trajectory. Delivering the valedictory address, Mr Satyaprakash T L, Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt of India, said that discussions across sessions converged around three critical enablers for the next phase of growth—funding, infrastructure and speed. While stakeholders expressed views on prioritisation, there was a shared understanding that coordinated action across government, industry and academia is essential. Emphasising the urgency of collaboration, Mr Satyaprakash noted that India must proactively position itself in the evolving global pharmaceutical landscape to remain competitive and relevant. Reflecting on the broader evolution of India’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical ecosystem, Dr Renu Swarup, Former Secretary to Govt of India, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology while addressing session on ‘Reflections and Big Moves to Leapfrog Innovation’, emphasised that the country has made significant strides in building a comprehensive innovation value chain over the past decade, spanning discovery, development and deployment. India has successfully strengthened linkages between academia and industry, which were earlier fragmented, and has created a more cohesive ecosystem for product development. Drawing on the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, she described it as a testbed that validated India’s capabilities in areas such as financing, partnerships, infrastructure and rapid innovation. India’s bioeconomy, she added, has already surpassed earlier targets and reached approximately $195 billion, underscoring the sector’s growth momentum and future potential.

Post

Chiraiya Tops Charts as #1 Most-Watched OTT Show; Sets New Records on JioHotstar ~ Emerges as the platform’s most-watched non-franchise fiction show ever with highest completion rates~ Mumbai, April 14, 2026: Chiraiya continues its strong run on JioHotstar, delivering record-breaking viewership and engagement. The series now stands as the platform’s most-watched non-franchise fiction title, alongside achieving the highest completion rates across languages marking a rare blend of scale and sustained audience interest. Since its release, Chiraiya has struck a powerful chord with audiences, quickly evolving into a nationwide conversation. Driven by its unfiltered storytelling and emotionally resonant characters, the show has connected across demographics, with strong word-of-mouth and viewers calling it “hard-hitting,” “necessary,” and “deeply impactful” turning viewership into sustained engagement and conversation. Alok Jain, JioStar said, “At JioHotstar, we’ve always championed stories that create lasting impact, and Chiraiya is a powerful validation of that belief. What truly sets it apart is not just the scale at which it’s been watched, but the depth of engagement it has driven, audiences are not only completing the show, but actively engaging with it and carrying the conversation forward. It’s rare to see a story resonate so strongly both emotionally and culturally, and Chiraiya has done exactly that”. Director Shashant Shah said, “We didn’t make Chiraiya to play it safe, we made it to start a conversation. Seeing audiences not just watch but actively engage, discuss, and share their thoughts has been incredibly special. The kind of response we’re witnessing, both in terms of viewership and completion, truly reflects how deeply the story has connected.” Divya Dutta quoted: ““We knew Chiraiya wasn’t going to be an easy watch, but we believed in its honesty. Seeing the kind of response it has received, the conversations it has sparked and the way audiences have stayed with it till the end feels deeply rewarding. It makes you proud to be part of a story that has moved people so profoundly.” It also topped the charts as the #1 most-watched OTT show in India for the week of March 30 – April 5, 2026 (Ormax). About JioHotstar JioHotstar is one of India’s leading streaming platforms, formed through the coming together of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. With an unparalleled content catalogue, innovative technology, and a commitment to accessibility, JioHotstar aims to redefine entertainment for everyone across India." --

Post

Akshay Kumar Craves Parathas Late at Night, Shares His Love for Parathas 14th April 2026, Mumbai: On Wheel of Fortune, the ‘khana-peena’ themed puzzle round turned delightful as Akshay Kumar opened up about his fondness for parathas. While interacting with contestants Sadeev Singh, Gurpreet Singh Tikku, and Karandeep Singh, Akshay spoke about his eating habits, sharing that he generally avoids eating after 7 PM. However, he admitted that there are times when cravings take over, especially for something as comforting as parathas. He shared that instead of waking up his wife or the household help late at night, he prefers heading to the kitchen himself and making parathas. Adding a nostalgic touch, Akshay fondly recalled moments from his childhood, talking about how he and his father would often eat together without realising how many parathas they had consumed. He said, “jab main aur mere dad, saath mein parathe khaate the, aur jab hum aadha-aadha karke khaate the, humein pata hi nahi chalta tha ki kab 10–12 parathe kha jaate the.” He also mentioned that ajwain ke parathe are among his personal favourites, adding a warm and homely touch to the conversation. The moment brought a sense of familiarity and nostalgia to the episode, turning a simple food themed segment into a heartfelt reflection on memories, habits, and comfort food. Watch Wheel of Fortune, Monday to Friday at 9:00 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV.

Post

National, 13.04.2026: Artifex Bride, an Artifex Fine collection by Kindred Lubeck, makes its debut during NYC Bridal Week, April 9. The debut collection comprises seven engagement rings and five bridal pieces. Seven is an auspicious number for Kindred, and a deliberate place to begin. Historically, Kindred has focused solely on one-of-a-kind pieces, the most recent of which were auctioned at Sotheby's. After widespread attention following Taylor Swift's engagement, Lubeck faced pressure to release a bridal line immediately. But Kindred moves with intention. This capsule is the result of months of design development and careful stone selection. It marks her first step toward creating accessibility within her notoriously exclusive brand, which normally services only ten commissions per year. Kindred's approach to stone selection is deeply intuitive. The entire collection is built around antique cuts, the so-called candlelight diamonds with big, chunky facets that catch and hold the light in a way modern stones simply don't. She sorted through hundreds of natural diamonds with warm, desert tones and chose seven that she felt were the most timeless and relevant. Her particular fondness for the elongated old mine cushion comes down to two things: the elegance of the shape, and the romantic intrigue of antique cutting. As demand for Kindred's work has grown, custom commissions have become increasingly hard to come by. It was important to her to create an avenue for people to find her work in the bridal category. Her limited drop model means an Artifex piece will always be rare, but no waitlist or custom order is required to get one. While the engagement rings are ready-to-ship, the five bridal pieces will be made-to-order in limited quantities. Featuring an engraved tennis bracelet and hoop earrings, these bridal pieces mark new territory for the brand. Kindred intended to create jewelry that could be worn the day of, and every day after that, a reflection of the modern bride's desire to invest in pieces that transcend the wedding day. The collection brings signature engraved elements to new categories; though varied in form, all the pieces have intricate, handcrafted techniques that are core to Kindred's aesthetic and background as a goldsmith. The names of the pieces are inspired by Kindred's visits to Italy and France, where she felt particularly connected to the old world. Kindred has retained full ownership of Artifex since its inception, because creative control is central to everything she does. That independence shapes how the brand grows, deliberately and on her own terms. Looking ahead, she plans to release a limited bridal collection on a quarterly basis, each one a continuation of the same obsessive attention to stone and craft that defines every Artifex piece. Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XDog6B5a4DGNRk69t14VlGQ_-rbItzec?usp=sharing

Post

“When the Drum Speaks, the Land Listens” — ‘SuraSura’ from Nagabandham Out on April 19 The momentum around the much-awaited pan-India spectacle Nagabandham continues to intensify as the makers gear up to unveil the film’s second single, ‘SuraSura’, on April 19. After the phenomenal response to the teaser and the chartbuster track Namo Re, the new song promises to elevate the musical and visual experience to an electrifying new level. Carrying the powerful essence of rhythm, energy, and tribal spirit, ‘SuraSura’ is set to be a pulsating anthem that echoes with raw beats and cultural intensity. With the tagline “When the drum speaks, the land listens”, the track invites audiences to immerse themselves in a larger-than-life celebration of sound, movement, and mysticism. Backed by NIK Studios and Abhishek Pictures, Nagabandham has already created significant buzz nationwide with its unique blend of mythology and modern storytelling. Directed by Abhishek Nama and produced by Kishore Annapreddy and Nishitha Nagireddy, the film promises a cinematic spectacle rooted in India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The film stars Virat Karrna, Rishabh Sawhney, Nabha Natesh, Ishwarya Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Jagapathi Babu in powerful roles that are expected to resonate with audiences across regions. The music, composed by the dynamic duo Junaid Kumar and Abhe, has already struck a chord with listeners, and SuraSura is poised to further amplify the film’s musical success. With each new reveal, Nagabandham continues to build anticipation for its grand theatrical release on July 3, 2026. As the countdown begins, ‘SuraSura’ stands as the next big milestone—promising not just a song, but an experience that celebrates rhythm, roots, and raw cinematic energy.

Post

From Sai Baba Stories to Social Truths: Aushim Khetarpal Brings ‘Children of God’ to the Big Screen Aushim Khetarpal’s ‘Children of God’ Poster Out; Sai Baba Creator Champions a Bold Social Narrative Aushim Khetarpal Backs ‘Children of God’; Sai Baba Filmmaker Turns Spotlight on Identity and Acceptance The first poster of the upcoming Hindi film Children of God has been unveiled, marking a significant new chapter for Aushim Khetarpal—widely known for his work on Sai Baba–based films and television content. With this project, Khetarpal shifts from spiritual storytelling to a hard-hitting social narrative, bringing focus to themes of identity, rejection, and acceptance within the LGBTQIA+ community. The film has been made under the guidance of Aushim Khetarpal—an actor and spiritual influencer known for backing socially relevant cinema. He has also been associated with projects based on Sai Baba, reflecting his inclination towards meaningful and inspirational storytelling. Speaking about the film, Khetarpal said, “Children of God is not just a film—it represents countless unheard voices. It highlights that identity is not defined by society but discovered within. Accepting oneself is the greatest act of courage.” Directed by Ashish Saxena, the film tells the story of Amit, a young man who faces rejection from his family and society due to his identity. In search of survival and anonymity, he moves to Bhopal, where he finds acceptance within a transgender community and begins to embrace his true self as Amita. However, just as life begins to offer hope, a betrayal threatens to disrupt his journey, until a chance encounter with a mentor helps him rediscover inner strength and self-worth. The screenplay and dialogues are penned by Rajan Lyallpuri, while the music has been composed by Raja Ali, Rupesh Mishra, and Akshay Raju Saxena. The film features Aushim Khetarpal along with Akash Verma, who plays the dual role of Amit/Amita, and Raadhika Khetarpal in the lead. The supporting cast includes Sarthak Kapoor, Prince Rajeev, NK Singh, Bhavya Singh, Raj Chaudhary, Ranesha Agarwal, Abhishek Sinha, Shobhna Khatri, and Annu Sharma. Positioned as a social drama with elements of inspiration and coming-of-age storytelling, Children of God aims to highlight issues of identity, dignity, and human rights through an emotionally engaging narrative.

Post

Titan Launches Zero Hour, its Performance Sports Line, with 500M Professional Diver’s Watch National, 10th April, 2026: Titan Watches, India’s most iconic watchmaker furthers India’s ascent in the world of fine watchmaking with the launch of its new sub-brand, Zero Hour. Conceived for extreme conditions, e performance sports segment is defined by precision-driven timepieces where durability, reliability and technical integrity are non-negotiable. A term often associated with the exact moment an operation or mission is set into motion, Zero Hour captures the decisive point between preparation and action, where timing is absolute and permits no margin for error. The philosophy finds expression in the launch of the 500M professional Diver’s Automatic Watch unveiled against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Sea in Goa. Born at the intersection of precision engineering, enduring performance and the spirit of exploration, the 500M professional Diver’s Automatic Watch defined this new chapter. The collection features twelve distinct timepieces each crafted to perform across depths ranging from 100M to 500M. Divers Watch Image 1Divers Watch Image 2 At the pinnacle of the collections’ depth capability lies the Titan 500M Professional Diver’s timepiece. Built as a true tool watch for extreme underwater performance, the 500M Professional Diver’s watch meets ISO 6425, the global standard for professional dive watches while embodying Titan’s growing mastery in mechanical horology. At the core lies Titan’s in-house automatic Calibre 7AC0, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). Regulated to an accuracy of –10/+30 seconds per day, the calibre offers a reliable performance even in the most challenging conditions. Beyond the surface where pressure intensifies and precision is paramount, the Titan 500M Professional Diver finds its form. At 15.5 mm in thickness, the case is constructed from Grade 2 Titanium, built to withstand the rigours of deep diving while retaining a refined equilibrium on the wrist. Every element is calibrated to ensure uncompromised sealing and structural integrity. A 120-click unidirectional bezel secured by an Aqua Lock mechanism, ensures accurate time tracking even under prolonged underwater pressure. The sapphire crystal insert lends resilience while the dial protected by a sapphire crystal with triple-layer anti-reflective coating, remains clear and composed in shifting light. In these environments, legibility is crucial. This is achieved through bold hands treated with Super-LumiNova X1 grade lume which come alive with a distinctive blue-green glow, ensuring clarity that persists long after the light begins to fade. Extending the language of the case, the timepiece is paired with Grade 2 Titanium bracelet defined by links inspired by the Titan logo. An additional FKM strap introduces a more flexible, relaxed expression. Both bracelet and strap are equipped with a quick-release system, enabling effortless interchangeability. Speaking at the launch, Rahul Shukla, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Titan Watches, Titan Company Limited, said, “For over four decades, Titan has shaped Indian watchmaking, through design, craftsmanship and a spirit of innovation. With the introduction of Zero Hour, we take a decisive step into the sports and performance watch segment, expanding the boundaries of what we create and stand for. As Titan’s first 500-meter automatic diver, built to ISO 6425 standards, this made in India for the world timepiece reflects our growing capability in mechanical watchmaking and high precision engineering. It is an important milestone in our ongoing pursuit to position Indian horology among the world’s leading watchmaking traditions” Titan Watches and Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) have collaborated to bring together the brand’s design and watchmaking innovation with PADI’s global authority in diving, adding authenticity, cultural relevance and aspiration to Titan’s Diver's portfolio. With access to a vast diving ecosystem, expertise, and community, the collaboration unfolds through immersive, experience-led storytelling that captures the spirit of the ocean, adventure, and exploration, resonating with not just divers but anyone inspired by that mindset. Limited to 500 units each across two variants of the Titan 500M Professional Diver’s timepiece, the collection is envisioned for collectors, connoisseurs and those Ready for the Unknown. The 500M limited edition watches are priced between INR 75,995 – INR 77,995 and the 300M Automatic, 200M and 100M watches are starting from INR 15,795. The collection is available at Titan World stores, large format retail destinations, premium watch retailers, e-commerce platforms and online at www.titan.co.in