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  • Jaipur Design Week 2026 Ends on High Note with Innovation & Talent at JKLU

    Jaipur Design Week 2026 Ends on High Note with Innovation & Talent at JKLU

    Jaipur, April 2026: JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) successfully concluded Jaipur Design Week 2026, held from April 4 to April 11 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, under the theme *Make it Max*. Over the course of the week, the campus transformed into a vibrant, living laboratory where students, educators, and practitioners came together to engage in immersive, design-led dialogue, experimentation, and collaboration.

    The event opened with a keynote address and workshop by acclaimed animation film director Suresh Eriyat, followed by engaging creative sessions with artist Abhijit Paul and Microsoft Senior UX Designer Bindiya Mutum. The day also featured a stand-up comedy performance on design, *Bheda Fry*, by designer Chandrashekhar Bheda, blending humor with creative insight.

    Welcoming participants, Dr. Vijaysekhar Chellaboina, Vice Chancellor of JKLU, remarked, “Jaipur Design Week 2026 has once again demonstrated how design education can extend beyond classrooms to become a collaborative, lived experience that nurtures responsible and future-ready creators.”

    A key highlight of the week was the ThoughtSpot series, which brought together industry leaders and practitioners including Tanu Sinha of PepsiCo India, designers Paul Sandip, Suhasini Paul, and Gajesh Mitkari. The series also featured the launch of a book on Jawaja by Ashoke Chatterjee, sparking conversations around design, culture, storytelling, and social impact.

    The Open Studios segment offered immersive electives led by renowned puppeteer Padma Shri Dadi Pudumjee, alongside experts such as Margie Sastry, Radhika Gupta, Kavya Agarwal, and Jishnu Roy. Additionally, hands-on workshops conducted by Ayush Kasliwal, Sudebi Thakurata, and Sumit Baruah explored diverse aspects of design through intensive three-hour sessions.

    Continuing its tradition of recognizing emerging talent, Jaipur Design Week 2026 honored Mubassirah Khalid Khatri—the first female Ajrakh artisan and a Forbes India 30 Under 30 honoree—with the Emerging Designer of the Year Award.

    This year’s edition reaffirmed Jaipur Design Week’s role as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary learning, critical inquiry, and creative collaboration. By bringing together voices from animation, UX design, industrial practice, branding, puppetry, and craft, the event fostered an environment where ideas were actively explored, tested, and reimagined.

    Reflecting on the success of the event, A. Balasubramaniam, Director of the Institute of Design at JKLU, said, “This edition of JDW highlighted the power of interdisciplinary thinking, where craft, technology, and storytelling intersect to redefine design in a contemporary context.”

    As the week concluded, it left behind a strengthened community of emerging designers and thought leaders, a renewed commitment to socially responsive design practices, and a shared vision for building more inclusive, innovative, and culturally grounded futures through design.

  • Coto Unveils Joy Bot: AI Companion Built on 3 Million Minutes of Human Conversations

    Coto Unveils Joy Bot: AI Companion Built on 3 Million Minutes of Human Conversations

    • Built on 3 million minutes of real human conversations, Joy Bot sets a new benchmark in safe and responsible AI 

    Coto, an AI-first emotional wellness platform offering real-time consultations across tarot, astrology, energy healing, therapy, and meditation, has unveiled its latest innovation — Joy Bot. Positioned as India’s first belief-adaptive AI companion, the tool is designed to align its responses with each user’s belief system, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

    A New Approach to AI in Emotional Wellness

    As AI-driven wellness platforms continue to expand, Joy Bot stands apart with its intentional design philosophy. Instead of amplifying AI’s influence in emotional decision-making, the system introduces structured limitations, focusing on clarity, safety, and emotional containment.

    Unlike conventional AI chatbots, Joy Bot avoids open-ended conversations and unsolicited advice. It operates as a structured clarity system, delivering precise, context-based insights through a card-style format that keeps interactions focused and relevant.

    Built on Real Human Experiences, Not Generic Data

    At the heart of Joy Bot lies a powerful foundation — over 3 million minutes of real conversations between users and expert practitioners across tarot, astrology, energy healing, and emotional wellness.

    This human-centric dataset enables the AI to move beyond simple pattern recognition and develop a deeper understanding of emotional nuance, context, and real-life situations.

    Advanced Intelligence with 20 Billion+ Unique Configurations

    Joy Bot’s proprietary intelligence engine is designed to deliver highly personalized outputs. It operates across:

    • 19 oracle and tarot systems
    • 8 key life domains
    • 80+ granular human situations

    Each interaction is shaped by four layers of personalization — structural, psychological, astrological, and contextual signals — resulting in over 20 billion unique configurations. This ensures that every response is tailored to the user’s emotional state, life stage, and circumstances.

    Belief-Adaptive Engine: Personalized Guidance for Every Mindset

    One of Joy Bot’s most defining features is its belief adaptation engine. The system dynamically adjusts its interpretive framework based on whether a user is:

    • Faith-driven
    • Spiritually inclined
    • Science-first

    This allows the same question to be addressed through different perspectives while preserving the integrity of the underlying wisdom systems.

    Safety-First Design with 30 Guardrails

    In emotionally sensitive contexts, safety is critical. Joy Bot integrates a 30-guardrail system built through simulated real-world scenarios. This enables the AI to:

    • Detect emotional distress signals
    • Pause or exit conversations when needed
    • Prevent harmful or overreaching responses

    The focus is clear: prioritize user safety over engagement metrics.

    Human-in-the-Loop: AI That Complements, Not Replaces

    Coto combines AI accessibility with human expertise through a human-in-the-loop model. The platform is supported by a network of 300+ vetted experts across wellness domains.

    Users can seamlessly transition from AI interactions to human guidance whenever deeper emotional support is required, ensuring a balanced and responsible ecosystem.

    Leadership Perspective

    Commenting on the launch, Tarun Katial, Founder and CEO of coto, said:

    “Joy Bot is built on 3 million minutes of real human conversations, giving it a fundamentally different starting point from most AI systems. It is designed to understand context, not just queries, and respond with precision rather than volume. As AI becomes more embedded in emotionally sensitive areas, the real question is not how much it can do, but what it should not do.”

    He further emphasized that Joy Bot’s multilingual capabilities and culturally aware design represent a more thoughtful approach to scaling AI in emotional wellness.

    AI Built with AI: Scalable, Intelligent, and Responsible

    Joy Bot has been developed using Coto’s proprietary dataset of expert-led interactions, including both positive and negative user journeys. AI has also been leveraged in building and refining the product, enhancing both its scalability and intelligence.

    Redefining Emotional Wellness Through Responsible AI

    With Joy Bot, Coto is not just launching another AI tool — it is redefining how technology can be used in emotionally sensitive spaces. By combining human insight, structured AI design, and strong safety mechanisms, the platform sets a new standard for responsible innovation in emotional wellness.

  • “Nervous Nahi Lag Rahi…”—Shehnaaz Gill’s Cute Yet Confident Comeback Wins Hearts

    “Nervous Nahi Lag Rahi…”—Shehnaaz Gill’s Cute Yet Confident Comeback Wins Hearts

    Punjabi superstar Shehnaaz Gill continues to win hearts not just with her screen presence, but with the way she handles moments—especially the unsolicited ones.

    In a recent video, a comment about her “looking a little nervous” could’ve easily turned into an overanalyzed conversation. But Shehnaaz, staying true to form, flipped the narrative in her own signature style. Responding directly, she said, “Nervous toh nahi lag rahi… aur bahut sundar lag rahi hai… ekdum princesses.”

    Classic Shehnaaz—equal parts reassurance, sass, and self-love.

    Instead of denying, explaining, or overcompensating, she owned the moment with a lightness that felt both disarming and empowering. It wasn’t just a comeback—it was a mood. A gentle, cheeky reminder that sometimes, the best way to respond is to simply back yourself… with a smile.

    As she continues to evolve in the public eye, it’s this effortless authenticity that keeps audiences hooked. No filters, no fuss—just Shehnaaz being unapologetically Shehnaaz.

    Up next, she’ll be seen in her upcoming film Ishqnama, set to release on July 24.

  • Stanford Seed to Host “Building a Company That Scales” Leadership Session in Indore

    Stanford Seed to Host “Building a Company That Scales” Leadership Session in Indore

    Indore, 2026: The Stanford Graduate School of Business, through its Stanford Seed initiative, will host a high-impact leadership session titled “Building a Company That Scales” in Indore on April 16 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The session is designed to support founders and CEOs of growth-stage companies as they transition from founder-led operations to institutionally scalable enterprises.

    The event will feature insights from Niranjan Nagar, Stanford Seed Coach, who will share practical, real-world lessons on building and scaling companies. This will be followed by an overview of the Stanford Seed Transformation Program (STP) by Harish Arnezath, Regional Director, Stanford Seed South Asia. Together, the speakers will offer actionable guidance on strengthening leadership capabilities, refining strategic direction, and building robust systems essential for sustained growth.

    The session will address key challenges faced by growth-stage companies, particularly in evolving from entrepreneurial ventures into structured, scalable organizations. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on leadership development, strategic execution, and operational scalability. The event will also feature insights from past participants who have successfully leveraged the program to accelerate their business growth.

    Targeted at founders and CEOs of companies with revenues between $300K and $15 million, the session will provide an in-depth understanding of the 10-month Seed Transformation Program. Participants will also benefit from exposure to global business frameworks and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

    “As entrepreneurs navigate increasingly complex growth journeys, access to the right frameworks, networks, and perspectives becomes critical. Through Stanford Seed, we aim to empower founders to build resilient, scalable organizations that create lasting impact,” said Harish Arnezath, Regional Director, Stanford Seed South Asia.

    Stanford Seed continues to play a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurial excellence across emerging markets by equipping business leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to build sustainable, high-impact enterprises.

    Event Registration Link: https://o.anaxee.com/stanford-indore-16apr

  • Usha Financial Services Expands UP Network to 30+ Branches for MSME Loans

    Usha Financial Services Expands UP Network to 30+ Branches for MSME Loans

    New Delhi, 12 April 2025: Usha Financial Services Limited (NSE SME: USHAFIN), a listed Non-Banking Financial Company registered with the Reserve Bank of India, has announced a strategic expansion of its MSME lending operations in Uttar Pradesh.

     

  • Kailash IVF Marks One Year of Delivering Advanced, Personalized Fertility Care

    Kailash IVF Marks One Year of Delivering Advanced, Personalized Fertility Care

    Noida, 11th April 2026: Kailash IVF, the fertility centre under Kailash Healthcare, has completed a successful year of providing advanced, ethical, and patient-centric fertility care, marking a significant milestone in its journey to support couples on their path to parenthood.

    Over the past year, the centre has managed a substantial volume of IVF cycles and has performed approximately 150 embryo transfers, with clinical pregnancy rates ranging between 85% and 90%, which are above global benchmarks. The centre attributes these outcomes to individualized treatment protocols, advanced embryology techniques, and a strong focus on quality over quantity.

    Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Uma Sharma, Chairperson, Kailash Healthcare, said, “Completing one year of Kailash IVF is an important milestone. Our vision has always been to combine clinical excellence with compassionate care, ensuring every couple receives the highest standard of fertility treatment. We will continue to invest in technology, expertise, and access so that more families can experience the joy of parenthood.”

    Dr. Rini Sharma, Director, Kailash IVF, Noida, said, “This year has reinforced our belief that fertility care must be deeply personalized. We have treated many complex cases, including patients with repeated IVF failures, poor ovarian reserve, and underlying metabolic concerns. By tailoring stimulation protocols, improving embryo selection, and optimizing the endometrium, we have been able to achieve successful pregnancies even in challenging situations.”

    Adding to this, Dr Monika Gupta, Center head, Kailash IVF said “One such case involved a patient with multiple failed IVF attempts, poor ovarian reserve, and metabolic complications. Through a carefully customized approach that combined advanced embryo selection and individualized treatment planning, the patient achieved a successful pregnancy, underscoring the importance of precision-driven fertility care.”

    Dr. Kartik Sharma, Managing Director, Kailash Healthcare, said, “The first year of Kailash IVF has been an encouraging beginning, reflecting our commitment to making fertility care more accessible, advanced, and compassionate. As we mark this milestone, we are also looking at ways to further support couples through thoughtfully designed care options and patient-focused initiatives. We remain dedicated to combining medical excellence with affordability and trust, so more families can move closer to their dream of parenthood.”

    Experts at Kailash IVF note that infertility in India is rising due to a combination of medical and lifestyle factors, including delayed childbearing, stress, sedentary habits, poor diet, obesity, pollution, toxin exposure, and hormonal or metabolic disorders. In addition, male infertility has become a serious problem as it constitutes around 30-40% of all infertility problems. Poor sperm quality, smoking, drinking, stress, pollutants, heat, and various metabolic disorders have been identified as causes behind rising male infertility cases, thus stressing the importance of testing both partners equally.

    The centre has also embraced newer technologies that are helping improve IVF outcomes. These include technologies such as time-lapse embryo monitoring, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), advanced vitrification methods for better embryo survival, personalized stimulation protocols based on ovarian reserve, and AI-assisted embryo grading systems. Together, these innovations are enabling more accurate embryo selection and better clinical decision-making.

    Beyond conditions such as PCOS and PCOD, the team notes that couples often seek IVF for conditions such as endometriosis, tubal blockage, diminished ovarian reserve, male infertility (including low sperm count, poor motility, and other sperm-related issues), recurrent pregnancy loss, and unexplained infertility.

    To mark its first-year anniversary, Kailash IVF is also set to introduce a limited-period one-month offer for couples seeking treatment. The offer includes a single-cycle IVF treatment with self-gametes, consultations, ultrasounds, and injections included within the package, at a price of INR 1.35 lakh.
    Kailash IVF continues to strive towards helping more couples achieve their dream of parenthood through innovation, expertise, and personalized care.

    About Kailash IVF

    Kailash IVF, a part of the Kailash Healthcare Group, is a dedicated fertility centre offering advanced reproductive treatments and personalized care. Equipped with modern technology and expert specialists, it provides comprehensive services such as IVF, ICSI, fertility preservation, and specialized treatments for both female and male infertility.
    With a strong focus on clinical excellence, the centre addresses male infertility concerns including low sperm count, poor motility, hormonal imbalances, and other reproductive health issues through advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies.

    Kailash IVF is committed to delivering ethical, accessible, and patient-centric fertility solutions, ensuring holistic care and support at every step of the journey—helping couples confidently achieve their dream of parenthood.
    About Kailash Healthcare Ltd

    Kailash Healthcare Ltd is a trusted and leading network of nine multi-specialty and super-specialty hospitals, including a dedicated Health Village, an Ayurvedic Hospital, and a Wellness Centre across Delhi-NCR and Uttarakhand. For over 40 years, Kailash Healthcare has been synonymous with quality, ethics, and compassionate service, staying true to its belief that “We heal lives, not just patients.” With a combined capacity of over 2,200 beds and a team of 800+ specialists, the Group continues to set new benchmarks in advanced medical infrastructure and patient care. Its flagship facility, Kailash Hospital, Sector 27, Noida, is a 325-bed NABH-accredited tertiary care hospital, offering comprehensive diagnostic, surgical, and emergency services. The Group’s advanced Kailash Hospital, Sector 71, Noida, stands as a centre of excellence in neurology, cardiology, and robotic joint replacement, reflecting Kailash Healthcare’s commitment to bringing world-class technology closer to the community.

    Guided by its founding vision of “Bringing World-Class Healthcare Within Everyone’s Reach,” Kailash Healthcare remains dedicated to healing with compassion, integrity, and innovation.

  • Book Discussion on The Power of Ayurveda & Yoga by Anita Dua

    Book Discussion on The Power of Ayurveda & Yoga by Anita Dua

    India International Centre, New Delhi | 11 April 2026: The India International Centre hosted an engaging and insightful book discussion on The Power of Ayurveda & Yoga, authored by Anita Dua, and published by Shubhi Publications.

    The event brought together eminent voices from the fields of Ayurveda and yoga, including Dr. Devendra Triguna, Dr. Ananthram Sharma PV, and Bijoylaxmi Hota, alongside the author herself. The discussion explored the relevance of traditional Indian knowledge systems in contemporary life.

    The book presents Ayurveda as the science of longevity, explaining health as a natural state of balance and ease. It describes disease as a condition of being “not at ease,” arising from a disconnect with our inherent nature. A key theme highlighted during the discussion was the Ayurvedic belief that illness stems from the “mistakes of the intellect,” where individuals ignore natural rhythms and disciplined living—such as proper sleep, mindful eating, and regular physical activity.

    Speakers emphasized how Ayurveda and yoga, when practiced together, offer a holistic approach to well-being, integrating body, mind, and spirit. They also reflected on the growing global relevance of these ancient practices in addressing modern lifestyle-related health challenges.

    The session concluded with an interactive exchange with the audience, reaffirming the importance of returning to balanced living and conscious awareness as pathways to health and happiness.

  • Orbis International Convenes India Partners Meet 2026 to Advance Sustainable and Resilient Eye Care

    Orbis International Convenes India Partners Meet 2026 to Advance Sustainable and Resilient Eye Care

    • Orbis Released Key Knowledge Resources Including Coffee Table Book which encompasses 25 life transforming stories, Orbis in India – Alignment with SDGs, and Carbon Footprint Assessment Report
    • Healthcare Sector Accounts for Nearly 5% of Global Emissions, Underscoring Need for Greener Eye Care Models
    • Green Vision Centres Help Avoid 610,107 kgCO₂e in FY24, Rising to 689,179 kgCO₂e in FY25
    • Community-Based Eye Care Expands Reach as GVC Patient Coverage Grows from 75,520 to 93,483

    Gurugram, April 11th, 2026: Orbis International convened its India Partners Meet 2026 in Gurugram on April 10–11, bringing together leading healthcare institutions, policymakers, experts, and partners to accelerate collaborative efforts toward eliminating avoidable blindness. Anchored in the theme “Empowering Eye Care Institutions for a Green & Resilient Future,” the two-day convening focused on strengthening partnerships, driving innovation, and building sustainable, future-ready eye care systems across India.

    The meet brought together leading institutions, including the Public Health Foundation of India and LV Prasad Eye Institute, along with experts such as Dr. Rajiv Kumar and Dr. Raj Shankar Ghosh, reflecting a strong cross-sector commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to quality vision services for underserved populations.

    The agenda featured keynote addresses, expert-led sessions, and partner discussions reflecting on progress in eye health and the growing importance of collaboration in addressing emerging challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and healthcare resilience. A dedicated session on Climate Resilient Eye Health underscored the need to integrate environmental sustainability into healthcare delivery, alongside discussions on green healthcare infrastructure, energy efficiency, and climate impact assessment tools for eye care facilities. The convening also saw the release of key knowledge resources, including Coffee Table Book which encompasses 25 life transforming stories, the report on Orbis in India – alignment with SDGs, and the Carbon Footprint Assessment Report.

    Over the two-day convening, discussions underscored the growing impact of sustainable eye care models and the need to integrate environmental considerations into healthcare delivery. With the health sector contributing nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, participants highlighted the importance of greener approaches to expanding access to care. Community-based Green Vision Centres (GVCs) were cited as a key example of this impact, bringing quality eye care closer to communities while reducing patient travel. In FY 2023–24, GVC-enabled services helped avoid 610,107 kgCO₂e emissions, which increased to 689,179 kgCO₂e in FY 2024–25. Vision centre screenings accounted for 24% of avoided emissions in FY 2023–24, rising to 28% in FY 2024–25, while patient coverage through GVCs increased from 75,520 to 93,483 during the same period, demonstrating how community-based eye care can expand access while supporting climate-conscious healthcare delivery.

    Speaking at the event virtually, Kathleen Sherwin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Orbis International, said: “As the global burden of avoidable vision loss continues to affect millions, the need for resilient and collaborative health systems has never been greater. India has the opportunity to lead by example by integrating sustainability with innovation and strong partnerships. Convenings like this enable us to co-create solutions that are scalable, impactful, and built for the future.”

    Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director, Orbis (India), added, “This Partners Meet reflects our commitment to strengthening eye care systems that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to emerging challenges such as climate change. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we are fostering collaboration that translates into real impact by expanding access to quality eye care for communities that need it the most.”

    Participants also engaged in experience-sharing sessions on sustainable practices, including case studies from leading eye care institutions showcasing scalable models for environmentally responsible healthcare delivery. Sessions on Institutionalizing Green Eye Health and Adaptive Leadership in a Changing Climate underscored the importance of governance, leadership, and innovation in building resilient health systems.

    In addition, the meet addressed key priorities such as strengthening primary eye care, enhancing quality assurance, and building human resources for eye health—critical to ensuring long-term, equitable access to vision care services across India.

    The meet concluded with a collective Call to Action, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in advancing equitable eye care and outlining a shared vision for scaling sustainable and resilient eye health systems nationwide.

    About Orbis International

     Orbis International works around the world to prevent blindness and restore sight for children and adults in places where eye care is out of reach so vision problems don’t make it harder to learn, earn a living, or enjoy life. Around 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, but with the right care, 90% of it is completely avoidable. That is why Orbis trains doctors, nurses, and other eye care professionals to provide care in their own communities—and works to make sure people of all ages can access the eye exams, glasses, medicine, and surgeries they need to protect and restore their sight. Orbis began this work more than 40 years ago with the Flying Eye Hospital, a teaching hospital on a plane that brings expert training and care where they’re needed most. Today, we also work with local hospitals and clinics across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to make eye care available to more people, and we use and develop technology—like our award-winning Cybersight e-learning and telehealth platform, artificial intelligence screening, and virtual reality training—to help eye care teams treat patients more effectively. Orbis ranks in the top 3% of U.S. charities, having earned top marks for transparency and accountability from Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau. To learn more, please visit orbis.org.

    Orbis in India is part of Orbis International, an international nonprofit dedicated to building strong and sustainable eye care systems so that everyone can access the eye care they need to thrive. In India since 1988, with a country office established in Delhi in 2000, Orbis focuses on preventing and treating avoidable blindness—especially among children—through community-based programs, capacity building, training of eye care teams, and strategic partnerships across the country. Our work covers pediatric eye care, primary eye care, human resources for eye health, and quality assurance, helping expand quality vision services to underserved populations.

  • Mimi Chakraborty inaugurates AZORTE’s tech-driven fashion store in Kolkata

    Mimi Chakraborty inaugurates AZORTE’s tech-driven fashion store in Kolkata

    Kolkata, 10th April, 2026: Following its successful expansion across India, Reliance Retail’s premium fashion and lifestyle brand AZORTE marked its entry into Kolkata with the launch of its first-ever standalone high-street store in the country. Located on Elgin Road, this new destination furthered AZORTE’s vision of redefining fashion retail through a seamless blend of technology, inclusivity, and contemporary design.

    Spanning an expansive two-storey retail space of over 10,000 sq. ft., the Kolkata store introduced an extensive curation across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, and accessories. Featuring reimagined classics crafted with superior quality, the collection reflected a conscious approach to fashion with sustainable and elevated choices designed to transition effortlessly from AM to PM. Each silhouette was thoughtfully created to complement evolving lifestyles while embracing a forward-looking, responsible fashion ethos. The store was inaugurated by acclaimed actress Mimi Chakraborty, alongside Nitin Sehgal, CEO, AZORTE at Reliance Retail, celebrating Kolkata’s vibrant and fashion-forward spirit.

    Positioned as India’s only neostore for fashion, AZORTE continued to encourage individuality and self-expression through a welcoming and immersive retail environment. The Kolkata store integrated state-of-the-art interiors with advanced technology, including RFID and QR code-enabled systems for efficient inventory management, ensuring product availability across sizes. It also featured smart trial rooms offering contextual product recommendations and an enhanced fitting experience, along with self check-out counters that enabled a seamless and time-efficient shopping journey.

    Mimi Chakraborty also interacted with fans during the launch and explored the collection, marking AZORTE’s arrival in the city with a strong cultural connect. With the launch of its Kolkata store, AZORTE will now operate across 42 stores pan India, hence continuing its mission to deliver engaging, cutting-edge, highly functional and fashionable retail experiences across.

     

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    Celebrating the significance of this milestone, Nitin Sehgal, CEO, AZORTE at Reliance Retail, commented, “India’s premier retail destination, Kolkata, has been an integral part of AZORTE’s expansion strategy since inception. With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, the city offers immense potential for growth. We are excited to bring our extensive curation to consumers who are open to experimenting and expressing themselves through fashion.”

    Store Address: AZORTE, Reliance Retail Limited, GF, 1st & 2nd Floor, Elgin Rd, PO Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020

    Timings: 10 am – 10 pm

    About AZORTE:

    AZORTE redefines high-street fashion by blending contemporary Indian and international trends, giving Gen Z the freedom to express their unique style. From statement-making pieces to reinvented classics, AZORTE ensures that fashion remains an extension of one’s evolving identity.

  • Vijay’s Jana Nayagan controversy timeline: Court battles, delays & leak shock

    Vijay’s Jana Nayagan controversy timeline: Court battles, delays & leak shock

    Vijay’s political action thriller Jana Nayagan continues to face mounting controversies, with its censorship battle showing no signs of resolution. Adding to the chaos, a 5-minute clip from the film recently surfaced online, intensifying the situation further.

    As the film’s release remains uncertain, here’s a complete timeline of the ongoing censorship row.

    Teaser Launch Sparks Buzz

    In June last year, on Vijay’s 51st birthday, the makers unveiled the first teaser of Jana Nayagan, creating massive anticipation. Vijay also shared a new poster, further boosting excitement among fans.

    CBFC Demands 27 Cuts

    In late December, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted certification with a condition—27 scenes had to be cut. The board cited concerns over religious sentiments and alleged misrepresentation of the armed forces.

    The producers agreed to the cuts and proceeded to release the trailer on January 3.

    Fresh Review Triggers Legal Trouble

    Days before the scheduled January 9 release, the film hit a roadblock. The CBFC informed the Madras High Court that Jana Nayagan would undergo re-examination by a newly appointed censor committee, even after revisions were made.

    Producers Move Court Against CBFC

    On January 5, the producers filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking certification, citing financial investments and release commitments.

    High Court Grants Temporary Relief

    On January 9, the Madras High Court directed the CBFC to issue a U/A 16+ certificate, allowing the film to move closer to release.

    Relief Put on Hold

    Soon after, the order was stayed when the CBFC filed an appeal. The board argued that referring the film to a revising committee was justified, leading to further delays in release.

    Producer Breaks Silence

    Producer Venkat K Narayana addressed fans in a video message, thanking them for their patience and support.

    He acknowledged the overwhelming response but stated that legal constraints limited what could be disclosed publicly.

    Case Reaches Supreme Court

    The makers approached the Supreme Court of India over delays affecting the Pongal release. However, the court declined to intervene and directed them back to the High Court.

    January 20 Hearing Delays Verdict

    After prolonged arguments on January 20, the Division Bench of the Madras High Court deferred its verdict, keeping the film’s release on hold.

    Case Sent for Fresh Hearing

    The High Court later remanded the case for a fresh hearing, stating that the CBFC had not been given adequate time to file its response.

    Election Concerns Add New Hurdle

    The CBFC reportedly consulted the Election Commission of India due to the film’s political content and its potential impact on the Tamil Nadu elections.

    Demand to Delay Release Till Elections

    A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed, urging authorities to postpone the film’s release until after the elections, citing concerns over political influence.

    5-Minute Clip Leak Creates Fresh Trouble

    On April 9, several high-quality clips from Jana Nayagan leaked on social media. One widely circulated clip reportedly featured Vijay’s introduction scene.

    Makers Take Legal Action

    Within hours of the leak, the makers initiated legal proceedings to address the breach and contain further damage.