First VALORANT Campus Cup Champions Crowned On March 30–31, 2026, At Chitkara University, Punjab

* The inaugural VALORANT Campus Cup, held in partnership with JioGames, saw 2,500 teams compete across India’s college campuses; JECRC University, Jaipur takes the national title at a Grand Finale attended by 32 institutions

The VALORANT Campus Cup (VCC) wrapped its inaugural edition with a Grand Finale that brought the best of India’s college gaming scene to a single national stage. Held on March 30–31, 2026, at the JioGames Innovation Centre at Chitkara University, Punjab, the finale saw JECRC University, Jaipur claim the national title, defeating PES University, Bangalore in the deciding match. The programme, a collaboration between Riot Games and JioGames, drew participation from 32 institutions across the country, establishing itself as one of the most substantial structured collegiate esports engagements India has seen to date.

The turnout said it all:

2500 individual player registrations

512 teams competing across campuses nationwide

32 institutions represented at the Grand Finale

~90,000 total views across online and offline broadcast

₹5,00,000 prize pool — ₹2,50,000 for the national champion; ₹1,50,000 for runners-up, and ₹1,00,000 for second runner up

“The VALORANT Campus Cup reinforced a clear shift that grassroots competitive play on Indian campuses is not only growing, it’s becoming more structured and intentional. With 2500 players across 32 institutions, what stood out was the level of preparation and competitive mindset players brought to the tournament.

Campuses are increasingly becoming the starting point for the next generation of VALORANT talent, and VCC showed how strong that pipeline can be when given the right platform. Our focus now is to continue strengthening the grassroots ecosystem, building clearer pathways, and more opportunities for players to compete and grow.” said Anushka Bhatnagar, Publishing Lead at Riot Games.

The initiative was built with ecosystem support from MSI, CyberPowerPC, and Ant Esports, ensuring standardised competitive conditions hardware, infrastructure, and broadcast across every participating campus, regardless of location or size.

All matches were broadcasted live on the JioGames platform and associated digital channels, bringing the competition to audiences well beyond the venue. These matches can be accessed here.

The VALORANT Campus Cup is a grassroots esports programme focused on bringing structured competition directly to college campuses across India and South Asia. Spanning across cities, VCC is built to reach early-stage competitors who represent the next generation of VALORANT players. The programme's core purpose is straightforward: meet players where they are, give them a real competitive format, and strengthen the cultural footprint of the game at the ground level.

About Riot Games

Riot Games was founded in 2006 to develop, publish, and support the most player-focused games in the world. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, which has gone on to be one of the most-played PC games in the world. In the years since, Riot has released VALORANT, Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, League of Legends: Wild Rift, Riftbound and 2XKO. Riot’s titles have led to the creation of some of the most-watched and widely recognized esports in the world, culminating in events like the League of Legends World Championship, VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) and the TFT Open, which are watched by millions of fans each year. Riot has also expanded its IP through multimedia projects across music, comic books, board games, and Arcane, its Emmy-winning animated series.

GE Aerospace Signs Contract With Indian Air Force To Help Establish An In-Country Depot For F404-IN20 Engines

* Facility will enhance in-country repair and overhaul infrastructure supporting sustainment and availability of F404-IN20 engine that powers the Tejas LCA aircraft fleet

GE Aerospace has announced a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to establish an in-country depot facility for the F404 -IN20 engines that power IAF’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fleet. The facility will be set up by the IAF with technical inputs from GE Aerospace and is expected to help India’s indigenous defense sustainment effort. Once operational, the facility will eliminate the need to depend on the overseas repair centers, significantly improving turnaround times.

The depot facility will be owned, operated, and maintained by the Indian Air Force with GE Aerospace providing technical inputs, training, support staff, and the supply of necessary spares and specialized equipment. This collaboration marks the next step in the four decade-long partnership between GE Aerospace and the IAF.

"Our commitment to supporting India’s armed forces continues to guide our collaboration and partnership in expanding local sustainment capabilities of the Tejas fleet," said Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace. "Through the upcoming depot facility, we will support the availability of the F404-IN20 engines for the Indian Air Force, ensuring they have ready access to cutting-edge technology to power their defense needs.”

GE Aerospace is committed to developing India’s aerospace ecosystem, spanning design, development, manufacturing, and sustainment for both commercial and military aviation. For example, 150 engineers have passed out of the company’s local two-year Edison Engineering Development Program which develops engineering leaders. Several skilling initiatives over ten years have helped train over 5000 people with core manufacturing skills at the company’s Pune factory. In September 2025, the GE Aerospace Foundation, in partnership with United Way, launched Next Engineers at Bengaluru, the four-year college and career readiness program that will help 4000 young engineering aspirants.

Other than the Tejas, GE Aerospace engines also power the Indian Navy's P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and MH60R helicopters, as well as the Indian Air Force’s AH-64 Apache helicopters, while LM2500 marine gas turbines provide the power for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and the P-17 Shivalik Class frigates.

About GE Aerospace in India

GE Aerospace has been a partner to India's aviation industry for over 40 years. 1,400 GE Aerospace and partner engines are in service, powering major Indian airlines. GE Aerospace’s defense engines and systems power the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1 and helicopters, and the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier battleships and frigates. Its Pune manufacturing facility and 13 local India partners are part of the company’s global supply chain. Researchers and engineers at the company’s 25-year-old India Technology Centre in Bengaluru are building the latest aviation technologies. Learn more about GE Aerospace in India at geaerospace.com/india

About GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 57,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at geaerospace.com

PhysicsWallah Students Achieve Strong Karnataka 2nd PUC 2026 Results; 220+ Score Above 95%

Students from PhysicsWallah (PW) have delivered strong performances in the Karnataka 2nd PUC Examination 2026, with multiple learners securing top scores across the state. Among the top performers, Dhruvi Ishani S and Ashay Jain have emerged as the highest scorers, each securing an outstanding 594 and 593 respectively out of 600 marks.

In the Karnataka 2nd PUC 2026 examinations, PW students achieved notable outcomes, with 20 students scoring 98% and above, 145 students 96% and above, and 220+ students 95% and above. These students were enrolled in PW’s structured programs designed and aimed at supporting Karnataka board aspirants through a focus on conceptual clarity, regular assessments, and consistent revision.

Speaking on the results, Alakh Pandey, Founder and CEO of PhysicsWallah (PW), said, “We congratulate all students on their performance in the Karnataka II PUC examinations. These results reflect the discipline and consistent effort put in by students. Board exams are an important milestone, and we remain focused on helping learners build strong fundamentals and stay on track in their preparation.”

Sharing her preparation approach, Dhruvi Ishani S said, “I focused on completing the syllabus thoroughly and revising regularly. Solving previous years’ papers helped me understand the exam pattern better. The structured lectures and practice materials from PW helped me stay consistent.” Ashay Jain added, “I made sure to revise concepts multiple times and practice regularly. Mock tests and consistent study routines helped me improve my accuracy and confidence during the exams.”

The Karnataka 2nd PUC examination is a significant academic milestone for students pursuing higher education. These results underscore the growing role of structured academic support and integrated learning platforms in enabling consistent performance outcomes. PhysicsWallah (PW) continues to expand access to education across India through its digital platforms and offline centers, aiming to support learners at scale.

About PhysicsWallah (PW)

PhysicsWallah Limited (PW), an education platform, was founded in 2020 by Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari. Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, PW aims to facilitate education through online, offline and hybrid platforms. Initially launched as a YouTube channel in 2014, PW now offers education to students through its native app, tech-enabled offline and hybrid centres, and YouTube channels. PW’s offerings span various educational segments, including test preparation, a skilling vertical, coaching for higher education, and facilitating education abroad, with programmes available in multiple vernacular languages.

PhysicsWallah Limited was listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and BSE Limited (Bombay Stock Exchange) on November 18, 2025.

The WE Foundation, CGI, And BES Polytechnic Mark A Bright Milestone With Solar Training Graduation In Bengaluru

The association was commemorated with a certification ceremony at the Solar PV Technician Training Centre, marking the successful completion of the training program and celebrating the trainees' achievements.

The WE Foundation (TWF), a leading social impact organization, has partnered with global IT giant CGI and Bangalore’s renowned BES Polytechnic to launch a groundbreaking solar PV installation training program. This initiative aims to bridge the skill gap in the solar energy sector and empower individuals with the necessary skills to contribute to a sustainable future.

The partnership aligns with CGI’s commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, leveraging its expertise to inspire people, strengthen the communities we live in, and contribute to a more sustainable climate. CGI, one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, has reaffirmed its commitment to this cause, working closely with the local community. By joining forces with The WE Foundation and BES Polytechnic, CGI is planning to develop training for professionals in the renewable energy sector. This program aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by creating effective development initiatives that drive tangible green change across sectors.

Key Objectives:

● Skill Development: Equip trainees with the technical expertise required for successful solar PV installations.

● Job Creation: Increase job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

● Environmental Impact: Promote sustainable energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions.

● Social Impact: Empower individuals and communities through skill development and economic empowerment.

The growing demand for renewable energy sources have created a significant need for skilled solar PV technicians. This program has played a vital role by equipping trainees with industry-relevant skills.

Further sharing her views on the association, Nabanita Banerjee, Director of The WE Foundation, said, “Our partnership with CGI and BES Polytechnic reflects our shared commitment to empowering youth with future-ready skills in the renewable energy sector. We are proud to celebrate the successful completion of this training program, which has equipped participants with the technical knowledge and confidence needed to build meaningful careers in the growing solar industry and contribute to a greener future.”By hosting this initiative, BES Polytechnic continues its legacy of providing future-ready technical education, offering students a direct pathway into the burgeoning renewable energy sector with the goal of ensuring our students are not just graduates, but industry leaders.

Neha Kothari, Director, Marketing & Communications, Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence, adds, “At CGI, we believe technology is a powerful enabler of sustainable change, and this is embedded deep in our values - to improve the social and environmental well-being of the communities around us. Our collaboration with The WE Foundation and BES Polytechnic reflects our commitment to building future-ready talent that can drive real change in society."

“This initiative is a great example of how dedication can create meaningful impact at the grassroots level. We are proud to facilitate participants to graduate with the knowledge and confidence to pursue careers in the renewable energy sector,” added Suresh Sivanandaiah, Director, Security, Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence.

Vinay B, Principal, BES Polytechnic College, stated, “We are proud to collaborate with The WE Foundation and CGI in successfully delivering this solar PV installation training program. This initiative has equipped our students with practical knowledge and sustainable practices essential for the renewable energy sector. We remain committed to supporting skill development that empowers the next generation of professionals to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. We are proud to be at the forefront of the 'Green Jobs' movement in Bengaluru.”

Green Gold Animation Partners With Indo Nissin Foods To Bring The Chhota Bheem Franchise Into India’s Instant Noodles Category

* Indo Nissin Foods Teams Up with Green Gold Animation’s Chhota Bheem to Bring Fun, Flavour and Interactive Play to Kids’ Favourite Noodles

Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd., creator of India’s most loved homegrown children’s character Chhota Bheem, has partnered with Indo Nissin Foods Private Limited for the launch of “Nissin Chhota Bheem Masala Noodles”, marking a significant brand extension into the high-frequency FMCG space.

The collaboration brings together two strong consumer brands - Chhota Bheem, a character that has built deep emotional equity with Indian families over two decades, and Nissin, a household name in the instant noodles category. The partnership reflects Green Gold Animation’s long-term strategy of expanding its intellectual properties into everyday consumer categories that are trusted, accessible and family-oriented.

The newly launched variant features a mild, kid-friendly masala flavour tailored for young consumers, while adhering to the quality and safety standards associated with the Nissin brand. Each pack also carries a QR code that unlocks access to the “Nissin Funtastic Playzone”, an interactive digital platform where children can access up to 15 Chhota Bheem-themed mobile games. The games are designed to offer short, engaging and responsible play experiences for children while extending the Chhota Bheem universe beyond the screen.

India’s instant noodles market across retail channels is estimated to be valued at nearly ₹10,000 crore in 2025, registering close to 10 percent year-on-year growth. Within the category, products positioned in the highly affordable price segment continue to dominate, accounting for nearly 85 percent of the total market. The new Chhota Bheem variant enters this large and competitive segment with a focus on strengthening the brand’s appeal among young consumers and family households. Designed as a convenient and enjoyable snacking option for children, the product will be available across general trade and modern retail outlets nationwide.

For Green Gold Animation, this collaboration is a strategic step in strengthening Chhota Bheem’s presence beyond screen-based entertainment. Over the years, the studio has steadily built the franchise across television, theatrical films, digital content, branded stores and licensed merchandise. Entry into the packaged food segment represents a deeper integration of the brand into daily family consumption habits - a key pillar in the company’s vision to transform Indian characters into enduring, multi-format brands with sustained relevance.

Mr. Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO, Green Gold Animation, said “Our collaboration with Indo Nissin Foods is a meaningful step in expanding the Chhota Bheem universe into everyday consumer spaces. Nissin is a brand that has built strong trust with families across India, and this partnership allows us to bring our characters closer to children in a natural and engaging way. By combining Nissin’s product strength and retail reach with our storytelling expertise, we are creating an experience that goes beyond the screen while strengthening the long-term value of the Chhota Bheem franchise.”

For Nissin, the association adds a culturally rooted and widely recognised children’s character to its portfolio, strengthening its connect with young consumers while differentiating its offering in a competitive category.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Daisuke Okabayashi, Chief Marketing Officer, Indo Nissin Foods, said, “With the launch of ‘Nissin Chhota Bheem Masala Noodles’, we are uniting the incredible appeal of ‘Chhota Bheem’ with the great taste and trust of Nissin for kids. Along with the accessible price point, the addition of the ‘Nissin Funtastic Playzone’ further elevates the experience through engaging and responsible play that kids can truly enjoy.”

The packaging prominently features Chhota Bheem, strengthening shelf visibility and emotional resonance among children. The product will be available across general trade and modern retail outlets nationwide.

Bounteous Hosts Salesforce Trailblazer Community Meetup In Chennai

Salesforce professionals and industry experts come together to exchange real-world perspectives on AI, integration, and platform architecture.

Bounteous, an AI Services firm, hosted the Chennai Salesforce Trailblazer Community Meetup at its Chennai Collaboration Center on 11th April. The event brought together Salesforce practitioners and industry leaders across admin, developer, and architect roles for a grounded exchange on how enterprise platforms are evolving in practice.

Sessions examined how Salesforce platforms are being implemented at scale, with emphasis on integration and the practical application of AI.

Priyanka Sundaram, Senior Director, and Sethuraman Arunachalam, Senior Technical Director at Bounteous, shared insights on AI use cases within Salesforce environments, real-world challenges, implementation trade-offs, and the considerations required to move from concept to production at enterprise scale. A MuleSoft session outlined how connected architectures enable more consistent data flows, while the Bounteous-led session examined how AI use cases are being operationalized within Salesforce, including the challenges and trade-offs involved in moving from concept to production.

The meetup also featured participation from community leaders and practitioners, including Padmasekar Damodaran, Employee Success Director at Softsquare; Kannan Narayanan, Associate Vice President and Salesforce MVP at Infosys; Rajesh Prabhu Balakrishnan, Director at Firstsource; Iyyappan Mani, Salesforce Professional at Logitech; Lini Mol Kumaresan, Senior Technical Lead – MuleSoft at Bits In Glass; and Preethi Lakshmanan, Senior Analyst at DXC Technology, contributing to a broader exchange across the Salesforce ecosystem.

A recurring theme across the session was the shift from fragmented workflows toward more integrated systems, where architecture and integration decisions play a critical role in enabling scalability. The discussions underscored that as AI adoption scales, outcomes are increasingly determined by how effectively these systems are designed to operate together.

“What stood out in this Bounteous and Salesforce Trailblazer Community Meetup was how clearly the conversation today has moved from possibility to execution. Enterprise value now is created by rethinking how AI is applied within systems and how those systems are designed to work together. Most transformation efforts succeed or fail based on how effectively architecture, integration, and AI come together in real operating environments,” said Anuradha Balasubramanian, EVP, Delivery at Bounteous.

The event concluded with interactive peer exchange and networking, enabling participants to share practical insights and strengthen connections within the regional Salesforce community.

Bengaluru’s Water Stress Brings India’s Plumbing & Water Industry To The Forefront At PlumbexIndia 2026

* Leaders and innovators meet in Bengaluru to fast-track India’s urban water solutions.

* Inauguration: The event will be inaugurated on 16th April by Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Chairman – BWSSB and MD (Concurrent Charge), KPTCL, and Mahesh Kumar Khaitan, Director, Sattva Group, as Chief Guests along with other dignitaries.

* Industry Exhibition: Over 200+ companies showcasing the latest in plumbing and water tech.

*  Knowledge Sessions: Forums featuring policymakers, engineers, and sustainability experts.

* National and Local Spokespersons: Gurmit Singh Arora, National President, Indian Plumbing Association and Balkrishna Mehta, Bengaluru Chapter of Indian Plumbing Association

* IPA Awards of Excellence: Honouring leadership and breakthrough innovation in the sector.

* IPA Bathroom Challenge: A design competition focused on sustainable bathroom solutions.

* Around The Drop: A design-based competition driving awareness for responsible water consumption with architectural fraternity.

As Indian cities grapple with mounting water stress, PlumbexIndia 2026, India’s largest platform dedicated to water, plumbing and sanitation, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, engineers and innovators in Bengaluru from 16th to 18th April at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru.

Organised by the Indian Plumbing Association, the event comes at a time when cities such as Bengaluru face acute pressure on water resources due to rapid urbanisation, groundwater depletion and ageing infrastructure.

The event will be inaugurated on 16th April by Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Chairman – Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board (BWSSB) along with Mahesh Kumar Khaitan, Director, Sattva Group, who will grace the occasion as Chief Guests alongside other distinguished dignitaries.

With participation from over 200 exhibitors, the event will serve as a national platform for discussing technologies, policies and practices that can help build resilient water systems for India’s expanding urban landscape.

Government–Industry Collaboration for Water Security

PlumbexIndia 2026 is supported by two key ministries of Government of India, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, highlighting the event’s alignment with national priorities around sustainable urban development and water management.

Experts from leading academic and industry institutions—including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), ICER, Biome Environmental Solutions, Brigade Group, Sobha Limited, YV Architects, Adithi Building Service Consultants, Geberit India, Chinoy Design, and the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati—will come together with developers, architects, and infrastructure leaders. The discussions will focus on practical solutions, from water-efficient plumbing systems to sustainable building design, under the themes “Showcasing Women Leaders Shaping the Plumbing Sector” and “Engineering Water Security for a Future-Ready India.”

Gurmit Singh Arora, National President, Indian Plumbing Association said “India’s water challenge requires collaboration across policy, engineering and implementation. The Bengaluru edition of PlumbexIndia provides the platform where these conversations can translate into real-world solutions,”

Balkrishna Mehta, Chairman of Bengaluru Chapter of Indian Plumbing Association, said “The choice of Bengaluru as host city reflects the urgency of the water conversation, Urban India is at a defining moment in how it manages water. Platforms like PlumbexIndia enable the industry and policymakers to come together and shape scalable solutions for the future.”

A significant highlight of the event will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between IPA and the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), aimed at strengthening water and sanitation standards in India’s healthcare infrastructure.

About PlumbexIndia

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

Event Details

Dates: 16th April, 17th April, 18th April, 2026
Venue: Hall no. 4, BIEC, Bengaluru
Website: Plumbex India; PLUMBEX INDIA EXHIBITION 2026 - Indian Plumbing Association