Erling Haaland And Vinicius Júnior Front New Marriott Bonvoy And Visa ‘For Fans, Everywhere’ Campaign Ahead Of FIFA World Cup 2026™

* Courtesy of Visa, a Worldwide FIFA World Cup 26 TM Partner, Marriott Bonvoy to unveil exclusive ticket access via biggest-ever Moments drop

As the FIFA World CupTM returns to North America for the first time in more than three decades, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award‑winning travel platform, and Visa, a global leader in digital payments, today announced their joint global campaign: For Fans, Everywhere. Anchored by two iconic football stars known for their strong connection to fans, the campaign pays tribute to the passion of those who cross borders, never miss a kickoff, and live and breathe the beautiful game. Throughout the tournament, For Fans, Everywhere will unlock unparalleled match access and once‑in‑a‑lifetime experiences for Marriott Bonvoy members who are also Visa cardholders, bringing them closer than ever to the world’s most celebrated sporting event.

The For Fans, Everywhere campaign will be brought to life through two global football icons: Erling Haaland and Vinicius Júnior. Both stars will appear across a rich slate of content alongside Marriott Bonvoy and Visa, including dynamic ‘Sleepover Suite’ social videos, and a cinematic brand film set to engage fans worldwide as the tournament kicks off in June.

Beginning April 14, Marriott Bonvoy will unveil tickets for every FIFA World Cup 2026TM match as well as select curated experiences via the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform, courtesy of Visa. The largest Moments release ever for a single event puts more than 600 offerings at members’ fingertips, including fixed‑price experiences, auctions, and nearly 100 1‑Point Drops. 1‑Point Drops will roll out every Friday, culminating in early May with an entire week of daily drops – unlocking first‑come, first‑served access to the biggest moments of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM, including the Final match, delivering unforgettable fan experiences on a global scale.

Marriott Bonvoy members who are Visa cardholders in select countries can also enter here for a chance to experience an extraordinary, money-can't-buy ‘Sleepover Suite’ experience: an overnight stay inside New York New Jersey Stadium the night before the FIFA World Cup 2026 TM Final, thanks to Visa. Marriott Bonvoy and Visa will reimagine a luxury suite inside the stadium as a one-night-only hotel accommodation, with one duo staying just steps away from the historic pitch. With sweeping views of the field just below, this rare and extraordinary experience will immerse the winners in the energy, anticipation, and spectacle of the tournament’s pinnacle moment. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. See link to Official Rules below.*

“Our campaign taps into a core truth about World Cup fans: travel is more than a journey - it’s a way to get closer to the people, passions, and places they love. We’re creating a space where fans can celebrate their fandom, connect with community, and share their culture across generations,” said Peggy Roe, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Marriott International. “World Cup travel is different from any other kind of travel. Fans don’t just explore the world; they bring their world with them, supporting their teams and sharing their culture globally. As a lifelong travel partner, we’re proud to support fans at every stage of that journey - from first matches to traditions passed down through generations.”

“FIFA World Cup 2026 will lead the way in groundbreaking fan experiences,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström. “As Canada, Mexico and the United States prepare to welcome millions of fans for football’s ultimate spectacle, we are thrilled that Marriott Bonvoy and Visa will work closely to unlock exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for supporters globally from the opening match in Mexico City through to the highly anticipated Final in New York New Jersey.”

“The FIFA World Cup is defined by moments fans carry with them for a lifetime—and the journey to the tournament is a key part of that magic,” said Kyndra Russell, North America Chief Marketing Officer, Visa. "Together, Marriott Bonvoy and Visa are helping unlock once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that bring members closer to the tournament, turning travel and access into experiences as unforgettable as the action on the pitch."

As sports tourism continues to surge, now accounting for approximately 10% of global tourism spending and projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032*, Marriott Bonvoy is uniquely positioned to meet growing demand for experience-driven travel. With nearly 75% of Americans expressing interest in soccer* and international travel tied to sporting events on the rise, the FIFA World Cup 2026TM is set to be a defining cultural and travel moment. Thanks to Visa, Marriott Bonvoy is redefining access, connecting members and cardholders to exclusive opportunities to experience the FIFA World Cup TM like never before.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Visa FIFA World Cup 2026™ Sleepover Suite Sweepstakes for Marriott Bonvoy is open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & DC & Puerto Rico, Canada, Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Japan, South Korea, Argentina (excluding Mendoza, Neuquén, Salta, Rio Negro, & Tierra del Fuego), & Brazil (the “Eligibility Area”) who are Marriott Bonvoy members at least 18 years of age & the age of majority as of date of entry. Void outside the Eligibility Area & where prohibited. Begins 10:00 a.m. GMT on April 15, 2026 & Ends 11:59 p.m. GMT June 16, 2026. Fans can enter here. See Official Rules for details.

To learn more about Marriott Bonvoy Moments, visit moments.marriottbonvoy.com.

ABOUT MARRIOTT BONVOY

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel platform, connects travelers to the people, places, and passions they love through an extraordinary collection of hotels and experiences worldwide. The platform features over 30 hotel brands and 10,000 destinations, including the largest collection of luxury offerings, distinctive boutique properties, premium home rentals, and more, providing renowned hospitality across the globe. With unrivaled access to the best in entertainment, culinary, sports, outdoor adventure, arts, culture, and more, Marriott Bonvoy offers transformative travel experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Marriott Bonvoy membership is free and unlocks unique benefits including the ability to earn points through travel and everyday activities, like purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for free stays, experiences, and more. Visit marriottbonvoy.com for more information and download the Marriott Bonvoy app here. Travelers can connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.

ABOUT VISA

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating payments transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

ABOUT FIFA

FIFA exists to govern football and to develop the game around the world. Since 2016, the organisation has been fast evolving into a body that can more effectively serve the game for the benefit of the entire world. As a not-for-profit organisation, FIFA – which organises the FIFA World Cup™, FIFA Women’s World Cup™, and FIFA Club World Cup™, among many other international competitions – reinvests its revenues into a wide range of football development programmes, providing funds, infrastructure, and know-how to its member associations. FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027 can be explored here. 

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Unveils ‘Aanika’, A Divine Diamond Collection Launched By Kareena Kapoor Khan

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s leading jewellery retailers and a brand synonymous with responsibility and trust, unveils Aanika, an exquisite collection of natural diamond jewellery inspired by sacred traditions and divine artistry. Launched around the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya by cine actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, the collection brings together cultural richness and contemporary elegance in a truly meaningful way.

Rooted in the spirit of devotion and prosperity that defines Akshaya Tritiya, Aanika reinterprets heritage for the modern woman. Across generations, gold and natural diamonds have symbolised purity, permanence, and prosperity. Honouring this legacy, the collection celebrates the rarity and authenticity of natural diamonds formed over billions of years making each piece not just jewellery, but a timeless embodiment of nature’s finest artistry.

Aanika draws inspiration from temple architecture, sacred geometry, and intricate carvings, bringing to life Divine Stories, Crafted in Natural Diamonds is the very essence of the collection. Age-old motifs are transformed into refined, contemporary designs, where arches, spires, and ornamental patterns are reimagined into fluid silhouettes. Each creation is illuminated by ethically sourced natural diamonds, reflecting individuality, brilliance, and enduring value.

From statement necklaces echoing temple silhouettes to intricately detailed earrings inspired by ancient artistry, every creation showcases exceptional craftsmanship. Heritage kadas and rhythmic bangles extend the narrative, offering versatile designs that transition seamlessly from festive occasions to modern-day elegance all anchored in the timeless allure of natural diamonds.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. M. P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, said, “Aanika reflects our commitment to preserving heritage while evolving with the aspirations of today’s consumers. With a strong focus on natural diamonds, the collection embodies rarity, authenticity, and craftsmanship, creating jewellery that resonates deeply with both tradition and contemporary sensibilities.”

Available across Malabar Gold & Diamonds showrooms, Aanika offers a thoughtfully curated selection of natural diamond jewellery. Each piece features internationally certified diamonds with transparent detailing, supported by the brand’s signature assurances including lifetime maintenance, guaranteed buyback, and 100% exchange value on gold jewellery.

Reinforcing its commitment to responsible business, Malabar Gold & Diamonds dedicates 5% of profits to ESG initiatives spanning education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, and community welfare.

With Aanika, Malabar Gold & Diamonds presents a refined expression of heritage where every creation, crafted in natural diamonds, becomes a timeless symbol of faith, beauty, and enduring value.  

NRAI Bengaluru Meet Brings Industry Together To Tackle LPG Challenges And Advance Alternate Fuel Solutions

* Leading restaurant owners and key stakeholders collaborate to address supply concerns and evaluate practical fuel alternatives for the F&B sector

The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Bengaluru Chapter convened leading restaurant owners, along with public sector representatives and solution providers, at Skydeck by Sherlocks to address ongoing LPG-related challenges and explore practical alternate fuel solutions for the food and beverage sector.

The meeting focused on supply-side constraints, rising operational pressures, and the need for restaurants to reduce dependence on a single fuel source to ensure business continuity.

Opening the session, Mr. Dheeraj Kumar, Director at Knowhere Bar and Kitchen, set the context for a solutions-driven discussion. This was followed by an industry address by Mr. Ananth Narayan, Head – NRAI Bengaluru Chapter, who provided members with an update on the LPG situation and outlined NRAI Bengaluru’s ongoing efforts to support its members.

Adding his perspective, Mr. Ananth Narayan, Bangalore Chapter head, said,“The LPG situation has been a real challenge for our members, impacting both costs and day-to-day operations. It is important for restaurants to actively explore practical alternatives, whether it is PNG, biogas, or other solutions. As NRAI, our role is to bring the ecosystem together and ensure our members have access to the right information and partners.”

A dedicated session led by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Cheif General Manager GAIL, focused on PNG and piped gas solutions, covering adoption pathways, infrastructure readiness, and key considerations for restaurant operators.

A key highlight of the evening was the Alternate Fuels & Cooking Solutions showcase, which provided attendees with hands-on exposure to emerging solutions aimed at reducing dependence on conventional fuels. The showcase featured Mr. Rishikesh from Carbonlites, presenting biogas as a sustainable alternative; Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh from GAIL, demonstrating PNG solutions for commercial kitchens; Mr. Ganesh from Greenway Appliances, showcasing firewood and coal-based stove solutions; Mr. Ambuj Awasthi, MD of Golden Coal Company, highlighting efficient coal applications; and Mr. Zac from Just BLR Matrix, presenting AI-driven automation enabling LPG-free restaurant and central kitchen operations.

The discussions and showcase collectively highlighted a growing industry interest in exploring diversified fuel strategies, with PNG, biogas, and electric solutions emerging as key areas of consideration.

Additionally, George and Mini extended an invitation to members for the upcoming FFCC Event scheduled for May 12, 2026.

The evening concluded with the F&B Warrior Awards, recognising outstanding contributors to Bengaluru’s food and beverage industry.

The meeting reinforced the importance of collaborative industry action and highlighted the need to accelerate access to viable fuel alternatives as restaurants navigate ongoing supply and cost challenges.

This initiative reflects the NRAI Bengaluru Chapter’s continued commitment to supporting the industry through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

About NRAI:

National Restaurant Association of India is the voice of the Indian Restaurant Industry. Founded in 1982, by L.C. Nirula of Nirula’s, Madan Lamba of Volga, O.P. Bahl of Khyber Restaurant, R.D. Gora of Gazebo, A.S. Kamat of Kamat Restaurants & other leading restaurateurs, it represents the interests of 500000+ Restaurants, an industry valued at INR 5.69 lakh crores. Being the leading association of the Indian Restaurant Industry, NRAI aspires to promote and strengthen the Indian Food Service Sector. The Association in its 42nd year has a pan India presence and is governed by a committee of members and led by a President and Office Bearers. The committee consists of over 30 Restaurant CEOs / Owners representing various national and international brands from the F&B sector. The association works closely with a network of State and City Chapters across the country.

Website:

https://nrai.org/

Jos Alukkas Announces "Special Offers For Akshaya Tritiya Celebrations From April 19- 20, 2026

Jos Alukkas, a trusted name in quality, innovation, and trendy jewellery in India has announced an array of special offers as part of Akshaya Tritiya celebrations which falls on 19th & 20th April 2026.

Booking offers are currently available at Jos Alukkas allowing customers to pay just 10% and benefit from gold rate protection. Providing customers an enhanced and rewarding shopping experience with a wide selection of gold, platinum, and diamond jewellery.

Customers can avail flat 50% discount on making charges for selected gold, diamond, and platinum jewellery. In addition, an exclusive offer of flat 30% discount on diamond value is available on all collections.

Customers can also receive a free gold coin with every purchase of 10 grams of gold jewellery, as well as a free gold coin per carat on diamond purchases. Additionally, there is a 0% loss on exchange of old 22kt gold.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Paul Alukkas, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas, said, “Akshaya Tritiya is a significant and celebratory occasion for us at Jos Alukkas, just as it is for our customers. This year, we are presenting an exquisite and diverse range of jewellery across categories, offering something for every preference. We are also witnessing a growing demand for lightweight, contemporary designs. Our specially curated festive offers reflect our commitment to blending tradition with evolving consumer preferences, making this occasion truly memorable."

As part of the festive promotion, customers purchasing gold jewellery can receive a cashback of ₹100 per gram from stores. This cashback can be redeemed between 19th April and 3rd May and is not applicable on gold coins, gold bars, or silver purchases.

V-Guard Unveils India’s First Multi-Ion Inverter: A Truly Future-Ready Power Solution

V-Guard Industries Ltd., one of India’s leading consumer electronics and electrical brands, announced the launch of India’s First Multi-Ion Inverter— a breakthrough in inverter technology designed for universal battery compatibility.

This innovation addresses a fundamental consumer challenge in the home power backup: as battery technologies evolve, consumers have been forced to replace their inverter every time they upgrade their battery. Designed to bridge this growing compatibility gap, the Multi-Ion Inverter adapts seamlessly to changing battery chemistries — ensuring it stays relevant even as household batteries change.

The energy landscape is rapidly transitioning from conventional Lead-Acid batteries to more advanced Lithium-Ion alternatives that offer faster charging, longer life, and improved safety. However, this shift has come with a trade-off—traditional inverters are built for a single battery type, making system upgrades costly and inconvenient.

The V-Guard Multi-Ion Solution eliminates this problem entirely by offering a single inverter that is compatible with multiple battery types. It works seamlessly with Lead-Acid batteries as well as advanced Lithium-Ion options and its design even anticipates V-Guard's own next-generation Multi-Ion battery chemistry, currently in development.

This positions Multi Ion Inverters as a future-ready platform that seamlessly bridges current needs with evolving energy advancements.

Key Features of the V-Guard Multi-Ion Inverter

Universal Compatibility: Works with all major battery types

Smart Adaptation: Automatically detects the connected battery chemistry and optimizes its internal performance parameters accordingly for maximum efficiency.

Investment Protection: Allows consumers to upgrade to superior battery technologies without the cost or hassle of replacing the inverter unit itself

"With the Multi-Ion Inverter, we wanted to solve a real consumer frustration — being forced to replace a perfectly functional inverter simply because battery technology had moved on," said Mithun K Chittilappilly, Managing Director, V-Guard Industries Ltd. "With most inverters outlasting multiple battery cycles, consumers deserve the freedom to upgrade their battery without the burden of replacing their inverter. That is exactly what Multi-Ion inverter delivers."

As India moves toward smarter and more energy-efficient homes, the Multi-Ion Inverter offers a future-proof investment with lower total cost of ownership, greater flexibility, and sustained performance over time.

With this launch, V-Guard reinforces its commitment to innovation-led growth—developing solutions that not only meet current needs but anticipate future shifts in technology and consumer expectations.

The V-Guard Multi-Ion Inverter is now available across authorized V-Guard dealers and retail networks.

NMIMS Collaborates With Salesforce To Transform Student Admissions And Engagement

Salesforce, the world’s #1 AI CRM*, announced a collaboration with SVKM’s NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies), one of India’s most respected and longstanding institutions of higher education, to digitally transform how it engages with prospective students and manages admissions at scale.

NMIMS is building a unified, AI-powered platform to eliminate data silos, streamline admissions workflows, and deliver personalised student experiences as it expands its multi-campus and digital footprint. By bringing together previously fragmented systems, the university aims to improve operational efficiency, gain real-time visibility into admissions performance, and set the foundation for a scalable, student-centric ecosystem.

Building a Connected Digital Foundation

NMIMS has deployed Agentforce Education and Agentforce Marketing solutions, integrated with MuleSoft, to transform its lead-to-admission process. The platform enables end-to-end lead management through automated capture, nurturing, and tracking of prospective students across digital channels, along with AI-driven personalised engagement tailored to individual interests and behaviours. It also streamlines admissions through unified application processing, document management, and onboarding workflows, while ensuring real-time data integration across systems for improved decision-making and operational visibility. Together, this creates a more efficient, data-driven admissions engine that enhances conversion, improves responsiveness, and delivers a more integrated and personalised experience for prospective students at scale.

In phase one, NMIMS has completed the NMAT-based (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) admissions workflow, establishing a strong digital foundation for future expansion.

Shri Amrishbhai Patel, Chancellor, SVKM's NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, said, “As NMIMS strengthens its presence across campuses, it is essential that we build systems that reflect our long-term vision for excellence. Our collaboration with Salesforce marks a pivotal step in creating a unified, intelligent foundation that enhances transparency, personalisation, and operational strength across the admissions and marketing ecosystem. This transformation goes beyond technology; it represents our commitment to shaping a student-centric future where every interaction is seamless, responsive, and guided by data-driven insight. By investing in this integrated digital architecture, NMIMS is positioning itself to meet the evolving expectations of learners and to lead the way in redefining higher education in India.”

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO at Salesforce - South Asia, said, "India's leading universities are reimagining engagement in the digital era—moving beyond isolated systems to build intelligent, connected platforms that put students at the centre. NMIMS exemplifies this transformation. By unifying data, automating workflows, and harnessing AI to personalise at scale, they're setting a new standard for student experience. We're proud to support NMIMS as they build a platform that will drive growth, innovation, and educational excellence for years to come."

About NMIMS

Established in 1981 by Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal (SVKM) to meet India’s growing demand for management education, NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) is a globally reputed deemed-to-be university known for its strong industry connections and academic excellence. With eight campuses and 17 specialised schools, NMIMS offers a wide range of programmes to over 26,000 full-time students. The university has more than 850 full-time faculty members, including ten who have received prestigious post-doctoral fellowships such as the Fulbright and Humboldt Scholarships. Recognised for its consistent academic quality and research-driven approach to holistic education, NMIMS holds the A++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), with a CGPA of 3.67 in its fourth accreditation cycle. This prestigious accreditation highlights NMIMS’ dedication to academic excellence, institutional rigour, and comprehensive student development.

About Salesforce

Salesforce helps organisations of any size become agentic enterprises—integrating humans, agents, apps, and data on a trusted, unified platform to unlock unprecedented growth and innovation.

Visit https://www.salesforce.com/in/ for more information.

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery Announces A Long-Term Partnership With Krithi Shetty, Starting With Its Akshaya Tritiya Campaign

* Launched this Akshaya Tritiya, Indriya announces its collaboration with Krithi Shetty

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, has brought acclaimed actor Krithi Shetty on board for a long-term collaboration, starting with its Akshaya Tritiya 2026 campaign as part of a strategic effort to strengthen its presence and resonance with its consumers. Known for her contemporary appeal rooted in cultural authenticity, Krithi Shetty resonates strongly with the modern Indriya woman- confident, expressive, and deeply connected to tradition, making her a natural choice for the brand. Rooted in the spirit of Akshaya Tritiya, a festival symbolising abundance, new beginnings, and prosperity, the campaign marks a meaningful moment for Indriya to begin this association. It brings alive the brand’s belief in jewellery buying as an emotional experience rather than just a purchase. The campaign celebrates continuity, tradition, and a woman’s enduring relationship with her jewellery, while inviting consumers to step into Indriya stores this festive season and embrace moments of personal meaning and connection.

Link to the campaign film : https://youtu.be/c-quST9Q8Oc?si=AleA3h_tzJ8YXY01

The campaign, set against a festive backdrop, captures Krithi in intimate moments of adornment as she discovers and styles intricately crafted Indriya jewellery inspired by the architectural grandeur of temples- layered harams, statement jhumkas, and ornate bangles. The story remains deeply personal to Krithi as she reminisces about her childhood and her love for temple jewellery. Through these moments, the narrative also reflects Indriya’s belief that jewellery is more than adornment, bringing to life the brand’s central thought that a woman’s relationship with her jewellery is deeply intimate rooted in continuity, and guided by an endless love where there is always room for more.

Commenting on the campaign, Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya, said, “At Indriya, we see jewellery as an expression of emotion, aspiration, and endless love. Akshaya Tritiya, is deeply rooted in tradition and cultural significance. Through this campaign and our collaboration with Krithi Shetty, we wanted to celebrate that richness while encouraging consumers to embrace the occasion more fully making it a moment of true indulgence and meaningful expression.”

Shantiswarup Panda, Head of Marketing & Visual Merchandising, Indriya, added, “With our Akshaya Tritiya campaign, we wanted to tell a story that feels culturally authentic and emotionally relevant to the audiences. The campaign is brought to life through an intimate narrative that focuses on how a woman experiences jewellery in her own moment. By partnering with Krithi Shetty, we’ve been able to strengthen that connect and make the narrative feel more rooted, relatable, and emotionally resonant.”

Krithi Shetty, opined, “My collaboration with Indriya is not just an endorsement but an extension of my personal relationship with jewellery. On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, I am elated to portray my own childhood story which is intertwined with my love for jewellery. Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery is a brand that I reckon with and I look forward to a long and prosperous association”

The campaign is being amplified through 360-degree media, creating a strong and cohesive festive presence across India.

With this campaign, Indriya continues to strengthen its position as a modern jewellery destination—one that brings together heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary aspiration for the evolving Indian consumer.