Italian Reference Carrier - ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance

* Star Alliance welcomes Italy’s flag carrier, further enabling seamless journeys for customers worldwide.

Star Alliance officially welcomed ITA Airways as its newest member, marking the completion of the Italian carrier’s integration into the world’s largest airline alliance.

ITA Airways marked its entry into the Alliance during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3. The ceremony was presided over by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx, in the presence of media and institutional guests.

Starting April 1, ITA Airways will be fully connected into the Alliance’s global network, linking its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate airport, served by 17 Star Alliance members collectively, with more than 1,150 destinations worldwide. Customers travelling across the network can now benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition and access to Star Alliance lounges, creating a more seamless customer experience, in and out of Italy.

Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance. This is the result of a focused and collaborative integration effort. With ITA Airways on board, we not only expand our network to and from Italy, but also elevate the connected experience of our customers when travelling across multiple airlines, through access to the world’s largest network of airport lounges, more comprehensive loyalty benefits, and other benefits like baggage tracking - all designed to enhance the journey at every step.”

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “Joining Star Alliance marks a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth. By becoming part of the world’s largest and most established global airline network, we significantly expand our international reach while offering our passengers a more seamless, consistent and high‑quality travel experience, with access to over 1,150 destinations worldwide, smoother connections, integrated services and a stronger premium proposition. At the same time, we enter Star Alliance bringing with us our distinctive Italian identity, enriching the Alliance and reinforcing ITA Airways’ role in connecting Italy with the world, combining global standards of excellence with the warmth and elegance that define the Italian way of flying.”

ITA Airways’ induction into the Alliance has been mentored by the Lufthansa Group, and expert teams across the group airlines have facilitated an intense integration programme over the last several months.

Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, said: “The Star Alliance membership is only possible thanks to the strong commitment and close collaboration of dedicated teams at ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance. We are pleased to introduce ITA Airways as fully fledged hub airline into the Lufthansa Group and into the Alliance, expanding options for travellers across Europe and the world. Together, ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group, are unlocking a joint value proposition that will benefit our customers, our partners, and the Star Alliance ecosystem.”

ITA Airways, which flies over 16 million customers every year, adds more than 350 daily flights to the Alliance network, supported by a strong domestic and regional footprint. The addition expands travel options across Italy and Europe, while improving connectivity between Southern Europe and key international markets.

As part of its membership, eligible customers can enjoy priority services, lounge access across the Alliance network, and reciprocal frequent flyer programme recognition, including earning and redeeming miles. Star Alliance Gold customers will also have access to ITA Airways lounges in Rome, Milan and Catania.

With the addition of ITA Airways, Star Alliance now comprises 26 member airlines, offering more than 17,500 daily flights across a global network spanning over 190 countries.

About ITA Airways

ITA Airways is the Italian reference carrier. The Company is 59% owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and 41% by Deutsche Lufthansa AG. ITA Airways operates both passenger and cargo air transport services, providing Italy with high-quality connectivity to international destinations, supporting tourism and foreign trade, as well as domestic connectivity within the Country, also leveraging integrated mobility.

Through strong digitization of processes to ensure the best possible experience and personalized services, ITA Airways places customer service at the core of its strategy. This is combined with a commitment to sustainability, which encompasses environmental aspects (such as a young, technologically advanced fleet to reduce environmental impact), social aspects (a strong focus on its employees and the communities in which it operates), and governance aspects (integrating sustainability into internal strategies and processes).

ITA Airways is a member of Star Alliance, the world’s leading global airline alliance, connecting customers to a seamless travel experience across its member airlines worldwide.

About Star Alliance

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, Star Alliance was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Today, guided by a vision for a world effortlessly connected, Star Alliance enriches customer journeys and reinforces loyalty by creating tailored solutions that empower member airlines beyond their individual capabilities.

The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, United.

Star Alliance unites 26 of the world’s leading airlines, providing travellers with seamless access to over 1,150 airports across 190 countries - covering 90% of the world. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.

Emcure Pharma Reduces Poviztra® Starting Dose Price By 55% To Expand Patient Access

* Poviztra® (0.25 mg) will now be available at Rs. 999/- per week or Rs. 3,999/- per month inclusive of taxes

* Prices of Poviztra® reduced by 47% on average across doses

Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd., (BSE: 544210, NSE: EMCURE) has announced the price revision of its weight management drug Poviztra® (semaglutide injection) across India. The reduced price would be starting at Rs. 3,999/- per month (4 weekly doses). The innovator Semaglutide is available in a once-weekly pen device in five strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg and a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. It comes in a state-of-the-art pen device that provides the convenience of simple administration and precise dosing.

As the first Indian company to exclusively distribute and commercialise Poviztra®, a second brand of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide injection for obesity, Emcure aims to expand access and enable more patients to benefit from this proven therapy at the revised price.

Dosage	Old Monthly Price (MRP incl. Taxes)	Revised Monthly Price (MRP incl. Taxes)
Poviztra® 0.25 mg	8,790/-	3,999/-
Poviztra® 0.5 mg	11,200/-	4,999/-
Poviztra® 1 mg	11,200/-	5,999/-
Poviztra® 1.7 mg	13,000/-	7,999/-
Poviztra® 2.4 mg	15,000/-	8,999/-

The price revision, effective April 3, 2026, will bring the innovator molecule, backed by robust clinical and real-world evidence, within the reach of a significantly larger patient base across the country - at a time when obesity and weight-related health conditions are emerging as one of India’s most pressing public health challenges.

The innovator biologic rDNA semaglutide molecule has been on the market for close to a decade. It is the most studied and used semaglutide globally with an equivalent of 49+ million patient years of exposure.1 It is backed by nearly 50 clinical trials in diverse clinical settings1 and has been taken by millions of patients worldwide2.

Satish Mehta, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Emcure Pharma, “The revised pricing of Poviztra® is a step towards making scientifically validated weight-management therapies more accessible and affordable to a wider patient base. India is grappling with a growing obesity epidemic, with nearly 254 million people living with generalised obesity and 351 million living with abdominal obesity.3 Improving access to a globally established molecule like semaglutide is crucial to addressing this public health challenge at scale.”

Obesity is linked to over 230 health complications including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes , hypertension, fatty liver, knee osteoarthritis, polycystic ovary syndrome, kidney disease and Alzheimer’s disease.4 With this price reduction, Emcure Pharma reinforces its commitment to advancing patient access, improving health outcomes, and supporting innovative treatments that address the growing burden of obesity in India.

About Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited:

Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (EPL) is a leading Indian pharma company headquartered in Pune engaged in developing, manufacturing and globally marketing a broad range of pharmaceutical products. Known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and patient-centricity, Emcure is an R&D driven company that develops and manufactures a wide range of differentiated pharmaceutical products designed to improve patient health and well-being across several major therapeutic areas. Established in 1981, EPL is ranked as the 13th largest pharma company in India in terms of Domestic Sales for MAT October 2025. Emcure is present in 70+ countries globally, including Europe and Canada. For more information, visit www.emcure.com

Turkish Airlines Adds Timișoara As Its Fourth Destination In Romania

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, has launched flights to Timișoara, marking its fourth destination in Romania following Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Constanta. The launch of Timişoara flights, scheduled as five weekly frequencies, has increased the flag carrier’s total weekly flight frequency in the country to 47.

An inauguration ceremony was held at Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport, attended by Turkish Airlines and Airport executives, emphasizing the significance of the new route in enhancing regional connectivity.

Commenting on the launch, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated: “Romania continues to be one of the strategically important markets for Turkish Airlines in Eastern Europe. The launch of our Timișoara flights expands our presence to a fourth city in the country, offering our guests more travel options while strengthening access to our Istanbul-centered unparalleled global network. We believe that this new route will contribute to both commercial and tourism activity in the region.”

Located in western Romania along the Bega River, Timișoara stands out as a key tourism destination with its rich historical heritage and multicultural character. Often referred to as “Little Vienna,” the city attracts visitors with its spacious squares and vibrant cultural scene. Iconic landmarks such as Union Square (Piața Unirii) and Victory Square (Piața Victoriei) offer a distinctive urban experience. Selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2023, Timișoara continues to be one of the region’s prominent destinations for both tourism and business, supported by its developed infrastructure and dynamic atmosphere.

The launch of Timișoara flights enables Turkish Airlines to further strengthen its operations in Romania while offering its guests access to its extensive global network of 358 destinations via Istanbul.

Schedule details:

 

FL. NO	START	DAYS	DEPARTURE		ARRIVAL
TK 1013	4.04.2026	Tuesday, Saturday	Istanbul	07:40	09:25	Timişoara
TK 1014	4.04.2026	Tuesday, Saturday	Timişoara	10:15	12:05	Istanbul
TK 1015	1.04.2026	Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	Istanbul	19:25	21:10	Timişoara
TK 1016	1.04.2026	Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	Timişoara	22:00	23:50	Istanbul

*All times are local.

 
To mark the launch of the new route, Turkish Airlines is offering special fares starting from USD 169 for travel on the Istanbul–Timișoara–Istanbul route. Fares are available on Turkish Airlines’ official website and may vary at sales offices and travel agencies.

For more information on Turkish Airlines and its flight schedules, visit www.turkishairlines.com, call 444 0 849, or contact any Turkish Airlines sales office.

About Turkish Airlines:

Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 528 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 358 worldwide destinations as 305 international and 53 domestics in 133 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Star Alliance:

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, Star Alliance was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Today, guided by a vision for a world effortlessly connected, Star Alliance enriches customer journeys and reinforces loyalty by creating tailored solutions that empower member airlines beyond their individual capabilities. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, United. Star Alliance unites 26 of the world’s leading airlines, providing travelers with seamless access to over 1,150 airports across 190 countries - covering 90% of the world. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines. Star Alliance Press Office: Tel: +65 8729.   

Jana Small Finance Bank Partners With Royal Challengers Bengaluru As Exclusive Banking Partner For The T20 League 2026

Jana Small Finance Bank today announced its partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the Official Banking Partner for the 2026 season of the T20 League. As part of this association, Jana Small Finance Bank will be the exclusive banking partner of the franchise for the duration of the partnership.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defending champions of the tournament, are one of the most followed teams in the league, with a strong and passionate fan base across India and globally. This partnership brings together two brands that are united by a shared ethos of aspiration, resilience, and belief, and aims to create a deeper connect with audiences during the cricketing season.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr Ajay Kanwal, MD and CEO, Jana Small Finance Bank, said: “We are delighted to partner with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as their Official Banking Partner. Both Jana Small Finance Bank and RCB are proudly headquartered in Bengaluru, and this association reflects our shared connect with the city and its people. RCB’s journey is a strong reflection of resilience, underpinned by immense potential and a steadfast commitment to the highest standards of ethical practices—values that resonate closely with us. We share a belief that perseverance, hard work and teamwork deliver results and that pursuit of excellence never stops. Through this partnership, we look forward to engaging with a wider audience and further strengthening our commitment to excellence while supporting aspirations across India.”

Commenting on the association, Rajesh Menon, CEO, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jana Small Finance Bank as our Official Banking Partner. As two Bengaluru-rooted brands, this partnership is built on shared values of resilience, integrity and a commitment to excellence. We look forward to creating meaningful engagements for our fans and communities across India.”

The partnership will be in effect for the 2026 season, spanning March to December 2026.
About Jana Small Finance Bank

Jana Small Finance Bank, a scheduled commercial bank, is the 4th largest Small Finance Bank in India with an experience of over 18 years in lending and serving more than 12 million customers. The Bank, launched as an SFB in March 2018, combines a strong digital banking platform with a nationwide presence across 23 states and 2 union territories. Originating as an NBFC-MFI, the Bank has steadily transformed its portfolio, with 72.8% of its lending book secured and largely backed by mortgages. Jana Small Finance Bank has also built a fast-growing retail deposit franchise supported by a strong brand presence and high standards of customer service. The Bank’s leadership team brings together an average industry experience of 27 years, supported by a reputed and experienced Board.

For more details, visit: https://www.janabank.com/

Hyatt Advances Next Phase Of Growth In India And Southwest Asia With New Senior Leadership Appointment

Appointment of Vikas Chawla builds on significant growth with nearly 5,000 rooms added in 2025 to Hyatt’s India and Southwest Asia pipeline, underscoring strong growth momentum

Vikas Chawla has been appointed President – India & Southwest Asia for Hyatt, a newly created senior leadership role to unlock next phase of growth

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the next stage of growth of Hyatt’s business in India with the appointment of Vikas Chawla in the newly created senior role of President – India & Southwest Asia to lead the business in the region, effective April 1, 2026. The new leadership position reflects Hyatt’s commitment to accelerating its expansion and deepening its brand presence in one of Hyatt’s most strategically important growth markets.

The appointment comes amid strong development momentum for Hyatt in India, where it continues to expand its portfolio and pipeline across key urban and leisure destinations.

Chawla will report to David Udell, Group President, Asia Pacific at Hyatt. "The creation of this new senior leadership role reflects both the scale of opportunity we see in India and our commitment to this market," said Udell. "Over more than four decades, Hyatt has built a strong foundation in India. As we enter our next phase of growth, Vikas’ extensive experience and entrepreneurial leadership will bring the fresh knowledge, skills and abilities required at the top of our organization in India. His deep understanding of the Indian consumer will be pivotal to drive our strategic growth in this critical market as we accelerate our brand-led expansion and unlock new avenues for success."

A seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of global leadership experience in food and beverage and consulting, Chawla will lead Hyatt's overall strategy, growth, and performance in India and Southwest Asia. He brings a proven track record of building brands, scaling businesses and driving strategic expansion, fully aligned with Hyatt’s evolution into an insights-led and brand-focused organization. His passion for developing high-performing teams and consistently delivering industry-leading growth will be instrumental in elevating Hyatt’s next phase of development in India.

"I am incredibly excited to join Hyatt at such a dynamic moment in its growth journey in India,” said Vikas Chawla, President – India & Southwest Asia. "Hyatt’s strong brand portfolio, exceptional talent, and commitment to delivering meaningful guest experiences create tremendous opportunity. My ambition is to further develop Hyatt’s portfolio, making it the most preferred hospitality brand amongst discerning travelers in India, the best hospitality brand to work for in India, and to become a significant pillar of growth for Hyatt’s global portfolio.”

India represents one of the most dynamic growth opportunities for Hyatt in Asia Pacific. Rising middle-class demand for premium travel, luxury experiences, and differentiated dining align closely with Hyatt’s strengths in luxury and lifestyle, experiential offerings and F&B. This has powered Hyatt’s growth in the region, with deals signed in 2025 contributing nearly 5,000 rooms to its India and Southwest Asia pipeline.

Building on its existing footprint of 55 hotels across nine brands across India and Southwest Asia, the first Destination by Hyatt property in Asia Pacific, Hari Bagh Jaipur, is set to debut in 2026. The Destination by Hyatt brand represents a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences that are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location. The arrival of the Destination by Hyatt brand will mark Hyatt’s second collection brand in India, and Hari Bagh Jaipur will mark the third Hyatt hotel in Jaipur.

Looking ahead, Hyatt plans to continue to strengthen its brand presence in key gateway markets such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Hyderabad, while expanding into high growth, experience-led destinations across India and Southwest Asia—including leisure markets, spiritual hubs and select tier two and tier three cities driven by strong domestic travel demand.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of December 31, 2025, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 83 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX®, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid® Hotels & Resorts, Bahia Principle Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios®, Hyatt Select, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 To Stream Live On April 5; Announces Brand Partners For A New Era Of Audience Engagement

The stage is set for Indian cinema’s most anticipated night as the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 goes LIVE on April 5, bringing glamour, excellence, and celebration of films directly to audiences real-time across the country and beyond.

For the first time ever, viewers can experience the awards as it happens. The ceremony will be streamed LIVE at 8 PM on YouTube, Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV, keeping in mind the growing on-demand global audience of film enthusiasts.

As the nation counts down to one of Indian cinema’s most respected and anticipated celebrations, the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 today announced its distinguished roster of brand partners—each united by a shared commitment to legacy, trust, and cultural connection with audiences across generations.

For decades, the SCREEN Awards have occupied a rare and revered space in the Indian film industry—defined by editorial integrity, rigorous evaluation, and an unwavering respect for cinematic excellence. Backed by the formidable editorial legacy of The Indian Express Group, and guided by the independent, not-for-profit SCREEN Academy, the awards continue to be a benchmark of credibility in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

This year’s partnerships reflect that same spirit of endurance and reinvention.

At the forefront is Chetak, the Bajaj Auto scooter brand, is synonymous with trust across generations, now reimagined as a leading electric 2-wheeler for a new India. Much like cinema itself, Chetak’s journey has been one of evolution without compromise, embracing the future while remaining rooted in values that audiences believe in.

Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “Our association with the SCREEN Awards is a matter of pride. As Chetak continues to evolve into a youthful and contemporary brand, it is important for us to engage with platforms that hold deep cultural relevance while connecting meaningfully with younger audiences.”

Joining this narrative is Campa, a brand that has returned to the cultural conversation with renewed energy and optimism. With its deep-rooted recall and contemporary relevance, Campa mirrors the excitement of a new generation of cinema lovers—audiences who celebrate stories that feel both familiar and refreshingly new.

Adding depth to the evening is Diageo, whose presence underscores a philosophy of responsible celebration—honouring success, craft, and achievement with thoughtfulness and integrity.

Aanandita Datta, Vice President Marketing & CategoryHead, Diageo India, shares: House of McDowell’s Soda has always been deeply rooted in the country’s cultural fabric - across music, comedy and sports. Bollywood, as a defining force of Indian culture, is a natural extension, making our association with the Screen Awards an organic fit. At the heart of our brand is the spirit of friendship.Hindi cinema has long celebrated iconic stories of yaari, built on shared moments and unforgettable firsts.Through this partnership, we aim to further elevate and celebrate that spirit, both on-screen and off.

Alongside is Senco, a brand that embodies heritage, artistry, and timeless craftsmanship—values that resonate deeply with the enduring allure of cinema and the stars who shape it.

Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO, Senco Gold & Diamonds, said, “Cinema and jewellery are both illuminated by a spark of artistry that endures. At Senco, our legacy of trusted purity and meticulous craftsmanship reflects the brilliance of the stars who take this stage. The Chetak SCREEN Awards honour talent with honesty and excellence, values that shape every piece we create. We are proud to partner with a platform that shines with such integrity.”

Joita Sen, Director & Head of Marketing & Design, Senco Gold & Diamonds, added, “The SCREEN Awards celebrate stars whose presence brings a distinct luminosity to the moment. At Senco, our designs are born from a pursuit of refined elegance, pieces crafted with intention, detail and a quiet, enduring grace. We create jewellery that captures light in its own unique way, much like the talent being recognised tonight. This partnership beautifully unites two worlds defined by emotion, beauty and thoughtful artistry.”

They represent a shared belief in cinema as a powerful cultural force—one that reflects who we are, where we come from, and where we are headed. The Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 stands proudly at this intersection of storytelling, legacy, and meaningful partnerships.

Strengthening its nationwide presence, Adani Airports joins the awards in the form of high impact digital OOH at airports like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and Navi Mumbai along with Bright Media partnering for the top outdoor sites in Mumbai.

The Award Gallery comes on board as the Trophy Partner for the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026, bringing its signature craftsmanship to the design and creation of the coveted SCREEN trophies.

Gunjan Soni, Country Managing Director, YouTube: We are deeply committed to ensuring that India’s most storied cultural legacies continue to thrive in a digital-first world. As the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 embrace a multi-platform approach, YouTube can help unlock reach with a new generation of fans and global audiences. By meeting viewers where they are, we’re helping breathe new life into one of cinema’s most prestigious traditions, ensuring its impact remains as resonant today.

Nachiket Pantvaidya, Chief Content Officer, Sony Pictures Networks India, “At Sony Pictures Networks India, we are delighted to reintroduce the strong culture of LIVE awards back to our screens. By bringing Chetak Screen Awards LIVE across Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV, we aim to deliver a real-time celebration to our viewers so they can experience the biggest moments in cinema at the comfort of their homes. This star-studded showcase is designed not just as an awards ceremony but also as a high-impact entertainment property with moments that will keep the viewers engaged throughout. We are proud to partner with the Chetak Screen Awards as it defines authenticity and credibility which aligns with our brand vision at Sony Pictures Networks India.”

Anant Goenka, Executive Director, Indian Express Group: “The Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 represents the scale at which we want to engage our audiences today—at a time when content consumption is increasingly digital-first and platform-agnostic. Audiences expect to experience moments like these real-time, across screens and on their own terms. With a strong multi-platform distribution strategy and trusted partners, we are ensuring that this celebration of cinema reaches millions in a meaningful way. What sets the Chetak SCREEN Awards apart is its foundation in credibility with the rigorous process followed by members of the not-for-profit SCREEN Academy. As we take these awards live across platforms, our focus remains unchanged—to recognise cinematic excellence with the same rigour and integrity that audiences associate with The Indian Express Group.”

With a digital-first, multi-platform strategy, the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 respond to shifting audience habits, where content is consumed seamlessly across devices and platforms—making the experience more accessible, immersive, and truly global in scale.

Watch Chetak Screen Awards live on Screen Awards YouTube, Sony Entertainment Television and Sony Liv on 05 April at 08:00pm.

Heartfulness Institute Joins Global Biodiversity Alliance, Anticipates Impacting Biodiversity In A Bigger Way

Heartfulness Institute announces its addition to the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) membership as acknowledged by the Global Biodiversity Alliance Secretariat on its GBA membership and its association with the Georgetown Declaration. As a member, Heartfulness Institute will be part of a collaborative platform dedicated to advancing global efforts to stall and reverse the loss of biodiversity resonating with the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Heartfulness Institute will closely be working with the Alliance’s objectives and various activities.

As a Global Biodiversity Alliance member, Heartfulness through its global network of 5,000 centers in 160 countries will work on raising awareness about biodiversity responsibilities, promoting the principle that ecological resilience is essential for human well-being. Heartfulness intends to implement the Global Biodiversity framework in Forests by Heartfulness project sites and generate high quality Biodiversity Credits. Besides, there is a severe lack of India-specific data in sections related to ecology and restoration. Through this membership, Heartfulness can further Global Biodiversity Alliance’s efforts in India to gather this data.

Vishwas Subramanyam, Director, PR and Partnerships (UK & Europe) from Heartfulness Institute said, “Through this membership, we are hoping to have knowledge transfer and technical know-how with Global Biodiversity Alliance and other member organisations, logistical support and share resources towards protecting global biodiversity. We hope joining the Alliance will go a long way in ecological conservation and raising awareness on responsibility towards biodiversity.”

The Global Biodiversity Alliance provides an international platform for leaders, scientists, indigenous voices, and innovators aiming to collaborate for measurable commitments and innovative solutions towards protection of 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

In joining the alliance, Heartfulness Institute will stay abreast of the current and future activities undertaken by Global Biodiversity Alliance. The Global Diversity Alliance will facilitate networking and bilateral or multilateral engagements that serve biodiversity management. The main inputs from members include “technical advice based on their experiences, any other supporting materials or data which can be shared on a voluntary basis.” As a member of GBA, Heartfulness Institute will “make efforts to participate in meetings and working group sessions that are aligned with the institute’s mandates; share their experiences and learn from others working in a similar space.”

The Global Biodiversity Alliance was founded on the principle that “protecting biodiversity is essential for ecological resilience and human well-being”. The Alliance combats the threats of deforestation, climate change and ecosystem degradation to help nature thrive for future generations. The alliance’s work meets the international frameworks including the Global Biodiversity Framework (COP16) reflecting the outcomes of the G20 on biodiversity collaboration.