World Heritage Day: Heritage Properties Shine as Prime Wedding Destinations

New Delhi, India – April 18, 2025 – As the world celebrates World Heritage Day on April 18th, a fascinating trend is emerging within India’s vibrant tourism sector; the increasing popularity of heritage properties as wedding venues. This coincides with a significant rise in cross-cultural marriages, further fueling the growth of the tourism market and adding a unique dimension to the preservation and appreciation of India’s rich heritage.

Once stately homes, palaces, and forts are now witnessing the blossoming of marital unions, drawn by their majestic architecture, historical significance, and the promise of a unique and memorable celebration. This trend is particularly appealing to couples opting for cross-section marriages, where the blend of diverse cultural backgrounds finds a harmonious backdrop in the timeless elegance of heritage locations.

The convergence of these trends is creating a significant boost for the tourism industry. Heritage properties, often located in historically rich but sometimes less-visited areas, are experiencing a revitalization. This influx of wedding-related tourism supports local economies, generates employment opportunities, and encourages the upkeep and preservation of these invaluable architectural treasures.

“World Heritage Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safeguarding our cultural legacy,” says Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC).”The increasing trend of hosting weddings in heritage properties, especially cross-cultural unions, not only provides stunning backdrops for these significant life events but also contributes to the economic viability and conservation of these sites. It’s a beautiful synergy where celebration meets preservation” she further added.

To further amplify this growth, there is a pressing need to introduce single-window clearances for visas and event permits, which would ease the process for both international and domestic guests. Simpler methods for registering marriages—especially those involving foreign nationals or different faiths—can enhance the overall experience. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and improving the accessibility of heritage properties can significantly enhance their appeal. Investing in skill development, especially in the area of hospitality, will ensure that visitors experience the warmth, professionalism, and cultural richness that India is known for..

This World Heritage Day, let’s celebrate the changing role of our historical sites. They are not just reminders of the past, but also bridges for cultural exchange and sources of economic growth through new and exciting tourism trends. By preserving them with care and embracing these changes wisely, we can keep India’s rich heritage alive for future generations.

HDFC Life Delivers: Strong APE and VNB Growth, Market Share Up 70 bps

Mumbai, 18th Apr, 2025: The Board of Directors of HDFC Life approved and adopted the audited standalone and consolidated financial results for the year ended March 31, 2025. The Company grew faster than the sector, whilst delivering healthy performance across all key metrics.

Performance Highlights: 

  • Topline Growth: Delivered strong individual APE growth of 18%, supported by increase in both number of policies sold and ticket size and a balanced product mix
  • Market Share: Overall market share (individual WRP) increased by 70 bps to 11.1% for the period 11MFY25. Private sector market share stood at 15.7%, an increase of 30 bps
  • Value of New Business (VNB) grew by 13% to ₹ 3,962 crore, reflecting robust growth in profitable business
  • Assets under Management (AUM): AUM stood at ₹ 3,36,282 lakh crore as on 31st March 2025, an increase of 15% YoY
  • Persistency: Our persistency for the 13th and 61st months stood at a strong 87% and 63%, Notably, our 61st-month persistency saw a significant improvement of 1000 basis points, demonstrating the company’s deep customer engagement and effective retention initiatives
  • Embedded Value (EV) grew by 17% and stood at ₹ 55,423 crore, with 7% operating return on EV, showcasing sustained long-term value creation for shareholders
  • Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹ 1,802 crore was achieved in 12M FY25, clocking a steady growth of 15% year-on-year, helped by an 18% increase in profit emergence from our back book. The Board has recommended a final dividend of ₹ 2.1 per share, in line with our dividend payout policy, aggregating to a payout of about ₹ 452 crore.
  • Solvency Ratio stood at 194%, comfortably above the regulatory threshold of 150%
  • Employee Focus: certified as Great Place to Work in 2025, highlighting commitment to employee well-being. Also recognized amongst the top 50 organisations for building a culture of innovation by Great Place to Work. HDFC Life was recognised for its inclusivity and employee-friendly policies, being awarded the Best Companies for Women in India 2024 in the BFSI sector and Exemplar of Inclusion (Most Inclusive Companies India 2024) by Avtar & Seramount

CEO’s Statement:

Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Life, commented: “FY25 was a year where we deepened our reach, continued sharpening our value propositions and demonstrated the resilience of our business model. We are happy to report an 18% growth in Individual APE for FY25, in line with our stated growth aspirations for the year. Our overall industry market share expanded by 70 bps to 11.1% and by 30 bps to 15.7% within the private sector.

Retail protection continued to show strong momentum with APE growth of 25%. All channels registered double-digit growth. We continue to enhance customer experience through intuitive digital platforms, with over 90% of service requests now handled via self-service.

As we enter our 25th year of existence, our aspiration remains, against a backdrop of a stable regulatory regime, to consistently outpace sector topline growth, deliver VNB growth in line with APE growth and double key metrics every 4 to 4.5 years.”

Key Financial Summary

₹ Crore 12M FY25 12M FY24 YoY
Key Financial and Actuarial Metrics
Individual APE 13,619 11,509 18%
Total APE 15,479 13,291 16%
New Business Premium (Indl + Group) 33,365 29,631 13%
Renewal Premium (Indl + Group) 37,680 33,445 13%
Total Premium 71,045 63,076 13%
Assets Under Management 3,36,282 2,92,220 15%
Profit After Tax 1,802 1,569 15%
Indian Embedded Value 55,423 47,468 17%
Value of new business 3,962 3,501 13%
12M FY25 12M FY24
Key Financial Ratios
New Business Margins 25.6% 26.3%
Operating Return on EV 16.7% 17.5%
Total Expenses / Total Premium 19.8% 19.4%
Solvency Ratio 194% 187%
13M / 61M Persistency 87%/63% 87%/53%
Individual WRP market share (Overall)1 11.1% 10.4%
Product mix by Indl APE (UL / Non par savings

/Annuity/ Protection / Par)

39/32/5/5/19 35/30/6/5/23
Distribution mix by Indl APE (Corp Agents/ Agency/ Broker/ Direct) 65/18/7/10 65/18/6/11

Note: 1. For the period ending 11M

Percentages may not add up due to rounding off effect

Definitions and abbreviations

  • Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) – The sum of annualized first year regular premiums and 10% weighted single premiums and single premium top-ups
  • Assets under Management (AUM) – The total value of Shareholders’ & Policyholders’ investments

managed by the insurance company

  • Embedded Value Operating Profit (EVOP) – Embedded Value Operating Profit (“EVOP”) is a measure of the increase in the EV during any given period, excluding the impact on EV due to external factors like changes in economic variables and shareholder-related actions like capital injection or dividend pay-outs
  • First year premium – Premiums due in the first policy year of regular premiums received during the financial year. For example, for a monthly mode policy sold in March 2025, the first monthly instalment received would be reflected as First year premiums for 2024-25 and the remaining 11 instalments due in the first policy year would be reflected as first year premiums in 2025-26, when received
  • New business received premium – The sum of first year premium and single premium, reflecting the total premiums received from the new business written
  • Operating expense – It includes all expenses that are incurred for the purposes of sourcing new business and expenses incurred for policy servicing (which are known as maintenance costs) including shareholders’ expenses. It does not include commission
  • Operating expense ratio – Ratio of operating expense (including shareholders’ expenses) to total premium
  • Operating return on EV – Operating Return on EV is the ratio of EVOP (Embedded Value Operating Profit) for any given period to the EV at the beginning of that period
  • Persistency – The proportion of business renewed from the business underwritten. The ratio is measured in terms of number of policies and premiums underwritten
  • Premium less benefits payouts – The difference between total premium received and benefits paid (gross of reinsurance)
  • Renewal premium – Regular recurring premiums received after the first policy year
  • Solvency ratio – Ratio of available solvency margin to required solvency margin
  • Total premium – Total received premiums during the year including first year, single and renewal premiums for individual and group business
  • Weighted received premium (WRP) – The sum of first year premium received during the year and 10% of single premiums including top-up premiums

NTT DATA Unveils First Sustainability Report for Global Data Centers

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.– April 18, 2025 – NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, today announced the release of the first sustainability report for its data center division, NTT Global Data Centers. The report highlights NTT DATA’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and its accelerated progress toward achieving Net-Zero emissions within its data centers.

In FY23, NTT Global Data Centers achieved 51% renewable energy usage for non-IT load globally and secured 1.7 TWh of renewable energy through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to support its transition to achieving Net-Zero emissions in our operations by 2030.

The rise of AI and digital infrastructure brings unprecedented opportunities, but also a responsibility to build sustainably,” said Doug Adams, CEO and President, NTT Global Data Centers. “We believe technology and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand. Our commitment to Net-Zero extends beyond reducing emissions; it’s about fostering a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready digital ecosystem.”

Global Sustainability Report Highlights

NTT Global Data Centers continues to drive measurable progress toward its Net-Zero goals with ambitious targets: achieving Net-Zero across Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, and across Scope 1–3 by 2040, ten years ahead of the timeline of the Paris Agreement.

To improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, NTT Global Data Centers is advancing AI-driven cooling technologies, optimizing Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) across its facilities, and deploying battery energy storage systems to store renewable energy and enhance grid resilience, reducing reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand. These innovations ensure that as AI and digital demands grow, data center sustainability keeps pace.

NTT Global Data Centers’ sustainability initiatives continue to deliver real-world impact across its global operations:

  • Germany: Waste heat reuse of 2MW will supply heating and warm water to over 1,000 buildings in the Marienpark Berlin commercial district, reducing fossil fuel dependency and maximizing efficiency. Future plans include expanding this initiative to extract up to 37MW of thermal output of the campus in total. NTT Global Data Centers also recently announced another new heat waste recovery project in Berlin that will supply 8MW of thermal waste heat from its data center to a residential district in Berlin.
  • United Kingdom: Implementation of a reverse osmosis filtration system reduced annual water usage by 35,000m³, cutting chemical waste and generating $120,000 in cost savings per year. Additionally, a smart sensor upgrade in U.K. data centers cut fan energy use by 50%, saving 2.6 GWh annually through optimized temperature and pressure settings, further enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
  • Mumbai, India: Deployment of liquid immersion cooling and direct contact liquid cooling improved energy efficiency by 30%, enabling high-density AI workloads while reducing power consumption.

Looking forward, NTT Global Data Centers is committed to deepening its impact by focusing on emissions reduction through renewable and low-carbon energy procurement and energy efficiency, circular economy principles, and innovative data center design development. The company is expanding its heat reuse initiatives, aiming to provide heating and warm water to even more buildings in multiple communities.

“Sustainable digital infrastructure isn’t just a goal — it’s an imperative,” said Adams. “As AI and digital transformations accelerate, we are committed to integrating smarter energy solutions, advanced technologies, and AI-driven efficiencies to reduce our environmental impact at scale. Driven by innovation and a bold vision for the future, we are reimagining what’s possible for a sustainable, more resilient digital world.

As the world’s third-largest data center provider, NTT Global Data Centers is backed by more than $10 billion in capital development through 2027 to drive future expansion of its data center business in current and new markets.

Zydus Medtech, Braile Biomedica Ink Global Pact to Commercialise TAVI Tech

Ahmedabad, India and Sao Jose do Rio Preto, April 18, 2025,Zydus MedTech Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zydus Lifesciences Limited specializing in medical technology development, has entered into a strategic partnership with Braile Biomédica Indústria, Comércio e Representações Ltda., (Braile Biomedica) – an innovative cardiovascular device manufacturer based in Brazil – to exclusively commercialize its Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) technology across Europe, India, and other select markets.

This agreement marks a significant step in Zydus MedTech’s strategic expansion into the fast-growing interventional cardiology segment. The global TAVI market, currently valued at over USD 6 billion, continues to witness strong growth driven by the increasing incidence of aortic stenosis and the rising demand for minimally invasive cardiac procedures.

Zydus MedTech, which is actively building its interventional cardiology portfolio, will introduce Braile Biomedica’s advanced balloon-expandable TAVI system to international markets, leveraging its commercial and regulatory expertise. Braile Biomedica – with a proven track record in cardiovascular innovation, particularly in Latin America – will manufacture and supply the product for these markets.

In addition to spearheading commercialization, Zydus MedTech will also retain rights to manufacture select components of the TAVI system. This collaboration provides operational flexibility while laying the foundation for further product innovation and development.

This agreement aligns with both companies’ shared commitment to delivering life-saving technologies to a broader patient population. The TAVI procedure is a recognized breakthrough in structural heart care, particularly for elderly patients or those at high surgical risk. By replacing the diseased aortic valve through a catheter-based approach – without the need for open-heart surgery – patients often experience significantly shorter recovery times and reduced procedural risks. The expansion of TAVI indications to all-risk patients has further accelerated its adoption.

What sets this TAVI solution apart is not just its clinical benefits, but also the technological and scientific foundation behind it. The system was developed based on the doctoral thesis of Dr. Domingo Braile, a pioneer of cardiac surgery in Brazil. Braile’s valve features a unique bovine pericardium sheet, used as a single piece rather than three separate leaflets, ensuring exceptional biocompatibility, durability, and performance.

The device must be collapsible, navigable through complex vascular anatomy, and fully functional upon deployment — all while maintaining structural integrity. This engineering precision and real-time deployment capability exemplify the fusion of innovation and performance, making it a next-generation, high-value product in cardiac care.

The synergy between Zydus MedTech’s marketing and regulatory strengths and Braile Biomedica’s deep technological expertise is expected to accelerate the global adoption of this life-saving therapy. Over the next three years, the partnership aims to launch a series of new innovations, supported by a robust clinical research program beginning next year in the regions covered under the agreement.

Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., said “We stand united with Braile to improve patient outcomes and expand access to advanced, critical cardiovascular care globally. This innovative, cutting-edge technology will offer a minimally invasive approach that also supports faster recovery, reduced hospital stays, and greatly improved quality of life for patients.”

Patricia Braile, CEO of Braile Biomedica, said “This partnership with Zydus MedTech powerfully reinforces Braile’s mission to care for people and help save lives. Seeing our TAVI technology — the result of decades of dedication to cardiovascular innovation — reach new continents is the fulfilment of a purpose that has driven us for nearly fifty years. By joining forces with a partner that shares our values and commitment, we expand our global impact and bring hope and quality of life to even more patients around the world.”

Courtyard Mahabaleshwar Appoints Siddharth Chitnis as Operations Manager

Mahabaleshwar, 18th April 2025: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is proud to announce the appointment of Siddharth Chitnis as the new Operations Manager. With a distinguished career spanning nearly 13 years with Marriott International, Siddharth brings a wealth of operational expertise, leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of guest service excellence.

Siddharth Chitnis 

In his new role, Siddharth will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless guest experiences, enhancing operational efficiencies, and supporting the strategic direction of the hotel. His proven track record in hospitality operations across multiple Marriott brands makes him a strong asset to the Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar leadership team.

Siddharth joins the property from Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute, where he served as Operations Manager for two years. Prior to that, he held key leadership positions across several prominent Marriott hotels including Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, and Fairfield by Marriott Goa Anjuna. His journey through varied roles—from Front Office Associate to complex Front Office Manager—highlights his growth mindset, operational excellence, and dedication to elevating service standards.

Speaking about his new role, Siddharth said, “I am excited to join Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar, a destination known for its scenic beauty and warm hospitality. I look forward to contributing to the guest experience by fostering a culture of service excellence and innovation.”

Siddharth is known among peers for his strong team leadership, guest-centric approach, and hands-on operational style. His commitment to Marriott’s core values and passion for hospitality continues to inspire those around him.

Please join us in welcoming Siddharth Chitnis to the Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar family. We look forward to his leadership in taking operational excellence to greater heights.

AsiaOne Honours Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan with Diplomatic Excellence Award

Hyderabad, April 17, 2025H.E. Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India, has been conferred the prestigious ‘AsiaOne Diplomatic Excellence Award for 2024-25. The award ceremony took place at the SIT20 Saudi Arabia India Thailand 20 Summit under the aegis of the 25th Edition of the Asian Business and Social Forum at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, today.

The award recognizes Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan’s exceptional efforts in boosting trade, tourism, and cultural links between India and Kazakhstan. Mr. Yermek Aitmagambetov, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in India; received the award on behalf of Dr. Khan.

This recognition highlights Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan’s dedication to fostering bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding between the two nations. As Honorary Consul, Dr. Khan has been instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties and exploring new opportunities for cooperation between India and Kazakhstan.

MAAC Hosts ‘Behind the Screens’ Webinar for 5000 Students

MUMBAI, 17 April, 2025Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC), a premiere institute and pioneer in high-end 3D animation, Gaming & VFX training, organised a special webinar for its students, giving them an exclusive and in-depth understanding of the world of game design, virtual environments, storytelling and beyond. Over 5000 students from MAAC’s centres across India attended the webinar online. The event is part of MAAC’s ongoing initiative called Behind the Screens, which aims to provide real-world industry exposure to its students, setting a new benchmark by leveraging strong industry ties to prepare students for successful careers in the growing AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality) industry.

The webinar was presented by Ms. Kristel Anbu, Lead Game Designer, Zynga Games, and live streamed across 120 MAAC centres in India. Ms. Kristel is a distinguished leader in the gaming industry with over 12 years of experience, specialising in casual simulation games. At Zynga, Ms. Kristel leads the design and development of FarmVille 2: Country Escape, alongside working on some renowned titles like Café World, Mafia Wars, and many more. Currently, she looks at the free-to-play and live ops verticals, new game mechanics and optimisations, and leading design efforts on revenue-focused pods. She has spent several years working on free-to-play games, where she finds joy in delivering immersive, rewarding experiences to Zynga players. Kristel wants to write stories and architect designs for the players, so going from narrative to game design seemed like a natural progression for her.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited, and Brand Custodian, MAAC, said, “At MAAC, we rally behind community-led platforms such as Behind the Screens that play a crucial role in skilling our students to prepare them for their careers in the AVGC-XR industry. The session by Ms. Kristel Anbu of Zynga Games offers pivotal industry exposure for our students, helping to bridge the gap between their academic training and the demands of today’s industry. Our students found immense value in her session as they learnt to bridge the crucial gaps between narrative building and then executing that vision inside a virtual or the game’s environment, that Ms. Kristel specialises in. I extend our gratitude to Kristel to taking the time out and engaging with our students, and we look forward to hosting more such experiences with her in the future!

Highlighting the impact of this workshop, Ms. Kristel Anbu, Lead Game Designer, Zynga Games, shared, ““It was a pleasure to share insights into the gaming industry with the students of MAAC. The conversation around the industry’s growth, emerging opportunities, and what the future might hold was genuinely exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing how these future professionals shape the space in the years to come.

With the AVGC industry poised for significant growth, MAAC’s continued efforts to provide such platforms to students ensures they are well-prepared for future opportunities in the global media landscape. The webinar not only showcased MAAC’s commitment to skill-building but is also aligned with the government’s vision of fostering a self-reliant India (Viksit Bharat). The real-world exposure and professional insights shared during the event strengthened the trust in MAAC’s commitment to inspiring future industry leaders.

Label Apurva Unveils Bold SS’25 Line

Mumbai, India, April 17, 2025 – In a fashion landscape often dominated by exclusivity, Label Apurva flips the script—unveiling its Spring/Summer ’25 collection with a powerful message: every body is couture-worthy. Founded by visionary designer Apurva Shah, the label is reshaping Indian luxury with a thoughtful blend of heritage craftsmanship, modern silhouettes, and inclusive sizing up to 6XL.

“Fashion has long celebrated a certain type of body, a certain kind of woman,” says Shah.With Label Apurva, I wanted to change that narrative—to create a space where people feel seen, empowered, and beautiful in clothes that honor both their identity and their culture.”

Titled “Heavenly Hues,” the Spring/Summer ’25 pret collection is a vivid celebration of India’s artisanal legacy—most notably Kalamkari—reimagined through contemporary forms. The spotlight is on handcrafted co-ord sets, breezy shirt dresses, and festive-ready separates, all elevated with intricate hand embroidery, zardozi, appliqué work, and rich surface textures. Each piece is a story in itself—a tribute to Indian craftsmanship, brought to life with modern elegance.

Beyond aesthetics, Label Apurva champions inclusivity—not just in size but in spirit. Every garment is thoughtfully designed to offer customised fits and crafted using eco-conscious materials through ethical, small-batch production practices. From soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones, the collection is imbued with emotion, intention, and joy—perfect for the warm seasons ahead.

Sustainability and inclusivity are not add-ons for us—they’re the pillars of our brand,” says Shah. “We’re proving that luxury can be welcoming, expressive, and deeply rooted in Indian values.”

Already beloved by celebrities like Raveena Tandon, Saina Nehwal, Falaq Naaz, and Divyanka Tripathi, Label Apurva is gaining momentum with the launch of its flagship store in Juhu, Mumbai and an expanding digital presence via www.labelapurva.co.in. Collaborations with leading multi-designer platforms such as Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, Ensemble, Aza, and Nykaa Fashion are in the works, further cementing its presence in India’s fashion landscape.

From Gen Z trendsetters to millennial professionals, Label Apurva’s fresh yet rooted style is resonating with a new generation that demands more from fashion—style, substance, and sustainability.

In five years, we hope to be a global Indian voice in fashion,” Shah adds, “not just for what we create, but for what we stand for.”

Label Apurva isn’t just a fashion label—it’s a movement. A celebration of self-expression, heritage, and meaningful luxury that finally includes everyone.

Dalmia Bharat Celebrates Heritage Day at Red Fort

New Delhi, April 17, 2025: To mark World Heritage Day (celebrated annually on April 18), Monument Mitra Dalmia Bharat hosted a specially curated evening at Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, offering visitors an engaging journey through its rich past. The initiative aimed to build a stronger connection with India’s cultural legacy through immersive storytelling that brought the monument’s history and architecture to life.

The experience began with a guided heritage walk from Lahori gate, led by historian and storyteller Mr. Anas Khan of Unzip Delhi. The walk focused on highlighting lesser-known aspects of the Red Fort, including its architectural symbolism, design influences, forgotten narratives from the Mughal period. It drew attention to how the fort’s original layout was shaped by both Persian design principles and Hindu Shilpshastra, with the intent to represent Jannat, or paradise on earth. Visitors were introduced to elements like floral motifs and spatial layouts that reflect deeper cultural and philosophical ideas embedded in the monument’s construction. Next on the stop was the Red Fort Visitor Centre, an architecturally restored 19th-century British barrack that blends heritage with modern storytelling. It features a museum, a 360° immersive show on Red Fort’s history and an augmented reality photography zone for an interactive visitor experience. The evening concluded with the acclaimed ‘Jai Hind’ Sound & Light Show, a multisensory spectacle featuring projection mapping, life-sized puppets, live performances with narration by legendary actor Shri Amitabh Bachchan. The show charts India’s journey from the Mughal period to modern times, leaving visitors with a powerful sense of national pride and historical perspective.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, MD & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Limited shared, “As the Monument Mitra for Red Fort, our efforts are in line with the program’s vision of building stronger connect with our vibrant legacy and therefore re-imaging the storytelling for contemporary India. The core idea is to make it an engaging experience for the youth – stories of our past, that defined and shaped us, narrated with modern day sensibilities. In a globalised world, India and Indians has its own unique identity. This identity defines our values, our successes and keeps us connected and rooted. With multi-stakeholder efforts, we hope to see monuments thrive as spaces of heritage and cultural connect.”

As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Red Fort as a world-class heritage destination, Monument Mitra Dalmia Bharat has introduced engaging visitor experiences like the Red Fort Visitor Centre and the mesmerizing ‘Jai Hind’ Sound and Light Show. Dalmia Bharat’s efforts reflect a sustained commitment to heritage preservation, bridging the past and the present and reimagining how modern audiences connect with India’s historic landmarks.

World Phygital Community Unveils 2025/26 Qualifiers

HONG KONG, 17-04-25: This week, the World Phygital Community (WPC) announced the 2025/2026 ranking tournament season for athletes and clubs aiming to qualify for the Games of the Future in Kazakhstan next year. Running from August 1st to December 15th, 2025, the tournaments hosted by WPC members worldwide, will provide the opportunity for clubs and athletes to show their prowess in phygital sports and qualify to compete at the largest global phygital sport’s event next year.

During the season, phygital competitors will participate in a round of regional tournaments within each participating country called Phygital Origins, followed by national tournaments, which are called Phygital Rivals.

Dan Merkley, Chairperson of the WPC, said, “This new season will be the biggest ever. With 96 World Phygital Community members across 92 countries, this is the chance for anyone who wants to be part of this fast-growing phenomenon to step up and prove themselves. Phygital sport is for everyone, and we are eager to see which phygital superstars emerge this season.”

Tournaments can feature the following core disciplines: Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, Phygital Shooter and Phygital Dancing. The first three consist of two stages—a digital round, where athletes compete in a video game version of the discipline, followed by a physical round, where they face off in a real-world version of the discipline. Phygital Dancing tournaments use well-known dancing video games to deliver the phygital experience in a single stage.

Following conclusion of these tournaments in December, rankings are calculated and the top two clubs and athletes in each discipline will go straight through to the Games of the Future 2026, while clubs and athletes placed 3rd – 26th will go through to the Phygital Contenders tournament to fight for their place at the event.

Prior to the season starting, all WPC members can apply to host Phygital Origins and Phygital Rivals tournaments from May 1st till July 31st, 2025.