Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 17: The quiet poetry of Lucknow’s famed Chikankari has found a new home in the heart of Mumbai. Saman, a brand deeply rooted in the heritage of Lucknow, has officially launched its newest store in Colaba, bringing with it the grace, intricacy, and soul of one of India’s most celebrated textile traditions. The excitement was palpable from the moment the doors opened.

Within the first few hours, influencers, guests, and eager shoppers crowded the store, each keen to experience and take home their share of authentic Chikankari, straight from the heart of Lucknow. Step inside, and it doesn’t feel like just another retail space. It feels like Lucknow has travelled thread by thread to Mumbai. At Saman, every piece carries a story. Hand-embroidered by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations, the garments reflect the delicate artistry that defines Lucknowi Chikankari. From airy cottons and fluid silks to sheer organza, the collection strikes a balance between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary silhouettes effortlessly relevant, yet deeply rooted. The brand’s journey is as much about people as it is about craft.

Founder Rukhsar Khan began her journey in 1999 in Lucknow, driven by passion and determination at a time when resources and platforms were extremely limited. Starting from scratch, she built the brand through sheer perseverance, laying a strong foundation without the support of modern tools like social media. Over the years, her vision has transformed Saman into a thriving collective of nearly 600 artisans. Deeply committed to preserving the traditional art of Chikankari, she has also introduced thoughtful fusion elements, while empowering women artisans from rural communities who continue to craft each piece with authenticity and care.

Speaking at the launch, Rukhsar Khan shared,

“For me, Saman is not just a brand, it’s an emotion tied to my roots in Lucknow. Every thread you see carries years of tradition, patience, and human touch. With our Colaba store, we wanted to bring that same warmth and authenticity to Mumbai, while also creating a platform where our artisans, especially women, can continue to grow and shine.

“The store launch was attended by Chief Guest Abu Azmi, who marked his presence at the event and extended his support to the brand’s journey. Actor Ayaz Khan also visited the store to congratulate the family and show his support on this special occasion. Often described as “the magic of Lucknow stitched into fabric,” Chikankari traces its origins back centuries ,evolving through time yet retaining its understated elegance. Saman captures this essence beautifully, blending traditional techniques with modern sensibilities to create pieces that feel both timeless and current. With its Colaba debut, the brand invites Mumbai to experience this magic up close, not just as fashion, but as a living, breathing art form.

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Platform targets up to 95% reduction in research time, enabling faster and more efficient legal workflows

New Delhi [India], April 16:  As artificial intelligence continues to expand across industries, legal technology is emerging as a key area of transformation in India, with platforms such as Blackcoat.ai focusing on improving efficiency and accuracy for legal professionals.

Blackcoat AI, an AI-powered legal workspace, is designed for lawyers, corporate teams, and law students, offering an integrated system that combines legal research, drafting, multilingual capabilities, document conversion and collaboration tools within a single platform.

Built on Indian legal data spanning decades of judgments, statutes, and legal texts, the platform aims to deliver highly accurate, context-relevant legal insights while simplifying complex workflows. The company said such tools are intended to reduce reliance on time-intensive manual research and improve overall productivity.

According to the company, the platform can help reduce legal research time by up to 95%, enabling professionals to focus more on case strategy, advisory work, and client engagement, while also improving efficiency in handling multiple cases.

Key features include precedential search, AI-driven research delivering insights in seconds, multilingual functionality across Indian languages, and document conversion into English, along with tools for drafting, summarization, and document comparison. The platform also provides shared digital workspaces, allowing teams to collaborate and manage legal work more effectively

“Legal professionals require fast and accurate data to operate effectively,” said Founder Vikash Sharmaa, Blackcoat.ai. The focus is on making legal intelligence more accurate and structured, while enabling a unified workspace where users can manage research, drafting, and collaboration efficiently.”

The name Blackcoat AI is inspired by the traditional black coat worn by legal professionals worldwide, a symbol associated with responsibility, authority, and trust. The platform is positioned as a support system intended to enhance professional capabilities rather than replace them.

Industry observers note that the adoption of artificial intelligence in legal services is increasing globally, as organizations seek to improve efficiency and reduce manual workload. In India, such platforms are expected to play a growing role in enabling faster, more accurate, and technology-driven legal workflows.

About Blackcoat AI

Blackcoat.ai is an AI-powered legal workspace designed for legal professionals, corporates, and law students. The platform enables users to conduct legal research, draft documents, analyse materials, and collaborate within a shared digital environment powered by Indian legal data. 

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From campus tournaments to global championships – KRAFTON India has built the ecosystem, the audience, and the commercial case that puts India on the Global Esports Map

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 17: India is no longer an esports market on the horizon – it is the horizon itself. With over 500 million mobile gamers, a youth population where 65% are under 35, and data costs among the lowest on the planet, India has become the world’s most dynamic competitive gaming frontier. KRAFTON India has been at the forefront of this transformation, turning India’s gaming potential into a structured, thriving esports ecosystem. 

The gaming conglomerate today released definitive performance data for its BGMI Esports ecosystem in 2025 and the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2026 – numbers that not only validate the platform’s scale but establish it as one of the most commercially compelling esports properties in the Indian market.

In 2024, total BGMI esports viewership stood at 308.56 million. In 2025, that number tripled to 930+ million – a 201% increase in a single year. Its IPs together generated 984 million YouTube impressions and reached 86.78 million unique viewers in 2025 alone. This is not organic drift; this is a platform firing on all cylinders, with structured investment, expanded tournament formats, and a deepening community infrastructure driving every metric upward.

Further, the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2026 has already delivered landmark viewership figures that cement KRAFTON India’s position as the category leader. The 5th edition of the flagship event this year crossed 600,000 peak concurrent viewers on YouTube, with 360+ million total views, 420+ million impressions, and approx 20 million watch hours – making it the most-watched mobile esports event in Indian history. These figures represent an audience that brands cannot find anywhere else in Indian sport or entertainment: young, mobile-first, loyal, and growing at triple-digit velocity.

The commercial track record of the IP’s is equally strong. BGMI Esports has already earned the trust of some of India’s most recognised and forward-looking brands across consumer electronics, automotive, FMCG, and consumer services, with brands like iQOO, Realme, KIA, Monster Energy, Hero MotoCorp, and Swiggy already validating BGMI Esports as a high-reach, high-ROI activation platform. The convergence of mobile-first consumption, a 18–34 age bracket, and close to 1 billion views per year makes this arguably the most efficient brand-building vehicle in Indian youth media.

What separates KRAFTON India from every other esports operator in the country is the depth of its ecosystem investment. Since 2023, KRAFTON India has invested close to INR 20+ crore in prize money across four flagship IPs – BGIS, BMPS, BMSD, and the inaugural BGMI International Cup (BMIC) – which brought elite teams from South Korea and Japan to compete on Indian soil for the first time. The BGIS 2026 prize pool was raised to INR 4 crore, and through the BGMI Showdown, Indian teams now have a direct qualification pathway to the Global Championship. Beyond tournaments, KRAFTON India’s Campus Tour has reached IITs and other prestige 130+ colleges nationwide, the Rising Star programme nurtures emerging talent, and the Krafton India Awards formally recognise the country’s top gamers, streamers, and esports professionals.

About KRAFTON, Inc.

Headquartered in South Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is dedicated to discovering and publishing captivating games that offer fun and unique experiences. Established in 2007, KRAFTON is home to globally re-nowned developers that include PUBG STUDIOS, Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, VECTOR NORTH, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montréal Studio, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, 5minlab, Dreamotion, ReLU Games, Flyway Games, Tango Gameworks and inZOI Studio. Each studio strives to continuously take on new challenges and leverage innovative technologies. Their goal is to win over more fans by broadening KRAFTON’s platforms and services. With a passionate and driven team across the globe, KRAFTON is a tech-forward company that possesses world-class capabilities and is set on expanding its business horizons to encompass multimedia entertainment and deep learning. For more information, visit https://www.krafton.com/

About KRAFTON India

KRAFTON India is responsible for delivering premier mobile gaming experiences in the country, led by its flagship title BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), which has surpassed 260 million downloads. Its diverse portfolio also includes titles such as Bullet Echo India, Road To Valor: Empires, CookieRun India, and Real Cricket, catering to a wide spectrum of Indian gamers. KRAFTON India has also played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s esports landscape through marquee tournaments such as BGIS and BMPS, setting new benchmarks for the development of grassroots talent, competitiveness, and fan engagement, while helping establish esports as a mainstream sporting and entertainment category in India. Beyond publishing games, KRAFTON India is committed to strengthening the digital entertainment ecosystem. Since 2021, the company has invested over $250 million in Indian startups across interactive entertainment, gaming, esports, and technology. The company also actively supports game development talent through the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), enabling emerging developers with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance. For more information, visit https://krafton.in/

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Kabuni’s Nimesh Patel & Shane Watson

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 17: Kabuni, the AI-powered sports technology platform redefining cricket training, today announced the appointment of former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as one of its Super Coaches, marking a significant step forward in its mission to make world-class coaching accessible to players at every level.

This collaboration brings together Kabuni’s cutting-edge technology with Watson’s deep cricketing expertise, creating a powerful blend of data-driven insights and real-world experience for aspiring cricketers.

Kabuni’s platform is designed to transform traditional net practice by capturing player movement and ball tracking in real time, translating it into simple, actionable feedback. With its unique “1% improvement” approach, the system focuses on small, immediate corrections that lead to meaningful performance gains over time.

By integrating voice, video, and visual cues, Kabuni ensures that feedback is not just data-heavy but intuitive and easy to apply, particularly for young and developing players.

With Shane Watson coming on board, Kabuni further strengthens its commitment to combining elite-level cricketing intelligence with accessible technology, reinforcing its belief that high-quality coaching should not be limited to professional environments.

Shane Watson, Super Coach, Kabuni, said:“What excites me about Kabuni is how it simplifies improvement. Cricket is a game of small margins, and the ability to identify and act on those 1% changes can make a huge difference. Kabuni brings clarity to training in a way that players at any level can understand and benefit from. I’m excited to be part of a platform that’s making high-quality coaching more accessible.”

Nimesh Patel, Founder & CEO, Kabuni, said:“Having Shane Watson join Kabuni as Super Coach is a huge milestone for us. His experience at the highest level of the game, combined with our technology, allows us to deliver a more complete and credible training ecosystem. Our goal has always been to ‘put a professional coach in every player’s kitbag’, and this partnership brings us even closer to that vision. In addition, great performance isn’t just physical – it’s mental. What we’re building goes beyond technique by capturing how elite athletes like Shane think, prepare, and respond under pressure, enabling Kabuni to bring that mindset to every player, anywhere in the world. It’s about giving athletes access not just to what Shane Watson would do, but how he would think in those moments. That’s a powerful unlock, and it’s where we see the future of coaching heading.”

Kabuni’s AI-driven platform leverages biomechanics, motion, performance data, and cricketing intelligence to provide personalised, real-time coaching insights. By comparing player movements with bio mechanical data drawn from the great players and teams of the game, it helps users understand not just what to improve, but how to improve it – without overwhelming them with complex analytics.

Building on its vision to redefine coaching through technology, Kabuni is also developing a first-of-its-kind AI-powered mental performance coach – modeled as a digital twin of Shane Watson. It will be like having Shane as your own personal mental performance coach, right by your side – wherever you are – guiding you through the moments that matter and helping you build the clarity, resilience, and focus needed to perform at your best, no matter the stakes.

As Kabuni continues to expand its footprint in India, the addition of Shane Watson signals a strong intent to build a globally relevant, technology-led coaching ecosystem that bridges the gap between grassroots and elite cricket.

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The Bengal members, H M Bangur, Sundeep Bhutoria, Sirshendu Mukherjee, and others, at a function felicitating Goutam Ghose. Mr. Ghose has been appointed Sheriff of Kolkata

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 17: The Bengal, one of Kolkata’s most distinguished socio-cultural organisations, hosted a special felicitation ceremony in honour of its Working President and legendary filmmaker Mr Goutam Ghose on his appointment as Sheriff of Kolkata — and the new Sheriff used the occasion to announce an ambitious plan to recover and restore the city’s forgotten colonial history.

The evening, held at The Taj Bengal, brought together eminent members from the worlds of culture, business, and civic life to celebrate this proud milestone. The Consul Generals of USA, Germany and Australia in Kolkata attended the function.

In what is being seen as a significant cultural and historical initiative, Mr Ghose announced that he intends to use his tenure as Sheriff to undertake the restoration of rare archival documents held in the Sheriff’s office — records that have lain largely untouched since the days of the East India Company. The Sheriff’s office, established in 1774, currently holds administrative and judicial documents spanning nearly two and a half centuries. Speaking at The Bengal felicitation function, Mr Ghose said, “The present office holds administrative and judicial documents dating back to the 18th century. I’m very keen to restore these documents in collaboration with the High Court’s archive committee.”

Expressing the challenges of undertaking such a project, Mr Ghose further said, “I know it’s a very, very difficult job because they are more than 200 years old documents but I’m sure there are people who have the expertise to restore this kind of material. I am sure, if we can restore them, so many unknown facts we might find in those papers that will give students and researchers a new insight about Bengal and colonial rule.”

The Bengal members, Mr Hari Mohan Bangur and Sirshendu Mukherjee, felicitating Goutam Ghose newly appointed Sheriff of Kolkata at a function in Kolkata.

Mr Ghose said he would work closely with expert conservators and the Calcutta High Court’s archive committee to draw up a formal restoration plan. He also lauded the activities and initiatives of Pronam, a joint initiative of The Bengal and Kolkata Police for the elderly, reaching out to over 20,000 senior citizens in the city.

Mr H M Bangur, Chairman of The Bengal, said: “Goutam-da is not merely a filmmaker; he is a cultural ambassador, a storyteller of civilisations. That such a man now serves as Sheriff of our beloved Kolkata is not a surprise — it is the natural order of things.”

Mr Sundeep Bhutoria, Secretary General of The Bengal, added: “Goutam-da’s lens has always captured the heartbeat of Bengal — its rivers, its people, its longings. The Bengal is immensely proud that this honour has come to one of its most cherished members.”

The Bengal has a distinguished tradition of its members serving as Sheriff — from footballer Chuni Goswami in 2005 to literary giant Sunil Gangopadhyay in 2002. Goutam Ghose’s appointment continues this illustrious legacy.

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New Delhi [India], April 17: Dubai-based music distribution company SOCO Dü has officially announced its expansion into the Indian market, marking a significant step in its global growth strategy. The company has confirmed that its operations in India will commence from March 2026, with a strong focus on empowering independent artists and music labels across the country.

With the Indian music industry witnessing rapid growth in digital streaming and independent music production, SOCO Dü aims to provide artists and labels with seamless access to global streaming platforms while maximizing their revenue potential.

Officials from SOCO Dü stated that the company is committed to simplifying music distribution and helping creators focus on their craft while the platform handles the complexities of digital release and monetization.

“India is one of the fastest-growing music markets in the world, and we see tremendous potential in supporting artists and labels here,” said a spokesperson from SOCO Dü. “Our mission is to help creators generate maximum revenues and achieve sustainable growth by making music distribution simple, transparent, and hassle-free.”

Through its technology-driven distribution system, SOCO Dü will enable artists and labels to release their music across all major streaming platforms globally. The company also plans to leverage its partner networks in India to provide additional opportunities for artists, including marketing support, industry collaborations, and revenue optimization strategies.

“We want artists and labels to focus on creating great music while we take care of the rest,” another official from SOCO Dü added. “Through our partner ecosystem in India, artists will be able to access multiple growth opportunities and expand their reach across audiences worldwide.”

The company’s entry into India comes at a time when independent music is experiencing unprecedented growth, with streaming platforms driving global discovery for emerging talent.

With its launch in India, SOCO Dü aims to become a key partner for artists and labels looking to distribute their music efficiently while unlocking new revenue streams in the digital music economy.

About SOCO Dü

SOCO Dü is a Dubai-based music distribution company focused on providing digital distribution, revenue optimization, and growth opportunities for artists and music labels worldwide. The company works with creators to ensure their music reaches global streaming platforms while offering industry support through its growing network of partners.

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New Delhi [India], April 17: CARE Ratings has reaffirmed its ‘CARE A’ (Stable) rating for Fusion Finance Limited’s debt instruments, supported by a sequential improvement in asset quality.

The rating action covers ₹150 crore of non-convertible debentures and ₹1,500 crore of long-term bank facilities, both retained at ‘CARE A’ (Stable), reflecting stable operational and financial performance alongside strengthening asset quality.

The stable outlook factors in sequential improvement in Fusion’s asset quality, collection efficiency and profitability. CARE also took note of Fusion’s capital raise of ₹800 crore that was completed in Q3FY26, supporting its capital profile and providing cushion for growth. 

‘CARE A’ rating indicates that the instruments are considered to have an adequate degree of safety regarding timely servicing of financial obligations and carry low credit risk. The Stable outlook reflects the expectation that the company’s performance will remain steady over the near- to medium-term.

This reaffirmation reflects Fusion Finance’s focus on maintaining financial discipline, strengthening its portfolio quality, and sustaining growth momentum in its core lending business. The company has gradually strengthened its performance on core metrics backed by an improving credit profile, with key financial and operating metrics reflecting a continued recovery in asset quality and overall business momentum.

The company restored its profitability in Q3 FY26, reporting a PAT of ₹14 crore (including one-time impact of labor codes), supported by improving asset quality and calibrated growth, reflecting a turnaround in its earnings trajectory. The company also maintained a strong capital and liquidity position, with a CRAR (capital to risk-weighted asset ratio) of 38.8% and liquidity of ₹1,783 crore, while raising ₹2,522 crore in the third quarter through borrowings and a rights issue, strengthening its overall financial flexibility.

The rights issue infusion further strengthened Fusion’s balance sheet, with continued lender support signalling improved external confidence in the company’s credit profile. Operational metrics also showed steady improvement, with collection efficiency rising to 99.14% in Q3 compared to 98.77% in Q2, while the new book constituted 79% of the portfolio, recording a collection efficiency of 99.56% in Q3 FY26. 

On the growth front, disbursements increased to ₹1,594 crore in Q3 FY26 from ₹1,298 crore in Q2 FY26, with disbursements involving up to two lenders remaining stable at 80%, reflecting sustained portfolio quality and disciplined lending practices. 

At the same time, credit costs declined for the fifth consecutive quarter to ₹79 crore in Q3 FY26 from ₹571 crore in Q3 FY25, while GNPA further improved to 4.38% in Q3 FY26 from 12.58% in Q3 FY25, reflecting the continued strengthening of the company’s asset quality.

Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 17: Paramatrix Technologies Limited (Paramatrix) (NSE: PARAMATRIX), a trusted provider of enterprise software products and digital IT services, announced that its AI-driven gamification platform, PLAYMITY, was conferred with the ‘Best Product Innovation’ award in BFSI category at the 4th BFSI Tech Summit & Awards 2026, held at ITC Maratha, Mumbai.

The award recognises breakthrough innovation in technology solutions within the BFSI sector and highlights Paramatrix’s growing focus on AI-led, outcome-driven platforms.

Organised by UBS Forums, the summit brings together senior leaders across banking, financial services, and insurance to discuss digital transformation, AI, data, and customer experience innovation.

Strong Industry Platform & Participation

Paramatrix participated in the event as an Exhibit Partner, where it showcased its digital transformation capabilities and engaged with key decision-makers across the BFSI ecosystem.

The recognition at this platform reinforces the Company’s increasing visibility and credibility among leading financial institutions.

About PLAYMITY

PLAYMITY is Paramatrix’s proprietary AI-driven gamification platform designed to drive performance across the organization:

• Enhances sales productivity and frontline performance
• Improves employee engagement through gamified workflows
• Enables measurable business outcomes with real-time tracking
• Leverages behavioural intelligence and personalised nudges
• Integrates seamlessly with existing enterprise systems
• Helps translate strategy into consistent on-ground execution

Strategic Relevance

This recognition marks an important milestone in Paramatrix’s journey of building scalable, IP-led solutions, strengthening its positioning beyond services into high-value digital platforms.

Commenting on the award win, Mukesh Thumar, Founder, Managing Director & CEO of Paramatrix Technologies Limited, said:

“We’re genuinely pleased to see PLAYMITY being recognised at a platform like this. It reflects the effort our teams have put into building something that delivers real, on-ground impact.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on scaling such platforms and continuing to solve practical business challenges through AI-led innovation.”

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