The April 24 – May 17 trading card game auction features collectibles spanning the history of the hobby

April 25, 2026 – Goldin, an internationally renowned auction house known for rare and record-breaking collectible sales, today opened its 2026 Spring TCG & Manga Elite Auction, running April 24 through May 17. The auction presents a curated selection of rare Pokémon cards, video games, and original artwork alongside elite manga products. 

This standout auction exemplifies the fast-growing TCG and manga crossover market, where globally recognized franchises like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Naruto are converging with high-end trading card collectibles into one of the most dynamic segments in pop culture collecting. It is led by a 1992 Magic: The Gathering Gamma Playtest Uncut Sheets Collection consisting of 16 sheets and 252 cards, representing an early developmental stage of the game and one of the most significant Magic offerings ever presented for public sale.

The auction is also anchored by a 1998 Pokémon Japanese Promo Bronze 3rd Place 3rd Tournament Trophy Pikachu, one of the rarest and most prestigious tournament-issued Pokémon cards in existence. Pokémon highlights are further represented by a 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Holo Blastoise.

Marking Goldin’s commitment to manga as a premier collectible category, the auction includes three of the most historically important publications in manga history: the 1984 Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #51, featuring the first appearance of Dragon Ball; the 1997 Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #34, featuring the first appearance of One Piece; and 1999 Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #43, featuring the first appearance of Naruto. Also featured is a collection of 12 sealed One Piece OP01 Romance Dawn Booster Boxes — Blue Bottom with Original Distributor Case, representing the first print run of the One Piece TCG.

On the sealed product side, the auction features a 1996 Pokémon Japanese Base Set Factory-Sealed Booster Box (60 Packs),  the first-ever Pokémon booster box produced,  alongside a 2002 Pokémon Legendary Collection Factory-Sealed Blister Store Display (24 Blister Packs) and a 2005 Pokémon European EX Deoxys Factory-Sealed Booster Box.

Rounding out the Spring TCG & Manga Elite Auction is a 2001 Nintendo Game Boy Color Pokémon Crystal Version, a 2021 Baccarat Limited Edition Hiroshi Fujiwara Pikachu, and a Pokémon Origins Episode 4 Production Mewtwo Sketch, among additional lots spanning complete sets, sealed video games, and artwork.

The 2026 Spring TCG Elite Auction will close on May 17, with extended bidding beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Additional ongoing auctions include the Spring Game Used Auction, open through tomorrow, April 25, alongside the Cheetos Memorabilia Auction featuring Megan Thee Stallion & Nickelback, until May 4, the Music Memorabilia Auction, running through May 6, and the April Elite Auction, closing May 9. 

With a superb summer slate, Goldin is preparing to open the: Vintage Star Wars Auction on May 1; the USA 250 Auction on May 8, celebrating the semiquincentennial of the United States and headlined by an original Declaration of Independence Broadside; the World Cup Auction on May 11; the Combat Sports Auction on May 14; the May Elite Auction on May 15; the Spring Pop Culture Auction on May 21; and the highly-anticipated Goldin 100 on May 27.

Apr 25: Marking 25 years of promoting Indian classical arts, Swaranjali Delhi, in association with Tatvaa Arts and RMS Audio, presents Colours of India 2026 Hyderabad — an evening celebrating the richness of Indian classical vocal, instrumental music, and dance.

The event will be held today, Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the B M Birla Auditorium, Birla Science Centre complex, Adarsh Nagar, Hyderabad.

The program is structured in two sessions, bringing together acclaimed artists and promising institutions from across the country.

Session 1 will feature a group presentation by Rhythm Dance Academy, Vocal & Sitar recital by Akshay Vat Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Vocal performances by students of Shanti Swaroop Gurukulam, Raageshree Academy, and Swarasya Gurukulam, and a Taal Vadya ensemble by the disciples of Shri Gajender Shewalker.

Session 2 showcases eminent solo artists: Vid. B Pavan Singh on Carnatic Violin, Smt. Hemangi Bhagat with Hindustani Vocal, and Shri Rampaparnna Bhattacharjee on Sitar.

The event will be anchored by Smt. Sikha Nath. Co-artists for the evening include Shri Susamoy Mishra, Shri Vivek Kayal, Shri Rahul Deshpande, and Shri Rama Krishna.

The event is supported by RMS Audio and Shreyas Webmedia Solutions.

Event Details: 

Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026 
Time: 2:00 PM 
Venue: B M Birla Auditorium, Birla Science Centre complex, Adarsh Nagar, Hyderabad – 500063 
Entry: All are cordially invitedFor media queries, interviews, or passes, please contact: 
Swaranjali / Tatvaa Arts / RMS Audio 
Phone: 9910300319, 8142803372, 9246109975, 8920265508, 9949700611 
Website: www.swaranjali.org

Mumbai, Apr 25: special evening filled with compassion, courage, and humanity: For the first time, the DKMS Gala took place in Germany—the very place where the organization’s history began in 1991. More than 400 dedicated supporters gathered at the Haus der Kunst in Munich to show solidarity with patients. The event was an overwhelming success, raising more than 1.5 million euros for lifesaving work in the fight against blood cancer.

The hosts of the evening were Dr. Peter Harf, founder of DKMS and member of the Board of Trustees, along with his daughters Katharina Harf, Chair of the DKMS Foundation Board, and Viktoria von Wulffen, member of the Board of Trustees.

mong the prominent guests of the evening, which was hosted by Katharina Harf, were Francis Fulton-Smith, Uschi Glas, Joshua Kimmich, Joachim Löw, and Richy Müller.

A key part of the program was the auction, moderated by Barbara Schöneberger and Nils Ole Oermann. What made it special was that the bids supported specific DKMS projects—such as providing sick children in India with access to so-called MRD diagnostics. This is a highly sensitive test capable of detecting even the smallest remaining leukemia cells.

The DKMS Gala builds on successful events in New York and London and now brings this special commitment to Germany for the first time—the place where it all began 35 years ago. The goal of the evening was to raise lifesaving awareness and generate vital funds to further advance DKMS’s international dedication to overcome blood cancer.

The event was held under the patronage of Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder, who said: “For 35 years, DKMS has stood for solidarity in action and genuine social cohesion. This work deserves the highest respect. That is why, as Minister-President, I have wholeheartedly taken on the patronage of the first DKMS Gala in Germany.”

A legacy that saves lives worldwide

DKMS was founded in 1991 by Peter Harf—prompted by his wife Mechtild’s diagnosis with leukemia. At the time, a bone marrow transplant was her only chance for a cure. A personal promise to his wife, who died from a relapse, gave rise to a global movement. To this day, this legacy continues to save lives around the globe. More than 13 million potential stem cell donors are now registered at seven locations across five continents, having made more than 135,000 second chances at life possible. An emotional film commemorated Mechtild Harf and her story. “When we started, it was a very personal mission—driven by the desire to save lives. Today, especially on an evening like this, when we come together to remember while also offering hope, I am once again deeply aware of what has grown from it,” says Peter Harf. “Remembering Mechtild touches me deeply—and at the same time, it fills me with great gratitude to see that our loss has turned into a global movement that gives so many people a second chance at life.”

Moving first meeting with the lifesaver

A particularly moving moment was the first in-person meeting between the cured patient Eva from Thessaloniki and her lifesaver Sabrina from Braunfels in Germany. Sabrina had already registered as a donor at the age of 17—inspired by her parents’ commitment. Years later, she received the news that she was a potential match. Even when it became clear that a bone marrow donation was necessary, she decided without hesitation to help. Through her selflessness, she gave Eva a future. “A courageous decision turned into hope, hope turned into life—and a bond has formed between two strangers that will last forever. For me personally, this brings things full circle,” says Katharina Harf. “When I was young myself, I lost my mother to leukemia. Seeing that a child today has the chance to grow up, laugh, and dream is a deeply moving moment. It shows what is possible when people stand up for one another—even across all borders.” 

Eva was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2022. After an initially successful treatment, she suffered a relapse and had to temporarily move to Athens with her family to receive a lifesaving stem cell transplant. Today, Eva is healthy, full of energy, and back in school. She traveled to Munich specifically for the gala, accompanied by her parents.

At the end of the evening, music star LP took the stage. LP has supported DKMS for years and was met with cheers and thunderous applause. 

All proceeds from the evening go toward DKMS’s global work—from registering new donors and funding medical research to improving access to transplantation for patients.

Markus Söder concludes: “I am particularly pleased that Bavaria is playing a pioneering role here: Last year, more people registered as potential stem cell donors here than in any other federal state. That is a strong sign and makes it clear: Together, we can save lives and give hope—in Bavaria, throughout Germany, and worldwide. Support DKMS by registering or donating and help advance this lifesaving work.” 

The DKMS Gala 2026 thus stands for far more than a festive evening: It is a powerful signal in the fight against blood cancer—and a call to save lives together.

The DKMS also received special support from the Aschenbrenner family, the Randlkofer family, Dallmayr, Douglas, JAB, and Porsche, whose commitment made for an unforgettable evening for the guests and supported the work of the DKMS.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone for their tremendous commitment!

Bhubaneswar,Apr25(BNP): In a significant academic achievement, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology has improved its standing in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026, securing the 169th position among leading universities across Asia. The institution has also emerged as the top-ranked university in Eastern India and holds the 6th position among all public and private universities in the country.

This marks a notable rise from last year’s ranking of 184th in Asia, reflecting KIIT’s consistent progress in academic excellence and global competitiveness. Adding to its achievements, KIIT has also been recognised as the second-best institution in the Sports Science category by Times Higher Education.

The rankings are based on key performance indicators such as teaching quality, research output, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. KIIT’s strong performance across these parameters highlights its commitment to innovation, quality education, and global engagement.

Despite being a relatively young institution—established 28 years ago and functioning as a university for just 22 years—KIIT has successfully met the rigorous evaluation criteria, surpassing several well-established institutions across Asia. This achievement has brought pride to both the state and the nation.

Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, congratulated the faculty, staff, and students for their collective efforts and dedication. He also expressed confidence that the university will continue to scale greater heights in the coming years.

KIIT’s consistent presence in global rankings, including those by Times Higher Education, QS, and other reputed agencies, underscores its growing stature as a centre of excellence in higher education and its contribution to enhancing India’s academic reputation on the global stage.

When it comes to package delivery, early isn’t always better.

A new study from researchers at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business finds that when a package that’s ordered online is delivered earlier than the promised delivery date, the purchaser is apt to give it fewer stars when they leave an online review.

The finding surprised researchers Salar Nozari and Soogand Alavi, assistant professors of marketing. While the impact of delivery performance on how consumers rate a company’s service quality is well known, the authors didn’t expect that early or late deliveries would actually impact perceptions of the product itself. Even more interesting, they said that while we might expect that customers to ding a product in their rating for arriving late, they didn’t think they would also penalize a product for arriving early.

The two researchers analyzed online reviews of 11 million products left over the course of a year on an e-commerce platform. They found that when the delivery was made later than the platform promised, it led to a loss of .4 stars on average for products compared to on-time deliveries, presumably because the customer wasn’t happy about waiting. 

But when the delivery came before the window, the recipient also dinged the product, by an average of .2 stars. The authors said that while that might seem small on a single review, it quickly impacts the product average rating after numerous reviews and could eventually reduce sales.  

Why such counter-intuitive annoyance for an early delivery? Nozari and Alavi said it could be that the early delivery interrupted the customer’s time needed to justify purchasing the product. The researchers said that customers often use the time between purchase and acquisition to justify buying the product. If the platform says the product will be delivered Friday morning, they implicitly use the time before delivery to come to terms with their purchase, a process called cognitive dissonance theory.

But when the product comes Thursday afternoon, that early delivery stops the mental process so now they’re uneasy about the purchase and that’s reflected in the downgraded review. They said financial compensation can minimize the damage, so businesses can give a gift card or a discount on the customer’s next purchase if the delivery is late. 

Nozari and Alavi said one exception to this is food deliveries, which customers are usually more familiar with and so an early delivery doesn’t cause discomfort. 

Apr 25: Mammals and dinosaurs coexisted on Earth until a catastrophic event 66 million years ago killed 75% of life on the planet. Despite the devastation, some animals survived, including rodent-like mammals in the Cimolodon genus. These creatures are part of the multituberculates, a group that arose during the Jurassic Period and survived over 100 million years before going extinct. Studying these animals helps researchers better understand how mammals survived the mass extinction event and then diversified into the variety of mammals around today.

A research team led by the University of Washington has identified a new species in the Cimolodon genus from a fossil the team discovered at a research site in Baja California. The researchers estimate that this fossil is about 75 million years old. The new species, named Cimolodon desosai, was about the size of a golden hamster, the researchers said. It likely scampered on the ground and in trees and ate fruits and insects.

The researchers published these findings April 22 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

“The genus Cimolodon was a pretty common mammal during the Late Cretaceous, the last epoch of the Age of Dinosaurs. Cimolodon fossils have been found throughout western North America, from western Canada down through Mexico,” said senior author Gregory Wilson Mantilla, a UW professor of biology and curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Burke Museum. “This new species, Cimolodon desosai, was ancestral to the species that survived the extinction event. It and its descendants were relatively small and omnivorous — two traits that were advantageous for surviving.” 

When Wilson Mantilla and his team discovered the fossil in 2009, they found teeth, a skull, jaws and parts of the skeleton, including a femur and an ulna. 

“It’s very hard to find fossils at this site compared to other areas,” Wilson Mantilla said. “At first, my field assistant found just a little tooth poking out. If he had just found that, I would have been over the moon. But then when we looked inside the crack of the rock, we could see there was more bone.”

The fact that the researchers uncovered more than just teeth for C. desosai means that they can better understand its size and shape and how it likely moved. It also helps fill out the picture of this genus and the habitat in which it lived, and contributes to a better understanding of the multituberculate group in general.

The researchers used digital imaging and a tool called micro-computed tomography, or micro-CT, to get high resolution images of the fossil. Then the team compared the teeth of C. desosai to those of its cousins in the Cimolodon genus to establish it as a new species. 

“That far back in time everything is named based on their tooth characteristics,” Wilson Mantilla said. “If you find a skeleton that’s missing teeth, sometimes it’s hard to attach it to a name.”

The team named this species after Michael de Sosa VI, the field assistant who first found it, because de Sosa died while they were still analyzing the fossil.

“He was a great field assistant, and he was like a little brother to me,” Wilson Mantilla said. “It’s a great specimen to be associated with.”

Additional co-authors are Isiah Newbins, UW doctoral student in biology, David Fastovsky at the University of Rhode Island; Yue Zhang, who completed this research as a UW postdoctoral fellow in biology; Meng Chen, who completed this research as a UW doctoral student in biology; and Marisol Montellano-Ballesteros and Dalia García Alcántara at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. 

This research was funded by UC MEXUS-CONACYT, Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico PAPIIT IN111209-2, the UW College of Arts and Sciences, the UW Department of Biology and the American Philosophical Society.