Convera Joins Forces with Ripple to Empower Stablecoin-Enabled Cross-Border Payments

Business Wire India

Convera, a global leader in commercial payments, today announced a new strategic collaboration with Ripple, a leading provider of blockchain-based enterprise solutions across traditional and digital finance, to offer crypto-enabled payment and treasury solutions for businesses.

 

“With the growing presence and use of digital currencies such as crypto and stablecoins, Convera has maintained a thoughtful approach by listening to what our customers want while watching this space continue to mature. We knew we needed a trusted, visionary partner that can help us meet our customers where they are in their journey,” said Patrick Gauthier, CEO, Convera. “Ripple is a clear leader in the crypto space and a natural fit for Convera. We look forward to continued success and growth as we roll out these capabilities to customers near and far.”

 

 

Convera’s partnership with Ripple brings together two industry leaders to enhance global payments through stablecoin and blockchain infrastructure. By combining Convera’s trusted global network, FX expertise, and customer experience with Ripple’s liquidity, settlement, and digital asset capabilities, the collaboration enables faster, more reliable cross‑border payments – particularly in corridors where traditional options are limited.

 

 

This partnership builds on the “stablecoin sandwich” settlement model, where payments begin and end in fiat while leveraging regulated stablecoins for settlement in between. Convera orchestrates the end-to-end payment experience, while Ripple provides the underlying infrastructure for liquidity, on/off-ramping, and cross-border settlement.

 

 

“Enterprises are increasingly looking for faster, more flexible ways to move money globally without taking on the complexity of digital assets directly,” said Aaron Slettehaugh, SVP of Product at Ripple. “By partnering with Convera, we’re combining a trusted global payment infrastructure with stablecoin-powered settlement to give businesses more control over how and when they move value across borders.”

 

 

Attend Convera’s speaking session at Fintech Meetup titled, “How Do You Move Fast with New Payments Rails Without Breaking Things — Or Compliance?”, held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, on Wednesday, April 1st, at 1:05 pm PT.

 

 

Sign up to receive Convera’s upcoming Payments 2026+: Liquidity in Motion Report, which outlines how accelerating regulatory deadlines, real-time payment innovation, and the emergence of multi rail ecosystems are redefining global currency management.

 

 

To learn more about Ripple’s payments, custody and stablecoin solutions, visit https://ripple.com.

 

 

Additional Resources

 

 

 

About Convera

 

Convera is a global leader in commercial payments. With an unrivaled regulatory footprint and a financial network spanning more than 140 currencies and 200 countries and territories, Convera is reimagining the future of business payments. We combine tech-led payment solutions with deep expertise in foreign exchange, risk management, and compliance. From small businesses to CFOs and treasurers, we’re helping our customers grow with confidence. Convera makes business payments simple, smart, and secure.

 

 

 

 

 

Ducon Expects Increased Activity in Alumina Handling Projects Business in India

Business Wire India

Ducon Technologies (“Ducon”), a global leader in material handling and environmental solutions, today announced a positive outlook for its alumina handling projects business segment, driven by strong global and domestic industry fundamentals.

 

The alumina industry is poised for sustained growth, with global consumption projected to reach approximately 162 million tons by 2035. This expansion is being fueled by rising demand for lightweight aluminum in automotive and aerospace applications, as well as accelerating demand for high-purity alumina, a critical material used in electronics, LEDs, and lithium-ion batteries.

 

 

Recent geopolitical developments have also underscored the strategic importance of resilient supply chains. Iranian missile and drone strike on major aluminum facilities in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates —including Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and an Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) —have raised concerns over potential disruptions to global aluminum supply. These events are expected to accelerate investments in capacity expansion and infrastructure diversification across other regions, including India.

 

 

India is rapidly emerging as a significant global player in the alumina sector, supported by ongoing capacity expansions and substantial investments in refining infrastructure to process domestic bauxite resources. This structural shift is expected to generate increased demand for advanced material handling, storage, and transportation systems—areas where Ducon has deep expertise and a long-standing track record.

 

 

With roots dating back to the 1960s, Ducon has established itself as a trusted supplier of engineered material handling systems for alumina, fly ash, coal, pet coke, and other bulk materials. The company has delivered numerous installations worldwide, covering complete solutions for alumina handling, storage, and transportation.

 

 

In India, Ducon has successfully executed and commissioned several key alumina-related projects for leading industry players, including:

 

 

  • Utkal Alumina International Limited, Rayagada – Alumina Handling & Wagon Loading System
  • Hindalco Industries Ltd. (Mahan Aluminium Project, Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh) – Bath Recycling System and Alumina Unloading & Transport System
  • Hindalco Industries Ltd. (Aditya Aluminium Project, Sambalpur, Odisha) – Bath Recycling System and Alumina Unloading & Transport System
  • Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh Refinery – Alumina Handling System
  • National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO), Damanjodi & Vizag Port – Alumina Handling System & Wagon Loading System

 

Commenting on the outlook, Aron Govil, CEO of the company said, “We are witnessing a strong pipeline of opportunities in the alumina sector, both in India and globally. Our decades of experience, proven execution capabilities, and installed base with marquee clients position us well to capitalize on the next phase of growth in this segment.”

 

Ducon remains committed to delivering high-efficiency, reliable, and environmentally sustainable material handling solutions to support the evolving needs of the global alumina and aluminum industries.

 

 

About Ducon Group

 

 

Ducon is a global technology, engineering and construction company specializing in material handling systems and environmental control technologies. With decades of experience and installations across multiple industries, Ducon provides innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability for its clients worldwide.

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

 

This release contains forward-looking statements, including expectations regarding technology development, market adoption, project pipeline, and financial impacts. Actual results may differ due to factors beyond the Company’s control. Ducon undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

 

 

 

 

 

Lotte Rental Speeds Growth and Innovation with Multiyear Partnership with Rimini Street

Business Wire India

Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), the Software Support and Agentic AI ERP Company™, and the leading third-party support provider for Oracle, SAP and VMware software, today announced that Lotte Rental, South Korea’s leading car rental company, has selected Rimini Street to provide support for its Oracle and SAP systems.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260331863399/en/

 

 

Lotte Rental Speeds Growth and Innovation with Multiyear Partnership with Rimini Street

Lotte Rental Speeds Growth and Innovation with Multiyear Partnership with Rimini Street

 

A leader in the rental industry for over 40 years, Lotte Rental operates 300 branches across Korea and subsidiaries in Thailand and Vietnam and offers car sharing and used car sales. To drive its vision of accelerating growth and staying ahead in the mobility industry, the company has restructured its IT systems and invested in next-generation technology to power innovation and support its strategic expansion plans.

 

Cost Savings and System Stability Fuel Innovation

 

 

Lotte Rental is leading a company-wide cost-optimization initiative to identify and eliminate factors impacting profitability. By selecting Rimini Support™ for its mission-critical SAP and Oracle systems, Lotte Rental benefits from savings of over 50% total annual support fees and expert support from a dedicated Primary Support Engineer backed by a global team of highly experienced ERP experts and engineers. The efficiencies and savings realized by partnering with Rimini Street enable Lotte Rental to reinvest in strategic priorities and advance both top and bottom-line growth.

 

 

“Ensuring that our foundational enterprise systems are secure, flexible and primed for innovation is essential to achieving our vision to lead the mobility industry,” said Changgeun Park, head of IT, Lotte Rental. “Our partnership with Rimini Street provides us with a level of savings and quality of service unmatched in the industry.”

 

 

With the support of Rimini Street, Lotte Rental no longer experiences gaps in support needs or feels vendor pressure to take on costly, disruptive upgrades just to remain fully supported. Its systems are now stable, secure and ready for immediate innovation leveraging a composable ERP strategy.

 

 

Initially signed for a one-year Rimini Support™ for Oracle contract in 2024, Lotte Rental extended the partnership for an additional 3 years and signed a 3-year support contract for its SAP systems – a testament to the service Rimini Street provided.

 

 

“Our growing partnership with Rimini Street reflects a shared commitment to advancing Lotte Rental’s capabilities and growth, empowering our ability to deliver greater value and innovation in an ever-changing consumer market,” said Park. “In this highly competitive environment, speed to market is critical, and Rimini Street helps us realize our vision to remain South Korea’s number one car rental brand – and beyond.”

 

 

A Partnership Built on Results

 

 

With the savings achieved, Lotte Rental is investing in AI, ESG mobility services and cloud capabilities. The company has rolled out robotic process automation (RPA), improved SAP ERP interfaces and brought marketing, logistics, finance and HR together on one platform. These initiatives are expected to save over 100,000 work hours in five years and help boost productivity and employee satisfaction.

 

 

“Lotte Rental’s vision to advance the mobility industry relies on a strategy rooted in stability, agility and innovation around core systems,” said Kevin Kim, GVP and regional general manager, Rimini Street Korea. “With Rimini Street, Lotte Rental has a roadmap that allows for immediate investment in AI-driven initiatives, digital transformation and operational excellence, strengthening its competitive position in the industry.”

 

 

Learn how Rimini Support™ is helping IT leaders achieve their growth and profitability goals.

 

 

About Rimini Street, Inc.

 

 

Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a Russell 2000® Company, is a proven, trusted global provider of end-to-end, mission-critical enterprise software support, managed services and innovative Agentic AI ERP solutions, and is the leading third-party support provider for Oracle, SAP and VMware software. The Company has signed thousands of IT service contracts with Fortune Global 100, Fortune 500, midmarket, public sector and government organizations who have leveraged the Rimini Smart Path™ methodology to achieve better operational outcomes, billions of US dollars in savings and fund AI and other innovation.

 

 

To learn more, please visit www.riministreet.com, and connect with Rimini Street on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

 

Certain statements included in this communication are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “currently,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “goal,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “reflect,” “results,” “seem,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would” and other similar words, phrases or expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expectations of future events, future opportunities, global expansion and other growth initiatives and our investments in such initiatives. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of management and are not predictions of actual performance, nor are these statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Rimini Street’s business, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to our ability to attract new clients or retain and/or sell additional products or services to existing clients; our ability to achieve and maintain an adequate rate of revenue growth; cost of revenue, including changes in costs associated with our efforts to grow and the results of any efforts to manage costs to align with current revenue expectations and the expansion of our offerings; the effects of increased intense competition in our industry and our ability to compete effectively; our ability to successfully educate the market regarding the advantages of our support and managed services for enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and to sell the products and services comprising our “Rimini Smart Path™” solutions portfolio, including but not limited to our Agentic AI ERP solutions; our intentions with respect to our pricing model and expectations of client savings relative to use of other providers; the evolution of the ERP software management and support landscape facing our clients and prospects; estimates of our total addressable market; the effects of seasonal trends on our results of operations, including the contract renewal cycles for vendor-supplied software support and managed services; the effects of the efforts of enterprise software vendors to sell upgrades or migrations to cloud-based versions of their enterprise software on our results of operations; our ability to scale our operations quickly enough to meet our clients’ changing needs or decrease our costs adequately in response to changing client demand; risks arising from incorporating artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies into our products or services or any deficiencies associated with AI technologies used by us or by our third-party vendors and service providers; our ability to maintain, protect, and enhance our brand; the continuing impact of and our ability to comply with the terms of our July 2025 settlement agreement with Oracle; our wind down of support services for Oracle PeopleSoft software products and the impact on future period revenue and costs incurred related to these efforts; the loss of one or more members of our management team and our ability to attract and retain additional qualified technical, sales and marketing personnel; our ability to expand our marketing and sales capabilities; our ability to avoid interruptions to, or degraded performance of, our services and the impact of any such interruptions or performance problems on our operations; our ability to defend against cybersecurity threats and to comply with data protection and privacy regulations; our expectations regarding new product offerings, innovation solutions, partnerships and alliance programs and our ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships; our ability to expand internationally and the risks associated with global operations; the impact of macro-economic trends, including inflation and changes in foreign exchange rates, as well as general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the industry in which we operate and the industries in which our clients operate; our ability to generate significant capital through our operations or to raise additional capital necessary to fund and expand our operations and invest in new services and products; our business plan and our ability to effectively secure and manage our growth and associated investments; risks relating to retention rates, including our ability to accurately forecast retention rates; our ability to protect our intellectual property; our ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting; changes in laws or regulations, including tax laws or unfavorable outcomes of tax positions we take; tariff costs, including those imposed by the United States government and the potential for retaliatory trade measures by affected countries; our ability to realize benefits from our net operating losses; any negative impact of environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters on our reputation or business and the exposure of our business to additional costs or risks from our reporting on such matters; our credit facility’s ongoing debt service obligations and financial and operational covenants on our business and related interest rate risk; the sufficiency of our cash and cash equivalents to meet our liquidity requirements; the volatility of our stock price; the amount and timing of repurchases, if any, under our stock repurchase program and our ability to enhance stockholder value through such program; our ability to maintain our good standing with the United States government and international governments and capture new contracts with governmental entities/agencies; the occurrence of catastrophic events that may disrupt our business or that of our current and prospective clients; future acquisitions of, or investments in, complementary companies, products, subscriptions or technologies; and those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Rimini Street’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2026, and as updated from time to time by Rimini Street’s future Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings by Rimini Street with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, forward-looking statements provide Rimini Street’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Rimini Street anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Rimini Street’s assessments to change. However, while Rimini Street may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Rimini Street specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Rimini Street’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication.

 

 

© 2026 Rimini Street, Inc. All rights reserved. “Rimini Street” is a registered trademark of Rimini Street, Inc. in the United States and other countries, and Rimini Street, the Rimini Street logo, and combinations thereof, and other marks marked by TM are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners, and unless otherwise specified, Rimini Street claims no affiliation, endorsement, or association with any such trademark holder or other companies referenced herein.

 

 

 

 

 

Harlequin and Dashverse To Launch Animated Microdrama Franchises

Bengaluru, India and New York, USA – Apr 1Harlequin and Dashverse announced a strategic multi-year agreement to co-produce a slate of 40 animated microdramas inspired by Harlequin Romance titles. The collaboration will launch in April with its first adaptation, A Fairy-Tail Ending by Catherine Mann.
 
The microdramas will be developed by a team of illustrators assisted by Dashverse‘s proprietary production system, Frameo, a purpose-built platform for creating high-quality, serialized video at scale. This innovative approach captures the passion, drama, and emotional depth that define Harlequin novels, delivering them in concise, mobile-friendly episodes tailored to on-the-go audiences. The series will be distributed in English across leading global microdrama platforms, including Dashverse’s DashReels, reaching a rapidly growing audience of short-form drama viewers worldwide.

A Fairy Tail Ending

 
Harlequin romance stories have a long-standing legacy of resonating with readers through their universal themes of love and connection,” said Brent Lewis, EVP and Publisher, Harlequin. “This partnership with Dashverse represents an exciting opportunity to reimagine these cherished stories for a new audience, leveraging cutting-edge technology to bring them to life in an innovative and engaging medium.”
 
“Some of the most powerful stories in the world already exist, they just need to be experienced in new ways,” said Sanidhya Narain, CEO and Co-Founder of Dashverse“With Harlequin, we’re unlocking a vast library of beloved stories and reimagining them for a format that is visual, immediate, and built for today’s generation. This is a step toward building global entertainment franchises from existing IP, powered by AI.”
 
The collaboration comes at a time when short-form serialized video is rapidly emerging as a new global entertainment format, with growing demand for high-frequency, mobile-first storytelling. Additional adaptations are slated for release in May, including Forbidden Fiji Nights with Her Rival by JC Harroway, Newlywed Enemies by Jackie Ashenden, The King’s Pregnancy Proposition by LaQuette, and Mistletoe Baby Mix-Up by JC Harroway.

  

IFF Secures First Heart Health Claim for Soy Protein in Australia and New Zealand

Business Wire India

IFF (NYSE: IFF), a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences announced today that a new heart health claim for isolated soy protein has been accepted by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). The approval enables food and beverage manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand to link soy protein consumption with healthy blood cholesterol levels.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260330523416/en/

 

 

First heart health claim approved for soy protein in Australia and New Zealand.

First heart health claim approved for soy protein in Australia and New Zealand.

 

“For decades, IFF has invested in the science behind soy protein and its role in supporting cardiovascular health,” said Tony Andrew, vice president of protein solutions for IFF Food Ingredients. “This approved claim validates years of rigorous research and collaboration. With our deep expertise in ingredient science, application and scale, we are well-positioned to help our customers translate this milestone into differentiated products that deliver on health, taste and sustainability.”

 

The claim is supported by a multi-year, cross-continental research collaboration backed by IFF, the Soy Nutrition Institute Global and the U.S. Soybean Export Council, involving researchers from Australia and the University of Toronto. Under the new permission, foods formulated to help consumers achieve a daily intake of 20-25 grams of isolated soy protein, consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, may carry the heart health claim.

 

 

Isolated soy protein is a 90% plant-based, high-quality, complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Its functional versatility makes it widely used in beverages, dairy alternatives, nutrition bars, snacks and plant-based foods — categories where consumers increasingly seek products that combine taste with clinically supported health benefits. This approval marks a significant milestone for plant-based nutrition, offering brands new opportunities to develop products positioned to support heart health.

 

 

“The clinical evidence supports a causal relationship between isolated soy protein consumption and improved blood lipids,” said Dr. Alan Barclay, Ph.D., lead author of the FSANZ submission. “With dyslipidemia affecting around 60 percent of Australian adults1 and many New Zealanders, daily consumption of soy protein offers a practical food-based nutrition strategy to help manage cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.”

 

 

Australia and New Zealand join 11 other countries, including the United States, Canada and Japan, that recognize the link between soy protein consumption and heart health. Backed by decades of research and innovation on the SOLAE® SUPRO® soy protein portfolio, IFF is working with food and beverage manufacturers across the region to develop next-generation products that combine nutrition science, functionality and consumer appeal.

 

 

For more information, visit https://www.iff.com/food-beverage/food-ingredients/protein-solutions/soy-protein-and-fiber/

 

 

1 https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-measures-survey/latest-release

 

 

Welcome to IFF
At IFF (NYSE: IFF), we make joy through science, creativity and heart. As the global leader in taste, scent, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we’re innovating for the future. Every day, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable solutions that elevate products people love — advancing wellness, delighting the senses and enhancing the human experience.Learn more at iff.com, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

© 2026 by International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. IFF is a Registered Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

Peggy Lillis Foundation Announces Agenda for 11th Annual National C. Diff Summit

Eleventh annual convening will unite patients, survivors, researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and lawmakers to strengthen advocacy and advance public health protections

NEW YORK, NY | Apr 1 — The Peggy Lillis Foundation (PLF), the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to C. diff education and advocacy, today announced its 2026 National C. diff Summit and Lobby Day, taking place Monday, April 13, 2026, in our nation’s capitol. 

Since the organization’s founding, PLF has trained and supported C. diff survivors, caregivers, and family members to become effective advocates, public speakers, and peer supporters. Over the past decade, the Foundation has hosted ten National C. diff Summits and seven Lobby Days, building a national movement focused on care, community, and empowerment. 

The 2026 Summit will bring together C. diff survivors, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, industry partners, and policymakers for a full day of programming designed to elevate patient voices and accelerate solutions to this ongoing public health threat. 

“Sixteen years after the death of my mother, Peggy, there has been progress but also setbacks. C. diff continues to cause harm, and too many patients still struggle to access timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and informed care,” said Christian John Lillis, co-founder and CEO of the Peggy Lillis Foundation. “The Summit and Lobby Day bring together the people closest to this issue to push for solutions that improve outcomes and save lives. When lived experience, science, and policy come together, we accelerate progress.”

Monday morning will feature updates from leading experts in infectious disease research, clinical care, public health, and industry innovation, including: 

  • Access to Microbiota Therapies for rCDI in 2026 – Michael Woodworth, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine

  • Diagnostic Stewardship of Testing for C. difficile – Jonathan Baghdadi, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland Medical Center

  • Why Current C. diff Prevention Misses Half the Problem – Bobby Warren, MPS, Lab Director & Research Scientist, Duke University DiRTE Lab (Dissemination and Implementation Research in Translation and Effectiveness)

  • Bringing the Threat of C. diff into Focus to Save Lives Now – Michael McIntyre, Founder and CEO, LIV Process

  • Epidemiology of Pediatric C. diff – Jenna Simes, Clinical Research Coordinator, Boston Children’s Hospital

  • Pediatric C. diff: Patient and Provider Panel – Stacy A. Kahn, MD, Director of the Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Program and Gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Kahn will also be joined by Rose Henderson and Blanca Morales, who will share their experience as parents of children who battled recurrent C. diff.

Following a networking lunch, attendees will participate in hands-on advocacy training designed to equip volunteers with practical tools to drive change at the local and national level. 

Training sessions will include:

  • Lobbying and testifying before legislators and regulatory bodies

  • Providing emotional and logistical support to C. diff patients and families

  • Advocating to the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies

On Tuesday, April 14, advocates will convene on Capitol Hill for Lobby Day, meeting directly with members of Congress and their staff to urge continued investment in antimicrobial and microbiome drug development, antimicrobial resistance initiatives, and policies that reduce the burden of C. diff infections.

The National C. diff Summit and Lobby Day represent the largest annual gathering of C. diff patient advocates and allies across industry, academia, and government. The event serves as a platform for collaboration, education, and coordinated action to protect patients and prevent avoidable harm.

Registration for the Summit is free and open to C. diff patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and all stakeholders committed to ending the harm caused by C. diff infections. To register or learn more, visit https://cdiff.org/event/summit26/

Lead Sponsor: Nestlé Health Science

Platinum Sponsor: Pfizer

 

Utkal Divas 2026: A Tribute to Odisha’s Heritage, Unity, and Progress

Utkal Divas 2026: A Tribute to Odisha’s Heritage, Unity, and Progress

Utkal Divas, also known as Odisha Foundation Day, is observed every year on April 1. This special day marks the formation of Odisha as a separate state and celebrates the unique language, culture, and identity of the Odia people.

In 2026, Utkal Divas falls on Wednesday, April 1. The day holds deep historical importance, as Odisha became the first Indian state to be formed on a linguistic basis, even before India gained independence.

The journey toward statehood was not easy. It was achieved through years of persistent efforts, movements, and sacrifices by visionary leaders and the people of the region, who sought recognition for their distinct language and cultural heritage. Their determination ultimately led to the creation of Odisha as a separate province in 1936.

Today, Utkal Divas is celebrated with great pride and enthusiasm across the state. The occasion is marked by cultural programs, traditional music and dance, parades, and various public events that showcase Odisha’s rich heritage.

Beyond celebration, the day serves as a reminder of the state’s inspiring past and encourages people to work towards a brighter future. It is a time to reflect on progress and renew the commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous Odisha.

bet365 Partners with TestMu AI to Accelerate Global Release Velocity with Agentic AI Quality Engineering

Business Wire India

TestMu AI (Formerly LambdaTest), the world’s first full-stack Agentic AI Quality Engineering platform, today announced that Hillside Technology Limited, the technology powerhouse behind global online gambling leader bet365, has adopted its platform to unify software testing and support hundreds of weekly production releases.

 

The global online gaming industry is currently experiencing a massive shift, with the market projected to exceed $150 billion by 2030. As mobile gaming becomes the primary touchpoint for users, the technical complexity of delivering a seamless, low-latency experience has grown exponentially. For industry giants like bet365, the need to validate software across an infinite matrix of hardware, screen resolutions, and OS versions is a mission-critical requirement. This partnership ensures that, as gaming becomes more mobile-centric, bet365 can lead with technical excellence by testing on real-world configurations that mirror its diverse global user base.

 

 

Founded in 2000, bet365 has grown into a global technology pioneer. Today, as an industry leader, bet365 has adopted TestMu AI for its ability to match the company’s high-velocity engineering culture, providing comprehensive device coverage and high-performance automation.

 

 

“By unifying our testing onto a single platform, we’ve eliminated the operational friction of tool-switching and achieved significantly higher stability in our automation. TestMu AI’s performance and availability are exceptional, and their team’s support has allowed the platform to scale beyond our initial expectations. It is now a versatile asset used even for our internal application management,” said Joanna Ward, Head of Software Testing at bet365.

 

 

By leveraging HyperExecute by TestMu AI, bet365 has resolved performance bottlenecks through just-in-time infrastructure provisioning. The platform enables bet365’s engineering teams to:

 

 

  • Run Cross-Platform Tests: Execute browser, mobile web, and native application tests through a single unified interface.
  • Access Massive Scale: Execute tests across 3,000+ browser and OS combinations and 10,000+ real iOS and Android devices.
  • Validate Localized Experiences: Test region-specific payment flows, authentication models, and network conditions to meet compliance requirements across 150+ countries.
  • Test on Dedicated Infrastructure: Run tests on secure, isolated real devices reserved exclusively for internal enterprise teams.
  • Enable High-Concurrency Execution: Support large-scale parallel testing without shared-environment risks.

 

 

Jay Singh, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer, TestMu AI, said, “At the scale bet365 operates, even a millisecond of latency can impact millions of users. Our mission with TestMu AI is to replace fragmented, legacy testing cycles with a unified, Agentic AI quality engineering that scales with the enterprise. By providing bet365 with an integrated ecosystem for testing, we aren’t just helping them find bugs; we are providing the digital resilience required to lead the global gaming market.”

 

The collaboration has empowered bet365 to validate user journeys on a global scale, ensuring that the experience remains consistent and reliable.

 

 

About TestMu AI

 

 

TestMu AI (Formerly LambdaTest) is a Full-Stack Agentic AI Quality Engineering platform that empowers teams to test intelligently and ship faster. Engineered for scale, it offers end-to-end AI agents to plan, author, execute, and analyze software quality. AI-native by design, the platform enables testing of web, mobile, and enterprise applications at any scale across real devices, real browsers, and custom real-world environments.

 

 

For more information, please visit – https://www.testmuai.com/.

 

 

 

 

 

Japan’s Leading Crypto Tax Platform, cryptact, Introduces INR-Priced Plans for India – 30% Off Through July 2026 to Support Tax Filing Season

Business Wire India

cryptact, Japan’s leading crypto tax platform with over 200,000 users since 2017, now serving investors across Japan, Canada, and India, today announced the launch of INR-denominated pricing plans for Indian users, effective April 2026.

Since expanding into India in July 2025, cryptact has positioned its initial rollout as a trial period, offering its full suite of crypto tax calculation and portfolio tracking tools completely free of charge. This allowed thousands of Indian investors to experience the platform’s capabilities firsthand and simplify their Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) tax reporting. Starting in April 2026, cryptact will fully commit to the Indian market by introducing paid INR-priced plans, enabling the company to deliver higher-quality services and features that better respond to the evolving needs of Indian crypto investors.

Why Now

India’s crypto tax landscape demands precision. With a flat 30% tax on VDA gains, a 1% TDS on transactions, and no provision for loss offsets, accurate record-keeping and timely filing are essential — not optional. As the Income Tax Return filing window for AY 2026–27 runs from April to July, now is the time for crypto investors to get their records in order.

For details on India’s VDA tax provisions, refer to Section 115BBH of the Income Tax Act, 1961 on the official Income Tax Department website:

https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/w/section-115bbh-1

cryptact automates the complex work of compiling transaction histories across exchanges, DeFi protocols, and wallets, calculating gains and losses under Indian tax rules, and generating Schedule VDA-ready reports — so users can file with confidence and stay fully compliant.

New INR Pricing Plans

Starting April 2026, cryptact will offer the following plans priced in Indian Rupees:

 

Plan

Annual Price (INR)

Transactions/Year

Basic

Rs 699

Up to 300

Prime

Rs 2,999

Up to 2,000

Pro

Rs 5,999

Up to 10,000

Pro+

Rs 14,999

Up to 50,000

Pro Unlimited

Rs 29,999

Unlimited

By subscribing to a paid plan, users gain the ability to download the documents required for tax filing.

*A Free plan remains available for portfolio tracking and transaction management; however, tax report downloads are not included in the Free plan.

Special Launch Offer: 30% Off Through July 2026

To support Indian investors during the critical tax filing season, cryptact is offering a 30% discount on all paid plans through July 31, 2026. No coupon code is needed — the discount is automatically applied at checkout.

  • Discount: 30% off all paid plans
  • Valid Until: July 31, 2026
  • Applicable To: All paid INR plans
  • How to Apply: No coupon code required — the discount is automatically applied at checkout

CEO’s Comment

“We are thrilled to bring cryptact’s full capabilities to cryptocurrency investors in India. The ITR framework is tightening its regulations to capture crypto income more effectively. We are committed to providing taxpayers with an accurate and efficient calculation solution, bringing peace of mind to their cryptocurrency investments,” said Amin Azmoudeh, Co-CEO, pafin Inc.

Filing Crypto Taxes — Stay Compliant with Crypto Taxes in India

India’s tax authorities are increasingly using TDS data and advanced analytics to identify unreported crypto income. Penalties for non-compliance can be severe, including additional tax of up to 60% and potential prosecution. “Whether trading on Indian exchanges, international platforms, or through DeFi protocols, every taxable event must be reported.”

 

cryptact makes it easy:

  • Automatic data import from 137+ exchanges and blockchains via API and wallet connections

  • Support for 24,000+ cryptocurrencies, including DeFi and NFT transactions

  • India-specific tax reports, including Schedule VDA-compatible output

  • Accurate calculations aligned with Section 115BBH and TDS under Section 194S

Get Started Today

Sign up for free at https://www.cryptact.com/en and take control of crypto tax obligations before the filing deadline.

 

For Existing India Exclusive Plan Users

If you are currently subscribed to the India Exclusive Plan, please visit cryptact’s Help Center for details on transitioning to the new INR-priced plans:

https://support.cryptact.com/hc/en-us/articles/47258802526361#h_01KMPV5MSMXP9GX1AGVD3C8332

Andersen Consulting Strengthens Capabilities with Addition of Lukkap

Business Wire India

Andersen Consulting adds collaborating firm Lukkap, a consultancy focused on experience-driven capabilities aligned with clients’ evolving people, customer, and digital transformation needs.

 

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Spain, Lukkap delivers integrated solutions that help organizations transform how they serve customers, engage employees, and unlock value through behavioral insights and data analytics. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach spans customer journey redesign, high-impact employee experience programs, talent and leadership development, predictive analytics, and comprehensive outplacement and transition services. Lukkap works across sectors — including healthcare, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, retail, finance, and banking — to build human-centered strategies that drive measurable business results.

 

 

“By combining our experience-led methodology with Andersen Consulting’s global platform, we can accelerate the way organizations approach customer experience,” said Alberto Cordoba, managing director of Lukkap. “Few firms unite strategy, design, and implementation the way we do, and through our collaboration with Andersen Consulting, we can help clients align customer expectations, employee needs, and data-driven insights to deliver meaningful transformation.”

 

 

“Lukkap brings a proven model for connecting people, data, and strategy, making them a strong complement to our existing capabilities,” said Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen. “As our clients navigate rapid change, particularly in how they engage customers and manage their workforce, this collaboration enhances our ability to provide holistic, experience-centric solutions across markets. Lukkap’s expertise aligns seamlessly with our global platform and reinforces our commitment to delivering integrated, seamless advisory services.”

 

 

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 50,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 1,000 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.