iWorld
Vi boosts global travel plans in 145+ countries with double data and free calls this summer
MUMBAI: As outbound travel heats up for the summer, telecom major Vi has stepped up its international roaming (IR) offerings with a seasonally upgraded suite of postpaid plans. The refreshed plans now deliver double data, unlimited incoming calls, and added travel protection for Indian users heading abroad during peak vacation months.
India recorded a surge in international flyers with 64.5 million passengers between January and November 2024—an 11.4 per cent rise over the previous year, as per data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Tapping into this growing wanderlust, Vi has revised three IR postpaid plans starting at Rs 649, offering greater convenience, connectivity, and value for Indian travellers across over 145 countries.
Vi’s upgraded IR plans now include a limited-period double data offer:
● Rs 649 (1 day): 1 GB data (up from 500 MB), 50 outgoing minutes, 10 SMS, unlimited free incoming calls
● Rs 2999 (10 days): 10 GB data (up from 5 GB), 300 outgoing minutes, 50 SMS, unlimited free incoming calls
● Rs 3999 (30 days): 30 GB data (up from 12 GB), 1500 outgoing minutes, 100 SMS, unlimited free incoming calls
This upgrade ensures users can do more on-the-go-whether navigating city maps, making video calls, streaming shows, or handling work emails-with reduced data anxiety.
Adding to the hassle-free experience, Vi lets customers schedule roaming pack activations up to 60 days in advance. Travellers can activate their plans any time through the Vi app or website, selecting their destination, duration, and pack in just a few clicks.
To safeguard baggage blues, Vi continues its tie-up with Blue Ribbon Bags. For a nominal Rs 99, users receive up to Rs 19,800 compensation per bag if their checked luggage is delayed or lost beyond 96 hours of complaint registration.
Vi has also ensured that help is always on hand with 24×7 international roaming customer support-available for any network or service issue, wherever users may be.
With robust data packs, always-on assistance, and baggage protection, Vi’s new IR proposition turns global travel into a smoother ride-just in time for the school break exodus.
Gaming
Bluestone FY26 revenue rises to Rs 2,436 crore, turns profitable
Q4 profit at Rs 31 crore, full-year profit at Rs 13 crore vs loss last year.
MUMBAI: From sparkle to numbers, Bluestone seems to be polishing more than just jewellery this year. Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyle Limited reported a sharp turnaround in FY26, with revenue from operations rising to Rs 2,436 crore (Rs 24,364 million), up from Rs 1,770 crore (Rs 17,700 million) in FY25. The company posted a full-year profit of Rs 13 crore (Rs 131.79 million), a significant recovery from a loss of Rs 222 crore (Rs 2,218 million) a year ago.
Total income for the year stood at Rs 2,486 crore (Rs 24,860 million), compared to Rs 1,830 crore (Rs 18,300 million) in the previous year, reflecting both topline growth and improved operational momentum.
The March quarter, however, told a more nuanced story. Revenue from operations came in at Rs 681 crore (Rs 6,814 million), down from Rs 748 crore (Rs 7,486 million) in the year-ago period, though higher than Rs 461 crore (Rs 4,613 million) in the preceding December quarter. Net profit for Q4 stood at Rs 31 crore (Rs 311.81 million), compared to Rs 68 crore (Rs 688 million) a year earlier, but a clear reversal from a loss of Rs 51 crore (Rs 512 million) in Q3.
Margins were shaped by higher input costs, with raw material consumption rising to Rs 2,204 crore (Rs 22,043 million) for the full year, alongside employee benefit expenses of Rs 282 crore (Rs 2,824 million) and finance costs of Rs 210 crore (Rs 2,104 million). Other expenses came in at Rs 371 crore (Rs 3,715 million), slightly lower than Rs 393 crore (Rs 3,938 million) in FY25.
On the balance sheet front, total assets expanded to Rs 4,961 crore (Rs 49,610 million) as of March 31, 2026, from Rs 3,532 crore (Rs 35,322 million) a year earlier, driven largely by a surge in inventories to Rs 2,672 crore (Rs 26,718 million). Equity also strengthened to Rs 1,803 crore (Rs 18,030 million), nearly doubling from Rs 911 crore (Rs 9,107 million).
Cash flows reflected the cost of growth. Net cash used in operating activities stood at Rs 199 crore (Rs 1,990 million), while investing activities saw an outflow of Rs 239 crore (Rs 2,392 million). Financing activities, however, generated Rs 497 crore (Rs 4,971 million), helping the company end the year with cash and cash equivalents of Rs 108 crore (Rs 1,075 million), up from Rs 49 crore (Rs 487 million).
Earnings per share for FY26 came in at Rs 1.10, a sharp improvement from a negative Rs 79.74 in FY25, underlining the shift from losses to profitability.
With revenue scaling up, costs still glittering on the higher side, and profitability finally back in the black, BlueStone’s FY26 performance suggests a business mid-transition less about shine alone, and more about sustaining it.
