HDFC Life, one of India’s leading insurers, has achieved a claim settlement ratio of 99.68%, in Individual Death Claims, in FY’25. The Company settled claims under 19,666 policies and paid a total amount of Rs. 2060 Cr. as death claim benefits. 99 per cent non-investigative claims were paid to the accounts of claimants within the next working day after receiving all requisite documents. These numbers achieved in FY’25 are a reflection of the Company’s commitment towards customer centricity.

Sameer Yogishwar – Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life

The claim settlement ratio is an important factor to be considered while purchasing a life insurance policy. HDFC Life has consistently maintained a high claim settlement ratio and continues to endeavour for quick and hassle-free settlement of all genuine claims. While the loss of a life cannot be replaced, HDFC Life strives to fulfill its commitment towards the financial security of the policyholder’s family.

The Company has been active in terms of creating awareness around claims by informing policyholders about:

• The need to truthfully and accurately disclose health and lifestyle related information or any other details that can impact the death claim settlement

• The importance of having a nominee in the policy and updating the information in case of a change in nominee details

• Proactively informing the Company in case of change in policyholder address and contact details

HDFC Life has consistently displayed its commitment towards customer centricity through claim settlement ratio for its individual life policies. Over the last three years the claim settlement ratio has been, 98.66% in FY’22, 99.39% in FY’23 and 99.50% in FY’24.

Submission of ‘Death Claim Request‘ for HDFC Life policies is made easy via multiple touch points including the Company’s website. This minimises the need to visit a branch thus making it convenient and hassle free for the claimants. For those who wish to visit the branch for this purpose, the Company provides them priority service with utmost sensitivity.

Speaking on this, Sameer Yogishwar – Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life, said “Timely and hassle-free claim settlement is a priority for us. When a customer purchases a policy, we make a promise of securing them and their family, financially. Claim settlement is fulfillment of the promise. We are constantly enhancing our capabilities to make this process more convenient and further reduce the turn-around-time. For achieving the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, as an industry, we need to ensure that we are fully equipped with processes that enable us to fulfill our responsibilities as life insurers.”

*Death claim settlement ratio for individual life policies

Lohia Aerospace Systems (LAS), a premier Indian manufacturer of advanced composite structures, is set to make a significant impact at the 55th International Paris Air Show, taking place from June 16-22, 2025, at Le Bourget, Paris. As the sole Indian composites manufacturer exhibiting at this prestigious event, LAS aims to forge deeper partnerships and expand its footprint across the global aerospace supply chain.

Lohia Aerospace Systems’ state-of-the-art facility for advanced composite materials, supporting aerospace and defense manufacturing from India

In a move to bolster its international presence, LAS is building up teams in Europe and America. The company aims to strengthen relationships with Pan-American customers and position itself at the heart of technological innovation and aerospace advancement. LAS seeks to deepen engagement with OEMs, research institutions, and innovation hubs that are shaping the future of aerospace.

LAS has secured a significant contract for the production of advanced composite assemblies for a new generation of complex UAV platforms. This contract further strengthens LAS’s position as India’s leading exporter of built-to-print composite UAV structures, supplying to major aerospace OEMs worldwide. Previously focusing primarily on manufacturing, LAS now supports customers with full assembly capabilities, delivering precision-engineered, turnkey solutions.

At the helm of LAS is a Anurag Lohia, whose vision and commitment are driving LAS’s bold new course in global aviation.

About Lohia Aerospace Systems (LAS)

Lohia Aerospace Systems (LAS) is a leading Indian manufacturer specializing in advanced composite structures for the aerospace and defense sectors. With built-to-print expertise, high-volume capacity, and strategic global positioning, LAS is fast becoming the preferred supplier for complex composite assemblies. The company’s commitment to innovation and excellence positions it as a turnkey partner in global defense supply chains.

Visit LAS at Paris Air Show 2025

Attendees of the Paris Air Show 2025 are invited to visit LAS’s exhibition to learn more about the company’s advanced composite solutions and discuss potential collaborations. (Booth G34, Hall 4)

Website: www.lohiaaerospace.com.

Indias healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, led by national initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the Jan Aushadhi Yojana. According to Ayushman Bharat Health Account, over 77 crore health cards have been issued under the scheme. At the same time, Jan Aushadhi Kendras are providing high-quality generic medicines at prices 50-90% lower than their branded counterparts, as reported by the Press Information Bureau.

Digital Boost to Government effort for Generic Drugs

Despite these efforts, out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) remains a significant concern, accounting for 39.4% of total health expenditure in 2021-22 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This financial burden underscores the need for increased public awareness and trust in generic medicines.

That’s where digital healthcare platforms like Medkart step in.

Rather than just being a supplier, Medkart acts as an enabler of informed healthcare decisions. It complements government policies by promoting awareness, improving accessibility, and increasing the adoption of WHO-GMP-certified generic medicines. With an expansive retail presence and a user-focused digital platform, Medkart ensures that affordability is matched by trust and transparency.

Medkart’s unmatched range of generic medicines goes above and beyond any pharmacy chain in the country, ensuring users always have options-no matter how specific or uncommon the prescription. Its expansive catalogue is one of the largest in India’s pharma retail space.

How Medkart Supports Government Health Missions:

• Enhancing Jan Aushadhi Yojana: Medkart offers high-quality generics at prices comparable to Jan Aushadhi rates, ensuring affordability.

• Advancing Ayushman Bharat Goals: By reducing OOPE through affordable generics, Medkart aids in preventing financial hardship due to medical expenses.

• Making finding alternatives easy for the Public: Through digital modules and pharmacists it becomes easier to find an alternative for the prescribed brand or molecule (Something which is unprecedented), In the process Medkart empowers consumers to make informed choices.

• Comprehensive Range : Medkart’s range of generics spans across all therapeutic categories from Chronic/Acute to Cancers. Basically the entire spectrum of molecules available in the country is available with Medkart.

Whether it’s a diabetic managing long-term care or a family in a Tier-2 city seeking affordable antibiotics, Medkarts platform simplifies healthcare decisions and amplifies government impact. Users can search for their medicines either by brand name as prescribed by their doctor or by the molecule or combination, making it easier for both digitally-savvy users and first-time generic adopters to navigate. They can compare prices in seconds, locate nearby stores, and even consult a pharmacist for free.

“Affordable care isn’t just about lower prices-it’s about empowering every Indian to access quality treatment with confidence. That’s what Medkart stands for,” says Ankur Agarwal, Co-founder of Medkart Pharmacy.

About Medkart Pharmacy

Medkart is Indias fastest-growing generic pharmacy chain, committed to affordability, education, and transparency. Since 2014, it has empowered over 11 lakh families to save more than ₹600 crore on medicines through WHO-GMP-certified generics. With a presence in 100+ stores across 20+ cities and a powerful digital ecosystem via www.medkart.in, Medkart bridges the gap between policy and access, making smart healthcare a daily reality.

Closing CTA

As India embraces generics to create a healthier tomorrow, visit www.medkart.in to explore how Medkart is helping transform intent into impact-one prescription at a time.

Let’s make affordable care not just a policy, but a practice.

We will have a look at who is leading the race for the individual awards this season and which players are having the most impact on the pitch in the ongoing IPL season, benefiting their teams in the longer run:

Players and Teams ruling the roost in IPL 2025

#1 Race for the Playoffs: 7 Teams still in the mix; RCB and GT favorites to finish in Top 2
Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals exited the race to the playoffs quite early, allowing the other seven teams to have a neck-to-neck battle, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans slight favorites to finish in the Top 2.

GT and RCB have raced ahead of the other sides, pocketing 16 points each as both GT and RCB have won eight matches each and lost on three occasions. The Royal Challengers, led by their new skipper Rajat Patidar, have lost all three home matches on their home ground and have the chance to become the first team to win all seven away matches in the league phase of IPL.

Punjab Kings is in third place with seven wins, three defeats, and one No Result as rain spoiled their party at the Eden Gardens after the Shreyas Iyer-led side had scored 200+ runs in the first innings.

Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals have 14 and 13 points, respectively and would be fighting it out for the last playoff place when they meet on May 21. Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants remain outside contenders and can sneak in if they win their remaining matches.

#2 Orange Cap keeps changing hands almost every day
The Orange Cap should be renamed the Orange Baton after analyzing the 2025 season of the cash-rich league as the orange cap has continuously shifted between Nicholas Pooran, Sai Sudharsan, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav as the four players have kept their sides in the hunt of the playoffs at the end of first week of May.

Currently, the first and fifth position in the Orange Cap race are spearated by a mere 10 runs as Suryakumar Yadav, the current holder of the coveted award has 510 runs in 12 innings at an average of 63.75 and a strike rate of 170.56, making him the only player to be in Top 5 lists of highest run-getters and highest strike-rates (minimum 100 runs).

In the second and third place are Sai Sudharsan and GT skipper Shubman Gill with 509 runs and 508 runs respectively at strike rates of 150+. The GT opening pair have recorded three century partnerships in the ongoing season and has been given a huge helping hand by Jos Buttler, who has scored 500 runs at an average of 71.43 and a strike rate of 163.93 and takes the fifth place on the list.

RCB stalwart Virat Kohli is in fourth place with 505 runs at a strike rate of 143.46 as the chase-master has played the anchoring role for the Bengaluru-based franchise, scoring seven half-centuries in seven out of eight wins for his beloved franchise.

#3 Prasidh Krishna takes a slight lead in the Purple Cap Race
Unlike the Orange Cap, which shifts hands every second day, Prasidh Krishna has had the Purple Cap for a few days as the Bengaluru-born fast bowler has struck 20 wickets in 11 matches, leading the GT bowling attack in the absence of Kagiso Rabada.

Noor Ahmad has also raced to 20 wickets in 12 matches after taking 4 wickets in the narrow 2-wicket win against KKR, but the Afghan spinner has only two matches left in the competition, which hurts his chances of bagging the individual accolade.

Josh Hazlewood is in third place with 18 wickets in 10 matches, and the Australian fast bowler would be hoping to shake off his injury ahead of RCB’s next match. Trent Boult and Varun Chakravarthy have 18 and 17 wickets in 12 matches, respectively, while Arshdeep Singh and Vaibhav Arora have 16 wickets each in 11 matches.

#4 The tale of two home grounds for three franchises
While seven franchises have decided to remain loyal to their home ground and the bustling crowds at their preferred venues, three franchises from the northern and western parts of the country have taken a different route.

Delhi Capitals started the season by playing two of their home fixtures in Vizag as the city in Andhra Pradesh played host to two of DC’s games. Guwahati has also played host to two matches this season as Rajasthan Royals started out their season in the eastern part of the country in a bid to extend the cricketing action to more states, with local boy Riyan Parag acting as the stand-in skipper for RR during that period.

Punjab Kings had planned to play three of their matches in Dharamsala and four in Mullanpur, but two of their three fixtures scheduled at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala will be played elsewhere due to the ongoing tensions at the India-Pakistan border.

#5 Sunil Narine leads the way for Most Valuable Player Award
The 2024 IPL Most Valuable Player Award winner Sunil Narine once again leads the way in the Most Valuable Player Award race as the KKR all-rounder has 237.5 points courtesy of 215 runs at a strike rate of 168 and 10 wickets while keeping his economy rate at 7.5. Narine has proven to be the complete package as he regularly bowls 4 overs and opens the innings as well.

Suryakumar takes the second position with 228 points courtesy of 510 runs, which include 51 fours and 26 maximums, while Nicholas Pooran takes the third position with 227 points collected via 34 fours and 34 maximums, helping him cross the 400-run mark.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler take the fourth and fifth positions courtesy of their good show with the bat and in the field. Except Sudharsan and Gill, Parag, Ravindra Jadeja, and Prabhsimran Singh complete the Top 10 List of Most Valuable Players in IPL 2025.

#6 Sai, Priyansh, and Noor to battle it out for the Emerging Player of the Season Award
The ongoing IPL season has all been about younger players breaking through the barricades as debutants like 17-year old Ayush Mhatre, Vipraj Nigam, Digvesh Rathi, Priyansh Arya, and 14-year old Vaibhav Suryavanshi have made a mark courtesy of their splendid shows.

Following in the steps of a long list of uncapped centurions for Punjab Kings, Arya scored a century of 39 balls and has scored 347 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 192.77 in total challenging the likes of Sudharsan and Noor for the coveted award.

While Sai and Noor are not debutants, they are eligible for the award and are the front-runners along with the likes of Harshit Rana and Naman Dhir.

*All Stats as of 15th May (After the conclusion of KKR vs CSK)

A draft curriculum to teach digital accessibility in undergraduate computer science and design courses was unveiled at the Inclusive India Summit, held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2025. The initiative aims to ensure accessibility becomes a core part of how future technologists and designers are trained in India.

The summit brought together academic leaders, accessibility professionals, and disability rights advocates from across the country.

Dr. G.S. Chauhan, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC) speaking at the national consultation on Digital Accessibility Inclusion

The Inclusive India Summit was hosted on the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), SBI Foundation (the CSR arm of the State Bank of India), and the National Association for the Blind. It was organised in collaboration with the Association of People with Disability (APD) and Mission Accessibility (Dhananjay Sanjogta Foundation), and held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on May 15. The event was conducted in hybrid mode, with both online and in-person participation.

The proposed curriculum is a response to a longstanding gap: while digital services have expanded rapidly in India, most platforms remain difficult to navigate for persons with disabilities. A 2023 audit by the Centre for Internet and Society found that 98% of leading Indian websites do not meet global accessibility standards. Globally, the picture is no better; WebAIM’s 2023 analysis of the top 1 million homepages found accessibility errors on 96.3% of them. Experts at the summit agreed that the problem lies upstream, in how technologists and designers are trained.

C.P. Gurnani, former CEO, Tech Mahindra, and a speaker at the summit, said, “India’s digital economy can’t afford to treat accessibility as an afterthought. Embedding it into how we educate our technologists is not just timely-it’s essential. This curriculum is a step toward building digital solutions that are truly inclusive, by design.”

The curriculum, developed over several months by a national working group-including contributors from the International Institute of Information Technology, Bengaluru; Design Beku; Mission Accessibility; Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), India; the Xavier’s Resource Center for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC); Artilabs; and BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru-is designed to be modular, adaptable, and grounded in Indian contexts. It introduces students to accessibility principles, web standards like WCAG, assistive technologies, universal design, and disability rights law.

Amar Jain, lawyer and Co-founder of Mission Accessibility, who also led the Supreme Court petition, said, “We have policy and precedent. What’s missing is implementation capacity. This curriculum ensures that we’re not just fixing what’s broken-we’re teaching how to build it right from the start.”

The national consultation on Digital Accessibility Inclusion was chaired by Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, and had participation from the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), Ministry of Education, IIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi & IIT Bombay.

It focused on how the curriculum was designed to equip students with both conceptual and practical skills to build accessible digital products. It covered disability rights, accessibility laws, and technical standards like WCAG 2.2, along with hands-on training using screen readers, audit tools like Axe and WAVE, and real-world user testing. The discussion saw a strong emphasis on designing in collaboration with persons with disabilities, particularly in the Indian context.

Participants also discussed the need to address accessibility in emerging technologies like AI/ML, AR/VR, and Internet of Things (IoT). They highlighted how the curriculum connects academic learning to career opportunities through certifications like the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC).

Inclusive hiring practices were also highlighted as essential, ensuring equal access to jobs by removing barriers in recruitment and workplace systems.

Prof. Amit Prakash of IIIT-Bangalore added, “Our goal is to shift the culture of how digital technology design is taught and understood. Accessibility must become foundational, something that students see intrinsic value in, and internalise as an important design principle and not a post-implementation patchwork.”

The draft curriculum is now open for public consultation and will soon be submitted to India’s key academic regulators.

The emphasis on accessibility by design closely aligns with the Yes to Access project by APD, which advocates for systemic change in how accessibility is integrated into public infrastructure and digital services. A key innovation under this initiative is the Yes to Access app-India’s first AI-powered tool for conducting accessibility audits-which was featured during the summit’s panel discussion on ‘Inclusive Mainstream Technologies’.

While the app enables real-time assessments of the built environment, the curriculum complements it by equipping the next generation of technologists and designers to embed accessibility into digital products from the ground up. Together, these efforts reflect a growing consensus that practical tools and foundational education must work hand in hand to make accessibility the norm, not an afterthought.

About APD
The Association of People with Disability (APD) is a 65-year-old non-profit organisation that empowers individuals with disabilities to lead independent, dignified, and productive lives.

Through its comprehensive Life Cycle Approach, APD supports persons with disabilities at every stage-from early intervention and inclusive education to healthcare access, livelihood support, and advocacy for accessible infrastructure and systems.

For more information, please visit www.apd-india.org.

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water, announced a limited-edition pack collaboration with the global blockbuster franchise, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” starring global icon Tom Cruise. The film is set to release in India on May 17-six days ahead of its U.S. release-and will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Bisleri excites consumers with “Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning” limited edition pack

Expressing enthusiasm on this collaboration, Tushar Malhotra, Director of Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International, said,“We are incredibly excited to collaborate with the legendary and iconic ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise for its latest release ‘The Final Reckoning’. This is one of our most prestigious associations and will further strengthen our position in today’s pop culture and generate consumer excitement with the limited-edition collectibles.”

The collaboration will be brought alive with limited edition bottles spanning the water and soda category across key metros. It will further be amplified with co-branded delivery trucks, retail POSM material, and engaging digital content.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the countrys largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Limonata, Spyci Jeera Rev and Pop. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.

In a move that signals both ambition and intent, Madhav Sheth, India’s most influential smartphone visionary, today unveiled the AI+ logo-offering the first official look at the upcoming smartphone from his new venture, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies.

The logo reveal marks the starting point of a larger ambition, one designed, engineered and manufactured entirely in India. It reflects a commitment to building thoughtful, secure and India-first technology. While details of the product will be showcased in due course, AI+ promises to reflect a new way of thinking about smartphones, one that prioritises trust, user focus and intelligent design.

Madhav Sheth, Founder and CEO of NxtQuantum Shift Technologies

“For us, AI+ is more than a product; it’s a mindset,” said Madhav Sheth, Founder and CEO of NxtQuantum Shift Technologies. “It reflects our belief that India can not only participate in the global tech ecosystem but lead it, with design and purpose that reflect how people truly live and connect.”

The phone will be launched on Flipkart and other channels, a strategic partnership that combines scale with shared intent. Flipkart’s vast PAN India delivery network will be key to bringing AI+ to users across India.

This launch builds on Flipkart’s deep understanding of Indian consumers and its commitment to enabling next-generation technology access at scale. It also reinforces AI+’s intent to meet users where they are, with a product designed for real-world needs, distributed through a platform they trust. Together, this launch sets the stage for a new chapter in India’s smartphone evolution.

The full reveal of the AI+ smartphone and operating system is expected in the coming months. For now, the logo stands as a quiet but confident signal of a brand that intends to shape how India imagines, builds, and experiences technology.

Investors Clinic, a leading real estate services firm, announced the successful closure of INR 755 crore in sales for Signature Global’s projects during FY 2024-2025, at an event held at Apparel House, Gurugram. Those present included Ravi Aggarwal, Managing Director of Signature Global, and Sunny Katyal, Co-founder of Investors Clinic.

Investors Clinic Achieves Record INR 755 Crore Sales with Signature Global in FY 2024-2025

The sales achievement highlights robust investor and homebuyer confidence in Signature Global’s portfolio across Gurugram and its adjoining cities. The transactions included a mix of residential units and strategically located commercial spaces, catering to diverse buyer needs.

“This partnership with Signature Global reflects our shared commitment to delivering value-driven real estate solutions. The overwhelming response from buyers highlights the trust in our curated offerings and Signature Global’s reputation for quality and innovation. We remain focused on bridging aspirations with opportunities in India’s growth corridors,” said Sunny Katyal, Co-founder, Investors Clinic.

“Crossing INR 755 crore in sales with Investors Clinic is a testament to our synergies. Their market expertise and our customer-centric projects have created a win-win for stakeholders. As we expand our footprint in the Delhi-NCR region, collaborations like these will continue to redefine affordable and aspirational living,” said Ravi Aggarwal, Managing Director, Signature Global.

Signature Global’s projects, known for their strategic locations and affordability, have gained traction among first-time buyers and investors. Investors Clinic’s data-driven approach and extensive network played a pivotal role in accelerating sales, particularly in emerging hubs of Gurugram and the adjoining regions.

About Investors Clinic
With over 18 years of experience, Investors Clinic specializes in end-to-end real estate advisory, offering tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and plotted developments. The firm has leveraged deep market insights and partnerships with reputed developers. The firm has expanded globally and is present in Dubai and Singapore.

ICCPL Foundation has been awarded the DO GOOD Award 2024 in the Child Welfare category for its stationery distribution initiative under the #RahatWithICCPL campaign, at an event in New Delhi. The recognition highlights purpose-driven programs that create tangible impact at the grassroots level.

ICCPL Foundation wins DO GOOD Award 2024

The award-winning initiative was part of the broader #RahatWithICCPL campaign, which aims to support children from marginalised communities by ensuring access to basic educational resources. Through this focused stationery distribution drive, the Foundation reached underserved areas where lack of supplies often acts as a barrier to learning. The campaign played a key role in helping children maintain continuity in education, especially during times of hardship.

Ambika Saxena, CEO, ICCPL Foundation, said, “This award reaffirms our belief that meaningful change lies in addressing real, everyday needs. Distributing stationery might seem simple-but for many children, its the bridge between dropping out and staying in school. We’re proud to be part of their journey.”

Beyond this initiative, ICCPL Foundation continues to lead several sustained social programs. These include donation drives in underserved regions, free meals to thousands, observance of International Sign Language Day to promote inclusion, Vivah Utsav to support the weddings of economically weaker couples, and tree plantation drives. Each effort follows a grassroots-first approach, in line with the Foundation’s long-term commitment to equity and empowerment.

About ICCPL Foundation
The ICCPL Foundation is the CSR arm of ICCPL Group, working across child welfare, women empowerment, healthcare, and education. Its mission is to build an equitable society through collaborative, community-first initiatives.