Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Book Trust, India (NBT) and Centre for Environment Education (CEE) to develop and distribute an educational book on plastic waste management for schools across the country. The initiative, aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness among youth, will be created by NBT in collaboration with Bisleri and the Centre for Environment Education (CEE). Bisleri will sponsor the printing of 1 lakh books in 48 languages. The books will be distributed to educational institutions nationwide over the next two years.

Bisleri International signs MoU with National Book Trust

The MoU was formally signed at a ceremony held at the Constitution Club of India by Mr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, and Shri Yuvaraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust. The event was graced by Shri Kartikeya Sarabhai, Founder and Director, Centre for Environment Education, as the Chief Guest. The event witnessed an engaging series of insights on plastic waste management and engaging youth for environmental action. The ceremony also featured an interactive SDG awareness session with enthusiastic school students that sparked meaningful discussions on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., highlighted, “Plastic waste management is a crucial component of environmental conservation. As the largest demographic in India, youth participation in climate action is vital. Our partnership with NBT and CEE reflects Bisleri’s commitment to embedding sustainability in everyday life. Through this educational book, we aim to make knowledge on sustainability and circular economy accessible to young changemakers from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This will empower them to foster a greener, more responsible future.”

Adding to this, Shri Yuvaraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust said, “At NBT, we are excited to collaborate with Bisleri & CEE is a crucial step in our mission in shaping the mindset of young students, inspiring them to take responsibility for their actions and become leaders in sustainability. This book is just one of the many ways we are working together to raise awareness and empower students across India to become change agents in environmental conservation.”

Bisleri International signs MoU with National Book Trust

The book is an adaptation of “Towards Responsible Use of Plastics,”previously published by Bisleri and CEE in eight Indian languages. The new edition will be developed by NBT, following a separate agreement granting the rights to adapt and use the original content. It will focus on responsible plastic usage, waste segregation, and circular economy principles.

Shri Kartikeya Sarabhai, Founder Director, Centre for Environment Education (CEE) said, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and the urgent need for educating young minds about plastic waste management and the circular economy. We are proud to contribute to this effort, which aligns with our goal of fostering a sustainable future for the next generation.”

As part of the broader collaboration, Bisleri will be onboarded as NBT’s Sustainability Partner and will participate in all National Book Fairs organized by NBT. A highlight of the partnership will be a Guinness World Record attempt, engaging 75,000-80,000 participants to pledge their commitment to sustainability.

To further promote awareness and use of recycled materials, Bisleri will install 10 recycled plastic benches at each NBT office across India. NBT will also provide complimentary kiosk space and branding opportunities for Bisleri at all its book fairs and events. Additionally, NBT book fairs will screen sustainability-themed films curated by Bisleri via dedicated television displays. Further, both organizations will co-create a 60-second educational video on plastic waste management. This video will be hosted on the NBT website.

This initiative is a key component of Bisleri’s Bottles for Change campaign, reinforcing the companys commitment to sustainability, youth engagement, and environmental education.

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 54 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 neighboring countries. 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 flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. 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.

Masala King Dr. Dhananjay Datar, CMD, Adil Group of Superstores, has expressed his readiness to export the products of Indian entrepreneurs to Dubai and other Gulf destinations. He expressed that he would be happy to guide those businesses who are willing to expand into global market via Dubai.

Solapur South MLA Subhash Deshmukh and members of the Traders Association felicitating Dr. Dhananjay Datar in Dubai

He was talking to a delegation of entrepreneurs from Solapur city of Maharashtra. These entrepreneurs under the leadership of Subhash Deshmukh, MLA, presented popular local products including Shenga Chutney, Kadak Bhakari etc along with high quality jowar, rice and pulses. A bag manufacturer also made a presentation of novel packaging solutions. Dr. Datar appreciated the quality of these products and showed his willingness to purchase them through his Adil Group.

He guided the delegation on various aspects of export to Dubai including the process, essential documents, legal provisions, and rules regarding quality and packing, besides how to take care of marketing and customer care. He said, “The export from India to GCC countries including UAE is mainly carried out through water transport due to its affordability. Since the journey takes at least 20 days to reach the consignments there, exporters should not consider fast perishable items. Instead, they should opt for products having a shelf life of at least six months or a year. Our Adil Group has earned the reputation of providing pure, hygienic and authentic food products. Nowadays, health-consciousness is on the rise and customers prefer organic food. Recently, we started selling Khapali, a nutritious variety of wheat under our Peacock brand- and the response was overwhelming. Exporters should keep the packaging of their products secure and tamper-proof. If they provide natural, chemical-free, adulteration-free and healthy products, they will surely get a considerable profit. The laws and policies of Gulf countries are stringent, and adulteration, cheating, harm to consumers, and supply of unhygienic products are never tolerated. So, the exporters should adhere to strict discipline before they export.”

He further said, “Indian entrepreneurs have huge opportunities of growth, export and expansion in the global market in the near future. Indian economy is on a fast track and a lot of major infrastructure development work is underway. One of the notable examples is the upcoming Wadhwan International Port in Maharashtra. In a decade, Mumbai will have 2 international ports and 2 international airports. The rising connectivity between these ports and rest of the country will surely benefit the exporters, but they have to take advantage of this development well in time. The aspiring entrepreneurs should study the process of Import-export as early as possible. My dream is to guide hundreds of young aspirants to make them successful businessmen.“

The delegation included Amit Jain, Director, Solapur Garments Manufacturers Association; Dr. Rajesh Gurani, CEO, Udyam PAHSUI Foundation; Alpesh Sanklecha, Vijay Patil, Yash Jain, Pradeep Jain, Anand Zaad and Chandrashekhar Jadhav.

Ahmedabad University marked a significant milestone as it hosted its 15th Annual Convocation, celebrating the graduating Class of 2025. The ceremony brought together students, families, faculty, alumni, and the University’s leadership to honour not only academic accomplishments but also the values that shape a meaningful life.

Degrees were conferred on 833 students across the Amrut Mody School of Management, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Six doctoral degrees were awarded. Gold medals were presented to five students for their academic excellence and leadership: Jinay Shah (MBA), Mustafa Murtuza Rupawala (Integrated MBA), Prashansa Shah (BTech), Dev Morbia (BBA Honours), and Om Parekh (BA Honours).

Chancellor Sanjay Lalbhai, Registrar Sanjay Gokhale, Padma Shri Sitanshu Yashaschandra, and Vice Chancellor Pankaj Chandra Led the Ceremonial Convocation Procession

Delivering the Convocation Address was Professor Sitanshu Yashaschandra, celebrated poet, playwright, scholar, and Padma Shri awardee. Reflecting on the role of universities in shaping reflective and responsible citizens, he said, “Disability doesn’t always come from the body – it often comes from the environment. When society fails to support people, it ends up disabling them. Our languages, too, can be harsh. Language is powerful. It can reveal, hide, or even distort reality. Today, different disciplines are coming together, each with their own way of thinking. This makes us ask – are we, through our actions, making people disabled Your education should help you confront that question. I hope Ahmedabad University keeps nurturing thoughtful individuals and a balanced society.”

Sanjay Lalbhai, Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors, advised graduates to embrace both success and failure as essential to growth. “Follow your passions and innate abilities,” he said. “Face challenges with resilience and make a difference through curiosity and thoughtful action.”

Professor Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Management, urged the graduating class to remain intellectually open and self-aware, “When you ask questions, your ideas often clash with your beliefs. That is when the real learning begins. Beliefs feel safe – they give you stability. But it is ideas that take you forward, that help you grow. So when you feel most certain, that is the time to question yourself the most. That is how you will reach closer to the truth – not through someone else’s eyes, but your own.”

He also highlighted the University’s growing stature. Ahmedabad University was awarded the Leadership and Management Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025 – their highest honour – and was selected for the second consecutive time as a Centre of Excellence by the Gujarat Government.

Ahmedabad University’s Class of 2025 gold medalists – five journeys, one spirit of excellence

A significant milestone came when GIFT City selected Ahmedabad University to establish the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI), in partnership with leading national and international institutions. The University has since inaugurated the Institute and commenced offering courses. Another important development was the announcement of a new School of Performing and Visual Arts, launched with the Sabarmati International Contemporary Arts Festival of Ahmedabad (SICAFA), reflecting the Universitys expanding academic vision.

This past year also saw the launch of several pioneering programmes, including India’s first MTech in Composites (in collaboration with ATIRA), a dual-degree BxMx programme that bridges arts, sciences, and professional careers, and a new PhD in Epidemiology offered through the Bagchi School of Public Health. A specialised undergraduate programme in Electrical and Electronics Engineering has also been introduced to meet the needs of the growing semiconductor and electronics industry.

Students from the Class of 2025 worked on a wide range of projects – from improving urban mobility using data analytics, to developing AI-powered tools for language preservation, to designing community-led sustainability solutions. Their work reflects Ahmedabad University’s approach to learning: combining theory with action, and knowledge with purpose.

Sixteen years since its founding, Ahmedabad University continues to grow as a space where ideas take root, disciplinary boundaries are challenged, and students are prepared to engage thoughtfully with the world. The 15th Annual Convocation marked a moment to reflect on that journey – and to set the stage for what comes next.

About Ahmedabad University

Ahmedabad University is a leading private, non-profit research university offering students a liberal education focused on interdisciplinary learning, practice orientation, and research thinking.

The University has been

• Recognised by the Government of Gujarat as a Centre of Excellence.

• Accredited with A grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

• Awarded a 5-star rating, the highest awarded in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) for 2021-22 and 2023-24, by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), Department of Education, Government of Gujarat.

• Awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Award for Excellence 2024 for our University Centre.

• Awarded a Platinum Rating by the Indian Green Building Council for sustainability and green practices.

• Recognised by the UGC under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, becoming one of the very few private research universities to have been awarded this recognition for select research universities.

• Recognised as a Highly Commended University for Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2023.

• Awarded the AACSB’s Innovations That Inspire Award 2023 for its Foundation Programme.

• Awarded Gold Rating by the Indian Green Building Council for achieving the Green Building Standards at our University Centre.
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The University, established in 2009, is rooted in the vision of one of India’s finest educational foundations, the Ahmedabad Education Society, which was founded in 1935 by nationalist leaders. Programmes at the University range from bachelors to doctoral levels in humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and management through its 13 Schools and Centres:

Amrut Mody School of Management | Bagchi School of Public Health | School of Arts and Sciences | School of Engineering and Applied Science | Ahmedabad Design Lab | Centre for Heritage Management | Centre for Inter-Asian Research | Centre for Learning Futures | Global Centre for Environment and Energy | International Centre for Space and Cosmology | Sahyog: Centre for Promoting Health | The Climate Institute | VentureStudio

An urban university, Ahmedabad promotes independent-mindedness and diversity across all dimensions of its activity and helps students mature into critical thinkers who are analytically equipped, practically oriented, and contextually aware global citizens. The University provides a contemporary educational framework that brings liberal arts, sciences, and the professions to engage together in creating new knowledge for addressing complex challenges of the society and in offering majors that merge the boundaries of disciplines to prepare students for the new economy.

Axis Max Life FY’25 Highlights:

• Proprietary Channels APE grew by 26%

• Gross Written Premium: ₹33,223 crores, up 13% YoY

• Embedded Value at ₹25,192 crores, grows 29% with an Operating RoEV of 19.1%

• Individual New Business Sum Assured grew by 31%

• Assets Under Management (AUM) at ₹1,75,072 crores, up by 16%

• New retail policy sales increase by 11% during FY’25

Max Financial Services Limited has recorded consolidated revenue excluding investment income at ₹32,620 crores that grew by 12% year-on-year during FY’25. The consolidated revenue including investment income stands at ₹46,497 crores and consolidated PAT at ₹403 crores during FY’25.

Axis Max Life Insurances Individual Adjusted First Year Premium grew 20%

In FY’25, Axis Max Life Insurance Ltd.’s {formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd.} (“Axis Max Life”/ “Company”) Individual Adjusted First Year Premium grew by 20% to ₹8,329 crores leading to private market share gain by 37 basis points (bps) to 9.8%. Number of new retail policies grew by 11%. Further, the renewal premium rose by 14% to ₹21,049 crores, taking the Gross Written Premium to ₹33,223 crores, an increase of 13% over the previous financial year. Additionally, Axis Max Life registered a Value of New Business (VNB) growth of 7% in FY’25 despite the impact of surrender regulations and higher proportion of ULIPs. This was possible due to more than 300% growth in riders and several other product modifications focussing on creating shareholder value along with strong customer proposition.

Continuing on its growth momentum during FY’25, Axis Max Life has posted a strong Annual Premium Equivalent (APE) growth of 26% within its Proprietary Channels, driven by robust growth within Agency, cross sell and E-commerce vertical. This growth was fueled by a disproportionate focus towards scale up of savings business in its E-commerce channel which grew by upwards of 50% during FY’25.

Prashant Tripathy, CEO and Managing Director, Axis Max Life, said, “In FY’25, Axis Max Life sustained its strong growth momentum and secured the rank 3 position in the private life insurance industry during H2 FY’25. Our market share increased by 98 basis points since FY’23, supported by a 2-year CAGR of 18%, becoming one of the fastest growing life insurer and well ahead of the private and total industry growth rates of 12% and 8%, respectively. These outcomes reflect consistent execution of our strategic priorities – scaling proprietary distribution, deepening partnerships, and driving product innovation. As we continue to expand our reach across customer segments, our focus remains on delivering long-term value to our customers, partners, and shareholders.”

In FY’25, Axis Max Life’s APE grew by 18% driven by a strong growth of 25% within Proprietary channels and 13% within Banca channels. The contribution of Proprietary channels to total new sales increased from 40% in FY24 to 42% in FY’25. The Company maintained leadership position in overall E-commerce business in both online Protection, and online Savings. The new business growth was fuelled by strong growth in retail Protection & Health and ULIP of 35% and 43% respectively. Additionally, Axis Max Life has successfully on-boarded 44 new partners in FY’25, including 3 Banca Partners.

Focusing on product innovation, Axis Max Life launched 4 successful New Fund Offer (NFO) during FY’25, along with a new Term product, “Axis Max Life Smart Term Plan Plus” and a ULIP product, “Axis Max Life Smart Term with Additional Returns” with a high sum assured multiple. These 2 new products offer the customers the flexibility to opt from multiple variants basis their unique needs. Our organisational purpose is to inspire people to increase value of their lives, which is reflected by a strong growth of 31% in Individual new business Sum assured.

In FY’25, Axis Max Life achieved its highest ever level of limited pay persistency (on premium basis) for 13^th month, increasing by about 100 basis points, to 87.6%, and a reasonable increase across many other cohorts of persistency.

Reiterating its commitment towards delivering superior customer experience, Axis Max Life has been ranked amongst the top two Indian life insurance brands in Hansa Research’s Insurance CuES 2025 study. This marks the third consecutive year of Axis Max Life securing the second position, with a steady improvement in its Net Promoter Score (NPS) from 59 to 64 over three years.

Key Financial Summary of Axis Max Life:

About Max Financial Services Limited

Max Financial Services Limited (MFSL) is part of India’s leading business conglomerate – the Max Group. Focused on Life Insurance, MSFL owns and actively manages an ~81% majority stake in Axis Max Life Insurance.

MFSL is listed on the NSE and BSE. Besides a ~1.7% holding by Analjit Singh and sponsor family, some of the other group shareholders include MSI, Ward ferry, New York Life, Capital, Vanguard, Polar, Pictet, Jupiter, Blackrock, Kuwait Investment Authority, Franklin Templeton, Norges Bank, Pioneer, JP Morgan, Copthall Mauritus, Asset Management Companies – HDFC, ICICI Prudential, Nippon, DSP, Kotak, Aditya Birla Sun Life, Mirae, UTI, Canara Robeco, Invesco, Whiteoak, TATA, Bandhan, SBI and PGIM, and Private Life Insurance Companies – HDFC, SBI, TATA AIA, Kotak, ICICI Pru and Aditya Birla Sun Life.

About Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (www.axismaxlife.com)

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited, formerly known as Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited (“MFSL”) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis Max Life Insurance offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions through its multi-channel distribution, including agency and third-party distribution partners. It has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2024-25, Axis Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 33,223 Cr.

Over 100 years ago, the modern hotel chain was invented, and it dominated travel for nearly a century. Then, in 2007, we had an idea: what if we designed a way for people to book a home as easily as they could book a hotel Since then, Airbnb has surpassed 2 billion guest arrivals and changed the way people travel. But a great trip is about more than the home you stay in. That’s why we’re introducing:

• Airbnb Services – Incredible services to make your stay more special.

• Airbnb Experiences – Explore a city with the locals who know it best.

• All-new Airbnb app – A redesigned app that makes it easy to book homes, services, and experiences-all in one place.

Airbnbs updated ‘Experiences’ lets travelers dive deeper into local culture with curated, hands-on activities

“Seventeen years ago, we changed the way people travel. More than two billion guests later, Airbnb is synonymous with a place to stay,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. “With the launch of services and experiences, we’re changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb.”

The new ‘Services’ tab on Airbnb helps guests book trusted local service providers for a more personalized stay

Airbnb Services

People often choose hotels because of the services they offer, like room service, access to a gym, or an appointment at the spa. Starting today, you can get those services, and more, right at your Airbnb.⁽¹⁾

Introducing Airbnb Services-incredible services to make your stay more special. We’re launching with 10 categories in 260 cities, with new offerings and locations dropping regularly in the Airbnb app. The first 10 categories are:

• Chefs – Fully customizable in-home meals from professional chefs.

• Photography – Personalized photo sessions from experienced photographers.

• Massage – Restorative massages including Swedish, deep tissue, and reflexology from certified therapists.

• Spa treatments – Facials, microdermabrasion, body scrubs, and other treatments provided by licensed estheticians.⁽²⁾

• Personal training – Yoga, strength training, HIIT, and more, with personal trainers, including renowned fitness professionals and world champion athletes.

• Hair – Professional haircuts, blowouts, and more from experienced stylists.

• Makeup – Makeup for every day or special occasions from professional makeup artists.

• Nails – Manicures and pedicures from experienced nail specialists.

• Prepared meals – Ready-to-eat meals prepared by professional chefs.

• Catering – Full-service catering with custom menus, decor, and equipment, plus setup and cleanup.

Airbnb Services are vetted for quality through an evaluation of expertise and reputation. Services hosts have an average of 10 years of experience, have completed Airbnb’s identity verification process, and are required to submit relevant licenses and certifications. Many hosts are renowned in their fields-including chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning photographers, and elite trainers.

Airbnb Services are available at nearly every price, and many services include an entry offering below USD $50. With services for any kind of trip, you can find everything from an affordable prepared meal to daily workouts with a celebrity trainer. We’ve also partnered with hosts to design offerings that you’ll only find on Airbnb.

Airbnb is the only app where you can book thousands of these services in one place, in 260 cities around the world. Detailed listing pages highlight each hosts qualifications, offerings, and pricing. And unlike many services platforms, booking on Airbnb is easy-with the ability to book instantly in just a few taps. Best of all, you don’t need to stay at an Airbnb or even be on a trip to get these services. Schedule a blowout, training session, or massage right at home.

“People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space,” added Chesky. “Now, we’re giving you the best of both worlds-amazing homes with services that make them even more special.”

Starting today, experienced professionals can apply to become Airbnb Services hosts. It’s a new way to share your expertise and grow your business-apply now at Airbnb.com/host/services.

Airbnb Experiences

One of the top reasons people book an Airbnb is because they can live like a local. But it’s hard to find the best things to do when you’re somewhere new. Too often you end up in a big group, following a tour guide with a megaphone, doing activities that feel like you’re checking a box. What if there was a more authentic way to experience a city

Today, we’re introducing completely reimagined Airbnb Experiences-hosted by locals who know their city best. We’re launching experiences in 650 cities around the world, and adding more every day. Uncover the best parts of a city with experiences like:

• Landmark, museum, and cultural experiences

• Step into the world of Notre-Dame’s restoration through the eyes of Axelle Ponsonnet, an architect from its restoration team.

• Food tours, cooking classes, and dining experiences

• Master the art of ramen-making with chef Saburo Ishigōka-the culinary force behind a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant.

• Outdoors, water sports, and wildlife experiences

• Ride on horseback through sacred Inca sites and stunning Andean landscapes with an expert in Andean culture and anthropology.

• Gallery tours, art workshops, and shopping experiences

• Get a wardrobe refresh with a personal styling session from Jamie Mizrahi, fashion consultant to Hollywood’s biggest stars.

• Workout, wellness, and beauty experiences

• Step into the ring for an authentic Lucha libre training experience with professional luchador Retro.

Airbnb Experiences are vetted for quality, with a focus on expertise, reputation, and authenticity. Hosts are assessed across areas like experience, their connection to the city, and guest feedback. And this process is ongoing-we regularly review experiences to make sure they meet our high standards.

We’re also introducing Airbnb Originals-extraordinary experiences hosted by the world’s most interesting people, designed exclusively for Airbnb. Learn pastry-making at the renowned French Bastards bakery with chef Raphaelle Elbaz, or play beach volleyball with Olympian Carol Solberg on Rio’s iconic Leblon Beach. Some Originals are even hosted by global celebrities. Transform into your anime alter-ego with Megan Thee Stallion in her Otaku Hottie Quest, step inside the Short n’ Sweet set with Sabrina Carpenter for a day of glam, dancing, and espresso, or spend a Sunday with Patrick Mahomes, learning how to throw the perfect spiral and enjoying Kansas City barbecue⁽³⁾. And that’s just the beginning.

Airbnb Experiences are also designed to be social. Later this year, you’ll be able to see who’s going before you book, message the group or individual guests during the experience, and stay in touch afterward-all with simple and transparent privacy controls. And you don’t have to be traveling to join in-we think Airbnb Experiences are so great, you’ll want to book them in your own city.

“Today’s travel activities offer no real connection to the city you’re visiting,” said Chesky. “The most authentic way to explore a city is with the locals who know it best. With Airbnb Experiences, don’t just see a place-experience it.”

Applications are now open for Airbnb Experiences hosts. If you know your city deeply and offer a unique activity that’s not available anywhere else, apply to become a host at Airbnb.com/host/experiences.

An all-new Airbnb app

Since 2010, the Airbnb app has been designed to do one thing: book a home. With the launch of services and experiences, we rebuilt the app from the ground up so you can easily book everything in one place.

The best part is that the app travels with you. After you book your home, the app suggests services and experiences we think you’ll love based on where you’re staying and who you’re with⁽⁴⁾. When you arrive at your destination, the app welcomes you with a detailed itinerary, including check-in details and a day-by-day view of everything you booked on Airbnb. And throughout your stay, you’ll get recommendations for experiences happening nearby.

We’ve reimagined nearly every part of the app, including:

• Explore tab – An all-new homepage to discover homes in popular destinations, experiences that fit your schedule, and services around the world.

• Trips tab – An advanced travel itinerary with a schedule of your trip, details about your home, and the services and experiences you’ve booked.

• Messages – A revamped messaging platform with photo and video sharing, and integrated payments for customizing services.

• Profile – A redesigned Airbnb profile lets you share where you’ve traveled on Airbnb and see the people you’ve met along the way. Airbnb profiles also highlight the over 200 million guests and hosts worldwide who have completed our identity verification process.

We’ve also rebuilt the app for hosts to include everything they need to manage their home, service, or experience:

• Airbnb Setup – A simplified listing creation tool makes it easy for hosts to submit a service or experience to Airbnb.

• Today tab – An all-new reservations management tab makes it easy to see details about upcoming reservations to help hosts provide exceptional hospitality.

• Calendar – A redesigned calendar features a new daily view with an hour-by-hour schedule, and includes real-time integration with Google Calendar.

• Listings tab – New listing management tools for services and experiences make it easy for hosts to adjust every aspect of their listing, from location to pricing.

The Airbnb app is built on a new tech stack that allows hosts to offer homes, services, and experiences-and many more offerings in the years ahead. We also created a design system with a dimensional and beautifully animated interface that brings the world of Airbnb to life, so planning your trip feels as effortless and delightful as the trip itself.

Airbnb Services, Airbnb Experiences and the all-new app are available starting today. Upgrades for hosts are available today by enrolling in Airbnb Early Access in the app.

⁽¹⁾ Services available in select Airbnb home listings. Services are not available in all geos, including Brazil and Puerto Rico.

⁽²⁾ Certifications or licenses reviewed where required.

⁽³⁾Guests can request to book these experiences through the app. See full rules for terms, including age and geographic eligibility, and how data is used. Not all Airbnb Original experiences require a request to book.

⁽⁴⁾ Suggestions based on the types of travellers in your group.

SPJ Group is pleased to appoint Praveen Raina as the Executive President for its real estate vertical, SPJ True Realtyy. With over 21 years of multifaceted leadership across marquee organizations like HDFC, Yes Bank Ltd, AFS, Omaxe Ltd, and Imperia Structures Ltd, Praveen Raina brings a comprehensive perspective to SPJ True Realtyy, spanning Sales, CRM, Marketing, Construction, Facility Management, Business Development, and Corporate Affairs.

Praveen Raina Named Executive President Of SPJ True Realtyy

In his new role, Praveen will play a pivotal part in strengthening the company’s strategic direction, driving operational excellence, and contributing to expanding SPJ True Realtyy’s footprint across key markets. His strategic acumen and operational depth will shape the companys next growth phase.

Praveen Raina, Executive President, SPJ True Realtyy says, “I’m honored and excited to join SPJs real estate vertical. At a time when the real estate sector is exponentially growing, SPJ True Realtyy is uniquely positioned to harness these shifts. The company’s unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and ethical practices aligns deeply with my professional values. I am excited to leverage my expertise to drive integrated growth strategies that not only elevate the customer experience but also position SPJ True Realtyy as a future-ready leader in India’s evolving real estate ecosystem.”

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Praveen Raina to our leadership team. His proven track record, cross-functional expertise, and deep industry insights align with our vision of delivering quality-driven, customer-centric developments. With his leadership, we are confident in driving stronger innovation, agility, and sustainable growth across our operations.“

Praveen Raina’s appointment marks a key milestone in SPJ True Realtyy’s journey, as it continues to innovate and deliver exceptional projects across residential and commercial segments. The company’s strategy is centred on expanding its footprint across Delhi NCR, with a strong focus on high-growth micro-markets across the targeted geographies. His leadership will catalyze the group’s portfolio and maintain its commitment to excellence in real estate development.

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)