Affordable Healthcare Popular Among Women, Gen Z, and Seniors RenewBuy
National, February 18, 2025: RenewBuy’s proprietary, low-cost health insurance plan, RB Health, has experienced significant growth since its launch two years ago. With strong adoption across diverse age groups, RB Health has made significant inroads in states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. RB Health is bridging the gap for underinsured consumers, especially in markets beyond Tier 1 cities, by making affordable healthcare more accessible.
There has been a significant rise in women purchasing RB Health Plan, accounting for 30% of the policyholders. This shows their growing financial independence and health awareness, growing need for maternity insurance and OPD benefits, even in the smaller cities. The year-on-year demand amongst women has increased by 10-12%, with women within the age group of 31-40 years showing highest adoption. Most have opted for the low-cost plan with OPD benefits, particularly younger women, who are increasingly taking a proactive approach to their health, driving an increase in policyholders under the age of 40.
RB Health has gained a strong and growing presence across age groups, with a 24% uptick amongst Gen Z. With rising awareness towards financial security, preventive healthcare, rising medical costs, the younger population is becoming more conscious towards health insurance and demanding flexible policies. This mirrors the broader industry trends, where around 50%- 60% of Gen Z demand better digital engagement.
Driven by its affordability and extensive benefits, RB Health has attracted around 10% of senior citizens across the country. The plan offers up to 70% lower premiums for seniors, addressing chronic disease management needs and gaps in the traditional plans.
Indraneel Chatterjee, Co-Founder, RenewBuy said, “Today’s consumers, especially in the smaller markets, seek OPD benefits, coverage for lab tests and medications, and customized premium rates. The purchasing power in these regions differs significantly from metro cities, making affordability a key factor. Over the past two years, we have tapped around 1.5% of RenewBuy’s overall consumer base with our low-cost health insurance, and interestingly, women and the younger generation have shown a growing inclination, especially in the smaller markets.”
“This report offers valuable insights to enhance consumer experience and accelerate growth for low-cost insurance in the untapped markets. So far, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh have led the adoption, accounting for 47% of the total consumer base. The rapid success of this low-cost product has been driven by digital adoption, transparency, and the seamless policy purchase experience,” he further added.
RB Health is one of the simplest health insurance products for consumers to understand and 30% cheaper than standard health insurance plans. Insurance as a sector, is today witnessing fast-changing momentum, with the changing consumer needs, changes in lifestyle, environment, digital adoption and thus, there is a need to introduce products catering to today’s consumers. Along with this, the medical inflation in India is rising by 13%-14% and low-cost health insurance distributed through digital channels, will play a critical role in bridging these insurance gaps.
Glam21 Partners with Flipkart Minutes for Faster and Easier Beauty Shopping
18th February 2025: Glam21, a leading name in the beauty industry, is excited to announce its expansion on Flipkart Minutes, further strengthening its commitment to providing a seamless and fast shopping experience. This move aligns with the brand’s mission to ensure quick and easy access to high-quality beauty products, catering to the evolving needs of modern consumers who prioritize speed and convenience.
Flipkart Minutes is designed for instant access to products, making it the perfect platform for Glam21 to enhance its availability. Also, customer feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s offerings. By leveraging real-time reviews and ratings on Flipkart Minutes, Glam21 aims to refine and enhance its product lineup, ensuring it continues to meet consumer expectations effectively.
According to Mr. Bikash Goyal, Founder Glam21, “Our decision to expand on Flipkart Minutes stems from our dedication to offering a superior shopping experience. With consumers increasingly valuing speed and convenience, our presence on Flipkart Minutes ensures that they have easy access to our premium beauty products whenever they need them.
Additionally, Flipkart’s expansion of Dark Stores at a pan-India level enables Glam21 to reach a broader audience, making its products more discoverable and accessible across the country. This strategic move aligns with the brand’s business approach of catering to a wide customer base with a range of beauty products at competitive price points.
With this expansion, Glam21 is set to redefine the online beauty shopping experience, reinforcing its position as a go-to brand for beauty enthusiasts nationwide.
Shanaya’s Parisian Moment with Charlotte Tilbury
18th February 2025: Fresh from the Amiri show at Paris Fashion Week, Shanaya Kapoor gave us a backstage beauty peek. Her quick touch-up kit? Charlotte Tilbury’s Legendary Beauty Must-Haves.
The Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm is pure magic – a hydrating, high-shine gloss that plumps lips with a stunning, voluminous effect. Its conditioning formula delivers that perfect blend of color and care, making your pout look instantly fuller and more defined.
The Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is a red-carpet secret weapon. It’s the secret to flawless, poreless-looking skin. It blurs imperfections in seconds, creating a soft-focus, Instagram-ready finish that’s lightweight and invisible. One swipe, and you’re runway-ready with that coveted model-like glow.
Locking it all in is the Magic Setting Spray – a makeup artist’s ultimate trick. It keeps your look pristine through long nights, runway shows, and endless photo ops. A few spritzes, and your makeup becomes bulletproof, maintaining that fresh-from-the-makeup-chair perfection.
Trends might fade, but legendary makeup? That’s forever.
SAE & B V Raju Institute to Host E-BAJA 2025 in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, February 18, 2025: The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), a globally acclaimed association of engineers in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial vehicle industries, in collaboration with the Sri Vishnu Educational Society, renowned for its excellence in higher education, and SAE BAJA INDIA, is hosting the prestigious inter-collegiate E-BAJA 2025. This high-octane event will take place from February 20 to 23, 2025, at B V Raju Institute of Technology (BVRIT), Narsapur, Medak.
E-BAJA is an electrifying All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) racing challenge that rigorously tests the knowledge, technical skills, and problem-solving capabilities of budding mechanical and electrical engineers. This adrenaline-fueled competition draws participation from premier engineering institutions like IITs, NITs, and top universities across the country. With 82 teams and over 2,500 aspiring engineers competing, the event fosters innovation, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Adding to the grandeur of the event, leading global automotive giants including Volvo, Daimler, AVL, ALTAIR, Tata Motors, and Mahindra and others; will be in attendance. These industry stalwarts will be on the lookout for top talent, making E-BAJA a golden opportunity for young engineers to secure coveted placements and launch promising careers in the automotive sector.
E-BAJA 2025 is more than just a competition—it’s a transformative experience. It challenges students to conceive, design, analyse, fabricate, validate, and race their Electric All-Terrain Vehicles, offering invaluable real-world exposure to industry-relevant challenges, says Mr. Balraj Subramaniam, Chairman, Organizing Committee, BAJA SAEINDIA.
The four day thrilling competition will have Technical Inspection, Brake Test, Sales Finals, Cost Finals of the participating ATVs on day 1, the 20th February; day 2 will have Rainstorm Test, Design Finals, Innovation, Validation, Dronacharya, Acceleration, Dynamic Events day 3 will focus on Sustainability, Innovation, Validation, day four will have endurance testing of vehicles on the tracks. The event will be followed by HR Meet on February 24th and 25th, with global automotive giants offering lucrative placements opportunities to the enterprising engineers.
The event is not just a test of technical expertise but also a battle of endurance for both engineers and their machines. Each ATV will undergo rigorous mechanical and electrical inspections, including brake, acceleration, suspension, and manoeuvrability tests, all conducted in accordance with SAE standards, says Mr. Ravichandran Rajagopal, Vice Chairman, Sri Vishnu Educational Society.
HDFC Life Wins ICAI Award for Best Financial Reporting for 2023-24
Bengaluru, February 18, 2025: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Silver Shield in Category-III – Life Insurance at the ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting 2023-24.
This prestigious award was presented to HDFC Life by Honourable Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, at the ICAI Awards ceremony held in New Delhi.
Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) since 1958, these awards recognise companies that demonstrate outstanding financial reporting standards. The esteemed jury selects winners after a thorough review of the accounting practices adopted in financial statements, disclosure policies, and presentation of financial statements. The top two winners are chosen on their adherence to Indian Accounting Standards, statutory guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
HDFC Life has been on a continuous journey to financially secure Indian citizens by offering a wide range of life insurance solutions. Since its inception, the company has provided financial protection to millions of customers and their families, serving as a safety net in times of need while enabling them to achieve their long-term financial goals.
Speaking on the award, Niraj Shah – Executive Director & CFO, HDFC Life, said, “This is a proud moment for all of us at HDFC Life. This award reinforces our values of transparency and good governance. At HDFC Life, we are committed not only to financial security of our customers but also to sustainable and responsible business practices. We continue to strengthen our governance framework while driving long-term value for our stakeholders and contributing towards a more resilient future.”
Sitharaman Hands Over Keys as SWAMIH Fund Completes 50,000 Homes
Mumbai, February 18, 2025: At a post budget interaction event in Mumbai, Honourable Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today handed over keys to homebuyers from select projects in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), whose long-stressed residential projects have been completed under the “Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH I) Investment Fund”. This milestone marks the completion of 50,000 homes, reaffirming SWAMIH’s mission to provide relief to distressed homebuyers and revive stressed residential projects across the country.
Homebuyers from projects including Avant Hillways, Vision Heights and Shubham Trident received their keys at the event, symbolizing the transformational role of the SWAMIH Fund in restoring hope and stability to families impacted by stressed housing developments.
Established in 2019 and managed by SBI Ventures Ltd., a State Bank of India Group company, the SWAMIH Fund is sponsored by the Ministry of Finance. As India’s largest social impact fund for the real estate sector, it addresses critical funding gaps for stressed and brownfield residential projects. With no precedent or comparable peer globally, the Fund is a pioneering initiative for impact-driven investing.
Mr. Prem Prabhakar, MD and CEO of SBI Ventures Ltd, said that “With the vision and support of the Government of India, this fund has paved the way for the completion of numerous housing projects, ensuring that thousands of families can finally call these homes their own”.
By targeting distressed housing projects, SWAMIH is also driving credit growth in the housing sector, boosting access to home loans, and contributing to a stronger, more inclusive economy.
This milestone not only highlights the Fund’s success in fulfilling its mandate but also demonstrates its critical role in supporting India’s economic recovery and providing long-overdue relief to homebuyers.
Adani Foundation Pledges Education Temples Across India
HYDERABAD: 18th February, 2025: The Adani Foundation has collaborated with GEMS Education, a global leader in private K-12 education, to establish temples of education across the country. With an initial donation of INR 2,000 Cr from the Adani family, the partnership will prioritize making world-class education and learning infrastructure affordable to people from all strata of society. The Foundation is the CSR arm of the Adani Group – India’s largest infrastructure portfolio.
In line with Chairman Gautam Adani’s social philosophy सेवासाधनाहै, सेवाप्रार्थनाहैऔरसेवा ही परमात्मा है, the partnership will also give rise to best-in-class research institutions focused on developing teaching competencies supported by innovation and capability development.
The first ‘Adani GEMS School of Excellence’ will come up in Lucknow in the academic year 2025-26. Over the next three years, at least 20 such schools in the K-12 segment will be rolled out across India’s primary metropolitan cities and, subsequently, also in Tier II to IV cities. In these schools, 30% seats in CBSE curriculum will be free for under-served and deserving children. Leveraging the Adani Group’s pan-Indian presence and extensive infrastructure capabilities and also GEMS’ educational expertise, the partnership plans to develop a scalable, affordable and sustainable model for quality education for students across India.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to making world-class education affordable and widely accessible,” said Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. “By adopting global best practices and innovative digital learning through our partnership with GEMS Education,we aim to equip the next generation of change-makers to become socially responsible leaders in India.”
“Our vision has always been to make quality education accessible to every learner, regardless of their socioeconomic background,” said Sunny Varkey, Founder & Chairman of GEMS Education. “The collaboration with the Adani Foundation will strengthen us to expand our reach and impact, bringing our global educational expertise to learners and teachers in diverse regions of India.”
The collaboration believes that transforming a nation needs a diligent and committed focus on building its youth. This association will help build upon the objective of creating a highly skilled and value-based talent pool. The Adani-GEMS schools will benefit from a global curriculum combined with the best of Indian study boards.
Skylark Drones Launches India’s First Spray Management Software for Agriculture
India, February 18, 2025 – As India’s agricultural drone sector prepares for exponential growth, Skylark Drones, a leading startup providing drone solutions unveiled DMO-AG at the Krishi Darshan Expo 2025 in Hisar – a first-of-its-kind software platform set to transform how agricultural drones are managed and operated across the country.
The launch is crucial when India’s agriculture sector is rapidly adopting drone technology, driven by government initiatives and increasing demand for precision farming solutions. DMO-AG addresses a critical market gap by offering a unified platform that brings together farmers, drone operators, maintenance teams, and agrochemical companies.
“With DMO-AG, we expect a transformative shift in the agricultural industry. By democratizing access to drone technology, we anticipate increased adoption of precision farming, leading to higher yields, reduced input costs, and more sustainable practices. Our DGCA-compliant platform will not only empower farmers but also Drone Service Providers and Done pilots with real-time insights, automation, and Revenue management, ultimately making Indian agriculture more efficient, data-driven, and future-ready.” – Mrinal Pai, Co-founder, Skylark Drones
The DGCA-compliant platform introduces several groundbreaking features including real-time fleet management, crop-specific recommendations, and automated health monitoring – all accessible through an intuitive interface available in local languages. This comprehensive solution is compatible with all major autopilot-enabled controllers, making it a versatile tool for India’s diverse agricultural landscape.
Skylark Drones, which has already executed more than 10 million autonomous drone flights and processed more than 100 million drone images across 120+ enterprise customers nationwide, brings substantial expertise to this sector. The launch of DMO-AG marks a significant milestone in its mission to make drone technology more accessible and efficient for India’s agricultural community.
“With India’s agricultural drone market expected to grow at 25-30% CAGR, surpassing $1 billion by 2030, DMO-AG is poised to lead this transformation. Backed by government support and the rising demand for precision farming, our platform democratizes access to advanced drone technology” adds Mrinal Pai
Emami Realty Begins Emami Aamod Construction in New Alipore
Kolkata, 18th February 2025: Emami Realty, the prestigious real estate arm of the renowned Emami Group, performs the Bhoomi Pujan and the inauguration of the Experience Center at Emami Aamod, located on James Long Sarani, New Alipore. The project is expected to generate around ₹850 crore in revenue.
The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony to commemorate the construction at the site was conducted with great reverence and attended by esteemed guests, including Smt. Kakoli Bag- Councillor 119 Ward, Mr. Mohan Goenka, Vice Chairman & Whole-time Director Emami Ltd. Dr. Nitesh Kuma, MD & CEO Emami Realty Limited, Dr. Aditya V Agarwal – Non-Executive Director Emami Ltd. The event marked a significant milestone in the development of Emami Aamod, a project that epitomizes luxury living with its opulent amenities and serene environment.
In conjunction with the Bhoomi Pujan, Emami Realty also unveiled the Experience Center at Emami Aamod. The Experience Center offers prospective residents a glimpse into the future of luxury living, showcasing the exquisite 3 BHK and 4 BHK apartments, state-of-the-art clubhouse, infinity swimming pool, and the unique musical fountain. The Experience Center is designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience, highlighting the project’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Dr. Nitesh Kumar, MD & CEO of Emami Realty Limited, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to bring to Kolkata a project that combines luxury with nature. The Bhoomi Pujan and the inauguration of the Experience Center mark the beginning of a new chapter in urban living. Emami Aamod is not just a residential address; it’s a lifestyle.”
Emami Aamod is set to redefine luxury living in Kolkata with its blend of sophistication, grandeur, and tranquillity. The project features a picturesque 1-acre lake with a captivating musical fountain, landscaped gardens, and a range of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Spread across 4 acres, Emami Aamod features four elegantly designed towers offering spacious air-conditioned 3 BHK and 4 BHK apartments with servant rooms. With flexibility in mind, these apartments allow easy customization by adding internal walls, enabling residents to tailor their homes to their unique needs.
Every room at Emami Aamod features a panoramic balcony with stunning 180-degree views of the serene Aqua Serenity Lake, home to Kolkata’s first rhythmic musical fountain. This tranquil, iconic 1-acre lake with private cabanas offers a rejuvenating ambiance. The infinity edge pool adds grandeur to everyday relaxation, offering breathtaking lake views.
Exclusive rooftop amenities like the Yoga Deck, Stargazing Deck, and Skating Rink allow residents to soak in New Alipore’s skyline. Thematic gardens, including the Fragrance, Sculpture, and Topiary Gardens, provide aesthetic pleasure and serene spaces to unwind. Sports and fitness facilities such as cricket nets, pickleball and basketball courts, and a state-of-the-art gym cater to enthusiasts of all ages.
Entertainment and wellness are always within reach with the amphitheaters, premium club with a bar lounge, and a spa and wellness center. Emami Aamod seamlessly blends sustainability with luxury through eco-friendly features like EV charging points and VRV air conditioning systems. A 10-tier security system ensures a safe, tranquil living environment, while Vastu-compliant apartments promote harmonious energy flow.
For those seeking a refined lifestyle defined by elegance, comfort, and sophistication, Emami Aamod in New Alipore offers a rare opportunity to live in one of the city’s most promising upcoming luxury projects.
HT Labs bags 7 wins at afaqs Digies Awards 2025
Mumbai, February 18, 2025: HT Labs is proud to secure 7 wins across key categories at the recent afaqs! Digies 2025 awards. Recognised for its innovation, creativity, and customer engagement, HT Labs’ flagship platforms, OTTplay Premium, India’s leading
content discovery and streaming platform, and Slurrp, India’s ultimate food discovery platform, continue to set new industry benchmarks and these awards recognise their passion, creativity, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital engagement.
OTTplay Premium’s Award-Winning Innovations:
- Bronze – Best Use of Instagram (OTTplay Premium): OTTplay Premium captivated audiences with curated content, exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, and tailored streaming recommendations, elevating user engagement on Instagram.
- Bronze – Best Use of Video in PR (OTTplay Premium): Recognised for its powerful video storytelling, OTTplay Premium effectively leveraged behind-the-scenes content, influencer collaborations, and creative video ads, strengthening its brand presence.
- Bronze – Best Innovation in Digital (OTTplay Premium): OTTplay Premium was honoured for redefining content discovery, using data-driven insights and AI-powered recommendations to enhance the OTT experience.
- Bronze – Best Use of Social Media Marketing (OTTplay): Celebrated for its strategic social media campaigns, OTTplay engaged users with creative storytelling, audience segmentation, and real-time conversations, fostering a dynamic community.
Slurrp’s Digital Excellence Recognised:
- Gold – Best Microsite (Slurrp – C3PO): Slurrp was applauded for its seamless user experience and personalised culinary recommendations, making it a go-to destination for food lovers.
- Gold – Best Use of Instagram (Slurrp): By harnessing the power of visual storytelling, live interactions, and community-driven content, Slurrp created an immersive Instagram experience, featuring stunning food photography, interactive tutorials, and
user-generated content. - Bronze – Best Consumer Engagement on Mobile (Slurrp – C3PO): Slurrp’s cutting-edge mobile engagement strategies, including personalised notifications, gamification, and intuitive features, ensured a frictionless user journey on the go.
“We are thrilled to see OTTplay and Slurrp recognised for its digital excellence and innovation. These awards validate our dedication to creating a personalised, engaging content discovery experience. From social media to video storytelling, we’re committed
to redefining how audiences interact with content. We remain dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and enhancing user experience across our products,” said
Avinash Mudaliar, Co-Founder & CEO, HT Labs.
As HT Labs continues to drive innovation across its platforms, these accolades reaffirm its position as a leader in digital engagement, content discovery, and customer experience.