Tata AIA Expands ‘Bimarath’ Initiative to Empower West Bengal with Insurance Awareness and Health Support

Kolkata, 27th May 2025: Tata AIA Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (Tata AIA), one of the leading insurers in India, has launched its fourth ‘Bimarath’ campaign, to boost life insurance awareness and reach among young professionals, homemakers, seniors, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs in Kolkata Metropolitan Region.

Throughout the month of May, the Bimarath, a mobile van, equipped with loudspeakers and a large LED screen, will travel through 15 key locations in the city, playing educational videos about the importance of life insurance. Over 500 Leaders and Advisors of Tata AIA’ extensive Agency network will engage directly with residents through one-on-one sessions, helping them understand why life insurance is a crucial part of their financial planning.

Free health check-up camps will complement the campaign, providing on-the-spot basic health assessments to thousands of citizens. With over 50,000 individuals expected to be reached throughout the month and more than 1,000 people benefiting from health check-ups, this initiative stands out not only as a means to secure the future but also as a way to encourage overall well-being.

In FY25, Tata AIA conducted three Bimarath campaigns, engaging over 1.5 lakh people and onboarding 420+ new Insurance Advisors. The first phase (May-June 2024) covered 15 districts, followed by a dedicated Kolkata drive led by Tata AIA Advisors in Nov-Dec 2024. The third phase, held in January 2025, focused on districts like Purulia, Birbhum, Malda, and Darjeeling, extending outreach beyond traditional financial hubs.

Girish Kalra, Chief Marketing Officer of Tata AIA, said, “Tata AIA remains deeply committed to spreading insurance awareness across West Bengal and bringing more individuals under the protective umbrella of life insurance. Through initiatives like Bimarath, Masik Bima Diwas and collaborative efforts with our Advisors, we are reaching diverse segments of society. Our latest Bimarath campaign covering 15 key locations in the Kolkata Metropolitan Region will reinforce our promise to help the people of West Bengal live more secure and ‘Fikar-free’ lives.”

This campaign is a continuation of the successful Bimarath initiative conducted in Kolkata last year, which led to the recruitment of over 115 young advisors and generated INR 1 crore in new business premium. By building strong relationships with the community, Tata AIA is helping more people understand the value of life insurance in securing their futures.

As part of Tata AIA’s commitment to IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, the company has launched multiple initiatives across the state in FY25, including Masik Bima Diwas, targeted media outreach, and on-ground engagement activities.

 Masik Bima Diwas:

  • Masik Bima Diwas, a monthly insurance awareness initiative, engaged over 2,500 consumers in FY25.
  • Held on the second Thursday of each month since November 2023 at Tata AIA branches statewide, the event aims to educate the public on the importance of life insurance.

 Social and Digital Media Campaign:

  • ·       Tata AIA ran Social Media and Digital campaigns on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, using local influencers and cultural themes in English and Bengali to raise life insurance awareness.
  • ·         These campaigns reached nearly 3.5 crore users, boosting engagement and awareness.

Breakthrough in Concealed Hinges: Sugatsune HES2S-140

Sugatsune Surface Mount Concealed Hinge HES2S 140 A125 is a game changer for modern residences and apartments, offering a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic finesse. Designed for flush mount applications, it allows doors to integrate effortlessly into the surrounding architecture, creating a clean and sophisticated look.

The HES2S140 features groundbreaking 3D adjustment, allowing vertical, horizontal, and depth modifications even after installation. This ensures a flawless fit and unmatched convenience for professionals and homeowners alike. Its surface mounts on the jamb side for easy installation, opens to 125°, and features a compact, durable design that is simple to maintain. For added reliability, a door stopper is recommended to protect the hinges and extend the lifespan of the door.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the hinge is supplied with stainless steel flathead screws and a refined cover that conceals all screw heads for a pristine finish. Available in three elegant colors: dark grey, light grey, and black, the HES2S140 enhances the functionality and appearance of aluminium profile doors and can also be fitted in marble frames, particularly in bathrooms. Its design ensures smooth integration, contributing to a modern and sophisticated aesthetic, ideal for stylish apartments where both functionality and elegance are paramount.

Reflecting Sugatsune’s commitment to combining innovation and craftsmanship to elevate everyday living, the HES2S140 has already gained global recognition. It proudly holds the prestigious Interzum Award 2023 and the iF Design Award 2023, judged by an international jury of experts in design, material science, and architecture, which is a testament to Sugatsune’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of hardware innovation.

JioBlackRock Gets SEBI Nod for Mutual Funds Business

Mumbai, May 27, 2025 : Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited (JioBlackRock Asset Management), a 50:50 joint venture between Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) and BlackRock , has received regulatory approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to commence operations as an investment manager for their mutual fund business in India.

JioBlackRock Asset Management will bring an innovative investment proposition to the growing number of Indian retail mutual fund investors, as well as to institutional investors in India. The asset management company will seek to leverage the unique strengths of its two sponsors: JFSL’s digital reach and its deep understanding of the local market, alongside BlackRock’s global investment expertise and leading risk management technology.

Key differentiators for all investors of the JioBlackRock Asset Management offering will include competitive and transparent pricing and innovative products, supported by the application of BlackRock’s pre-eminent risk management expertise. This includes Aladdin, BlackRock’s globally renowned proprietary technology platform that unifies the investment management process through a common data language. For retail investors, the offering will also be distinctive for its digital-first customer proposition. JioBlackRock Asset Management aims to launch a range of investment products, including those that apply BlackRock’s industry-leading capabilities in data-driven investing,  over the coming months.

 

Isha Ambani, Non-Executive Director, JFSL, said: “India’s rapid growth is driven by a new generation with bold aspirations. Our partnership with BlackRock is a powerful combination of global investment expertise and Jio’s digital-first innovation. Together, we are committed to making investing simple, accessible, and inclusive for every Indian. I am confident that JioBlackRock Asset Management will play a transformative role in shaping the future of financial empowerment in India.”      

Rachel Lord, Head of International at BlackRock, said: “The opportunity in asset management in India today is tremendously exciting. JioBlackRock’s digital-first customer proposition, delivering institutional quality products at a lower cost directly to investors, will enable more people in India to enjoy the many benefits of access to the capital markets. Together with our partner JFSL, we look forward to contributing to the country’s continued evolution from a nation of savers to a nation of investors.”

JioBlackRock Asset Management is also pleased to announce the appointment of Sid Swaminathan as it’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Sid Swaminathan brings over 20 years of asset management experience to the role. He was previously Head of International Index Equity at BlackRock, where he was responsible for an AUM of $1.25 trillion. Prior to that, he served as the Head of Fixed Income Portfolio Management for Europe at BlackRock, responsible for Systematic and Indexed strategies.

Sid’s deep understanding of investments – across asset classes, investment styles and geographies – will play a key role in his leadership of JioBlackRock Asset Management, as the JV works to deliver innovative investment products to millions of investors in India.

Sid Swaminathan, Managing Director & CEO, Jio BlackRock Asset Management Private Limited said: JioBlackRock Asset Management aims to digitally deliver institutional quality investment products to investors across India and contribute to the growth of the country’s investment ecosystem. I am honoured to lead JioBlackRock Asset Management and help transform asset management in India by empowering investors to directly harness the potential of investing.”

Tata BlueScope Steel Wins ‘Innovation in Roofing & Cladding’ Award at BAM 2025

Mumbai, May 2025: Tata BlueScope Steel, leading manufacturer of colour-coated steel, has been recognised for its pioneering approach to roofing and cladding solutions at the Construction Times BAM Awards 2025. The event, held in Mumbai, was attended by Mr. Rahul Shewale, former MP of the South Central Mumbai Constituency, and celebrated excellence and innovation in the construction and real estate sectors.
 
The award underscores Tata BlueScope Steel’s commitment to developing advanced colour coated steel solutions that deliver reliable performance across industries and diverse climatic conditions.
 
Tata BlueScope Steel’s product portfolio demonstrates its commitment to delivering advanced and tailored roofing and cladding solutions. From COLORBOND® steel featuring THERMATECH® Solar Reflectance Technology which reduces heat absorption, to ZINCALUME® steel’s superior corrosion resistance; Tata BlueScope’s solutions offer durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. The LYSAGHT® range of roof and wall cladding solutions is known for its strength, durability and versatile design, particularly valued in coastal, hailstorm, and cyclone-prone regions.
 
“This award highlights our relentless focus on innovation and quality in roofing and cladding solutions. At Tata BlueScope Steel, we are committed to staying agile in meeting market demands while also making a meaningful contribution to building sustainable and resilient communities. Through our #ShelterForAll initiative, we are determined to make an impact across the nation by providing durable roofing in regions prone to adverse climates or delivering robust solutions for infrastructure projects like the Pune and Delhi Metro stations, or the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Guwahati. This recognition motivates us to continue advancing solutions that not only meet the evolving infrastructural needs but also positively impact the communities we serve,” said Ms. Priya Rajesh, Chief Marketing Officer, Tata BlueScope Steel.
 
Tata BlueScope Steel was recently honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Roofing Solutions‘ award at the 11th EPC World Awards for its exemplary work on the Pune Metro Project.

Mahindra Powerol Recognized as Leading Genset Manufacturer in India for FY25 by Frost & Sullivan

Chennai, May 27, 2025: Mahindra‘s Powerol Division, a part of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., has been recognised as India’s leading diesel genset manufacturer in FY25. As per the latest DG Tracker report by Frost & SullivanMahindra Powerol secured the No1 position by volume in the Indian genset market with a 23.8% share, overtaking the long-standing market leader.
 
The Indian diesel genset industry recorded cumulative sales of 1,51,634 units in FY25Mahindra Powerol’s contribution, backed by consistent performance across all four quarters, marked a key milestone in the company’s growth trajectory.
 
Sales of its Central Pollution Control Board IV+ (CPCB4+) compliant gensets, designed to meet the latest emission norms, supported this growth, along with continued strength in the Telecom sector—where Mahindra Powerol has held over 55% market share for the last 15 years. The company also expanded its presence in the competitive Retail segment, adding further momentum to its performance.
 
Sanjay Jain, Sr. Vice President and Business Head, Mahindra Powerol said“Being recognised as the number one player in India’s genset market reflects our continued focus on innovation, reliability, and meeting customer needs. Our leadership in the Telecom sector, expansion in Retail, and readiness for CPCB4+ norms have all played an important role in this journey. We thank our partners, customers, and teams across India for their continued trust and support. We remain committed to delivering efficient and future-ready power solutions that support India’s progress.”
 
With this milestone, Mahindra Powerol continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner in dependable power solutions.

Almonds Ai and Mobavenue Join Forces to Launch ChannelX

National, May 27, 2025: Almonds Ai, a channel loyalty, rewards and solutions company has partnered with digital advertising leader Mobavenue to launch ChannelX, a first-of-its-kind solution that empowers brands to reach retailers, distributors, painters, mechanics, and other partners far beyond the limitations of WhatsApp or SMS.  

Most brands today try to engage their dealers, retailers, and influencers like mechanics or painters through WhatsApp, SMS, or mobile app notifications. But many of these messages go unread, and app usage is often limited. This makes it harder for brands to share schemes, promote new launches, or stay top of mind, even though this audience already spends over 4.5 hours a day on OTT, social media, and gaming apps.

With ChannelX, brands can now show ads, schemes, and promotions to their verified channel partners across popular apps like OTT platforms, auto websites, entertainment apps, and even Truecaller, all without compromising user privacy or data security. This unlocks up to 3x higher engagement compared to SMS or app notifications.

Brands have invested heavily in loyalty programs, but the biggest gap is still visibility — reaching the right partner at the right time. With ChannelX, we’re not just improving communication; we’re unlocking a new layer of influence by meeting channel partners where their attention already is,” Abhinav Jain & Apurv Modi, Co-founders of Almonds Ai, jointly said.

Channel marketing has stayed offline for too long while digital has transformed everything else. ChannelX is built to bridge that gap — bringing the power of digital targeting to the physical trade world, in a way that’s safe, scalable, and made for ROI,” added Ishank Joshi, CEO of Mobavenue.

Whether it’s a mechanic discovering a special incentive while browsing an auto blog, or a retailer seeing a promotion while watching the news—ChannelX ensures your message reaches the right eyes, at the right time, in the right context. And by extending beyond SMS and WhatsApp, brands can see over 40% uplift in total reach among their channel partners.

realme to Launch GT7 Series 5G and Buds Air7 Pro on May 27

Gurugram, 27th May 2025 — Marking another major milestone in its journey of innovation and cutting-edge technology, realme is all set to unveil its much-anticipated GT7 Series 5G and realme Buds Air7 Pro at a spectacular online launch event. The brand, known for delivering top-tier features at competitive pricing, is taking a bold leap forward with its latest lineup designed to redefine the smartphone and audio experience.

A Power-Packed Lineup Awaits

The event will showcase the realme GT7 5G, realme GT 7T 5G, realme GT 7 Dream Edition 5G, along with the sleek and powerful realme Buds Air7 Pro. These devices are set to offer industry-leading performance, design, and innovation, further cementing realme’s position in the premium smartphone segment.

Each model in the GT7 Series is expected to come with advanced 5G capabilities, lightning-fast performance powered by next-gen processors, and refined aesthetics. Meanwhile, the realme Buds Air7 Pro promises an immersive audio experience with features that appeal to audiophiles and everyday users alike.

Event Details

The virtual launch event will be held on Tuesday, 27th May 2025, starting at 1:30 PM IST. Fans, media, and tech enthusiasts from across the globe are invited to join the unveiling via a live stream on realme’s official YouTube channel.

Date: Tuesday, 27th May 2025
Time: 1:30 PM IST

 

Sweat & Concrete 2025: Bengaluru Exhibition Spotlights community -Centred Response to Heat Stress

BENGALURU,  May 27, 2025: As India faces rising temperatures and intense heat waves, there is a growing conversation on solution-driven strategies to counter this, especially for informal workers and communities living in informal settlements.
 
 
In response, a forward-thinking event in Bengaluru is set to confront one of India’s most pressing urban challenges of today: Heat Stress, and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups. Organised by People First Cities, an initiative by Purpose, the immersive two-day convening will take place on 29- 30 May at Sabha Space, Bengaluru.
 
Through storytelling, design innovation, and community engagement, ‘Sweat & Concrete’ aims to spotlight the lived realities of the vulnerable communities most affected by heat, bringing both local and national attention to the crisis and providing a platform for tangible solutions to heat stress by bringing affected communities into the conversation. Unfolding over two days, the event will include interactive tours of the prize-winning heat shelter, an audio-visual exhibition display, speaker panels, performance art pieces, and community engagement initiatives to spark cross-sectoral collaborative dialogue and catalyse actionable solutions for a more climate-resilient urban future.
 
“Heat Stress, unlike sanitation, or floods, heat is an ‘invisible’ factor – one that impacts people differently based on a variety of factors. And no two cities or human settlements have the same conditions. As a result, participatory research, storytelling and surfacing locally relevant solutions are essential towards building a more inclusive, resilient, enduring response to the rising heat in cities – especially high-growth, high-density cities which are expanding rapidly” – Sonali Bhasin & Kanishk Kabiraj, People First Cities Initiative
 
At the heart of the event is the interactive exhibit of a working prototype of ‘The Neralu Heat Shelter’, conceptualised by architects and urban planners Sagar & Ankrtiya. The design was the winning entry in a heat shelter design contest last year, conceptualised and run by Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology & the Environment (ATREE), and has been prototyped for the first time for this exhibition. Inspired by how informal workers (for whom the road is in many ways also their place of work) use trees, and make-shift covers that provide critical respite, the heat shelter is a two-tiered microclimate shade created with vulnerable outdoor workers in mind. It offers a safe and collapsible refuge to rest and recover from extreme heat. The People First Cities team and the designers are bringing the design to life for the first time to be presented as an interactive exhibit at the venue, inviting community members and informal workers to use the shelter in an attempt to encourage public and private sector collaboration to implement the design across Bengaluru and beyond. 
 
“Achieving a design solution that does not interfere with the ground conveys more than just a means of convenience – the footpath is entirely public, defiant of ownership. The design is a host for a variety of interchangeable materials and functions, with its visible permeability and flexibility of construction, which can adapt to different scenarios.” – Sagar and Ankritya, Architects and Urban Planners
 
The event will also feature a multi-media exhibition with audio-visual storytelling, alongside an interactive theatre performance that prompts reflection on the lived realities of those incessantly exposed to heat. As a part of the wider programming, there will be a convening for two panel discussions led by experts to explore how the issue of heat stress uniquely affects informal workers and communities in informal settlements, emphasising the need for practical heat action strategies and solutions. They aim to push the conversation forward and enact real change at the regional and national levels through encouraging discussion among decision makers, key opinion leaders, and members of the local community.
 
The 2-day convening is part of a broader national conversation aimed at confronting the escalating crisis of heat stress in India. Despite its severe impact, heat is not recognised as a national disaster, leaving the vulnerable population of migrant workers, women and informal sector employees without adequate protection and support.
 
Through ‘Sweat & Concrete’, the People First Cities Initiative seeks to spotlight the urgent need for a unified, long-term response to heat stress at both the regional and national levels. In 2024, this took the form of a long-form creative investigation into the impact of heat stress on informal workers. In 2025, we are turning solutions into reality. It is a call to action for city leaders and planners to integrate inclusive, community-led heat solutions into urban policy, and for decision makers to recognise heat stress as an unignorable risk to economic productivity, social stability, and public health

Blue Water Logistics IPO opens today

May 27, 2025: Blue Water Logistics Limited, a Hyderabad-headquartered multimodal transport operator, has successfully completed its Anchor book subscription, raising ₹11.27 crore through the sale of 8.35 Lakh equity shares priced at ₹135/- each.

A group of marquee investors, including India Equity Fund 1, Vikasa India EIF I Fund – Incube Global Opportunities, Grobiz SME Opportunity Fund, Evergrow Capital Opportunities Fund, Paradise Moon Investment Fund-I, and Craft Emerging Market Fund PCC- Elite Capital Fund subscribed to the anchor book.

 

S No

Name of the Anchor Investor

No. of Equity Shares allocated (at ₹135/- each)

No. of Equity Shares allocated as a % of Anchor Investor portion

01

India Equity Fund 1

3,86,000

46.23

02

Vikasa India EIF I Fund – Incube Global Opportunities

75,000

8.98

03

Grobiz SME Opportunity Fund

75,000

8.98

04

Evergrow Capital Opportunities Fund

75,000

8.98

05

Paradise Moon Investment Fund-I

75,000

8.98

06

Craft Emerging Market Fund PCC- Elite Capital Fund

1,49,000

17.84

 

Total

8,35,000

100.00%

While India Equity Fund 1 subscribed a major portion of the anchor book with 46.23%, Craft Emerging Market Fund PCC- Elite Capital Fund subscribed 17.84%, and Vikasa India EIF I Fund – Incube Global Opportunities, Grobiz SME Opportunity Fund, Evergrow Capital Opportunities Fund, Paradise Moon Investment Fund-I subscribed 8.98% each of the anchor book portion.

The Hyderabad-based company’s IPO begins today, May 27, and will conclude on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Blue Water Logistics Limited is planning to raise approximately ₹40.5 crore from the offering. The company intends to utilise ₹10.51 crore of the total IPO proceeds for funding of capital expenditure requirements for purchasing vehicles and their body building and ₹20 crore for funding working capital requirements of the company. The remaining capital will be used for general corporate purposes.

The price band of the issue is ₹132-135/- per equity share with a face value of ₹10/- apiece. The company’s IPO comprises a fresh issue of 30 Lakh Equity Shares with a face value of ₹10/- through the book-building route. Smart Horizon Capital Advisors Private Limited is the sole Book Running Lead Manager and Maashitla Securities Private Limited is the Registrar to the Issue.

Blue Dart Express Limited Clocks INR 5,720 Cr Revenue for FY25, Maintains Steady Q4 Momentum

New Delhi, 27th May 2025: Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company, today announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2025, following the conclusion of its Board Meeting which was held in Mumbai. In a fiscal year which was shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, macroeconomic volatility, and sectoral challenges, the company delivered a stable performance, underscoring its operational resilience and ability to maintain service continuity across markets.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, Blue Dart reported revenue from operations of ₹ 5,720 crore and profit after tax of ₹ 245 crore. For the quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Q4 FY25), revenue from operations stood at ₹ 1,417 crore. Profit after tax for the quarter stood at ₹ 53 crore.

Commenting on the announcement, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express, said, “Our focus in FY25 was on delivering consistency, maintaining service quality, and enhancing our offering strength with significant investments towards our aviation capabilities and infrastructure, an approach that will continue as we gear up for the future. With a long-term perspective on these investments, we remain committed to reinforcing our core, adopting technology for efficiency, and delivering reliable service. Several of these investments are front-loaded, and we anticipate upcoming business growth to drive cost optimization.

As we look ahead to FY26, we remain cautiously optimistic amid ongoing external uncertainties. Nonetheless, Blue Dart will continue to invest in expanding our network, advancing digital capabilities, and embedding sustainable practices to drive long-term operational strength to enhance service capabilities, deepen customer trust, and build operational resilience.”

In the fiscal year gone by, Blue Dart was recognized for excellence across key areas including customer service, sustainability, compliance, and brand loyalty. The company continued to be recognized as a Great Place to Work and one of the best organizations for women. Additionally, Blue Dart was awarded for its customer-centric culture, operational excellence in logistics, and trusted brand reputation. It was also acknowledged for its strong legal compliance practices and sustainable business approach.