Archives May 2025

Guwahati, 14^th May 2025: For many of us in urban India, health insurance is the go-to solution when it comes to financial protection, but rising hospitalisation and medical costs raise questions on the adequacy of Health Insurance cover. This growing concern highlights the need for comprehensive healthcare solutions.

More than eight out of every ten insured feel unsure about the efficacy of their health cover amid soaring medical costs, said an exclusive survey by Future Generali India Insurance – #Health Unlimited. This survey, which was recently conducted on 800 insured individuals aged 25+, revealed rising concerns about the adequacy of current health insurance coverage.

India has one of the highest medical inflation rates among other Asian countries in 2021 – approximately 14 per cent – surpassing China (12 per cent), Indonesia (10 per cent), Vietnam (10 per cent) and Philippines (9 per cent).

Commenting on the launch of Health Unlimited,Anup Rau, Managing Director and CEO, Future Generali India Insurance Company Ltd, said, “Rising cost of medical treatment is a cause of concern for a vast majority of people in India, despite having a health cover. As Lifetime Partners to our customers, it is our endeavour to address these challenges by offering tailored solutions and adequately covering the Indian consumer. Our comprehensive health insurance offering, ‘Health Unlimited’, will ensure that our customers do not run out of cover even during the times of higher bills, irrespective of their sum insured getting exhausted.”

The plan revolutionises health insurance by offering Unlimited Restoration of the Sum Insured starting from the second claim, providing complete financial security without the worry of exhausting coverage. In addition to the base coverage, the plan offers protection against rising medical costs and evolving healthcare needs. It covers in-patient hospitalisation, day-care treatments, AYUSH treatments, referring to the coverage for traditional Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, under health insurance policies, pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, organ donor costs, and modern treatment methods.

Key Benefits of “Health Unlimited”:

• Unlimited Coverage: This benefit shall cover the full cost of claim, regardless of sum insured, once in the lifetime of the policy and for any one claim.
• Inflation Guard: Annual enhancement of sum insured to safeguard against rising medical expenses
• Premium Payback: Discount of renewal premium in the 5^th year, equivalent to the 1st year base premium, if there is no claim in the preceding 4 policy years
• Unlimited Refills: Base sum insured gets refilled unlimited times, from second claim onwards

In addition to the above, Health Unlimited also comes with benefits like wellness discounts, cumulative bonus for every claim free year, additional sum insured for accidental hospitalization, no sub limits for services like cataract surgery, road ambulance, and LASIK procedure and complementary health check-ups.

Chandigarh, May 14, 2025 – Farmley, a rapidly-growing healthy snacking brand in India, today announced that it has completed a $40 million Series C fundraise led by L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused investment firm. Existing shareholders such as DSG Consumer Partners also participated in the fundraise. The investments position Farmley to further scale the briskly-evolving dried fruits and nuts segment of the country’s healthy snacking market.

The dried fruits and nuts segment of India’s healthy snacking market is expected to expand by around 14% annually over the next six years to cross $8.5 billion by 2031 on the back on secular tailwinds. These include consumers’ increasing propensity to swap unhealthy snacks for healthier ones, as well as eat these snacks not only when they feel peckish, but also to meet other needs such as post-workout nourishment and small meal replacement. Consumers are also increasingly opting for branded snacks that offer consistent quality via organized sales channels with better hygiene standards than unorganized ones, just like they have in other packaged food categories.

Farmley has become the fastest-growing brand in its category by offering a diverse portfolio of wholesome, better-for-you snacks via its omnichannel distribution network. Seeking to redefine the future of healthy snacking through innovative products, the company crafts indulgent yet guilt-free snacks based on the goodness of dried fruits and nuts. These include India’s widest range of flavoured makhanas, as well as trail mixes, date bites, and seeds which have garnered market-leading advocacy rates.

Underscoring Farmley’s growing appeal, its revenue has risen by approximately 55% annually over the past two years to reach around INR 370 crore in FY25. Significantly, the company has generated such momentum while also achieving profitability, attesting to its financial discipline. Moreover, its unique farm-to-palm model empowers farmers, promotes sustainable practices, and delivers exceptional quality to its customers.

Commenting on the investment, Farmley Co-Founders Akash Sharma and Abhishek Agarwal said, “We are committed to reimagining snacking for the modern Indian consumer, transforming what was once considered mere convenience food into a wholesome delightful experience. We are thrilled to partner with L Catterton as its differentiated combination of global and local insights into our industry, as well as proven operating capabilities will be instrumental as we continue revolutionizing the healthy snacking landscape in India. Our roadmap includes penetrating untapped regional markets, developing cutting-edge product formulations that blend nutrition with exceptional taste, and leveraging advanced food technology to create snacks that truly nourish both the body and the palate.”

L Catterton Partner and Head of India Anjana Sasidharan added, “Farmley has been able to astutely capitalise on long-term consumer trends with its better-for-you positioning and high-quality products which resonate with customers. Its robust dried fruit and nut sourcing capabilities, prolific new product development engine, and strategic partner status across key sales channels have been vital drivers of the company’s growth in its category. We are excited to collaborate with the talented team at Farmley to further realise the company’s potential by drawing on our experience in building multiple food brands across the world.”

By-Dr. Smita Naram, Co-Founder – Ayushakti

Dr. Smita Naram is the Co-Founder of Ayushakti, one of the leading and most trusted ayurvedic health centres around the world. A well-accomplished Ayurvedic physician, pharmaceutical herbalist, and nutritionist, Dr. Naram started this journey of bringing in Ancient Health Solution, with a vision to transform the health of billions of people on this planet in 1987.

She is an Ayurvedic Practitioner with qualifications of Ayurved Madhyama and Ayurved Uttama of Shravan Masa Dakshina Prakisha Samitee constituted by law in the State of Gujarat & recognized by Central Council of Indian Medicine, New Delhi, India.

She is the fifth generation of vaidya in her family tradition of Ayurvedic Practice and has been practicing the 2500 years old lineage of Siddha Veda Tradition of Ayurveda. Apart from being the world-renowned and Master pulse reader (the ancient traditional method of diagnosis) Dr. Smita Naram is also a detoxification specialist. She also shares health tips, kitchen remedies, herbal remedies, marma, and detox plans for contributing to people lives for long-lasting results in any health problems.

A true female entrepreneur with vast international clinical experience, today she is one of the most insightful practitioners, lecturers, and teachers of Ancient Health Solutions coming from the 2500 years old Siddha Veda lineage of Ayurveda. She along with her team have personally helped clients suffering from numerous chronic health disorders like Arthritis, Joint pain, Sciatica, Osteoporosis, Anxiety, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and many more chronic health concerns. Experiencing breakthrough results in chronic health challenges Ayushakti Clinic just grew through referrals organically. She realized that her life purpose is to transform lives of the people on this planet and that is why Ayushakti chain of clinics was born.

She has been honored worldwide with many prestigious awards for her contributions in the domain of health including THE KASHYAP AWARD from Germany. She has spent her life personally training more than 500+ doctors and practitioners across the world to create the Army of Healers. Having built a team of expert vaidyas, Dr. Smita Naram conducts practitioner training courses in ancient pulse reading across the world. Her amazing health tips for vibrant health has been telecasted through national and international television shows and has been helping hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to transform their lives.

She has also authored a book named, “Your health in your hand” and has published dozens of research papers in peer reviewed international journals from USA, Europe and UK just to prove the efficacy of ancient healing on modern parameters

New Delhi, May 14, 2025: Datta Power Infra Private Limited (Datta Infra), one of India’s fastest growing players in India’s infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, has appointed Ms. Kirti Raj Manucha as Head – Human Resources, effective April 2025. With over 27 years of cross-industry HR leadership experience, Kirti joins the leadership team to drive Datta Infra’s people strategy and strengthen its organisational capabilities amid rapid expansion.

 Kirti Raj Manucha, Head – Human Resources, Datta Infra

In her new role, she will lead the end-to-end human capital agenda, including talent strategy, workforce planning, leadership development, and digital HR transformation, ensuring alignment with Datta Infra’s evolving business priorities. Her mandate includes building agile, future-ready teams and fostering a performance-led, inclusive culture that fuels long-term growth.

Welcoming her to the leadership team, Varchasvi Gagal, Chief Executive Officer, Datta Infra, said, “We are pleased to welcome Kirti Raj Manucha as Head of Human Resources at Datta Power Infra. As we scale our operations and deepen our presence in the renewable energy sector, aligning our talent strategy with evolving business goals is more critical than ever. With a proven track record across complex, high-growth industries, Kirti brings strategic insight into workforce transformation and a deep commitment to people-centric leadership. Her expertise will be instrumental in shaping a high-performing, resilient workforce, one that champions operational excellence while advancing Datta’s culture of innovation and sustainable growth.”

Speaking about her new role, Kirti Raj Manucha, Head – Human Resources, Datta Infra, said, “I am thrilled to join Datta Infra at a time of high momentum. I look forward to shaping a people strategy that empowers performance, fosters inclusion, and enables the company’s ambitious growth trajectory.”

Prior to joining Datta Infra, Kirti served as CHRO at Brinks India and held senior HR leadership roles at Greenko Group, FedEx, adidas, Religare Enterprises, and HCL, spanning sectors such as Renewable Energy, Retail, IT/ITES, E-commerce, and Supply Chain. Known for driving cultural transformation and enhancing employer brands, she has successfully managed HR operations for organisations with over 6,000 employees, including large contractual workforces.

An MBA graduate from the Birla Institute of Management Technology, Kirti is recognised for championing digital HR innovation and helping organisations earn “Great Place to Work” certifications.

Her appointment underscores Datta Infra’s commitment to scaling with purpose by investing in people, leadership, and innovation as strategic levers for sustainable growth.

Chandigarh, May 14, 2025 – Shree Cement, India’s third largest cement group by capacity, today announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended on 31^st March, 2025, reflecting a robust performance. On sequential quarter basis, the Company reported a 142% rise in profit after tax to ₹556 crore, 24% rise in revenue to reach an all-time high of ₹5,240 crore while EBITDA surged by 46% to ₹1,381 crore.

Operational highlights

• Total cement and clinker sale volume reached to 9.84 million tonnes, which is the ever-highest quarterly volume achieved by the company
• Sales of premium products stood at 15.6% of trade sale volume vs 11.9% in Q4’FY24

Commenting on the company’s performance for the quarter, Mr. Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd., stated, “We are pleased to report a strong finish to FY25, with growth across key financial metrics. Our continued focus on premium products and operational efficiency has enabled us to deliver improved profitability. As we move into FY6, we remain optimistic about improved cement demand and will therefore continue to drive our strategic initiatives of premiumization, geo-mix and cost optimization. We remain committed to growth, sustainability, and value creation for our stakeholders.”

Capex Plans

In April, 2025, the Company commissioned (i) a cement grinding unit in Etah, Uttar Pradesh (3.00 MTPA) (through its wholly owned subsidiary) and (ii) another cement grinding unit at Baloda Bazar, Chhattisgarh (3.40 MTPA). This has taken group’s total installed cement production capacity to 62.8 MTPA in India. Company’s other ongoing projects of integrated cement unit in Jaitaran, Rajasthan and Kodla, Karnataka are scheduled for commissioning by end of Q1’FY26 and Q2’FY26 respectively. Further, Company has decided that, out of two cement mills of aggregate 6.0 MTPA capacity planned earlier at Jaitaran, Rajasthan, only one will be commissioned at Jaitaran, while the other mill will be installed later.

During the quarter, the Company also undertook capacity up-gradation work of clinker unit in Nawalgarh, Rajasthan and enhanced its capacity from 3.80 MTPA to 4.50 MTPA. The Company is continuously working to identify suitable opportunities to reach its goal of achieving > 80 MTPA capacity by 2028.

Sustainability initiatives

In Q4 FY’25, the Company continued its efforts to improve its performance regarding its commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth. Key highlights are:

• The Company’s share of green electricity in total electricity consumption stood at 60.2% in Q4’FY25 which is one of the highest in the Indian cement industry. The Company is consistently ramping up its green power generation capacity which stood at 582 MW at the end of Q4’FY25, up by 21% vis-à-vis 480 MW at the beginning of FY24-25.
• The Company used 0.40 lakh tonnes of agro waste in its cement operations to conserve fossil fuel equivalent to producing 127 billion kCal and saving 0.50 lakh tonnes of CO₂. As part of this agro waste consumption, the Company procured 5,960 tonnes of stubble during the quarter for its operations within the NCR region. The Company also consumed 0.95 lakh tonnes of hazardous waste during Q4’FY25, replacing the fossil fuel-based heat by 44.30 billion kCal.
• All the Company’s manufacturing locations are Zero Liquid Discharge, treating, recycling, and reusing 100% of wastewater generated from our operations. These efforts have enabled the Company to improve its water positivity index to >8 times in FY24-25 against >7 times achieved in FY23-24. As a recognition to the same, the Company achieved leadership ‘A’ rating within CDP Water Security during the year.
• The Company received the prestigious CAP 2.0 award in the Energy, Mining and Heavy Manufacturing sector by CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development within the topmost ‘Resilient’ category. The award is a national programme to recognise climate action by industries using a three-dimensional assessment methodology by CII certified assessors.
• The Company also secured its place within the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025 as an industry mover. Based on S&P Global’s comprehensive Corporate Sustainability Assessment, the Sustainability Yearbook comprises companies scoring in the top 15% of their industry for sustainable business practices.

ESG Rating

CARE ESG Ratings Limited has conducted an evaluation of the Company’s performance across key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) parameters. Following this assessment, the Company has been assigned an ESG Rating Score of 70.8 and a Rating Symbol of “CareEdge-ESG 1”, indicating strong performance in ESG practices.

Dividend

The Board of Directors of the Company has recommended a final dividend of ₹60 per share, in addition to interim dividend of ₹50 per share for the year 2024-25 declared in January, 2025. The final dividend shall be subject to approval of members in the next Annual General Meeting.

Major events/ initiatives

• The Company launched its premium product, Bangur Marble Cement, extra white Portland Slag cement in Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand markets. The product offers high-performance attributes and an eco-friendly approach, incorporating GGBS, a by-product from steel manufacturing. This eco-friendly composition supports stronger, more durable structures while reducing the environmental footprint. This product will be offered alongside Bangur Cement’s premium lineup, including Jungrodhak, Rockstrong, Powermax, Magna, and Roofon.
• To drive rural development, the Company started a “Chalo Gaon Ki Aur” campaign where it will connect with village leaders/ Gram Pradhans and local dealers to understand their infrastructure project needs and provide solutions to boost local construction.

Cement market outlook

During FY26, the cement industry is expected to achieve 6.5-7.5% demand growth fueled by infrastructure projects, rural recovery and real estate momentum. While there are external challenges in terms of geo-political conflicts and trade-barriers by key economies, ability of the Industry in general and Shree Cement in particular to balance growth with sustainability and cost efficiency will be critical to building a new India.

Gurugram, 14^th May, 2025: Kamdhenu Jeevandhara Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Kamdhenu Group has awarded sewing machines to underprivileged women last month after completed the tailoring program to start their own entrepreneurial journey. The foundation organises training programs and offers material support to deserving trainees.

Ms. Radha Agarwal, Chairperson, Kamdhenu Jeevandhara Foundation said, “Empowering a women with skills and confidence not only transforms her persona but also delivers a transformative impact on her surroundings. Kamdhenu Jeevandhara has over the years facilitated many such transformations of underprivileged woman from hesitant beginners to skilful and confident creators. We are proud to be nurturing the flow of life and hope in every woman we empower.”

 Kamdhenu Jeevandhara has been organising tailoring programs for the last 6 years with the intent of empowering underprivileged women to stand on their own feet’s to earn livelihood and support their families. Apart from the Tailoring Program, the foundation also runs a Computer Training program for underprivileged youths to prepare them for gainful employment in the formal sector. The foundation also conducts initiatives such as tree plantation and blood donation regularly.

GAIL reported in-line results with EBITDA of Rs32bn (-10% YoY, +13% QoQ, Ple Rs31.2bn, consensus Rs30.5bn) PAT came in at Rs20.5bn (-6% YoY, Ple Rs19.6bn, consensus Rs20.3bn) Previous quarter had an exceptional gain of Rs24bn. For the year, adj PAT stood at Rs88.7bn, flat YoY. We expect steady growth in transmission volume from 127mmscmd in FY25 to 139mmscmd in FY26 and to 149mmscmd in FY27. However, trading segment’s EBIT is expected to normalize to Rs51bn from Rs74.5bn in FY25. Tariff hike of integrated network is expected in few days. This could provide one-time boost. Post that, we do not see any near-term triggers. The stock trades at 11x FY27 EPS. We value the company at 11x adj standalone eps of FY27 and add Rs33 for investments at 25% holding company discount. With target price of Rs191 (previously Rs185), we downgrade the stock to Hold from Accumulate.

• Transmission volume declines sequentially: Transmission volume fell from 126mmscmd in Q3FY25 to 121mmscmd in Q4FY25. For the full year, vol stood at 127mmscmd. We expect transmission volume to rise to 139mmscmd in FY26 and to 149mmscmd in FY27. The regulatory board has called for a public consultation on tariff hike of the integrated pipeline of GAIL. While GAIL has proposed tariff of Rs77.4/mmBtu against existing Rs58.6/mmBtu, Rs7-10/mmBtu is easily achievable, which would provide a one-time boost to the stock.
• Trading EBIT normalizes: Trading segment included one-time gain of USD285mn in the previous quarter. In Q4FY25, trading segment EBIT normalized to Rs12bn, -13% YoY. On an annual basis, we expect EBIT of Rs45bn annually in the next two years.
• Concall highlights: 1) Successful completion of Dabhol breakwater facility; final permission awaited post which it would operate in monsoon also, 2) GAIL operates 72 GAs- directly in 6 GAs- early stages of development with +25% YoY vol growth- to be transferred to subsidiary, 3) Tariff revision of integrated network expected in Q1FY26, 4) Indian gas consumption is expected to reach 290mmscmd by 2030, CGDs rising 2.5-3x, 5) GAIL intends to source 5-7mmtpa LNG by 2030, 6) Trading EBIT band expected at ~Rs45bn, 7) Transmission vol at 138-139mmscmd in FY26, 8) Capex guidance in FY26 of Rs100bn- largely on petrochem and pipeline – Rs30bn each, Rs10bn net zero, maint Rs15-16bn, 9) QoQ decline in transmission was due to partial shifting of gas to GIGL, unplanned shutdown and lower vol transmission by IOCL & BPCL, 10) trading vol at 108/114mmscmd in FY26/27, 11) Last yr 21 cargoes were handled at Dabhol, this yr 34-36 cargoes are planned

Vodafone Idea (Vi) is launching its high-speed 5G services in Delhi NCR from May 15, marking a major milestone in its nationwide 5G rollout. The capital region joins Vi’s growing 5G footprint as part of the initial phase of the roll out, which has already seen launches in Mumbai, Chandigarh and Patna. The telco is all set to roll out 5G in all 17 priority circles, where it has acquired 5G spectrum, by August this year.

Vi’s introductory 5G offer includes unlimited data for users with 5G-enabled devices on plans starting from ₹299. Subscribers can now experience Vi 5G for activities such as streaming, gaming, video conferencing, faster downloads, and real-time cloud access.

For Delhi NCR, Vi has partnered with Ericsson to build its next gen 5G infrastructure, which offers enhanced energy efficiency and lighter hardware. Vi has also deployed AI-powered Self-Organising Network (SON) technology to further optimise network performance and uses a 5G Non-StandAlone (NSA) architecture, ensuring smooth transitions between 4G and 5G for users’ seamless experience.

Vi’s 5G rollout in 17 circles is a part of its ₹55,000 crore capex planned over three years. Cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru are next on the map, with rollouts underway across other key markets in the remaining circles. In Mumbai, 70% of eligible users are already experiencing Vi’s 5G services and about 20% of its data traffic is already being carried on the 5G network.

Vi is building a future-ready, high-capacity network designed to deliver seamless, fast connectivity to meet the evolving demands of digital India. By expanding its 5G infrastructure and unlocking next-generation connectivity experiences for millions, Vi is set to further enable digital India —empowering both consumers and enterprises through advanced mobile technologies, smart applications, and industry-grade solutions

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.

“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.”

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.

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.
• 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 host’s 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. 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. 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.

Chandigarh, May 14, 2025: Tata Coffee Grand Cold Coffee has unveiled its campaign digital film, a refreshing and relatable take on the daily grind, with chance encounters turning into something more. In a world that’s always on the move, the film beautifully captures how even fleeting moments can become memorable when shared over a chilled ready to drink coffee.

With its new-age appeal and the hook of “Coffee!, here?”, the campaign speaks directly to this new generation—encouraging them to take charge of moments that spark stories and connections and how a cold coffee this good never fails to start a conversation. In a world of quick scrolls and fleeting interactions, a can of Cold Coffee becomes more than just a refreshment—but an instant conversation starter that invites people to pause, engage, and rediscover the joy of simple, spontaneous encounters.

The brand’s punchy slogan, “Too Cool to Have It Solo,” captures the essence of youthful camaraderie and the idea that coffee, like life, is best when shared. It reflects the brand’s core belief—that coffee isn’t just functional, but the coolest way to create a connection.

The Film: A Modern Meet Cute Brewed On the Go

Set in the heart of a bustling metro, the film captures a chance encounter between a young woman and a man. Amid the rush-hour chaos, she sketches him, and in that fleeting moment, their eyes lock. What begins as a quiet, almost unnoticed exchange quickly transforms into something electric—a spark, a smile, a shared glance, and the undeniable promise of something more. It’s a story of connection, unspoken yet powerful, set in the heart of everyday life.

This urban story celebrates the unexpected magic of everyday life. With the playful exchange of “Coffee?” the film captures the beauty of spontaneous moments and the silent yet powerful chemistry that defines youth. One sip later, and they get lost in their own playful world full of possibilities, only to later snap back to reality, and their moment turns into a blissful memory.

Mr. Partha Biswas, President & Head – RTD Business, Tata Consumer Products, said, “Cold Coffee consumption is exploding in India and we have launched a truly indulgent range of On the Go, Ready-to-Drink cold coffees in delicious international flavours. Tata Coffee Grand Cold Coffee is an invitation for a meet cute which opens a world of possibilities the moment the cans are popped open.

Mr. Kiran Ramamurthy, President, 82.5 Communications said, “Coffee has always been a way for people to connect. Tata Coffee Grand Cold Coffee takes that a step further by being available anytime, anywhere.  It’s not just a drink; it’s a trigger for connections. And therefore, perfect for today’s youth, who are so social and spontaneous, and actively seeking those real moments. Our campaign brings that to life, transforming the brand into more than just an icebreaker – a facilitator of genuine connections.”

With its electric visuals, mesmerizing soundtrack, and relatable urban setting, the film is crafted to resonate with a generation that values authenticity of spontaneous connections. Every frame is designed to mirror real, unfiltered moments—where strangers become friends over a can of coffee.

Available in three indulgent flavours—French Vanilla, Belgium Chocolate & Swiss Caramel, —Tata Coffee Grand Cold Coffee brings a premium, indulgent experience to consumers on the go. The range is available across leading retail outlets and online platforms nationwide, offering cold coffee lovers a delicious way to savour their favourite brew anytime, anywhere.