Archives June 2025

Nairobi, 12 June , 2025 – Novotel Nairobi Westlands a flagship global brand of Accor is delighted to announce its special 2025  Father’s Day Brunch, themed “Honour the Bond That’s as strong as the Flavour” set to take place on Sunday, June 15th, 2025. This unique event is designed to celebrate the strength, warmth, and love of the fathers and father figures who have shaped our lives

The Father’s Day Brunch promises an unforgettable experience for the entire family, centered around a delectable “Nyama Choma” feast. Guests can choose from two packages: the Non-Alcoholic Package at Ksh 5,000 and the Alcoholic Package at Ksh 6,500. Beyond the culinary delights, Novotel Nairobi Westlands has curated a range of activities to ensure a day of fun and relaxation, including games like pool table, darts, and board games.

To further enhance the experience, “Wellbeing Stations” will be available, offering massage and barber services for dads to unwind and pamper themselves. A special giveaway for dads is also planned, adding an extra touch of appreciation for their enduring love and support.

‘’At Novotel Nairobi Westlands, we understand the profound and unique bond fathers share with their children. This Father’s Day, we want to create an experience that not only offers bold and memorable flavors through our Nyama Choma but also strengthens those invaluable family bonds. It’s a day for families to come together, create lasting memories, and truly celebrate the incredible fathers in their lives,” stated Fabio Gonsalves, General Manager 

Sequential profitability improvement driven by healthy volume growth and price hikes, FY26 expected to see further recovery: Equirus Securities

Mumbai, June 12, 2025 — Financial services firm Equirus Securities has released a press note on cement sector Q4 earnings review. As per the note, the sequential profitability improvement in the earnings of cement companies in Q4 is driven by healthy volume growth and price hikes, going forward FY26 is expected to see further recovery.

Demand recovery in Q4FY25

After a muted average volume growth for a 3/4th part of FY25, the Indian cement industry witnessed recovery in demand in 4QFY25, driven by recovery in B2G demand and IHB (rural in particular) as spending quantum improved QoQ. Top-16 listed cement players (~85% of industry sales volumes) saw an 10% YoY increase in 4Q volumes vs. only ~3% YoY in 9MFY25 and 1.5% in H1FY25 (a period impacted by elections and monsoons). Demand ahead is likely to be driven by expected pickup in government spending though spending priorities will remain a key monitorable, improved real estate demand post expected rate cuts and recovery in rural demand.

Top players gain continues with 6th consecutive quarter outperformance

Most of large players like Ultratech Cement, ACC Cement, and Shriram Cement reported volume growth of 17%/13%/3% respectively whereas Dalmia Bharat witnessed degrowth in volumes of 2% YoY majorly on discontinuation of tolling volumes from Jaypee assets; while among the rest of the industry, majority of the players witnessed average YoY volume growth of 7%.

Industry profitability improved sharply QoQ with EBITDA/t at Rs 794/t, majorly on rising prices (rising average 3% QoQ) across all the geographies except South India. South Indian region up to May has witnessed sustained price hikes of ~Rs.30-35/bag (down from Rs 60-65/bag) which may result in further profitability improvement in Q126.

Overall, Equirus Securities expects FY26 to be better both in terms of volumes and profitability with industry focused more on profitability with sustainable volume growth and increasing own efficiencies through organic expansion from earlier phase of acquisitions.

Top picks: Ultratech Cement, ACC Cement, and Birla Corp. Dalmia/Nuvoco (South India plays) and JK Cement (valuations slightly expensive) are also good plays.

Recent channel checks show relative sustainability in pricing vs. last year though some rollbacks have been witnessed recently on back of early monsoon arrival: Post witnessing marginal price hikes in 4Q25 (building on Dec’24 hikes) due to improving demand, channel partners pointed to some price rollbacks in North, Central and Western regions on back of lower-than-expected recovery in demand and prices hovering around 4Q25 exit levels. For South region prices saw a sharp uptick in April ’25 though some rollback has happened leading to net current prices being Rs 30-35/bag higher vs. 4Q25 exit. East witnessed gradual rise in prices (Rs.8-10/bag) vs. 4Q25 exit prices. However, the channel now anticipates demand to remain rangebound till conclusion of monsoons (demand should still be better yoy compared to 1HFY24) and expects higher growth to kick in 2H26.

Most managements also see better industry volume growth in FY26 with 6-7% growth compared to average ~4-5% growth in FY25 on improving macros.

Industry operating margin recovers sharply qoq: Avg. EBITDA/t for the industry expanded 66% qoq driven by higher volume growth and improved realisations across most geos (+2% qoq). However, with volume growth cooling off qoq in 1Q26, operating margins might see some tapering off sequentially though it would differ company to company as they continue to prioritize internal cost saving measures like improving green power share, reducing lead distance and usage of higher alternate fuels. Companies in South and East may witness further improvement in their profitability qoq post healthy price hikes in Apr’25.

Equirus Securities’ view on the cement industry: Post focus on consolidation by few industry leaders in FY25, Equirus Securities believe that the consolidation wave might take a breather in FY26 with focus now shifting towards sustainably improving operating profitability and ramping up utilization of the acquired assets rather than pushing higher volumes at lower prices. Equirus Securities expects demand to be better in FY26 with the government’s infra push and the India growth story resonating well. Sustainability in further price hikes and industry’s trade-off between maintaining prices and volume push would be closely monitored. RM prices are expected to remain benign.

Risks: (a) Sustained moderation in demand growth hurting the industry’s ability to absorb incremental capacity and maintain pricing discipline. (b) Meaningful elevation in fuel/diesel prices.

The University of Leeds offers a Master of Science (MSc) programme in Air Quality Solutions with Data Science. This MSc programme takes a hands-on ‘systems approach’ to tackling critical issues in air quality, exploring solutions for both the UK and internationally. Teaching fuses expert teaching of theory with data science training and practicals on air quality topics, including emissions, monitoring, modelling, pollution exposure, indoor air quality, health impacts, sustainability, policy and economic appraisal. All alongside training to become a confident data scientist and analyst. 

The program includes the use of conventional and research-led pollution-monitoring techniques and novel data analysis tools, culminating in a substantial independent research project in the final semester. Students will engage in hands-on learning, applying and designing interventions using state-of-the-art data science and modelling tools. The course leverages world-class research from five distinguished schools: the Institute for Transport Studies, the School of Earth and Environment, the School of Civil Engineering, the School of Chemical and Process Engineering, and the School of Chemistry. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a student to gain cutting-edge knowledge and data science skills, equipping them for a successful career in this industry.

Practical elements of the programme include fieldwork activities in modules, such as visits to air quality monitoring sites and the chance to join and actively contribute to initiatives such as the Air Quality Living Lab, experiencing transport systems in action and meeting transport professionals who are actively working in the field. Students are offered a guaranteed industry experience through the Global Industry Programme to gain consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation during their studies and have an opportunity to apply for paid industrial placements during the course.

The advanced ‘solutions’ focussed knowledge and data science skills gained during the Master’s program will prepare the students for diverse career paths in consultancy, public sector and regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry, or further academic research. The course has been designed through a close working relationship with industry, including several environmental and engineering consultancies who visit the students each year to promote their businesses, projects and graduate schemes. Plus, the University of Leeds is in the UK’s top 5 most targeted universities by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Bengaluru, 12th June 2025:  Iom Bioworks, a deep science company pioneering microbiome-focused healthcare has secured Seed Round funding in their  Rs 4 Cr Seed Round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The capital will be leveraged for marketing, secure intellectual property claims, strengthen core infrastructure and scale scientific and commercial teams.

Founded in 2022, Iom Bioworks personalises health by identifying key bacteria in the gut and modulating them in a targeted manner for enhanced, improved  overall health and well-being. Their patented platform combines large-scale knowledge graphed mined through Artificial Intelligence (AI)  and advanced modelling techniques that ensures Iom achieves precise and personalized recommendations for its users.

Iom Bioworks reached more than 500 customers in just the first year and have 2 patents granted and 2 in advanced stages. They have key scientific publications in leading scientific journals. Iom Bioworks have Pan India logistics and have established digital access established for personalised microbiome services.

Bipin Pradeep Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO brings strategic vision and collaborative approach to leadership, integrating microbiome research with technology, artificial intelligence and customer focus. Dr. Samik Ghosh, Co-Founder & Chief of Science & Technology, uses his expertise at the intersection of computation and biology  to develop innovative microbiome-driven health and wellness solutions that drive sustainable health for life of people and the planet. Dr. Hiroaki Kitano, Co-Founder & Chief of Research & Collaboration, a world-renowned systems biologist and AI specialist brings decades of leadership in robotics, systems biology, and AI-driven scientific discovery to create innovative collaborations.

“Lifestyle diseases have been on the rise due to multiple reasons like poor diet, stress, lack of sleep and are intimately linked to poor gut health and microbial composition. The gut microbiome plays a huge role in your digestion, immunity, metabolism, and even mood. Understanding it can help prevent a myriad of these diseases and also provide a better quality of life. Iom Bioworks is making this cutting-edge science accessible, personalised and importantly, actionable. With their vision and science, they make a compelling bet in preventive and therapeutic healthcare”, says Vinay Bansal, Founder, IPV.

“Iom Bioworks envisions a world where a healthy mind and body are achievable through informed choices that nurture the microbiome. By empowering our inner ecosystem through prebiotics and a food and lifestyle centred around the bacteria, we aim to energize daily life while preserving the joy of living. Partnering with IPV has been transformative; their supportive and diligent approach has set us firmly on the path toward this vision”, says Bipin Pradeep Kumar.

At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28%, the worldwide market for health tests, subscriptions, and wellness platforms is expected to reach USD 900 billion by 2030. Iom Bioworks is well positioned to lead this transformation to personalised accessible gut health with its scalable approach, user focus and the foundation of deep science and research.

Chandigarh; June 12, 2025: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading General Insurance companies, announced the appointment of Shri Mohd. Arif Khan as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Deputy CEO).

Shri Mohd. Arif Khan is a seasoned banking professional with over 25 years of distinguished service at State Bank of India (SBI). He brings with him a wealth of expertise and leadership experience across a broad range of strategic and operational domains in banking and financial services.

Shri Mohd. Arif Khan began his career with SBI in 2000 as a Probationary Officer and has since held several key leadership positions across Retail Banking, Strategic Training Unit (STU), and Core Banking Solution (CBS) implementation and training projects. In his most recent role, he served as General Manager, Network-I, at SBI’s Local Head Office in Thiruvananthapuram, where he led large-scale business and operational initiatives.

Speaking on the appointment, Shri Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “We are delighted to welcome Shri Mohd. Arif Khan to the SBI General Insurance leadership team. His vast experience across diverse banking functions, strong strategic expertise, and deep understanding of the business, will be instrumental in propelling the company to greater heights.   I look forward to working closely with him as we drive innovation, enhance customer value, and further strengthen our position in the general insurance industry.”

On his appointment Shri Mohd. Arif Khan said, “I am delighted to be a part of SBI General Insurance family. India’s general insurance sector offers tremendous potential for transformative growth, and I see great opportunity for SBI General to lead the way. I look forward to building a superior customer experience, delivering profitable growth, introducing innovative products to evolving needs and expanding our footprint in underserved markets. My focus will be on creating meaningful value for our customers, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.”

Shri Arif Khan holds a postgraduate degree in Mathematics and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (ISACA, USA). He holds a PGDFA in Advanced Wealth Management (IIBF) and RMAI certificate course on Risk Management & Affiliate of Risk Management Association of India. His appointment underscores SBI General’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and delivering excellence in insurance products and services to its valued customers.

Agra, 12 June 2025: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has disbursed over Rs. 900 crore as loans against traditional policies to its customers in FY2025. The loan against policy feature is very useful as it provides customers with liquidity without disturbing their long-term savings plan. In FY2025, the Company disbursed loans to over 42,700 customers.

Mr. Amish Banker, Chief Operations Officer, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, said, “Life insurance is a long-term product, and customers may face liquidity challenges during the tenure of the policy. The loan against policy feature can ensure the financial savings plan remains on track. Notably, customers can avail of a loan up to 80% of the policy’s surrender value.

The process for availing loan against policy is paperless and quick. In FY2025, more than 98% loans were disbursed within 24 hours. Customers can use the Company website or our mobile app to lodge their applications.

We have witnessed an increasing adoption of the loan against policy feature among our customers with a 60% year-on-year increase in loan disbursals in FY2025. This reflects the commitment of our customers to remain invested in the product for the long-term and achieve the financial goals for which the product was purchased.

Notably, the funds can also be utilised for premium payments, ensuring continuity of the policy and its benefits.”

Bhubaneswar, 12 June 2025: Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) today felicitated six outstanding students as recipients of the prestigious ‘Professor Ghanashyam Dash Scholarship for Higher Education’ (PGDS). The scholarship supports meritorious students pursuing professional degrees in engineering, medicine, STEM, and liberal arts by covering 90% of academic fees and eligible expenses for their four-year degree, amounting up to Rs. 6 lakhs per recipient.

For the academic year 2024-2025, the scholarship has been awarded to six exceptional students: two of them pursuing engineering at premier IITs—Sandip Subhrajit Sahoo at IIT Hyderabad and Tarini Prasad Mishra at IIT BHU Varanasi—and four of them pursuing MBBS—Satyajeet Parida and Alok Kumar Sahoo at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dibya Jyoti Jena at SCB Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack, and Ariyan Sahoo at FM Medical College & Hospital, Balasore.

During the felicitation ceremony, Mr Subhrakant Panda, Managing Director of IMFA and Trustee of Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation, said, “Education is a powerful catalyst for social transformation and economic progress. Through the Professor Ghanashyam Dash Scholarship, we invest in future leaders who will drive innovation and change in our society; and, the mentorship component reflects our commitment to nurture the holistic development of these bright young minds and help them achieve their full potential.”

Instituted in 2005 by IMFA, this scholarship honours the legacy of renowned scholar and historian Late Prof. Ghanashyam Dash, father of late Mrs. Ila Panda. The program aims to provide equal opportunities through financial assistance to meritorious students, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial constraints.

Since taking over the scholarship program, BIPF has enhanced its impact by introducing a structured “Mentorship” component. All scholarship recipients are paired with executive mentors from IMFA’s Employee Volunteer Scheme. This mentorship initiative will provide students with professional counseling, moral support, academic guidance, and networking opportunities, helping them unlock their full potential and chart a well-planned career trajectory.

Thane, 12^th June 2025: Korum Mall is all set to bring the community together with a chess tournament that will put your mental endurance to the ultimate test. Come join us for a day of strategic battles, camaraderie, and checkmates!

On 15th June, Korum Mall in association with Thane District Chess Association (TDCA) will host the 1st Pinnacle FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament, drawing chess enthusiasts from across Maharashtra and beyond. Unlike earlier editions, this tournament adopts the “Rapid” format—making each match a test of quick thinking and deep strategy.  The tournament is a symbol of inclusivity with special prizes for visually impaired.

Rated under the aegis of Thane District Athletic Association (TDCA), Maharashtra Chess Association, All India Chess Federation (AICF), and FIDE, the event is expected to attract over 300 players. This is not just a tournament—it is a celebration of India’s growing chess culture in the heart of Thane. Calling all kings, queens, and checkmates!

Where: Ground Floor Atrium, Korum Mall

When: Sunday, 15th June 2025 | Matches begin 9:30 AM onwards

Prize Pool: ₹3,00,000 and 43 TROPHIES

Organised by: Korum Mall & Thane District Chess Association (TDCA)

Entry fee: 2000 (Registration closes on 13^th June)

ONE MAN. ONE TRIAL. AND A NATION’S TURNING POINT — KESARI CHAPTER 2: THE UNTOLD STORY OF JALLIANWALA BAGH STREAMING ON JIOHOTSTAR FROM JUNE 13TH!

Mumbai, 12 June, 2025:  After a commanding run at the theatres, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh will stream exclusively on JioHotstar from June 13th. With a star-studded cast led by Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, the film earned critical acclaim at the box office and now brings its powerful story to screens across the nation. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, and produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Singh Bindra and Anand Tiwari at Dharma Productions, Cape Of Good Films and Leo Media Collective — the film is an emotionally charged legal drama that revisits one of colonial India’s most defining (and silenced) moments.

Set in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Kesari Chapter 2 follows C. Sankaran Nair (Akshay Kumar), a lone, principled barrister who takes on the British Empire in court, demanding accountability for all the people who lost their lives that fateful day. R. Madhavan plays the formidable colonial counsel, while Ananya Panday essays the role of a driven law student who supports Nair in his unprecedented legal crusade. The film was a box office hit and has drawn praise for its commanding performances, sharp writing, and stirring courtroom sequences — blending patriotism with moral urgency.

Akshay Kumar, essaying the role of C. Sankaran Nair, said, “Kesari Chapter 2 tells the story of an extraordinary man who chose to stand against an empire, risking everything to bring justice to the victims of one of history’s darkest moments. Portraying C. Sankaran Nair was a deeply humbling experience, a reminder of how courage and conviction can shake even the mightiest powers. This film isn’t just a courtroom drama; it’s a tribute to truth, resistance, and the spirit of India. I’m proud that after its successful theatrical run, this powerful story will now reach even more viewers as it streams on JioHotstar from June 13th.”

Madhavan, portraying the antagonist Neville McKinley, the Crown’s lawyer, shared, “Neville McKinley is a complex character — a fierce defender of the British Empire’s interests and a formidable opponent to Akshay Kumar’s character. Playing this complex character allowed me to explore the harsh realities of colonial power and the moral conflicts within that system. Kesari Chapter 2 is more than just a film; it’s a gripping portrayal of a historical battle fought not just with weapons, but with words, laws, and ideologies. I’m excited for audiences to witness this intense courtroom clash, streaming  on JioHotstar from June 13th.”

Ananya Panday, portraying a spirited advocate supporting C. Sankaran Nair, expressed, “Being part of Kesari Chapter 2 has been an incredibly inspiring journey. My character stands as a beacon of hope and determination in the face of overwhelming injustice. This film captures the essence of resilience and the relentless fight for truth after the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It’s a story that resonates deeply today, reminding us of the power of courage and collective resistance. I’m thrilled that this moving narrative will  be available to audiences across India on JioHotstar from June 13th.”

Witness the untold story of courage, resistance, and justice that changed history forever – watch Kesari Chapter 2, streaming on JioHotstar from June 13th!