By-Neeraj Kansal, Founder and CEO, Crack Academy
“The recent repo rate cut by the RBI is a welcome move, especially for sectors like edtech that rely on affordability and accessibility to scale. Lower interest rates can ease the burden of education loans, making higher education and competitive exam preparation more accessible to students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—our core focus areas. With improved liquidity in the system, we also foresee increased investor confidence and better funding opportunities for edtech startups that are driving change at the grassroots level. This decision is likely to accelerate the digital transformation of education across Bharat.”
Ocean with David Attenborough to Debut June 8, World Oceans Day, on National Geographic and JioCinema
MUMBAI – June 6, 2025 This World Oceans Day, National Geographic, a leader in exploration, science, and storytelling, and David Attenborough, the world’s preeminent natural historian, bring audiences the untold story of how they can help save the world’s oceans in the new feature-length documentary OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH. This marks the first collaboration of its kind between Sir David Attenborough and National Geographic. Presented by the celebrated 99-year-old broadcaster, the powerful documentary shares with a global audience the importance of the world’s oceans and the story of how we can, and must, restore the glory of Earth’s vast, interconnected waters. The film will premiere on National Geographic on Sunday, June 8, at 7 PM and be available to stream the same day on JioHotstar.
After filming the natural world for over 70 years, captivating generations of audiences worldwide with groundbreaking discoveries, and advocating for environmental preservation, Attenborough delivers his most powerful message yet. In the feature-length special OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH, he draws on his lifetime of exploration and knowledge of the sea to take audiences on a cinematic journey of wonder through the planet’s most spectacular undersea habitats. Attenborough investigates astonishingly diverse marine ecosystems, from bustling giant kelp jungles and mesmerizing coral reefs to towering seamount outposts within the open ocean, all of which are revealed to be intricately connected, vital to avoiding climate catastrophe, and in peril due to destructive forms of fishing. While Attenborough exposes the greatest threats to our oceans’ health as never seen before, he points to inspirational stories from around the world to reveal the most remarkable finding of all: If we take action now, the opportunity for marine life to recover on an unprecedented scale is well within our reach.
The film’s release on National Geographic is timed to World Oceans Day, June’s United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, France, and midway through the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). As decision makers ponder the future of our oceans, OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH will amplify the marine protection solutions that can help turn the tide. The film draws upon extensive marine science and was supported by a team of scientific advisors, including National Geographic Pristine Seas founder, Dr. Enric Sala.
The film features never-before-seen footage of bottom trawling — the act of dragging weighted fishing nets along the Ocean floor — and its devastating effects on the Ocean. Only by revealing this footage to the world and exposing what’s happening beneath the surface can people begin to understand the devastating impact it is having and the urgent risk it poses to our Ocean. While Attenborough exposes the greatest threats to our Ocean’s health as never seen before, he points to inspirational stories from around the world to reveal the most remarkable finding of all: That our Ocean can recover quicker than we ever thought possible — if we take action now, the opportunity for marine life to recover on an unprecedented scale is well within our reach. As Attenborough declares, “If we save the sea, we save our world.”
Attenborough said, “My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations, and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man. In this film, we share those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can bounce back to life.”
Tom McDonald, National Geographic’s executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content, said, “I’m thrilled that audiences worldwide will be able to engage with Sir David’s signature storytelling and the inspirational message of this film through the power of National Geographic’s global platforms. There is no one better to deliver this landmark film than Sir David, and I’m delighted that he’s working with National Geographic for the very first time on a subject that is timely and close to his heart.”
Alok Jain, President – Entertainment, JioStar added, “At National Geographic India, we believe that storytelling has the power to ignite change. OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH is a landmark film that reminds us how interconnected we are with our oceans, even here in India, where over 11,000 kilometers of coastline support vibrant marine life and millions of livelihoods. Through David Attenborough’s unmatched narration and breathtaking visuals, we hope to inspire Indians to see our oceans not just as distant waters but as living systems that need our urgent protection.This is not just a global story – it is our story too.”
Through compelling firsthand accounts and stunning, immersive cinematography, OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH tells the untold story of the importance and health of our ocean. Through spectacular undersea sequences and a reflection on Attenborough’s own lifetime of exploration and discovery, the film demonstrates the vital role the ocean plays in defending against climate disaster and sustaining all life on Earth. The documentary special zeroes-in on the human actions leading to the oceans’ collapse and the effects of destructive fishing techniques, such as dredging and bottom trawling, on entire marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and the global climate. Breathtaking footage also exhibits the oceans’ incredible resilience and remarkable ability to recover when protected, showcasing the marine protection solutions already at hand and the action we must take to restore the abundance and vitality of the ocean and secure a healthier future for us all.
Educators can be part of the solution that inspires young people — the ocean stewards of tomorrow — by discussing OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH in the classroom. Later this year, National Geographic Pristine Seas will make the documentary film available to educators at schools, universities, museums, and libraries, and for educational and charitable conferences and events for non-commercial purposes. Learn more at nationalgeographic.org/
OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH is directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey and Colin Butfield and produced by Nowlan for Silverback Films. The film is a Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios co-production. Executive producers include Louise Pedersen and Rachel Job for All3Media International (the film’s global TV distribution partner), Tom McDonald and Janet Han Vissering for National Geographic, Jasper Smith for Arksen Ltd and 10% for the Ocean, Minderoo Productions Limited, Enric Sala for National Geographic Society and Pristine Seas, Kristin Rechberger for Dynamic Planet and Revive Our Ocean, Rolly van Rappard and Francoise van Rappard for Don Quixote Foundation, and Olivier Wenden for The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Watch OCEAN by David Attenborough this World Oceans Day on Sunday, 8th June at 7 pm only on National Geographic and JioHotstar.
RBI Slashes Repo Rate to 5.50% Amid Easing Inflation, Signals Pro-Growth Stance
By-Ashish Kukreja, CEO and Founder of Homesfy.in and myma
gnet.io “The RBI’s decision to cut the policy repo rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 5.50% is driven by easing inflation and a gradual recovery in economic activity. This marks the third consecutive repo rate cut since February 2025, with the rate falling by a total of 100 bps in the first half of the year.
With GDP growth for the financial year 2026 projected at 6.5% and inflation expected to remain around 4%, the move reflects cautious optimism amid global uncertainties. On the external front, robust services exports and strong remittance inflows have helped offset the merchandise trade deficit, keeping the current account deficit sustainable. This proactive step aims to enhance liquidity, support investments, and make borrowing, especially for homebuyers, more affordable, though the benefit depends on timely transmission by banks.”
Galgotias Tech Graduate Lands ₹21 LPA Product Engineering Role at Juspay
For Harshvardhan Bahukhandi, a final-year B.Tech student specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Galgotias University, the journey to a ₹21 LPA Product Engineering role at Juspay began long before placement season. It started in the hills of Kotdwara, Uttarakhand, where a young boy discovered an early fascination with technology and coding. That spark of curiosity turned into something much larger at Galgotias University, where Harshvardhan’s passion for technology was nurtured through a robust academic framework. “What I found at Galgotias wasn’t just a syllabus, it was a dynamic, evolving environment that encouraged exploration and practical application,” he recalls.
At Galgotias University, this early passion was refined through a curriculum that integrated emerging technologies with strong academic foundations. As a student of artificial intelligence and data science, he had access to courses that built his foundation in core areas like machine learning, data analytics, and intelligent systems. These were supported by state-of-the-art labs that enabled hands-on learning aligned with the evolving needs of the tech industry.
Galgotias’ industry-aligned learning approach played a crucial role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and the rapidly changing tech landscape. Exposure to industry-standard tools and platforms gave Harshvardhan the edge he needed to tackle complex interview rounds with confidence.
But technical skills alone weren’t the whole story.
Structured Placement Support and Industry Readiness
Galgotias University’s placement support system played a central role in preparing Harshvardhan for a high-growth opportunity like Juspay. The university’s placement cell provided a series of carefully planned initiatives, from mock interviews and aptitude training to resume-building workshops and communication skill development that helped bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations.
These efforts were not just reactive to placement season, they were built into the student journey, ensuring that career preparation started early and evolved with the student. Galgotias also provided opportunities to participate in coding bootcamps and hackathons that simulated real-world pressure and strengthened practical problem-solving skills for its students.
The Role of Mentorship and Academic Guidance
Equally critical to Harshvardhan’s growth was the mentorship he received from faculty. Professors supported him both in coursework and beyond, offering clarity on concepts, guiding him on technical projects, and mentoring him during the placement preparation. The one-on-one academic mentorship created a strong support system, helping him approach challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
The university’s learning environment also encouraged independence and initiative, skills that proved invaluable during technical interviews and project-based assessments.
At Galgotias University, success stories like Harshvardhan’s are shaped not just by ambition, but by an academic framework designed to evolve with industry trends, supported by people and programs that place student development at the core. His story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when talent is supported by the right opportunities, every step of the way.
Rizvol: The Global Luxury House From New York Debuts in India
New Delhi, 6 June 2025 : RIZVOL, the New York based luxury fashion label celebrated for its design integrity and rarefied aesthetic, announces its official debut in India. Conceived by founder Abhishek Shah, RIZVOL is a sartorial dialogue, shaped by time spent in Milan’s ateliers, Amsterdam’s design corridors, and New York’s cultural intersections.
RIZVOL enters India not merely as a global label expanding its footprint, but as a thoughtful response to the country’s evolving relationship with luxury. In a marketplace saturated with noise and novelty, RIZVOL offers a refined alternative rooted in permanence, purpose, and poetry.
RIZVOL’s story is deeply personal. It begins in India, where a young Shah watched his father dress with ritualistic care shirts perfectly pressed, shoes polished to a gleam. That quiet reverence for dressing stayed with him. Years later, living between New York, California, Amsterdam and Milan, Shah honed his perspective. From Milanese tailoring to SoHo’s restrained edge, a vision began to take form one that valued elegance not as spectacle, but as subtlety.
“We’re excited to bring Rizvol to India, one of the world’s fastest growing markets and a place where we see a rising appetite for refined, global luxury,” says Shah. “India is in a massive wealth creation phase. As tastes mature, people will begin seeking something more understated, more intimate pieces that speak rather than shout. That’s where Rizvol comes in.”
Every RIZVOL garment is the product of a considered, almost meditative process. With over 200 prototypes before the first shirt was approved, the brand’s commitment to slow fashion is foundational, not performative. Buttons are crafted from Mother of Pearl sourced in Japan, fabrics from globally renowned mills, and the design language reflects a quiet dialogue between global craftsmanship and modern clarity.
“If something takes 200 samples to get right, we’ll take the time,” Shah adds. “We’re not in a hurry to flood the market. We care more about what lasts than what sells.”
RIZVOL stands at the intersection of old-world craftsmanship and modern innovation. Its vision is to build a future where every stitch, every seam, and every button tells a story -one that stretches across continents and generations.
What makes RIZVOL distinctive is the sense of dialogue between worlds embedded in each garment. From Japanese Mother of Pearl buttons to European linen, the elements converge into pieces designed for those who lead with quiet clarity. RIZVOL is for the discerning, those who understand that true luxury is not in excess, but in meaning. Every detail is deliberate; every decision, exacting. These are not garments made for trend-followers, but for those who define the trend before it begins.
The label’s debut in India will also be supported by a stylist-facing stockroom in New Delhi to facilitate editorial and celebrity placements. RIZVOL’s official website has launched in Inida, offering a tactile, story-driven digital experience. From fabric compositions detailing warp and weft to refined packaging developed over months, the site reflects the brand’s commitment to design that feels thoughtful at every touchpoint.
Asirvad Microfinance Ltd announces senior management appointments
Dr Roy Varghese appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Mr Unnikrishnan Janardanan, Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Valapad, Kerala, 5 June 2025: Asirvad Microfinance Limited, one of India’s leading microfinance institutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Roy Varghese as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Mr Unnikrishnan Janardanan, Chief Operating Officer (COO). These key leadership appointments underscore Asirvad’s commitment to inclusive growth, sound governance, and expanding access to financial services for underserved communities across India.
With over 33 years of distinguished experience in the banking sector, Dr Varghese brings deep expertise in retail and corporate banking, foreign exchange, and financial inclusion. He has held senior leadership roles at institutions such as Axis Bank, IDBI Bank, Jana Small Finance Bank, and CSB Bank. His in-depth knowledge of rural credit, agri-finance, and micro-lending uniquely positions him to steer Asirvad’s strategic direction. As CEO, Dr Varghese will lead the organisation’s overall growth, enhance operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive nationwide business expansion.
Joining him on the leadership team is Mr Unnikrishnan Janardanan, who has been appointed COO. He brings over 30 years of experience in banking, financial services, and microfinance. Most recently, he served as CEO of Navachetana Microfin Services Pvt Ltd, where he led the company’s expansion across multiple states over six years. His previous roles include leadership positions at ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, DCB Bank, and Bajaj Auto Finance. As COO, Mr Janardanan will focus on operational excellence, service delivery, and business integration across Asirvad.
Commenting on the appointments, the Board of Asirvad Microfinance said:
“We are delighted to welcome Dr Roy Varghese and Mr Unnikrishnan Janardanan to the Asirvad team. Their vast experience in financial services, deep understanding of rural markets, and commitment to inclusive finance will further our mission of transforming lives through responsible microfinance. We are confident that, under their leadership, Asirvad will continue to scale new heights and deepen its impact across the communities we serve.”
A subsidiary of Manappuram Finance Ltd, Asirvad Microfinance remains steadfast in its mission to provide financial services to underserved segments of society. With these appointments, the company reinforces its strategic focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and empowerment
RBI Cuts Repo Rate by 50 bps, Boosts Liquidity to Support Growth Amid Easing Inflation
By-Mr. Raghvendra Nath, MD, Ladderup Asset Managers
With prices continuing to ease, RBI has cut the repo rate by 50 basis points in a move aimed at supporting the current macroeconomic momentum. This is twice the reduction that most economists had anticipated. While India’s real GDP growth forecast for FY26 remained at 6.5%, primarily due to geopolitical uncertainties affecting trade, inflation is expected to ease further to 3.7%, supported by early start of kharif season. Additionally, the RBI’s decision to gradually reduce the CRR in four equal tranches of 25 basis points over this year is likely to enhance liquidity in the system and lower the cost of funds for banks leading to lowering cost for borrowers and thus support private investment and domestic consumption.
RBI Cuts Repo Rate by 50bps to 5.50%, CRR Trimmed by 100bps in Pro-Growth Move
By-AKSHAT GARG – AVP, Choice Wealth
In a surprising move, the RBI slashed the repo rate by 50 bps to 5.50% and trimmed the CRR by 100 bps, while pivoting its stance from “Accommodative” to “Neutral.” This marks the third rate cut in 2025, signaling a decisive pro-growth push.
With inflation at a multi-year low (April CPI at 3.16%) and FY26 projections dialed down to 3.7%, the RBI found comfort in cutting deep. Governor Malhotra called it “front-loading support” amid global headwinds and tepid domestic demand.
A phased CRR cut—spread over four tranches—will release ₹2.5 lakh crore into the system, aiming to turbocharge credit flow and ease funding costs.
Markets initially cheered: Nifty Bank hit new highs, realty stocks soared, and bond yields dipped. But broader indices gave up gains, reflecting caution over future policy room. The rupee slipped slightly amid global divergence.
The real estate and consumption story just got a boost—home EMIs are set to fall, and auto demand may rev up. But banks must walk a fine line on deposit rates.
The RBI may pause here. Future moves will depend on the monsoon, inflation trajectory, and global risks. For now, it’s stimulus with a side of restraint.
Zomato launches EV Rental Bike Fleet in Delhi on World Environment Day
New Delhi, June 6, 2025: Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, launched an Electric Vehicle (EV) rental bike fleet in Delhi, facilitating two-wheeler EVs on rent to its delivery partners. Inaugurated by Shri Ajay Chaudhary, IPS, Special Commissioner of Police, Traffic Management Division (Zone II), Delhi Police, this pilot phase introduces 300 EV bikes, designed to help delivery partners experience the benefits of using EVs for deliveries compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) bikes.
This initiative is a step towards Zomato’s climate-conscious delivery goals, where the company aims to facilitate 100% EV-based food deliveries by 2030, leading to the goal of Net Zero emissions across its food ordering and delivery value chain by 2033. As of March 2025, Zomato had over 37,000 active EV-based food delivery partners. These partners have contributed to avoiding approximately 4,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (TCo2e) emissions, which equates to the environmental impact of planting an estimated 220,000 trees in FY25.
This effort aligns with Zomato’s 2030 sustainability goals, which span eight themes: waste-free world, climate-conscious deliveries, zero hunger, inclusive growth, diversity, equity and inclusion, health safety and wellbeing for all, customer centricity and governance.
Speaking on the initiative, Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Eternal, said, making sustainable mobility accessible to our delivery partners is critical to our mission of ‘better food for more people’. For this to be achieved, it is imperative to build an ecosystem where all delivery partners have easy access to EV bikes suited to the demands of food delivery. Through the launch of these specially designed, efficient electric bikes on rent, we’re ensuring delivery partners can thrive while contributing to building a greener tomorrow.”
The Chief Guest for the event, Shri Ajay Chaudhary, IPS, Special Commissioner of Police, Traffic Management Division (Zone II), Delhi Police, commented, “I congratulate Zomato on the launch of the EV rental bike fleet in Delhi. Among the various pollution mitigation steps taken in Delhi, it is imperative that industries take the extra measures to adopt sustainability. It is heartening to see Zomato take this step to provide delivery partners with access to efficient and affordable EVs on rent. I wish the initiative the very best of success as all stakeholders – delivery partners, consumers and citizens of Delhi, stand to benefit from the positive economic and environmental impacts of this project.”
Saroj Raout, a delivery partner onboarded on Zomato for two years, said, “Although I have been using my two-wheeler petrol bike to fulfill delivery orders, I have been wanting to switch to an EV for a while, knowing it’s sustainable for me financially and the planet at large. Now, with easy access to these affordable rental EVs, that’s finally a reality. It means I can reduce my running costs, potentially boost my earnings, and contribute to the planet.”
The company plans to initially ensure the availability of these EV bikes for rent for delivery partners in the Delhi-NCR region. It will expand the initiative to other parts of India based on uptake among partners. This initiative also aligns with the Government of NCT of Delhi’s intent to make Delhi the EV Capital of India.
RBI’s 50bps Rate Cut and 100bps CRR Reduction Boost Growth, Inflation Targeted at 3.7%
By-Mr. Sadaf Sadaf Sayeed, CEO, Muthoot Microfin,
“RBI monetary policy is 10/10, it has an all-round focus, maintaining growth momentum, by cutting rates by 50 bps, liquidity infusion by cutting CRR by 100 bps over the year and targeting inflation at 3.7%. “It is great to see both GOI fiscal policy and RBI monetary policy working in tandem to propel the Indian economy to a new growth trajectory. It augurs well for the industry and our country”
