9, Jun 2026
DesignCafe and HomeLane Strengthen Growth Momentum Following Shezan Bhojani’s Transition to a New Venture
Bengaluru, June 9 : DesignCafe and HomeLane today announced that co-founder Shezan Bhojani will be transitioning out of his operating role to pursue a new entrepreneurial venture.
DesignCafe enters this moment from a position of momentum. Since its integration with HomeLane, the business has grown approximately 30%, expanded its retail footprint by over 50%, from 15 to 23 stores in 18 months, compared to 15 stores built over its first nine years, and improved cost structures and profitability meaningfully. The business is on track to deliver ~40% year-on-year growth in the current fiscal. These milestones further strengthen the company’s readiness for its next phase of growth and its long-term IPO ambitions.
Shezan co-founded DesignCafe and shaped much of what it stands for today: a design-led brand with a strong national identity and a loyal customer base. That foundation powers what comes next. Looking ahead, DesignCafe plans to add 11 new stores in the current fiscal year, reflecting continued confidence in the market opportunity. The integration with HomeLane has strengthened both businesses and stands as a strong example of a well-executed partnership in the home interiors space.
As DesignCafe enters its next phase of growth, the company is well-positioned with a strong leadership bench and clear strategic direction. Gita Ramanan, Co-founder and CEO, will lead the business, ensuring continuity in vision, culture, and long-term strategy. She is joined by a seasoned leadership team: Anoop Krishnan , who leads revenue realization and operations across markets, and Swati Santani , who drives product, catalogue and new growth initiatives. At the group level, HomeLane continues to be led by Srikanth Iyer and Tanuj Choudhry, further strengthening the combined leadership across both brands.
Commenting on the transition, Gita Ramanan said:
“Shezan brought an explorer’s instinct to everything he touched, always pushing the horizon a little further, always asking what’s next. DesignCafe carries that DNA. As he steps into a new chapter, I’m choosing to stay and build on, because the opportunity ahead of us is real, and the team we’ve built is ready for it. And so am I.”
Srikanth Iyer, Co-founder & CEO, HomeLane, added:
“The integration of DesignCafe and HomeLane has delivered strong results across growth, profitability, and scale, and is a testament to the strength of the combined platform. Shezan has played a key role in building DesignCafe into a category-defining brand, and we thank him for his contributions. With Gita and a strong operating leadership team in place, we are confident in the next phase of growth for DesignCafe and the broader group.”
Shezan Bhojani added:
“Building DesignCafe has been one of the most meaningful journeys of my life. I’m proud of what we’ve created and the team that will take it forward. With Gita and the leadership team at the helm, and the strong momentum post integration with HomeLane, the company is well positioned for its next chapter and its imminent IPO.”
DesignCafe and HomeLane remain united in their commitment to redefining home interiors in India- through design, technology, and the quality of experience they deliver to every customer.
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- By Neel Achary
9, Jun 2026
Southwest Monsoon Likely to Enter Odisha Within 2–3 Days; Pre-Monsoon Rainfall Activity Set to Intensify
Bhubaneswar, June 9 (UDN): Odisha is likely to witness an increase in pre-monsoon rainfall activity over the next few days, with the southwest monsoon expected to enter the state within the next two to three days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Representational image
The weather department stated that atmospheric conditions have become increasingly favourable for the advancement of the monsoon. Moisture-laden cloud bands originating from the Bay of Bengal continue to move towards Odisha, creating conducive conditions for the monsoon’s arrival. Several districts have already experienced intermittent rainfall and thunderstorm activity over the past few days.
Despite the rainfall, hot and humid conditions continue to prevail across many parts of the state due to the influx of moisture-bearing winds, causing discomfort among residents. Meteorologists clarified that the current spell of rain is associated with pre-monsoon activity and should not be mistaken for the official onset of the southwest monsoon.
According to the IMD, cloud formation and moisture flow over the Bay of Bengal have strengthened significantly, paving the way for the monsoon to make further progress towards Odisha. Once the monsoon sets in, the state is expected to receive more widespread and sustained rainfall, providing relief from the prevailing heat and supporting agricultural activities ahead of the kharif season.
Meanwhile, Kalbaisakhi activity remains active in several districts. Many areas are experiencing hot and humid weather during the daytime, followed by thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and rainfall during the afternoon and evening hours. This weather pattern is likely to continue over the coming days.
In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the IMD has issued an Orange Warning for 11 districts, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds. A Yellow Warning has also been issued for 19 districts, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing outdoors during adverse weather conditions.
Recent Kalbaisakhi storms have already impacted normal life in several parts of the state, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, where heavy rain and strong winds led to waterlogging, traffic disruptions, uprooted trees, and damage to infrastructure.
Authorities have advised people to stay alert, follow official weather advisories, and take necessary precautions during thunderstorm activity. Fishermen have also been cautioned about rough sea conditions along the Odisha coast.
With pre-monsoon showers becoming more active and weather systems turning increasingly favourable, Odisha is now poised to welcome the southwest monsoon, marking the beginning of the crucial rainy season for the state.
9, Jun 2026
It’s Spotlight Expands Its Viral Loved-One Surprise Experience Across India with Cinépolis
Mohali, India, June 9: It’s Spotlight is taking one of its most loved experiences to a national audience. After becoming a massive hit at CP.67 Mall, the brand is now launching its personalised loved-one surprise campaign across Cinépolis cinemas pan-India.
The campaign, called “Spreading Smiles with It’s Spotlight,” gives people a unique way to make someone feel special by featuring their photos, videos, messages, or heartfelt wishes on premium digital adverising screens. The idea is not limited to birthdays or anniversaries- it is about putting a loved one in the Spotlight and creating a moment they will never forget.
What started at CP.67 Mall quickly gained attention for its emotional and candid reactions. Families, couples, friends, and loved ones were seen getting surprised on screen, turning simple messages into larger-than-life moments. The campaign’s warm, shareable nature helped it go viral across social media and created strong organic buzz among audiences.
With its expansion through Cinépolis, It’s Spotlight is now making this experience accessible across India. Whether someone wants to surprise a parent, partner, sibling, child, best friend, or anyone close to them, the campaign allows people to create a memorable public moment in a premium cinema environment.
Speaking about the launch, a spokesperson from It’s Spotlight said,
“The response at CP.67 Mall showed us that people deeply connect with real emotions on screens. This campaign goes beyond birthdays or anniversaries- it is about giving people the joy of making their loved ones feel seen, celebrated, and special, almost like a celebrity moment created just for them. With Cinépolis, we are excited to take this experience across India and help more people create unforgettable Spotlight moments.”
The pan-India launch also reflects It’s Spotlight’s larger vision of making digital screens more human, interactive, and experience-led. By using premium cinema spaces for personal storytelling, the platform is turning screens into places where emotions are celebrated and memories are created.
From a heartfelt message to a surprise video, It’s Spotlight is redefining how people express love, gratitude, and appreciation- by turning personal feelings into unforgettable screen-led experiences.
9, Jun 2026
Kettal to Present the Future of Workplace Environments at NeoCon 2026 Featuring The Eames Pavilion System, Shogun, U-Type, and Area
A celebration of Kettal’s 60th anniversary at NeoCon 2026 with Kettal Workplace, a complete workplace ecosystem integrating architecture, furniture, acoustics, lighting, and adaptable environments.
A special NeoCon conversation with Eames Demetrios on June 8 exploring the lasting infl uence of Charles and Ray Eames on contemporary workplace design
Chicago, Illinois June 9: Kettal, the contemporary design company known for its architectural approach to indoor and outdoor environments, will return to NeoCon 2026 from June 8–10 with Kettal Workplace. Focused on the evolution of the contemporary workplace through fl exible environments, architectural systems, and human-centered design, the showcase refl ects Kettal’s expansion beyond furniture into a broader workplace offering integrating architecture, atmosphere, lighting, acoustics, seating, and collaborative environments.
At the core of the presentation is the idea that the workplace is shifting away from static offi ce layouts toward more fl uid environments designed around changing patterns of work and interaction. The showroom brings together workstations, meeting areas, acoustic rooms, retreat spaces, lounge environments, lighting, and architectural systems into one integrated workplace approach.
Among the highlights will be the evolution of the Eames Pavilion System into workplace and interior applications. Rooted in Charles Eames and Ray Eames’ enduring ideas around prefabrication, modular construction, and human-scaled environments, the adaptable architectural system explores how fl exible structures can shape contemporary workplace experiences through collaborative workspaces, informal meeting areas, and retreat environments. Developed in partnership with the Eames Offi ce and grounded in extensive archival research into Charles and Ray Eames’ residential projects of the 1940s and 1950s, the Eames Pavilion System translates the Eameses’ pioneering architectural concepts into a fully engineered modular construction system designed for fl exibility, interior adaptability, and long-term evolution. Conceived as an integrated kit of parts with repeatable structural modules, interchangeable roof types, facade infi lls, glazing, textiles, and accessory offerings, the system refl ects Charles and Ray Eames’ belief that architecture should function as an adaptable framework for life and work rather than a fi xed object. Emphasizing spatial generosity, material clarity, and the relationship between architecture and human experience, the presentation refl ects Kettal’s broader approach to creating environments that move between exterior, architectural, and interior confi gurations.
9, Jun 2026
OneAssist Partners with Furnishka to Redefine Furniture Ownership in India with Protection Plans at Purchase
India , June 9 : OneAssist , India’s InsurTech company, today announces a partnership with Furnishka, one of India’s trusted furniture and home décor retail destinations, to launch structured protection plans for furniture across all Furnishka stores. With furniture representing one of the largest and most emotionally significant purchases Indian households make, the partnership aims to close a long-standing protection gap in the category one that leaves most consumers financially exposed when damage or wear strikes.
Furniture has historically lacked a robust protection ecosystem in India. Accidental spills and structural damage are generally not covered under standard warranties, leaving consumers to bear the full cost of repairs or replacement, often running into significant sums. The OneAssist–Furnishka partnership directly addresses this gap by making protection accessible at the very moment of purchase.
Protection Plans
Two protection plans are being introduced under this collaboration, each designed to address a distinct consumer need.
- Accidental & Liquid Damage Plan: Provides coverage for physical and liquid damage to sofas, beds, chairs, tables, storage units, mattresses, and home décor items protecting consumers against the most unpredictable and common causes of furniture damage.This is over and above the manufacturer’s comprehensive 3 years warranty
- Furniture Maintenance Plan: Designed to maintain and preserve the condition of sofas and furniture after the first year of ownership, encompassing services such as polishing, termite protection, and professional cleaning.
Both plans are available as opt-in purchases at Furnishka stores at heavily discounted prices.
Commenting on the partnership, Abhishek Maheshwari, Chief Executive Officer of OneAssist, said:
“For the Indian consumer, furniture is far more than a functional purchase; it is an extension of their identity and a reflection of their aspirations. It is also, in most cases, a significant financial commitment. At OneAssist, we believe in protecting what matters most to the consumer. Collaborating with Furnishka, one of the trusted names in Indian furniture retail, allows us to bring this philosophy to a category that has been underserved for far too long. We are excited to offer consumers not just beautiful furniture, but complete peace of mind.”
The launch is part of OneAssist’s broader strategy to expand protection solutions beyond personal electronics into high-value lifestyle categories. With furniture ownership cycles often extending over several years and repair or replacement costs that can run into tens of thousands of rupees, structured protection plans represent a meaningful financial safety net for Indian households. Furnishka’s store network provides the scale and reach needed to bring these plans to consumers at the moment they matter most at t- he point of purchase.
9, Jun 2026
Parlini Land Launches Multilingual Children’s Language Learning App
App offers low-stimulation, play-based educational games that enable families around the world to raise digitally literate children in their heritage or second language
MALTA, June 9: Parlini Land, a multilingual educational app that enables children to learn up to 11 different languages, has launched on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Created for children ages three to eight, Parlini Land offers a library of quality, play-based educational games that feature fun, low-stimulation screen time. Activities on the app include number tracing, spelling, colour and shape recognition, matching, counting, flashcards, puzzles, and more. Parlini Land gives families around the world the ability to raise digitally literate children in their heritage or second language.
“The impetus for creating Parlini Land started when I became a mother,” explained Francesca Borg Bellanti, Parlini Land’s founder. “I noticed a gap that millions of families face but rarely talk about: the internet is overwhelmingly in English. For families who speak another language, whether it’s Arabic, Hindi, Irish, Polish, or Greek, it can be incredibly hard to find screen time that is genuinely engaging, age-appropriate, safe, and educational in their language. That’s the problem we’re solving with Parlini Land.”
Parlini Land is teacher-approved. The app supports language learning in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Greek, Irish, Hindi, Arabic, Swedish, and Polish. The immersive user experience features real human voices (not AI) in the child’s chosen language. The experience is calm and designed for low stimulation. It’s engaging, not addictive.
Borg Bellanti added, “Parlini Land is for bilingual families, perhaps in diaspora communities, who where parents want to keep a heritage language alive at home. We enable parents to introduce a new language naturally through play. The alternative is to surrender to English being the language of childhood, which is the risk parents face when every game, cartoon, and app a child interacts with is in English.”
9, Jun 2026
UP Targets Additional 2 GW Data Center Capacity by 2030; New Investor-Friendly Policy on the Anvil
New Delhi, June 8: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has set a target of developing more than 2 GW of additional data center capacity in Uttar Pradesh by 2030. He said, “Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital infrastructure are the key foundations of the future economy. Therefore, Uttar Pradesh must begin making concrete preparations now to assume a leading role in this sector.”
During a review of the Uttar Pradesh Data Center Policy-2021, the Chief Minister directed officials to formulate a new policy that is more attractive, practical, and aligned with investors’ expectations.
He emphasized that the proposed policy should prioritize AI-enabled data centers, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable green data centers, world-class digital infrastructure, fast-track approval mechanisms, uninterrupted power supply, and enhanced connectivity, so that Uttar Pradesh can emerge as the most preferred destination for data center investments in the country.
The Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, informed the Chief Minister that Uttar Pradesh is expected to account for approximately 8 to 9 percent of the country’s total data center capacity by 2026.
He noted that under the Data Center Policy-2021, the state had set a target of developing 900 MW of capacity and attracting investments worth ₹30,000 crore. Against this target, investment proposals worth ₹21,342.90 crore have already been approved, and Letters of Comfort have been issued to investors.
At present, six data center parks and two standalone data center units are operational in the state, while work is progressing on a committed capacity of 644 MW.
Discussing various provisions of the proposed new Data Center Policy, the Chief Minister stated that incentives related to land, capital, and loans, along with concessions on stamp duty, electricity duty, transmission charges, and wheeling charges, should be made even more effective.
He also directed officials to develop a special incentive framework to promote high-capacity AI-based computing infrastructure.
The Chief Minister said,
“Data center parks establishing advanced AI computing resources in accordance with prescribed standards should be provided additional benefits, thereby accelerating the development of AI-driven digital infrastructure in the state.”
Highlighting the importance of green and sustainable growth in the data center sector, the Chief Minister said, “Units and parks achieving high-level green data center certifications should be provided additional financial incentives.”
Officials informed the meeting about the progress of ongoing projects in the state, noting that several major companies, including the Hiranandani Group, NTT Global Data Centers, Adani Group, ST Telemedia, SKVR Software Solutions, WebWerks, and Sify, are currently implementing projects. These initiatives are contributing significantly to the development of large-scale digital infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh.
The meeting also reviewed potential investment proposals. Officials stated that several national and international investors have expressed interest in developing data centers with a combined capacity of 5,410 MW in the state. These projects are expected to attract potential investments of approximately ₹4.90 lakh crore.
Proposed investments include projects from major investors such as AM Green, Trifecta Connex, Essar, Groo Energy, Golden State Capital, Mapletree, CtrlS, and Nxtra, among others.
Opportunities for these investments are being developed across various locations, including Noida, the Yamuna Expressway region, Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Meerut, and Sitapur.
The Chief Minister said,
“Data center development should not remain confined to the NCR region alone. Data center clusters should also be developed in other suitable cities and regions across the state so that the benefits of digital investments and employment opportunities can reach a larger part of Uttar Pradesh.”
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9, Jun 2026
Tenable Partners with Anthropic for AI-Driven Exposure Management
Anthropic to help power Tenable Hexa AI and join EXPOSURE 2026 to discuss the future of AI and cybersecurity
Dubai, UAE June 9: Tenable® Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TENB), the exposure management company, today announced new AI initiatives with Anthropic to accelerate agentic capabilities across the Tenable One Exposure Management Platform as organizations confront a rapidly evolving threat landscape shaped by frontier AI.
The initiatives include new Claude-powered workflows in Tenable Hexa AI. Anthropic will also participate in EXPOSURE 2026 this week in Boston, where industry leaders are discussing how frontier AI is reshaping both cyber risk and defense.
Tenable Hexa AI is the agentic engine of the Tenable One Exposure Management Platform, built to turn exposure intelligence into coordinated action at machine speed. Fueled by the Tenable Exposure Data Fabric, which combines native telemetry, third-party data, and insights from Tenable Research, Tenable Hexa AI helps organizations prioritize and remediate cyber risk across the modern attack surface.
The speed and scale of modern cyber risk has outpaced traditional security approaches, leaving organizations struggling to keep up. Tenable is advancing a future where AI doesn’t just identify risk, but helps organizations reduce it through intelligent orchestration and automated action.
“The volume of exposures is increasing, the time between discovery and exploit is shrinking, and security teams need a fundamentally different approach. That’s why Tenable has developed a deep working relationship with Anthropic,” said Mark Thurmond, co-CEO of Tenable. “With Claude-fueled innovations we are accelerating R&D and our exposure management roadmap, while rapidly advancing solutions like Tenable Hexa AI so customers can strengthen their preemptive security programs, powered by agentic workflows.”
Tenable will apply Claude to real-world cybersecurity operations, including prioritization, remediation orchestration, and exposure analysis across modern attack surfaces.
“As AI reshapes cybersecurity, organizations need to integrate AI into their security operations,” said Jason Clinton, Deputy CISO, Anthropic. “We’re excited to work with Tenable to apply Claude’s capabilities to help customers better understand risk, prioritize action, and respond faster.”
Today’s announcement builds on the general availability of Tenable Hexa AI, announced separately at EXPOSURE 2026.
9, Jun 2026
Bengal’s Rarest Nawabi Mangoes Take Centre Stage at Murshidabad Mango Festival 2026
Kolkata / Murshidabad, June 09: The Murshidabad Mango Festival 2026 got off to a spirited start with its curtain-raiser at iLEAD, Kolkata, drawing heritage enthusiasts, food lovers and travellers for a preview of one of Bengal’s most distinctive seasonal celebrations. Presented jointly by the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) and House of Sheherwali, the month-long festival runs throughout June 2026 at Azimganj, Murshidabad.
The event brought Murshidabad’s legendary Nawabi mango culture to the city, showcasing rare cultivars seldom found beyond the district’s centuries-old orchards. Among the varieties on display were the Kohitur, once reserved for Nawabi courts, celebrated for its saffron-like aroma; the Rani, floral and known as the “queen” of local mangoes; Bimli, small and intensely sweet with paper-thin skin; and the bold and deep-hued Kala Pahar. Also present were the varieties Bombai, Champa, Mulayamjaam, Dilpasand, Anaras, Chandankosa, Rogni and Saranga providing a glimpse into Murshidabad’s extraordinary treasury of over 150 cultivars.
The event was graced by a distinguished gathering that highlighted the festival‘s growing significance. Among those present were the Honorary Consul Generals of Brazil, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, and Norway, alongside prominent restaurateurs, former District Governors of Rotary Club, and principals of prominent schools of Kolkata. They were treated to traditional mango delicacies prepared from age-old Sheherwali recipes like Aam Panna, Kacha Aam Kheer, Mango Sandesh, artisanal chutneys, and seasonal sherbets, each dish a testament to the community’s deep culinary legacy.
“Murshidabad‘s mangoes are not merely fruit they are living heritage, carrying centuries of royal patronage, artistic devotion, and cultural memory. Through this festival, we aim to preserve them and thus, preserve Bengal’s soul. We want people to experience these mangoes where they truly belong, in the orchards of Murshidabad.”, said Mr Pradip Chopra, President of Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) and Founder of House of Sheherwali.
The festival is currently underway at the House of Sheherwali, a heritage mansion that stands as India’s first museum hotel, where you can stay. Its courtyards, galleries and rooms narrate centuries of Bengal’s Nawabi era from river trade and royal craftsmanship to architecture and sustainable living traditions of the historic Sheherwali Jain merchant community. The month-long festival, held throughout June, offers curated 2-night and 3-night immersive stay packages that include orchard walks, Sheherwali meals, cultural activities and complimentary pickup from Azimganj Railway Station.
Murshidabad is now conveniently accessible from Kolkata via the Vande Bharat Express, connecting Howrah to Azimganj in just 2.5 hours. Overnight express services from Kolkata also serve the route. With limited festival packages available, early booking is strongly encouraged.
9, Jun 2026
Synack Expands CREST Partnership with New Certification Pathways for the Synack Red Team
96% readBuilding on seven years of CREST accreditation, Synack deepens its commitment to independently verified security talent by adding two new CREST certifications to the SRT Pathways program
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—Synack, the Human + AI penetration testing platform, today announced an expansion of its longstanding partnership with CREST , an international not-for-profit organization that sets the standard for technical security testing.
The expansion adds two new CREST certifications to the Synack Red Team (SRT) Pathways program , giving CREST-certified security researchers a direct route to join the SRT and giving enterprise customers additional assurance that the researchers behind their engagements hold independently verified credentials.
Synack has been a CREST Accredited Member Company for Penetration Testing since 2019, a designation that requires annual renewals and triennial full audits of the company’s methodology, data security handling, and technical operations. This expansion deepens that relationship by extending CREST’s independent standard to the individual researcher layer.
The SRT Pathways program now recognizes two additional CREST certifications:
– CREST Certified Tester Infrastructure (CCT INF) — mapping to host and infrastructure assessment
– CREST Certified Tester Application (CCT APP) — mapping to web application testing
They join the CREST Registered Penetration Tester (CRT), which has been recognized in SRT Pathways since the program launched. Researchers who hold any of these credentials receive expedited onboarding consideration and a reliable path for greater earning potential.
The SRT is one of the most selective communities in offensive security. Fewer than 10% of applicants are accepted, with each researcher passing background checks, technical assessments, skills validation, and ongoing performance review before touching a customer environment. CREST certifications sit alongside that as a second, independent benchmark — one that is increasingly meaningful for organizations operating under frameworks such as DORA, NIS2, and TIBER-EU, where vendor credentialing is becoming part of procurement diligence.
As a multinational company with customers and researchers spanning the globe, Synack recognizes that CREST carries particular weight in EMEA markets, where enterprise security teams and regulated organizations increasingly treat independent credentialing as an important procurement signal.
“A pentest is only as strong as the researchers running it,” said Ryan Rutan, Sr. Director of Community at Synack. “Expanding the CREST certifications recognized on SRT Pathways adds independent validation to the rigor our customers already count on from the Synack Red Team. And for CREST-certified researchers, it creates a clear, structured path to put those credentials to work on real engagements.”
“CREST has been valuable in my career, especially when working in the MEA and EU markets where it is widely expected,” said SRT member Nikhil K. “It makes it easier for recruiters and organizations to identify qualified talent because CREST is recognized and trusted. It is considered a gold standard in pentesting, so having it adds credibility and can help open up better opportunities.”
“Our partnership with Synack gives CREST-Certified penetration testers a direct path into one of the most selective research communities in the world,” said Michael Keen, Senior Product Manager – Workforce Development at CREST. “That’s good for researchers building careers in offensive security, it’s good for maintaining high standards to advance testing methodologies, and it’s good for the organisations that rely on independently credentialed talent to protect their most critical environments.”
CREST-certified researchers interested in joining the Synack Red Team can learn more and apply through the Synack Red Team Pathways program .
Enterprise customers looking to understand how CREST accreditation and independently verified researcher credentials strengthen their penetration testing programs can learn more at Synack or contact Synack to discuss their security testing needs.
