Author: Neel Achary

Kerala’s First and Largest Apple Premium Partner Store to Open Soon at LuLu Mall, Kochi

Hyderabad, June 2 2025 – Imagine proudly announces the launch of Kerala’s first and largest Apple Premium Partner (APP) Store at LuLu Mall, Kochi. This flagship destination, powered by Ample, India’s most trusted Apple expert, promises to redefine the tech retail experience in the state. With world-class design, immersive product experiences, and expert support, the new Imagine APP Store is set to become Kerala’s go-to hub for all things Apple.

“We always knew this would be a blockbuster, so we marketed it like one,” said Neha Jindal, Chief Marketing Officer at Ample. “From the cinematic teasers to the dramatic reveal, our goal was to build excitement and anticipation. And now, we’re thrilled to reveal the real star – a one-of-its-kind store experience designed especially for the Apple fans of Kerala.”

Spanning a spacious footprint and constructed to Apple’s latest global design standards, Imagine at LuLu Mall isn’t just a retail outlet — it’s an immersive Apple experience. From hands-on product trials to guided demos by trained experts, the store will offer everything Apple in an environment that brings together style, simplicity, and technology.

“This isn’t just about opening a store. It’s about setting a new benchmark for what technology retail can be in Kerala,” said Partha Sarathi Bhattacharyya, Chief Business Officer at Ample. “We are proud to bring Kochi to a destination that reflects Apple’s vision – a space where customers can discover, learn, and fall in love with technology all over again.”

Grand Launch: 30 May | 5:30 PM | LuLu Mall, Kochi

And in true blockbuster style, the grand unveiling will be led by none other than actor-director and hometown favourite, Basil Joseph. Known for his cinematic flair and beloved across the state, Basil is the perfect choice to usher in Kerala’s biggest tech moment.

The launch event promises to be a one-of-a-kind celebration where cinema meets cutting-edge technology, and Kerala meets Apple — like never before. Attendees can expect an evening of high-energy entertainment, hands-on Apple experiences, and exclusive store launch offers.

With Apple-trained staff, world-class service, and Ample’s legacy of customer-first excellence, the new Imagine store at LuLu Mall is more than a retail destination — it’s the beginning of a new Apple journey for Kerala.

Serum Institute of India Launches Nationwide HPV-Cancer Public Awareness Campaign

Pune: The “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025” was launched today in Pune as part of a nationwide public health initiative led by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

India continues to face a significant burden of HPV-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer, which remains the second most common cancer among women in the country. According to the ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023), India reports over 1.23 lakh new cervical cancer cases and more than 77,000 related deaths annually. Apart from this up to 90% of anal cancers & 63% of penile cancers are associated with HPV.

At the Pune event, a panel of medical specialists engaged in an in-depth discussion about the public health implications of HPV. The panel included:

· Dr. Meenu Agarwal – Consultant Gynaecologist Infertility Specialist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Incoming Vice President FOGSI 2026, Sec. General-International Society of Gynecological Endoscopy

· Dr. Shirish Kankariya – Practicing Pediatrician at Shishumoh Clinic, Inamdar Hospital, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. Treasurer, IAP Pune, 2021, President, IAP Pune, 2024

· Dr. Mahima Lalwani – Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Infertility Specialist and Director at Lalwani Mother and Child Care Hospital, Pune

The session was moderated by Dr. Sanjay K. Lalwani – Vice Principal, Medical Director Professor & Head- Department of Pediatrics, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College & Hospital, Pune. IAP-ICP Governing Council Member 2024-26. Together, they highlighted the pressing need for awareness, the importance of reaching both adolescents and parents, and the role of healthcare providers in guiding preventive care.

The speakers emphasized that HPV is not limited to cervical cancer alone. It is also associated with cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx, affecting both men and women. With peak HPV infection occurring between ages 15 to 25, early awareness and timely preventive action are essential. With an affordable HPV vaccine now available, it has become still more easier to protect every individual from HPV associated cancers.

“Through these conclaves held across the country, we aim to increase understanding of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to cervical and other cancers,” said Parag Deshmukh, Executive Director, Serum Institute of India. “By bringing together medical experts, healthcare workers, and community members, the forum encourages open dialogue and practical steps toward early detection and prevention.”

The Pune conclave concluded with an open dialogue involving audience members, reinforcing the broader goal of the campaign: to reduce the burden of preventable cancers through informed decision-making and community engagement. The initiative will continue in cities across the country in the coming months, creating platforms for credible voices in healthcare to educate and empower the public.

Serum Institute of India, headquartered in Pune, is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume and has played a longstanding role in advancing public health in India and globally.

Global Day of Parents: Rediscovering family’s favorites with modern projectors

Before compellingly addictive smartphones divided what used to be shared screen time, families gathered every evening to relish their favourite shows, films or sporting events together. Smart projectors may just be reviving that nostalgic era and bringing families together with their compelling features. The growing popularity of new age projectors has been elucidated by a recent study by Global Market Insights Inc. It indicates that the laser projector market, valued at USD 15.5 billion in 2023, is projected to be worth USD 69.9 billion by the end of 2032.

Sushil Motwani—Founder of Aytexcel Pvt. Ltd. and the official India representative of Formovie says projectors are dominating the home entertainment market because of advantageous features like a large screen, potential benefits for eye health, cost-effectiveness and convenience. ” I would say without hesitation that modern projectors are transforming family entertainment by offering an opportunity to share meaningful screen time. Families are once again enjoying classic movie nights, favourite shows and sporting events at home thanks to the immersive viewing experience that projectors provide. Their easy usability also facilitates family bonding over shared stories, ” says Mr Motwani.

He points out that products like Formovie’s Cinema Edge are particularly being favoured by families as they are simple to use and offer world-class sound, plug-and-play ease, app compatibility and seamless streaming convenience. They are also better for eye health than televisions which cause screen fatigue after extended binge watching sessions.

“The larger than life images that were once only associated with cinema theatres can now be savoured right at home by the entire family. This naturally encourages collective engagement and brings people together, minimising isolation that individual screen time fosters. Modern projectors are also portable, do not need a dedicated space and can turn any indoor or outdoor location into a mini theatre. Added features like voice control, intuitive interfaces and integration with popular streaming platforms, make them family-friendly as well,” adds Mr Motwani.

The ease of maintenance is another advantage that families can enjoy. As Mr Motwani explains, “Generally, projectors with laser light sources have a longer lifespan than those with traditional lamps. Traditional projector lamps typically last 2,000 to 4,000 hours, while laser projectors can last 20,000 to 30,000 hours or more.”

Home entertainment, he says, should be a cross-generational experience and smart projectors create memorable viewing experiences for every member of the family, be it a young child watching ‘Frozen’ for the umpteenth time or grandparents watching black-and-white classics from the 60s.

“Many of our clients tell us that they are recording memories and making home movies to screen them during family gatherings. This just goes to show what a powerful role technology can play in nourishing family bonds. We are thrilled that projectors like Formovie’s Cinema Edge are turning passive viewing into shared experiences that will be remembered for generations,” concludes Mr Motwani.

Jockey Redefines Youthful Athleisure Wear through the Launch of ‘JKY GrooveTM’ Collection

National, 02 June 2025: Jockey, the brand known for innerwear, sleepwear, and athleisure, today announced the launch of its latest JKY GrooveTM collection, a style-forward athleisure range for young adults aged 18 to 24. Available exclusively in 52 Jockey exclusive stores across India and company’s website – www.jockey.in, Groove is designed to appeal to the tastes of a fashion-forward, comfort-seeking, and socially active audience, bringing a youthful energy to Jockey’s offerings.

The JKY GrooveTM collection captures the vibrant spirit of Gen Z with trend-driven designs that prioritize both style and ease. Infused with Jockey’s signature comfort, Groove offers a fresh take on athleisure, empowering young adults to express their unique identity with confidence.

“At Jockey, we aim to keep up with the pace of today’s fast-paced lifestyles of our customers while retaining our core values of bringing in a blend of comfort and quality, the core features that we are known for. Our new line features a stylish, range of athleisure that connects with the Gen Z audience in a manner that feels authentic and relevant,” said Nihal Rajan, Chief Marketing Officer, Jockey India. “The Groove collection redefines athleisure by delivering pieces that are not only designed for comfort but also to make a statement. This new line delivers an effortless, groovy vibe that aligns perfectly with Gen Z’s rhythm and sense of identity. Featuring oversized fits and youthful cuts, the collection offers a versatile range of wardrobe staples including t-shirts, hoodies, multi-utility cargos, crop tops, and tank tops, elevating everyday wear with a trend-forward aesthetic. Thoughtfully designed for both form and function, each piece combines contemporary silhouettes with on-trend details that inspire freedom of movement and creative expression”.

Since its inception, Jockey’s trajectory has steadily evolved from an innerwear brand to becoming a household name as a leading lifestyle brand. With an ever-evolving range of everyday essentials and athleisure among others, the brand continues to align itself towards modern tastes and preferences that reflect both changing fashion sensibilities and a commitment to comfort-led design.

Jaipuria School of Business Hosts 14th Convocation Ceremony, Honours Academic Excellence

Ghaziabad, June 2, 2025

Jaipuria School of Business (JSB), Ghaziabad, hosted its 14th Convocation Ceremony on May 31, 2025. The event marked the successful graduation of 135 students from the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) Batch of 2023–2025, signifying not only academic achievement but also a new beginning filled with promise and purpose.

The convocation was graced by Chief Guest Ms. Preeti Bajaj, Managing Director & CEO of Luminous Power Technologies. She began her speech by acknowledging the 80-year legacy of the Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions. Delivering the convocation address, she recounted her own journey into the world of business to inspire the graduating batch. She shared the mantra of 3B’s to growth: Be Bold, Build, and Be a Bridge.

She said, “Be bold enough to challenge conventions. Don’t just follow the norm – question, innovate and lead with courage. Secondly, be builders. Don’t settle for being just managers. Think beyond your current role. Build relationships, network and teams. Last but not the least, be the bridge that brings people together, be a collaborator. That is the kind of attitude and ability the world is looking for.”

Delivering his Address, Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman, Jaipuria Group of Institutions, reiterated the institution’s vision to nurture responsible leaders equipped with knowledge, integrity, and a passion to make a difference in the business world and beyond. He urged the graduates to be lifelong learners, keep their egos in check, and develop the resilience and adaptability needed to navigate the complexities of a globalized economy.

Dr. Rajiv R. Thakur, Director General, presented the Annual Report, showcasing JSB’s significant achievements in academic innovation, industry engagement, and student development over the past year. He applauded the students for their perseverance and commitment, particularly in embracing a learning culture that is both industry-relevant and value-driven.

The highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of diplomas to the graduating students, alongside special awards recognizing outstanding academic excellence. The Gold medal was presented to student Kanika Jain, who also walked away with the Best Girl Student Award. The silver medal was given to Achint Aggarwal and bronze to Tushar Pradhan. The Dr. Rajaram Jaipuria Achievers’ Award was presented to the B-school’s alumnus Rohit Singh, Finance and Risk Specialist at Barclays, Alumnus (Batch 2016–2018).

The celebration brought together parents, alumni, faculty, board members, and eminent guests from industry and academia, all gathered to honor the hard work, dedication, and aspirations of the graduating class.

UGRO Capital Announces Rs400 Crore Rights Issue at Rs162 per Share

Mumbai, June2, 2025: UGRO Capital, India’s leading DataTech driven MSME Financing NBFC, today announced that its Securities Allotment & Transfer Committee has approved the final terms of its Rights Issue. This decision follows the Board’s May 20, 2025, announcement of a ₹915 Crore preferential CCD issuance and a concurrent proposal to offer up to ₹400 Crore on a rights basis to existing public shareholders.

Under the approved terms, UGRO Capital will offer new equity shares totalling up to ₹400 Crore at a price of ₹162 per share. This pro-rata offering ensures that all existing public shareholders have a fair opportunity to maintain their stake and guard against dilution as the Company continues to expand its balance sheet and deepen its DataTech advantage in serving India’s underserved MSMEs.

Commitments totalling over ₹250 Crore—including ₹150 Crore from IFU (Investment Fund for Developing Countries, Denmark), and ₹34 Crore from the Promoter, Promoter-group and employees in rights issue, underscore strong institutional and management confidence in UGRO’s strategy. The Rights Issue builds on the Company’s recent performance, which saw Assets Under Management grow to ₹12,003 Crore and profit before tax more than double to ₹203 Crore in FY 2024–25, while maintaining a healthy capital adequacy ratio.

Mr. Shachindra Nath, Founder & Managing Director of UGRO Capital said, “At UGRO Capital, we are consistently adding ₹3,000 Crore in AUM year-on-year. Given the strong growth momentum and steady portfolio quality we are witnessing, this capital raise would ensure that our growth trajectory remains unhindered. By offering every shareholder the opportunity to subscribe at ₹162 per share which is in line with the pricing of preferential allotment of CCD we are ensuring that Public Shareholders have the opportunity to participate in the growth journey of the company as well. Our growing AUM and profitability, coupled with a strengthened capital adequacy ratio post this infusion, position UGRO to scale its credit delivery and support the financial needs of small businesses across India.”

InCred Capital is serving as our financial advisor and SNG & Partners as our legal advisor for this Rights Issue as well as our previous equity capital raise.

Ignition 4.0: Reigniting Purpose, Driving Performance – PBPartners Celebrates Its Sales Force Across India

PBPartners, the PoSP arm of Policybazaar, launches Ignition 4.0, a powerful, pan-India initiative designed to energise, motivate, and reward its internal sales teams for their relentless contribution to the organisation’s growth in FY24–25, and is now gearing up for an ambitious FY25–26.

 Ignition 4.0 spans 8 cities, bringing together all PBPartners sales employees through on-ground events, workshops, and training modules, providing them with practical insights and direction for the road ahead.

 Central to this initiative is ‘The PBP Way’– seven core principles that define the company’s culture and performance ethos: Discipline, Ownership, Execution, Innovation, Agility, Collaboration, and Customer Obsession.

 These values are being reinforced in everyday decision-making and performance goals. Through focused discussions and workshops:
● Discipline is being strengthened by setting clear targets and tracking results
● Ownership is being encouraged by assigning personal accountability to regional managers and leaders
● Execution is being driven through a relentless focus on action, outcomes, and consistency

 “Ignition 4.0 is more than an internal program and is a movement to reiterate our values, celebrate our people, and set the tone for the new fiscal year. Through this platform, we aim to empower every member of our sales team to take ownership, stay focused, and execute with purpose,” said Neeraj Adhana, National Sales Head at PBPartners.

  Ignition 4.0 also marks PBPartners’ intent to amplify its impact across geographies. It reflects the organisation’s commitment to building a resilient workforce across Bharat that can navigate the evolving insurance landscape with agility and purpose.

 As PBPartners continues to push boundaries in the PoSP space, Ignition 4.0 stands as a powerful symbol of appreciation, alignment, and ambition, fueling a culture where every employee feels connected, valued, and ready to take on the future.

Launched under the visionary leadership of Neeraj Adhana, National Sales Head at PBPartners, Ignition has evolved into a cornerstone initiative for the organization, anchored in driving motivation, celebrating excellence, and reinforcing the company’s long-term strategic direction.

 While Ignition 3.0 focused on agent partners, aiming to deepen engagement, promote collaboration, and provide tools and strategies for their growth, Ignition 4.0 is dedicated exclusively to PBPartners’ internal sales teams. Its core objective is to appreciate their hard work in FY 24-25 while energizing and preparing them for success in FY 25-26.

 “Ignition 4.0 is more than an internal program and is a movement to reiterate our values, celebrate our people, and set the tone for the new fiscal year,” said Neeraj Adhana, National Sales Head, PBPartners. “Through this platform, we aim to empower every member of our sales team to take ownership, stay focused, and execute with purpose.”

 Spanning 8 cities across India, Ignition 4.0 adopts a Pan-India approach, moving beyond its earlier North India focus. The program will bring together all PBPartners sales employees through on-ground events, workshops, and training modules, providing them with practical insights and direction for the road ahead.

 At the heart of this edition lies the “PBP Way”—a framework of 7 guiding principles that shape the organization’s work ethic and culture. This year’s Ignition reinforces three core principles:
● Discipline: Through clearly defined targets and continuous progress tracking
● Ownership: By assigning personal accountability to Regional Managers and leaders
● Execution: With a strong emphasis on action-oriented goals

 The program is being led by Neeraj Adhana along with PBPartners’ Regional Managers, ensuring strong leadership direction throughout the initiative. As PBPartners continues to scale new heights in the PoSP ecosystem, Ignition 4.0 plays a crucial role in aligning teams with the company’s vision, growth strategy, and culture of high performance.

Sudha Reddy Puts Hyderabad on Global Stage as Miss World’s First-Ever Global Ambassador

Hyderabad: June 02, 2025: Making history for Hyderabad once again, billionaire heiress and global humanitarian Sudha Reddy illuminated the 72nd Miss World Festival finale with her regal presence, marking a momentous occasion as she was formally appointed the first-ever Global Ambassador for the Miss World Organization. The appointment heralds a new era for the renowned pageant and underscores Reddy’s unwavering dedication to philanthropy and global betterment.

MEIL Director Sudha Reddy’s appointment follows the felicitation of Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation Nita Ambani who was bestowed with the Miss World Humanitarian Award last year, setting a precedent for Indian women leaders to engage in global humanitarian efforts.

Sudha Reddy, embodying sophisticated grace, captivated attention at the event in a custom Tarun Tahiliani saree, a true testament to artistry and craftsmanship. Her saree featured a delicate blush Kanjeevaram base in authentic zari, woven with a William Morris-inspired pattern of flowers and vines in subtle shades of jade, Mughal mango, and coral, creating a fresh, summery effect. The design cleverly blurred the lines between saree and gown, featuring an extra-long, trailing pallu and lace wings adorned with raffia, resham, crystals, and French knots, cascading in a romantic and sensual array of elements. Sudha Reddy presented herself as a powerful symbol of feminine strength. The ensemble, much like Sudha herself, was both deeply rooted and forward-looking. It was not designed for mere spectacle, but shaped by profound meaning, crafted to honor heritage while embracing the future with clarity and purpose. Completing the regal aura, a breathtaking 250-carat neckpiece, meticulously set in white gold with lush emeralds, fiery rubies, serene sapphires and brilliant diamonds, adorned her neckline.

In her new role as the Global Ambassador for Beauty With A Purpose, the Miss World Organization’s charitable arm, Reddy will champion global outreach, promote crucial humanitarian efforts and share inspiring stories from around the world.

In anticipation of the final competition, Reddy orchestrated the opulent Beauty With A Purpose Gala, held at her private residence, Mon Amour Palais and featuring the participation of 108 contestants. The event was showcased in Times Square, New York, representing a signal moment for the state of Telangana.

In her acceptance speech, Sudha Reddy, a passionate advocate for Indian craftsmanship and heritage, expressed deep emotion upon receiving the award. She emphasized the personal significance of being recognized in her home state, surrounded by her community, and conveyed her enthusiasm for the responsibilities of her new role, whilst thanking the Telangana government and tourism board for their support towards impeccably hosting the pageant in the state.

Julia Morley, Chairperson and Founder of the Miss World Organization, presented the award to Sudha Reddy, expressing sincere gratitude for her support and congratulating her on her significant new role. Following the recognition, Reddy presented the Beauty With A Purpose Award to Miss Indonesia.

In addition to this prestigious ambassadorship, Reddy served on the jury for the Miss World 2025 Grand Finale, contributing her expertise and unique global perspective to the selection of the titleholder.

The Miss World event’s return to India after nearly 30 years marks a historic occasion. Hyderabad welcomed delegates from over 100 nations to celebrate beauty, culture, and purpose. Beauty With A Purpose, established in 1972, remains the core of the Miss World Organization, dedicated to funding and supporting humanitarian projects addressing critical issues such as child health, women’s rights, education, and disaster relief.

Sudha Reddy is a distinguished philanthropist, businesswoman, and cultural ambassador. As Director of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), she has demonstrated a commitment to corporate social responsibility, commaunity development, and wellness programs. She chairs the Sudha Reddy Foundation, focusing on education and empowerment, with partnerships including UNICEF and the Global Gift Foundation. Reddy is also known for her appearances at high-profile events like the Met Gala, Paris Olympics, and Cannes Film Festival, using these platforms to further her philanthropic endeavours.