Category Archives: News

Markets Cool After Record Surge; Sensex Drops 1,281 pts as Profit-Booking Kicks In—PL Capital’s Vikram Kasat Sees Constructive Undertone

By-Mr. Vikram Kasat, Head – Advisory, PL Capital

“After Monday’s euphoric 4% surge—the sharpest in over four years—Indian markets took a breather on Tuesday, with profit-booking weighing on frontline indices. The Sensex tumbled 1,281 points to close at 81,148.22, while the Nifty slipped 346 points to end at 24,578.35. The correction came despite upbeat investor sentiment buoyed by easing global trade tensions and ongoing foreign inflows, with FPIs pumping in $1.7 billion into equities so far this month.

While broader indices showed resilience—the BSE Midcap index ended flat and the Smallcap index gained 1%—sectoral trends were mixed. Capital goods, media, PSU banks, and pharma rose between 1% and 1.6%, while IT, metal, FMCG, oil & gas, and realty saw losses of up to 2.5%. Pharma was notably in focus after the U.S. administration announced drug price reforms. On the Nifty, top gainers included Bharat Electronics, Jio Financial, Hero MotoCorp, and Sun Pharma, while Infosys, Power Grid, TCS, and HCL Tech dragged.

The rupee held steady at 85.34 per dollar. Despite the day’s fall, I believe the underlying tone remains constructive, but investors should brace for volatility as global cues and domestic earnings shape the next leg of the rally.

Bottomline: A healthy pause after a sharp rally—markets may consolidate before resuming their upward journey.”

India’s CPI Falls to 3.16%—Lowest Since 2019, Driven by Food Disinflation; June Rate Cut Back in Play

By- Mr. Arsh Mogre, Economist, PL Capital 

“India’s headline CPI fell to 3.16 % YoY—an 18 bp drop from March and the softest print since July 2019—beating consensus by 11 bp and marking a third straight month inside the lower half of the RBI’s 2-6 % target band. The moderation is almost entirely food-led. Food inflation fell to 1.78 %, its weakest level in three-and-a-half years, as vegetables plunged -11 % YoY, pulses -5.2 %, and cereal inflation eased to 5.35 % from 5.93 % . Supply-chain normalisation after last year’s weather shock, stronger market arrivals and lower procurement prices drove the reversal.

Momentum data reinforce the turn. The all-items index rose just 0.31 % MoM, down from 0.53 % in March, while food prices actually fell -0.15 % MoM, the best early-summer reading in five years. Services remain orderly: housing held at 3.00 %, education crept to 4.13 %, health stayed at 4.25 %, and the broader core showed no evidence of second-round pass-through despite a jump in personal-care items to 12.9%. Fuel-and-light inflation picked up to 2.92 % as LPG revisions fed through, but a 16% slide in global crude and a firmer rupee continued to mute imported cost-push pressures. Regionally, rural CPI slowed to 2.92% and urban to 3.36%; the spread between the hottest (Kerala 5.9 %) and coolest large state has narrowed to barely two percentage points, signalling a genuinely broad disinflation pulse

What lies ahead? The data now anchor headline inflation around ~3 % for the next two months, with food prices cushioned by ample stocks and an above-normal-monsoon forecast, and core categories capped by subdued wage-cost pass-through. Global commodity relief and currency firmness further tame imported pressures. On current trajectories, FY-26 average CPI is set to hover near 3.7 %, keeping real policy rates above 200 bp and giving markets conviction that the Monetary Policy Committee has room to recalibrate the policy rate at its June review. Crucially, the April print shows no evidence that recent geopolitical frictions are feeding into India’s price formation. In short, the disinflation engine is firing on all cylinders, and shoring up macro-financial stability as the economy transitions into FY-26.”

MAHE Researchers Pioneer Comprehensive Review on Advanced Brain Aging Models in High-Impact Journal

Manipal, India, May 14, 2025: Researchers from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) have published a groundbreaking review that charts the future of brain aging research, potentially accelerating discoveries in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The comprehensive review titled “Transformative Advances in Modelling Brain Aging and Longevity: Success, Challenges and Future Directions” appears in the prestigious journal Ageing Research Reviews (Impact Factor 13.1), establishing MAHE’s position at the forefront of neuroscience research innovation.

Dr. Abhishek Kumar Singh, Associate Professor at the Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutic Research (MCBR), and Dr. TMA Pai Scholar Varsha Pai co-authored this significant contribution to the field, which examines the evolution from traditional research methods to cutting-edge technologies that more accurately represent human brain aging.

“Our aging population faces unprecedented challenges from neurodegenerative diseases,” said Dr. Singh. “This review critically evaluates how new modelling approaches can revolutionize our understanding of brain aging mechanisms and accelerate therapeutic development.”

The publication highlights the transition from conventional 2D cell cultures and animal models to sophisticated 3D systems such as brain organoids and brain-on-chip platforms. These advanced models more faithfully replicate human brain aging processes, providing researchers with superior tools for studying age-related neurological conditions.

Emphasizing the importance of this research Dr. Raviraja NS, Head of MCBR, said, “At MCBR, MAHE, we are passionately dedicated to driving translational research that bridges laboratory innovation with real-world impact. This comprehensive review is a testament to the high caliber of scientific inquiry conducted at MCBR. This review sets a robust foundation for developing more precise, human-relevant models to understand and combat brain aging and neurodegeneration. We believe that these efforts will significantly contribute to improving both health span and lifespan.”

MAHE supported the research by funding both the fellowship and the publication as an open-access article, ensuring maximum visibility and impact within the scientific community and beyond.

Twin Triumphs of Tenacity in CBSE 2025: Exemplary Results by SAIoneers

Mumbai, National, 13 May 2025: The SAI International Education Group is humbled to announce the exemplary achievements of its students across SAI International School (SIS) and SAI International Residential School (SIRS) in the CBSE Class X and XII Board Examinations, on 13 May 2025, setting an unbroken legacy of 100% first-division results in both the schools since inception.

In the All-India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE), SAIoneer Dhiraj Dhanuka topped the Commerce stream with an outstanding 98.8%. Anoushka Panda stood tall as the Humanities topper with 98.2%, while N. Shreya Amolika led the Science stream with an impressive 98%. In Class XII, 100% of students scored above 60 percent, with 20.27% securing more than 95 percent, 44.6% achieving above 90 percent, and 91.5% scoring more than 75 percent. The school average stood at a remarkable 88.80%, with stream-wise averages of 88.28% in Science, 89.08% in Commerce, and 89.05% in Humanities.

The stellar performances in the CBSE Class X Board Examinations further reinforced the school’s commitment to academic distinction. SAIoneer Aahana Parija emerged as one of the toppers with 99.2%, followed by Harsh Agarwall with 98.8%, securing the second position. The third rank was jointly held by Anushka Panda, Vallabh Sairaman Agrawalla, and Swagat Mohapatro, each scoring 98.6%. All students scored above 60%, with 21.72% securing above 95 percent, 59.22% scoring above 90 percent, and 93.23% achieving more than 75 percent, resulting in an impressive school average of 88.82%.

At SAI International Residential School (SIRS), the students celebrated equally noteworthy success. In Class XII, SAIoneers Nikhit Kasera and Shiksha Banka, both from the Commerce stream, secured the top position with 98%, while Humanities students Nitya Sethia and Kasish Gupta scored 97%. In the Science stream, Preeyansh Tibrewal stood out with 96%. 100% of students scored above 60 percent, with 18.4% securing over 95 percent, 39.16% above 90 percent, and 86.41% scoring more than 75 percent. The school average reached 87.69%, with stream averages of 87.20% in Science, 88.07% in Humanities, and 87.81% in Commerce.

SIRS also witnessed a commendable performance in the Class X Board Examinations. SAIoneer Archit Agarwal topped the residential wing with a stellar 97.2%, followed by Shiv Agnihotri with 96.6% in second place, and Mayank Kumar Beria securing third position with 94.2%. The school recorded a strong overall average of 83.01%, once again reflecting its unwavering focus on nurturing academic achievers and providing a foundation of excellence.

Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, remarked, “This dual triumph epitomizes the synergy of day-school dynamism and residential resilience. At SIS, innovation thrives in collaborative classrooms; at SIRS, discipline merges with the balance of body, mind and soul. These results are not mere percentages—they are echoes of midnight oil burned, mentors’ tireless guidance, and parents’ unwavering faith. Together, we sculpt scholars who excel not just in exams, but as architects of tomorrow.”

“I am truly grateful for this achievement and owe my success to the constant support and encouragement of my parents, teachers,and mentors. The structured guidance, regular assessments, and personalised attention at SAI International played a vital role in helping us stay focused and confident throughout our journey. I am proud to represent a school that always motivates me and my peers to aim high and be the best version of ourselves.” – reflected, Class XII Topper Dhiraj Dhanuka (98.8%, Commerce, Class XII Topper SIS).

I am elated with my scores and can’t wait to tell my parents. The environment at SAI International Residential School helped me stay disciplined and focused, while the constant encouragement fromZ my teachers made learning enjoyable. I am especially thankful to my mentors who guided me every step of the way, and to my parents for their unwavering support. This success truly belongs to everyone who believed in me.”
– expressed, Archit Agarwal (97.2%, Class X Topper, SIRS).

Dreams Take Flight from Dantewada: NMDC’s ‘Choo Lo Aasmaan’ Helps Topper Aim for IIT

Dantewada: Ramshila Nag, 15, from Pondum village in Dantewada district, secured the top rank in the district and placed ninth in the entire state in the CG State Matriculation Examination. She now aims to crack the engineering entrance exam and secure admission to the Indian Institute of Technology , particularly IIT Madras.

“It is the happiest day of my life. I want to pursue Mathematics in Class 11 and clear the IIT entrance. Without NMDC’s support, this dream wouldn’t have been possible,” she said.

Out of 600, Ramshila scored 587 marks, achieving a remarkable 97.83%. She is one of the top scorers of the Class 10 Board Examination conducted by the Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education. This year, the overall pass percentage stood at 76.53%, with 80.70% of girls passing the exam compared to 71.39% of boys.

Ramshila is a student of Choo Lo Aasmaan, a free residential coaching programme fully supported by NMDC under its CSR initiatives. Designed to impart regular education from classes 9th to 12th and simultaneously prepare students from underprivileged backgrounds for competitive exams like NEET and JEE Mains, the initiative has been a lifeline for many like Ramshila. “Coaching of this kind is often unaffordable for families like mine,” she added.

She comes from a humble background, with her father being a farmer and her mother a housewife. As the youngest of four siblings, she lives and studies at the Choo Lo Aasmaan residential school near Geedam. “I dedicate this success to my teachers, wardens, peers, and most importantly, my family and NMDC. Now, I believe that other girls from my village will also dare to dream,” she said.

Her breakthrough came when she enrolled in the NMDC’s “Choo Lo Aasmaan” CSR initiative. The school, established by NMDC’s under its CSR, aims to provide quality education to students from remote tribal belts. “When I got selected for Choo Lo Aasmaan in Class 9, I knew things would change,” said Ramshila, speaking from the residential school where she lives and studies. “We get everything: books, coaching, even uniforms. My teachers believed in me from day one. “

Operated in partnership with the district administration since 2011, the Choo Lo Aasmaan initiative admits 160 students each year (80 girls and 80 boys) offering them access to residential facilities, uniforms, academic support, and mentorship. To date, the programme has benefitted over 1000 students, with NMDC investing approximately Rs.350 lakhs annually.

Another high achiever from the district, Vani Sahoo, also attributes her success to the same programme, proving how NMDC is truly changing the narrative of Dantewada .

Additionally, students of the Choo Lo Aasmaan initiative have delivered outstanding results, with a 100% success rate in both Class 10 and 12 board examinations. All top district performers are from this programme including Astha Verma and Niharika Poya who secured the third position in the district with an impressive 95.83%, followed by Tanu Sahoo in sixth place with 95.67%, and Reshma Baghel in seventh with 95.50%. Saraswati Nag ranked eighth with 94.83%, Tamanna Manavi ninth with 94.50%, and Geeta secured the tenth spot with 94.71%. Notably, eight students of Class 10 achieved a perfect score of 100 in Social Science showcasing the programme’s academic rigour.

“The story of Ramshila and others is not just one of academic excellence,; it’s about what can happen when opportunity meets determination,” said Mr. P. Shyam, General Manager, CSR, NMDC. He added, “NMDC’s other initiatives like Balika Shiksha Yojana, Astha Gurukul, Saksham, and many more serve as a beacon of hope for students in Bastar Division of Chhattisgarh. These programs have changed the lives of many families and will continue to do so.”

KidZania Delhi NCR Hosts 5th Mommy Zummit, celebrates Motherhood in the Digital Era

Delhi NCR, 13th May 2025: KidZania Delhi NCR celebrated Mother’s Day with the fifth edition of its flagship event, the KidZania Mommy Zummit, held on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in collaboration with Mompreneur Circle. This year’s event revolved around the theme “Mommy’s Got Bandwidth – Navigating Motherhood in the Digital Era,” and brought together over 100 mothers including bloggers, community influencers, and professionals for an insightful and interactive session. The invite-only gathering served as a unique platform for mothers to reflect on the evolving landscape of parenting in a connected world.

Speaking of the event Vikita Chaudhary, Head of Marketing, KidZania India, said, “As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we’re thrilled to host the fifth edition of Mommy Zummit — a heartfelt tribute to the real superheroes in our lives: Zuper moms. This edition explores a topic every modern mother can relate to. While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for perfect parenting, communities like ours offer invaluable guidance and support throughout the parenting journey. We look forward to hosting many more events and activities that foster a strong, uplifting community of mothers who empower one another.”

Tribeca Developers Appoints Dharam Mehta as Managing Partner of Tribeca Estates

Mumbai, 13th May – Tribeca Developers, India’s largest trophy property developer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dharam Mehta as Managing Partner of Tribeca Estates, the company’s newly launched vertical focused on plotted developments, branded villas and hospitality-led projects. His appointment marks a strategic step in Tribeca’s expansion into new high-growth real estate categories.

An MBA from Wharton School of Finance, Dharam brings over two decades of experience across real estate investment, workspace strategy, and business development. Prior to joining Tribeca, he held key leadership positions at WeWork India and Phoenix Workspaces, where he played a pivotal role in crafting growth strategies, executing large-scale developments, and forging strategic partnerships. Dharam was also part of the leadership team at Delta Corp, where he led the company’s expansion and operational scale-up, including the development of new hospitality and casino assets. His ability to navigate complex market dynamics and drive operational excellence makes him a strong addition to Tribeca’s leadership team.

Commenting on the appointment, Kalpesh Mehta, Founder, Tribeca Developers, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Dharam to Tribeca. His deep expertise in real estate investment and operations aligns perfectly with our expansion into plotted developments and hospitality anchored projects. Dharam’s leadership, strategic mindset, and industry insights will be instrumental in shaping this new vertical and strengthening Tribeca’s position as a leader in innovative real estate solutions.”

On his appointment, Dharam Mehta said: “I am excited to join Tribeca at such a pivotal moment. They have set new benchmarks in luxury real estate, and I look forward to leading its entry into plotted developments. This new vertical presents immense opportunities, and I am eager to leverage my experience to create lasting value and deliver best-in-class real estate offerings.”

Dharam holds an MBA in Real Estate from The Wharton School of Finance and a BA in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin. His diverse experience across development, operations and strategic consulting further strengthens Tribeca’s leadership team as it continues to innovate and expand its real estate portfolio.

JioStar Kids strengthens its homegrown content slate with the launch of its 15th local IP – Bittu Bahanebaaz on Sonic

Mumbai, 13th May, 2025 – JioStar Kids is all set to launch its 15th homegrown IP – Bittu Bahanebaaz. Bittu is the story of a smart and quick-thinking 10-year-old boy who always finds funny and creative ways to get out of everyday sticky situations in a fast and imaginative manner. The show is packed with humor and everyday moments that everyone can relate to. At its heart, Bittu Bahanebaaz is based on a simple truth—we all have a little bit of Bittu in us! With his sharp mind and boundless imagination, Bittu lives in a world where rules are flexible and creativity leads the way! That’s what makes it a fun and relatable watch for kids and families alike. Adding to this charm is a vibrant title track penned by the legendary Gulzar Sahab, perfectly capturing Bittu’s world.

Adding perspective on the growing kids’ entertainment space, Alok Jain, Head of Cluster, Entertainment (Colors, Digital Hindi, Niche, Movies and Studio), JioStar, shared, “At JioStar Kids, we remain deeply committed to understanding the pulse of today’s ever evolving consumer. Our aim is to create relevant, screen-agnostic content that resonates across platforms—stories that are relatable, inclusive, and designed for kids and families to watch together and create memorable moments while doing so. As Sonic continues to strengthen its position in the category, our legacy of developing beloved homegrown IPs empowers us to lead meaningfully and innovatively. We are excited to welcome Bittu Bahenebaaz which will further enrich our storytelling and expand the universe of characters that kids love.”

With this launch, JioStar Kids further solidifies its position as the No.1 local IP powerhouse in India’s kids’ entertainment landscape. The creator of the largest number of local IPs that are chart toppers within the kids genre in India, the network has built a formidable content library featuring some of the country’s most iconic and loved homegrown characters, including Motu Patlu, Chikoo aur Bunty, Pinaki & Happy, Shiva, and Rudra, amongst others. By identifying white spaces in storytelling and consistently delivering relatable, culturally-rooted narratives, JioStar Kids has struck a lasting emotional chord with young audiences. Its flagship channel, Nick, recently marked a remarkable milestone by retaining its position as the No.1 Kids’ channel for the 11th consecutive year, a testament to the brand’s deep connection with audiences across the nation.

Sonic is leaving no stone unturned to make Bittu Bahanebaaz the summer blockbuster for kids. A multi-platform campaign will span across the JioStar Network on TV, JioHotstar, digital, social media, gaming and connected TVs, ensuring Bittu’s antics reach every screen. To bring the experience even closer to kids, an AI-driven chatbot and customized games inspired by Bittu will allow fans to interact with the character on the sonicgang website and will add a layer of immersive fun. Further amplifying the launch, there will be activities in malls across the country to connect with kids and families, promotions in cinemas during major summer releases, and creator-led content that brings Bittu’s world to life for kids.

Why Indian Runners Are Turning to a Brand Built for Function, Not Flash

Pune, Maharashtra, 13 May 2025 – In India’s rapidly growing yet underserved running community, runners have long had to compromise, especially when it comes to apparel. Most international sportswear is either designed for elite athletes or global body types, often ignoring the unique needs and fit preferences of Indian runners. Functional details are overlooked, sizes don’t align, and high-performance products are frequently out of stock or out of reach.

This gap is exactly what Manoj Thakur, a seasoned retail professional and passionate marathoner, set out to address. Fueled by his own experiences as a runner, he founded Aguante, an activewear brand driven by passion and built specifically for those who run with purpose. Designed with Indian runners in mind, Aguante blends function, comfort, and thoughtful design, empowering everyday athletes with gear that supports their journey, not hinders it.

While Aguante’s primary focus remains runners, the brand also extends its functional design philosophy to gym-goers and other athletes who value performance-ready gear.

Aguante didn’t begin as a startup pitch. It began with a training plan.

While training for a marathon, Manoj Thakur, a retail professional with over a decade of experience in apparel, realised that most “high-performance” running gear wasn’t made for Indian conditions. In Pune’s heat, humidity, and traffic, the fabrics didn’t breathe, the fits didn’t sit right, and moisture lingered longer than it should. What began as a personal frustration quickly evolved into a bigger idea.

In the wake of the pandemic, India has seen a notable rise in health consciousness, with more people embracing fitness, running, and joining local running clubs, mirroring a global trend of community-led wellness movements.

Founded in 2018 and recently relaunched with a fresh logo and a direct-to-consumer focus, Aguante is built for runners who train in real-world conditions. The brand obsesses over details that often go unnoticed, from how fast a fabric dries on a muggy morning to whether seams or threads cause chafing over longer runs. Aguante is about gear that works where it matters: on the road, under pressure, and mile after mile.

Each product is tested by everyday runners, some amateur, some semi-professional, who treat the gear not as fashion but as functional kit. The brand’s name, Aguante, is borrowed from Spanish football slang, meaning endurance or grit, a term that’s slowly found its way into India’s running lexicon.

While most players in the activewear market compete through visibility, Aguante has taken a quieter route, growing its base organically through trials, feedback loops, and product refinements. There’s no celebrity ambassador or aggressive campaign. Instead, there’s a photo archive of early customers crossing finish lines in Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, Gurugram, and other cities.

“The Indian running ecosystem doesn’t just need more brands, it needs gear that works,” says Manoj Thakur, Co-founder and CEO, Aguante. “We’re not trying to sell a lifestyle or an aesthetic. We’re trying to solve the problems of people who wake up early and put in the work.”

The focus going forward is measured – expanding the community, refining core products, and quietly building trust. Aguante may not look like a startup in scale-up mode, but its approach reflects something many endurance athletes live by: show up, improve slowly, and let the results speak.

Art Patron Shalini Passi and Artist Padma Shri Paresh Maity set to debut at Cannes Red Carpet with Longitude 77

May 12, 2025: Art patron and style icon Shalini Passi, alongside renowned Padma Shri artist Paresh Maity, are all set to attend and make their much-anticipated red-carpet debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival with Longitude 77 and will be in the French Riviera from May 17-18, 2025.

In a short span of time, Shalini has established herself as a formidable voice in contemporary art discourse and cultural philanthropy, known for her significant contributions to the Indian art scene as a collector, patron, and style icon whose distinct taste is recognized globally.

Padma Shri Paresh Maity, one of India’s most celebrated contemporary artists, brings his distinctive artistic vision to this landmark collaboration, representing Indian creative excellence at one of the world’s most prestigious cultural events.

Speaking about her Cannes debut, Shalini says, “I am honored to represent Longitude 77 at such a prestigious global platform. This collaboration is a meaningful opportunity to showcase the exceptional artistry and craftsmanship that India offers to the world on the prestigious red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival. I look forward to being part of this celebration that bridges Indian creativity with global appreciation.”

Padma Shri Paresh Maity adds, “It is truly special to bring Indian artistic expression to the Cannes Film Festival through this collaboration with Longitude 77. This represents a unique dialogue between different creative forms, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contemporary vision of India on the world stage.”

Given Longitude 77’s commitment to showcasing the finest of India to the world, the brand continues to celebrate exceptional Indian talent and craftsmanship through meaningful global platforms. In its endeavor to honor Indian excellence and creativity, Longitude 77 is proud to present Shalini Passi and Padma Shri Paresh Maity at the Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet.