HDFC Mutual Fund Launches Nationwide ‘Naari Nivesh Yatra’ to Promote Financial Awareness Among Women

Mumbai, June 9 : HDFC Mutual Fund, today launched the Naari Nivesh Yatra, a first-of-its-kind nationwide investor education and awareness initiative designed to encourage women to take charge of their financial future through informed investing and long-term financial planning. The initiative was flagged off at Chetana College, Bandra, Mumbai.

Recognising the increasingly important role women play in household financial decision making and wealth creation, the Naari Nivesh Yatra aims to bring investor education directly to communities across the country through an extensive six-month outreach programme.

As part of the initiative, two canters will travel across India in two different directions, covering multiple cities and towns. At each destination, HDFC Mutual Fund will conduct community engagement activities across multiple locations, featuring Nukkad Natak and interactive investor awareness sessions that simplify key financial concepts and encourage conversations around investing.

A key focus of the Yatra will be direct engagement with women at the grassroots level. Over the course of the campaign, HDFC Mutual Fund will conduct 60 dedicated sessions with Women Self Help Groups across the country, creating platforms for discussion around financial planning, goal-based investing, long term wealth creation and the importance of developing disciplined investment habits.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Navneet Munot, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, said,

“Across India, women are often the most disciplined savers in a household and yet, structured investing has remained out of reach for many because the right conversation around personal finance never happened. The NaariNivesh Yatra is built around that conversation. Through street plays, community sessions and direct engagement with Self Help Groups, we want to bring that conversation directly to women and help them see investing not as something complicated and distant, but as a practical tool for financial goals they already have in mind.”

The Naari Nivesh Yatra is being undertaken as an extension of HDFC Mutual Fund’s investor education and awareness initiative, Barni Se Azadi, which encourages individuals to move beyond traditional saving practices and explore the benefits of informed investing to achieve their financial aspirations.

Through the Yatra, HDFC Mutual Fund reaffirms its commitment to advancing financial awareness and empowering women to take confident steps towards achieving their financial goals.

Benefits of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

• Freedom from market timing
• Well suited for long term wealth accumulation
• Disciplined wealth creation

An Investor Education and Awareness Initiative

Visit https://www.hdfcfund.com/information/key-know-howto know more about the process to complete a one-time Know Your Customer  requirement to invest in Mutual Funds. Investorsshould only deal with registered Mutual Funds, details of which can be verified on the SEBI website (www.sebi.gov.in/intermediaries.html). 

For any queries, complaints & grievance redressal, investors may reach out to the AMCs and / or Investor Relations Officers. Additionally, investors may also lodge complaints directly with the AMCs. If they are not satisfied with the resolutions given by AMCs, they may raise complaint through the SCORES portal on https://scores.sebi.gov.in/SCORES portal facilitates investors to lodge complaint online with SEBI and subsequently view its status. In case the investor is not satisfied with the resolution of the complaints raised directly with the AMCs or through the SCORES portal, they may file any complaint on the Smart ODR on https://smartodr.in/login.

AD Ports Group Launches Trial Operations at Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal in Egypt

Safaga, Egypt/ Abu Dhabi, UAE – 09 June 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, today launched trial operations at Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal in Egypt ahead of the terminal’s full operational launch later this year.

His Excellency Lieutenant-General Eng. Kamel El Wazir, Minister of Transport – Egypt; and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi – Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group; along with senior officials have conducted a site tour of the new multipurpose terminal in Safaga Port – Egypt.

The officials reviewed the terminal’s operations, systems, and processes, which are designed to ensure full operational readiness and the seamless delivery of services in accordance with the highest international standards. The Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal is being delivered under a 30-year concession agreement signed in 2023 for the development and operation of the multipurpose terminal, in partnership with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA).

Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Transport, said: “We commend the productive partnership with AD Ports Group to deliver a range of strategic maritime port projects along the Red Sea, as well as across various sectors of the maritime transport industry. Safaga Terminal serves as a key gateway for the development of Upper Egypt and will play a vital role in supporting the mining activities associated with the Golden Triangle Economic Zone, facilitating import and export operations, and enabling development projects across Northern, Central, and Southern Upper Egypt through enhanced connectivity with the port. This development is also expected to attract investments across industrial, logistics, warehousing, processing, and assembly sectors, while strengthening container and cargo transportation capabilities throughout the region, further supporting economic growth and trade development.” 

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO – AD Ports Group, said: “Egypt is one of the Group’s most important international markets, and serves as a major trade gateway along the Group’s global network, spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. With strategic access to the Red Sea, Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal reinforces our position as an enabler of trade across key waterways. We look forward to the full operational launch of our new terminal later this year, which represents another major step in our cooperation with our partners in Egypt, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.”

The Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal will span approximately 810,000 m², featuring a 1,000-metre quay wall designed to handle up to 450,000 TEUs, alongside 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk, and 50,000 CEUs of Ro-Ro cargo.

The terminal is set to be the first internationally operated port terminal in the Upper Egypt region of southern Egypt, serving as a key gateway for the region and strengthening connectivity across Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, and global shipping routes.

Egypt and the Red Sea are a focus of AD Ports Group’s expanding global network of integrated trade, transport, and logistics facilities. In April 2026, Noatum Ports, the international ports operating arm of AD Ports Group confirmed the delivery of three new ship-to-shore (STS) and six rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to its new multipurpose terminal in Safaga. Beyond its container feeder shipping and stevedoring services, the Group recently announced the commencement of cruise services at its three terminals in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga in Egypt, in addition to facilitating ferry services connecting Safaga and NEOM ports to support transport of Hajj workers between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The Group is also developing the 20 km² KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park with Egyptian partners at the Mediterranean gateway of the Suez Canal.In November 2025, AD Ports Group invested 13.2 billion Egyptian pounds (USD 279 million) to acquire a 19.3% stake in one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators, Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN), and subsequently moved to acquire a majority stake in the company.

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.

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.

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.