Tata AIA Life Insurance Introduces Shubh Health Criti: Where Your Health Fund Grows With You

* What if your life insurance actually helped you stay healthy and grew your money while doing it?

Most of us only think about protection or health coverage when something goes wrong. By then, it is often too late to plan. Tata AIA Life Insurance is changing that with Shubh Health Criti, A first of its kind unit-linked life insurance plan that lets you build a dedicated health fund over time. It earns market-linked returns, covers 60+ critical illnesses, and allows tax-free withdrawals for treatment so when you need it most, the money is already there. More information is available at www.tataaia.com.

A fund, not just a policy

Shubh Health Criti reimagines what life insurance and protection can look like. Instead of a traditional payout triggered by diagnosis, this plan lets policyholders accumulate a health fund that earns market-linked returns and can be drawn upon, tax-free, for critical illness treatment, procedures, or associated costs. The plan covers 60+ critical illnesses, locks in premiums for 30 years, and includes a premium waiver in the event of death or disability, so the fund keeps growing even when life doesn't go as planned. Customers can explore coverage flexibility, eligibility conditions and wellness programme details at www.tataaia.com.

Built for prevention, not just protection

What sets Shubh Health Criti apart is its integration with Health Buddy, Tata AIA's wellness ecosystem. From cancer screenings and routine health assessments to personalised health tracking, the platform is designed to keep you ahead of risk not just respond to it.

Research consistently shows that early detection of conditions like cancer, cardiac disease, and stroke dramatically improves outcomes. Health Buddy turns that insight into action.

"Health planning has always been reactive- a safety net for when things go wrong. Shubh Health Criti flips that equation. It's a fund you build, a future you plan for and a wellness ecosystem that keeps you healthier along the way,” said Jeelani Basha Chief Business Officer, Partnership Distribution and Group Business, Tata AIA Life Insurance

Key Features at a Glance

· 60+ Critical Illnesses covered

· 30-Year Premium Guarantee - no surprises, ever

· Market-Linked Health Fund - grows with your investments

· Dual Life OPD Cover - outpatient coverage for you and your family

· Premium Waiver on death or disability

· Terminal Illness with Term Booster

· Accidental Total & Permanent Disability Benefit and Accidental Death Benefit Coverage

· Tax-Free Withdrawals from your health fund

· Return of Health buddy premiums

· Entry Age (age on last birthday): 18/65 years

Learn more
To know more about Tata AIA Shubh Health Criti and its Criti Care benefits, please visit www.tataaia.com.

Tata AIA Shubh Health Criti solution comprises Tata AIA Health SIP, Tata AIA Health Buddy and Tata AIA Comprehensive Protection Rider. Market linked returns are subject to investment risks. Please read the sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale.

Tata AIA Shubh Health Criti Solution comprises of Tata AIA Health SIP, a Non-Participating, Unit Linked, Individual Health insurance Plan (UIN:110L184V01)
Tata AIA Health Buddy A Non-linked, Non-participating, Individual Health product (UIN: 110N183V01)
Tata AIA Comprehensive Protection Rider, A Non-Linked, Non-Participating, Individual Health Rider (UIN:110B033V04).

SBI General Insurance Reports Powerful Growth Of 14.5% In GDP, FY26; Grows 1.6x Faster Than Industry

* Gross Direct Premium reaches INR 15,904 crore, is the fastest growing insurer among the Top 10 insurance companies

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, delivered a strong performance in FY26, growing significantly ahead of the industry and reinforcing its market position. Continuing its growth trajectory, the Company reported a Gross Direct Premium (GDP) of INR 15,904 crores, registering a YOY growth of 14.5% and crossing the significant milestone of INR 15,000 crores since inception.

SBI General Insurance continues to focus on maintaining a balance between growth and profitability in a dynamic operating environment. The Company grew at 1.6 times the industry growth rate, further strengthening its market position. Additionally, the Company gained 27 basis points improvement in private & SAHI market share from 6.90% in FY 25 to 7.17% in FY26, reflecting sustained growth momentum and strong execution capabilities. Growth during the year was supported by key segments, with Health 27%, Motor 16%, Personal Accident (PA) 40%, and Fire 10%. The diversified business mix continues to support resilience and consistent performance. SBI General Insurance continued to lead the Personal Accident (PA) segment, maintaining its position as the No. 1 in private and SAHI insurer.

This year, the Company demonstrated improved underwriting performance, with the loss ratio improving to 78.3% in FY26 from 82.4% in FY25. Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at INR 553 crores, compared to INR 509 crores in FY25. In terms of financial position, the Company’s solvency ratio stood at 1.90 times, well above the regulatory requirement, highlighting its strong capital position.

Commenting on the Company's performance, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “Our FY26 performance reflects our continued focus on growing faster than the market consistently while strengthening our core business & growing profit responsibly. At SBI General Insurance, we are focused on improving accessibility to insurance solutions and making protection more inclusive and easier to access for customers across segments and geographies. As we move forward, we remain committed to expanding reach, deepening insurance penetration, and building a future-ready organization.”

Mr. Jitendra Attra, CFO, SBI General Insurance, added, “Our financial performance reflects strong underwriting discipline and continued focus on operational efficiency. The improvement in loss ratio demonstrates the effectiveness of our risk selection and claims management practices. We will continue to focus on capital efficiency, prudent risk management, and delivering consistent financial performance in a dynamic operating environment.”

SBI General Insurance continues to build on its growth trajectory through targeted investments in technology, product innovation, advanced analytics, and customer-centric solutions. The Company is also expanding its presence across India by strengthening distribution networks, deepening reach in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, and enhancing accessibility through various channels. Backed by a diversified business mix and disciplined execution, SBI General Insurance is well positioned to sustain profitable growth and further consolidate its standing in the Indian general insurance sector.

About SBI General Insurance

SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.

A Taste Of Tradition: MTR Brings Back Its Annual Cultural And Culinary Fest-MTR Karunadu Swada 2026

* Inauguration of MTR’s flagship festival blends regional flavours, cultural experiences, and celebrates the iconic sambar with a Sambar Song in collaboration with Vasu Dixit

MTR successfully inaugurated the latest edition of its flagship food festival, MTR Karunadu Swada, held from April 24th, 2026 at Jayamahal Palace, Bengaluru. The event was inaugurated by Shri Maheshwar Rao M, I.A.S., Chief Commissioner GBA and Administrator- All Bengaluru City Corporations. It brings together food enthusiasts, cultural connoisseurs, and culinary experts to rediscover the depth and diversity of Karnataka’s rich food heritage.

Centred around the theme of ‘the story before the recipe’, this year MTR Karunadu Swada celebrates indigenous ingredients of Karnataka. This year’s opening night showcased an immersive culinary journey across six regions of Karnataka—Uttara Karnataka, Kalyana Karnataka, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Hale Mysuru. With a showcase of 75+ dishes, the spread stands out as a rich culinary archive bringing together both well-loved classics and lesser-known, almost-forgotten flavours under one roof.

Curated by MTR’s culinary experts along with home-cooks, the festival places a strong emphasis on hyper-local, seasonal ingredients, celebrating the authenticity, sustainability, and regional identity of Karnataka’s cuisine. A distinctive highlight is the concept of “One Region. One Unique Ingredient. One Forgotten Recipe.,” with each region also featuring a traditional summer cooler, rooted in local wisdom and climate-responsive food practices.

MTR also unveiled the second edition of its coffee table book at the inauguration, an ode to Karnataka’s culinary legacy. The book titled “The story before the recipe” celebrates ingredients that grow in the 6 regions of Karnataka and have shaped its rich culinary tradition. Adding a memorable cultural layer to the celebration was acclaimed musician Vasu Dixit, who took centre stage with the launch of a specially composed Sambar song, performed live at the festival. The composition stood out as a heartfelt tribute to Sambar, celebrating the everyday rituals, warmth, and nostalgia that celebrates the dish, elevating the beloved Sambar into a symbol of shared memories and togetherness.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sunay Bhasin, CEO, MTR, said: “For over a century, MTR has been deeply rooted in Karnataka’s culinary heritage, steadfast in its commitment to preserving and celebrating the authenticity of regional cuisine. MTR Karunadu Swada has now become an annual fixture on every food enthusiast’s calendar, serving as a platform that celebrates Karnataka’s local ingredients, revives forgotten recipes and spotlights the state’s regional diversity, and bringing people closer to Karnataka’s food traditions.”

Beyond the food, the festival offers a vibrant cultural showcase with folk and classical performances, bringing alive the spirit of Karnataka through music, dance, and art, making it a truly immersive cultural experience.

The festival is expected to witness an enthusiastic response, with 3000+ visitors over the next two days, further strengthening its position as one of Bengaluru’s most anticipated culinary and cultural platforms.

UNSW And Deloitte Collaborate To Build Industry Ready Talent In India

Strategic collaboration will focus on industry-integrated learning, applied research, and a Centre of Excellence in emerging technologies

UNSW Sydney has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for strategic collaboration with Deloitte India to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI & Innovation at the new UNSW Bengaluru campus in India. Bringing together a global top 20 university with AI and innovation leading practice in India, this strategic collaboration aims to link academia, students and industry to accelerate future-ready talent for India’s dynamically evolving economy. The strategic collaboration will focus on creating a platform that integrates education with industry-relevant practice, applied research and knowledge exchange, with UNSW Bengaluru students to benefit from direct exposure to real-world problem solving and practical industry insights from India’s leading-edge AI and innovation network of practitioners.

Aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision, the CoE will serve as a multi-dimensional platform that brings together academic excellence, industry engagement, and innovation. This strategic collaboration is designed to address the growing demand in India for globally competent, industry-ready graduates across high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, and digital transformation.

At its core, the CoE will embed industry-integrated learning into the student experience through real world challenge projects, experiential workplace learning, and practitioner-led teaching. Students will benefit from direct access to Deloitte’s advanced innovation infrastructure, including AI labs, cyber simulation environments, emerging technology platforms and professional networks, enabling them to engage with real-world challenges from the outset of their learning journey.

The MoU will also enable future joint applied research initiatives, with UNSW faculty and Deloitte experts collaborating on industry-relevant problem statements to author white papers, and deliver innovation-led solutions. A dedicated start-up and innovation lab will also support student and faculty entrepreneurship, fostering a culture of experimentation, problem-solving, and enterprise.

Another key pillar of this strategic collaboration is lifelong learning and upskilling, with the goal of introducing executive education and professional development programmes in the future, serving India’s working professionals and corporate organisations seeking to grow AI and innovation capabilities in emerging technology domains.

Professor Sarah Maddison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education & Student Experience) at UNSW Sydney, said: “This exciting partnership reflects UNSW’s commitment to delivering education within a connected, industry-engaged ecosystem, exposing students to hands-on applied learning and preparing graduates for the work of today and the future. As Australia’s number one university for employment outcomes, UNSW’s strategic collaboration with Deloitte India creates pathways to accelerate students with the confidence, adaptability, and purpose required to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The partnership supports UNSW’s 10-year ‘Progress For All’ strategy and our long-term commitment to India as an education and innovation partner”.

Kamlesh Vyas, Partner, Deloitte India, added: “This partnership with UNSW Sydney is a defining step towards harnessing our tech capabilities to equip future-ready talent and catalyse the next phase of India’s digital transformation. It underscores our commitment to accelerating innovation and driving sustained economic impact. In the current landscape, strengthening the link between workplaces and classrooms is a shared priority, starting with deeper integration across education, applied research and real-world practice. Fundamentally, this COE will serve as a comprehensive platform that brings together academic excellence and industry engagement to harness capabilities in AI and innovation for solving industry-relevant problem statements, extending beyond students to working professionals”.

The collaboration, set to commence from April 2026, with a phased rollout of programs, research initiatives and industry engagement activities, aims to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for technology and innovation by building a robust pipeline of skilled talent, advancing applied research, and supporting entrepreneurship. 

Godrej Showcases Next-Generation Locks And Security Innovations At Smart Home Expo 2026

Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), a pioneer and one of India’s most trusted brands in safety and security solutions, will participate in Smart Home Expo 2026, unveiling a comprehensive portfolio of smart, connected, and future-ready security solutions designed for modern Indian homes, commercial establishments, and evolving urban lifestyles.

At the expo, hosted from 28–30 April 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, Godrej Enterprises Group will showcase its smart safety and security solutions portfolio at Stall No. K-40. The Showcase will highlight how digital-first innovation and intelligent access control are reshaping safety, convenience, and peace of mind in today’s increasingly connected environments.

The showcase will feature a wide range of advanced, ‘Made in India’ digital lock solutions, alongside interconnected home safety offerings. Strengthening its leadership in home lockers, Godrej has also introduced a new portfolio designed with next-generation, lifestyle-led features that resonate with today’s India.

Together, these innovations reflect the brand’s focus on addressing the evolving needs of modern consumers, while continuing to set benchmarks in delivering dependable, future-ready safety and security solutions. Through its participation at Smart Home Expo 2026, Godrej reaffirms its commitment to innovation-led, digitally driven solutions that cater to the evolving needs of India’s rapidly expanding smart home ecosystem.

Smart Home Expo 2026 is India’s premier platform for smart home technologies, home automation and IoT-enabled living. The expo brings together leading global and domestic brands, technology innovators, architects, developers, system integrators, and industry stakeholders to showcase solutions shaping the future of smart living in India.

India Autism Center Celebrates Neurodiverse Athletes And Advances Inclusive Sporting Ecosystem Through Sports For All

As part of World Autism Awareness Month, India Autism Center (IAC), a leading not-for-profit organization supporting individuals with autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions, hosted the ‘Sports for All: Building an Equitable Sporting Ecosystem for All’ initiative, in collaboration with The Quantum Hub, Special Olympics Bharat and The Accessibility Coalition, which brought together policymakers, practitioners, para and special athletes, and inclusion advocates to drive conversations around equitable access and participation in sports. The initiative reinforces IAC’s commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities while advancing its long-term vision of Samaavesh - a sustainable, community-based India’s largest residential ecosystem for lifelong care and support. The programme featured felicitation ceremony honouring young neurodiverse athletes, led by Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat, Smt. Geeta Mandaviya, Patron Member, Special Olympics Gujarat, along with Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, Director and Chief Executive Officer, India Autism Center, Ms. Sakhi Singhi, Governing Body Member, Head of Communications, Partnerships, Fundraising and Talent Acquisition, India Autism Center, and Mr. Rohit Kumar, Founding Partner, The Quantum Hub. It also included a multi-stakeholder panel discussion on ‘Building an Equitable Sporting Ecosystem: Bridging Training, CSR, and Policy’, moderated by Nipun Malhotra, Chief Executive Officer, Nipman Foundation & Director – Disability and Inclusion at The Quantum Hub.

At its core, the initiative reflects a larger vision to embed inclusion within everyday ecosystems such as sports creating structured pathways that go beyond participation to enable skill-building, confidence, and long-term development for neurodiverse individuals.

The Felicitation ceremony recognized the outstanding achievements of 4 young neurodivergent swimmers, Meka Sri Ashvath (age: 11), Gunturu Lav (age: 9), Gunturu Kush (age: 9), and Thanvesh Navin (age: 10) for completing a 60 km open water relay swim across the Palk Strait, from Dhanushkodi, in Tamilnadu to Talaimannar, in Srilanka, and back - within an extraordinary span of only 18 hours. Trained by the coaches of Yadhavi Sports Academy for Special Needs, by their Head Coach - Sathish Siavkumar, these athletes began swimming at an early age and have steadily progressed from pool training to competitive open-water events, including the 5 km ‘Samudra Veer’ Porbandar Swimathon 2026, where they competed alongside significantly older participants. Their journeys reflect exceptional discipline, endurance, and determination, with many emerging among the youngest achievers at the national level. As they conclude this extraordinary 60 kms expedition, they continue to undergo rigorous ocean-training, further strengthening their capabilities on an international stage.

Beyond the felicitation, the summit convened a multi-stakeholder panel discussion, moderated by Nipun Malhotra, featuring Sonali Philip (Director of Operations, People & Culture, GoSports), Suvarna Raj (Managing Director, Sugamya Accessibility & Inclusion), Damini Ghosh (Lead, Disability & Inclusion Access, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy), and Aditya KV (Founder & CEO, Umoya Sports), to explore pathways for systemic change, accessibility, and inclusive participation in sports. Discussions underscored the importance of “sports for all” and the need for structural policy reforms, while also focusing on strengthening training pathways, leveraging inclusion, improving accessibility standards, and fostering collaboration between policymakers, organisations, and the sports ecosystem. The programme also featured a lightning talk moderated by Sakhi Singhi, offering first-hand perspectives from the coaches of Yadhavi and the parents of the Swimmers.

About the initiative, Mr. Jaishankar Natarajan, CEO and Director, India Autism Center, shared, “Sports have the power to transform lives by nurturing confidence, resilience, discipline, and a deep sense of belonging. The young athletes felicitated today stand as a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when individuals are met with the right opportunities, encouragement, and support systems. Their journey, perseverance, and achievements did challenge and redefine conventional perceptions of ability and potential.”

Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat, said, “Building a more inclusive sporting culture demands collective effort from institutions, policymakers, educators, and communities. Initiatives like these are important in driving that conversation forward - bringing together diverse voices to reflect on accessibility, training, representation, and the pathways needed to create more inclusive sporting ecosystems.”

Nipun Malhotra, CEO, Nipman Foundation & Director – Disability and Inclusion at The Quantum Hub, said, “Building an equitable sporting ecosystem requires intentional collaboration across policy, infrastructure, and community engagement. Initiatives like ‘Sports for All’ play a critical role in bridging these gaps by aligning stakeholders and creating pathways that are not only inclusive but also sustainable. The focus must now shift from isolated efforts to systemic integration, ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are embedded into the very design of India’s sporting landscape.”

Through strategic partnerships, IAC is driving systemic change by advancing accessibility, nurturing talent, and embedding inclusion in mainstream sports building an ecosystem that recognises ability and removes barriers to participation.  

Punjab National Bank Drives Sustainable Mobility With Induction Of Tata EV Fleet

Punjab National Bank (PNB) one of India’s leading public sector banks has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint by introducing Tata electric vehicles into its official fleet.

As part of this initiative, the Bank has inducted 12 Tata Nexon EV vehicles for use by its senior executives, marking a milestone in its commitment to a greener future.

As a part of the bank’s proactive approach towards eco-friendly transformation, the EV fleet was flagged off by MD&CEO Shri Ashok Chandra along with Executive Directors Shri M. Paramasivam, Shri Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra, Shri D. Surendran, and Shri Amit Kumar Srivastava, in the presence of other senior officials of the Bank and representatives from Tata Motors.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Vishesh Kr Srivastava, CGM, PNB reiterated, ”By adopting electric mobility solutions, PNB aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. This initiative aligns with the Bank’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, as well as India’s transition towards sustainable development.

PNB remains committed to embedding sustainability into its core operations and leading by example within the banking industry.”

Through this move, PNB aims to:

Support India’s transition to electric mobility

Encourage sustainable practices across the banking ecosystem

Inspire employees and stakeholders to adopt environmentally responsible choices

With this step, PNB reinforces its role as a responsible organization, actively contributing to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.