June 1, 2026

Pramerica Life Insurance announced financial results for the year ended March 31, 2026, marking its third year of double-digit growth. The milestone reflects not only the consistency of the company’s financial trajectory but the depth of its reach – across geographies, communities, and customer segments that require a more deliberate and sustained commitment to serve well.   Pramerica Life delivers third straight year of double-digit growth; Expands insurance reach across India   Last financial year, the company reported 19% year-on-year growth in New Business Premium (NBP), while Annualised Premium Equivalent (APE) grew 29% year-on-year, driven by healthy momentum across distribution channels. A Claims Paid Ratio of 99.29%, rising for three successive years, indicates towards the sound quality of the business.   The company also delivered strong growth in Retail New Business Premium, reflecting the continued expansion of its retail network into customer segments where the need for financial protection is high but availability has not always kept pace with that need. Notably, this growth was achieved with an average ticket size approximately 42% lower than the industry median – a measure of how deliberately the company has built its distribution to serve customers at varied income levels, not just at the higher end of the market.   Performance Snapshot for FY26: Total New Business Premium of Rs 1,471 crore, registering a 19% Y-o-Y growth Individual New Business Premium grew 30% year-on-year, 2.5x faster than the overall private industry A strong 3-year CAGR of 28% in Total New Business Premium, reflecting one of the most consistent growth trajectories among private life insurers in India Embedded Value grew 15% year-on-year 99.29% claims paid ratio, up from 99.18% last year   The company also continued to deepen its protection footprint, covering over 8.7 Cr+ lives including over 3.5 lakh defence personnel since inception. In line with its long-standing focus on developing solutions for insurance buyers with distinct protection needs, Pramerica Life was the first life insurer to develop specialised protection offerings designed around the service conditions and requirements of armed forces and paramilitary personnel, forging a deep and enduring association with these communities.   Over the years, this relationship has evolved beyond customer outreach into a wider people philosophy, with the company continuing to create meaningful second-career opportunities for veterans and ex-servicemen. Since inception, over 8,500 veterans have been employed by the company, with ex-servicemen today constituting nearly 17% of its employee base.   Pankaj Gupta, MD & CEO, Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “We are focused on building a business anchored in steady progression – and our third consecutive year of double-digit growth is a reflection of that intent. This record has been driven by a well-balanced mix of distribution channels, a sharp focus on the customer, a product approach built around genuine relevance and a strong risk management framework.   As we grow, our priority is to scale responsibly while staying grounded in what matters most to our customers: reliability and a strong claims experience. Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding access to life insurance through wider market presence and delivering solutions that align with the evolving needs of new-age India, all while building a business that creates lasting value not just economically, but also through broader financial inclusion and community impact.”   The growth momentum in FY26 was bolstered by a diversified strategy, with strong contributions across both proprietary and newly seeded channels. These channels serve a wide spectrum of customers across geographies, income profiles, professions and life stages, enabling more inclusive insurance penetration across the country.   This commitment to serving a diverse set of customers has also shaped the way Pramerica Life thinks about its products, making accessibility and relevance in product design an extension of its customer-first philosophy. On the non-participating side, the company offers some of the most competitive propositions in the industry – products designed to deliver certainty in an uncertain market environment, which have found strong resonance with customers seeking reliable, long-term financial protection. In the market-linked segment, the company has been at the forefront of product innovation, with offerings such as Smart Invest 1Up – an industry-first ULIP proposition – reflecting Pramerica Life’s commitment to designing products that are differentiated in design and relevant to the evolving needs of today’s India.   This thinking extends to the company’s expanding fund portfolio as well. Recognising the growing investor appetite for India’s long-term growth story, particularly in the midcap segment, Pramerica Life introduced the Nifty Midcap 50 Correlation Fund and the Rising Bharat Fund as part of its market-linked offerings last financial year. Both funds have delivered strong performance relative to broader market benchmarks, reinforcing the company’s focus on identifying high-potential investment themes early and translating them into relevant customer propositions.   Grounded on these pillars, Pramerica Life Insurance has focussed on expanding its brand visibility through targeted, insight-driven marketing capabilities. At the forefront of this effort is This Is My Climb, a brand campaign that speaks to the aspirations and resilience of everyday Indians. The campaign’s most recent chapter made its presence felt on the front pages of national and regional dailies, extending the brand’s reach to a wide and diverse readership across the country.   This kind of engagement with customers does not emerge in isolation; it is the outward expression of an organisation that holds itself to the same standard of commitment internally. A culture of trust, inclusion and accountability – reflected in the company being Great Place To Work Certified for four successive years and recognised among the Top 25 Best Workplaces in the BFSI sector – forms the bedrock of how Pramerica Life grows from within. The company’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce is equally deliberate. Recognised among India’s Best Workplaces for Women and featured in India’s first DEI 100 Index by Team Marksmen and Ernst & Young, Pramerica Life believes that an organisation reflecting the diversity of the country it serves is best positioned to serve it meaningfully.   The steadiness of Pramerica Life’s growth story finds

The youthful entertaining drama Jeena Dil Se has emerged as one of the surprise performers of the weekend box office, collecting an impressive Rs. 3.36 crore gross worldwide in its opening weekend. Presented by ADR Media Production, the film has exceeded expectations for a small-budget youth-centric release and has delivered a highly encouraging start in cinemas. For a film led by a fresh ensemble cast and debutant talent, the opening weekend numbers are being seen as a strong result and a clear reflection of audience acceptance.   Audiences are embracing Jeena Dil Se, reflected in its encouraging opening weekend performance   Directed by Adhish Rana and produced by Amardeep Rana, Jeena Dil Se appears to have connected strongly with younger audiences through its relatable storytelling around love, friendship, relationships, dreams and the emotional complexities of today’s generation. The film has found particular appreciation among college-going audiences and young couples, with its grounded emotions, fresh performances, engaging chemistry and music contributing to strong word-of-mouth across urban centres. The screenplay by Anuj Kumar and Kiran Sharma, based on Sanjay Prajapati’s story, has struck a chord with Gen-Z viewers, while Adhish Rana’s treatment of modern relationships has also been receiving appreciation from audiences. The film’s honest and heartfelt presentation, without leaning into exaggerated commercial tropes, has helped it stand out among recent youth dramas. With Rs. 3.36 crore gross worldwide already on the board in its first weekend, Jeena Dil Se has given the makers plenty to celebrate. The strong weekend trend indicates growing acceptance among youth audiences, and with positive word-of-mouth continuing to build, the road ahead looks promising for the film in the coming days.   Driven by its heartfelt storytelling, fresh performances, and strong emotional appeal, the film has steadily gained momentum over the weekend, emerging as one of the most pleasant surprises at the box office this year.   Directed by debutant Adhish Rana, #JeenaDilSe has collected an impressive Rs. 3.36 crore GBOC over the weekend. Beyond the numbers, what makes this achievement truly special is the overwhelming audience appreciation and positive word-of-mouth that continues to fuel the film’s growth with every show.   Viewers have connected deeply with the film’s sincerity, relatability, and youthful energy, making it a favorite among moviegoers. Despite a competitive release window, #JeenaDilSe has successfully carved its own space, proving that authentic and emotionally resonant stories always find their audience.   More than just a weekend box office figure, this milestone reflects the genuine love and support of cinema lovers. With strong audience backing and growing momentum, #JeenaDilSe is only just beginning its journey.

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Habuild, India’s first habit-building platform to launch a nationwide digital yoga initiative in the lead-up to the International Day of Yoga 2026. This collaboration aims to encourage citizens across the country to adopt yoga as a simple daily practice through structured and accessible online programmes.    Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga at the signing ceremony between MDNIY and Habuild   As part of the yoga 365 initiative, Habuild and MDNIY, Ministry of Ayush rolled out a large-scale digital yoga movement (in March 2026) leading up to June 21, 2026, with the objective of encouraging people to practise yoga consistently every day for 100 days. The initiative has already seen participation from over 4 lakh active participants from 130+ countries and every Indian state and Union Territory and is expected to grow multifolds until June 21.    The initiative introduces participants to simple yoga practices that can be integrated into everyday life via the Youtube channel of the Ministry of Ayush. The guided sessions are led by Saurabh Bothra, Co-Founder  and Yoga Instructor of Habuild, whose approach to yoga focuses on habit formation, mindful movement, and building sustainable wellness routines rather than short-term fitness goals. The format has been designed to ensure that everyone can comfortably participate and gradually build a consistent yoga practice.   The initiative reflects a shared vision between MDNIY, Ministry of Ayush and Habuild to expand the reach of yoga through digital platforms while strengthening the culture of preventive healthcare in India.    Commenting on the initiative, Saurabh Bothra, Co-founder, Habuild, said, “Yoga becomes transformative when it moves from an occasional activity to a quiet daily discipline. India has always had a deep cultural relationship with yoga, yet modern lifestyles often make it difficult for people to stay consistent. Through this collaboration with MDNIY, Ministry of Ayush, we hope to create a simple pathway for people to begin and sustain that relationship again. When millions of people practise even a few minutes of yoga every day, the impact extends far beyond individual wellbeing and begins to shape a healthier society.”   Over the years, global observance of International Yoga Day on June 21 has helped introduce yoga to millions of people across the world. The new digital initiative seeks to deepen that engagement within India by encouraging people to move beyond symbolic participation and experience yoga as a consistent part of everyday living.   For Free Yoga until June 21, register here – moa.habit.yoga or call on the toll-free 1800-315-2008.   Link to Message from Sh. Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush in India – www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqezzyXjfkU

For many Indian aftersales partners visiting Vietnam in May, the biggest takeaway from the VinFast Global Business Conference was not just factory scale or new EV models. It was the realization that VinFast is investing heavily in the part of the EV business many consumers care about most: long-term ownership confidence. Electric vehicles have enormous potential in India. According to a survey conducted in late March, three in ten Indians say life would be unimaginable without a car, while 46 per cent prefer owning one even when it is not essential. At the same time, around 63 per cent of respondents said they are likely to adopt EVs, including both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, within the next five years(1).    VinFast is investing heavily in the part of the EV business many consumers care about most: long-term ownership confidence   Yet major concerns still remain. “There is still the question of battery life, resale value and long-term reliability. The perceived danger of the unknown can easily surpass the savings potential even in situations where the economics is obviously in favor of EVs,” said one industry insider(2).   Those concerns have become one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in India, especially for newer brands still working to establish long-term credibility. That was why many discussions during VinFast’s Global Business Conference in Vietnam earlier this month focused less on horsepower or vehicle specifications and more on infrastructure, workshops, charging networks, and customer support.   For nearly a week, more than 200 partners, investors, and aftersales operators from markets including India toured VinFast’s manufacturing complex, visited service workshops, attended strategy sessions, and explored the broader Vingroup ecosystem.   What many delegates encountered was not simply an automaker expanding internationally, but a company trying to build the surrounding ownership ecosystem alongside vehicle sales.   “Being in the automobile sector, we work with many OEMs, but VinFast is one of the very few companies thinking about the complete ecosystem,” said Rishav Kumar Choudhary, Managing Director of JP Emobility India, after participating in the program.   Aftersales as part of the product While many automakers in India have accelerated EV launches in recent years, charging availability, maintenance accessibility, and long-term ownership support still vary widely across regions. For workshop operators and service partners, the challenge goes beyond customer demand. Investing in EV tooling, technician training, and service infrastructure carries significant risk if an OEM’s long-term commitment to the market remains uncertain.   “It is not only about selling cars. It is also about building the infrastructure those cars require and addressing customer concerns, from charging and aftersales to resale value and ownership confidence,” said Rishav.   That reality shaped much of the attention Indian delegates paid to VinFast’s aftersales strategy during the Vietnam visit. Rather than focusing solely on products or showroom expansion, the company used the conference to demonstrate how it plans to support EV ownership at scale.   During the conference, VinFast outlined plans to expand its global aftersales network to more than 1,100 service workshops in 2026, supported by standardized technician training, quality control systems, and spare parts supply commitments targeting rapid delivery in key markets.   At the same time, VinFast has been expanding its broader EV ecosystem through charging infrastructure partnerships, mobility services, and customer support programs designed to reduce ownership concerns over the long term. In India specifically, through partner V-Green, VinFast is expanding charging access via partnerships with HPCL and RoadGrid, leveraging HPCL’s network of more than 24,400 fuel stations across the country.   Alongside the infrastructure push, VinFast has introduced a range of ownership incentives, including free charging through March 31, 2029, three years of free maintenance, 10-year battery warranties, financial support for customers switching from gasoline vehicles to EVs, and a value assurance buyback program covering up to 75 per cent of vehicle value to help protect long-term resale confidence.   “The free charging, battery warranty, and vehicle warranty programs are extremely attractive offers that very few international brands provide,” said Sweta Choudhary, Director of JP Emobility India.   VinFast’s ecosystem vision became easier for delegates to understand once they experienced it firsthand in Vietnam. VinFast vehicles remained highly visible on the roads across Hanoi, Hai Phong, and other cities, operating not only as private vehicles but also in transportation services and fleet operations. Delegates also toured several of the more than 400 workshops in VinFast’s service network and attended discussion sessions focused on global service expansion and operational support.   The experience culminated at VinFast’s manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, where delegates saw one of the company’s largest operational pillars up close. With large-scale automation systems, robotics, and integrated production lines operating across the site, the facility became one of the highlights of the trip among international visitors.   “Seeing the factory was amazing,” said Shailesh Borse, Vice President at MyTVS India. “With more than 90% automation and the latest technology, it reflects a very modern infrastructure.”   At the same time, the visit also gave delegates a clearer understanding that while VinFast is building its own EV ecosystem, the company itself operates within the broader ecosystem of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate. Vingroup and founder-affiliated companies such as V-Green are helping build charging and mobility infrastructure around the VinFast brand not only in Vietnam, but increasingly in international markets as well.   In Vietnam alone, V-Green is developing a charging network of roughly 150,000 charging ports nationwide, averaging around 3.5 km between charging stations in urban areas and approximately 65 km across 106 national highways and expressways.   For Sweta, the impression extended well beyond the automotive business itself.   “I learned about Vingroup and how it is transforming Vietnam across healthcare, technology, robotics, and many other sectors,” she said. “Vingroup is present in almost every aspect of life, and now it has entered mobility, where we are proud to be partners.”   By the end of the conference, VinFast’s strategy had helped persuade nearly 30 new international aftersales partners to sign Memoranda

The Otters Club Squash Tournament 2026 concluded on a high note, bringing together talent, passion, and sportsmanship across six days of top-flight squash. Supported by Avaada Group, a diversified clean energy conglomerate, the tournament once again reaffirmed its standing as one of India’s premier squash events.   Winners and Runners-Up Across All Categories at the Avaada Otters Club Squash Tournament 2026   Held from May 25 to 30, 2026 at Otters Club, Bandra, the tournament saw 558 players competing across 16 categories. Participants converged from cities across India, bringing with them a vibrant mix of skill, ambition, and sportsmanship. The event featured competition across Men, Women, Boys, and Girls’ categories, with key highlights as follows: Total Categories: 16 Total Players: 558   The tournament bore witness to exceptional performances across all categories, setting new benchmarks and reaffirming India’s deep reservoir of squash talent. From emerging youngsters announcing their arrival on the national stage to seasoned competitors raising the bar, every match reflected the growing stature of the sport in the country. Adding to the excitement, the courts drew large, enthusiastic crowds each day, with spectators cheering loudly and keeping the energy high throughout the event.   Reflecting on the tournament’s success, Ms. Sindoor Mittal, Vice Chairperson of Avaada Group, said, “At Avaada, we have always believed that building a better future goes beyond clean energy. It is about investing in people, communities, and the next generation. This tournament has once again shown us the extraordinary power of sport to inspire and unite. Witnessing 558 players compete with such passion and determination has been deeply motivating, and we are immensely proud of our continued partnership with the Otters Club Squash Tournament. The energy on and off the courts over these six days was a testament to India’s growing talent & love for squash.”   Commenting on the successful conclusion of the tournament, Mr. Niraj Shirgaokar, President of Otters Club, said, “We are delighted with the tremendous success of this year’s Otters Club Squash Tournament. The event witnessed exceptional talent, competitive spirit, and sportsmanship from players across various age groups, reaffirming its position as one of the premier platforms for emerging squash players in India. It is gratifying to see young athletes embrace the challenge, showcase their skills, and continue to raise the standard of the sport. We congratulate all the participants, winners, coaches, and supporters who contributed to making the tournament a memorable celebration of squash and its growing future in the country.”   Avaada’s continued support for the Otters Club Squash Tournament reflects their unwavering commitment to nurturing youth through sport, aligning with their broader mission of promoting sustainable, inclusive growth across all spheres of society. As the 2026 edition draws to a close, the tournament looks ahead to continuing its role in developing squash talent across India.   About Avaada Group Avaada Group is a diversified clean energy conglomerate driving the energy transition across Renewable Power Generation, Solar PV Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen and Derivatives, Battery Storage, Pumped Hydro Projects, and Green Data Centres. With innovation and sustainability at its core, Avaada is powering the industries of tomorrow with solutions that are Always Clean, Always On.