6, Dec 2025
India’s Digital Rights at Risk: Experts Warn X v. Union of India Could Redefine Free Speech Online
New Delhi, Dec 06: The Dialogue, a Delhi-based public policy think tank, convened a high-level discussion analysing the implications of the Karnataka High Court’s recent judgment in X v. Union of India, with a focus on its impact on free speech, due process, and platform governance in India. The panel featured prominent legal and technology experts Vrinda Bhandari (Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India), Sneha Jain (Partner, Saikrishna & Associates) and Aditi Agrawal (technology journalist). The session was moderated by Sachin Dhawan, Deputy Director at The Dialogue.
Opening the discussion, Mr. Dhawan contextualised the judgment within the government’s evolving digital regulatory framework. He noted that although the case pertains specifically to platform X, its implications extend far beyond affecting all intermediaries operating in India and millions of users who rely on these platforms to exercise and experience free speech online.
Intermediary Liability, Safe Harbour & Expanding Takedown Powers
Providing regulatory background, Ms. Agrawal traced the evolution of Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, and Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act. She highlighted how the addition of the phrase “prohibited under any law for the time being in force” has significantly broadened the scope of takedown demands, often compelling platforms to evaluate lawful expression under compressed timelines. Citing her reporting, she outlined a growing trend where content deemed politically sensitive or reputationally damaging is increasingly categorised under “public order”, resulting in heightened pressure on intermediaries to comply.
Expanding on safe harbour protections, Ms. Jain stressed that Section 79 is designed to serve as a shield, not as a tool of executive enforcement. She warned that excessive reliance on Section 79(3)(b) as an informal blocking mechanism risks creating a parallel layer of content restriction outside the constitutionally validated framework of Section 69A. She also raised concerns over the High Court’s stance on locus standi, which prevents platforms from challenging potentially unlawful orders thereby weakening the rights of users who depend on intermediaries to safeguard digital expression.
Constitutional Tensions and The Shreya Singhal Precedent
Offering a constitutional critique, Ms. Bhandari expressed concern at the judgment’s interpretation of the Supreme Court’s decision in Shreya Singhal, noting that the High Court appeared to diminish its relevance due to technological advancements and rule changes despite it remaining binding precedent. Drawing on comparative global jurisprudence, she cautioned against transplanting foreign liability models without aligning them with India’s constitutional protections.
She further emphasised that undermining a platform’s ability to contest takedown orders ultimately erodes Article 19(1)(a) rights for users. The emergence of executive-led, portal-operated mechanisms like the Sahyog portal, she warned, may centralise and obscure censorship pathways, with limited transparency and inadequate procedural safeguards.
The Future of Safe Harbour at a Crossroads
In closing, the panel collectively observed that safe harbour protections in India are at a critical turning point. The rise of opaque, parallel takedown processes coupled with slow judicial recourse risks deepening uncertainty for both platforms and users. The speakers underscored the need for transparent statutory safeguards, proportional enforcement mechanisms, and stronger procedural accountability to protect free expression and ensure a predictable regulatory environment for intermediaries.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
6, Dec 2025
Nuvana Wellness Onboards Rakul Preet Singh & Jackky Bhagnani as Strategic Investors
Mumbai, Dec 6: Nuvana Wellness Clinic, India’s leading science-led integrative health and regenerative wellness centre, announces the onboarding of actor-entrepreneurs Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani as strategic investors. This partnership marks a defining moment in Nuvana’s journey as it continues to champion accessible, ethical, and clinically-backed wellness for the modern Indian consumer.
The decision to partner with Rakul and Jackky emerged from a shared belief in preventive health and long-term wellbeing. Both have personally experienced Nuvana’s advanced treatments and resonated with its philosophy of science-led care, natural optimisation, and personalised protocols. Speaking about her decision to invest, Rakul Preet Singh said, “Jackky and I have always been very passionate about wellness. What really connected us to Nuvana was how personal and doctor-led their approach is, something we honestly felt was missing in India. They take the time to understand you and your body before suggesting anything, and that makes all the difference. It’s science-backed, it’s mindful, and it focuses on long-term wellbeing, not just quick fixes. That’s what truly drew us in.” underscoring her commitment to credible and future-forward healthcare practices that prioritise long-term results over quick fixes.
Their involvement brings together rigorous science and meaningful cultural influence. As public figures known for their mindful, disciplined approach to wellness, they amplify Nuvana’s mission of shifting India’s health narrative from reactive care to long-term optimisation. Reflecting this alignment, Jackky Bhagnani shared, “We were clients of Nuvana long before becoming investors, and that created a deep sense of trust. Any association we make carries our belief and responsibility and we hope our own experience with Nuvana helps build a loyal community that values authentic, science-backed wellness.”, highlighting the importance of building a wellness ecosystem rooted in transparency, measurable outcomes, and accessible innovation.
Their support will help accelerate Nuvana’s next phase, which includes expanding its research capabilities, advancing regenerative therapies, strengthening data-led personalisation, and opening new centres that seamlessly integrate diagnostics, therapeutics, and recovery. For consumers, this partnership signals a renewed emphasis on clean, evidence-backed nutrition and treatment guidance at a time when the wellness market is crowded with fragmentary advice.
Rakul and Jackky bring a sharp consumer lens to Nuvana’s strategic direction, helping the brand simplify its offerings, communicate more clearly, and build solutions that genuinely fit into everyday life. As Nuvana continues to grow, the focus remains on intentional, responsible scaling that preserves clinical integrity and deepens trust. Echoing this, Dr. Rohan shared, “Their support enables us to expand responsibly, new centres, new treatment pathways, and a more integrated ecosystem where diagnostics, therapeutics, and recovery work seamlessly together. This investment isn’t just capital; it’s momentum for the kind of innovation India hasn’t seen in the wellness space yet.”
Nuvana envisions a future where wellness becomes a daily, accessible practice supported by science, not just something people turn to when things go wrong. By making treatment experiences less exhausting, simplifying health choices, and strengthening personalised care, the clinic aims to shape a more informed, empowered, and future-ready wellness culture in India. Summarising this vision, Dr. Rohan added, “My vision is for Nuvana to become the place people trust to tell them what’s real, what’s safe, and what actually works and in doing that, help India move toward a more informed, empowered, Medicine 3.0 way of living.”
6, Dec 2025
Fino becomes India’s first Payments Bank to receive ‘In-principle’ approval from RBI for conversion into a Small Finance Bank
Mumbai, Dec 06: Fino Payments Bank Limited (“Fino” or “the Bank”) today announced that it has received the Reserve Bank of India’s (“RBI”) ‘In-principle’ approval to convert into a Small Finance Bank (“SFB”) marking a significant step in the Bank’s long-term vision to become India’s most trusted, digital-led bank.
The ‘In-principle’ approval also marks the first instance of a Payments Bank in India getting an opportunity to convert into an SFB. It is an affirmation of the strength and scalability of Fino’s lean operating model, consistent performance and high standards of governance.
Terming the conversion to SFB as a natural progression, Rishi Gupta, MD & CEO, Fino Payments Bank, said,
“The ‘In-principle’ approval is a historic and momentous occasion in Fino’s evolution journey. We are deeply grateful to the regulator (RBI) for reposing faith in Fino’s asset light business model and its robust governance structure. The approval is a testament to our consistent performance, ability to take technology-led banking to the masses, promote digital payments and adherence to compliance and regulatory guidelines.
It provides Fino, an opportunity to realise its growth potential by expanding product suite, engaging with a wider customer segment, foray into lending and building a strong liability franchise thereby creating significant value for all stakeholders.
I take this opportunity to thank our investors, customers, employees and partners for their continuous support and patronage, and express my gratitude to our Board Members for their guidance.”
The Bank will continue to leverage its asset-light, distribution-led network while investing in technology, data and partnerships to build scale efficiently. For customers, this conversion will translate into more choice, greater convenience and a wider range of solutions delivered through Fino’s trusted phygital model.
Ketan Merchant, Chief Financial Officer, Fino Payments Bank said,
“We are honoured by the RBI’s ‘In-principle’ approval and deeply grateful for the continued trust reposed on Fino. Our model allows us to mobilise liabilities at low cost, this would enable us to build a differentiated Small Finance Bank focusing on secured assets and enhance our ROE through asset light model.”
As of September 30, 2025, Fino served 16 million customers through 2 million+ merchants covering 97% of India’s pin codes, giving it one of the widest and most trusted last-mile networks in the country. During the mentioned period, the Bank also had a deposit base of over Rs 2,300 crores with cost of funds as low as 1.9%, a significant metric and potential differentiator in the long run.
Conversion plan and regulatory road map
Fino will now work closely towards:
- Meeting all conditions stipulated under the ‘In-principle’ approval
- Aligning capital, governance and structural requirements for SFB operations
- Preparing a comprehensive migration blueprint ensuring seamless continuity of all existing services during the conversion period
The Bank will continue to operate as a Payments Bank until final approval is granted and SFB operations commence.
6, Dec 2025
CREDAI Hyderabad Responds to RBI Rate Cut
Hyderabad: Dec 06: Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) Hyderabad welcomes RBI’s 25 basis point rate cut and presents the following leadership quotes to capture the key points and intent as stated by CREDAI Hyderabad executives. The release underlines how the move supports affordable housing, buyer confidence, and sustainable growth in Hyderabad’s real estate sector.
According to Mr. N Jaideep Reddy, President, CREDAI Hyderabad, “This 25-bps reduction in repo rate and a cumulative reduction of 125 basis points in 2025 will help make credit more accessible at lower rates. With RBI’s proactive liquidity measures—₹1 lakh crore in Open Market Operations purchases—banks have both the mandate and the means to swiftly transmit these benefits to homebuyers encouraging home buyers to avail cheaper home loan rates to pick their dream home. As a step toward affordable housing, the RBI rate cut lowers borrowing costs and supports homebuyers in achieving their homeownership goals. This policy action is timely for Hyderabad’s market, reinforcing confidence among developers and buyers alike.”
Adding to this Mr. B. Jagannath Rao, President Elect, CREDAI Hyderabad said, “The consistent rate reduction in the monetary policy gives homebuyers a window to lock in historically low rates and substantial savings while securing their dream home in India’s most dynamic and affordable metro. With Hyderabad’s average home loan value at ₹75 lakh, the benefits are substantial and immediate:
For a ₹75 lakh loan over 30 years, buyers save nearly ₹4.76 lakh in total interest
The cumulative 125 bps reduction for the year delivers ₹800-₹1,000 monthly relief on a ₹50 lakh loan
These are real, meaningful savings that make homeownership more accessible for Hyderabad’s aspiring families.”
According to Mr. Kranthi Kiran Reddy, Gen Secretary, CREDAI Hyderabad, “Lower interest rates directly increase purchasing power. Buyers can now qualify for larger loan amounts while maintaining the EMI burden, opening doors to better properties and premium locations that were previously just out of reach. For our industry—fuelled by monetary policy, infrastructure development, and job-led demand—this offers a perfect combination for sustained success and growth.”
5, Dec 2025
Uber sees record festive demand for Courier, plans expansion to 10 more cities
Chandigarh, Dec 05: Uber today shared key trends for Uber Courier and Uber Courier XL this festive season, marking the highest-ever demand for the delivery products. As consumers across Indian cities increasingly turn to Uber for everyday and festive deliveries, the company announced plans to expand Uber Courier to over 10 new cities in 2026.
Available already in 25 cities across India, Uber Courier and Courier XL continue to see rapid adoption, offering fast, reliable, and convenient delivery solutions for everything from gifts to essentials. Powered by Uber’s global technology and local reliability, the products are reshaping how India moves packages.
Speaking on the growth of Uber Courier, Shiva Shailendran, Director – Consumer Growth, Uber India and South Asia said,
“Uber Courier is redefining convenience by giving people a simple, reliable way to move what matters to them. From festive gifts to daily essentials, users are trusting us with deliveries that truly count. The strong growth we’re seeing reflects how deeply these products are resonating with our users and how they’ve become part of everyday life.”
During the festive period, Uber Courier, already Uber’s fastest-growing category, saw a sharp rise in usage for both daily and seasonal deliveries. Common items included food, clothes, medicines, and small electronics, underscoring how embedded the service has become in day-to-day life. Deliveries peaked around Diwali and Rakhi, with the busiest hours being between 11 AM and 4 PM as users preferred convenient daytime slots to send gifts and essentials on festive days.
The product creates additional earning opportunities, with half of all Uber Bike drivers completing Courier trips. Alongside drivers, Uber Courier also provides small and medium businesses with a quick, hassle-free way to reach their customers and strengthen their connection through reliable, on-demand deliveries.
Uber Courier XL, built for larger and bulkier items, also saw strong traction this festive season. The most common items sent included sports equipment, crockery, furniture, textiles, hardware, and large stationery shipments. Deliveries for both Courier and Courier XL peaked on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays ahead of Diwali, underscoring how people were extensively tapping into the service to make deliveries.
5, Dec 2025
The simple habit that keeps you refreshed through busy winters
You know what most people don’t realize? That winter quietly dehydrates us more than we think. This chilly air suppresses the body’s natural thirst cues, and the next thing you know, the whole day is almost over and you have barely had a glass of water. Between back-to-back meetings, commuting, and jam-packed schedules, it’s easy to reach mid-afternoon having had only half a glass of water, without even noticing it.
Why winter makes us forget to drink
During the cold months, the body’s need for liquid remains the same, yet the cues do change. The chill in the air masks the signs of dehydration, while the work of refilling or carrying water, especially during commutes or working from different locations and feels cumbersome. For professionals managing hybrid schedules, for travelers navigating unpredictable itineraries, or for anyone simply rushing through the day, this translates to hours without a proper sip.
A no-fuss daily hydration routine;
It is all about creating one simple and reliable habit that would seamlessly fit into both work and travel routines. Visualise the freshness of your morning by first clutching a bottle of pure Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, naturally filtered through the Shivalik foothills for 20 years, with a balanced blend of calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates and potassium for calm, clean hydration. Carry it to your workstation so that reaching for a drink is not deliberate but effortless. When one is on the go or travelling, there is a trusted means of hydration without having to worry over refilling or filtration concerns.
Real-life moments that benefit;
- At work: Place a bottle beside your laptop or on your desk. Sip during calls or while reviewing documents, turning hydration into a seamless micro-break
- On the go: Whether you’re off to a meeting or home, take a bottle with you. You won’t have to look for water fountains or depend on cafes
- On travel days: Pack your drink options in your bag. Going by train, plane, or by road, it will be helpful to always have a ready hydration buddy with you to keep you steady and alert even when schedules are tight
Why this matters
When hydration becomes easy, it stops being an effort and starts to become a habit. That consistency helps your energy levels stay more even, supports better focus, and encourages a gentle wellness ritual without adding any burdens to your day.
Making it your habit
- Let your day flow smoothly with Himalayan by your side, pure, crisp and easy to sip through work, travel, and winter routines
- Keep reusable bottles or lightweight packs on hand at home, at work, and in your travel bag
- Establish a simple cue: every time you check your phone, take a sip; every time you get up, take a drink
Winter does not have to equal low hydration. By weaving in a few smart drinking habits, you keep yourself refreshed even on the busiest of days. Make hydration easy, and let every sip fuel both your energy and your well-being this winter.
5, Dec 2025
Morningstar Announces Clearer, Simplified Medalist Rating to Empower Investor Success
Morningstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: MORN), a leading provider of independent investment insights, today announced significant updates to its Morningstar Medalist Rating™, its comprehensive forward-looking rating for managed investments. The updated methodology, which will go live globally in April 2026, is designed to simplify the rating structure, make the rating more transparent for investors, and enhance stability—empowering investors to more easily identify investments with the potential to outperform their Morningstar Category average.
“We’re simplifying key elements of our forward-looking Medalist Ratings to increase usability and give investors a clearer view into how ratings are determined,” said Laura Lutton, global head, manager research. “These updates provide the clear, easy-to-interpret insights the industry has been seeking.”
Key Enhancements to the Medalist Rating
- Transparent Pillars: Quant-driven fundamental pillars (People, Process, Parent) will now include greater visibility into the underlying inputs — including new metrics like Fund Manager Successful Experience1— so investors can better understand how a Medalist Rating is determined. There will continue to be a delineation between pillar ratings that come from an analyst or algorithm.
- Simplified Structure: Funds are evaluated against their Morningstar Category average rather than a benchmark, enabling investors to more easily identify Medalist options within a category and make meaningful peer comparisons.
- New Price Score: A Morningstar Medalist Rating Price Score from –2.5 to 2.5 will explicitly reflect whether an investment’s fee is a liability or competitive advantage, subtracting from or adding to the overall rating.
- Fixed Rating Thresholds: Medalist Ratings will be determined by a simple combination of fundamental pillar ratings and a Medalist Rating Price Score, increasing stability by eliminating a forced distribution of ratings that caused ratings to change based on updates to other funds.
Morningstar’s updated Medalist Rating uses a simplified structure and clearer input data to show how each pillar and Medalist Rating Price Score shape the overall rating.
The ratings scale will remain a five-tier system: Gold, Silver, Bronze, Neutral, and Negative. Analyst input is central, with algorithm-generated pillars activated only when an analyst rating is not available.
“Our updated methodology and approach reinforce the value of human expertise combined with data-driven rigor, resulting in assessments that are deeply informed by real-world experience,” Lutton said.
5, Dec 2025
Bangur Cement launches Bangur Marble in Odisha, setting a benchmark in Premium Construction Materials
Shree Cement, one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has launched its premium product, Bangur Marble Cement, under its master brand, Bangur Cement in Odisha region. This PSC cement offers best-in-segment brightness, superior strength and crack resistance, making it ideal for exposed concrete structures and ensuring grand, imposing designs. It is also well suited for the weather conditions of coastal Odisha, making it one of the most suitable cement options for the region’s construction needs.
Over 1000 retailers across Odisha will have access to the product, along with live in-store demonstrations designed to highlight its strength, finish, and premium performance. The product has already made a strong mark in the premium cement category across the eastern region, through 2,000+ retailers across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Speaking on the launch, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd., said, “With Bangur Marble Cement, we’re redefining what premium construction material should deliver. This product brings unmatched brightness, strength, and performance, meeting the expectations of today’s builders and homeowners who demand both beauty and durability. Odisha, a key focus market, will further accelerate Shree Cement’s growth momentum in the east.”
Bangur Marble’s unique formulation uses GGBS, a steel industry by-product, reducing environmental impact without compromising performance. The result is a high-strength, high quality, and long-lasting cement solution that supports greener building practices and more resilient structures. This product will be offered alongside Bangur Cement’s premium lineup, including Jungrodhak, Rockstrong, Powermax, Magna, and Roofon.
This launch underscores Shree Cement’s mission to champion sustainability and lead the shift toward responsible, high-performance construction in India.
5, Dec 2025
Nutrica Launches Digital Campaign for Bee Honey, Promoting Simple Daily Wellness Habits
India, Nov 5: Nutrica, the lifestyle and wellness brand under BN Agritech Limited, has released a new digital video campaign for Nutrica Bee Honey. The film captures how modern Indian families move through their mornings and how a small, natural habit can quietly support everyday health.
The story is set inside a contemporary home. It follows a family navigating a typical start to the day: breakfast being prepared, parents juggling multiple tasks, and a child gearing up for school. Within this familiar rush, Nutrica Bee Honey appears as a routine that fits effortlessly into the flow. The film draws attention to the honey’s purity, its direct-from-beekeepers sourcing, and its ability to bring clean energy and balance to the morning.
The campaign builds on a simple idea. Wellness is shaped by consistent, everyday choices, not dramatic lifestyle changes. A spoon of honey before a workout, a warm drink for immunity, or a quick boost for an energetic child becomes a steady health ritual. The film positions Nutrica Bee Honey as a trusted family essential that works across ages and routines.
Sparsh Sachar, Director and Business Head, FMCG Vertical, Nutrica, said, “Families today want wellness to be easy, intuitive and part of the life they already lead. They are choosing cleaner ingredients and products that genuinely add value to their day. Nutrica Bee Honey sits at the heart of that shift. Its purity, traceable sourcing and nutritional profile make it a simple everyday choice with real benefits for energy, fitness and immunity. With this campaign, we wanted to show honey the way families actually use it, as a dependable part of their daily rhythm.”
Nutrica Bee Honey is available in three variants designed for specific everyday needs and is retailed across 14 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Chandigarh. Multifloral delivers a natural energy lift. Lemon supports morning fitness and weight-management routines. Tulsi strengthens immunity and offers comfort during cough, cold and seasonal changes.
5, Dec 2025
WeSchool to Host 8th Smart India Hackathon Grand Finale in December 2025
Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Mumbai, WeSchool, is proud to announce its commitment to host the 8th edition of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) National Level Grand Finale on December Monday, December 8 and Tuesday, December 9, 2025. We have been hosting the grand finale of SIH since its inception in 2017, and this year marks our eighth consecutive participation in this prestigious event
Ministry of Education and AICTE, guided by none other than PMO- with PM Shri Narendra Modi as the chief patron- steer the event. Smart India Hackathon (SIH) is a flagship national initiative that empowers students to tackle real-life challenges through innovation and problem-solving. Designed to cultivate a culture of creativity and practical thinking, SIH offers a dynamic platform for students to ideate, develop, and present solutions to pressing issues faced in everyday life. By fostering critical and innovative thinking, the hackathon helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
There are 80 hardware and 191 software problem statements currently listed for SIH 2025. Over time, the hackathon has involved 6,497 institutes across India. The 2024 edition seems to be the largest ever so far, with a sharp jump in internal hackathons, high institute-level engagement (86,000 teams), and large national-round turnout (49,000 teams). This year, the SIH promises to be more grand with the sharpest, brightest young minds coming together.
The themes cover crucial areas such as Healthcare, Sustainability, and Emerging Technologies, aligning perfectly with national priorities. WeSchool is committed to providing a platform for students to innovate and contribute to the nation’s growth. This year, we are hosting close to 100 participants working on Problem statements with respect to problems faced by citizens, such as traffic, women’s safety, to name a few. Through collaboration and creative problem-solving, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
