6, Dec 2025
WHO Endorses GLP-1 Drugs Like Semaglutide for Obesity, Highlighting Cardiac and Metabolic Benefits
- Cardiovascular health: Major cardiovascular events, heart failure (with preserved ejection fraction), and systolic blood pressure.
- Metabolic & Organ health: Diabetes prevention, kidney diseases, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and LDL cholesterol
- Other systemic conditions: Obstructive sleep apnoea, peripheral artery disease, and neurodegenerative diseases
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- By Neel Achary
6, Dec 2025
IGX Reports Record Gas Trading Volume in November, Driven by CGD Sector Demand
Mumbai, Dec 06: Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) recorded a monthly traded gas volume of 8.8 million MMBtu (221 MMSCM) in November 2025, marking a 181% month-on-month and 249% year-on-year increase. The growth was primarily driven by demand from the City Gas Distribution (CGD) sector, as Henry Hub–linked contract prices were higher than prevailing spot prices on the exchange.
Approximately 75% of the traded volume was free-market gas, while the remaining 25% was domestic HPHT gas at the ceiling price. Nearly 8 MMSCM of domestic gas with pricing freedom was traded by producers at Bokaro (CBM), KG Basin, and Hazira-ONGC delivery points.
IGX’s benchmark price index, GIXI®, for November 2025 remained largely stable month-on-month and trended downward on a year-on-year basis, reflecting ample supply and stagnant demand. International prices also trended lower year-on-year, with European and Asian spot gas benchmarks showing a similar trajectory, while US Henry Hub saw higher volatility.
Regional GIXI® indices showed variations due to transmission and tax differentials. GIXI®-West remained aligned with the All India index, whereas GIXI®-East and GIXI®-South were slightly lower. GIXI®-Dahej traded at a modest discount compared to the corresponding WIM-Ex Dahej benchmark.
November 2025 also saw notable developments on the exchange: the first trade at KG Basin Tatipaka delivery point and the launch of a new Balance of the Month contract. A total of 222 trades were executed during the month. Among delivery points, Dahej was the most active for free-market gas, while Gadimoga led ceiling-price trades. Other active delivery points included Mhaskal, Dabhol, Ankot, Bokaro, Bhadbhut, Mallavaram, KG Basin, and Hazira-ONGC.
Trade breakdown by contract type included: 65 Fortnightly trades, 53 Daily, 51 Monthly, 24 Weekly, 23 Day-Ahead, and 6 Intraday contracts. Total exchange-traded deliveries amounted to approximately 6.4 million MMBtu (~5.4 MMSCMD).
IGX offers delivery-based trading across eight spot contracts — Intraday, Day-Ahead, Daily, Weekday, Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly (up to 12 months), and Balance of Month — as well as two Long Duration Contracts (3 Months and 6 Months), linked to benchmarks such as GIXI®, JKM®, WIM®, and Dated Brent®.
6, Dec 2025
NMDC Signs MoU with IIT Kanpur to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Advance Digital Technologies
Hyderabad, Dec 06: In a landmark step towards strengthening industry-academia collaboration, NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, to facilitate new initiatives in the areas of cybersecurity and promote the adoption of modern digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), across NMDC’s operations.
This MoU was signed by Mr. Satyendra Rai, Executive Director (Digital Transformation), on behalf of NMDC, and Prof. Ashoke De, Dean, R&D, IIT Kanpur in the presence of Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, senior officials from NMDC and representatives from IIT Kanpur.
Through this partnership, NMDC will work with IIT Kanpur across key areas such as cybersecurity risk assessments; policy, governance and compliance support; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) integration and advancement; security operations and incident response; capacity building and knowledge sharing; and joint research and innovation.
Additionally, NMDC and IIT Kanpur will jointly conduct training programmes, undertake research activities, run pilot projects, and co-develop proof-of-concept solutions.
Speaking on this collaboration, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC, said,
“This MoU brings IIT Kanpur’s advanced research capabilities in NMDC’s extensive operational ecosystem. This collaboration will help us strengthen our digital defences, improve operational intelligence, and build a secure and future-ready technological foundation for NMDC.”
The MoU reflects NMDC’s commitment to becoming a digitally strong and future-ready mining organisation.
6, Dec 2025
Canara Robeco’s ‘Nivesh Bus Yatra’ Reaches Uttarakhand to Boost Investor Awareness
Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Limited takes ‘Nivesh Bus Yatra’ to Uttarakhand to Educate Investors
Dehradun, Dec 06: Canara Robeco Mutual Fund, India’s second-oldest Mutual Fund, is set to launch the ‘Nivesh Bus Yatra’ in Uttarakhand to create awareness about mutual fund investment and educate investors across the state, starting today.
The initiative aims to simplify mutual fund investing and strengthen financial education across the state. The bus will begin its journey in Dehradun, followed by Rishikesh, Haridwar, Nainital and Haldwani, reaching key locations, engaging residents across the city.
“In today’s financial landscape, knowledge is as powerful as understanding. An informed investor not only makes better decisions for themselves but also strengthens the broader financial ecosystem. We are committed to making investment knowledge accessible and actionable,” said Rajnish Narula, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Canara Robeco AMC. “The Nivesh Bus Yatra aims to bring financial education directly to communities. Having already reached states like Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Assam we are now taking it to Uttarakhand engaging residents in five cities and helping them simplify investing, dispel myths, and embrace long-term financial planning.”
The Nivesh Bus Yatra will visit key community locations, connecting with residents and providing practical learning experiences. Through simple demonstrations and digital tools, it aims to clear misconceptions about mutual funds and explain the benefits of regular, long-term investing.
“We are committed to empowering investors by making financial knowledge practical and accessible. The Nivesh Bus Yatra is our way of taking this commitment to the ground engaging communities directly and meeting investors in their own environments,” said Gaurav Goyal, Head Sales & Marketing, Canara Robeco AMC. “Through this initiative, we aim to simplify mutual fund investing, offer actionable guidance, and address common misconceptions, helping investors build confidence and adopt a long-term approach to wealth creation.”
The initiative underscores Canara Robeco AMC’s continued focus on strengthening investor awareness and promoting financial inclusion across emerging and underserved regions.
6, Dec 2025
Eros Universe Announces New Film by Mitakshara Kumar Set in the World Of Tanu Weds Manu
Eros Universe has announced a new film set within the Tanu Weds Manu universe, to be directed by filmmaker Mitakshara Kumar.
The project, produced by Eros Universe and Rudrak Soma Jyoti Limited, is scheduled to go on floors early next year in London with a brand-new cast.
Kumar, who helped shape some of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s most striking visual spectacles, served as an episodic director on Heeramandi and helmed the historical series The Empire. Her upcoming film is positioned as a bold reinvention of the beloved franchise. While moving away from its Kanpur roots, the new chapter aims to carry forward the irreverence, unpredictability, and emotional charge of the earlier films, this time on an expansive international stage.
Though reimagined with a new cast, the film promises to retain the essence of the franchise: its chaos, humour, impulsive romance, and cultural authenticity. The makers describe it as a fresh storytelling universe crafted for a global audience.
Ridhima Lulla, Co-Founder & Co-President, Eros Innovation, said:
“Tanu and Manu belong to the audience forever. Their story didn’t just entertain, it created a cultural phenomenon in Indian cinema. Our responsibility now is to honour that legacy by doing what this universe has always done best: break rules, push boundaries, and redefine love with unapologetic honesty. This is not a continuation with the same faces; this is the Tanu Weds Manu universe expanding into a bigger, bolder global canvas. With multiple legendary IPs in our catalogue, the expansion of the Tanu Weds Manu universe is only the beginning of what’s coming.”
Director Mitakshara Kumar said:
“My vision is to create a film that feels familiar in spirit but thrillingly fresh in its storytelling – a story of love and identity that travels across borders, because the chaos of the heart is universal.”
The film promises to introduce a new narrative universe designed for a new generation, one that respects the legacy of the franchise while evolving it for contemporary audiences.
6, Dec 2025
Joyalukkas ‘Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show’ in A.S. Rao Nagar from 5th to 21st December
A.S. Rao Nagar, Telangana, Dec 06: The world’s favourite jeweller, Joyalukkas, is set to dazzle Telangana with the Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show, from 5th December 2025 at its iconic showroom in A.S. Rao Nagar. This much-awaited exhibition promises an unforgettable celebration of craftsmanship, elegance, and innovation in diamond jewellery.
From statement bridal sets to contemporary everyday sparkle, the show features pieces that marry timeless tradition with modern aesthetics. Every design is a masterpiece, available only for a limited time during the show.
Dr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman of Joyalukkas Group, said:
“The Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show is our tribute to the enduring allure of diamonds and our passion for perfection in jewellery design. A.S Rao Nagar holds a special place in our journey, and this exhibition during the festive season will offer customers an exclusive opportunity to discover designs that reflect beauty, individuality, and craftsmanship at its finest.”
To mark the occasion, customers will receive a free gold coin with every purchase of diamond jewellery worth ₹1 lakh and above during the exhibition period, adding even more brilliance to the shopping experience.
The Brilliance Diamond Jewellery Show will be held exclusively at the Joyalukkas, A.S. Rao Nagar showroom, till 21st December 2025. Visitors are invited to explore an exquisite world of diamonds, where every piece tells a story of luxury, love, and timeless charm.
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.
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.”
