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.
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- By Neel Achary
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.
5, Dec 2025
Renault Launches ‘Discovery Days’ for New Triber & Kiger Test Drives
Mumbai, Dec 5: Renault India, the wholly owned subsidiary of French automaker Renault Group, today announced the nationwide rollout of its flagship customer campaign ‘Discovery Days’.
Scheduled from December 10 to December 22, 2025, the initiative invites customers to discover Renault’s new lineup, including the new Triber and new Kiger, through a series of engaging experiences at dealerships across the country.
Discovery Days has been designed as an opportunity for customers to interact with Renault’s cars in a festive, carnival‑like setting. Over two consecutive weekends, dealerships will host themed activites, immersive brand experiences, and personalized interactions, creating a welcoming environment for exploration and engagement.
To make the campaign lucrative car buyers can also get the following benefits:
- 0% Rate of Interest / Interest free financing on all models
- 50% waiver on processing fees
o Exchange benefits of up to INR 35,000 over and above the old car value
o Cash Benefits of up to INR 25,000 on new cars
Venkatram Mamillapalle, Managing Director of Renault India, said: “At Renault, our priority is to create meaningful experiences for our customers. ‘Discovery Days’ is not just about offers but about giving people the chance to explore the new Kiger and new Triber in a celebratory atmosphere. By combining engaging showroom activities with exclusive advantages, we aim to make every visit memorable and enjoyable.”
With the introduction of the new Kiger and new Triber, supported by GST benefits, Renault India has seen strong growth, with sales rising by 21% in October and 30% in November 2025 year on year.
5, Dec 2025
RBI Cut Sets Stage for Lower Yields, Stronger Growth
By – Amit Somani, Deputy Head – Fixed Income, Tata Asset Management.
RBI delivered a 25bps policy rate cut and kept the stance as Neutral. One member, Prof. Ram Singh, was in favor of changing the monetary policy stance from Neutral to Accommodative. FY26 CPI Inflation outlook has been further revised down and is now projected to be at 2.0% from 2.6% in earlier policy. GDP Forecast for FY26 has been revised upwards to 7.3% from 6.8% earlier.
CPI Inflation has been coming lower than the Market as well as RBI’s estimates throughout the year and is now estimated to reach the lower bound of target range for this fiscal. Current downward revision is attributable to higher Kharif production, healthy Rabi sowing, adequate reservoir levels creating favorable prospects for food prices. GDP growth outlook, on the other hand, has been further revised higher on account of agricultural prospects, continued impact of GST rationalization, benign Inflation and congenial monetary and financial conditions.
With inflation outlook firmly under control and Fiscal consolidation continuing, we believe Monetary policy will continue to remain in Growth supportive mode over foreseeable future. In this regard, RBI announced immediate measures to improve Liquidity conditions while also supporting liquidity on an ongoing basis. This includes USD 5 BN Buy/Sell Swap for 3 years and Rs.1,00,000 crore of OMOs in December month itself. We expect such measures will continue in the seasonally busy last quarter of the year.
We feel Growth supportive Monetary Policy, to have favorable ground for short-term as well as long-term yields. RBI assured keeping banking system liquidity in sufficiently positive zone. Further Liquidity operations will be conducted in a way that will keep overnight rate closer to the policy rate. We expect 10-yr G-sec to trade in 6.30% – 6.50% range and drift lower as OMO measure unfolds. Short-term yields are likely to come down on account of a rate cut; however, advance tax outflows should keep 1-year CDs in 6.40%-6.50% range.
5, Dec 2025
Empowering Students with Future-Ready Education, My School My Startup Bus Inauguration at DAV Bilaspur
Bilaspur, Dec 5: DAV Bilaspur marked a significant step toward innovation-driven education with the inauguration of the MSMS (My School My Startup) Future-Ready Education Bus on 1st December 2025. The initiative, sponsored by SECL and powered by Codevidhya, was unveiled in the presence of an esteemed panel of dignitaries: Chief Guest Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Personnel), SECL, Guest of Honour Shri Shyamlal Rao, GM (Welfare), SECL, Shri Vivek Singh, Personnel Manager, SECL, and Shri K. Parthipan, Principal, DAV Bilaspur.
The MSMS Education Bus, conceptualised as a handy mobile learning van, is designed to provide students with transformative, skill-based digital education, aligning directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a Viksit Bharat powered by technology, innovation, and youth empowerment. PM Modi has repeatedly emphasised the importance of equipping the next generation with future-ready skills such as digital literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The MSMS initiative brings this vision to life by enabling students to learn, explore, and build their ideas within a modern, mobile innovation environment.
Supported by SECL’s educational CSR initiatives, the project aims to strengthen the region’s academic ecosystem by making modern learning more inclusive and accessible. With Codevidhya as the knowledge and technology partner, the MSMS model integrates coding, computational thinking, AI readiness, and innovation-based education into everyday learning.
The inauguration at DAV Bilaspur signifies a step forward in integrating mobile innovation labs within schools, ensuring that students receive exposure to emerging technologies at an early age. This move supports the goals of the NEP 2020 by encouraging experiential and hands-on learning.
In line with PM Modi’s vision of Digital India, Skill India, and Viksit Bharat@2047, this mobile education bus stands as a transformative step toward nurturing a generation that is technologically empowered, future-ready, and globally competitive.
Following the launch, students toured the MSMS Bus and participated in interactive demonstrations, experiencing firsthand the tools and modules included in the van. The initiative has been well-received by the school community for making advanced learning accessible while inspiring students to explore technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
This launch stands as a strong reflection of collaborative efforts toward building a progressive education ecosystem aligned with India’s growth vision.
5, Dec 2025
LG to Showcase “Innovation in Tune With You” at CES 2026
SEOUL, Dec 5: LG Electronics (LG) invites global audiences to join the LG World Premiere press conference on January 5 at 08:00 (PST) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Under the banner of its CES 2026 theme, “Innovation in Tune With You,” LG will share its vision for elevating daily life through Affectionate Intelligence – delivering harmonized and seamlessly connected customer experiences.
With global media in attendance, LG will unveil a portfolio of AI-powered solutions that combine world-class devices and solutions with advanced AI core technologies. LG is evolving its products into intelligent solutions designed to expand meaningful connectivity between devices, people and spaces. This evolution extends from the home to mobility and urban environments, enabling a more seamless and elevated life journey.
The groundbreaking products revealed and demonstrated during LG World Premiere will be on show throughout CES 2026 at LG’s booth. Along with the latest products and solutions from LG, visitors will be able to explore and enjoy a variety of unique, AI-fueled innovation experiences and immersive, interactive installations aligned with the company’s customer-centered vision and exhibition theme.
