Category Archives: News

Hyderabad Hosts First Edition of ‘Global Indian Journeys’  Exploring Identity, Purpose and Global Vision

Hyderabad, Dec 8: The inaugural edition of The Global Indian Journeys, a curated fireside chat celebrating identity, purpose and global ambition, was hosted at The Culinary Lounge in Hyderabad. The event brought together leading thinkers, entrepreneurs and creators for an intimate conversation on what it truly means to be a “Global Indian” in today’s world.

The session featured an engaging dialogue between Xavier Augustin, Founder & CEO of Y-Axis and author of The Global Indian, and Gopi Byluppala, Founder of The Culinary Lounge. Reflections were also shared by Kavitha Mantha, Founder of Sage Farm Café, who spoke about her multicultural experiences and how they influenced her journey in sustainable food.

Themes & Takeaways

The Global Indian Journeys seeks to explore powerful questions:

• What defines a Global Indian?

• How does global exposure transform identity and capability?

• How can individuals reinterpret their journeys to create wider impact?

Xavier Augustin shared insights drawn from his latest book The Global Indian and the platform globalindian.com, which chronicles inspiring stories of Indians making their mark across the world. He emphasized that global success must be rooted in purpose, stating:
“Being a global Indian is not just about knowledge, mobility or success it is about responsibility, purpose and meaningful contribution to the homeland.”

Kavitha Mantha narrated her experiences across London, Boston and Singapore, which shaped her philosophy of mindful sourcing and slow food. She reflected on how Sage Farm Café emerged as a pioneer in Hyderabad’s farm-to-fork movement, noting,
“When you stop taking things for granted, even the simplest meal narrates a journey.”

A Gathering of Stories, Culture and Connection

The evening concluded over a thoughtfully curated hi-tea spread, encouraging participants to share personal stories of travel, learning and transformation weaving together global perspectives with rooted Indian identity.

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®.

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. 

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.”

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.

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.

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.

RBI Cuts Repo Rate by 25bps, PHDCCI Sees Boost for Growth and Domestic Production

RBI Policy repo rate reduced by 25BPS; will strengthen India’s growth trajectory and domestic production: PHDCCI

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to reduce the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25BPS to 5.25% and continue with the neutral stance. This decision was made on the back of robust growth (real GDP growth at 8.2% Q2 FY 2026), buoyed by strong spending during the festive season, rationalisation of the goods and services tax (GST) rates, softer crude oil prices, and benign inflation (headline inflation at 0.3% in October 2025), to support the growth momentum” said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI.

Consequently, the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate stands at 5% and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate at 5.50%.

Moreover, enhanced consolidation of the banking system, strengthened regulatory framework and healthy investment activity, especially of the private sector, have contributed to economy’s enhanced resilience, he added.

However, evolving geopolitical conditions, divergent inflation paths and trade environments globally, continue to weigh on the outlook, he said.

In its announcement today, the MPC decided to conduct Open Market Operation purchases of government securities of ₹1,00,000 crore and a 3-year USD/INR Buy Sell swap of USD 5 billion this month in view of the evolving liquidity conditions and outlook. These measures will ensure adequate durable liquidity in the system and further facilitate monetary transmission, said Mr. Juneja.

“It is worth noting that, although high-frequency indicators suggest that domestic economic activity is holding up in Q3 FY 2026, but there are some emerging signs of weakness in few leading indicators. PMI Manufacturing has moderated to a 9-month low of 56.6 in November 2025, accompanied with moderated growth of Index of Industrial production at 0.4% in October 2025 from 4.6% in September 2025,” said Mr Juneja.

Merchandise exports face some headwinds as they declined sharply in October amid subdued external demand, accompanied by softer services exports, he said.

Overall, India’s external sector remains resilient, as on November 28, 2025, India’s foreign exchange reserves stood at US$ 686.2 billion, providing a robust import cover of more than 11 months, he added.

The MPC projected real GDP growth at 7.3%, with CPI inflation at 2% for 2025-26. The underlying inflation pressures are even lower as the impact of increase in price of precious metals is about 50 bps, said Mr. Juneja.

“We appreciate RBI’s focus on improving customer services and their proposal to hold a two-month campaign from 1st January next year with an aim to resolve all grievances pending for more than a month with the RBI Ombudsman. This will further boost ease of doing business and reduce the cost of doing business,” said Mr Juneja.

The RBI’s commitment to remain proactive, objective and consistent amidst the downside risk of softening growth and external uncertainties despite, underlying inflation pressures staying lower, and upside potential of speedy conclusion of various ongoing trade and investment negotiations, is instilling confidence among industry, says CEO and Secretary General, PHDCCI, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta

Rahul Singh Says Indian Markets Enter a Constructive Phase, Eyes Profit Growth Revival

By:-  Rahul Singh, CIO-Equities, Tata Asset Management

“Indian markets have entered a constructive phase, in line with our earlier expectations. Stable FY26 earnings and an anticipated recovery to mid-teen profit growth in FY27 are strengthening the market outlook. This improvement is supported by the prospects of interest rate cuts in India and the US, which are providing valuation comfort with the Nifty 50 trading at nearly 21x forward earnings.

We are also seeing early signs of a revival in consumption and credit growth, aided by the sustained impact of GST cuts. Corporate profit estimates are beginning to recover, and with India’s valuation premium to global markets moderating, the investment case for India over the next 12–15 months looks more compelling. In this environment, we continue to prefer flexi-cap funds within diversified equities and multi-asset strategies that offer commodity exposure, along with thematic opportunities in banking and consumer-driven sectors.”

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Hosts ‘Sunday Socials’ in Association with Wellness B’zaar

Hyderabad, Dec 04: Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad transformed the Mazzo Rooftop Bar into a dynamic wellness arena this November, hosting Sunday Socials a community-led fitness experience developed by Wellness B’zaar. The venue’s panoramic rooftop setting provided the perfect backdrop for a morning of movement, music, and shared energy.

Sunday Socials brings a vibrant approach to fitness, enabling participants to explore diverse forms of movement under expert professional guidance, with each edition introducing a new fitness experience from aquatic workouts to high-intensity circuits and emerging training styles. This session also featured brand-supported competitive moments, including endurance tests and wellness interactions that added playful challenge while maintaining the event’s community-first atmosphere. Together, these elements shape Sunday Socials into a lively, shared wellness ecosystem that extends beyond a traditional fitness class.

Guests concluded the experience with a wholesome poolside breakfast, creating space to relax, connect, and recharge after the spirited morning session.

“We are delighted to host Sunday Socials at Mazzo Rooftop Bar and offer the Hyderabad community fresh and engaging wellness experiences,” said Ashwin Vaidya, General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad. “This association aligns perfectly with our commitment to holistic well-being and meaningful community engagement.”

“Sunday Socials is built on the idea of shared movement and collective motivation,” said Puja Khan, Co-founder, Wellness B’zaar. “The friendly competitive elements and brand interactions add energy, but it’s the community spirit and Marriott’s hospitality that truly elevate the experience.”

This edition was supported by:

• Akshayakalpa — Good Food Partner
• ATX Nutrition — Protein Partner
• CFS Gym — Training Equipment Partner
• Good Binge — Gifting Partner

With evolving themes, competitive formats, and curated brand interactions each month, Sunday Socials continues to grow as a distinctive wellness ritual within Hyderabad’s lifestyle landscape.