Archives December 2025

New Delhi,  Dec 27: Art-e Mediatech, one of India’s top creative, media and MarTech agencies, has released a festive mashup video featuring Christmas campaign films from several leading brands. The video includes work created for IndiaMART, TCL, Firefox, Sharp, Dylect, and others. Before creating the mashup, Art-e Mediatech developed festive campaign films separately for each brand. The mashup video brings these individual campaigns together into a single AI-led presentation. It shows how brands are using Artificial Intelligence in real campaign work.

The mashup brings together short clips from festive films created for different platforms and audiences. Each film is built around its own brief and message. Brand style stays easy to recognise throughout. When brought together, the video shows how different creative ideas can work within a shared production process without blurring brand identity.

The release reflects how Artificial Intelligence has become part of everyday creative work during festive campaigns. These campaigns move quickly and demand several pieces of content in a short time. Brands need material ready for digital and social platforms without any lag. The mashup shows how teams manage this pace while keeping the work clear and well-structured.

Art-e Mediatech applies Artificial Intelligence at specific stages of the creative process. These stages include planning, visual development, execution, and adapting content for different platforms. This reduces time spent on repeated tasks. It also allows teams to focus on shaping the story, tone, and brand fit, which continue to be guided by people.

The video also reflects a change in how brands create campaigns today. Many brands have moved past small trials and now use Artificial Intelligence as part of regular creative work. This shift is visible in social-first campaigns, where speed and volume matter. By showing finished brand films, the mashup reflects how this approach is already in use.

Commenting on the release, Rohit Sakunia, Co-founder, Art-e Mediatech, said, “AI has quietly become part of the everyday creative workflow for many brands, especially when it comes to moment-based content. All the festive films in the mashup were first developed individually for each brand. The mashup reflects how these completed campaigns can be brought together using AI. What we are seeing now is less focus on experimenting with tools and more focus on using them responsibly to work faster and stay relevant. The role of human creativity remains essential, because it is what defines the story, the emotion, and how a brand shows up during cultural moments.”

Through this festive mashup, Art-e Mediatech presents a clear picture of how Artificial Intelligence is shaping campaign production today. The video focuses on completed work created for real brands. It shows how this approach supports timely, relevant storytelling while maintaining creative direction.

Chennai, Dec 27: MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar has successfully performed a fifth generation Autograft Cartilage Tissue Transplant, an advanced daycare arthroscopic technique that enables patients to walk immediately after surgery and helps avert the need for total knee replacement. In this single-stage procedure, healthy cartilage is harvested from the patient’s own joint and transplanted to the damaged area, overcoming major limitations of earlier methods such as multiple surgeries or external cartilage culturing.

This advanced cartilage tissue transplant is particularly beneficial for patients with focal chondral defects, osteochondral lesions, early osteoarthritis, and chondromalacia patella, conditions where untreated cartilage damage can lead to severe joint degeneration and the eventual need for total knee replacement. By preserving the natural joint and restoring damaged cartilage early, this advanced technique offers a safer, joint-preserving solution, especially for younger and active patients.

MGM Malar has been pioneering this technique since 2018. Over the years, it has steadily evolved through continuous research, and patients treated with this approach consistently experience long-term healing, high satisfaction, and preservation of their natural joint, without the need for implants, crutches, or intensive physiotherapy.

In his comments, Dr Nandkumar Sundaram, Senior Consultant, Department of Orthopaedics, said, “In cases where the smooth, cushion-like cartilage in a joint is damaged due to injury, wear-and-tear, or arthritis, specialised techniques are required to restore it and maintain smooth joint movement. Among the available options, autograft cartilage tissue transplant is highly effective. The procedure involves graft preparation, PRP application, using platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own blood to promote healing, and fibrin glue fixation, a natural biological adhesive that secures the graft. All these steps are completed within a single, minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure. Patients can walk immediately after surgery without the need for braces or assistive supports. This surgery reduces pain, improves mobility, repairs sports or traumatic injuries, and helps prevent or delay the progression of arthritis.”

One of the long-term outcome patients is a 53-year-old man from Tamil Nadu, currently working in Madhya Pradesh, who had suffered from severe knee pain and restricted mobility for over 15 years due to osteoarthritis. Progressive cartilage damage and joint deformity had placed him

at risk of requiring a total knee replacement. However, after undergoing a single-stage autograft cartilage transplant in 2018, he has remained completely symptom-free for six years, demonstrating the remarkable recovery this technique can achieve.

Dr Sundaram emphasized that the success of this procedure depends on strict patient-selection criteria. “When appropriately selected, patients experience significant pain relief, improved mobility, and a prolonged joint lifespan, effectively delaying the need for total knee replacement,” he added.

Mr. Venugopal Bhat, Chief Operating Officer, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, quoted, “This long-term success highlights our commitment to minimally invasive innovation that improves patients’ quality of life.”

As Mumbai and Bengaluru gear up to bid farewell to the year gone by, New Year’s Eve is all about choosing spaces that promise great food, memorable atmospheres, and experiences worth staying up for. From immersive cocktail destinations and cosy chef-driven kitchens to vibrant cafes and global dining spaces, here’s a curated look at some standout restaurants and bars setting the tone for a memorable year-end celebration.

World of Palates
Located at CR2 Mall, Nariman Point, World of Palates offers a refreshing take on New Year’s Eve dining through its all-vegetarian, globally inspired menu. Known for blending international flavours with comforting Indian undertones, the space is warm, inviting, and ideal for diners seeking a flavour-forward yet relaxed celebration. With inventive dishes, nostalgic desserts, and a thoughtfully designed ambience, it’s a fitting choice for those who prefer a quieter, food-led countdown to the new year.

KOA Cafe & Bar
With outlets in Vashi and Thane, KOA Cafe & Bar brings its signature bohemian charm, artistic decor, and free-spirited energy to New Year’s Eve. Known for its soulful vibe and globally influenced menu, KOA offers an atmosphere that feels celebratory yet unpretentious. The space is designed for long conversations, shared plates, and an easy flow from dinner to late-night gatherings making it ideal for groups looking to ease into the new year with warmth and creativity.

Zane’s Cafe
A favourite among pet parents and comfort-food lovers, Zane’s Cafe offers a cosy, laid-back setting that’s perfect for a slower, more intimate New Year’s Eve. Known for its winter-friendly dishes, indulgent desserts, and signature hot chocolate experiences, the cafe creates a welcoming environment where guests can unwind, linger, and enjoy familiar flavours. It’s an ideal spot for those who prefer a calm, comforting way to welcome the year ahead – pets included.

One Floor Down
For those who believe New Year’s Eve deserves great drinks and bold flavours, One Floor Down delivers with its craft-driven cocktail program and playful nightlife energy. Known for inventive mixology and thoughtfully curated food pairings, the bar blends seasonal ingredients with modern techniques to create an experience that’s festive without being overdone. It’s a natural pick for guests looking to celebrate the night with strong pours, creative plates, and a lively atmosphere.

The Reservoire
An iconic name in Bengaluru’s cocktail scene, The Reservoire offers a grand yet refined New Year’s Eve setting across its Koramangala and Indiranagar locations. With expansive, art-driven spaces, a globally inspired kitchen, and a bar program known for technical excellence, the venue is designed for immersive celebrations. Whether it’s an elegant dinner or a spirited evening with friends, The Reservoire provides the scale and sophistication that make ringing in the new year feel truly special.

Helen’s Place
Intimate, soulful, and deeply personal, Helen’s Place offers a New Year’s Eve experience rooted in warmth and connection. With limited seating, candlelit charm, and a menu that celebrates refined comfort cooking, the space feels more like a dinner party than a restaurant. Known for its thoughtful dishes and carefully crafted cocktails, Helen’s Place is perfect for guests who value quiet luxury, meaningful conversations, and a gentle transition into the new year.

As the countdown begins, these restaurants and bars stand out not just for what’s on the plate or in the glass, but for the kind of moments they create. Whether you’re looking for high-energy cocktails, intimate dinners, or comforting flavours to end the year on a high note, these destinations promise New Year’s Eve celebrations that feel memorable, thoughtful, and well worth the toast.

By:–  Akhil Mittal, Senior Fund Manager, Fixed Income, Tata Asset Management

” The RBI’s December policy decision was the key driver for debt markets, with the rate cut coming broadly in line with expectations.OMO purchase announcements supported the bond market, but continued pressure on the rupee kept short-term yields volatile. As we move into January, markets will focus on how the RBI manages currency stability and liquidity, along with any signals on further OMO purchases and cues from the Union Budget. Over the medium term, with inflation remaining benign and liquidity conditions expected to stay comfortable, we expect yields to stabilise and gradually move lower over the next few quarters. In this environment, short-duration funds up to one year are well placed, while longer-duration and gilt funds continue to offer value for investors with a medium-to-long-term perspective who can navigate near-term volatility.”

Dec 27:- INOX Air Products  India’s leading industrial, electronic & specialty gas leader, has flagged off India’s first LNG-fuelled cryogenic tanker approved by Petroleum & Safety Organization a part of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  Ministry of Commerce. Making use of a June 2025 amendment by DPIIT in the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels  Rules, 2016, INOXAP became India’s first ever industrial gas manufacturer to achieve the unique distinction. The policy amendment highlights the Government’s vision of building usage of LNG as a transport fuel.

The tanker was flagged off by Sh P Seeniraj, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, PESO Vadodara Circle. The cryogenic tanker would be fuelled by LNG through a 450 Litre Kryopower LNG Fuel tank, manufactured by INOX India Ltd, India’s largest cryogenic equipment manufacturer. As a result, the vehicle would cut CO₂ emissions by up to 25%, reduce particulates by 95%, and offer a quieter and more efficient operational performance, besides opening up a cleaner pathway for long-term cost optimization.

Speaking on this milestone, Siddharth Jain, Director  INOX Group, said;

“INOXAP is spearheading a clean-energy shift in India’s industrial gases sector by flagging off the nation’s first LNG-fuelled cryogenic tanker a transformative step that redefines sustainable logistics while strengthening supply chains for critical industries. We are grateful to DPIIT for enabling this through an extremely progressive policy amendment and PESO for necessary assistance and statutory approvals. This milestone exemplifies the powerful convergence of forward-looking policy, indigenous engineering excellence, and sustainable innovation. It sets a new benchmark in global engineering leadership while delivering scalable, green solutions to power India’s manufacturing ecosystem. INOXCVA’s LNG fuel tanks are already the most widely deployed in this space, and this achievement is a matter of pride that underscores the strength of synergy within the INOX Group.”

Inspired by the Make in India spirit, this achievement also stands as a true Made-in-Gujarat milestone, reflecting the state’s robust industrial and manufacturing ecosystem. Both the cryogenic tanker and the LNG fuel tank have been indigenously designed and manufactured at INOXCVA’s facilities in Gujarat. The industrial gases transported by this vehicle will be produced within the state by INOXAP and will primarily serve customers across Gujarat, reinforcing a highly localized, efficient, and resilient supply chain. This milestone has been enabled by the proactive and progressive support of relevant Gujarat State Government departments, depicting the state’s strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and industrial growth.

Delhi & Gurugram Dominate Law Entrance CLAT 2026 with All India Rank 2, 7, 8, 9 in  10; Produce Delhi & Haryana State Toppers

New Delhi / Gurugram, Dec 27: The CLAT 2026 results have once again highlighted the growing role of the Delhi–Gurugram region in shaping India’s next generation of legal professionals. As competition intensifies nationwide and law increasingly emerges as a first-choice career, students trained in Delhi and Gurugram have delivered one of the strongest city-wise performances in this year’s Common Law Admission Test.

According to officially declared results, students from LegalEdge’s Delhi and Gurugram centres together secured four All India Ranks in the Top 10  AIR 2 and AIR 8 from Delhi, and AIR 7 and AIR 9 from Gurugram.

Significantly, the Gurugram centre also produced Haryana Topper 1 and Haryana Topper 2, corresponding to AIR 7 and AIR 9, underscoring the depth of preparation emerging from the NCR belt. LegalEdge centres in these two cities accounted for 14 ranks in the Top 100. With counselling currently underway, over 300 selections into National Law Universities (NLUs) are expected from Delhi and Gurugram alone.

Top CLAT 2026 Performers from Delhi & Gurugram: –

• AIR 2 – Parv Jain (Delhi | Delhi Topper 1)
• AIR 7 – Gauransh Vats (Gurugram | Haryana Topper 1)
• AIR 8 – Argh Jain (Delhi | Delhi Topper 2)
• AIR 9 – Manvi Yadav (Gurugram | Haryana Topper 2)

Among the top achievers are Parv Jain (AIR 2) and Argh Jain (AIR 8), twin brothers both mentored at the LegalEdge Delhi centre. Students of DPS School, the twins opted for a long-term preparation route, enrolling in a structured two-year classroom programme immediately after Class 10. Their preparation journey reflects a growing trend among serious law aspirants who are choosing early academic planning over last-minute preparation cycles.

Reflecting on their experience, the students highlighted consistency and academic structure as key factors. “Starting early helped us build strong fundamentals. The discipline of classroom learning, regular mock analysis, and close mentor interaction played a decisive role,” they shared. Their parents echoed the importance of process-led preparation, noting that a clear academic roadmap helped the students grow not only in performance but also in confidence and emotional maturity.

Commenting on the results, Vikaas Wahi, Director, LegalEdge Delhi & Gurugram, said:

“At LegalEdge Delhi & Gurugram, our focus has never been only on ranks, but on the journey of every student and the trust every parent places in us. We consciously work towards creating the right academic environment — one that combines structure, mentorship, emotional support, and consistency. When students feel guided and confident, outcomes follow naturally. Our student-to-selection ratio of nearly 4:1 reflects this sustained, student-first approach rather than a numbers-driven mindset.”

Other top performers from the region also highlighted sustained mentorship as a key differentiator. AIR 7 Gauransh Vats, Haryana Topper 1, credited focused one-to-one mentoring and mock strategy discussions for his steady progress, while AIR 9 Manvi Yadav, Haryana Topper 2, emphasised the role of a supportive academic environment and regular guidance in maintaining exam readiness throughout the preparation cycle.

The performance from Delhi and Gurugram aligns with broader national trends. Over 92,000 candidates registered for CLAT 2026, with nearly 75,000 appearing for the undergraduate examination alone, reflecting a 17% rise in participation over previous years. With limited NLU seats available, the data points to law consolidating its position as a high-stakes, aspirational career choice among Indian students.

At a national level, LegalEdge’s CLAT 2026 outcomes reflect consistent performance across centres, with AIR 1, 2, 3 and 7 AIRs in the Top 10, 9 State Toppers, 51 ranks in the Top 100, reinforcing the role of structured, classroom-led preparation in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Panaji; Dec 27: In a significant step towards positioning Goa as a premium Wellness Tourism Hub, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre (GAMRC), Shiroda–Goa.

The MoU was signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, along with Shri Kedar Ashok Naik (GCS), Director, Department of Tourism; Dr. Neelesh Pramod Korde, Principal, Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre; Dr Sneha Bhagwat, President Goa council of Ayurvedic and other allied Indian systems of medicine; ⁠Dr Minal Joshi, Deputy Director( AYUSH) DHS Govt of Goa; ⁠Dr Dharmendra Desai, Vice President; and ⁠Dr Joy Periera- Officiating Registrar .

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to promote Ayurveda- and Yoga-based wellness tourism in Goa through the development of customised wellness packages and coordinated marketing initiatives across digital platforms and national and international forums. The collaboration also envisages the development of wellness tourism infrastructure, including Ayurveda and Yoga centres at tourism properties, creation of AYUSH information cells, development of promotional materials, and capacity-building through training, research, and knowledge exchange.

Speaking about the partnership, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, said, “Wellness tourism is an important pillar of Goa’s evolving tourism narrative. This collaboration brings together traditional knowledge systems and structured tourism development, enabling Goa to offer authentic, high-quality wellness experiences while creating long-term value for local institutions and communities.”

Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Kedar Ashok Naik, said, “The signing of this MoU provides a structured framework for collaboration in the area of wellness tourism. It will enable coordinated efforts in promotion, training, and knowledge exchange, while supporting the development of wellness-related initiatives aligned with the State’s tourism objectives.”

The Memorandum of Understanding provides a broad framework for collaboration and will facilitate coordinated efforts in the promotion and development of wellness tourism in Goa. The partnership is expected to support knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the creation of structured wellness offerings aligned with the State’s tourism objectives.

Mumbai, Dec 26:  2025 was a standout year for travel in India, shaped by a packed calendar of cultural events, concerts, and large-scale religious gatherings, along with easier visa norms that sustained travel intent through the year. ixigo, India’s leading AI-based travel platform, revealed its “The Great Indian Travel Index 2025”, capturing how India travelled across flights, trains, and buses. The data reveals strong YoY momentum in 2025, with overall searches for flight up by 45%, train growing by 20%, and bus rising by 42% as compared to 2024.

OTT-Inspired Travel Fuels a Northeast Boom

India’s binge-worthy OTT hits are doing more than driving viewership – they’re putting the Northeast firmly on the travel map. Popular shows like The Family Man (Season 3), Paatal Lok (Season 2) and Delhi Crime (Season 3) showcased the region’s lush landscapes, layered cultures and raw, unfiltered settings, sparking fresh curiosity around lesser-explored destinations. This on-screen spotlight translated into real-world travel demand in 2025, with ixigo witnessing strong YoY growth in flight bookings to key Northeastern cities: Dimapur (+77%), Agartala (+48%), Guwahati and Imphal (+44% each), and Itanagar (+42%).

Mindful Miles: How Gen Z Fuelled India’s Spiritual Travel Boom

In 2025, spiritual travel was at the centre of India’s travel story, powered by Gen Z’s growing interest in meaning-led journeys and landmark gatherings such as the Maha Kumbh. The event triggered a sharp surge in travel to Prayagraj, with Gen Z bus bookings climbing almost 20x year-on-year. Reflecting the demand peak, the most expensive domestic flight booked on ixigo in 2025 was a Mumbai-Prayagraj ticket priced at ₹92,644 during the Kumbh period.

Pilgrimage destinations witnessed strong YoY growth in flight bookings, led by Varanasi (+134%) and Tirupati (+102%), followed by Prayagraj (+80%), Ayodhya (+54%), Shirdi (+26%), and Amritsar (+24%). Bus travel amplified this trend, with bookings rising sharply to Varanasi (+111%), Mathura (+99%), Ayodhya (+86%), Rishikesh (+81%), Haridwar (+73%), Amritsar (+61%), and Gaya (+55%). Train bookings also grew steadily to destinations such as Rishikesh (+43%), Prayagraj (+35%), Gaya (+28%), Dwarka (+26%), Mathura (+26%), and Ujjain (+25%).

Hello Japan, Annyeong Korea: East Asia Takes Centre Stage in 2025

Indian travellers expanded their horizons in 2025, with a clear shift towards newer international destinations. East and Southeast Asia emerged as standout favourites, led by Japan (+63%), South Korea (+61%), Vietnam (+57%), and Thailand (+53%), reflecting growing interest in culture-rich, experience-led travel. Traditional favourites continued to hold steady, with Sri Lanka (+42%) and Indonesia (+36%) remaining popular choices.

Beyond Asia, the Middle East and other emerging destinations also saw strong momentum, driven by Oman (+71%), Kenya (+65%), Kazakhstan (+54%), the UAE (+52%), Uzbekistan (+49%), and Qatar (+45%), signalling Indians’ increasing appetite for offbeat global getaways.

Leisure Travel Diversifies: Hills Took the Lead, Coasts Stayed in Play

Hill destinations remained popular in 2025, with Dehradun (+64%) and Srinagar (+58%) leading on flights, Srinagar doubling YoY on ixigo trains & ConfirmTkt, and Dehradun (+99%), Shimla (+29%), and Manali (+17%) on AbhiBus. Coastal getaways followed closely, driving YoY demand on ixigo flights led by Port Blair (+81%), Coimbatore (+47%), and Goa (+27%). 

One of the interesting behavioural shifts in 2025 was the reimagining of the monsoon season, not as a travel lull, but as a leisure opportunity. Monsoon travel demand grew 35-40% YoY across modes, driven by nature-led and short-haul getaways. Destinations such as Lonavala, Munnar, Mahabaleshwar and Udaipur saw strong traction, while Port Blair and Goa continued to attract travellers looking to combine off-season pricing with fewer crowds.

Speaking on the findings, Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, and Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO, ixigo, said, “What truly stood out in The Great Indian Travel Index 2025 was the scale and diversity of travel demand across the country. Faith-led travel emerged as a powerful driver, with destinations like Varanasi alone witnessing nearly 147 million visits in 2025. At the same time, rising disposable incomes and better connectivity are helping expand the travel ecosystem beyond existing travellers. Over 50% of new flight bookers coming from our NBU app users are first-time flyers, allowing us to continue adding new travellers to the market.

We’re also seeing Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities increasingly shape India’s travel narrative. Cities such as Rishikesh, Indore, Nagpur, Bhopal, Lucknow, and Assam are driving strong demand across flights, trains, and buses, with several metro-to-emerging city bus routes experiencing YoY growth of nearly 80%. Together, these trends reflect how travel in India is deeply rooted in culture, belief, and aspiration, cutting across age groups, geographies, and travel modes.”

The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement  is a landmark agreement that is expected to significantly boost India’s services trade with the Gulf region. The Agreement offers broader and deeper market access commitments from Oman across all key sectors and modes of supply. Sectors of interest to India, such as computer-related services, business services, professional services, education, healthcare, R&D, and audio-visual services, have received best treatment, ensuring enhanced commercial opportunities for Indian service providers.

“SEPC welcomes the India–Oman CEPA as it represents a strategic opportunity for India’s services sector to expand its footprint in a high-potential market,” said Abhay Sinha, Director General, Services Export Promotion Council  set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. “With deeper sectoral commitments and improved predictability in market access and professional mobility, Indian service providers can build long-term presence and scale service delivery with confidence.”

In 2024, India’s services exports to Oman stood at USD  665 million, while imports were USD  198 million. Oman’s global services imports exceeded USD 12.52 billion, offering a large untapped potential for Indian service providers.

A key distinguishing feature of the India-Oman CEPA is the significant advancement in mobility commitments. Oman has, for the first time in any FTA, agreed to relax the limitation criteria for Intra-Corporate Transferees from 20% to 50%. This means Indian companies can now transfer a larger share of managerial and specialist personnel to their Oman operations. Further, Oman has committed to the category of professionals, covering 15 sub-sectors including accounting, engineering, medical and dental, IT, construction, and education services. These mobility gains are crucial for the approximately 6000 India-Oman joint ventures already present in Oman, particularly those in the services sector.

The CEPA also introduces a dedicated Annex on Health-related Services and Traditional Medicine, aimed at promoting Indian systems of medicine such as AYUSH, fostering medical value travel, and encouraging institutional cooperation in the field of traditional medicine. This Annex is a first-of-its-kind initiative for India in any CEPA/FTA.

Currently, Indian workers in Oman do not face dual social security contributions. However, to address any future challenges, the CEPA includes a specific commitment to negotiate a bilateral Social Security Agreement. Once concluded, this will ensure continuity of social security benefits on a reciprocal basis and prevent dual contributions. This provision will benefit approximately 5.2 Lakh Indian workers and more than 6000 India-Oman joint ventures operating in Oman.