Archives 2025

By:- Ms. Aditi Prasad Apte, Senior  Clinical Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital.

Black coffee is among the easiest beverages you can prepare, that is, coffee powder and hot water only. No cream, no sugar, and no milk to be mixed in. What’s more, the drink that appears to be so simple is packed with a number of powerful benefits that have made it popular not only with fitness enthusiasts, office-workers but also with doctors who moderate its intake and recommend the drink. Since it contains neither sugar nor milk, it is low in calories and at the same time very rich in antioxidants. Hence, it is a better option for those who want to reduce their sugar intake, control their weight, or speed up their metabolism.

Energy and Focus Boost

Black coffee is the most common drink that instantly boosts energy and the main reason why people love it. The caffeine does wake you up, boosts the alertness and it is easier for you to focus. Drinking it in the morning or just before starting your work can make you feel more lively and mentally sharp. It is also a factor that improves one’s reaction time and concentration which is why lots of students and professionals depend on it.

A Great Help in Losing Weight

Black coffee has a very low-caloric content which renders it one of the best drinks for a weight loss diet. Besides, it has a metabolism-boosting effect which means that through the day your body will burn more calories. It also hastens the process of body fat being released. Many persons opt for a cup prior to workout since it gives more endurance and aids in burning the calories more efficiently.

Supports Heart Health 

 If taken in small amounts  which usually means one to two cups a day  black coffee may be able to lower the chances of heart disorders. It enhances the flow of blood, calms down inflammation and the cappillaries get more support. But bear in mind that overconsumption of coffee can actually lead to opposite effects, thus moderation is very important.

Might Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes 

Drinking coffee on a daily basis is, in fac, linked to lower diabetes risk. This is because coffee improves the body’s insulin sensitivity and thus, glucose is used more efficiently. However, this applies only to black coffee and that too, unsweetened. Otherwise, sugar would take the advantage away. 

Helps in Liver Health

Also, black coffee is known for its ability to protect the liver. Moderate and regular consumption is associated with a decreased risk of fatty liver, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. It helps in the control of anti-liver enzymes and the support of general detoxification by the liver system. Thus, black coffee is mainly beneficial for those who suffer liver problems due to their lifestyle. 

Enhances Mood and Brain Activity 

Caffeine boosts dopamine levels  the “hormone of happiness”  which means you feel better and less tired. Besides, black coffee also promotes longevity of the brain and lowers the chances of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The reason is that it not only eliminates the brain cells but also reduces nerve inflammation.

How Much Black Coffee Is Safe?

 1–2 cups daily are regarded as safe for most grown-ups. Over that may cause jitters, stomach upset, insomnia or faster heartbeat. It is advised not to have black coffee late evening or night, as it could disrupt your sleeping patterns.

Who Should Be Careful? 

The ones who are suffering from acidity, stomach ulcers, extreme anxiety or have blood pressure that is not controlled should be careful. Moreover, pregnant women are advised to see a doctor first before making it a habit of drinking caffeinated drinks.

When drinking black coffee at reasonable levels, it can be a great healthy asset to your daily regimen. Its energy-giving, weight loss, liver and heart support, mood enhancing and antioxidant providing properties are among its few benefits.

Magma, Asia’s leading industrial B2B solutions provider, has today announced the close of its Series A round at USD 8 million, following an additional USD 3 million extension to its previously announced USD 5 million raise in April 2025. The USD 3 million fresh infusion includes:

• USD 1.2 million from Capria Ventures, Avinya Ventures, extending their existing investment
• USD 1.3 million from the Gujarat Government’s VC arm, GVFL Ltd.
• USD 0.5 million from AVNM Ventures

With this USD 8 million Series A round, Magma has raised a total of USD 11.3 million to date, including USD 3.3 million in seed funding. 

Magma is building a first-of-its-kind ‘Industrial Operations Stack’ for India’s factories and contract manufacturers. With deep proximity to industrial clusters and a fundamentals-driven, profitability-first approach, the company works closely with mid-market manufacturers to modernise production, improve throughput, and bring transparency to supply and demand in India’s fragmented industrial ecosystem.

The latest capital will be deployed to scale Magma’s operations across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Telangana; strengthen the company’s precision manufacturing network; accelerate the growth of TerraMag its advanced industrial materials brand; and introduce new factory-focused solutions, to be announced shortly. The company will also double down on Magma Green  India’s leading green manufacturing and materials platform delivering waste-management and recycled-materials solutions across the paper, plastic, agro, and sawdust value chains. 

Magma stands at a powerful inflection point: scaling rapidly across India’s industrial backbone and demonstrating that a profitable, sustainable, tech-enabled B2B enterprise from a non-metro city can attract global capital and help redefine the future of Indian manufacturing.

Neal Thakker, Founder and CEO, Magma, said,

“The continued backing from our investors reinforces our belief in a proximity-first, fundamentals-led model rooted in India’s manufacturing clusters. With this round, we are scaling our footprint across key industrial belts and building the backbone for India’s next wave of precision manufacturing. We are on track to reach an INR 1,000 crore revenue run rate within the next 18 months.”

Surya Mantha, Managing Partner, Capria Ventures, said,

“Magma is solving a very hard and very large problem — modernising India’s industrial backbone. Their traction in mid-market manufacturing clusters, the quality of on-ground operations, and Neal’s clarity on building a durable business give us confidence to increase our investment. We believe Magma is positioned to become a defining company in India’s industrial stack, as they address a USD 36 billion opportunity in one of India’s most underserved industrial supply chains.”

Gaurav VK Singhvi, Managing Partner, Avinya Ventures, added,

“Over the last six months, Magma has delivered what we look for in an industrial platform at scale: steady revenue growth, improving gross margins and disciplined execution. The revenue mix is now anchored in core verticals, the company has added customers across more than 14 states, and it has remained cash generative. The team’s proximity to manufacturing clusters and focus on fundamentals give us confidence to deepen our ownership. We see a clear path to a larger, more profitable business and are excited to support Magma as it builds toward public market readiness.”

New Delhi, Dec 19: NEELGAGAN, India’s established stationery destination, continues to strengthen its presence across education, office and large-scale organisational markets through a broad portfolio of paper and plastic stationery products.

As education and work environments adapt to digital systems, the need for dependable stationery continues to coexist with these shifts. In response, NEELGAGAN has expanded its role from a traditional stationery brand to a comprehensive solutions provider focused on consistency and scale.

Its product portfolio spans notebooks, notepads, account books, ledgers and a wide range of office stationery, positioning the brand as a dependable partner for bulk and customised requirements. NEELGAGAN is among the few remaining national-scale players in key categories such as notepads and account books, segments that continue to play a critical role in education, administration and small business operations. In many organisations, paper-based documentation continues to run parallel to digital systems, making dependable stationery a non-negotiable part of daily operations.

While several stationery categories have fragmented or become increasingly regional over time, demand for structured record-keeping, daily writing and administrative documentation continues to sustain these core segments. NEELGAGAN’s strength lies in its ability to serve diverse use cases while maintaining consistent quality and supply. The brand’s wide SKU spread also enables organisations to meet multiple stationery requirements through a single, reliable partner.

Beyond retail, NEELGAGAN has developed strong capabilities in customised and large-volume stationery solutions. The company works closely with organisations to meet specific requirements related to size, binding, paper quality and format, enabling flexibility for specification-driven orders. These solutions are widely used across classrooms, examination centres, administrative offices and field operations, where standardisation and supply reliability are essential.

As learning formats and work environments evolve, demand for dependable stationery remains strong. NEELGAGAN continues to focus on understanding regional usage patterns and servicing these markets through an established distribution network.

Speaking on the brand’s positioning, Mr. PRANAV GUPTA, DIRECTOR – MARKETING, NEELGAGAN, said,

“Stationery is a fundamental requirement across education, offices and organised workplaces, and its importance is often underestimated. At Neelgagan, our focus has always been on consistency, availability and understanding how stationery is actually used across India. That approach continues to guide how we serve our partners and markets. Our role is to ensure that these everyday tools work reliably, quietly and consistently, wherever they are needed.”

Adding to this, Mr. KANAV GUPTA, DIRECTOR – SALES, NEELGAGAN, said,

 “Across markets, what we consistently hear from customers is the need for dependable supply and uniform quality. Whether it is a school, an office or a large organisation managing procurement at scale, predictability matters. Our focus has been on ensuring that partners can rely on Neelgagan not just for product range, but for consistency in availability and service.”

The company remains focused on business continuity, partner relationships and clear external communication, while strengthening its relevance in a changing stationery and learning landscape.

With a legacy spanning over seven decades, NEELGAGAN continues to build on its foundation of trust while aligning its portfolio and distribution to the evolving needs of education, administration and organised users. The emphasis is on staying close to how organisations actually function, rather than on chasing short-term category shifts.

Hafele’s Midora Full Steam Oven is designed to support healthier, more versatile cooking through the integration of full steam technology with conventional oven functions. Crafted for modern kitchens, the appliance combines performance, convenience and refined aesthetics in a single built-in solution. Steam cooking plays a key role in preserving nutrients, texture and natural flavours while reducing the need for added fats. The Midora Full Steam Oven allows users to seamlessly incorporate steam into everyday cooking, delivering dishes that are moist and tender. When paired with baking, grilling or roasting modes, the oven achieves balanced results with crisp exteriors and well-cooked interiors.

Offering flexibility across a wide range of recipes, the Midora Full Steam Oven supports multiple cooking and steam-assisted modes, making it suitable for everything from daily meals to elaborate preparations. Its spacious interior accommodates varied cookware and portion sizes, allowing users to cook with ease and efficiency. Designed with user comfort in mind, the oven features a soft-close door, an intuitive touch control panel with slider functionality and LED display, and telescopic shelf supports that enable safe and convenient access to dishes. The triple-glazed glass door enhances energy efficiency by minimising heat loss and maintaining consistent cooking temperatures.

Maintenance is simplified through integrated steam cleaning and descaling functions, helping keep the oven clean with minimal effort. Finished in Black Glass with refined detailing, the Midora Full Steam Oven blends seamlessly into premium kitchen interiors while retaining a timeless visual appeal.

Designed to respond to evolving cooking habits, the Midora Full Steam Oven reflects Hafele’s approach to creating appliances that balance technology with everyday usability. By combining steam cooking with conventional oven functions in a refined built-in format, the Midora Full Steam Oven supports more mindful cooking while integrating seamlessly into contemporary kitchen spaces.

Chennai, Dec 19:- Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited has entered into a strategic bancassurance alliance with Equitas Small Finance Bank  marking a significant step toward deepening life insurance penetration across India’s diverse markets.

This partnership underscores Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s commitment to making life insurance accessible for every segment of society. Through this collaboration, the company will offer its comprehensive portfolio of life protection, savings, annuity, child plans, and investment-linked solutions across Equitas SFB’s robust network of 994 banking outlets and 365 ATMs in 18 states and Union Territories, with a strong presence in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Soly Thomas, Chief Distribution Officer- Bancassurance, Canara HSBC Life Insurance, said

 “At Canara HSBC Life Insurance, we believe in forging partnerships that create meaningful impact. Our collaboration with Equitas Small Finance Bank is a strategic step toward expanding financial inclusion and delivering life insurance solutions that are simple, transparent, and trustworthy. Together, we aim to empower millions across India to plan for life’s uncertainties and build long-term financial security, reinforcing our commitment to being a true ‘Promises Ka Partner.’”

Sharing his views, Mr. Murali Vaidyanathan, Senior President & Country Head  Liabilities, Wealth Management & Digital Banking, Equitas Small Finance Bank said;

 “At Equitas, our mission has always been to enable financial inclusion through innovative and customer-centric solutions. Partnering with Canara HSBC Life Insurance allows us to offer our customers a holistic financial planning option, combining the trust of banking with the security of life insurance. With a wide range of protection-led offerings and the strength of our growing branch network, we are able to safeguard the lives and financial wellbeing of our customers more effectively. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to building sustainable, scalable solutions that help individuals and families achieve long-term financial resilience and peace of mind.”

By combining Equitas SFB’s extensive reach and phygital banking model with Canara HSBC Life Insurance’s trusted solutions, this alliance seeks to accelerate life insurance adoption across India’s diverse demographics. The partnership also aligns with IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, reinforcing both organizations’ commitment to financial inclusion and holistic customer well-being.

New Delhi, Dec 19: As 2025 wraps up, College Vidya, India’s trusted platform for navigating, comparing, and selecting UGC-approved online and distance education programs has released its Year-End Online Education Trends 2025, mapping what Indians chose to study this year, where demand is coming from, and which specialisations are shaping career ambitions at scale.

Key Highlights

• MBA leads India’s online degree market with 42.52% of all enrollments; the single largest share across programs.

• Tech degrees form 28%+ of India’s online learner base, led by BCA (16.67%) and MCA (11.27%).

• BBA is the fastest-growing UG management degree, rising to 43.87% YoY growth in 2025.

• Doctorate in Business Administration is the biggest breakout trend of 2025, recording an 86.82% YoY jump (despite a smaller market share of 1.86%).

• Delhi leads India’s online learning map with 18.63% contribution, followed by Uttar Pradesh (13.14%) and Bihar (10.49%) highlighting how strongly Tier-2/3 India is shaping demand.

India is choosing degrees that make them employable

The year-end data shows a clear pattern: learners are increasingly choosing degrees aligned with high-demand domains, particularly across technology and business, reflecting how academic choices are evolving with market relevance.

In BCA, the largest specialisation clusters were Cloud Computing & Cybersecurity (30.70%) and Data Analytics (30.18%), followed by Computer Science & IT (15.61%) and ML & AI (12.21%); signalling that students are optimising for real-world hiring pipelines across security, data, and AI-led roles.

In MCA, demand is concentrated in Computer Science & IT (42.16%), ML & AI (25.22%), and Cloud Computing (17.72%), highlighting strong interest in advanced technology degrees.

In BBA, India’s business learners are not picking generic management anymore – Financial Management (40.16%) dominates, with strong interest in Data Analytics (14.44%), Business Analytics (8.66%), Digital Marketing (7.61%), and Project Management (6.82%).

Even in BA, preferences reflect career utility: English accounts for 54.43%, followed by Hindi (18.83%), with meaningful demand for Psychology (6.97%) and Political Science (6.40%).

Learner demand is expanding across states

Year-end trends show that demand for online degrees is spread across multiple regions, with strong participation from both established and emerging education markets.

• Delhi contributes 18.63% of enrollments; the largest single hub.

• Uttar Pradesh (13.14%) and Bihar (10.49%) together contribute nearly a quarter of all enrollments, reinforcing how strongly Tier-2 and Tier-3 India is driving adoption.

• Maharashtra (9.17%) and West Bengal (5.66%) strengthen West and East as fast-growing learner markets.

DBA emerges as the “mid-career power move”

The sharpest spike in the dataset is Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA); growing 86.82% YoY in 2025. College Vidya’s year-end view indicates that working professionals are increasingly choosing short-duration, management-focused doctorates as a credential for leadership acceleration and career leverage.

Rohit Gupta, COO, College Vidya, said:

 “2025 showed us that India is no longer chasing degrees for their names, but for their outcomes. The rise of MBA, the momentum in BCA and MCA, and the unexpected jump in DBA all point to a workforce that is thinking with precision: What will this degree do for my career? With online education now fully mainstream, learners across India, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions are making faster, and far more informed choices than ever before.”

Dec 19: Danube Group, one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates, has officially entered a new business segment with the launch of Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group, the country’s first-ever cricket-focused digital media platform under the leadership of vice chairman Mr. Anis Sajan, who is widely known in the region as “Mr. Cricket UAE.” 

With this strategic expansion, Danube Group steps beyond its established portfolio in real estate, retail, building materials, and hospitality, venturing into the rapidly growing digital sports media industry. The move reflects the group’s commitment to evolving with market trends and tapping into high-impact, consumer-driven sectors. The introduction of a global cricket media platform positions Danube as a forward-looking enterprise that extends its influence from physical industries into the dynamic world of digital content and sports entertainment. 

The official launch event was attended by cricket legends like Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, JP Duminy, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, and Khurram Khan, along with other notable figures from the sports fraternity.

Anis Sajan, speaking at the launch event in Dubai, said “Today, Danube Group takes a major leap into a brand-new segment. Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket. As the UAE becomes a global hub for the sport, this platform will bring world-class cricket content, storytelling, and exclusive access to fans worldwide.”

Headquartered in Dubai, Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group becomes the UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media house, reflecting the nation’s ambition to strengthen its presence in the global sports economy. The platform will initially launch as a cricket-focused entity, leveraging the UAE’s strong connection with the sport and Sajan’s deep global network. As part of its long-term vision, the Group will expand into coverage of other major sports in future phases, eventually evolving into a comprehensive multi-sport digital platform.

The platform will deliver:

• Live and real-time cricket coverage
• Exclusive interviews with international players
• Premium digital video productions and studio shows
• Social-first short-form content
• Documentary-style storytelling rooted in cricket culture
• Insights and behind-the-scenes access across global leagues

With the UAE already known for hosting major tournaments such as T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, ILT20, T10 matches, and numerous international fixtures, this launch adds a new dimension to the country’s sports footprint.

“The UAE has truly become a home away from home for people of many nationalities like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, united by their love of cricket, alongside expatriates from England, Australia, South Africa, and beyond who are also cricket lovers.” Sajan added. “Hence, launching a world-class cricket media platform here is a step toward cementing the nation’s role not just in hosting the sport, but in shaping how it is consumed by these audiences.”

As Danube Group broadens its business horizon, the launch aligns with its long-term vision of diversification, innovation, and community engagement. The entry into digital sports media marks the beginning of a new vertical for the Group, one that merges technology, entertainment, and culture under a single umbrella. 

Sajan signed off by saying,

“Cricket has always been a passion for me for the last 45 years, will continue to be my passion, and will never be treated as a business. Cricket mera pyaar hai, koi karobar nahi. Even though this is a new segment in the group, it comes straight from the heart.”

Delhi,  Dec 19:- iLive Connect, a groundbreaking healthcare innovation, announced its official launch in India, introducing a ‘Doctor-Led Continuous Care’ within the comfort of homes. Combining cutting-edge technology with doctor-led clinical expertise, the system enables continuous, proactive health monitoring and timely intervention.

India faces a growing healthcare challenge  ageing populations living alone, rising chronic diseases, sudden cardiac events, repeated preventable hospitalisations, and limited access to continuous medical oversight. iLive Connect directly addresses these gaps by ensuring expert care is always present, even when patients are not in hospitals.

iLive functions as a 24×7 continuous care platform that monitors health in real time and enables early medical action long before symptoms appear. The service integrates medical-grade, FDA and CE-approved wearable biosensor technology to track vital health parameters, an advanced digital platform that continuously analyses health trends and AI-powered predictive analytics capable of identifying early risk patterns before clinical symptoms become apparent. This is supported by a round-the-clock medical command centre staffed by specialised doctors who proactively respond to patient vitals, along with seamless access to doctors and a dedicated iLive Expert.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rahul Chandola, a leading cardiovascular and aortic surgeon, and Founder of iLive Connect said, “Health does not begin at the hospital door, and it certainly does not end when a patient leaves. Hospitals address only a small part of the health journey. The real determinants of health exist beyond hospital walls, unfolding every day. iLive was built to watch over those unseen moments  using predictive intelligence, continuous monitoring, and clinical supervision  so that we can act long before illness declares itself. This is how healthcare must evolve, not just in India, but across the world.”

Dr. Viveka Kumar, Leading Interventional Cardiologist and co-founder iLive further stated, “With iLive Connect, we are introducing India’s first truly integrated continuous care platform managed round-the-clock by super specialist doctors. Our mission is simple yet powerful  to create a safety net that combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate human expertise, ensuring timely care and peace of mind for families across India and abroad.

Key Benefits of iLive Connect;

• Redefine healthcare as proactive, preventive, and with 24×7 doctor access
• Detect health risks long before symptoms appear
• Reduce preventable emergencies and hospitalisations
• Improve outcomes in chronic and high-risk conditions
• Provides families with reassurance of doctor led round-the-clock care

iLive does not replace doctors or hospitals, it strengthens the healthcare ecosystem through smarter, timely and personalised care, redefining healthcare as a quiet, continuous safeguard beyond hospital walls.

For those who are living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD/ asthma or congestive heart failure, continuous tracking of vitals ensures better disease management and helps prevent sudden health issues. The platform also supports the elderly and individuals monitored remotely, offering caregivers peace of mind with reliable oversight and instant health updates.

IHLD MED TECH PVT. LTD

IHLD Med Tech Pvt. Ltd. is an innovative Medtech company with Headquarters in Gurugram, India. The company operates in the healthcare and health services space and is associated with the Institute of Heart and Lungs Diseases (IHLD) Research Centre. IHLD was founded by Dr. Rahul Chandola, a senior clinician with extensive experience in cardio-thoracic and vascular care, bringing strong clinical credibility to the organisation’s healthcare initiatives.

Mumbai, Dec 19: The much-anticipated horror sequel THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 debuted on TVOD in India on 8th December 2025 and is available across leading digital platforms including Amazon, Apple TV and Google / YouTube, bringing the next terrifying chapter of the globally popular franchise to Indian audiences.

Directed by Renny Harlin, THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 raised the stakes with a darker and more brutal continuation of the story. When the masked killers learned that one of their victims, Maya, portrayed by Madeliene Petsch, is still alive, they return with renewed purpose to finish what they have started. With nowhere to run and no one to trust, Maya is forced to endure another harrowing chapter of terror as the Strangers pursue her relentlessly, driven by a chilling willingness to kill anyone who stood in their way.

The film starred Madeliene Petsch alongside Gabriel Basso and Richard Brake and stayed true to the franchise’s signature style of psychological horror, sustained tension and visceral fear. Known for pushing the boundaries of the genre, the sequel delivered an intense, edge-of-the-seat experience for fans of the series and the horror genre alike.

With its TVOD release in India, THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 continues the legacy of one of horror cinema’s most unsettling franchises, offering audiences the opportunity to experience the film at their convenience.