Archives January 2026

In 2025, India transformed every meal into a celebration of flavor, convenience, and connection. Amid packed workdays, late-night scrolls, and festive gatherings, food continued to anchor daily life. Ordering a meal was no longer just about indulgence it became instinctive: a pause between meetings, a reward after long hours, a reason to gather, or simply a moment of comfort delivered right on time.

India chose what it trusted: familiar flavors, dependable favorites, and meals that seamlessly fit into daily routines.

Welcome to the 10th edition of How India Swiggy’d, a snapshot of India’s love affair with food and a recap of the year’s delicious highlights.

Big Year, Big Bites

Biryani reigned supreme once again. With 93 million biryanis ordered in 2025—that’s 194 orders per minute or 3.25 biryanis every second—this aromatic masterpiece proved that India’s love for it remains unwavering. Chicken Biryani (57.7 million orders) was the most loved, with the highest number of repeat orders.

Other favorites included:

• Burgers: 44.2 million orders

• Pizzas: 40.1 million orders

• Veg Dosa: 26.2 million orders

Snack time (3–7 PM) dominated with comfort food:

• Chicken Burgers: 6.3 million orders

• Veg Burgers: 4.2 million orders

• Chicken Rolls: 4.1 million orders

• Veg Pizza: 3.6 million orders

• Chicken Nuggets: 2.9 million orders

The iconic Chai-Samosa ritual continued with 3.42 million samosas and 2.9 million adrak chai served during snack hours.

Desserts and indulgence saw classics like:

• White Chocolate Cake: 6.9 million orders

• Chocolate Cake: 5.4 million orders

• Gulab Jamun: 4.5 million orders

• Kaju Barfi: 2 million orders

• Besan Ladoo: 1.9 million orders

Chocolate ruled ice creams, with 3.3 million Dark Chocolate and 2.6 million Chocolate Sundaes sold.

Global flavors made their mark:

• Mexican: 16 million orders

• Tibetan: 12 million+ orders

• Korean: 4.7 million orders

• Matcha emerged as the most searched global cuisine.

Hyperlocal flavors gained momentum, with Pahari cuisine growing 9x and Malabari, Rajasthani, and Malvani cuisines almost doubling in orders.

Dinner remains king, with orders nearly 32% higher than lunch.

Big Heart, Bigger Celebrations

• In Hyderabad, a single customer spent ₹47,106 on 65 Dry Fruit Cookie Gift Packs to kickstart festivities.

• A Mumbai foodie placed 3,196 orders in 2025—almost 9 orders a day—the highest in the country.

Bolt deliveries ensured instant gratification:

• Highest deliveries in Bengaluru, followed by Hyderabad and Mumbai.

• Emerging markets: Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Vizag, Kochi.

• Top desserts on Bolt: Chocolate Cakes and Gulab Jamun.

99Store highlights:

• Bengaluru led orders, followed by Hyderabad and Mumbai.

• Popular items: Chocolate Pastries (2.3 lakh orders), Chocolate Cakes (1.3 lakh), Chicken Biryani, Paneer Pizzas, Corn Garlic Bread, Chicken Fry.

• Legendary order in Mumbai: 15 Dum Chicken Biryani, 10 Chicken Meatball Kebabs, 5 Falafel-E-Khaas & Pepper Paneer Biryani, and 100 Gulab Jamuns—a true feast!

Delivery partners clocked 1.24 billion km, equivalent to Kashmir to Kanyakumari 340,000 times.

• Bengaluru’s Mohammad Razique delivered 11,718 orders

• Chennai’s Poongodi led female partners with 8,169 orders

Breakfast Staples to Midnight Binges

Breakfast favorites:

• Idli: 11 million orders

• Veg Dosa: 9.6 million

• Veg Vada & Medhu Vada: Top 3

• Veg Puri: 1.26 million

• Aloo Parantha: 1.25 million

Late-night cravings (12 AM–2 AM):

• Chicken Burgers topped with 2.3 million orders

• Chicken Biryani, Veg Burgers, Veg Pizzas followed

• Chocolate Waffles, Chocolate Cakes, and White Chocolate Cake dominated desserts

Festive Mania

Food celebrated faith and festivity:

• Ganesh Chaturthi: 2.28 lakh modaks delivered

• Navratri: 99,200 Sabudana Khichdi, 1 lakh Vrat Thalis, 70,000 Sabudana Vada

• Ashtami: 2.2 lakh orders in 60 minutes, order value 17% higher than last year

• Independence Day: Chicken Biryani led; Kannur had a record order of 50 Special Faloodas

• Rakhi: 4,650 orders per minute during dinner

• Diwali: 1.7 million kgs of sweets, dry fruits, and desserts delivered

Convenience Meets Cravings

Swiggy’s innovative features shaped urban dining:

• High-protein foods: 23 million orders, led by Bengaluru

• Incognito Mode: 69.32% YoY growth, popular in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Nagpur

• Preferred incognito slots: 1 PM and 8 PM

Dining Out Evolves

Dining out became a social lifestyle experience:

• 23.7 million diners seated, led by Bengaluru (4.5M), Delhi (3.9M), Hyderabad (3.7M)

• Emerging markets: Jaipur, Chandigarh, Kochi, Dehradun, Vadodara, Mangalore

• Savings through Swiggy Dineout: ₹774 crore nationwide

• Single highest saving: ₹150,800 in Bengaluru

• Highest single bills: ₹3 lakh (Bengaluru & Mumbai), ₹1.73 lakh (Pune)

• Group bookings: Bengaluru (7.49 lakh), Delhi (6.29 lakh), Hyderabad (5.7 lakh)

• Buffet bookings: 219,320 (78% growth), with Delhi leading

• Premium dining: 1.6 million bookings (123.7% growth)

• DineCash popular in Bengaluru, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur

2025: A Year of Food, Culture, and Connection

From breakfast rituals to midnight indulgences, from festive feasts to impromptu bites, India’s relationship with food evolved in 2025. Each order, each meal, each bite painted a vibrant picture of the country’s culinary soul.

Whether dining in the shadows of the night or celebrating under restaurant lights, food continues to turn every moment into a lasting memory.

Shree Cement Limited announced the commissioning of RAS Unit-11 at its integrated manufacturing facility in Jaitaran, Rajasthan. The new unit adds 3.65 MTPA of clinker capacity and 3.0 MTPA of cement capacity, further strengthening Shree Cement’s largest and most advanced manufacturing complex and one of Asia’s largest single-location cement facilities.

Designed as a fully integrated unit, RAS Unit-11 reinforces the plant’s clinkerisation and grinding capabilities at a single site, supporting efficient and reliable supply to key North Indian markets. With this addition, Shree Cement’s total cement production capacity in India increases to 65.8 MTPA, consolidating the company’s position as a benchmark for large-scale cement manufacturing.

RAS Unit-11 is supported by advanced automation and modern plant infrastructure, including Pfeiffer raw and coal mills, an FLSmidth kiln with a 6-stage preheater and DeNOx system, and an FLSmidth Cross-Bar® cooler with an intermediate HRB (Heavy-Duty Roller Breaker). Energy efficiency is strengthened through a 22 MW waste heat recovery system and the use of alternative fuels, aligning with Shree Cement Limited’s sustainability backbone. 

Commenting on the milestone, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement Limited, said:

“RAS Unit-11 reflects our continued focus on disciplined capacity expansion and responsible resource use. Additionally, the adoption of advanced technologies across our operations and logistics has further enhanced efficiency and cost optimisation.”

Backed by long-term mining security, NABL-accredited quality systems, a highly skilled workplace and enhanced capacity, Shree Cement is well-placed to support infrastructure growth and deliver value to customers across North India.

New Delhi, Jan 15 : SaintG Leather Studio Pvt. Ltd., a premium leather lifestyle brand, has partnered with Francorp, the franchise consulting arm of Franchise India Brands Limited, to expand its presence across metros, Tier 1, and Tier 2 cities via a structured franchise model. Known for luxury leather footwear, bags, apparel, and accessories, SaintG currently operates a Delhi Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO), robust D2C channels, and Multi-Brand Outlets (MBOs), and is now scaling its physical presence nationwide.

Market Insights

India’s leather goods market reached USD 14 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a 10.1% CAGR through 2031, driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and increasing demand for branded footwear and accessories. Branded segments in metros account for over 25% market share, while Tier 2 cities are growing 20%+ YoY, fueled by e-commerce and premium retail adoption.

Franchise Expansion Strategy

“SaintG’s global design edge and premium leathers position us perfectly for India’s aspirational consumers. Partnering with Francorp accelerates our franchise rollout to 25 stores by 2027, ensuring both quality and scale,” said Ayushman Khanna, Founder & CEO, SaintG.

“Francorp is excited to propel SaintG’s expansion in the booming leather sector, attracting investors for sustainable, high-return franchise stores in top malls across the country,” added Gaurav Marya, Founder & Chairman, Franchise India Brands Limited.

 Mumbai, Jan 15: Habuild, India’s first habit building platform, has officially made a world record for the Most Yoga Viewership in a Day, as validated by the World Records Union. The record was achieved through six live online yoga sessions conducted throughout the day, with participation counted cumulatively across all sessions. The initiative witnessed global participation, with 9.3Lakh people joining in. Marking the milestone, the platform also announced the construction of a school, with every new participant’s presence contributing a brick towards the building of the school.

The record was created as a part of Habuild’s Har Ghar Yoga initiative. The theme for this year is designed around promises for new beginnings.  Every New Year begins with promises like better health, more movement, calmer minds. Yet by mid-January, most resolutions fade away. In fact, the second Friday of January is often referred to as Quitter’s Day, when motivation dips and people are most likely to give up. This World Record is Habuild’s response to this moment.

Instead of pushing people to do more, the initiative invited them to start softer. Instead of chasing perfection, it celebrated showing up. And instead of framing quitting as failure, it reminded people that beginning again is always allowed. The day symbolised renewal, self-belief, and conscious action  making it a meaningful day to collectively begin, or begin again.

Women aged 45 and above formed a significant part of the participation, reflecting the community that continues to shape Habuild’s daily practice. The scale of engagement highlighted how shared routines and gentle accountability help habits take root.

Commenting on the milestone, Saurabh Bothra, Co founder & Yoga Teacher, Habuild, said,

“This day felt less about a record and more about people finding their way back. When participation feels welcoming, consistency follows. Har Ghar Yoga was created to hold that space and the response showed how powerful that can be. Our community has always believed in servitude. Hence we have also announced construction of a school in my ancestral village. For every person who joins us through our community, we are donating a brick towards the construction of this school. ”

For Habuild, the day marks a continuation of its focus on everyday practice and larger good towards the society. The work ahead remains centred on supporting people as they carry this rhythm into daily life, one session at a time.

By:- Sanjay Choudhari, Chairman, SBL Energy:

‘The forthcoming Union Budget 2026 calls for a transformative opportunity to substantially boost India’s infrastructure and mining sectors. We strongly anticipate strong initiatives that indicate significant capital investment into large-scale projects, incentivise the adoption of innovative green technology, and rationalise duties on critical materials to reduce cost constraints. Besides this, streamlined regulatory frameworks, like single-window approvals, are critical for promoting ease of doing business and unlocking private investment. Such forward-thinking changes would spur innovation, boost global competitiveness, and establish India as a leader in long-term industrial growth. A visionary budget would not only stimulate economic growth, but will also strengthen the country’s commitment to resilience, self-reliance, and environmental care.’

By— Satnam Narang, Senior Staff Research Engineer, Tenable

“New reality: 1,000+ CVEs per year is now the baseline. For the second consecutive year, the January Patch Tuesday release has surged, with over 100 CVEs patched in the first update of 2026. This month, 113 CVEs were addressed, including eight rated as critical.

CVE-2026-20805 stands out as a zero-day information disclosure vulnerability in the Desktop Window Manager (DWM), a core component responsible for rendering windows on a user’s screen. Exploitation requires local access, potentially disclosing sensitive information. While DWM has been a “frequent flyer” on Patch Tuesday—20 CVEs have been patched in this library since 2022—this is the first time an information disclosure flaw in DWM has been observed being exploited in the wild. Historically, attackers have leveraged DWM vulnerabilities to escalate privileges (e.g., CVE-2023-36033, CVE-2024-30051).

Microsoft also highlighted that three Windows Secure Boot certificates are set to expire in June and October 2026. These certificates Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011, Microsoft Corporation UEFI CA 2011, and Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011—sign updates for key Windows Secure Boot components, which serve as critical “digital guards” against threats like rootkits and bootkits. It is essential for affected users and organizations to update to the most recent 2023 certificates to continue receiving future security updates.

Additionally, a pair of remote code execution vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office (CVE-2026-20952, CVE-2026-20953) were patched this month. These flaws can be exploited via malicious Office document files, and importantly, through Microsoft’s Preview Pane, meaning attackers can achieve code execution without the user ever opening the file. While rated as less likely to be exploited, these vulnerabilities underscore the risks in today’s threat landscape, where even a brief glance at a file can be dangerous.”

New Delhi, Jan 15 : realme, India’s most popular smartphone brand among the youth, today announced its Republic Day Sale, bringing attractive limited-period offers across its GT, Narzo, and P series smartphones. Starting 16 January, consumers can enjoy special price benefits, bank offers, coupons, and no-cost EMI options on Amazon, Flipkart, and realme.com.

As part of the celebrations, realme is placing special focus on the Narzo 90 Series, designed to deliver reliable performance, excellent camera experience, and a modern design for everyday use. With exclusive offers during the sale, the Narzo 90 Series stands out as a value-for-money option for users seeking dependable and future-ready mid-range smartphones.

Additionally, the realme P4x will feature Republic Day offers, reinforcing realme’s online-first portfolio and making it an attractive choice for consumers seeking performance and modern design at accessible prices.

The sale aims to make performance-focused smartphones more affordable, while continuing realme’s mission to bring advanced technology to a wider audience. Offers will be live on Amazon, Flipkart, and realme.com until 22 January 2026.

Performance-First Smartphones for Young Users: realme Narzo Series

The Narzo Series remains a favorite among young consumers due to its performance-oriented approach.

• realme Narzo 90 delivers smooth everyday performance, reliable battery life, and refined design.

• realme Narzo 90X achieved over 1 lakh units sold on its first day in 2025, becoming the top-selling smartphone by volume in the ₹10,000–₹20,000 segment on Amazon.

Other models like Narzo 80 Pro, Narzo 80 Lite 5G, and Narzo 80 Lite 4G offer efficient performance, dependable battery life, and smooth user experience across price segments.

Power Meets Flagship Innovation: realme GT Series

The GT Series is realme’s performance flagship lineup, combining powerful processors, advanced cooling systems, and immersive displays.

• Devices like GT 7 Pro, GT 7, and GT 7T cater to power users and gamers, delivering flagship-grade performance, fast charging, and premium design.

Online-First Performance Powerhouse: realme P Series

The P Series strengthens realme’s online-first portfolio, balancing performance, design, and value for digital-first consumers.

• realme P4x emerged as the #1 best-selling smartphone of 2025 on online platforms, reflecting strong demand for feature-rich yet affordable smartphones.

As the spirit of nationalism fills the air, it’s the perfect time to brighten your screens with stories of courage, emotion, and freedom. Alongside flag hoisting, family dinners, and a well-earned day off, indulge in meaningful binge-watching with Airtel IPTV—bringing the best of cinema and streaming to the comfort of your home.

With 29+ top streaming apps, 600+ live TV channels, and an extensive on-demand library, Airtel IPTV offers a cinematic experience like no other. From gripping dramas and legal thrillers to international favourites and heartwarming reality TV, there’s something for everyone this Republic Day.

Must-Watch Series & Films:

• Freedom at Midnight – Season 2 (SonyLIV): Streaming from 9 January 2026, this series explores post-1947 India’s political struggle, capturing the human stories of Partition and independence.

• The Night Manager – Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video): Premiered 11 January 2026, a sophisticated spy thriller featuring greed, deception, and moral conflict—perfect for Republic Day evenings.

• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (JioHotstar): Premiered 19 January 2026, a character-driven prequel to Game of Thrones, celebrating chivalry, loyalty, and political intrigue.

• Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web (Netflix): Premiered 14 January 2026, an intense Emraan Hashmi-led thriller about smuggling, betrayal, and high-stakes drama.

• Hijack – Season 2 (Apple TV): Released 14 January 2026, a high-octane thriller exploring crisis management and human psychology under extreme pressure.

• 120 Bahadur (Amazon Prime Video): Re-released 16 January 2026, depicting the heroic Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War—a tribute to bravery and sacrifice.

• Stranger Things – Season 5 (Netflix): Streaming with One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 from 12 January, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the emotional final season.

Bonus Patriotic Picks for Republic Day:

• Border (Amazon Prime Video): Classic war film on the 1971 Indo-Pak War, a must-watch for patriotic fervour.

• Shershaah (Amazon Prime Video): The inspiring story of Captain Vikram Batra, Param Vir Chakra awardee, from the Kargil War.

• Uri: The Surgical Strike (ZEE5 & Airtel Xstream Play): Dramatization of the 2016 surgical strike, blending reality with thrilling action.

• Raazi (Amazon Prime Video): A gripping spy thriller about an Indian intelligence operative embedded in a Pakistani military family.

With Airtel IPTV, every story shines brighter on the big screen. Plans start at just ₹699, and as a special Republic Day festive offer, new subscribers can enjoy up to 30 days of free service via the Airtel Thanks App.

SEBI Chairman Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey Unveils Handbook for Issuers along with a Merchant Banker Compliance Referencer at 14^th Annual Convention of AIBI

Mumbai, Jan 15: The Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI) successfully hosted its 14th Annual Convention at the Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, bringing together over 1500 delegates, including senior regulators, market leaders, policymakers, investors, and investment banking professionals.

The Convention, themed “IPOs India: Gateway to Global Capital, Sustainable Growth, Viksit Bharat,” focused on strengthening India’s primary markets as a critical conduit for global capital flows and a key enabler of sustainable economic growth aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Convention was graced by Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, SEBI, along with eminent dignitaries including Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, and Shri Sundararaman Ramamurthy, MD & CEO, BSE, Shri Mahavir Lunawat, Chairman AIBI among other key dignitaries. The presence of senior leadership from SEBI, stock exchanges, asset managers, merchant bankers, and issuers underscored the growing importance of India’s capital markets on the global stage.

The Convention featured a series of high-impact keynote addresses, fireside conversations, and panel discussions spanning the entire lifecycle of capital formation. Key sessions focused on the role of exchanges in capital formation, SME IPOs, mutual funds as engines of capital formation, and reforms aimed at simplifying market access and enhancing transparency in IPO markets. A special session on India’s long-term capital market vision aligned IPO reforms with the broader national agenda of sustainable growth and financial resilience.

AIBI unveiled a series of landmark initiatives designed to strengthen the merchant banking ecosystem and support the continued growth of India’s capital markets, including:

• Preparing Offer Document: Standard Practices and Disclosures – an updated reference highlighting key standard observations to improve efficiency in offer document preparation
• Handbook for Issuers – a comprehensive guide to regulatory and procedural requirements for SME listings
• Investor Handbook – a simplified guide to capital markets and public issue processes aimed at improving investor awareness
• MoU between AIBI and International Capital Market Association (ICMA), London – aimed at fostering global collaboration and capacity building
• Investor Focused Prospectus Navigation Guide – designed to simplify disclosures and enhance informed participation
• White Paper on Capital Formation – examining liquidity trends, capital needs, and India’s journey towards a USD 10 trillion economy
• AIBI 2nd Annual Magazine – featuring industry insights, regulatory updates, market data, and AIBI’s initiatives
• Merchant Banker Compliance Referencer – a structured compliance resource for merchant bankers
• Investor Awareness Video – developed to guide investors on rights and grievance redressal
• Shadow Art – Informed Investor: A symbolic performance highlighting the values of discipline, trust, resilience, and transparency that underpin India’s evolving capital markets

Speaking at the 14^th Annual Convention, Mr. Mahavir Lunawat, Chairman, AIBI and CMD, Pantomath Capital said, 

“India is at an inflection point where capital markets are growing more stronger with continuously widening investor base, At AIBI, our continuous efforts are focussed on creating a robust investment culture and enabling access to knowledge and intelligence for better capital formation and these initiatives are a step in that direction”

The 14th Annual Convention reaffirmed AIBI’s commitment to working closely with regulators, exchanges, and market participants to strengthen market integrity, enhance investor confidence, and support sustainable growth in India’s capital markets. As the primary markets continue to evolve, AIBI reiterated its resolve to help shape a resilient, transparent, and globally competitive capital market framework aligned with India’s long-term economic aspirations.

Bestselling Author and former diplomat Amish Tripathi Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of York, United Kingdom

Bestselling author and former diplomat Amish Tripathi has received an honorary degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa by the University of York, UK, for his outstanding contribution to Indian literature and global cultural dialogue.

In a release, the University wrote the following of Amish Tripathi: Amish Tripathi is an author, former diplomat and broadcaster, and the fastest-selling author in Indian publishing history. His 12 books have sold more than eight million copies worldwide, and he is regularly listed among Forbes India’s most influential celebrities.

A seasoned broadcaster, he has hosted documentaries including the award-winning Legends of the Ramayan. He is also co-founder of Tara Gaming, which is developing India’s first AAA video game, Age of Bhaarat. He has previously served as Minister (Culture and Education) at the Indian High Commission to the UK.

In conferring the degree, the University of York commended Tripathi for his contribution to the global understanding of Indian culture, values, and traditions. The award was presented at the university’s winter graduation ceremony during the 2^nd week of January, 2026, attended by faculty, students, and distinguished guests from diverse backgrounds.

Three other notable achievers were also similarly recognised for their outstanding contributions to society. The are globally renowned mathematician, Professor Sir Simon Donaldson; internationally recognised ecologist, Professor Sue Hartley OBE; and Group Chief Executive Officer of Aviva, Dame Amanda Blanc DBE. The University of York confers the honorary degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa on individuals whose achievements reflect exceptional distinction in their field and align with the University’s values.