Ms. Edwina Raj, Head of Services – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

Ramzan reflects the hardship felt by Muslims who involve in fasting for a month from dawn to sunset, during which food and fluids are allowed before dawn and after sunset (these meals are called Suhoor and Iftar, respectively). Ramzan fasting duration is about 14 to 18hours a day depending on where they live. Similarly fasting is a spiritual practice in several faiths which is found to strengthen their relationship with God and this made researchers to co-relate to find out the benefits of intermittent fasting which is a non-religious fasting practiced under medical supervision can bring improvements in health conditions. But more research is needed to find out the long term effects of intermittent fasting if practiced for years.

The entire process behind fasting is that you are allowing the insulin levels to drop far enough and activate your body to use stored fat to burn off. Hence fasting has benefits in treating obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers and neurological disorders under the supervision of your Doctor and Nutritionist since one needs to adjust prescribed medicines.

Although intermittent fasting is practiced by consuming non-calorie fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration, dizziness and head ache but Islamic fasting is more stringent therefore one needs to keep a close watch on their health during this season of pandemic outbreak and hot weather. Since there are exemptions for young children, older people, travelers, pregnant women, sick. One can refrain from fasting if you observe any symptoms of flu. Studies showed that Ramzan fasting has health protective effects. Ramzan fasting has been shown to only mildly influence the immune system which are short term benefits. It is found beneficial on your cholesterol profile and alleviation of oxidative stress.

Fasting is essentially carrying benefits but feasting after fasting , lack of sleep , less activity , poor intake of fluids , skipping your medicines or supplements and bringing an imbalance in nutrient intake can not only ruin the benefits of fasting also devastate your health and predispose to major illnesses. No studies of fasting and risk of COVID-19 infection have been performed yet and do not follow any advice without consulting your healthcare provider.

Presenting you the safe and healthy practices to benefit the best out of holy days of Ramzan:

• Get a customized plan from your Nutritionist. Your healthcare professional should provide a culturally-sensitive patient-centered care to fulfil your spiritual goals. Get your Doctor review your prescribed medicines during this season.
• Follow a healthy meal plan or Mediterranean way of eating during fasting days to prevent the risk of following unhealthy meal practices which is commonly observed.
• Consult your Doctor for a change in your medicine routine if your suffering from Diabetes or kidney disorder or any other ailment.

Tips for your daily Suhoor

• Begin your day with adequate fluids to prevent dehydration expected throughout the day but exclude sugar based or frizzy drinks.
• Choose fiber and protein rich breakfast with complex carbs to kick start your fasting and to prevent you from tiredness, fatigue, constipation and feeling hungry later throughout the day.
• The recipe should be easy to cook with adequate nutrient quality: Oats and dhal pancake with vegetable topping, chutney and boiled egg, egg and vegetable roll with hummus or avocado dip, Mixed grain cereals with nuts, yoghurt and poached egg , dhal ,veg and mixed gran porridge with fruit.
• Avoid excess salty foods such as salted nuts/butter/cheese/ready to eat foods that increases your thirst for fluids during your fasting hours.

Tips for your daily Iftar

• Include adequate fluids initially such as water, fresh fruit smoothies, vegetable juices, soups, cucumber, tender coconut water with basil seeds, yoghurt or buttermilk.
• To provide you with energy simple sugars such as sugar, jaggery based can be replaced with natural sources of carbs from fruits and dry fruits that provide you with immediate requirement of energy and minerals such as potassium , sodium etc.
• Followed by this add starchy fiber rich foods such as whole wheat, broken wheat, millets, unpolished rice, quinoa, oats, sweet potato along with protein sources which should meet 40% of your daily requirement.
• Choose healthy protein sources a balance in both plant and animal derived proteins like peas, dhals, sprouts, beans, mushroom, paneer, cheese, yoghurt, nuts, seafood, poultry and eggs but limiting red meat and processed meat.
• Blend the above meal with one or 2 servings of vegetables too.

In lieu of outdoor activities, indoor physical movement and online physical activity classes are encouraged and sitting idle for longer hours should be discouraged. Thereby after 2 hours of your Iftar and your Taraweeh (prayers) resume to some light exercise before you take a next healthy break so that you can get adequate sleep.

• The next break before you hit the bed should not include a dessert treat since your appetite forces you naturally to binge hence add high protein , vegetable based light meal / snack / beverage / porridge or a protein bar if you prefer not to cook . This helps to meet your remaining nutrient requirement of the day and prevent you from muscle breakdown.

This year fasting has definitely made some changes by avoiding social gathering , so why not make few healthy changes to preserve your health?

March 31, 2025 – CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading real estate consulting firm, was the top-ranked firm for commercial real estate investment sales in India with a 63.4% market share during 2024, according to the MSCI Real Assets*.

In addition to its overall ranking in India, CBRE was the market leader across four major asset classes—industrial (68.7%), retail (64.1%), residential (100%), and land (79.2%) across the Indian market. In terms of city distribution, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR were the top destinations for investment activity in 2024, each accounting for ~23% of the total, followed by Bengaluru at ~18%, Chennai at ~10%, and Hyderabad at ~8%, according to CBRE data.

CBRE was the top-ranked firm for global commercial real estate investment sales in 2024, according to MSCI Real Assets—the 14th consecutive year CBRE has claimed the top spot. MSCI Real Assets credited CBRE with a 22% market share across all property types on a global basis in 2024—a 560-basis point lead over the nearest competitor.

CBRE retained the top spot for commercial real estate investment sales in Asia Pacific with a 32% market share. It also held the top spot in the Americas (21%) and Europe, Middle East & Africa (18%).

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said, “CBRE India’s continued leadership in capital markets and land transactions reflects our deep market expertise and commitment to delivering impactful real estate solutions. Strong investment momentum across office, land, and industrial segments highlights investor confidence in India’s real estate market. We remain focused on driving strategic opportunities for our clients in this evolving landscape.”

Gaurav Kumar, Managing Director, Capital Markets & Land, CBRE, India, said, “Excellent market fundamentals are driving a new class of global investors into Indian real estate in an unprecedented manner across all asset classes. We are delighted to be at the forefront of this extraordinary investment market and securing the top spot yet again in land and capital markets transactions for the country.”

* MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data and technology, it powers better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. MSCI creates industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process. To learn more, please visit www.msci.com.

March 31, 2025 – Brandintellé, a leading enterprise SaaS platform for marketing analytics and budget management, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Times Drive Best Digital Transformation for Automobile Marketing’ award. The award was presented by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Honourable Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, at the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2025.

Brandintellé CEO Robin Das received the award on behalf of the company, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward innovation and business excellence. The recognition serves as a testament to Brandintellé’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge marketing intelligence solutions for the automobile sector.

“This award is a validation of the ethics of hard work and excellence that we uphold at Brandintellé. It is a moment of immense pride for our entire team,” said Robin Das, CEO & Co-Founder of Brandintellé. “Only when the pursuit of excellence is intrinsic and driven can it lead to recognition from an evolved leader like Shri Gadkari.”

For over seven years, Brandintellé has been a critical enabler of marketing excellence for leading automobile brands, including Hero Motocorp, Tata Motors, and TVS Motors. The company’s advanced enterprise SaaS solutions for Budget Management, Vendor Commercials, Invoice Reconciliation, and ROI Analytics have revolutionized how auto brands track significant marketing investments and correlate them with revenue, ensuring maximum stakeholder value.

“Shri Gadkari, an accomplished entrepreneur himself, is known for his unwavering support for Indian businesses and entrepreneurs. This recognition underscores the impact of our technology-driven approach to marketing efficiency,” added Biswajit Das, Chairman & Co-Founder of Brandintellé.

31^st March 2025: Premier India Bearings Ltd, a leading player in India’s power transmission sector, marked its 50th anniversary with a grand celebration at ITC Sonar, Kolkata. The milestone event brought together industry leaders, stakeholders and partners, reflecting on five decades of innovation, resilience and sustained growth. The event was graced by esteemed Guests of Honour, Mr. Harsha Kadam, CEO & Managing Director, Schaeffler India Ltd., and Dr. Sanjay Kumar Gupta, Joint President & Chief Procurement Officer, Adani Group. Also present were the founders of Premier India Bearings Limited, Mr. Surendra Choraria and Mr. Chain Roop Chindalia, whose vision and leadership have steered the company towards remarkable success.

Founded in 1975 with a borrowed capital of INR 5,000, Premier India Bearings has evolved into a formidable force in the industry. Incorporated in 1988 with a capital investment of INR 1 lakh, the company has since established itself as a comprehensive power transmission solutions provider, representing global names such as Schaeffler, Dodge Industrial and Bonfiglioli.

As Premier India Bearings looks ahead, the company is poised for an ambitious growth trajectory. It expects to close FY 2024-25 with a turnover of INR 280 crore and is targeting over INR 500 crore in the next five years. Key to this expansion is a strategic focus on digitalisation through the launch of an e-commerce platform to streamline procurement and extend market reach. The company is also expanding its product portfolio, strengthening its offerings in the power transmission domain to provide a one-stop solution. Another priority is driving the adoption of smart maintenance solutions, encouraging industry-wide use of digital tools and predictive maintenance systems. In addition, Premier India Bearings is enhancing operational efficiency by refining pricing strategies, improving delivery speed and maintaining service excellence. With geographical expansion in mind, the company is actively evaluating new locations to extend its presence across key industrial hubs, ensuring it remains closer to its customers.

Currently operating in 19 cities across 12 states, including Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bharuch, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Durgapur, Gandhidham, Gurugram-NCR, Guwahati, Hosur, Jamshedpur, Kochi, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Raipur and Surat, the company is strengthening its footprint based on industrial growth trends and customer demand. Investment remains a cornerstone of Premier India Bearings’ growth strategy. The company is channelling resources into expanding its refurbishment facility in Jamshedpur to enhance capabilities and deliver cost-effective, sustainable maintenance solutions. A significant portion of its investment is directed towards service solutions, particularly in strengthening the Schaeffler Lifetime Solutions portfolio, which aims to improve machine availability and enable predictive maintenance. Additionally, Premier India Bearings is broadening its power transmission product portfolio to provide a more comprehensive, single-window solution for industrial clients.

The firm recently relocated to independent premises in Kolkata and Chennai, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence. Additionally, new partnerships with Dodge USA and Bonfiglioli further bolster its positioning as a holistic power transmission solutions provider. As Premier India Bearings celebrates its golden jubilee, the company remains firmly focused on the future, driving forward with a vision of innovation, customer-centricity and sustainable industrial solutions.

“Our journey over the past five decades has been one of resilience, strategic growth and an unwavering commitment to innovation. As we step into the next phase, our focus remains on leveraging technology, expanding our service capabilities and staying ahead of industry demands,” said Mr. Surendra Choraria, Founder, Premier India Bearings Limited.

March 31,2025:Eid is a time of joy, togetherness, and gratitude. &TV actors are also excited to celebrate the festival with their loved ones. From indulging in festive delicacies to embracing the spirit of giving, each of them has a special way of making Eid memorable. While some will be celebrating in their hometowns, reminiscing about childhood traditions, others are planning intimate gatherings with family and friends. These include Aasif Sheikh (Vibhuti Narayan Mishra, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai), Zaara Warsi (Chamchi, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Salim Zaidi (Tillu, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Aasif Sheikh, aka Vibhuti Narayan Mishra from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “Eid has always been close to my heart filled with love, laughter, and family bonding. However, this year, my health has posed some challenges. The recent severe sciatica pain I experienced on set has made things a bit difficult, but I will not let it dampen my festive spirit. While I may have to take it slow, I am looking forward to celebrating with my loved ones. The warmth of family, dressing up for the occasion, and enjoying Eid delicacies are what I cherish the most. Even if I cannot move around much, Eid is about gratitude and togetherness, and that is what truly matters. I appreciate all the love and concern from my fans and wish everyone a blessed Eid filled with happiness, health, and prosperity.”

Zaara Warsi, aka Chamchi from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares,“Eid is always magical, filled with laughter, love, and the irresistible aroma of festive delicacies. Coming from Lucknow, where celebrations are grand, this festival holds a special place in my heart. This year, I am making it even more memorable by preparing Sheer Kurma with my mother—a cherished tradition! Cooking with her is not just about following a recipe; it is about bonding, sneaking in extra dry fruits, and ensuring it turns out rich and creamy. I am also bringing Sheer Kurma to the Happu Ki Ultan Paltan set to share the joy! Dressing up is another highlight—I have picked a beautifully embroidered salwar with matching bangles. Applying henna and exchanging Eidi make the celebrations even more exciting. Later, I will enjoy a special dinner with my family and friends, relishing kebabs, biryani, and other festive treats. For me, Eid is not just a festival—it is a feeling, a time for gratitude and togetherness. No matter where I am, the love of family and the joy of sharing make it truly unforgettable!” Salim Zaidi, aka Tillu from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “Eid is a beautiful celebration of love, unity, and gratitude that brings families and friends closer. This year, I am celebrating with my family, starting the day with prayers, seeking blessings, and, of course, enjoying a delicious bowl of Sheer Kurma. The excitement of dressing up in a traditional kurta, applying attar, and exchanging Eidi with loved ones makes the festival even more special. For me, Eid is not just about feasting, it is about spreading happiness and cherishing moments with those who matter the most. I am also looking forward to celebrating on set with my Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai family because festivals become even more special when shared with everyone!”

Watch your favorite actors in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 PM and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 PM, airing Monday to Friday only on &TV!

31st March 2025: QueueBuster, a leading POS solution provider, has announced its strategic expansion into the Middle East and North African (MENA) markets to meet the growing demand for Android-based POS solutions. The company offers a comprehensive suite of features, including billing, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and reporting.

With an established presence in Dubai and Nigeria, serving over 1,000 merchants, QueueBuster sees immense potential in the MENA region. Africa, much like India in 2017, is experiencing rapid growth driven by its young population and rising consumer demand. To capitalize on this opportunity, the company has partnered with Paga Group, a leading African fintech, to expand its network.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s thriving retail and F&B market, coupled with a growing need for outsourced software due to a limited internal development ecosystem, positions QueueBuster strategically for expansion. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which prioritizes digital transformation in retail and tourism, presents yet another significant growth avenue for the brand

Varun Tangri, CEO & Founder, QueueBuster said, “Indian software solutions have gained significant traction in global markets due to their robustness, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. At QueueBuster, we are excited to bring our world-class POS technology to businesses in the MENA region, enabling these high-potential markets to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth in an increasingly digital-first economy.”

“With a vision of ‘Built in India, Powering the World,’ QueueBuster is committed to being the trusted retail technology partner, revolutionizing POS with smart, scalable technology,” added Mr. Tangri.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Tayo Oviosu, Founder & CEO, Paga Group commented “At Paga Group, our mission is to deliver financial freedom to a billion Africans. Retail merchants are the heartbeat of life in Africa. Partnering with QueueBuster allows us to equip our retail merchants’ network with a robust, all-in-one software solution for the point of sale that streamlines operations, enhances customer experiences and drives business growth. Together, we aim to accelerate digital transformation across Africa’s retail landscape.”

March 31st, 2025: Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, the institution continues to break new ground in global innovation and academic excellence. In a momentous achievement, ten students from Galgotias University’s iOS Development Centre have emerged as winners of Apple’s prestigious Swift Student Challenge 2025. Selected among only 350 winners worldwide from thousands of entries, this accomplishment positions Galgotias students at the forefront of international app development talent.

The Swift Student Challenge, organized annually by Apple, is a highly competitive global platform that encourages young developers to build innovative projects using Swift Playgrounds. It recognizes students who exhibit exceptional creativity, technical skills, and a passion for solving real-world problems through technology. Winning this challenge not only grants international recognition but also opens doors to exclusive learning experiences and insights into Apple’s cutting-edge ecosystem.

The winning projects developed by the Galgotias students were powerful examples of how technology can be harnessed for meaningful social impact. In the realm of education, projects such as Tide Explorer visualized the gravitational pull of the moon on tides, while AlgoMaze transformed algorithm learning into an interactive maze experience. MorseCode modernized a classic communication system into a gamified learning app, PronounceRight offered real-time pronunciation feedback, and Elementum reimagined the periodic table as an immersive digital journey through chemical elements and their bonds.

Health and wellness solutions were also at the core of the students’ innovations. Stress Relief Companion provided guided relaxation tools for individuals coping with anxiety. Svaraa addressed a critical gap in reproductive health education by using gamification to raise awareness of conditions such as PCOS and UTIs. MotionEase offered real-time relief for motion sickness using a combination of breathing exercises, horizon-gazing, and acupressure-based techniques.

The students also tackled productivity and sustainability through technology. GitTales made version control easier by simplifying Git commands into an interactive learning experience, while CropCare empowered farmers with digital tools to monitor crop health, track inputs, and support organic farming practices. Each of these applications reflected the students’ deep understanding of both technology and the real-life needs of diverse communities.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, lauded the students’ exceptional performance, stating, “The global recognition of our students is a testament to the university’s emphasis on innovation, creativity, and excellence. Such achievements reaffirm our commitment to nurturing future-ready talent and its leadership in the field of technology and innovation.”

He added, “This landmark success not only brings global attention to the individual winners but also strengthens the university’s reputation as a premier institution for emerging technologies. With access to exclusive industry engagements and continued mentorship, the winning students are now well-positioned to lead the next wave of innovation in the tech industry.”