Anicut Capital led the pre-Series A funding round for health and wellness startup Zingavita, bringing INR 10 Cr, or about $1.2 million. Angel investors such as Vishesh Chandiok, CEO of Grant Thorton, BionPharma CEO Venka Krishnan, and True Elements founder Puru Gupta also participated in the round.

The Delhi NCR-based startup was founded in 2022 by Sachin Goel and Dheeraj Nagpal, and it sells natural supplements and other health and wellness items. Zingavita announced in a statement that it would use the funds to expand into developing new products with a targeted nutrition focus. It uses an omnichannel business model and sells its goods on websites like Amazon and Flipkart. Tata 1Mg is one example.

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Leading the way in the health retail industry, Zingavita is known for providing a wide selection of premium, expertly-made natural supplements. With a strategic focus on India’s ₹20,000 crore nutraceuticals and herbal supplement market, the brand has made a name for itself with a portfolio of more than 20 SKUs under the categories of kids’ and adult nutrition sold on significant marketplaces.

The company has revolutionized the kids’ nutrition market by bringing the traditional chyawanprash in a gummy form primarily meant to boost kids’ immunity. In keeping with its mission of providing “science-backed nutrition, tailor-made for you,” Zingavita’s adult nutrition products come in distinctive forms like a soft gel that combines a multivitamin and an Omega 3 blend, as well as customized multivitamins for different age and gender groups. Zingavita hopes to strengthen its position in the health and wellness sector by providing revolutionary solutions for a healthier, more energetic life.

About Zingavita

The Delhi NCR-based startup was founded in 2022 by Sachin Goel and Dheeraj Nagpal, and it sells natural supplements and other health and wellness items. Zingavita announced in a statement that it would use the funds to expand into developing new products with a targeted nutrition focus. It uses an omnichannel business model and sells its goods on websites like Amazon and Flipkart. Tata 1Mg is one example.

Pran Pratistha’s Procedure: As India is excitedly waiting for the consecration of the idol of Ram Lala in Ayodhya, some questions by the opposition are knocking on the door, like why the PM is the chief guest of this program. To answer all these questions, Secretary General of Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Shri Champat Rai addressed a press conference. In the conference, he briefly talks about all the religious protocols that will be followed on the auspicious day of January 22. 

The ceremony will start in the afternoon, and the Pran Pratishtha will take place in the “Abhijit Muhurat.” Pre-consecration sacrament formalities will begin on January 16 and run through January 21.

Adivas Procedure

The Dwadash Adhivas will observed under the protocols, which include the following: Aushadhaadhivaas, Kesaraadhivaas, and Ghritaadhivaas on January 16, and Dhaanyaadhivaas on January 17. Taith Poojan will be on January 18, and Jal Yatra, Jalaadhivas, and Gandhaadhivaas will be on January 19. There will be Sharkaraadhivaas, Phalaadhivaas, and Pushpaadhivaas in the morning and evening on January 20. Madhyaadhivaas and Shayyaadhivaas will be present on January 21 in the morning and evening, respectively.

Domicile process and its masters

According to Champat Rai, the consecration ceremony usually involves seven Adhivaasas, and at least three are in practice. There will be 121 Acharyas performing the rituals. All Anushthaan proceedings will be supervised, coordinated, anchored, and directed by Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, with Shri Laxmikant Mathuranath Dixit of Kashi serving as the supreme Acharya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries will be present for the consecration ceremony.

The consecration ceremony on the premises will be witnessed by Acharyas of all schools of Bhartiya spiritualism, religion, sect, system of worship, tradition, seers of more than 150 traditions, Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Shrimahants, Mahants, Nagas, and prominent figures of more than 50 Adivasi, Girivasi, Tatavasi, and Dwipavasi tribal traditions.

Historical tribal participation

For the first time in the nation’s recent history, prominent members of tribal traditions represented by the inhabitants of the hills, forests, coastal regions, islands, etc., are present. Each witness will receive their darshan following the conclusion of the sanctorum’s consecration ceremony.

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has requested all Ram devotees to decorate the temples in their community on January 22 and to observe the deity’s worship rituals, which include bhajan, puja, kirtan, and aarti. 

At the World Economic Forum 2024 in Davos on Wednesday, the Telangana government, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, announced the signing of four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth over Rs 12,400 crore with the Adani portfolio of companies.

The chief minister pledged the state government’s assistance in supplying the facilities, infrastructure, and backing needed for the projects. The Adani group visited the chief minister earlier this month in Hyderabad, where Asish Rajvansh, CEO of Adani Space, and Karan Adani, CEO of Ports and SEZs, were present.

The agreements were signed with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Chairman Gautam Adani present, per a statement released by the Adani group. With the MoUs, Telangana hopes to lay the groundwork for inclusive, green, sustainable, and transformative economic growth.

The Telangana CMO’s official account on X.com wrote, “The hour-long meeting covered a plethora of exciting new business opportunities for #Telangana across several sectors.”

It states that Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) will invest more than Rs 5,000 crore in a 100 MW renewable energy-powered data centre over the next five to seven years; Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) will invest more than Rs 5,000 crore in two pump storage projects; Ambuja Cements, a division of the Adani group, will invest more than Rs 1,400 crore in the next five years to establish a 6 MTPA cement plant.

Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited will support more than Rs 1,000 crore in ten years to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for designing, developing, producing, and integrating counter-drone and missile systems at the Adani Aerospace Park.

The AEL stated that to build a globally capable supplier base for the project; it will collaborate closely with regional MSMEs and startups. It would give 600 people direct and indirect employment.

AGEL’s two pump storage projects (PSPs) are a 500 MW PSP in Nacharam and an 850 MW PSP in Koyabestagudem. Similarly, Ambuja Cements’s six MTPA cement plants, which would span 70 acres, are expected to employ over 4,000 people directly and indirectly.

The statement said that over 1,000 jobs would be created and that India’s defence capabilities would be strengthened by the ecosystem created by Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited’s Rs 1,000 crore investment in the Counter Drone Systems and Missile Development and Manufacturing Centers at the Adani Aerospace and Defence Park.

There once was a period in Bombay. A warm Christmas Eve. Two strangers, both alone. With a solid start to the new year, Sriram Raghavan’s Merry Christmas delivers on its promises of an aching blend of romance and nostalgia, mystery and suspense.

Twenty years after making his screen debut in Ek Hasina Thi, Sriram Raghavan presents another delicious story about a lovely woman whom an unknown person harasses. The damsel has developed into a mother, and this time, she is hiding a secret from both the man and herself. We witness some witty and melancholic conversations about unfulfilled love and unrelenting heartache as they get along on Christmas Eve. Still, the slow burn eventually consumes our attention, leaving plenty of soot in its wake.  

Like his spiritual mentor Alfred Hitchcock, Raghavan enjoys giving the audience as much information as possible while still confusing us with the strange ways of fate. That may explain why his movies are so worth seeing again. You can’t help but want to return to the crime scene to locate the needle you missed.

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He adds delectable literary and cinematic allusions to the story to make it more appealing. Thus, a copy of Raymond Chandler’s Playback appears just when you wish to return a few frames. Similar to the book, Vinay Pathak, the investigating officer, is touched by the subject of the investigation’s emotional pleas.

He makes allusions to The Adventures of Pinocchio (1986), The Merry Widow (1952), and Kati Patang (1971) as he builds to a story of lies, half-truths, and shifting perceptions. Not to be overlooked is the song by Asha Bhosle from Raja Rani (1973), which honours the thief within each of us.

Merry Christmas Review

• Director: Sriram Raghavan 
• Cast: Vinay Pathak, Sanjay Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, and Vijay Sethupathi
• Duration: 141 minutes.
• Storyline: A romantic meet-cute between two strangers on Christmas Eve swiftly devolves into a chaotic nightmare.

The production design creates the era’s atmosphere. It gives the film the pulpy feel of a paperback edition while the dialogue is deep without being didactic. Pritam’s compositions clearly show the smooth build-up; the sound design heightens the mystery, and the editing infuses the story with clever surprises.

Katrina and Vijay, the two losers in love, are a good match, and Sanjay Kapoor gives the story a subtle, sleazy touch. Katrina, in what may be her most sophisticated and multifaceted role to date, not only plays a stunning and seemingly innocent woman but also manages to capture the essence of a nuanced and multidimensional character.

She is suitably flirtatious with Vijay, who pulls the strings with a performance that simultaneously warms and breaks the heart, and she looks less stiff in her conversations with the camera. Without empathetic characters, this crime drama would not have been able to hold together, and Vijay is the central figure. Through his jiving style or portrayal of Albert’s powerlessness in the face of Maria’s mystery, Vijay transforms a helpless hero into a charming encounter. 

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti: Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born on the seventh day of Shukla Paksha of Paush month. Since then, his birth anniversary has been celebrated every year on this date. Ardaas, Vishesh langar and grand events are organised in Gurudwaras on this day. It is the 357th Prakash Parv of Ji. He was the son of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs. 

He was born on the seventh day of Shukla Paksha of Pausha month. Since then, every year, his birth anniversary is celebrated on this date. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born in Patna Sahib (Bihar). Guru Gobind Singh had founded the Khalsa Panth. This is considered the most crucial event in the history of Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh declared Guru Granth Sahib to be the Guru of the Sikhs. He spent his entire life following the path of human service and truth.

Some interesting aspects of Guru Gobind Singh life:

1. Five Kakar

Guru Gobind Singh had clashed with the Mughals several times to protect Khalsa Pant. Guru Singh had ordered the Sikhs to wear hair, bracelets, briefs, a sabre, and a comb. These are called ‘five Kakar’. It is, therefore, mandatory for every Sikh to wear them. A Sikh who has taken Amrit and keeps all five Kakar is known as Khalsa(pure) or Amritdhari Sikh (Amrit Sanskar participant).

2.Patna Sahib Gurudwara

The things that Guru Gobind Singh used in his life are still kept safe in Patna Sahib Gurdwara in Bihar. Guru Govind’s small sabre, which he always maintained, is also present here. His Khadau and comb are also held here. The well from which his mother drew water is also current here.

75th Republic Day: Theme & Chief Guest of 26th January 2024

3. Rules of Khalsa soldiers

Guru Gobind Singh ji had made some special rules for the Khalsa warriors. He talked about giving up tobacco, alcohol, and halal meat and saving innocent people by performing their duties.

4. Knowledge of multiple languages

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was famous because of his knowledge and military strength. It is said that Guru Gobind Singh also knew Sanskrit, Persian, Punjabi, and Arabic. He was an expert in using bow and arrow, sword and spear.

5. Saint Sepoy

Guru Gobind Singh was a patron of scholars. That’s why he was also called ‘Saint Soldier’. There were always 52 poets and writers present in his court. Guru Gobind Singh himself was a writer who composed many texts during his lifetime. These include texts like Chandi Di War, Jaap Sahib, Khalsa Mahima, Akal Ustat, Bachitra Natak and Zafarnama.

India, the mother of all democracies, is eagerly waiting to celebrate its 75^th Republic Day. The celebration of January 26 is not only about the Armed Forces parade and its triumph but also the honouring of the completion of India’s constitution. Without this, India cannot touch the heights of generosity and the glory of ethics & morality, which it has concretised recently. These values are always inherent in the heart of every individual, but due to the impact of colonialism and the divide-and-rule policy of Britishers hide them. 

The country attained independence on August 15, 1947, and it took over two years to form a constitution. However, when it was ready, it emerged as one of the best constitutions the world has ever had—the visionary leaders Dr Rajendra Prasad, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, B.R Ambedkar, B.N Roy, and so many others did a lot of hard work to make India a republic. 

History of Republic Day

On January 26, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the country’s first president, unfurled the flag to establish the Indian Republic officially. The day was acknowledged as India’s Republic Day and became a national holiday. The first Republic Day parade was held in 1950. The location was Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, formerly the Irwin Amphitheatre. 3,000 Indian military personnel and more than 100 aircraft participated in the show. President Sukarno of Indonesia was the first chief guest of India’s inaugural Republic Day procession. The first parade on Rajpath took place in 1955. It’s interesting to note that Malik Ghulam Muhammad, the governor-general of Pakistan, was the primary guest of honour on that occasion.

Theme and Chief Guest

Preparations are underway for the Parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. French President Emmanuel Macron will be attending the 75^th Republic Day of India as the chief guest. This will mark the sixth time a head of state from France will be the main attraction at the festivities. 

Republic Day 2024 will have “India-Mother of Democracy” and “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) as its themes.

Tensions rise as an Iranian attack in Pakistan kills innocent people. Global concerns about potential escalation and the impact on Middle Eastern stability have grown amid regional instability. 

“minutes ago, two important headquarters of the so-called Jaish-ul-Adl terrorist group were targeted in Pakistan. These headquarters were destroyed by rockets and drones.”

Iran’s Nour News agency on X

Iran-Pakistan Hostility: Airstrike Tragedy Sparks Retaliation

The recent Iranian airstrike within Pakistan, which resulted in the terrible loss of two children, has heightened tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Pakistan has fiercely criticised the incident, calling it an “unprovoked violation of its airspace” and giving a stark warning about retribution. The airstrike targeted purported bases of the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl, also known as Jaish al-Dhulm in Iran, in Balochistan’s Koh-e-Sabz district.

A mosque and homes were the targets of the strikes in Koh-e-Sabz, Balochistan; the location is renowned as the previous residence of Mullah Hashim, the second-in-command of Jaish-ul-Adl, who was killed in combat with Iranian forces in 2018. Recent tensions rose after Iran accused Jaish al-Adl militants of storming a police station, killing 11 Iranian officials. The separatist group Jaish al-Adl, which operates across borders, demands the independence of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province. Iran’s subsequent ballistic missile strikes in Iraq and Syria, which targeted an alleged Mossad espionage base and anti-Iran groups, raised concerns about a more significant regional confrontation and elicited criticism from the US and UN.

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Claiming accuracy in the attack, Iran credited a combination of drones and rockets for demolishing these purported Jaish-ul-Adl camps. The apparent success of the operation adds a new dimension to Iran’s ongoing struggle with the militant organisation, raising concerns about the more enormous consequences for regional stability.

Iran has launched ballistic missiles into Iraq and Syria, allegedly targeting Israeli spy facilities and “anti-Iran terror groups.” This has led to the current state of affairs. Iran’s actions continue to pique international interest and alarm, especially in light of the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.

The international community is watching the developing circumstances as these events take place to comprehend the complete scope of the military activities and any potential effects they may have on the precarious balance of power in the Middle East. The authenticity and ramifications of Iran’s allegations and the response from Pakistan and other regional parties continue to play essential roles in setting the events in this volatile region.

When a Bengaluru resident orders a chicken shawarma through a food delivery app, he gets a nasty surprise. He felt something metallic in his mouth while eating, and he later posted about the shocking discovery on Reddit.

This is what transpired for me a short while ago today. In Nagawara, Bangalore, I went to Absolute Shawarma (near JMJ Hospital) and ordered a Shawarma. I had placed my order with Swiggy, and when I began to eat, I was surprised to see something crisp—a metal fragment from the shawarma’s flame grill. The Swiggy support agent’s casual attitude toward the situation shocked me greatly. Is there a way for me to file a report or pursue legal action against this injustice? Wrote a Reddit user.

The incident quickly gained attention on the internet as people shared similar stories and voiced worries about the safety of the food. Users shared their experiences with the app, although many appeared to have the same problem.

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Someone commented, “Yeah. Even though the pizza was almost ₹800, I had already consumed half of it when I discovered the nail. Since resolving customer complaints takes time, there was no reason to waste it.

Reddit

“I once discovered a fingernail in my pizza, and Swiggy reimbursed the full cost of the pizza,” the second person said. If the current guy isn’t helping you, try bringing up this issue through another complaint option on the app. Give them a call and try to talk to someone. That works better than the conversation. If not, the best action is to lodge a customer complaint with Swiggy and the eatery.

India Inc. would anticipate increased funding and tax policy directives, particularly for the infrastructure sector, as part of directional policy announcements in this year’s interim budget. The power sector is a significant driver of infrastructure development.

India recently shifted from a power deficit to a surplus nation. As a result, everyone needs access to affordable, sustainable, and dependable electricity. Tax incentives and outcome certainty can help draw in investors and developers as the government looks to meet ambitious capacity targets.

Date extension for reduced corporate tax

First, the current 15% corporate tax rate should be extended to a later date (March 2027 or even 2029) for newly established domestic manufacturing companies (including those involved in power generation) that begin manufacturing operations by March 31, 2024.

India still has much-unrealised manufacturing potential, particularly in light of disruptions in global supply chains and MNEs assessing international trade partner diversification (i.e., China Plus One strategy). Expanding the eligibility period for reduced tax rates can elevate India’s standing among global manufacturing hubs in the eyes of investors.

Budget 2024 and the Taxpayer

Make the lower manufacturing tax rate clear.

Businesses are growing more concerned about their carbon footprints as their supply chains become more diverse and global. A greener energy alternative is provided by green hydrogen, particularly for industrial applications with high carbon emissions. The government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission has set an ambitious yearly production capacity of 5 MMT by 2030, and financial benefits in the form of production-linked incentives have already been announced.

Suppose the lower manufacturing tax rate is expressly made clear to apply to green hydrogen and hydrogen derivative businesses, as it did previously for companies that generate electricity. In that case, it will provide income tax certainty and encourage long-term investments.

Power Sector: Carbon certificate taxes with a broad base

India unveiled the Green Credits Programme (GCP) at the most recent COP28 to promote voluntary environmental good deeds. The taxation of alternative forms of credit certificates remains to be determined, even though GCP is not dependent on carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023.

The United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCC) has validated a 10% beneficial tax rate for income arising from the transfer of carbon credits under the current tax law. All other certificates, including Voluntary Emission Reduction (VER) and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), are still taxable based on interpretation. Broadening the base of the concessional tax rate to encompass income from all carbon certificates makes sense.

Increase the time horizon for infrastructure projects.

The elected government is expected to unveil a more comprehensive set of fiscal and budgetary policies for the sector later in the year. Still, in the interim, the Interim Budget may decide to extend the deadline for sovereign wealth and pension funds to make qualifying investment investments in the infrastructure sector. The current deadline expires on March 31, 2024. Another term of tax exemption shows promise to perform at least as well as the first one since it brought in direct investments worth about US$ 6.7 billion in 2022 (up from US$ 3.7 billion in 2021).

In the days leading up to the budget announcement, the government has its work cut out for it. The Interim Budget of February 1 should be interpreted as a directional tax policy layout for the next few years as the country prepares for the general elections in a few weeks. When the full-year budget is presented later in the year, the strength of the push for most of these policy changes will depend on the election outcome.

Ms. Haley, the former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., came a close third with nearly 20% of the votes polled. Former U.S. president Trump won the caucus with over 50% of the votes. Indian-American Nikki Haley finished third in the Iowa caucuses. Nikki Haley asserted that seventy per cent of Americans do not want another Trump-Biden rematch. The majority of people disapprove of both of them.

The Iowa caucuses on Monday formally pushed off the beginning of the long process by which the Republicans and Democrats choose their nominees for the presidential election on November 5. Florida Governor Ron De Santis came in second with 21% votes. Fellow Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy secured 7.7% of the votes polled and suspended his presidential campaign. Nikki Haley, who has been climbing the ladder over the last few weeks, asserted she is headed to New Hampshire, the battleground for the next Republican primary election on 23 January.

“Her presidential campaign is the last hope to avert a rematch between Trump and incumbent President Biden, a Democrat, in the presidential election.”

South Carolina governor

Addressing her supporters, the lone woman in the race on either side of the political spectrum says that a Trump-Biden rematch will be another toss-up election. It could go either way and could have more disputes over election interference. Joe Biden can win again, with Kamala Harris waiting in the wings. Nikki Haley also claimed the Republican contest to choose the presidential nominee, now a two-person race.

“Trump and Biden are both about 80 years old, and they both put our country deeper in debt, and our kids will never forgive them for it. Trump and Biden need a vision for our country’s future because the past consumes both.“

Nikki Haley

Ms Haley asked supporters to look at what happens when she goes head-to-head against Biden and wins in a landslide. It is not even close. That means no recounts, no lawsuits, and no doubts. It means no more Chuck Schumer leading the Senate. We will limit the do-nothing Washington politicians, rebuild our economy, and secure our border. And make no mistake, it will restore our national pride. 

Vivek Ramaswamy backs out from presidential candidature, supports Donald Trump

A president who will rebuild our economy, close our border, and stand up to our enemies. Most importantly, we deserve a president who will stop our self-loathing, end the division and fear, and make America strong and proud!” she said.