New Delhi: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) opened 2.68 crore accounts in 2024 (till November), with 1.56 crore or 59 per cent being owned by women and 77 per cent accounts being opened in rural parts of the country, the government said on Friday.
While 1.04 crore customers availed mobile banking services, 69 lakh utilised VDC (virtual debit card) services and around 2,600 crore were disbursed through AePS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment System) in the January-November period.
About 3.62 crore IPPB customers received direct benefit transfer (DBT) benefits aggregating Rs 34,950 crore while 4.40 lakh digital life certificates were issued to pensioners in the January-November period, according to the Ministry of Communications. Nearly 58 per cent of total DBT beneficiaries are women, and the bank is proactively working towards women empowerment, aligning with the government’s directions.
Parcel monitoring application (PMA) revolutionised real-time delivery information sharing from 4.33 lakh articles in May 2019 to 5.35 crore articles in October 2024.
As of October, 400,00 KYC verifications were successfully completed.
According to the ministry, radio frequency identification (RFID) gates have been installed at 42 major mail exchange hubs to ensure real-time tracking across networks.
“The establishment of 233 nodal delivery centres has enhanced the speed and efficiency of parcel delivery, covering over 1600 PIN codes and handling 30 per cent of total parcels delivered across India,” it informed.
Aadhaar centres were extended to defence personnel including the highest centre at Siachen, with 110 operational centres in Army Postal Service locations.
More than 1,000 Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNKs) have been opened to facilitate commercial export through postal channels across the country. The Department of Posts acceded to the Postal Payment Service Multilateral Agreement (PPSMA) for electronic postal payment service exchange between the signatory parties.
Meanwhile, 25,133 individuals were engaged in the first tranche of the Rozgar Mela on October 29.
The construction of 56 new postal buildings and renovation of 95 improved service delivery, according to the ministry.
Is the cold wave making it difficult to focus at work? Does your desk feel more like a freezer than a productive workspace? Don’t let the chill disrupt your workflow! The right heater for your office can transform the space into a cosy and comfortable environment, helping you stay focused and efficient during the winter months.
Keep yourself warm and cosy while working with best heaters for your office.
From sleek portable heaters to compact desk heaters that fit seamlessly into any setup, there are plenty of smart options to combat the winter chill. A reliable office heater doesn’t just keep you warm, it boosts productivity and ensures a comfortable working experience even on the coldest days.
This guide will help you explore the top heaters for your office, designed to keep the cold at bay and your motivation high. Ready to upgrade your workspace and beat the winter freeze? Let’s first explore the top heater brands and their unique offerings!
Top 3 features of the best heater brands
Best heater brands
Established in
Types of heaters available
Product warranty
Orpat
1971
Element, oil, quartz
Yes
Maharaja
1976
Convector, halogen, quartz, Carbon
Yes
Warmex
1969
Carbon, fan, PTC, wall mount, gas
Yes
Goodscity
2022
Heater fan
Yes
Crompton
1937
Oil-filled, halogen, ceramic
Yes
Borosil
1962
Oil filled radiators
Yes
Eopora
–
Ceramic
Yes
DADLM®
–
Wall mount
Yes
Thamada
–
Convection, wall mount
Yes
Top 3 features of the best heaters for office
Heaters for your office
Power output
Coverage area
Safety feature
Orpat OEH-1220 2000-Watt Fan Heater
1000W/2000W heat settings
Up to 250 sq. ft.
Thermal cut-off and overheat protection
Maharaja Whiteline Lava Neo 1200W
1200W (3 heat settings)
Up to 150 sq. ft.
Shockproof body, ISI certification
Warmex PTC Electric Room Heater
1000W/1200W heat settings
Small rooms
Overheat protection and safety switch
Goodscity Room Heater
750W/1500W heat settings
Up to 150 sq. ft.
Overheat protection, ceramic heating
Crompton Insta Comfy 800W
400W + 400W dual settings
Small rooms
Tip-over protection, shockproof body
Eopora Room Heater
1500W/750W
Small spaces
Tip-over protection, Overheat protection
DADLM® Handy Electric Heater
400 W
Small spaces
Wall-mountable, Dual-speed fan, Lightweight
Thamada Mart® Handy Electric Heater
400W
Small spaces
Overheat protection, Tip-over switch, Portable
Borosil 2000W Novus Portable Electric Fan Room Heater
The Orpat OEH-1220 2000-Watt Fan Heater is a reliable and efficient solution to combat the winter chill. Perfect for small to medium rooms, this compact and portable heater is ideal for your office or personal workspace. With two heat settings, it adapts to your comfort needs, ensuring a cosy environment during cold waves. Its cool-touch body and safety mesh grill make it a safe choice among popular heater brands. Whether you need a desk heater or a room heater for your office, the Orpat OEH-1220 offers powerful heating at an affordable price.
Specifications of Orpat OEH-1220 2000-Watt Fan Heater
Power Output: 1000W and 2000W heat settings
Coverage Area: Effective for spaces up to 250 sq. ft.
Safety Features: Thermal cut-off and overheat protection
Build Quality: Durable plastic body with a safety mesh grill
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Compact and portable design
Fan noise during operation
Effective heating for small rooms
Limited to indoor use
Multiple safety features
Requires a 15A plug for optimal use
The Maharaja Whiteline Lava Neo 1200-Watt Halogen Heater is a reliable and energy-efficient solution for cosy winters. Designed for spot heating, it’s perfect for rooms up to 150 sq. ft., making it an excellent choice as a heater for your office or personal space. Featuring three heat settings and 180-degree rotation, this office heater ensures even warmth distribution. Its shockproof body and ISI certification provide added safety. If you need a small heater for your desk or a portable heater for flexible use, this product combines functionality with modern design.
Specifications of Maharaja Whiteline Lava Neo 1200-Watt Halogen Heater
Power Output: 1200W with three heat settings
Coverage Area: Suitable for spaces up to 150 sq. ft.
Safety Features: Shockproof body and ISI certification
Design: 180-degree rotation for better heat distribution
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Compact, portable design
Limited to small rooms
Energy-efficient halogen rods
No fan for faster heat spread
Multiple heat settings for customization
Not ideal for larger spaces
The Warmex PTC Electric Room Heater is a versatile and efficient choice to beat the cold wave this winter. With dual heat settings of 1000W and 1200W, this portable heater is perfect for small spaces, including bedrooms and offices. Its PTC heating element ensures energy-efficient and consistent warmth, while the wide-angle oscillation evenly distributes heat. Designed for silent operation, this desk heater is ideal for peaceful environments. Safety features like an overheat protection switch make it a reliable office heater from trusted heater brands. Stay warm and cosy with this modern room heater designed to complement your lifestyle.
Specifications of Warmex PTC Electric Room Heater
Power Output: 1000W/1200W heat settings
Heating Technology: PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating element
Special Feature: Wide-angle oscillation for even heat distribution
Safety: Built-in overheat protection and safety switch
The Goodscity 1500W Room Heater is a versatile and compact solution to keep you cosy during winter. Featuring two heat levels (750W and 1500W) and a fan mode for summer use, this ceramic heater is perfect for year-round comfort. With 70° wide-angle oscillation, it ensures even heat distribution in spaces up to 150 sq. ft., making it an ideal heater for your office. Portable, lightweight, and stylish, it blends seamlessly into any decor. Backed by a 1-year warranty and dedicated customer support, this heater offers hassle-free usage and peace of mind.
Specifications of Goodscity 1500W Room Heater
Power Output: 750W/1500W heat settings
Heating Technology: PTC Ceramic heating
Special Features: Oscillation, Fan Mode, and Low Noise
Design: Stylish and Compact for portability
Room Size: Suitable for up to 150 sq. ft.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Dual-purpose: Heating and fan mode for year-round use
Limited to small spaces
Wide-angle oscillation for even heat distribution
No remote control for added convenience
Lightweight and portable with stylish design
Not ideal for large areas
The Crompton Insta Comfy 800W Room Heater is an efficient and stylish heater for your indoor spaces. Equipped with advanced quartz tubes, it heats up quickly and features dual heat settings (400W + 400W) to suit your comfort. The rust-free stainless steel reflector ensures durability, while the tip-over protection and shockproof body enhance safety. Compact and lightweight, it comes with a convenient carrying handle. Backed by a 1-year warranty, this ISI-approved office heater guarantees reliability and comfort.
Specifications of Crompton Insta Comfy 800W Room Heater:
Power Output: 800W (Dual settings: 400W + 400W)
Heating Technology: Quartz rods with forced air heating
Special Features: Tip-over protection, rust-free reflector, shockproof body
The Eopora Room Heater combines compact design with efficient heating for home and office use. Powered by advanced PTC ceramic chip heating technology, it provides instant warmth in just 1 second. Offering dual heat settings (1500W/750W), this heater for offices lets you adjust the temperature to suit your needs. Safety features like tip-over protection and overheat protection make it family-friendly. With noise levels below 50 dB, it ensures a quiet environment, while the built-in ergonomic handle allows for easy portability.
Specifications of Eopora Room Heater
Heating Technology: PTC ceramic chip for quick and efficient warmth.
Heat Settings: Dual modes – High Heat (1500W) and Low Heat (750W).
Safety Features: Tip-over and overheat protection.
Noise Level: Operates below 50 dB for a peaceful experience.
Portability: Compact design with a built-in handle.
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Instant heating with advanced ceramic technology
Limited to small spaces
Dual temperature settings for flexibility
Corded electric power source only
Reliable safety features for homes with kids or pets
Basic design without advanced smart controls
The DADLM® Handy Electric Heater is a compact yet efficient solution for keeping warm in small spaces. With 400W heating power, it quickly heats personal areas like bedrooms, offices, or garages. Its wall-mounted design saves floor space, while the lightweight and portable structure ensures ease of use. Featuring a fast-heating mechanism, a dual-speed fan, and a convenient plug-in setup, this office heater is perfect for cosy warmth during cold winters to help you boost your productivity at work.
Specifications of DADLM® Handy Electric Heater
Compact Design: Perfect for offices, bedrooms, and small spaces.
Efficient Heating: 400W power warms up spaces quickly.
Wall-Mounted Option: Saves floor space for clutter-free usage.
User-Friendly: On/off switch with dual-speed fan settings.
Portable and Lightweight: Easy to move and use.
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Ideal for small spaces and portable use
Not suitable for large areas
Wall-mountable for space-saving convenience
Fixed plug-in design limits reach
Energy-efficient with quick heating
Limited to 400W power output
The Thamada Mart® Handy Electric Heater is the ultimate solution for battling winter chills in your home or office. This small heater delivers efficient warmth with 400W convection technology, making it ideal as a desk heater or for heating compact spaces. Lightweight and portable, this heater for your office features safety measures like overheat protection and a tip-over switch, ensuring reliable use. Its space-saving wall-mounted design and adjustable temperature settings enhance usability. Trust this dependable office heater to keep you cosy during a cold wave. Explore one of the best heater brands for versatile, energy-efficient solutions.
Specifications of Thamada Mart® Handy Electric Heater
Power Output: 400W
Design: Wall-mounted, lightweight, and portable
Safety Features: Overheat protection and tip-over switch
Applications: Ideal for offices, bedrooms, and small spaces
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Compact and portable design, perfect for desks
Not suitable for large rooms
Safety features like overheat and tip-over protection
Limited heating capacity for extreme cold
Energy-efficient and easy to use
Wall-mounting may require additional setup
The Borosil 2000W Novus Portable Electric Fan Room Heater is your go-to solution for staying cosy during winter. Made in India, this powerful room heater blower features variable temperature control and a built-in fan for even heat distribution, ensuring your space stays warm and comfortable. With five safety levels, including overheat protection and a thermostat, it provides peace of mind. Its compact, lightweight, and durable design allows horizontal or vertical placement, making it ideal for versatile use. Backed by a 1-year warranty, this portable office heater is perfect during a cold wave.
Specifications of Borosil 2000W Novus Portable Electric Fan Room Heater
Power Output: 2000W (two 1000W heating elements)
Placement Options: Horizontal and vertical placement
Safety Features: Overheat protection, thermostat control
Build Material: Shockproof, rust-free, with 100% copper motor
The Warmex Carbon Tower Room Heater is a perfect solution for quick, efficient heating in small spaces like bedrooms, offices, and study areas. With two heat settings (450W and 900W), this portable heater allows you to adjust the warmth based on your preference. Its silent operation ensures minimal noise, making it ideal for home offices or bedrooms where peace and quiet are essential. Designed for convenience, the lightweight tower heater is easy to carry and place anywhere. Featuring overheat protection for safety, this compact heater delivers warmth while keeping energy consumption low.
Specifications of Warmex Carbon Tower Room Heater
Heat Output: 450W and 900W heat settings
Type: Radiant Heating
Design: Compact tower design, lightweight and portable
Safety Features: Overheat protection
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Quick heating with adjustable 450W/900W settings
Not suitable for large rooms or areas requiring high heating
Silent operation, perfect for bedrooms and office use
Limited heat output might not suffice in very cold climates
Compact, portable design that fits in small spaces easily
Needs a power outlet for operation, not battery-operated
What is the ideal size heater for an office?
The ideal size depends on the office’s square footage. For a small office (up to 100 sq. ft.), a heater with around 500-1000W is sufficient. For larger offices, consider heaters with 1500-2000W to ensure effective heating without energy wastage.
Yes, portable heaters are safe if they have built-in safety features like overheat protection, tip-over switches, and thermostat control. Always place them on stable surfaces and ensure they are turned off when not in use.
Factors to consider while buying a heater for your office
Here are the factors to consider when buying an office heater:
Heating Capacity: Choose a heater with the appropriate wattage (typically between 500W to 2000W) based on the size of your office. Higher wattage is better for larger spaces, while lower wattage works well for small rooms.
Energy Efficiency: Look for heaters with energy-saving features such as thermostats or eco-modes to control energy consumption while providing warmth.
Portability: Consider a lightweight, compact portable office heater that can be moved around your office easily and stored away when not in use.
Noise Level: Choose a quiet heater if you need to maintain a peaceful working environment, especially in offices where concentration is key.
Safety Features: Ensure the office heater has overheat protection, a tip-over switch, and other safety mechanisms to prevent accidents in busy office settings.
Heating Type: Decide between convection heaters (which heat the air) or radiant heaters (which provide direct warmth), depending on whether you want to warm the air or focus heat on specific areas like desks.
For larger rooms, choose heaters with higher wattage (1500W-2000W) to ensure effective heating throughout the space.
Do office heaters have temperature control?
Yes, most office heaters come with adjustable temperature settings or thermostats for precise heating control.
Are office heaters easy to move?
Yes, most portable office heaters are lightweight and easy to move between rooms or desks.
Do office heaters consume a lot of electricity?
Energy-efficient office heaters use less electricity while providing sufficient heat. Look for models with eco-friendly features to minimise energy consumption.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
The 102 refugees, including 25 children, were taken to Sri Lanka’s eastern port of Trincomalee.
More than 100 Rohingya refugees from war-torn Myanmar have been rescued while adrift on a fishing trawler off the Indian Ocean island nation by Sri Lanka’s navy, bringing them safely to port.
The 102 people, including 25 children, were taken to Sri Lanka’s eastern port of Trincomalee, a navy spokesman said on Friday.
“Medical checks have to be done before they are allowed to disembark,” the spokesman said.
The Muslim-majority ethnic Rohingya are heavily persecuted in Myanmar and thousands risk their lives each year on long sea journeys, the majority heading southeast to Malaysia or Indonesia.
But fisherman spotted the drifting trawler off Sri Lanka’s northern coast at Mullivaikkal at dawn on Thursday.
The navy spokesman said on Friday that language difficulties had made it hard to understand where the refugees had been headed, suggesting that “recent cyclonic weather” may have pushed them off course.
While unusual, it is not the first boat to head to Sri Lanka, which is about 1,750km (1,100 miles) across open seas southwest of Myanmar.
In October, six people died as nearly 100 Rohingya landed by boat in Indonesia’s Aceh province in one of the latest waves of arrivals from Myanmar.
The Sri Lankan navy rescued more than 100 Rohingya refugees in distress on a boat off their shores in December 2022.
In 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh during a crackdown by the military that is now the subject of a United Nations genocide court case.
Myanmar’s military seized power in a 2021 coup and a grinding civil war since then has forced millions to flee.
The Rohingya have borne the brunt of the latest fighting because they have been forcibly drafted into the army despite not being recognised as citizens.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said negotiations are a “long process”
The US House of Representatives has voted against a Donald Trump-backed funding measure, bringing a government shutdown this weekend a step closer.
A revised spending plan failed to reach the two-thirds majority needed in the lower chamber of Congress, with 38 Republicans voting against the bill on Thursday night, defying the president-elect.
Trump had thwarted a previous cross-party funding deal that the Republican House leadership had struck with Democrats, after heavy criticism of the measure by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
After the bill failed by 174 votes to 235, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would come up with another solution on Friday before the midnight deadline.
The Trump-approved replacement bill would have tied government funding to a two-year suspension of the federal debt limit, which determines how much the government can borrow to pay its bills.
Here are five things to know about the possible government shutdown:
1. How we got here
The now-looming government shutdown can be traced back to September, when another budget deadline loomed.
Johnson failed to pass a six-month funding extension. Mostly Democrats voted against the extension, which included a measure (the SAVE Act) to require proof of citizenship for voting.
Instead, Congress came to a bipartisan deal for a bare-bones bill that would keep the government funded through 20 December.
Johnson pledged to his Republican conference then that come December, when the funding was set to expire, they would not have to vote on an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink spending bill ahead of the holiday recess.
But when congressional leaders released the text of the latest spending bill on Tuesday, three days before lawmakers were set to break for the holidays, it totalled 1,547 pages.
The bill would have extended government funding until March 14 – nearly three months after Trump is set to return to the White House.
It included more than $110bn (£88bn) in emergency disaster relief and $30bn in aid to farmers; the first pay raise for lawmakers since 2009; federal funds to rebuild a bridge that collapsed in Baltimore; healthcare reforms; and, provisions aimed at preventing hotels and live event venues from deceptive advertising.
Some Republicans criticised Johnson for abandoning a more basic spending bill, specifically condemning left-leaning provisions that were negotiated to win support from Democrats.
Johnson defended the deal, putting the blame on “acts of God” for needing some of the added provisions, like disaster aid and assistance for farmers.
2. Trump, Musk tank bipartisan plan
Still, opposition for Johnson’s spending deal grew on Wednesday.
He called it “criminal” and often referenced false statements about the bill in his posts.
Musk wrote on X that any lawmaker “who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years”.
After Musk drummed up opposition for the spending bill, Trump and JD Vance, the incoming vice-president, dealt the final blow to Johnson’s deal that evening.
They said in a joint statement they wanted streamlined legislation without the Democratic-backed provisions that Johnson had included.
They also called for Congress to raise or eliminate the debt ceiling, which determines how much the government can borrow to pay its bills, and limit the funding legislation to temporary spending and disaster relief.
They called anything else “a betrayal of our country”.
3. What happens next
Johnson and House Republicans introduced the streamlined legislation on Thursday, which then failed in a vote that evening. It’s not clear what they will do next.
Lawmakers are not expected to vote again on Thursday, meaning they’ll return on Friday morning with less than 24 hours on the clock until a potential shutdown.
But it’s clear the partisan blame game is in full swing. After the Thursday bill was shot down, Johnson told reporters it was “very disappointing” that almost every House Democrat had voted against it.
“It is, I think, really irresponsible for us to risk a shutdown over these issues on things that they have already agreed upon,” he said.
Johnson will likely need Democratic support, especially as divisions inside his own party over the bill became clear this week.
But Democrats are unlikely to help Johnson with support for a revamped funding bill, blaming him for breaking their bipartisan agreement.
“You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow,” Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries posted on X, which is owned by Musk.
And others seemed to taunt Republicans for seeming to take their direction from the unelected Mr Musk.
On the House floor on Thursday, Connecticut Representative Rosa DeLauro – the top Democratic appropriator in the House – called the billionaire “President Musk”, to laughter from fellow Democrats.
“President Musk said ‘don’t do it, shut the government down,'” she said.
Still, Johnson needs to find a way to win over Democrats in order to pass a spending bill, especially when pent-up anger within his own caucus is set to boil over.
Time is also of the essence. These negotiations usually take weeks.
4. The effects of a government shutdown
Federal agencies rely on annual funding to function. When Congress fails to pass the 12 spending bills that make up the spending budget, these agencies must discontinue non-essential functions.
Essential services – like border protection, in-hospital medical care, law enforcement and air-traffic control – continue to operate.
But many federal employees may go without pay.
While Social Security and Medicare checks are sent out, benefit verification and card issuance stops. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s funding is mandatory, but food stamp benefits may be impacted by a shutdown. This could lead to delays for similar assistance programs.
Other agencies stop operations entirely.
The Food and Drug Administration halts food safety inspections, the Environmental Protection Agency stops inspections and National Parks close to visitors.
5. The repercussions for Republicans
This was the first big test of Trump’s influence over current congressional Republicans, and in the vote on Thursday, a number of them balked.
It also poses a challenge for Speaker Johnson, as the House is set to vote in just 15 days on who will serve as the House Speaker for the next Congress.
What previously looked like a secured position for Johnson is now seeming less of a sure thing.
Facing backlash from Trump and Mr Musk, the Louisiana Republican is now under scrutiny from those in his own party over his handling of government funding.
Several Republicans have indicated they will not vote for Johnson to lead the chamber. He cannot afford to lose the support of many Republicans, given that the party holds a slim majority of only five seats in the next Congress.
The threat to Johnson is serious, given Republicans’ recent history.
In January 2023, California Republican Kevin McCarthy went through 15 rounds of ballots before winning the speakership.
Just 10 months later, he was ousted by Republicans, who faulted him for failing to cut spending and for working with Democrats to avert a government shutdown.
Food delivery apps in India are promising to bring biryani to hot beverages at customers’ doorsteps in under 10 minutes, as competition for impatient consumers intensifies among digital platforms.
Swiggy delivery bags are stored inside a truck in Mumbai.(REUTERS)
At least five companies, including Zomato Ltd. and its recently-listed rival Swiggy Ltd., have unveiled or announced plans to offer quick food delivery in the last few weeks.
But how they do it varies: Zomato unit Blinkit’s food delivery app Bistro and Zepto Cafe are relying on in-house kitchens to swiftly cook and assemble eatables, while Swiggy is partnering with restaurants from Starbucks Corp. to McDonald’s Corp.
While doorstep delivery has existed in India for decades with mom-and-pop stores employing runners, the last few years have seen a disruptive transformation. Technology helped spawn startups offering ultra-fast deliveries and these were lapped up by an affluent, smartphone-savvy, urban population keen on instant gratification.
The result was apps like Zepto and Blinkit, which deliver eggs to earphones — even iPhones — at a breakneck pace while similar services typically take a few hours elsewhere in the world.
‘Impulsive Buyers’
“Quick commerce has changed consumers who have become more impulsive buyers,” said Karan Taurani, senior vice president at Elara Securities India Pvt. These platforms have now rolled out rapid food deliveries to satisfy these impulses and “enhance user experience.”
Swiggy and Zomato’s blistering success has not just upended the Indian retail sector, it has cast them as stock market darlings. Swiggy shares have surged 53% since listing last month while Zomato has jumped 133% this year.
As India’s 10-minute mania enters the food delivery segment, brokerages see a new growth avenue while some consumers worry about the quality of food cooked in such a dash.
India’s online food delivery market is expected to more than double to $15 billion by March 2029, according to a Dec. 18 report by JM Financial. Platforms had penetrated only about 11% of the country’s total food consumption in 2023, compared with 40% in China and 58% in the US, it said.
“Bistro’s within-10 minutes-delivery proposition should help the company better penetrate breakfast and evening snacks meal consumption” in the bigger Indian cities, analysts at JM Financial Ltd. led by Swapnil Potdukhe wrote about Zomato in the report.
Zepto Cafe, which was the first to begin 10-minute food drops in 2022, is adding 100 cafes a month and clocking 30,000 orders a day, its founder Aadit Palicha wrote on X in a Dec. 11 post.
It’ll now face competition from Zomato’s Bistro, Swiggy’s Bolt, Dash by Ola Consumer and Magicpin’s MagicNOW. The Tata Group-owned BigBasket said this week it is in the process of finalizing the service.
These nippy services are already finding takers. Bolt accounts for 5% of Swiggy’s total food delivery orders within two months of its launch, Sidharth Bhakoo, chief business officer of food marketplace at Swiggy said in an email. “We see it touching 10% of all food delivery orders at some point in the near term.”
The speedy meals comes amid health concerns and rising obesity in India. The country is among the largest consumers of junk food, spurred by increasing availability of packaged food and lax food safety regulations.
‘Lost My Mind’
“Cook time 2 min, delivery time 8 min. A ‘qcom for food’ founder told me this and I lost my mind. We are suffering from the biggest epidemic of poor nutrition and unhealthy processed and ultra processed food which is high on palm oil and sugar,” Shantanu Deshpande, founder of Bombay Shaving Company said in a Dec. 16 linkedin post. “And now this.”
The companies offering these speedy meals reassure the food quality won’t be compromised.
“At Bistro, we are not microwaving processed frozen food and sending it to our customers,” Zomato said in an emailed response on Dec. 18. “When you order from your nearest Bistro kitchen, we make dishes fresh by putting together ingredients that are prepared at a central kitchen.”
Food is prepared in “controlled environments to maintain quality” and “high hygiene standards are enforced at every stage—from sourcing to final delivery,” Shashank Shekhar Sharma, who leads Zepto Cafe, said in an email. There’s also rigorous training for the staff and routine inspections, he added.
Maintaining delivery times on India’s busy and bumpy roads will be a challenge, according to Elara’s Taurani. Scaling up with a limited food menu is another, he said.
But that’s not holding back service providers, including Swiggy which has expanded Bolt to over 400 cities.
“Consumers just love things faster,” Rohit Kapoor, Swiggy’s chief executive officer for the food marketplace said in the Dec. 3 earnings call, describing Bolt as “a big bet.” “We’re very optimistic about the potential it holds for not just this offering but the future of food delivery itself,” he said.
Prestige is a trusted name famous for its premium quality steel pressure cookers, designed to suit the needs of Indian cooking. In this guide, we explore the top eight steel pressure cookers from Prestige, offering a comprehensive comparison of their features, advantages and disadvantages. This will help you make an informed choice for your kitchen needs.
Whether you are looking for a spillage-control cooker for mess-free cooking or a durable triply pressure cooker for better heat distribution, Prestige offers versatile options to suit different preferences. Each model stands out with its durability, safety features and efficient performance, ensuring hassle-free cooking.
This curated list showcases the best options available on the market, offering something for every culinary lover. Dive in to find the ideal Prestige Steel Cooker that combines functionality, style and reliability, making it a perfect addition to your kitchen essentials.
The Prestige Clean Deluxe Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is designed to prevent leakage and ensure easy cleaning. It has a unique deep lid that helps prevent boiling. With its durable build and efficient cooking, this cooker is perfect for everyday use in Indian kitchens.
Specifications of Prestige Swach Deluxe Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
Capacity: 5 liters
Material: Stainless Steel
leak control lid
dishwasher safe
pressure indicator
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
Leak control lid for easy cooking
Pressure gauge may be difficult to read
Durable stainless steel construction
Easy to clean and maintain
Prestige Popular Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
The Prestige Popular Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is a durable and efficient cooker that is suitable for everyday use. It features a pressure indicator, a safety valve, and a gasket release system for added safety during cooking. Its sturdy build and reliable performance make it a popular choice among Indian homes.
Specifications of Prestige Popular Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
Capacity: 3 liters
Material: Stainless Steel
pressure indicator
security door
gasket release system
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
Safe and reliable cooking experience
Small capacity may not be suitable for large families
Durable stainless steel construction
Easy to use and maintain
The Prestige Swachh Deluxe Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker has a unique lid that prevents leakage and ensures easy cleaning. It is designed for efficient and safe cooking with a pressure indicator and gasket release system for added safety. Its durable construction and ease of use make it a top choice for Indian cooking.
Specifications of Prestige Swach Deluxe Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
Capacity: 7.5 liters
Material: Stainless Steel
leak control lid
pressure indicator
gasket release system
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
efficient leak control lid
Large capacity may not be suitable for small families
The Prestige Hygienic Pressure Spillage Control stainless steel pressure cooker is designed to prevent leakage and ensure easy cleaning. It has a unique deep lid that helps prevent boiling. With its durable build and efficient cooking, this cooker is perfect for everyday use in Indian kitchens.
Specifications of Prestige Swach Pressure Spillage Control Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
Capacity: 6 liters
Material: Stainless Steel
leak control lid
dishwasher safe
pressure indicator
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
Leak control lid for easy cooking
Pressure gauge may be difficult to read
Durable stainless steel construction
Easy to clean and maintain
The Prestige Swach 20265 Spillage Control Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker has a unique lid that prevents leakage and ensures easy cleaning. It is designed for efficient and safe cooking with a pressure indicator and gasket release system for added safety. Its durable construction and ease of use make it a top choice for Indian cooking.
Specifications of Prestige Clean 20265 Spillage Control Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
Capacity: 5 liters
Material: Stainless Steel
leak control lid
pressure indicator
gasket release system
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
efficient leak control lid
Small capacity may not be suitable for large families
Safe and secure cooking experience
Durable and reliable construction
The Prestige Popular Spillage Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is a durable and efficient cooker that is suitable for everyday use. It features a pressure indicator, a safety valve, and a gasket release system for added safety during cooking. Its sturdy build and reliable performance make it a popular choice among Indian homes.
Specifications of Prestige Popular Spillage Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
Capacity: 3 liters
Material: Stainless Steel
pressure indicator
security gate
gasket release system
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
Safe and reliable cooking experience
Small capacity may not be suitable for large families
The Prestige Clean Triply Pressure Spillage Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is designed to prevent leakage and ensure easy cleaning. It has a unique deep lid that helps prevent boiling. With its durable build and efficient cooking, this cooker is perfect for everyday use in Indian kitchens.
The Prestige Popular Hygienic Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is a durable and efficient cooker that is suitable for everyday use. It features a pressure indicator, a safety valve, and a gasket release system for added safety during cooking. Its sturdy build and reliable performance make it a popular choice among Indian homes.
Specifications of Prestige Popular Hygienic Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
Capacity: 3 liters
Material: Stainless Steel
pressure indicator
security door
gasket release system
reason to buy
reasons to avoid
Safe and reliable cooking experience
Small capacity may not be suitable for large families
Prestige Popular Hygienic Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
3 liters
stainless steel
No
No
Yes
Best value for money Prestige Steel Cooker:
The Prestige Popular Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker offers the best value for money with its durable construction, safety features and efficient cooking performance. It is a versatile cooker suitable for everyday use in the Indian kitchen, making it a great investment for any home.
Prestige Swach Deluxe Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is the best overall product in this category. With its spillage control lid, durable construction and easy cleaning features, it offers the best cooking experience for Indian homes.
Things to keep in mind while choosing the right Prestige Steel Cooker:
Durability and Materials: Look for high-quality stainless steel that ensures longevity and corrosion resistance. Prestige cookers are crafted from durable materials, making them a reliable choice for frequent use.
size and capacity:Choose the capacity based on your cooking needs. Prestige offers a variety of sizes, ranging from compact options for small families to larger options for gatherings.
safety features:Prioritize safety with features like pressure indicator, anti-bulge base and controlled spillage mechanism that prestige cookers often offer.
compatibility:For seamless functionality, make sure the cooker is compatible with your cooktop, whether gas, induction, or both.
ease of maintenance: Choose models with dishwasher-safe parts or easy-to-clean designs for convenient maintenance.
The price range of Prestige Steel Cookers varies depending on capacity and features from 1500 4000.
Are Prestige steel cookers suitable for Indian cooking?
Yes, Prestige Steel Cookers are specifically designed for Indian cooking, offering efficient and safe cooking of traditional Indian dishes.
Do Prestige Steel Cookers come with warranty?
Yes, Prestige steel cookers come with a warranty period of 5-10 years depending on the model and capacity.
What are the safety features of Prestige Steel Cooker?
Prestige steel cookers come with safety valves, gasket release system and pressure indicators to ensure safe and reliable cooking.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, relating to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
India has become one of the world’s leading markets for deals such as initial public offerings, smashing its record for money raised this year as investors snap up opportunities. Vishal Mega Mart Ltd.’s trading debut Wednesday underscored this insatiable appetite for IPOs — shares of the retailer surged more than 40%. The feeding frenzy is set to roll into 2025, according to several women on the front lines. “We are gearing up for another busy year, both in terms of IPOs and M&A,” said Sonia Dasgupta, a managing director and chief executive officer of investment banking at JM Financial Ltd. Dasgupta was speaking during a roundtable discussion with other female leaders in Mumbai, talking about India dealmaking and their role in powering the boom. “Organizations that are able to attract, retain and nurture women have the leverage of a bigger and better pool of talent,” Dasgupta said. Her company’s meritocratic system “always takes precedence,” which results in significant participation by women at various levels, she said. “In the end, it comes down to someone’s ability and expertise,” added Surbhi Kejriwal, a partner at law firm Khaitan & Co.
On the deals front, multinational companies are considering various options for improving efficiency, and that includes exiting the market, selling shares or expanding, Dasgupta said.
More than $19 billion has been raised in IPOs in India since January, beating the previous annual record of $17.8 billion in 2021. They include the country’s biggest-ever listing, which saw Hyundai Motor Co.’s local unit raise $3.3 billion. Two others — food-delivery firm Swiggy Ltd. and NTPC Green Energy Ltd. — also topped $1 billion, while Vishal Mega Mart’s wasn’t far off. Strong economic growth has enticed global investors, and the billions of dollars funneled into domestic mutual funds every month have supported the equity markets even when some foreigners were selling. The benchmark Sensex is up roughly 10% in 2024 and surely destined for a ninth-straight year of gains. “The level of IPO activity in 2024 has been unprecedented, thanks in part to a surge in demand from both institutional and retail investors,” said Dhruvi Kanabar Shahra, the founder of family office DHSK Advisors, who meanwhile noted that technology and remote work have come in handy when forming a family, particularly for women. “As a mother of very young kids, finding the right work-life balance is key,” she said.
More Deals
More IPOs are on the horizon. LG Electronics Inc. is considering increasing the valuation of its Indian unit to as much as $15 billion in a listing in Mumbai next year, according people familiar with the matter, and Carlyle Group Inc. is said to be weighing an IPO of engineering services firm Quest Global Services Pte. Not all the IPOs have led to stellar gains. After its record effort, Hyundai India is trading below its offer price of 1,960 rupees per share. But winners easily outnumber losers in the bigger IPOs. Bajaj Housing Finance Ltd. is more than 80% above its offer price after listing in September, and both Bharti Hexacom Ltd. and Swiggy have had substantial gains.
A growing chunk of activity may gravitate toward mergers and acquisitions, particularly in areas such as the infrastructure, health-care and consumer sectors, Khaitan’s Kejriwal said. The volume of M&A deals targeting Indian firms has climbed 19% to $42.3 billion this year, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Quality Care India Ltd., backed by Blackstone Inc., agreed in November to combine with Aster DM Healthcare Ltd. in an all-stock deal to create one of India’s largest hospital chains. A consortium led by Blackstone also emerged as the preferred bidder for a stake in Haldiram Snacks Pvt., people familiar with the matter have said, following months of negotiations. Adani Group this week announced plans to consolidate its cement operations by merging two units under Ambuja Cements Ltd. as billionaire Gautam Adani streamlines a business that is vital for India’s infrastructure push. “We expect a lot more M&A activity in 2025, with financial sponsors driving a big part,” Kejriwal said. “We are seeing increasing interest from global investors, which will likely help India remain a hotspot for dealmaking in Asia.”
TeaHe The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha On December 17, 2024, a fixed five-year term is mandated for the Lok Sabha, with state legislature elections coinciding with this cycle. If the Lok Sabha or any state assembly is dissolved before completing its full term, mid-term elections will be held only for the remaining term of five years. Should the tenure of legislatures in India be fixed? PDT Acharya And MR Madhavan Discuss the question in a conversation moderated by Aaratrika BhowmikEdited excerpts:
Does fixed legislative tenure promote better governance by reducing the disruptions of frequent elections?
PDT Acharya: It is worth raising the question whether this bill and the proposal to hold simultaneous elections is absolutely necessary? The claim that such a system would reduce election expenditure lacks credibility. A part of the expenditure is allocated by the Election Commission and state governments through the budgetary provisions of the Center and the states. However, the majority of election expenditure is incurred by political parties. Even if some costs are saved, it is unlikely that political parties will redirect these funds towards development or infrastructure projects. More importantly, frequent elections increase political accountability, forcing representatives to engage regularly with voters.
MR Madhavan: This Constitution Amendment Bill does not propose a fixed term for legislatures, as it allows mid-term elections. This ensures accountability to the legislature in line with the basic principle of the parliamentary system. This bill is also in line with the basic structure of the Constitution by allowing mid-term elections. However, the main change is that in the event of midterm elections, the tenure of the newly elected legislature will be less than five years. It is uncertain whether this will improve governance or not. However, it does not provide the same stability as for example the American presidential system, where the sitting president can only be removed through impeachment.
Does aligning the tenure of state legislatures with that of the Lok Sabha compromise federalism and pose a threat to political pluralism?
MR Madhavan: I find this Bill symmetrical because it also aligns the tenure of Parliament with the tenure of state legislatures. For example, if the central government falls after three years, new elections will be held for the Lok Sabha, and the newly elected legislative body will serve only for a reduced period of two years. Therefore, I do not think that the state legislatures are being aligned with the Parliament. Rather, the bill standardizes the timing of all elections on a common date. I do not see any threat to federalism in this approach.
The argument that holding simultaneous elections will induce voters to select the same party for both the Central and State Assemblies is flawed, as it underestimates the intelligence of the voters. Historical examples, such as the 2014 elections in Delhi, show that voters can and do make different choices. Despite the BJP’s landslide victory at the Centre, voters chose AAP in the state assembly – despite both elections being held within six months of each other.
PDT Acharya: For the first time, this Bill seeks to make the tenure of state legislatures dependent on the tenure of Parliament. For example, if Parliament completes its term while the state assembly is in its second year, the assembly will be prematurely dissolved, and elections will be held simultaneously with the parliament. This approach weakens the principles of federalism. Under the existing constitutional framework, state legislatures function as autonomous legislative bodies. This Bill seeks to change their independent tenure, which is an important feature of the federal structure.
Could such a system discourage efforts to destabilize governments and curb practices like horse-trading?
PDT Acharya: This is a novel proposal, and it is difficult to estimate whether such a system could effectively stop these practices at this stage. However, a major concern is the potential erosion of India’s identity as a federal republic, which lies in the autonomy of its legislative bodies.
MR Madhavan: My understanding of the Bill is that it aligns the tenure of state legislatures with that of Parliament for the first time. However, after some election cycles, if there is a mid-term election for the Parliament, the state assemblies will continue and will not be dissolved.
Recently, large-scale defection occurred in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, where MLAs resigned or were disqualified, leading to by-elections. However, I doubt that the bill will curb such practices. A more important concern is the dissolution of the House. If a government falls after three and a half years, snap elections will be necessary, taking an additional 4–6 months. This will result in a Lok Sabha with a tenure of one year or less, which I believe is undesirable.
Does the Bill adequately take into account political imperatives? For example, if the ruling party splits but the breakaway faction refuses to go along with the opposition.
MR Madhavan: I believe that the Bill effectively addresses such contingencies. For example, the 2013 Delhi and 2005 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections resulted in hung assemblies. The Bill resolves such deadlocks by allowing fresh elections. The only difference is that the newly elected legislature will serve a shorter term instead of the full five years.
PDT Acharya: The Constitution prescribes a five-year term for state legislatures and the Lok Sabha, but allows their dissolution to address political exigencies. This flexibility reflects a pragmatic approach towards governance. While fixed legislative terms provide stability, the option to dissolve assemblies is important to address political instability. For example, state governments have often dissolved assemblies to seek fresh and decisive mandates through mid-term elections – a contingency which the Bill fails to adequately address.
Can the German model of a constructive no-confidence vote help resolve the political impasse?
PDT Acharya: Such a proposal was rejected by the high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. This has been discussed before, but I doubt it is possible to adopt it in India.
MR Madhavan: I don’t think this is a viable option given our system. In most cases, when a ruling government loses a no-confidence motion, no alternative government has a majority in the House. This could lead to a situation where the current government remains in power but will not have the required majority to pass necessary bills or the budget.
The UK’s Fixed-Term Parliaments Act 2011, set to be repealed in 2022, was criticized for triggering a constitutional crisis and policy paralysis. What lesson can this be for India?
MR Madhavan: The bill is being misinterpreted as proposing fixed legislative tenure when it merely introduces a “maximum term.” This differs from the system in place in Britain, where a newly elected legislature would serve its full five-year term, even if snap elections were to be held. In contrast, under the system proposed by the bill, if the government loses the confidence of the legislative majority, midterm elections will be called, and the newly elected legislature will then serve a shortened term.
PDT Acharya: In a country like ours, political instability is a real possibility, especially at the state level. While the tenure of Parliament will remain five years, states may face situations that will require mid-term elections, resulting in shortened tenure of state legislatures. I strongly believe that the existing system should be maintained despite its flaws. The proposal to hold simultaneous elections risks creating unnecessary unrest and there is no compelling reason to pursue it at this time. Instead the government should focus on tackling more serious challenges affecting the people.
Mangione faces new federal charges in the US that carry the possibility of the death penalty.
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, has appeared in a New York court to face new federal charges including murder and stalking.
Mangione’s arraignment on Thursday followed his transfer to New York from Pennsylvania after he waived his right to extradition proceedings.
Shackled at the ankles and wearing a blue sweater and beige slacks, Mangione said little during a 15-minute appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker in Manhattan.
The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, who was already facing multiple state charges, was charged with murder using a firearm, two counts of stalking and using an illegal gun silencer, according to an unsealed criminal complaint.
The federal charges raised the possibility that Mangione could face the death penalty, if prosecutors seek it.
Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said it was a “highly unusual situation” for a defendant to face simultaneous state and federal cases.
“Frankly I’ve never seen anything like what is happening here,” Friedman Agnifilo said.
According to the criminal complaint, Mangione traveled from Georgia to New York “for the purpose of stalking and killing Brian Thompson”.
A notebook found in Mangione’s possession after his arrest at a McDonald’s outlet in Altoona, Pennsylvania contained several handwritten pages that “express hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular”, according to the complaint.
An entry in August said that “the target is insurance” because “it checks every box”, while an October entry described an intent to “wack” the CEO of an insurance company”, according to the complaint.
Police say the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were scrawled on shell casings found at the murder scene, recalling a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims.
As Mangione was arraigned in court, supporters gathered outside holding posters that read “Health over wealth” and “Luigi freed us”.
James Dennehy of the FBI New York Field Office said that Magione’s alleged actions amounted to a “carefully premeditated and targeted execution”.
“This alleged plot demonstrates a cavalier attitude towards humanity — deeming murder an appropriate recourse to satiate personal grievances,” Dennehy said.
Mumbai: Indian stock markets continued to remain weak on Friday and opened flat as FIIs and the depreciating Indian rupee exerted pressure.
The Nifty 50 index opened flat at 23,960.70 points with a gain of only 9 points, while the BSE Sensex surged 0.15 percent to open at 79,335.48 points.
Experts stated that the unexpected reduction in the rate cut cycle by the US Fed has jolted markets globally. However, the chances of a year-end rally are still there, but the selling by FPIs is again making it hard for the market to rally.
Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert stated that “Indian markets are trying to shake off the global ‘risk off” sentiment but the FPI selling this week has jolted those efforts so far. We are still optimistic that we could see a short burst going into the year end, but the volatility is making any rally fragile for now”.
He further added that “Chairman Powell is being seen by global markets as the Grinch who stole Christmas this year. As global fund managers proceed on annual holidays, they are suffering the results of over optimistic and over concentrated market views, that were surprised by the US Fed calling time on fast and furious rate cuts”.
In the sectoral indices on Friday, Nifty IT, Nifty Media, and Nifty Pharma recovered, while the other indices continued their downward movement. In the Nifty 50 shares list today, 13 stocks opened with gains, while 37 declined in the opening session.
Markets around the globe are under pressure after an indication from the US Federal Reserve of fewer rate cuts next year, less than the anticipated three or four.
“The support, near 23870, is also the area where the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the November to December advance meets a rising 200-day average. Three-day momentum, measured by the RSI, is under 10, and every time it’s gone into single digits, the prevailing downtrend has either stalled or triggered a tactical advance over the next few sessions” said Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research, Axis Securities.
In other Asian markets, sentiments were also down on Friday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index remained flat after its central bank paused and did not hike interest rates, while the markets of Taiwan, South Korea, and Indonesia continued selling and remained in red at the time of filing this report.
PDT Acharya: It is worth raising the question whether this bill and the proposal to hold simultaneous elections is absolutely necessary? The claim that such a system would reduce election expenditure lacks credibility. A part of the expenditure is allocated by the Election Commission and state governments through the budgetary provisions of the Center and the states. However, the majority of election expenditure is incurred by political parties. Even if some costs are saved, it is unlikely that political parties will redirect these funds towards development or infrastructure projects. More importantly, frequent elections increase political accountability, forcing representatives to engage regularly with voters.
