By Our Staff
Our offices will be closed on Monday, January 1, on New Year’s Day. Hence our scheduled updates and newsletter will not be published on Monday, January 1, 2024.
See you on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
By Our Staff
Our offices will be closed on Monday, January 1, on New Year’s Day. Hence our scheduled updates and newsletter will not be published on Monday, January 1, 2024.
See you on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

We asked Dr Bhaskar Das a question for today. The response brilliant, as usual, but also very insightful. We converted it to our Big Story. Read on…
Twenty twenty-three. I know it’s just another day and the change of the year is inconsequential, but since it is a n-e-w year, your sentiments? Any resolutions?
A. No, no. December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023 are not just two dates in a calendar page. In reality, 2022 (any previous year, for that matter) taught us many useful lessons, including what not to do, and January 1, 2023 engenders hopes for future, not only for current generation but for the future ones too.
So, I am very optimistic and excited about 2023. The reasons are based on general trends that I can discern and the macro facts that make me feel optimistic about the India story.
Some of the things that I look forward to are:
1) Expanded roll-out of 5G will open a whole range of possibilities for individuals and businesses,
2) Though I am not a ‘gaming’ guy, the excitement about gaming is only going to go up and would be more immersive and social (this, in turn, would develop the whole ecosystem of developers, designers etc),
3) IT infrastructure would get more robust and be socially conscious about reducing carbon footprint and be conscious about being ESG compliant,
4) India’s EV sector would grow and consumers would adopt the new environment friendly automobile ecosystem,
5) Artificial Intelligence (AI) would penetrate every field to create impact both at the producer level and at the consumer level,
6) Indian developers and their communities would only grow to accelerate more innovation in India and around the globe,
7) Indian entrepreneurs would create new opportunities for business and would complement the legacy players’ efforts to transformation by balancing continuity with change.
The list can go on but I mentioned the dominant ones that might have significant black swan impact on the economy and society at large.
I need not delve deep on the India story which would be impacted by the above macro developments. Besides , I can see the government is taking a lot of initiatives for building infrastructure and digitisation to boost the economy, inspite of a global warning of gloom (not fully unreal though) and if India can maintain, as experts aver, a 6% growth of the economy and can generate requisite capital formation, it would not be a mean feat , given the lower estimates of other comparable economies during the same time. Indian manufacturing might also get benefited by a global preference for developing a China+1 policy.
While the above facts fuel the optimistic bones in me, I have some deep concerns about a growing trend of cybercrime, job losses (due to accelerated digital adoption and reduction of old jobs and cost control of legacy companies) and rise of inequalities which can exacerbate our social balance and its termite effect invading/ jeopardising many positive efforts. A fractional political discourse could also queer the pitch (read reduction of speed and conduciveness of positive sentiments).
So, a combination of positives and negatives would rule Indian society, whether one likes it or not. How as a country we navigate it would depend on the civil society.
Coming to making New Year Resolutions, I don’t believe in them. I believe in action, both at the macro and micro levels, to make an impact that touches maximum number of people for maximum good and a dominance of focusing on all good things that would happen in the country.
If you wish to access the archives, please go to the Das Ka Dum tab on the website’s top navigation bar or click here: https://www.mxmindia.com/category/columns/das-ka-dum/
By Our Staff
TTK Prestige, manufacturer of kitchen appliances and cookware, has launched a digital film in an effort to help address the pain point millennial couples experience – the hassles of organising house parties.
Dinesh Garg, Executive Vice President-Sales & Marketing, TTK Prestige, said: “As an innovation-driven brand, we strive to provide our consumers with the best quality products, services, and experiences. Now, with the growing need for efficient and convenient home & kitchen appliances, we have released this new film showcasing how our innovative products can help you host a house party effortlessly. Our goal is to make things simpler for everyone, and that is exactly what the film proposes – Jab Prestige sambhale kitchen ka kaam, party host Karna Hoga aasan.”
By Our Staff
Monginis, confectionary brands, unveils a new commercial for the Christmas-New Year festive season with a new commercial – continuing the ‘Magic every time’ campaign philosophy.
Featuring brand ambassador, Ayushmann Khurrana, the 360-degree campaign, ‘Magic every time’ has been conceived and created by 82.5 Communications.
Qusai Z Khorakiwala, Executive Director, Monginis: “At Monginis we make constant efforts to innovate with our products and services to support the endeavours of our customers. Whether it’s a memorable surprise or a grand celebration, we are always ready to support every Indian to create magic.”
Added Kapil Arora, Co-Chairman and CEO, 82.5 Communications India: “Taking forward the Har pal Magical platform for Monginis, we have a lovely new execution going into the New Year’s, with Ayushmann and Monginis bringing magic to the birthday celebrations of those around them.”
By A Correspondent
We will have no scheduled updates and newsletter on Jan 1 as our offices are shut as it’s New Year’s Day. We will be back on Thursday, January 2. See you then

By Ranjona Banerji
How bored are you about reading yearenders? And lists? And listicles possibly? (Whatever they are). Not sure if it’s the predictability or the sameness or may be those are the same thing?
So instead of looking back, here’s what we want from the New Year.
More journalism, less PR.
Regardless of all the rubbish that BJP supporters spout about “dynasty journalists†and “presstitutesâ€, we have not seen a more sycophantic media than now, barring of course THE EMERGENCY. One has to mention THE EMERGENCY just to keep BJP supporters and their media hacks happy because otherwise they will whine incessantly, in between the creepy toadiness they lavish on Mr Modi.
As an example of what we want less of, I quote from veteran journalist Tavleen Singh’s column in The Indian Express, on December 30, 2018: “This column lent it support to Narendra Modi in 2014 in the hope that he would hold true to his promise to bring the ‘parivartan’ India so badly needs… It was the magic of the word “parivartan’ (change) that in my view won Modi a full majority.†The rest of the column bemoans all that Modi could have but did not do, as if Modi is so innocent in all he has not done and not culpable for the wrongs that have been done.
For 2019, therefore, let’s not have journalists and commentators creating false gods, elevating politicians to angelic status or falling prey to personality cults. Or indeed mischievously misleading their audience into believing in the importance of “personalityâ€.
Truth to Power
I use this trendy somewhat self-righteously annoying phrase most mindfully. That’s all we need. Journalists who are able and willing to criticise those in government. Could be this party or that or the other. Hold policy and implementation up to scrutiny, regardless of how the UP chief minister’s pet calves run to meet him and eat sweeties from his pockets. Are sweeties the normal food for calves, by the way? How about a story about that?
Or, after every news channel is “forced†to broadcast the Prime Minister’s radio talk “Mann ki Baat’, how about a rigorous analysis of what he has said or promised and the ground realities of those promises?
Naah, too much to hope for. Look what happened at ABP News for instance, when news anchors decided to question Modi’s schemes and ideas? Job losses for some and more sycophancy from others. And therefore from here, should one move on to…
MORE COURAGE
That’s what we need, really. Self-explanatory. For my fellow journalists who still belong to the Modi Fan Club category, or are waiting to join the Rahul Gandhi Fan Club or belong to the Arvind Kejriwal Fan Club, courage is an interesting word. Do look it up. Also, dump the club membership.
It’s not just courage regarding politicians and political parties that journalists need. Editors need some courage too when it comes to their owners. Okay, maybe that one was a joke for the New Year from me to you.
More #MeToo
I’ve left the most important for the last. The end of 2018 showed us how badly women were treated in newsrooms across India and over the years. The horror was more than many of us had experienced or imagined. Plus, all the horrors we pretended had never happened. Although a few big names have fallen, and some others were called to account, we must acknowledge that misogyny and gender injustice are both rampant. Tragically, this is regardless of the fact that so many women have done so well and risen so high in the media.
A big salute to all the young women who exposed what was going on and all the others who followed with their experiences. You humbled us.
Let 2019 not fall into old traps and patterns of behaviour.
See you on the other side.
 Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She is Consulting Editor, MxMIndia. The views here are personal
By A Correspondent
We rewrote this story. Since the wee hours of this morning, we have been up and worried about the impact of the fire at Kamala Mills in Central Mumbai. Remember, this is the complex which houses scores of restaurants, bars and lounges, and media organisations like The Times of India and Times Network – Times Now, ET Now, Mirror Now and the entertainment channels of the network. Also PR agency Adfactors.
It’s been good bringing you MxMIndia updates through 2017 and while we would’ve liked the year to end on a happier note, we wish you a happy new year. Have a safe new year eve and party responsibly.
Our offices are shut on Monday, January 1 and we will be back with our regular news updates and newsletters on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Have a good weekend.
One of our top stories of last year’s yearender was this self-help guide to beat the New Year Eve hangover.
Guess it’s simply written, direct and had practical tips that didn’t require you to run to the dictionary (ok, ok, go to dictionary.com). So here we are with the same old stuff and one extra way to beat those headaches, nausea, wooziness, etc. Etc, etc.
1. Swear by H20: Drink gallons of water right through because alcohol dehyradates badly.
2. Exercise: Flex your muscles a bit towards evening to be in top form and trigger the good hormones.
3. Chomp a banana: Or any other fruit with high potassium to replace lost electrolytes.
4. Knock down fruit juices: Alternate alcohol with fruit juices (ideally fresh) to restore vitamins and other nutrients.
5. Grab a soda: Essentially to relieve dehydration.
6. Get high on cheese: This is the best time to have fatty food to buffer the stomach lining.
7. Dig on greasy Potatoes: This will keep you steady on your feet
8. Pop in a Vitamin C: Some say it provides additional arsenal to battle it out.
9. Wolf down a Meal: Never, never go empty stomach for the big night.
10. Pop-out for fresh air breaks… nothing like that (and avoid the cigarette. Also, if you must: do not inhale)
11. Some deep breathing will do you well.
12. Go easy: Consider it the best antidote, er, advice
13. Or just don’t drink. Or make a resolution, quit the drink from midnight onwards.
14.  Lastly, as the French, Spanish and Japanese would say respectively: Jouir, disfrutar, tanoshimu, in other words, Enjoy. All will be well!!!!!
Happy 2015.
Bet you’ve got some mega plans to ring in the New Year….Drinks, dance, DJs,  friends, awesome food… Of course every bit is deserved, well-earned. For 2013 kept us on our toes right through overflowing with news, events, happenings, gossip, rumours. So just to keep the spirits flowing, here are 13 ways keep at bay those nasty headaches, wooziness, nausea, and head from rolling all over.
1. Swear by H20: Drink gallons of water right through because alcohol dehyradates badly.
2. Exercise: Flex your muscles a bit towards evening to be in top form and trigger the good hormones.
3. Chomp a banana: Or any other fruit with high potassium to replace lost electrolytes.
4. Knock down fruit juices: Alternate alcohol with fruit juices (ideally fresh) to restore vitamins and other nutrients.
5. Grab a soda: Essentially to relieve dehydration.
6. Get high on cheese: This is the best time to have fatty food to buffer the stomach lining.
7. Dig on greasy Potatoes: This will keep you steady on your feet
8. Pop in a Vitamin C: Some say it provides additional arsenal to battle it out.
9. Wolf down a Meal: Never, never go empty stomach for the big night.
10. Pop-out for fresh air breaks… nothing like that (and avoid the cigarette. Also, if you must: do not inhale)
11. Some deep breathing will do you well.
12. Go easy: Consider it the best antidote, er, advice
13.  Lastly, as the French, Spanish and Japanese would say respectively: Jouir, disfrutar, tanoshimu, in other words, Enjoy. All will be well!!!!!
Happy 2014.
Most of the long-term planets, with respect to the sign of Sagittarius, will remain scattered for a greater part of the year 2012. This indicates that, akin to the planets, your interests too will be scattered, even confused, indicates Ganesha. Remaining centred and concentrating on your main goals could be a task! The good thing is that your energy levels will be at an all-time high and barring a few seasonal illnesses, you will enjoy good health throughout the year. Your mind and heart may gravitate towards spiritualism like never before, more so since your family life may have been disturbed or vacuous. This shift, thanks to Neptune, may alter many of your previously held beliefs and attitudes. It may make you more sensitive and compassionate towards your family. Single archers may be soon changing their relationship status to ‘committed’. On the work front, you’ll excel, and may see a surge in your creativity. Job opportunities may arise from nowhere, hints Ganesha. Although financially, you are safe, you’ll need to manage your expenditure.
Home and Family
Your domestic life has been through plenty of upheavals due to Uranus’ presence in your 4th House. However, Uranus has moved out of the House and the circumstances have become less demanding. When Neptune enters your 4th House on February 3rd 2012 to stay anchored for the next 14 years, expect your attitudes and outlook to change greatly, foretells Ganesha. It’s not only you but also your family members who will visibly be calmer, and will feel inclined towards spiritualism. Neptune will also uncover all sorts of secrets, which may sometimes shock you, and may sometimes pleasantly surprise you. However, you will feel lighter and calmer at the end of it.
Love and Social Life
Venus’ unusually long transit indicates you will get into a serious, committed relationship. Moreover, when Jupiter will enter your 7th House on June 11th 2012, the romantic possibilities will be more potent. Your romantic endeavours are likely to be successful this year, predicts Ganesha. If you are unmarried, this year could bring you into contact with your life partner. This transit also indicates that you will function like a go-getter, take charge of your life and won’t wait for things to happen. You are determined to get what you want. Go, chase your dreams! Ganesha’s blessings are with you.
Health
Your health will not cause any concerns with Jupiter, your ruling planet, placed in your health House till June 11. As a result of this aspect, you will enjoy good health, and will most probably be focused on maintaining good health and fitness. However, don’t take your health for granted, especially from June 11 to July  2012. Your relationships and health are correlated as Venus is your health planet. So if you encounter any problems on the health front, Ganesha advises you to review your relationships first, so that you can identify the root causes and restore harmony.
Career and Finance
It is the right time to get rid of excess baggage, eliminate wasteful expenditure, throw out all the things that you don’t need any more, maybe invest surplus funds more profitably, or even realign your financial goals, says Ganesha. Pluto in your finance House indicates that there may be an inheritance coming your way. You may be all set to get an increase of revenue from your insurance and royalties. Ganesha throws in a word of caution here and says that you should manage your debts very carefully and wisely. Take loans only for constructive purposes, because borrowings which won’t generate revenue will surely become burdensome for you.
GaneshaSpeaks.com is #1 in India and #3 in horoscope portals on a global level. It offers accurate, reliable and trustworthy services online and on 55181(at premium rates) on all major telecom providers in India. Content syndication for print, TV, online, telecom and apps is one of the major verticals in GaneshaSpeaks.com. For more details dial +91-79-61604100 or send an email to contact@ganeshaspeaks.com.
You will practically heave a sigh of relief as the year 2011 wraps up, says Ganesha. The year 2012 will be all about changes – for good! Your personal, social, financial and spiritual life is likely to undergo a transition. The storms of the past may not be over, but they definitely will abate. It’s time for re-evaluations and second chances, and that includes a relationship that you may have thought as irreparable. Ups and downs in your personal and professional realms are possible, but aren’t they for everyone, exclaims Ganesha! Health will be fine, but there will be burdens, many of which would be self-invited. Stress and tension may be the rightful results of all the over-work! Look to de-stress using relaxation therapies. You may also plan to refurbish your home, which will help you take your mind off for some time. Unexpected expenses are likely to mount. And your love life may not improve dramatically, but it will, in its due course. For now, just hang on, and turn to divine help and spirituality, for a better tomorrow, says Ganesha!
Home and Family Life
Your home and domestic life is getting influenced by a variety of factors. In 2008, Pluto moved into your 4th House of family and home, and it’s going to be anchored there for many more years. It is, therefore, likely to impact your domestic life greatly, indicates Ganesha. Your relationships, emotions, and domestic life in general are going through a lot of changes. This year too, there are likely to be minor and major changes on your home front. Many negative aspects and shortcomings will be made manifest, but take it as a clue to become aware of these and take appropriate steps to purge yourself of their deleterious effects. It will not be easy, but the detoxification process is going to take place whether you like it or not. And, thus there is no point in resisting it; just let it happen, because it’s going to bring positive changes in its wake. Saturn, your family planet, is going to be in your own sign for the better part of 2012, making you devote more time to your domestic life.
Love and Social Life
Uranus moved into your 7th House in the year 2011, and shall stay put there for six more years. This indicates a lot of changes as far as your current relationships are concerned. Expect these changes to be a mixed bag – some good, some bad. The strength of your love and friendships both may be tested. If these relationships are deep-rooted, they will survive the storms, assures Ganesha. But superficial ones may not stand up to the test. By the time Uranus moves out of your 7th House, you will have realised who your good friends are, and who are/were merely fair-weather buddies. This aspect applies to not only your personal relationships but also to business partnerships. Ganesha will help you through all this, hence have faith and carry on, without being bitter or vindictive. However, marriage is not on the cards this year. In fact, you need to eschew it.
Health
The year 2012 looks definitely better on this front, affirms Ganesha. Your health is going to get better with each day, rather. But you may still not be able to breathe easy. Though things are getting better, you still need to be very careful about you health, and keep a safe distance from hazardous situations. Your 6th House of health, which was vacant last year, becomes strong after February 3rd, which indicates that you will take your health seriously, says Ganesha.
Career and Finance
Brace yourself for a rough ride in the year ahead, as far as your finances are concerned. This is because Uranus is aligned squarely with your financial planet, with which Saturn also is making an unfavourable aspect. However, Saturn’s aspect is not as powerful as last year, so you may get a few moments of respite. These two aspects indicate that you will have to work much harder than usual to achieve your financial targets, says Ganesha. There may also be many upheavals in your financial situation this year. Some of them could be bolts from the blue! And some, minor whiffs in comparison to others. By the end of the year, your whole outlook on finances will have undergone a change, not just how you earn and spend your money but even your financial strategies. But, then a lot also depends on financial conditions in the world around you. A word of consolation from Ganesha here: Be patient, and you may see sunshine financially, once the dust settles. Some disturbing financial dealings may set you back for some time, but eventually you will be able to see the real good come out of it.
GaneshaSpeaks.com is #1 in India and #3 in horoscope portals on a global level. It offers accurate, reliable and trustworthy services online and on 55181(at premium rates) on all major telecom providers in India. Content syndication for print, TV, online, telecom and apps is one of the major verticals in GaneshaSpeaks.com. For more details dial +91-79-61604100 or send an email to contact@ganeshaspeaks.com.
Energetic and enthusiastic, you begin the year on a positive note. Although your health may still continue to be your biggest concern, expect your energy and determination levels to go up. You have always enjoyed your work, and shall do so even more in 2012. And, this gets better by mid-October! You will excel in your work, and will reap rich rewards. Switching jobs for better prospects, relocation and buying a new home is on the cards, too. You may spend a fortune doing up your new home and buying the latest gadgets. But be careful about your finances, as your income is likely to fluctuate. On the relationship front, couples will enjoy marital bliss, while singles have romantic dates and dinners lined-up. All in all a rewarding year for goats is in store, assures Ganesha. Yet, if you are still feeling empty and confused, remember that emotional disharmony is the main reason why prayers are not answered. If you don’t seem to be deriving any benefit from your spiritual practices, the fault is not with the Divine, but maybe is within you, points Ganesha. So, get up and get hold of your life!
Home and Domestic Life
For the next six years your 4th House will be a House of power, and may cause you much confusion and distress, so Ganesha advises you to brace for the challenge. And, also start ‘relaxing’ as and when possible. You may not have ‘real problems’, but given the sheer momentum of movement and chaos of the things around you, you may start imagining them, points Ganesha. And, since yours is a stable, earth sign, you would obviously not like so much change and movement. Uranus in the 4th House also suggests a variety of things, most important of them being nagged by a constant desire to shift homes, places, jobs, cities even. This year, quite contrary to your usual nature, you may throw all the rule books out of the window, when it comes to your personal and domestic life.
Love Life
This year, Ganesha gives you a stable love relationship, and that is not a small thing. So, enjoy! There may not be much change in your marital or single status in 2012, as your 7th House of love and marriage is not a house of power. All in all the status quo will be maintained – marriages will run smoothly, while singles, most likely, shall remain single. The largely unoccupied 7th House in your chart shall give you a lot of leeway in this area, though. That is, a lot depends on what you want, and how you want the things to go. So, if your desire to marry is strong enough, you may probably end up marrying your chosen one. However, as a general rule such a strong desire is unlikely during the current planetary aspects. Though marriage is not on the cards for you, singles will enjoy dating and romantic encounters.
Health Graph
There are three long-term planets in a stressful aspect with your sign in 2012. This is an improvement from last year when there were four, though this is little consolation. Health will continue to be a cause for concern for you. But, as the year progresses these concerns will reduce, especially when Saturn drifts away on October 5 from its stressful aspect with your sign. From April 3 onwards itself, though, your 6th House, the House of health, is getting strong. It means that you are likely to be paying more attention to your health. You will also need to conserve your energy and vitality during the year. If there is work that you can delegate, by all means, do it. However, last year was tougher for you on account of health, so if you made it through 2011 without any major glitch, you will probably coast through 2012 with considerable ease. But that should not give you any reason to loosen up in this department. Pluto is in your own sign which indicates that a detox program will benefit you.
Career and Finance
This is a volatile year as far as your finances are concerned. Uranus is your financial planet, and it spends the whole year in a square aspect with Pluto. Ganesha says you can expect major changes this year. There is a divine cleansing going on in your financial life, as in, many erroneous decisions that you made in the past – like wrong planning and bad execution – are now being uncovered so that you can set them right. Avoid lending money to friends and relatives. You may also spend considerably in home improvement projects, and a definite emphasis is on increasing your standard of living. Besides, you will also come across opportunities to work from home and earn money, or you could profit from family connections. Despite such myriad interests, your actual earnings may fluctuate wildly this year. They may either be too much or too little, making a rather inconsistent pattern. This is a very new thing for you steady goats, but take it easy, as this too shall pass, says Ganesha. The good thing is that, this year, at least, you are more at ease, in tune, with your job or business, unlike last year, when you were very uncomfortable about it.
GaneshaSpeaks.com is #1 in India and #3 in horoscope portals on a global level. It offers accurate, reliable and trustworthy services online and on 55181(at premium rates) on all major telecom providers in India. Content syndication for print, TV, online, telecom and apps is one of the major verticals in GaneshaSpeaks.com. For more details dial +91-79-61604100 or send an email to contact@ganeshaspeaks.com.