Shaista’s Expands Culinary Horizons with a Diverse Portfolio of Authentic Brands

 Shaista’s Expands Culinary Horizons with a Diverse Portfolio of Authentic Brands

Noida, 24th December, 2024 : Shaista’s, a celebrated name in Noida’s food delivery landscape, has solidified its reputation as a culinary powerhouse by offering a range of authentic dining experiences through its expanding brand portfolio. Each venture under Shaista’s umbrella promises to bring the warmth and richness of home-cooked meals, tailored to the diverse tastes and needs of modern consumers.

Shaista’s is the flagship brand, renowned for its customizable North Indian dishes. Whether customers crave rich curries or light, flavorful meals, Shaista’s offers a full menu where they can personalize their dining experience by selecting from premium oils and  ghee. This dedication to quality and customization ensures that every meal reflects the customer’s unique taste and dietary preferences.

Mommylicious Meal Box: Addressing the needs of busy professionals and senior citizens, Mommylicious offers wholesome, balanced meal boxes that evoke the comfort of home cooking. The menu includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, such as Curd Rice with Masala Aloo, Paneer Butter Masala, and Mutton Korma. Each box is thoughtfully prepared, ensuring a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Zaika-e-khas: For lovers of Mughlai cuisine, Zaika-e-khas delivers an indulgent array of home-style biryanis, rich curries, and North Indian delicacies. The brand promises authentic flavors that tantalize the taste buds, offering a truly immersive culinary experience.

Recognizing the growing demand for health-conscious dining, Shaista’s is set to launch a new brand focused on nutritious, balanced meals designed for fitness enthusiasts and health-aware consumers. This upcoming venture will feature high-protein options, avocado salads, and other nutrient-rich dishes, catering to those seeking both flavor and wellness.

Shaista’s journey from a humble home kitchen to a trusted name in Noida’s food scene reflects its commitment to quality, authenticity, and community well-being. Each brand under its umbrella tells a story of passion, innovation, and the desire to bring people closer through food.

Founder Shaista shared her vision: "Our goal is to offer more than just meals; we want to create experiences that bring comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s through a traditional Mughlai dish or a healthy meal box, every offering from our kitchen is crafted with care and love."

With its diverse portfolio, Shaista’s continues to redefine home-style dining, ensuring that every meal resonates with flavor, tradition, and the warmth of home-cooked goodness.

Press Release || Empowering Financial Literacy On-the-Go: IDFC FIRST Bank Launches IDFC FIRST Academy Mobile App

 

Empowering Financial Literacy On-the-Go: IDFC FIRST Bank Launches IDFC FIRST Academy Mobile App

Move to enhance Financial Literacy in India

New Delhi, January 02 2025: IDFC FIRST Bank is proud to announce the launch of IDFC FIRST Academy, a comprehensive financial literacy initiative available through digital platforms. This Academy reflects the Bank’s mission to enhance financial literacy, enabling individuals to better manage their financial matters.

Participants can easily access the courses of IDFC FIRST Academy at https://www.idfcfirstacademy.com on the browser of the desktop or the mobile. For IDFC FIRST Bank customers, it is also available on the mobile Banking App.

 

  

​​​​ Desktop​​​​​   Mobile

 

IDFC FIRST Academy has simplified complex financial subjects in easy-to-understand bite-size modules with easy, expert-designed content for quick and effective learning. It has blogs, videos, and interactive quizzes for diverse learning styles. It also includes Real-world scenario-based activities to enhance practical understanding. Finally, it has Certification programs to recognize learning of the participant.

  

  Desktop – Video​​​​Mobile – Video

 

                                             Desktop – Blog                                                                  Mobile - Blog

 

 

The program has three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. With 35 courses covering 255 topics, IDFC FIRST Academy is meticulously designed to provide a deep understanding of financial topics. Each topic takes just 3-5 minutes to complete, with the full program totalling 36 hours of learning:

 

Levels	Courses	Duration (Hrs)	Topics	Video	Blogs
Foundation	11	6.5	38	16	22
Intermediate	12	11.5	78	24	54
Advanced	12	18.5	139	2	137

 

The learning program is designed to progressively increase the depth of understanding of financial topics. Thus, users canjoin any level of the program based on their level of current financial literacy and grow their knowledge on financial matters. 

For example, the Savings course covers topics across all levels, such as:

• Foundation: “What is a Savings Account?” and “What is Interest?”

• Intermediate: “The Power of Compounding” and “Types of Savings Accounts.”

• Advanced: “Goal-Based Savings,” “KYC,” and “How to Manage Emergency Funds.”

 

 

Mr. V. Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC FIRST Bank said, "IDFC FIRST Academy is a key initiative from IDFC FIRST Bank. We notice in our day to day lives, whether savings or investments, most people don’t quite know where to begin. For example, they may have heard of Mutual Funds, but don’t know whether to invest in Debt, or Equity, or Hybrid, or Tax savings Mutual Funds, what these terms mean, and how to begin. This program will make complex concepts easy to understand.”

 

Interactive Quizzes & Certificates: After the completion of each course, users will be prompted to take an interactive quiz to test their understanding of the topic. Basis the test results, they will be awarded certificates.

 

  

 

 

Join IDFC FIRST Academy Today: Start your journey toward financial learning with IDFC FIRST Academy. Visit www.idfcfirstacademy.com . IDFC FIRST Bank customers can also access the courses through the IDFC FIRST Mobile Banking App.

 

About IDFC FIRST Bank

 

IDFC FIRST Bank is a new age Universal Bank in India built on the foundations of Ethical Banking, Digital Banking, and Social Good Banking. We are building a world class bank in India.

 

As part of the Bank’s ethical banking approach, it applies a "Near and Dear" Test to its products, so that the employees of the Bank serve only such products they'd want for their own loved ones. It believes income earned unethically is not worth earning.

 

Therefore, the Bank avoids complicated descriptions, calculations, and legalese that customers don’t understand. It abolished all charges on Savings Accounts including for Debit Cards, IMPS, RTGS, NEFT, Cash Deposit, “Non-Home branch” access, Cash withdrawals at ATMs and at branches, 3rd party transaction charges at branches, SMS Alert, Cheque book, Demand Drafts, Pay-order, duplicate statement, and all such services that are usually charged in the market. It follows the principle that it won’t touch its customers’ bank account for one reason or other. It is the first and only bank in India till date to do so.

 

IDFC FIRST Bank is the first bank in India to offer monthly credit on savings accounts. The credit cards have no hidden charges. It offers Lifetime Free without minimum spend conditions, never-expiring rewards points, zero interest on cash withdrawal at ATMs, dynamic low APR and much more. Fees if any are transparent and described neatly in a manner a common person can understand. Every product offered by the bank is highly customer friendly, most often the best in the industry.

 

As part of technology led banking, the Bank has built a modern technology stack and has built an advanced mobile app with 250+ features such as Goal based investing, MF investment assistance, electric-speed payments, Account Aggregator, MF Aggregator, Personal Finance Manager, Auto categorisation of spends, single app for personal and business banking, UPI on Credit Cards, travel and shop, bill and recharges, deals and reward redemptions, which offer great convenience to the customers. For business customers the Bank offers on-the-go bulk payments, ability to pay income tax, GST, customs duty, and connected banking with ERP solutions.

 

As part of the Social Banking theme, the Bank’s business model is naturally geared to social banking. It has developed unique capabilities for financing bottom of pyramid customers with consistently high asset quality. The Bank has financed over 40 million customers including 0.3 million SMEs, 0.9 million livelihood (cattle loans), 16 million lifestyle improvement loans (for laptops, washing machine, etc.), 1 million sanitation loans (toilets, water fittings), 6.5 million mobility loans (2-wheelers and cars), and home financing (over 100,000 homes), and 15 million loans to 4.3 million women-entrepreneurs. It also offers other retail and rural loans such as Kisan Credit Cards, harvest financing, gold loans etc.

 

IDFC FIRST Bank is a Universal Bank, and offers end to end Corporate Banking, Trade Finance such as issuance of LCs & BGs, SBLC, Packing Credit, Pre-shipment and Post-shipment Finance, Treasury products including risk hedging solutions like Forwards, Swaps, Options, and other Forex Solutions, SME Banking, Wealth Management, NRI banking, Cash Management, Nostro & Vostro account operations, Escrow facilities, Correspondent Banking, Fastag, Toll-acquiring, Dealer Finance and Purchase/Sales Invoice discounting.

 

ESG Goals: The Bank is incorporating ESG in every aspect of working and has high ESG scores. The Bank believes that to get an opportunity to create a new age, ethical and world class Bank for India is a great privilege for its employees.

 

Tansen Introduces Handcrafted Winter Masterpiece – “Tasneem Hayat”

 

 

Tansen Introduces Handcrafted Winter Masterpiece – “Tasneem Hayat”

Celebrate the season with a symphony of flavours, warmth, and melody, perfectly paired with the enchanting allure of classical music.

 

Hyderabad, December 26th, 2024 – Tansen, an exquisite fine dining restaurant that highlights the rich culinary heritage of the North-Western Frontier has unveiled its handcrafted Winter Limited Edition Cocktail – “Tasneem Hayat”, adding a sparkling touch to New Year’s Eve celebrations. This winter, Tansen invites guests to savour the artistry of this exclusive cocktail, paired with the mesmerizing strains of classical music. Combining exquisite flavours, soulful melodies, and the charm of a pink winter evening, Tasneem Hayat promises a sensory journey that embodies the warmth and vibrance of the season.

 

An ode to winter’s enchantment, Tasneem Hayat is not just a drink—it’s a meticulously curated experience. Crafted in a traditional clay pot, this artisanal cocktail brings together a medley of Ardmore Whiskey, Blueberry, Plum, Strawberry, Rosemary, Orange, and Grapefruit Peel. Matured for an entire week using time-honoured techniques. The blend harmonizes into layers of sweet, tangy, and warm notes, offering a delightful balance of bold and delicate flavours. The cocktail’s essence lies in its ability to transport guests through its rich aroma, vibrant hues, and intricate taste profile, making it the perfect toast to welcome the New Year.

 

Mr. Amar Ohri, Owner Ohri’s Group, said “At Tansen, we aim to craft moments that linger in the hearts of our guests long after their visit. With Tasneem Hayat, we’ve reimagined the magic of Indian flavours by infusing them with a modern, artisanal touch that captures the spirit of winter. This cocktail embodies our commitment to innovation and our passion for creating extraordinary dining experiences. As we step into 2025, our vision remains steadfast—bringing people together through exceptional flavours, soulful melodies, and unforgettable memories.”

 

Mr. Neeraj Roy, General Manager, Tansen, added “Tasneem Hayat is more than a cocktail; it’s a celebration of togetherness and the joy of shared experiences. We wanted to craft something that not only warms the soul but also brings people closer. This winter, Tansen transforms into a sanctuary of warmth and melody, where every sip and every moment are designed to delight. We look forward to continuing our tradition of innovation and hospitality in the New Year.”

 

Mr. Sahil Malhotra, Beverage Operations Manager, Tansen said“With Tasneem Hayat, we’ve created a masterpiece that embodies the richness of winter. Each element of this cocktail has been chosen with care, and the week-long maturation process allows 

 

 

 

 

the flavours to come alive in perfect harmony. It’s a drink that speaks of comfort, indulgence, and the joy of the season. We’re thrilled to share this unique creation with our guests as we ring in 2025.”

 

This exclusive winter cocktail is available for a limited time. Come with your loved ones, raise a toast, and let ‘Tasneem Hayat’ transport you into the magic of winter’s embrace.

 

About Tansen:

Tansen embodies the luxurious essence of the Mughal era and the culinary legacy of the North-Western Frontier. The establishment seamlessly merges conventional aspects with innovative culinary skills to offer an unforgettable dining venture. Tansen aims to curate a dining experience that transcends time, blending tradition with creativity. Guests will find themselves immersed in an ambience resonating with Tansen’s melodies. Tranquil water features and live Sufi music enrich the poetic ambience, while the decor mirrors the Mughal courts &grandeur. The restaurant’s menu showcases a fusion of robust flavours and culinary customs, transporting you to a realm of gastronomic splendour. Indulge in an experience where Tansen’s compositions come to life through exquisite flavours and cultural heritage.

 

About Ohri’s:

 

Ohri’s culinary legacy dates back to 1976 when it all started as a family-owned business which later on became a futuristic brand in the hotel industry. Capitalizing on the success of its very first venture, Hotel Baseraa, the label soon spread its wings across Hyderabad and established its place as a chain to reckon with. Ohri’s now boasts of a series of top restaurants, hotels and banquets in Hyderabad, with adistinctively unique quality of coming up with something innovative each time.

 

 

 Amar Ohri furthered the establishment’s progress and helped it gain the acclamation and accolades it deserves. Over the years, there has been immense 

 

growth in terms of business and customer loyalty enabling the empire to push the envelope further and gain recognition pan-India.

 

2024 Tech Innovations!

 AI-BASED SOLUTIONS: 

HEALTHCARE
Shishu Maapan (for baby growth monitoring): Deployment and capacity building for Asha and field Workers

Shishu Maapan is an innovative solution that brings AI to frontline workers (FLWs) via their entry-level Android smartphones. By analyzing short videos taken by ASHAs on basic smartphones, Shishu Maapan can estimate measurements of newborns, including weight, length, head circumference, and chest circumference. This user-friendly method simplifies the process for ASHAs and other frontline workers, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection. The tool also automates the scheduling of Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) visits, provides tamper-proof data, and functions even in remote areas with limited internet connectivity. With Shishu Maapan, there’s no need for bulky weighing equipment or physical record-keeping. Measurements are seamlessly integrated into a digital pipeline, allowing ASHAs to focus on their core work, attending to accurate measurements of critical parameters. They do not need to handle the baby and can allow the newborn to be in its natural state. Deployed in Daman in June 2024, we have trained nearly 100 FLWs from four Primary Health Centers to use Shishu Maapan for anthropometric measurements during visits to newborns up to 42 days old. Over the coming months, we will continue to train more ASHAs, ANMs, and medical officers, aiming to enhance their daily work with our seamless, practical AI tool.

AI-Powered Screening of Diabetic Retinopathy:Wadhwani AI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has developed an AI solution that analyzes retinal photographs to detect and grade the severity of DR. Deployed at AIIMS, New Delhi, the solution analyzes retinal images and provides a grade-wise prediction of diabetic retinopathy as ‘No DR,’ ‘Mild DR’, ‘Moderate DR,’ ‘Severe DR’, or ‘Proliferative DR’. Optometrists and field investigators capture retinal images using portable or tabletop fundus imaging devices and upload them for instant AI inference. The AI algorithm grades the severity of DR, eliminating the need for a retinal specialist to analyze the photographs. This ensures that only patients identified for treatment are referred to specialized centers like AIIMS, streamlining the referral process for users.

 

AGRICULTURE

National Pest Surveillance System: Celebrating 78 years of Independent India, Wadhwani AI launched the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) along with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Launched on August 15, 2024, by Hon'ble Agriculture Minister Sh. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, NPSS was introduced with a live-streamed event for farmers nationwide. Developed by Wadhwani AI with support from Google.org, this computer vision-based system helps farmers manage pests and diseases in real-time using their mobile phones. NPSS provides expert-curated crop protection advisories and includes a ‘Pest Quantitative (Trap)’ module. This module features a trap-based monitoring model that recommends pesticides based on detected pest infestation levels, representing a significant advancement in empowering farmers to safeguard their crops and livelihoods from economic losses.

EDUCATION
Automated Reading Fluency Assessment: Vaachan Samiksha, Wadhwani AI’s tool solution for assessing oral reading fluency is designed to assist teachers and public education programs in conducting reliable, verifiable, scalable, and user-friendly assessments. Deployed in Gujarat, the tool supports teachers in tailored remediation efforts and reduces their assessment workload, while also facilitating the development of individualized learning pathways. The AI model analyzes student-read passages, providing metrics such as Correct Words Per Minute (CWPM), Incorrect Words, Missed Words, Extra Words, and Pauses. It serves as an assessment and remediation tool for foundational learning and literacy, benefiting both teachers and students in public schools. 

Bohemian Bliss Meets Hospitality: The Vision Behind Lakeside Boheme-Inn

 

Danish Zakaria, Founder & CEO of Lakeside Boheme-Inn, embodies a unique blend of resilience, adaptability, and consistency, fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship and holistic living. From business development to expansion, Danish is at the heart of the resort’s journey, bringing innovative ideas and his distinctive Bohemian touch to create an unparalleled experience for every guest.

 The idea of Lakeside Boheme-Inn took root during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Danish found refuge at his farm, away from the chaos and fear surrounding the lockdown. Surrounded by the serene beauty of nature—with three private waterfalls and lakes—he realized how much people, like himself, would crave open spaces, tranquility, and connection with nature.

 "It felt like a calling to share the property with others. I knew that people and pets alike would long for peace, nature, and freedom," says Danish. This desire to offer a sanctuary led to the launch of Lakeside Boheme-Inn—a place where humans and their furry companions could explore, relax, and reconnect with nature.

 What began in December 2020 with just three rooms has grown steadily, and by November 2024, the resort will reach a major milestone with 20 fully pet-friendly rooms. Lakeside Boheme-Inn also became the only first hospitality brand to exhibit at PetFed 2024, India’s largest pet festival, held at Nesco. This milestone highlights Danish's commitment to creating an environment that welcomes pets and their families equally.

 Danish's professional journey is as dynamic as his personality. Starting in the municipal solid waste (MSW) management industry, he later worked with Barclays Bank in customer service before venturing into hospitality, where he operated two successful sheesha lounges and a banquet hall in Mumbai. With experience spanning across industries, Danish also pursued modeling and acting, featuring in music videos and working alongside renowned artists like Mahesh Manjrekar, Vidyut Jammwal, and Shruti Haasan in the movie "Power."

 Additionally, Danish serves as the Director of Netpix Shorts, a public listed company specializing in short films, music videos, and web shows. With Netpix Shorts and Netpix Raw Music YouTube channels, he has made significant contributions to digital media. 

 Danish envisions Lakeside Boheme-Inn as a destination for freedom, adventure, and inner peace. He focuses on expanding the resort while passionately designing each element and instilling values in his team for exceptional service. With a talent for problem-solving and understanding guest needs, Danish curates unique experiences, from outdoor adventures and corporate bonding to creative wellness workshops like art therapy by the lake and ukulele sessions. He himself is an inspiration for solo Traveller. 

 Danish leads an active and fulfilling life outside of work. As a fitness enthusiast, he practices calisthenics daily and is also a professional scuba diver with over 60 dives to his credit. Danish plays the saxophone, enjoys reading and traveling, and is deeply connected to spiritual practices through regular chanting, which he credits for helping him build his business and align his energy in the right direction.

 Danish is actively involved in a business networking group, which further strengthens his connections within the entrepreneurial community. His leadership at Lakeside Boheme-Inn reflects his ability to foster relationships and nurture growth both personally and professionally.

 With Lakeside Boheme-Inn, Danish Zakaria aims to redefine hospitality by blending Bohemian philosophy with adventure, wellness, and sustainability. As the farmstay continues to grow, his goal is to create a haven where people and pets can find joy and tranquility in the embrace of nature. Through thoughtful leadership and relentless dedication, Danish is paving the way for Lakeside Boheme-Inn to become a beloved destination for families, corporates, and free-spirited travelers.

 Danish’s journey with Lakeside Boheme-Inn is not just about building a business—it’s about sharing a way of life that nurtures the body, mind, and soul.

Top Smartwatches for Health Tracking: The Ultimate Tech Gifts for the Holidays and New Year

 Top Smartwatches for Health Tracking: The Ultimate Tech Gifts for the Holidays and New Year

Looking for the perfect tech gift this holiday season? A smartwatch is not just a gadget—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Whether you're helping a loved one stay on top of their health goals or treating yourself to some high-tech motivation for the new year, smartwatches are a thoughtful and practical choice.

From advanced health monitoring to sleek designs and cutting-edge AI features, these top 5 smartwatches of 2025 offer something for everyone. Let’s explore what makes each one a standout gift this festive season.

1. Amazfit Balance: AI Meets Wellness

The Amazfit Balance is redefining the smartwatch game with its perfect mix of innovation and style. Powered by Zepp OS 4 and Zepp Flow™, it creates a fully AI-integrated experience, letting you interact with it through natural voice commands—no more tapping or swiping required. What sets this watch apart is its Readiness Score, which evaluates recovery through sleep patterns, heart rate variability, breathing quality, and even body temperature. Plus, the ZeppCoach™ delivers customized workout plans, striking a balance between activity and recovery to help users achieve their fitness goals. With its sleek design and unmatched health-tracking accuracy, the Amazfit Balance is perfect for anyone aiming to elevate their wellness in the new year.

2. Apple Watch Series 10: Precision and Elegance

The Apple Watch Series 10 continues to set the standard in health-focused technology, blending premium design with advanced features. Its robust suite of health tools includes Blood Oxygen monitoring, ECG readings, Cycle Tracking, and detailed sleep analytics. This watch also focuses on mental well-being with state-of-mind tracking, irregular rhythm notifications, and mindfulness features. At just 36.4g, it’s lightweight and stylish, making it an easy everyday accessory. For Apple enthusiasts or anyone wanting a seamless blend of health and lifestyle tools, the Series 10 is a thoughtful and luxurious gift option.

3. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Built for Adventure

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a smartwatch that’s as tough as it is smart, making it an excellent gift for fitness enthusiasts or adventurers. Its 2nd Gen BioActive Sensor offers precise tracking for heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, and SpO2 levels.Designed for outdoor durability, it features customizable Quick Buttons, an Emergency Siren, and Night Mode watch faces. The AI-powered Energy Score and Personalized Heart Rate tracking ensure a fitness experience tailored to the user’s needs. With its rugged build, intelligent health-tracking features, and seamless integration with the Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch Ultra makes a strong impression as a holiday gift.

4. Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar: The Adventurer’s Dream

For those who love the outdoors, the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar is the ultimate smartwatch. Its Power Glass solar charging lens extends battery life, while features like Pulse Ox monitoring and the PacePro™ feature offer real-time insights for running and hiking. Equipped with TOPO maps, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and music storage, it’s the ideal companion for exploration. With up to 14 days of battery life, this watch is built to last through long adventures without frequent charging. If you’re gifting an outdoor enthusiast, the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar is a perfect choice to fuel their passion for exploration.

5. OnePlus Watch 2: Power and Affordability Combined

The OnePlus Watch 2 strikes the perfect balance between performance, durability, and value. Powered by Wear OS 4and Snapdragon W5 chipsets, it ensures smooth functionality with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. Its 1.43-inch AMOLED display delivers stunning visuals, while the battery lasts for 100 hours in Smart Mode or up to 12 days in Power Saver Mode. The VOOC fast charging offers 24 hours of use with just a 10-minute charge. Built with a stainless steel chassis, sapphire crystal cover, and 5ATM + IP68 water resistance, it’s durable enough for daily wear and outdoor adventures. For an affordable yet feature-packed gift, the OnePlus Watch 2 is a winner.

Why Smartwatches Make the Best Holiday Gifts

A smartwatch isn’t just a piece of tech—it’s a gateway to healthier habits, smarter living, and stylish convenience. This holiday season, inspire your loved ones to achieve their health and fitness goals with one of these incredible smartwatches.From AI-driven insights to rugged durability and sleek designs, these top 5 smartwatches are sure to impress anyone on your gifting list. Make the holidays memorable with a tech gift that lasts far beyond the festive season!