Where Lifestyle Aspirations Meet The Right Credit Card, Unlocking Possibilities

In today’s world, every individual has their own lifestyle spending aspirations, some seek adventure through travel and exclusive lifestyle benefits, while others look for rewarding shopping experiences. This accentuates the need to have a smart financial companion that is trusted and tailored to address their unique payment needs. This is where credit cards step in. Credit cards unlock the possibilities, by offering a range of powerful features, including global acceptance, travel benefits, extended credit period, rewards, and benefits, among others. Let us look at few such cards offered by India’s largest pure-play credit card player SBI Card, which help customers elevate their lifestyle.

SBI Card MILES ELITE

The SBI Card MILES ELITE is a high-end travel companion for frequent travellers who want to make each trip a rewarding experience. For a joining and annual fee of ₹4,999 (plus tax), you are greeted with 5,000 travel credits, redeemable for air miles, hotel stays, travel bookings, or merchandise. Cardholders earn 6 travel credits for every ₹200 spent on travel and 2 travel credits for every ₹200 on other expenses, making it a powerful rewards driver. The credit card also offers special milestone advantages, including additional domestic lounge visits for each ₹1 lakh spent, a 20,000 bonus travel credits on ₹12 lakh annual spends, and a full fee reversal on ₹15 lakh annual spends. Travel perks include a free priority pass ($99 value), access to over 1,000 airport lounges globally, 6 free international lounge visits (max. 2 per quarter), and 8 free domestic lounge visits (max. 2 per quarter). International travellers also benefit from a low foreign currency markup of 1.99%, while everyday users save with a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. For greater flexibility, the card is also available in two other variants - PRIME (₹2,999 annual fee) and the basic variant SBI Card MILES (₹1,499)—to suit different travel and budget requirements.

Tata Neu Infinity SBI Card

The Tata Neu Infinity SBI Card is designed for individuals who are highly invested in the Tata ecosystem and wish to leverage maximum value across the brand’s platforms. At a joining and annual membership fee of ₹1,499 (plus taxes), the card welcomes you with 1,499 NeuCoins (1 NeuCoin = ₹1 saving), which are redeemable on the Tata Neu app, website, or partner Tata brands. Rewards are credited smoothly into your NeuPass account: 5% back in NeuCoins on non-EMI spends through the Tata Neu app and partner Tata brands, additional 5% back on specific app categories, and 1.5% back on other spends, including UPI spends on the RuPay variant. The credit card also offers tremendous lifestyle benefits, including a free priority pass membership ($99 value), 8 domestic airport lounge visits a year (2 per quarter, activated on spends of ₹75,000 in the previous quarter, and 4 free international lounge visits a year (1 per quarter). Fuel spends are also rewarded with a 1% surcharge waiver on purchases between ₹500 and ₹4,000, limited to ₹500 per statement cycle. For heavy spenders, the annual fee is reversed for spends of ₹3 lakh and above in the membership year. For those looking for an entry-level version, the Tata Neu Plus SBI Card is available with a joining fee of only ₹499, a welcome offer of 499 NeuCoins, and 2% NeuCoins as value back can be availed on non-EMI spends through the Tata Neu app & website and on partner Tata brands, additional 5% back on specific app categories, and 1% on non-Tata and UPI spends.

PhonePe SBI Card SELECT BLACK

The PhonePe SBI Card SELECT BLACK is designed for users who desire high-end rewards on their day-to-day spends. With joining fee of ₹1,499 plus taxes the card greets you with a welcome gift of ₹1500 PhonePe gift card shared within 45 days of joining fee payment. PhonePe SBI Card SELECT BLACK also offers an annual renewal fee of ₹1,499 plus taxes which would be reversed on an annual aggregate spends of ₹3 Lakh. With attractive rewards, providing 10 reward points for every ₹100 spent on qualifying PhonePe and Pincode transactions, 5 reward points for every ₹100 spent on qualifying online transactions, and 1 reward point for every ₹100 on other purchases. High spenders can look forward to a travel voucher worth ₹5,000 on annual spends of ₹5 lakh. The credit card also has its share of travel and lifestyle benefits, such as a free priority pass membership worth $99 for the initial two years, and 4 free domestic lounge access visits annually (up to one per quarter). Fuel expenses are also easier on the wallet, with a 1% surcharge waiver on every petrol pump in India on transactions between ₹500 and ₹4,000 with a limit of ₹250 per statement cycle. Overall, the PhonePe SBI Card SELECT BLACK has a well-balanced combination of high-end digital rewards, travel privileges, and day-to-day cost savings. For those in search of something more affordable, the credit card also features a base variant- the PhonePe SBI Card PURPLE that is available for a joining fee of only ₹499.

SimplyCLICK SBI Card

The SimplyCLICK SBI Card caters to online shoppers looking for extra value in every purchase. For a joining fee of ₹499 plus taxes, customers receive an Amazon.in gift card worth ₹500. The credit card delivers 10X reward points on spends with exclusive online partners such as Apollo 24x7, BookMyShow, Swiggy and Myntra, and 5X reward points on other online purchases. Additional rewards come in the form of travel vouchers worth ₹2,000 each upon reaching annual online spends of ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh. Annual renewal fees get reversed on annual spends of ₹1 lakh or more. Other benefits include a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000, global acceptance, and the convenience of contactless payments.

CASHBACK SBI Card

Cashback SBI Card is designed to provide customers with simple, instant savings without requiring them to track complex rewards. It offers 5% cashback on online spends* and 1% on offline spends*, with no restrictions on merchants. The credit card also includes a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000, and the renewal fee is waived for customers who spend ₹2 lakh annually. The credit card comes with a joining fee of ₹999 plus taxes, and from the second year onwards, an annual renewal fee of ₹999 applies though this is reversed if your annual spends in the previous year reach ₹2,00,000 or more making it a good option for those who prefer cashback over points.

Flipkart SBI Card

The Flipkart SBI Card is designed for the shopping enthusiasts seeking curated cashback benefits at every swipe across a wide range of categories including electronics, fashion, furniture, appliances, home furnishings, travel bookings, and more. With a joining fee of ₹500, customers can avail welcome benefits worth ₹1,250. Offering greater value and flexibility, cardholders can enjoy 7.5% cashback on spends made on Myntra, and 5% cashback on spends made on Flipkart and Cleartrip. In addition, cardholders can earn 4% cashback on Zomato, Uber, Netmeds and PVR. The cashback earned on spends is credited monthly to the cardholder’s account and can be utilised for outstanding payments. The card comes with auto-credit of cashback facility which allows automatic credit of entitled cashback to the SBI Card account within two days of statement generation. The credit card also offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver of upto ₹400 in a statement cycle. This co- branded credit card is a perfect option to enhance affordability and value for Flipkart, Myntra and Cleartrip customers.

Choosing the right match as per your requirement

Beyond rewards and benefits, credit cards redefine convenience and flexibility. Starting from contactless transactions, flexible repayment options to curated rewards and benefits that fits various lifestyle needs. Selecting the right credit card does not just make payments seamless; it transforms the way customers shop, travel, and live. With its thoughtfully curated portfolio, SBI Card empowers customers to elevate their everyday shopping experiences.

ibis Hotels in India Recognised With Green Key Certification For Sustainability Excellence

ibis India has achieved a significant sustainability milestone, with 22 hotels across the country awarded the globally recognised Green Key Certification. This prestigious eco-label is a leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.

The certified hotels include: ibis Gurgaon Golf Course Road, ibis Pune Viman Nagar, ibis Bengaluru Hosur Road, ibis Navi Mumbai, ibis Jaipur City Centre, ibis New Delhi Aerocity, ibis Bengaluru City Centre, ibis Hyderabad Hitec City, ibis Styles Goa Calangute, ibis Kochi City Centre, ibis Kolkata Rajarhat, ibis Coimbatore City Centre, ibis Pune Hinjewadi, ibis Bengaluru Hebbal, ibis Mumbai Vikhroli, ibis Thane, ibis Styles Goa Vagator, ibis Mumbai BKC, ibis Mumbai Airport, ibis Nashik, ibis Chennai City Centre and ibis Chennai Sipcot. Notably, ibis Kochi City Centre is the first hotel in Kerala to be awarded Green Key Certification – a proud milestone in ibis India’s sustainability journey.

 

Green Key Certification reflects each hotel’s adherence to strict environmental criteria, including responsible waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and reduction of single-use plastics. Many hotels have installed on-site water bottling plants, introduced energy-saving fixtures, and treat and reuse water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) for landscaping and flushing – all contributing to reduced resource consumption and lower carbon emissions.

 

“Being awarded Green Key Certification at multiple ibis locations across India is a proud achievement for our teams,” said Tejus Jose, Director of Operations, ibis & ibis Styles India. “Sustainability is not a one-time goal but an ongoing journey. At ibis, we are focused on reducing our environmental footprint while creating positive social impact through community engagement and awareness. Our aim is to have every ibis hotel in India certified in the near future.”

 

ibis India also champions sustainability through staff and guest engagement – offering in-room information, training sessions and signage to raise awareness and encourage eco-conscious behaviour. These efforts contribute not only to environmental protection but also to greater operational efficiency and enhanced guest experiences.

 

The Green Key Certification is valid for one year and includes regular audits to ensure continued compliance. This recognition underlines ibis India’s commitment to continuous improvement, with future goals including the expansion of renewable energy usage, further reductions in water consumption, and complete elimination of single-use plastics across all hotels.

 

As part of Accor’s global ambition to pioneer responsible hospitality, ibis India continues to innovate and scale sustainable practices – ensuring that every stay contributes to a greener future.

MAHE Establishes ICMR–MAHE Centre For Advanced Research With ₹12.84 Crore ICMR Grant

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, inaugurated the ICMR–MAHE Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) at the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC), following the award of a ₹ 12.84 crore grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The Centre is led by Dr Naveen Salins, Professor and Head of the Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, as Principal Investigator, with Dr Arun Ghoshal, Assistant Professor, serving as Co-Principal Investigator.

 

The inauguration was honoured by Dr Ashoo Grover, Scientist G and Head, Division of Delivery Research, ICMR, who was the Chief Guest, and Dr Roopa Shivashankar, Scientist E (Medical), Division of Delivery Research, ICMR, as the Guest of Honour. The event was presided over by Dr H. S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, and organised by Dr Sharath K. Rao, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE. Dr Anil K. Bhat, Dean of KMC Manipal, and Dr Cherian Varghese, Director of the Prasanna School of Public Health, participated in this inauguration. In his address, Dr Ballal emphasised that the partnership between ICMR and MAHE represents “the highest level of national recognition for MAHE’s research culture” and reflects the University’s enduring commitment to “science that heals and research that transforms.” Dr Sharath K Rao outlined the roadmap for health research at MAHE.

 

The Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) aims to fill a vital gap in India’s healthcare system—the need for ethical, compassionate, and evidence-based care for patients with advanced and terminal illnesses admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The centre will develop and assess a Multifaceted Comprehensive Appropriate Care Package (MCACP) that incorporates palliative care principles within critical care environments. This initiative builds on MAHE’s pioneering BLUE MAPLE framework, created and implemented at Kasturba Hospital and KMC Manipal, which has shaped national end-of-life care standards. The CAR will now expand this work nationwide, establishing a multi-centre collaborative network comprising ten clinical centres and seven technical partners. 

 

The Centre’s work spans multiple disciplines—medicine, nursing, bioethics, health economics, law, and public health—reflecting MAHE’s belief in the “One Health–One Humanity” approach to research and innovation. By co-developing and testing a nationally scalable model of appropriate care for ICU patients with advanced illness, the CAR aims to influence policy, improve health-system responsiveness, and generate evidence that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

MAHE has a longstanding legacy of promoting research, innovation, and translational impact. The establishment of the ICMR–MAHE CAR strengthens MAHE’s position as a leading contributor to India’s health-research ecosystem. It reaffirms its mission to integrate science, ethics, and empathy in healthcare delivery. The Centre for Advanced Research will serve as a national and global reference point for ICU and palliative-care research, setting new benchmarks for interdisciplinary and implementation science in India.

 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

PhonePe Payment Gateway Collaborates With Mastercard To Launch Ecosystem-Wide Device Tokenization; Now LIVE With ixigo

The new "save once, use everywhere" feature allows customers to save their card on the PhonePe app for secure, one-tap payments across all merchants in the network.

PhonePe Payment Gateway (PhonePe PG) today announced a strategic collaboration with Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, to launch its Device Tokenization solution. Announced at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025, the initiative brings Mastercard’s network-tokenization capability to PhonePe PG’s merchant platform, expanding secure-payment options for online businesses. This is a significant milestone in transforming the checkout experience for millions of customers. ixigo, one of India’s leading AI-powered travel platforms, and the exclusive partner for powering flights, bus, and train bookings on PhonePe, has integrated PhonePe PG to offer millions of users faster and more secure card payments across its apps. 

With this launch, customers can now save their card once on the PhonePe app and use it securely across all participating online merchants. This “save once, use everywhere” experience eliminates the need for customers to repeatedly enter their card details when transacting on new websites or apps, creating a cohesive and interconnected commerce experience.

The solution brings together Mastercard’s global expertise in secure tokenized transactions with PhonePe’s scale and merchant network, creating a one-tap checkout experience that benefits both customers and businesses. For merchants, it means fewer drop-offs, and a smoother customer journey,helping improve both conversions and customer satisfaction. The solution turns the idea of saved cards from a single-merchant feature into a network-wide capability, creating a unified commerce experience where security and convenience go hand in hand.

As part of the recent regulatory updates, the RBI now permits alternative authentication methods for online transactions. With this change, customers can complete payments using PhonePe’s device tokens and verify them through their device biometrics, such as a fingerprint or face scan, instead of entering an OTP. This ensures a safe, compliant, and seamless one-click checkout for users while maintaining the highest standards of security.

Ankit Gaur, Head, Payment Gateway and Online Merchants, PhonePe said, “At PhonePe PG, we are constantly innovating to make digital payments simpler, faster, and more secure. Our collaboration with Mastercard further strengthens our shared commitment to drive payments innovation, enhance customer trust, and empower merchants in India’s fast-growing digital economy. With Device Tokenization, merchants like ixigo can deliver trusted, one-tap checkout experiences to millions of users, helping drive higher conversions and better customer satisfaction while staying fully compliant with RBI regulations.”

Satya Padhiary, Vice President, Digital & Fintech, South Asia, Mastercard, said, “As a global leader in digital payments, Mastercard is committed to shaping the future of smarter commerce through secure, scalable, and inclusive technologies. Our collaboration with PhonePe underscores a shared ambition to accelerate India’s digital transformation by equipping merchants like ixigo with seamless and trusted transaction experiences. By strengthening the foundation of digital security, we’re not only enabling frictionless payments but also building consumer trust and driving long-term inclusive growth across the ecosystem.”

Nitin Gurha, SVP Flight & Hotel Business, ixigo, said, “At ixigo, we believe a seamless travel experience extends far beyond booking tickets - it includes every interaction our users have with our platform, including payments. With the integration of PhonePe PG’s Device Tokenization powered by Mastercard, we are enhancing both convenience and trust in the checkout journey. This ensures quicker, more secure payments while removing friction, enabling millions of travellers to complete their travel bookings with confidence and ease.”

This launch with Mastercard builds on PhonePe PG’s existing tokenization capabilities with Visa, further expanding its secure payment offerings for businesses across India

About PhonePe:

PhonePe Limited (Formerly PhonePe Private Limited) is a technology company that builds digital platforms for Payments, Digital Distribution Services, Financial Services and Marketplace Solutions. Headquartered in India, the PhonePe digital payments app was launched in 2016. As of March 31, 2025, PhonePe has over 61 Crore registered users and a digital payments acceptance network spread across over 4.4 Crore merchants.

PhonePe’s products and services include Consumer Payments (including Digital Distribution Services), Merchant Payments, Lending and Insurance Distribution services, and New Platforms, which comprises Share.Market (stock broking and mutual funds distribution platform), Pincode (omni-channel hyperlocal commerce platform connecting consumers with local offline stores), and Indus Appstore (Android-based mobile app marketplace).

SBI Card And IndiGo Form Strategic Partnership; Launch “IndiGo SBI Card”

-Customers can earn upto 29,000 bonus IndiGo BluChips per annum-

-Enjoy upto 7% IndiGo BluChips on spends made across all services available on IndiGo’s ecosystem-

SBI Card, India’s largest pure-play credit card issuer and IndiGo, India’s preferred airline launched the ‘IndiGo SBI Card’, as part of the IndiGo BluChip loyalty program. This premium co-branded credit card has been launched in two variants, IndiGo SBI Card and IndiGo SBI Card ELITE, to offer highly rewarding experience for avid travellers. Customers will earn rewards on all spends made on offerings within IndiGo’s ecosystem, and on hotel and travel bookings, among other categories. Customers can enroll for the card digitally via SBI Card SPRINT, by visiting the SBI Card website SBI Card.com, and can also opt to enroll offline by visiting SBI Card retail kiosks.

IndiGo SBI Card unlocks a superior travel experience with an array of thoughtful benefits designed to make every journey more rewarding and seamless. Cardholders can enjoy 7% rewards on spends made using the IndiGo SBI Card ELITE and 3% rewards on spends made using the IndiGo SBI Card, in IndiGo’s ecosystem. They can also avail 3% rewards on spends made using the IndiGo SBI Card ELITE and 2% on the IndiGo SBI Card, for hotel and travel bookings on other platforms. IndiGo SBI Card ELITE and IndiGo SBI Card customers also enjoy 2%, and 1% rewards, respectively, for spends made on all other categories.

Rewards earned on IndiGo SBI Card ELITE and IndiGo SBI Card are more than just points; they serve as a complete travel currency. The rewards are in the form of IndiGo BluChips, credited to the cardholder’s IndiGo BluChip account in every statement cycle. Cardholders can redeem them across IndiGo’s extensive services including flight bookings, hotel bookings, seat upgrades, meals, and vouchers for services like Fast Forward, among many more. By combining spends with travel privileges, IndiGo SBI Card enables customers to earn up to 29,000 bonus IndiGo BluChips every year.

Speaking on the launch Ms. Salila Pande, MD & CEO, SBI Card said, “At SBI Card, we have observed that travel constitutes an important spend category for our cardholders. With increased exposure, and growing disposable incomes, tech-savvy customers in India are increasingly seeking holistic travel experiences. As a customer-centric organisation, we truly understand the evolving requirements and hence have formed this strategic partnership with IndiGo to launch the IndiGo SBI Card and address such needs. IndiGo SBI Card is a powerful product offering unparalleled benefits, ensuring every journey becomes more rewarding and seamless. We are confident that this premium credit card will be a key part of our strong co-brand card portfolio.”

Mr. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said: “With IndiGo BluChip, we are constantly exploring ways to enhance the value proposition for our loyal customers. Our partnership with SBI Card is an important step in that journey. This co-branded credit card is designed to bring significant value addition, convenience, and benefits to our frequent flyers, transforming everyday spending into rewarding travel experiences. We are delighted to collaborate with SBI Card to empower our customers with exclusive advantages for their continued patronage.”

With an aim to redefine travel experiences, the IndiGo SBI Card offers significant welcome and milestone benefits. Customers will receive up to 5,000 IndiGo BluChips on first year annual fee payment and first transaction. Packed with exclusive milestone benefits, customers can earn 2500 IndiGo BluChips on annual spends starting from ₹2 lakh on the IndiGo SBI Card and 6000 IndiGo BluChips on annual spends starting from ₹3 lakh on the IndiGo SBI Card ELITE.

Additionally, the co-branded credit card enables customers to avail renewal benefit of 2500 IndiGo BluChips on annual fee payment of IndiGo SBI Card and 5000 IndiGo BluChips and 1 IndiGo 6E Eats voucher on annual fee payment of IndiGo SBI Card ELITE. The credit card offers domestic airport lounge access on both variants and complimentary international airport lounge access on the IndiGo SBI Card ELITE, adding more to the premium experience. The IndiGo SBI Card ELITE also provides travel insurance benefits for flight cancellations, lost credit cards, and lost baggage.

The joining and annual renewal fee of IndiGo SBI Card is ₹1,499 plus applicable taxes and that of IndiGo SBI Card ELITE is ₹4,999 plus applicable taxes. Both variants of the contactless card are available on Mastercard as well as RuPay payment platforms.

Key Highlights: IndiGo SBI Card

IndiGo SBI Card   Welcome Benefit:  2500 IndiGo BluChips on first year annual fee payment and first transaction within 60 days of opening account         Renewal Benefit: 2500 IndiGo BluChips on annual fee payment   Base Reward Point: 1 IndiGo BluChip for every ₹100 spent on all spends Accelerated Reward Point: 2 IndiGo BluChips on every ₹100 spent on hotel and travel bookings on other platforms 3 IndiGo BluChips on every ₹100 spent on IndiGo website and mobile app Milestone Benefit: Milestone 1: 2500 IndiGo BluChips on annual spend of ₹2 lakh Milestone 2: 2500 IndiGo BluChips on annual spend of ₹4 lakh Milestone 3: 2500 IndiGo BluChips on annual spend of ₹6 lakh     Lounge Benefit: 4 domestic lounge access in a year (1 per quarter) on achieving spends of ₹ 50,000 in the previous quarter   Forex Markup: 3.50% on all foreign currency spends Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver, maximum waiver of ₹200 in a statement cycle

IndiGo SBI Card ELITE   Welcome Benefit:  5000 IndiGo BluChips and 1 IndiGo 6E Eats voucher on first year annual fee payment and first transaction within 60 days of opening account 4 IndiGo 6E Prime Passes on achieving spends of ₹1 lakh within 3 months of opening account Renewal Benefit:  5000 IndiGo BluChips and 1 IndiGo 6E Eats voucher on annual fee payment Base Reward Point: 2 IndiGo BluChips for every ₹100 spent on all spends Accelerated Reward Point: 3 IndiGo BluChips on every ₹100 spent on hotel and travel bookings on other platforms 7 IndiGo BluChips on every ₹100 spent on IndiGo website and mobile app Milestone Benefit: Milestone 1: 6000 IndiGo BluChips on annual spend of ₹3 lakh Milestone 2: 6000 IndiGo BluChips on annual spend of ₹6 lakh Milestone 3: 6000 IndiGo BluChips on annual spend of ₹9 lakh Milestone 4: 6000 IndiGo BluChips on annual spend of ₹12 lakh Lounge Benefit:  8 domestic lounge access in a year (2 per quarter) on achieving spends of     ₹1,00,000 in the previous quarter 6 complimentary international lounge access in a year (2 per quarter) Forex Markup: 1.99% on all foreign currency spends Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver, maximum waiver of ₹400 in a statement cycle Insurance Benefit: 4 free flight cancellation per year upto ₹3,000 Lost credit card liability upto ₹1 lakh Lost baggage upto ₹72,000

Karnataka's Heart Attack Data Reveals Lifestyle Crisis In Bengaluru

Karnataka, as the first state in India to make sudden heart attack deaths "notifiable," is in a unique position to study critical data and shed light on what's causing heart disease in young Indians. The early results are alarming but unsurprising.

 

Research and observations from Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research has revealed new risk factors in young patients, including abnormal lipoproteins, insulin resistance, and elevated homocysteine levels. This indicates that lifestyle habits such as unhealthy diets high in fats and carbohydrates, sugary beverages, smoking, and sedentary routines are major contributors.

 

For Bengaluru's tech-driven workforce, these findings carry particular significance. The city's fast-paced work culture, long hours, and high-stress environment create a perfect storm for cardiovascular risk, especially when combined with easy availability of processed foods.

 

“Karnataka's groundbreaking data on abnormal lipoproteins and insulin resistance in young patients gives us a roadmap for prevention," says Dr. Vanita Rahman, a lifestyle medicine physician with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). "Plant-based diets specifically target these biomarkers. We consistently see reductions in LDL cholesterol and significant improvements in insulin sensitivity within weeks. For the young professionals showing up in Karnataka's cardiac disease statistics, shifting to a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes isn't just healthier, it's a targeted intervention against the exact factors this state is now tracking."

 

The convenience factor compounds the problem. A recent PCRM survey found that 89% of Bengaluru residents had tried losing weight at least once, but only 27% maintained long-term success. When asked about the biggest barrier to weight loss, 46% pointed to the availability of unhealthy food, which is "too convenient and affordable."

 

A landmark 15-year study following 123,330 women demonstrates plant-based protection potential. Women who most closely followed plant-focused eating patterns were 11% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease overall, 14% less likely to develop coronary heart disease, and 17% less likely to develop heart failure.

 

As Karnataka continues collecting this vital data, the message for Bengaluru is clear: the state's innovative tracking system has identified the problem - now the solution lies in addressing lifestyle factors driving premature heart disease through evidence-based dietary intervention.

Shyam Metalics CMD Brij Bhushan Agarwal Elected As “President Of The Indian Chamber Of Commerce (ICC)”

Shyam Metalics, one of India’s leading integrated metal producers, is pleased to announce that its Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Brij Bhushan Agarwal, has been elected as the President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Mr. Agarwal is stepping into this role after serving as Senior Vice President of the Chamber, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a progressive vision for the future of Indian industry.

As ICC President, Mr. Agarwal aims to strengthen the role of the Chamber as a platform that supports industry in areas such as sustainable growth, policy advocacy, technology adoption, and global competitiveness. His focus will be on enabling businesses to embrace innovation, integrate renewable energy, and contribute to India’s long-term development goals.

Mr. Agarwal has decade of experience in the metals and mining sector and has played a key role in shaping the growth of Shyam Metalics. Under his leadership, the company has evolved into one of India’s prominent integrated metal producers with a strong presence in steel, ferro alloys, and aluminum products. Alongside business achievements, he has been deeply engaged in social initiatives covering education, healthcare, rural development, and skill enhancement. His consistent focus on sustainability and community welfare reflects his belief that industrial progress must move in step with social responsibility and environmental care.

Speaking on this, Mr. Brij Bhushan Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Shyam Metalics said, "It is a privilege to serve as President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce. We are at a crucial point where Indian industry must not only accelerate economic growth but also embrace sustainability and inclusivity as core priorities. My vision is to ensure ICC becomes a bridge between policymakers, businesses, and communities, helping industries adapt to new technologies, expand into global markets, and invest in green solutions. Together, we must work towards creating opportunities that empower people, protect the environment, and position India as a leader in the global economy.