Category Archives: News

Cornitos Nachos: The Crunchiest Gift of the Season

December 2024-This Christmas, let the celebrations get crunchier, tastier, and a whole lot more fun with the Cornitos Nachos with Salsa Combo Pack! Packed with three irresistible nacho flavors and a rich, tangy salsa dip, this combo is the ultimate snacking partner for all your festive gatherings.

 A cozy Christmas evening, fairy lights twinkling, carols playing in the background, and a table full of snacks. Now add a bowl of crisp, golden nachos paired with a zesty salsa dip—sounds perfect, right? Cornitos makes it easy to keep the holiday spirit alive, one crunchy bite at a time

 “Christmas is all about sharing joy and making memories, and what better way to do that than with snacks that everyone loves? The Cornitos Nachos Combo Pack brings the perfect mix of festive cheer and delicious crunch to every celebration. It’s the ultimate holiday treat,” said Manoj Singh, Head of Marketing at Cornitos.

 Whether you’re hosting a Christmas movie marathon, a Secret Santa party, or just chilling at home with loved ones, the Cornitos Nachos Combo Pack is here to add that extra sparkle. Made from non-GMO corn and cooked in healthy corn oil, it’s a treat you can enjoy guilt-free. Plus, with zero trans-fat and nitrogen-flushed packaging, every bite is fresh, wholesome, and full of flavor!

 This festive season, ditch the boring snacks and bring home the Cornitos Nachos Combo Pack. It’s not just a snack; it’s the secret to turning every Christmas moment into a celebration of taste, fun, and togetherness.

Year End 2024 Quotes – Real Estate Sector

By-Shubham Singhal, CEO and Co-founder of Dot Media

As we wrap up 2024, it’s clear that brand collaborations with influencers from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities have been on the rise. And for good reason – these influencers have a powerful ability to shape how we think about brands and influence our shopping habits. By driving trends, building trust, and impacting our purchasing decisions, influencers have played a crucial role in creating genuine connections and driving sales. So, what’s next? As we step into 2025, I’m convinced that purpose-driven marketing will be the key to success in the Advertising and Media industry. Consumers are increasingly looking for authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability from brands. Here at Dot Media, we’re committed to creating meaningful connections between influencers, audiences, and brands. Our focus will be on building communities, creating personalized experiences, and developing valuable content that drives engagement and loyalty. We’ll also be prioritizing our existing customer base, and influencers will play a vital role in helping us create exclusive content, offers, and experiences that keep our customers engaged and loyal.

By-Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd.

“The Indian real estate sector surged in 2024, supported by rising urbanization, shifting lifestyles, and increasing demand across affordable, mid-income, and luxury segments. Residential demand has been particularly strong, while the luxury market saw a boost from high-net-worth individuals and NRIs keen on high-end amenities in cities like Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Sustainability is a driving trend, with eco-friendly, energy-efficient properties gaining popularity. Valued at approximately $493 billion, the sector contributes 7.3% to India’s GDP and is the second-largest job creator after agriculture.

Looking ahead, India’s real estate market is expected to play a transformative role in the country’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) vision, with projections estimating the sector could reach $1.3 trillion by 2034. By 2030, housing demand is anticipated to grow to around 70 million units, driven by urban infrastructure projects, favorable policies, and a resilient economy. As infrastructure projects accelerate and the economy expands, real estate’s contribution to GDP is poised to rise, solidifying its position as a key pillar in India’s journey toward sustained economic growth and urban modernization.”

Expert Insights: Year-End 2024 Perspectives

Mr. Dilip Modi, Founder & CEO of Spice Money

“2024 has been a landmark year for the fintech industry, achieving unprecedented milestones in innovation and financial inclusion. India now boasts 26 fintech unicorns, including one decacorn, with registered startups surging from 2,100 in 2021 to 10,200 in 2024 and a combined valuation of $125 billion. Payments and lending categories attracted the maximum amount of funding, accounting for 85% of capital raised, while UPI surpassed 10 billion transactions in August, underscoring its transformative impact.

Spice Money is proud to contribute to this remarkable growth with offerings like biometric banking through AEPS, assisted bill payments, cash collection, and the rollout of UPI for rural India. Our foray into MSME lending and a robust 14-lakh-strong Adhikari network has extended essential financial services to 95% of rural pin codes and 2.39 lakh villages. In 2024, we impacted over 2.5 crore rural customers monthly, fostering trust, financial accessibility, and economic empowerment across Bharat.

Looking ahead to 2025, India is on track to have approximately 150 fintech unicorns with a combined valuation projected to reach $500 billion by 2030. The industry’s future lies in driving scalable and inclusive solutions through collaboration with policymakers and public partners, fostering sustainable and impactful growth for millions across the country.

At Spice Money, we remain committed to advancing Bharat’s financial inclusion through tech-driven solutions, ensuring compliance, and enhancing fraud risk management while prioritizing sustainable and profitable growth. A supportive regulatory framework and robust public-private collaboration are essential to addressing the unique needs of rural India. With rural fintech leading India’s digital revolution, Spice Money aims to build a resilient, inclusive financial ecosystem that uplifts communities and accelerates economic progress.”

Shubham Singhal, CEO and Co-founder, Dot Media

As we wrap up 2024, it’s clear that brand collaborations with influencers from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities have been on the rise. And for good reason – these influencers have a powerful ability to shape how we think about brands and influence our shopping habits. By driving trends, building trust, and impacting our purchasing decisions, influencers have played a crucial role in creating genuine connections and driving sales. So, what’s next? As we step into 2025, I’m convinced that purpose-driven marketing will be the key to success in the Advertising and Media industry. Consumers are increasingly looking for authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability from brands. Here at Dot Media, we’re committed to creating meaningful connections between influencers, audiences, and brands. Our focus will be on building communities, creating personalized experiences, and developing valuable content that drives engagement and loyalty. We’ll also be prioritizing our existing customer base, and influencers will play a vital role in helping us create exclusive content, offers, and experiences that keep our customers engaged and loyal.

George Gerchow, Head of Trust, MongoDB

“As tech vendors added AI capabilities to their offerings in 2024, we have seen IT departments adopt and release these features. This has resulted in small to moderate business improvements, but not the seismic shift that might have been implied by the hype. Leaders are still trying to crack the code of how AI will bring either significant productivity, reduction in operational complexity, or improvements in employee experience.

2025 will start to show more meaningful progress towards using AI to create business impact. First, AI will show value for employees to “shift left” and perform tasks of greater value and complexity, while digital AI agents will be able to answer the typical questions handled by front line support teams. Bots will be ubiquitous to all organizations to answer inquiries ranging from Sales account summaries to HR benefits. Second, the introduction of reasoning capabilities will ultimately be a game changer, but each organization will need to assess how to utilize it. 2025 will mark the beginning, but not the end, of that journey.

2025 will also show the development of permission-aware RAG layers. For AI to deliver the most value, it has to blend public data with private data found within the walls of the company. The private data has to respect any permissions and privileges of the person running the AI query which are typically set within the application or service hosting the source data.”

Rajesh Khandagale, SVP- National Pension System, KFin Technologies

“The National Pension System (NPS) has shown remarkable growth in 2024, achieving a 37% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach INR 2.76 Lakh crore, driven by the contributions of 58 lakh non-government subscribers. Recent enhancements, including increased tax deduction limits and changes in withdrawal and remittance policies, have made NPS more attractive. Additionally, the introduction of NPS Vatsalya as a savings product for children has broadened its appeal.

In 2024, NPS has continued to offer competitive returns, with top-performing schemes delivering returns between 9% and 12% per annum. The Union Budget 2024 introduced significant enhancements, such as increased tax deductions for employer contributions and the launch of ‘NPS Vatsalya’ for minors.

Looking ahead to 2025, we expect a surge in retail participation, driven by enhanced digital engagement and education initiatives. KFin Technologies is committed to innovating and improving its services to support the evolving needs of NPS investors, focusing on technology integration and customer experience enhancement. In the non-government sector, KFintech is growing at twice the rate of industry growth. Our extensive experience, having handled over 1,200 IPOs and servicing over 150 million investors, positions us well to continue leading in this space..”

Giridhar G, Chief Business Officer – Corporate Registry, KFin Technologies

The Indian IPO market has demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024, standing out as a global leader despite subdued trends elsewhere. With India capturing a quarter of global IPO volumes and boasting the highest number of mainboard listed companies, the market’s performance has been exceptional.

India’s IPO market has raised a record-breaking ₹1.19 lakh crore ($14 billion) in 2024, driven by strong investor demand and impressive returns from recent IPOs. This surge has solidified 2024 as a banner year for Indian IPOs, with significant listings like Bajaj Housing Finance Limited and Hyundai Motor India Ltd, India’s largest IPO till date.

Looking ahead to 2025, we foresee a record-breaking IPO market, driven by strong economic momentum, robust retail participation, and sectoral diversity, including the resurgence of tech and housing finance. As one of the key registrars in the Indian market, we recognize that the surge in IPO activity demands highly efficient back-end processes. We are dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology, advanced analytics, and AI to further simplify the IPO journey for issuers and investors alike. With our proven expertise in managing over 80 IPOs in 2024 and serving a growing base of more than 150 million investors, we are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s dynamic capital markets”

Mario Sylvester Roche, Chief Operating Officer – Alternatives & Wealth Solutions

“The Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) industry in India saw significant growth in 2024, with total commitments reaching USD 12 trillion. This was driven by increased interest from institutional and high-net-worth individual (HNWI) investors. SEBI’s new regulations enhanced transparency and governance, boosting investor confidence.

In 2024, institutional investments in AIFs rose as organizations sought better returns compared to traditional investments. KFin Technologies is enhancing its technological capabilities to streamline operations and improve investor engagement. Our platform, XAlt, built on modern SaaS architecture, has reduced time to value and simplified development processes.

Looking ahead to 2025, the AIF industry is expected to continue growing, with more allocations from institutional and retail investors. We anticipate innovative fund structures within the AIF framework to meet evolving market demands. Ongoing regulatory support from SEBI will further bolster investor confidence. As market conditions evolve, AIFs will likely emphasize diversification across asset classes and geographies to mitigate risks and enhance returns.”

Vinay Chhabra, Co-Founder & Managing Director, AceCloud, a brand of RTDS

“2024 has been a pivotal year for India’s cloud and AI ecosystem, catalyzed by rapid adoption and government initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission, which allocated over INR 10,300 crore. The development of high-performance compute infrastructure, including more than 10,000 GPUs, aims to position India as a leader in AI while addressing talent and compute shortages that challenged AI-readiness for many organizations. This focus on GPU-powered AI is reshaping sectors and accelerating the adoption of cloud technologies to streamline processes and reduce costs.

However, challenges remain, particularly around infrastructure scaling and the high costs of GPUs, which continue to impact AI implementation. As per International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) AI Preparedness Index 2024, that assesses AI preparedness in 174 countries by examining factors such as digital infrastructure, human capital and labour markets, innovation and economic integration, etc., India ranks 72nd with a rating of 0.49. Advanced economies such as United States has a rating of 0.77, Singapore – 0.80, and China ranks 31st with a rating of 0.63 in this index highlighting AI adoption and implementation maturity.

Looking to 2025, overcoming these bottlenecks will be crucial. We envision expanded GPU accessibility, public-private partnerships for cloud infrastructure growth, and AI democratization through initiatives like India’s Data Labs and IndiaAI Innovation Centres. As AI adoption grows, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks will also play a vital role in safeguarding cloud data, which is integral to maintaining trust and enabling advanced analytics.

AceCloud is committed to aligning with India’s digital ambitions by delivering scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions. By fostering innovation in cloud and GPU technology, we’re preparing to empower enterprises with the tools they need to harness the full potential of AI in the coming years. Through these advancements, we’re building a resilient, future-ready digital ecosystem that positions India as a global technology leader.”

By- Anand Srinivasan, Managing Director of Covestro (India) Private Limited

2024 has been a pivotal year for India’s drive towards sustainable growth, with industries and businesses increasingly embracing innovation and environmental stewardship. As global challenges like climate change take centre stage, the adoption of green technologies, circular economy models, and energy-efficient solutions has accelerated across sectors. This progress underscores India’s commitment to balancing economic development with ecological responsibility.

At Covestro (India), sustainability is at the core of everything we do. This year, we made significant strides in advancing our mission of making the world a brighter place by delivering innovative, high-performance materials for industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics. Through collaborations with key stakeholders, we prioritized resource efficiency, renewable energy integration, and the development of products that promote recyclability and reduce carbon footprints.

As we step into 2025, our focus remains on driving sustainable innovation and empowering our partners to achieve their ESG goals. Together, we aim to co-create solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges while fostering a future that is resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious.

CEAT Expands Retail Footprint in Kolkata to Meet Growing Demand for Premium Tyres

New Delhi, India – 19 December, 2024:

CEAT, a leading tyre manufacturer, announced the opening of three new CEAT Shoppe outlets in Kolkata as part of its strategic expansion into premium retail spaces. This move aims to address the increasing demand for high-performance tyres in the city. The new outlets were inaugurated today by CEAT’s leadership team, including Vishal Pawar, Senior Vice President – Global Sales and Supply Chain, and Manik Singh, Vice President – Sales.

The new CEAT Shoppes are located in Kolkata’s prominent areas of Mominpur (Alipur ),Topsia and Paddapukur and will cater to the growing needs of customers for high-performance tyres and superior service. These outlets provide a superior retail experience with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced equipment for tyre services such as wheel balancing, wheel alignment, and nitrogen filling.

Customers will find a comprehensive range of two wheeler and four wheeler tyres at these outlets , including premium popular models like CrossDrive, SportDrive and SecuraDrive. The stores are designed to offer personalized tyre recommendations based on driving patterns, terrain, and vehicle type, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

Mr. Vishal Pawar, Senior Vice President – Global Sales and Supply Chain, CEAT Limited said, “The launch of these new outlets in Kolkata marks a significant milestone in our growth journey. With the rising demand for premium tyres, we are dedicated to redefining the customer experience by delivering personalized services and offering only the finest, high-quality products.”

CEAT’s digital integration strategy ensures a seamless customer experience. Customers can book consultations and services through CEAT’s website or Google My Business listings, making tyre selection and fitment more convenient.

Additionally, each new outlet is expected to create local job opportunities, including roles for sales staff and skilled wheel technicians. CEAT will provide specialized training to ensure employees deliver exceptional service.

This expansion aligns with CEAT’s brand philosophy, “Crafted for the Curious,” catering to those who love discovering new paths and value premium quality products and experiences.”

Kolkata’s automotive market has shown considerable potential with the 17-inch and above category projected to expand significantly in the next two years. By reinforcing its retail presence in Kolkata, CEAT aims to better serve the city’s evolving automotive needs.

CEAT holds a leadership position in Kolkata’s commercial tyre segment and commands a significant market share in the two-wheeler category. With the current expansion, the company aims to further strengthen its foothold in the passenger car and utility vehicle (PCUV) segment by offering a broader range of premium tyres.

TeamLease Services Successfully Hosts Leadership Roundtable on Workforce Dynamics in Delhi

Delhi, December 19, 2024: TeamLease Services, India’s leading staffing solutions company revolutionizing employment and workforce dynamics, successfully hosted a leadership roundtable discussion titled ‘Decoding People Supply Chain’ in Delhi. The event, spearheaded by Subburathinam P, COO of TeamLease, brought together industry leaders, HR experts, and business strategists to discuss critical challenges and opportunities in workforce management amid a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

The discussion addressed pressing global challenges such as layoffs, the Great Resignation, supply chain disruptions, and rising attrition rates, particularly among Gen Z employees. The conversation also focused on India’s unique position as the fifth-largest economy globally while grappling with a low per capita income of only $2,730 annually and a predominantly informal workforce. The panel highlighted the bright spot India represents with its aspiration to achieve a $35 trillion economy and $18,000 per capita income by 2047. However, these goals are juxtaposed with workforce challenges, including the fact that of India’s nearly 59 crore active workforce, only 11.4 crore are employed in formal sectors.

Attrition emerged as a key concern, with entry-level roles experiencing an attrition rate of 40-50% in industries, including automobile, industrial & engineering, construction, and telecom, resulting in productivity losses of up to 1.5 months per replacement. Companies also face significant financial challenges, spending 8-10% of total workforce costs on backfilling positions and an opportunity cost of 10% of total revenue lost due to attrition. Panellists identified solutions such as focusing on essential skills during recruitment, offering structured career progression plans, and fostering retention through initiatives like buddy programs, gamified incentives, and internship pipelines that provide continuous access to fresh talent.

The roundtable also highlighted the importance of adapting to generational shifts, particularly the entry of Gen Z & Gen A into the workforce. With the median age of Indians at around 28 years, this demographic demands career flexibility, clear growth paths, and well-being initiatives. Technology-driven changes like generative AI were noted as transformative factors, requiring organizations to invest in upskilling and fostering cross-functional expertise.

Subburathinam P, Chief Operating Officer, TeamLease Services, said, “India is poised to achieve its aspiration of a $35 trillion economy by 2047, but this requires overcoming key workforce challenges. Today, only a small portion of our active workforce is in the formal sector, and entry-level roles face high attrition rates. This leads to significant financial and productivity losses for businesses. To succeed, organizations must rethink their talent strategies, adopt innovative models like ‘buy-build-borrow,’ and focus on retaining and developing their workforce to unlock its full potential.”

As a symbolic gesture of sustainability and growth, a tree was planted for each participant, who also received a ‘Tree Certificate’ with a unique identification number. By bringing thought leaders together, TeamLease continues to lead the way in shaping the future of work and building a resilient workforce ecosystem.

Honeywell Chosen by Exide Energy to Lead Building Automation at India’s Lithium-Ion Gigafactory

BENGALURU, India, 19th December 2024: Honeywell today announced that it has been awarded a contract to provide building automation solutions to Exide Energy Solutions Limited (EESL), a fully owned subsidiary of Exide Industries Ltd, India’s largest battery maker. This technology deployment underscores Honeywell’s commitment to the Make in India initiative and also supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to three compelling megatrends, including automation and the energy transition.

Honeywell will equip EESL with digital solutions to help improve operational efficiency and deliver faster incident response, energy savings and increased security for the phase one of its new 80-acre lithium-ion gigafactory campus in Bengaluru. Key to this will be Honeywell’s Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI) platform, which will provide an integrated view, centralized monitoring and control of building management across the gigafactory campus.

The gigafactory is expected to be completed in 2025 and will be Bengaluru’s first multi-gigawatt-hour lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility. It will produce lithium-ion batteries to help address the growing global demand for electric vehicles.

Atul Pai, Vice President and General Manager, Building Automation, Honeywell India said, “By helping Exide Energy make their new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility more safe, secure and automated, we are supporting the efficient production of batteries that power the future of electric vehicles. Our integrated solutions not only help advance the safety and efficiency of Exide Energy’s gigafactory, but they also align with our goals of developing sustainable energy solutions and helping India build its self-reliance in critical industries including electric mobility.”

Dr. Mandar Deo, CEO of Exide Energy Solutions Ltd. said: “Honeywell’s automation and safety solutions align with our vision to create the most technologically advanced and sustainable unit for manufacturing Li-ion cells. We are confident that Honeywell’s expertise makes them an ideal partner to help us meet these requirements.”

Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 worth INR 2 Crore now open for nominations worldwide

Bengaluru, India, 19th December 2024 – Aster DM Healthcare has announced the fourth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, inviting nurses worldwide to apply for the prestigious INR 2 Crore prize. The award recognizes exceptional contributions to healthcare, celebrating the dedication and impact of nurses across diverse areas of practice.

Registered nurses can submit their applications via www.asterguardians.com, showcasing their work in Patient Care, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Education, Social or Community Service, or Research Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Healthcare. Applicants may choose one Primary and up to two Secondary areas of contribution to highlight their multifaceted efforts.

The evaluation process will be meticulously overseen by an independent jury and supported by Ernst & Young LLP (EY). Following a thorough review, the Grand Jury, composed of global healthcare experts, will select the top 10 finalists. The winner will be announced in May 2025, aligning with International Nurses Day.

Commenting on the same, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare said “The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has emerged as one of the most coveted recognitions for nurses worldwide and each edition uncovers extraordinary stories of resilience, innovation and care, inspiring us to continue honouring their remarkable contributions.”

“Through this platform, we not only empower nurses for their invaluable contributions to healthcare but also inspire the next generation to reach new heights of excellence in patient care, leadership, and innovation. We are proud to continue championing the voices of nurses, celebrating their dedication, and paving the way for future leaders in the profession.” he added.

The first edition of the award held in Dubai in May 2022 saw Nurse Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya win the award. Nurse Margaret Helen Shepherd from UK was named the winner of the second edition in 2023. Nurse Maria Victoria Juan emerged as the winner of the third edition of the award, held in India in 2024, which received 78,000+ applications from across 202+ countries. A Consultant at Philippine Army Health Services, Philippines, Nurse Maria spearheaded aeromedical evacuation system in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which improved survival rates by enabling rapid evacuation and early treatment of casualties, especially in conflict areas. She has also pioneered environmental health initiatives, integrating vetiver grass technology to combat soil erosion and water pollution.

Global Experts Converge at 2024 International Conference to Drive Sustainable Innovation in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing

Kolkata, December 19, 2024: JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research (JISIASR) organised the prestigious International Conference on Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (ICAMM 2024) at the JISMSR Campus in Santragachi. The conference welcomed an illustrious lineup of global experts, including Prof. Goutam Chattopadhyay, Senior Scientist, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, USA; Prof. Dipankar Das Sarma, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India; Prof. Józef T. Haponiuk, Gdansk University of Technology, Poland; Prof. Olivier Joubert, Université de Lorraine, France; Prof. Maya Jacob John, CSIR, South Africa; Prof. Santanu Chattopadhyay, IIT Kharagpur ; Prof. Kaushik Chatterjee, IISc Bangalore; Prof. Swagata Dasgupta, IIT Kharagpur ; Dr. Sandip Patil, Director, E-Spin Nanotech Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Atanu Singha Roy, Associate Professor, NIT Meghalaya, India; Dr. Soupitak Pal, Senior Scientist, CSIR-CGCRI, Kolkata; Dr. Pankaj Kumar Rawat, Scientist, ANRF, New Delhi; Prof. Amit Roy Chowdhury, IIEST Shibpur, India; Prof. Falguni Pati, Head (Biomed) & Associate Professor, IIT Hyderabad, India. Gracing the occasion were Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group; Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Ajoy Kumar Ray, Director, JISIASR; and Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group.

The event emphasised the pivotal role of advanced materials in revolutionising sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices globally. Advanced materials and manufacturing have become critical pillars in shaping the future of industries in modern times. From nanotechnology enabling breakthroughs in healthcare and electronics to 3D printing revolutionising production processes with unparalleled precision and efficiency, these innovations are driving a new era of sustainability and technological advancement. As global challenges demand eco-friendly and resource-efficient solutions, the focus on cutting-edge materials and manufacturing practices is essential to addressing the needs of industries ranging from aerospace to biotechnology, ensuring a transformative impact on economies and societies worldwide.

On this occasion, Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group, said, “ICAMM 2024 stands as an exemplification to JIS Group’s commitment for driving global innovation and knowledge exchange. By bringing together the brightest minds from academia and industry, we are not only advancing materials and manufacturing but also laying the foundation for transformative solutions that will shape the future of industries and improve lives worldwide.”

The Gut-Diabetes Connection: Can Improving Digestive Health Help Manage Diabetes

By- Dr. Urman Dhruv, Sr. Consultant Physician, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad

Diabetes is a complex, challenging disease that requires daily management and a careful balance of diet, exercise, and often medication to keep blood sugar levels stable. For those affected worldwide, the demands of diabetes management can be overwhelming, with strict routines and lifestyle changes essential to avoid complications. While we often focus on controlling blood sugar levels through conventional methods, recent research has highlighted an unexpected ally in the fight against diabetes: gut health.

 Recent research has uncovered a fascinating link between gut health and diabetes management. It suggests that our digestive system does more than just process food—it plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels. This gut-diabetes connection has led to new insights on how improving gut health could be a key factor in managing diabetes more effectively.

 How Gut Health Affects Blood Sugar Regulation?
The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota. These microbes help digest food, synthesize essential nutrients, and even influence immune responses. Importantly, they play a role in how the body metabolizes glucose, which is crucial for people with diabetes. Studies have shown that individuals with type 2 diabetes often have an imbalance in gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis. This imbalance can lead to inflammation and disrupt the body’s insulin sensitivity, worsening blood sugar levels.

 The gut microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which are known to support insulin sensitivity and anti-inflammatory processes. Healthy levels of SCFAs promote a well-regulated immune response and improve the gut lining’s integrity, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. In diabetics, low levels of SCFAs have been observed, which can lead to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, worsening the condition. By improving gut health and encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria, individuals with diabetes may experience more stable blood sugar levels and improved insulin response.

 Steps to Enhance Gut Health
• Fiber-Rich Diet: Fiber-rich foods, especially those with soluble fiber like oats, chia seeds, and vegetables, act as prebiotics that feed good gut bacteria, fostering a balanced microbiota. Higher fiber intake has been associated with improved blood sugar control and can help prevent spikes.
• Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir are rich in probiotics, which can enhance gut health. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria that can improve microbial diversity, which has been linked to reduced insulin resistance.
• Probiotic Supplements: Although they aren’t a replacement for a healthy diet, probiotic supplements can offer targeted strains that support digestive health. It is advised to consult a healthcare professional before consuming any probiotic supplements for diabetes management.
• Reduce Processed Foods and Sugars: Processed foods and sugars can cause imbalances in gut bacteria, favoring the growth of harmful microbes and increasing inflammation. Avoiding these foods helps maintain a healthy gut and supports stable blood sugar levels.
• Staying Physically Active: Regular exercise not only benefits blood sugar control directly but also positively affects gut health by promoting bacterial diversity and improving overall metabolic function.

Kenvue India Presents Evidence-Based Report on ‘The Hydration Gap for Non-Diarrheal Illnesses’

Hyderabad, 19th December 2024: Kenvue, the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue, launches its latest evidence report on the role of fluids, electrolytes and energy (FEE) in non-diarrheal illnesses which include conditions like fevers, respiratory infections, viral illnesses, heat exhaustion, general weakness etc.

Only 3/10 physicians treat dehydration in patients with Non-Diarrheal Illnesses
While the treatment of diarrheal diseases and associated dehydration is known with established guidelines, in contrast, the management of dehydration in non-diarrheal illness was mostly overlooked. The expert panel agreed that a significant gap existed in knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) around use of fluid, electrolyte, and energy (FEE) solutions – Only 3/10 physicians recommended fluid, electrolyte, and energy (FEE) solutions to the majority of patients with non-diarrheal illnesses, thereby delaying their recovery.

An Indian Expert Panel based Delphi consensus recommendations were recently published focussed on managing dehydration associated with acute and chronic non-diarrheal illnesses in India with oral FEE. The expert panel agreed that dehydration in non-diarrheal illnesses is often overlooked and can be challenging to diagnose. The expert panel also agreed a significant gap in knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) around the use of FEE drinks to treat FEE deficits in acute non-diarrheal illnesses. Survey-led research indicated that knowledge levels on non-diarrheal dehydration and its management were moderate amongst healthcare practitioners coupled with lower recommendation of FEE solutions to address dehydration, despite their benefits, taste and convenience

In a similar KAP study undertaken with pediatricians, a majority of them rated FEE management as a medium to high level of importance in acute non-diarrheal illnesses and reinforced the importance of identifying dehydration in children encompassing symptoms like abnormal skin turgor, dryness of the tongue and eyes, capillary refill time, frequency of passing urine, and tachycardia as reliable indicators of dehydration

Faster recovery with ready-to-drink FEE formulations
The report highlights the role of ready-to-drink solutions is preferable for FEE restoration rather than plain water, coconut water, and ORS powders. Oral formulations with the right FEE balance are vital in supporting recovery from non-diarrheal illnesses. These ready-to-drink (RTDs) are preferred over plain water or other fluids as they are rich in electrolyte and energy content.

The report also revealed that 87% of physicians agreed that FEE recommendations would help to improve the speed of recovery. 98% of prescribers agreed that ready-to-drink FEE drinks were more efficacious in shortening the time for recovery as compared to non-RTD FEE drinks and that patients would recover faster if they were given written prescriptions instead of verbal advice. When these protocols are adhered to, a study stated that a majority reported improvement-feeling energized or hydrated from 20 minutes to 24 hours when a ready to drink fruit juice based electrolyte drink was used as adjuvant.

Based on a clinical study, over 80% of physicians agreed that the ready to serve electrolyte drink studied was well tolerated and clinically proven to improve hydration and energy in patients with non-diarrheal illnesses like fever and general weakness.

Commenting on the report findings, Prof. Dr. N. L. Sridhar, M.D. (Paediatrics), LLB, Professor at the Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad; Director of NEO BBC Hospital, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad; and practicing at Safe Children’s Clinic, Namalagundu Jun…