Category Archives: News

Dalberg Report: Fully Active India by 2047 Could Boost GDP by INR 15 Trillion Annually

Bengaluru, 9 September 2024: At least 155 million Indian adults and 45 million adolescents today fail to meet the WHO guidelines on physical activity, reveals Dalberg’s State of Sports and Physical Activity (SAPA) report. Developed in partnership with Sports and Society Accelerator with support from Omidyar Network India and the Ajit Isaac Foundation, the report makes an urgent call for greater focus and participation in sports and physical activity, demonstrating its benefits and identifying pathways to overcome challenges along the way.

India is in an alarmingly inactive state

The SAPA report demonstrates that India has a long way to go in becoming an active nation, those who do engage in physical activity are not diverse in their movements—data shows that outside of work and chores, most adults engage only in walking, which is beneficial but not enough on its own. Only 10% of adults in the country even play sports; the number who play regularly is likely to be even lower. While more adolescents (66%) engage in sports regularly, there is limited diversity in their choice of sport—half of the boys play cricket, with representation in other sports being much lower.

The gender-divide in how Indians engage in SAPA is stark – on average, girls and women spend 5-7 fewer hours in SAPA (about 20% less) per week than boys and men. This gap worsens as we move into urban areas where girls are at the highest risk. At least a third of them do not meet the WHO guidelines for physical activity.

Urban women are especially affected by inactivity

Urban women spend 385 fewer active minutes per week than rural women and 249 fewer minutes per week than urban men. A number of factors are responsible for the divide: lack of infrastructure, safety, and access results in 20% fewer women engaging in SAPA in public spaces, and misconceptions like SAPA being dangerous during menstruation and pregnancy further reinforce this gap.

SAPA can contribute tremendously to India’s ambitions towards a Viksit Bharat

If India continues to stay inactive, we’re at risk of increased burden on all fronts. By 2047, an inactive India would face 200 million more adult cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), 45 million more obese adolescents, and additional annual healthcare costs of more than INR 55 trillion, compared to today. Moreover, India is currently suffering with low worker productivity – about half the global average, low educational attainment due to health-related absenteeism, as well as low female labor force participation.

Higher engagement in SAPA has the potential to flip this picture. As per the report, SAPA can significantly benefit individuals, accruing benefits across the population to deliver greater societal and national outcomes. Nations across the world have benefitted from increased investment in SAPA – with China registering 40% fewer in-patient hospitalizations and 30% lower healthcare expenses, and UK creating £72 billion in socio-economic value, among several other examples.

The SAPA report quantifies these outcomes for India, outlining achievable targets that can help the nation in the following ways:

1. Economic progress: SAPA can increase India’s GDP by over INR 15 trillion annually if the whole population is active by 2047, including the prevention of INR 2.5 trillion (USD 30 billion) in productivity-related losses due to fewer sick days and presenteeism related to illness.
2. Health and mortality outcomes: By 2047, SAPA can prevent around 110 million adult cases of NCDs, lead to 30,000 fewer suicides, and save approximately INR 30 trillion in healthcare costs by reducing obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues.
3. Bridge the gender divide: By 2047, SAPA can motivate 11 million girls to pick up a sport for the first time, which is linked to improved agency and confidence –potentially creating 600,000 additional women entrepreneurs and leaders.
4. Excel as a sporting nation: Through SAPA, we can mobilize INR 4.5 trillion of annual expenditure in the sports industry by 2047. Increased sporting potential can also strengthen India’s ability to host the Olympics, secure more sporting victories, and expand our global sports footprint.

Getting there: Fostering public-private collaboration and interventions to encourage SAPA

The outlined targets call for strategic interventions across policy, infrastructure and community programs to significantly boost physical activity levels nationwide. The report emphasizes the role of both public and private sector players, providing actionable takeaways for governments, school leaders, city planners, entrepreneurs, and civil society organizations.

• Building innovative SAPA-centric infrastructure from weather-proof transit solutions such as covered elevated bike highways to open-air dance floors, stages and music systems in public parks can encourage activity.
• Since schools play a formative role in instilling physical habits, school leaders must design model schools that prioritize activity and provide adequate resources to offer students a diverse range of SAPA, and train and empower PE teachers. Investing in the training and empowerment of physical education teachers and trainers will be the critical baseline of this effort.
• Urban planners can map out future public space construction to ensure that everyone has access to a (green) space within 15-minutes from home.
• Enabling community engagement can go a long way, such as organizing city-wide SAPA events, encouraging sports in all sectors of society, and creating opportunities to engage in a wide variety of sports at all levels (from casual to elite) and for all abilities.
• Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to build business models that incentivize, track, and train users to engage in more in SAPA. For instance, they can help develop a national app to track SAPA data that offers personalized challenges and rewards to create a sense of collective progress.
• In everything we do, we need a programmatic focus on gender – create gender-inclusive infrastructure and programs, create media campaigns that dispel myths and encourage women to take up SAPA, and develop enthusiasm and skills among girls in school to instill SAPA engagement at the grassroots.

Gaurav Gupta, Global Managing Partner at Dalberg Advisors, says, “If there is one thing we can control, it is how we take care of ourselves. Our physical health and wellbeing impacts our quality of life and our contributions to society. As a nation, we’re far behind from realizing the full potential of our people simply because we aren’t focusing enough on how frequently we move and engage in physical activity – which is why we need to create external motivators, interventions, and greater access to encourage people towards SAPA engagement. At the grassroots, we need better schools, more playgrounds, and a new outlook that prioritizes physical activity as essential, not as optional or extra-curricular.”

Nandan Kamath, Co-Founder, Sports and Society Accelerator, adds, “This report highlights the profound impact that sports and physical activity (SAPA) can have on our nation’s well-being, from driving economic growth and livelihoods, to enhancing physical and mental health, and driving several socio-economic indicators. We stand at a crucial juncture to optimize our demographic advantage and be a sports-forward nation. We must seize the opportunity and build a future where SAPA is embedded into the life of every Indian.”

Turkish Airlines Expands NDC Program with Strategic Partnerships: “Introducing TKCONNECT”

Bengaluru, September 9, 2024: Turkish Airlines has recently announced the enhancement of its NDC (New Distribution Capability) compliant TKCONNECT program through a strategic partnership with leading content aggregators Travelfusion, Verteil, DRCT, Mystifly, Nuua, Nuflights and Theta. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing travel experience of passengers by enabling its partners to have seamless access to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network and services.

Through these partnerships, Turkish Airlines and the aggregators are committed to driving innovation and excellence in the travel industry. TKCONNECT will empower travel agents with state-of-the-art tools to create customized itineraries, offer exclusive deals, and streamline the booking process, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Commenting on the expansion of the NDC programme Ahmet Olmuştur, Turkish Airlines Chief Commercial Officer stated; “We are excited to partner with Travelfusion, Verteil, DRCT, Mystifly, Nuua, Nuflights and Theta in the expansion of TKCONNECT. These aggregators have a proven track record of delivering top-tier distribution solutions, and their expertise will be instrumental in maximizing the reach and impact of TKCONNECT. This initiative reflects our shared vision of providing superior travel solutions and exceptional service to our customers. By embracing NDC technology, we are paving the way for a more connected and efficient travel ecosystem.”

Apollo Hospitals contributes Rupees1 Crore to Chief Minister Relief Fund, for flood recovery operations!

Hyderabad, September 9, 2024: Apollo Hospitals Group has contributed ₹1 crore (Rupees One Crore) to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in response to the recent devastating floods caused by torrential rains across multiple districts.

Ms. Shobana Kamineni, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group and Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group; handed over the cheque to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri A. Revanth Reddy, at the Secretariat today.

Speaking on the occasion Ms Shobana Kamineni, said, the devastation has impacted daily life, and we deeply empathize with the plight of the affected communities. Dr Sangita Reddy said, We stand with the people of Telangana during this challenging time and are committed to contributing to the state’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Stovekraft Unveils the Pigeon Airfusion Air Fryer Rotisserie Oven: A Game-Changer in Healthy Cooking

Kolkata, 9th September 2024 – Stovekraft, a pioneer in innovative home & kitchen solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its latest offering, the Pigeon AirFusion Air-Fryer Rotisserie Oven. This state-of-the-art appliance is a true kitchen powerhouse, combining the functionalities of an air fryer and an OTG, complete with advanced rotisserie capabilities, all in one compact, sleek design.

With its 12-litre large capacity, the AirFusion is tailored for health-conscious Indian families and culinary enthusiasts who seek versatility and convenience without compromising on quality. Whether you’re air frying, roasting, toasting, baking, or grilling, this all-in-one appliance delivers exceptional results with its 360 degrees heat circulation technology, and by using 95% less oil. The AirFusion is designed to be the ultimate kitchen companion, effortlessly handling a wide variety of cooking tasks from oil-free fried crunchy food to perfectly baked goods. The ‘LED Digital Touchscreen’ provides an advanced user interface for ease of operation. AirFusion offers a comprehensive range of features, including precise temperature control from 80°C to 200°C, flexible timing settings from 1 to 90 minutes, and a transparent cooking window with interior lighting for easy monitoring.

On the occasion, Mr. Rajendra Gandhi, Managing Director of Stove Kraft Limited, said, “We are excited to introduce the innovative AirFusion to our customers. This appliance embodies our commitment to innovation, quality, and health. It’s designed to simplify cooking while delivering delicious, oil-free meals, making it a must-have in every kitchen.”

The AirFusion comes with 9 easy pre-set cooking recipes, like French fries, pizza, baking, rotisserie, and dehydrator. The pre-set menu takes the guesswork out of meal preparation, allowing users to create perfectly cooked dishes with the touch of a button. The appliance also features 3 essential cooking functions—Keep Warm, Pre-Heat, and Defrost—ensuring that your meals are always served at the perfect temperature, ready whenever you are. Designed with the modern lifestyle in mind, the AirFusion is perfect for those who value their time. Its quick and efficient cooking capabilities make it an ideal choice for the upcoming festive season, allowing you to prepare healthy, delicious meals in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast before work or preparing a feast, AirFusion makes it easy to celebrate the healthy way, with oil-free dishes that don’t compromise on flavour.

Dr. M. Nanda, Chief Marketing Officer of Stove Kraft Limited, added, “The AirFusion is a testament to our dedication to providing versatile and efficient kitchen solutions. With its multi-functional capabilities and user-friendly design, it empowers our customers to cook healthy and flavourful meals every day and effortlessly. This isn’t any ordinary kitchen appliance, it’s an outstanding combination of two very useful appliances that all modern homes need. And because it has the functionality of two appliances in one, the space-saving, on the kitchen slab and storage cupboards, is another advantage it brings, without sacrificing performance. We believe healthy eating habits and home-cooked preparations will continue to be cherished, and this versatile appliance will be welcomed by our Indian customers “.

Equipped with 7 essential accessories – 2 mesh racks, a rotisserie basket, a rotisserie shaft, skewers, a removal tool, and a drip tray – AirFusion enhances cooking experience by offering the right tools for every task. The rotating basket is perfect for making crispy, oil-free fries, and roasted nuts, while the rotisserie spit allows you to prepare succulent, evenly cooked whole cauliflower and soya kebabs, delivering restaurant-quality results at home. The skewer rack lets you prepare multiple skewers simultaneously, making it ideal for healthy and flavourful family meals. A drip tray catches excess oil, ensuring easy clean-up and healthier food, while the included gloves ensure safety when handling hot accessories.

Pigeon is committed to providing exceptional after-sales service, with a strong network of service centres across the Eastern and North – East regions. Customers can rest assured knowing that reliable support is always within reach. The AirFusion is now available for purchase at over 75000 retail stores across India, at 200+ Pigeon Exclusive Retail outlets, on Amazon, Flipkart, etc.

Indian Bank Inaugurates Specialized MSME Branches in Ambattur and Coimbatore to Empower Small Businesses

Chennai, September 09, 2024: Indian Bank is pleased to announce the opening of two specialized MSME Branches in Ambattur (Chennai) and Coimbatore, inaugurated by our esteemed Executive Director, Shri Brajesh Kumar Singh on Friday, September 06, 2024.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a significant role in the overall growth of our economy. MSME make a crucial contribution in enhancing employment, exports and GDP in our country. Indian Bank has consistently supported MSMEs with tailored products and services, and the launch of these Specialized MSME Branches marks a significant enhancement in our commitment to the sector.

The Specialized Branches are designed to provide focused, efficient, and personalized services under one roof to MSMEs which include Credit Facilities, Forex Services, Letters Credit (LC) / Bank Guarantee (BG) and other Bank products.

This one-stop solution will streamline the delivery process for MSMEs, ensuring timely assistance to our clients with improved TAT.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Brajesh Kumar Singh, said, “These specialized branches reflect our commitment to empowering MSMEs by providing them with tailored financial solutions and personalized services. We plan to establish more Specialized MSME Branches in other regions as well for further enhancing our support for this sector which is very crucial to our country.”

PNB Credit Card Rolls Out Exciting Offers for Zomato & Blinkit Users

Hyderabad/New Delhi, 09 September 2024: Punjab National Bank, nation’s leading public sector bank, announces exclusive offers for PNB credit cardholders in collaboration with Zomato and Blinkit. These special offers are designed to enhance the dining and food delivery experience for customers, providing savings and convenience while enjoying their favourite meals.

Kate Spade New York Hosts Global Summit on Women’s Mental Health with Simone Biles, Taraji P. Henson, and More

On Thursday, September 5, kate spade new york held its third annual Global Summit on Women’s Mental Health at The Times Center, just ahead of New York Fashion Week. The event featured panels, presentations, and networking opportunities, along with an exclusive premiere of the brand’s latest short film starring Taraji P. Henson, Nicola Coughlan, and Marsai Martin, who were recently announced as stars of the kate spade new york Fall 2024 brand campaign. The film unveils the brand’s Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health, a new Fund aimed at catalyzing funding to cultivate greater access to joy by advocating for and investing in mental health solutions for women around the globe.

“As a brand rooted in joy—and with over a decade of work in women’s mental health—kate spade new york is both authentic and unique in our multifaceted approach to addressing the women’s mental health crisis,” says Taryn Bird, Executive Director of Social Impact at kate spade new york. “While we are proud of the work we have done thus far, there is much more to be done, and we can’t do it alone. We are thrilled to debut our short film with Taraji, Nicola and Marsai that introduces the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health and marks a new milestone in our journey, as we invite others to join us in our mission. We are proud to be launching the Fund alongside Pinterest, Saks and Mindful Philanthropy.”

As one of the largest corporate funders of women’s mental health initiatives globally, with over $31 million invested to-date, kate spade new york’s social impact work is grounded in the belief that good mental health is a fundamental human right for everyone—and that it is foundational to a woman’s empowerment. The launch of the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health will further accelerate this mission as it aims to catalyze investment to provide greater access to community-led, culturally competent mental health solutions for women at every stage of their lives.

The Summit’s agenda featured conversations on topics including:

A Fireside Chat with Simone Biles (Athlete and Advocate) and Joanne Crevoiserat (CEO of Tapestry)

The Fashion Industry and its impact on Women’s Mental Health, with Lindsay Peoples (Editor-in-Chief of The Cut), Aurora James (Vice Chair, CFDA), Felita Harris (Founding Board Member, RAISEFashion), Molly Rogers (Costume Designer), and Tramaine EL-Amin (Vice President, Mental Health First Aid USA, National Council for Mental Wellbeing)

Girls and Youth Mental Health, Combating Loneliness and Creating Community, with Marsai Martin (Actor, Producer, Mental Health Advocate), Sofia Wylie (Actress, Creator, and Mental Health Advocate, kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member), Versha Sharma (Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue), Dr. Kristie Norwood (Clinical Psychologist at Hampton University) and Maya Nussbaum (Founder, Girls Who Write Now)

Cultivating Recovery in the Aftermath of Trauma, with Jazz Thornton (Founder, Voice of Hope, kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member)

Women Entrepreneurs, Motherhood and the Modern Workforce, with Latham Thomas (Founder, Mama Glow), Valeria Lipovetsky (Podcast Host and Founder, Creator Method), Les Alfred (Founder, Podcast Host, Balanced Black Girl) and Charlotte Warshaw (VP, NA Wholesale, Global Licensing, and General Manager of Jewelry at kate spade new york)

Women’s Mental Health in Perimenopause & Menopause, with Dr. Sharon Malone (NYT Bestselling Author, Grown Woman Talk and Chief Medical Advisor Alloy Women’s Health) and Alyson Niemann (Executive Director, Mindful Philanthropy)

Insights on Joy & Women’s Mental Health, with Elisha London (kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member)

Planting Seeds, Growing Our Impact, Building Resilience and Cultivating Joy, with Taraji P. Henson (Academy Award-Nominated Actress, Filmmaker, Founder of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member), Chrissy Rutherford (Founder, FWD JOY), Reshma Saujani (kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member) and Norette Turimuci (kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member)

The Summit follows the recent launch of kate spade new york’s Fall 2024 global campaign starring Taraji, Nicola and Marsai and its new seasonal collection, which embraces the spirit of the season and features the relaunch of the signature Spade Flower Jacquard assortment.

Curtain Raiser of MDJ “Couple No 1” Season 3 with a Grand Prize Trip to Vietnam

Kolkata, 9th September, 2024: Mahabir Danwar Jewellers is excited to announce the launch of their highly anticipated event, “Couple No 1 (Season 3),” designed to celebrate and rekindle the romance of married couples. The event aims to honor enduring love and the joy of partnership, extending an invitation to couples to showcase their unique and captivating couple photos.

The Curtain Raiser for this event, was held today at Mahabir Danwar Jewellers, Park Street outlet in Kolkata, was graced by a distinguished panel including Richa Sharma, Actress; Naina More, Celebrity Motivational Speaker; Vijay Soni, Director of Mahabir Danwar Jewellers; Sandeep Soni, Director of Mahabir Danwar Jewellers; Amit Soni, Director of Mahabir Danwar Jewellers. The finale will also be judged by Jyotee Khaitan, Fashion Designer.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Vijay Soni, Sandeep Soni & Amit Soni, Director of Mahabir Danwar Jewellers, said, “We are thrilled to revive the Jodi Number 1 contest with a fresh twist for married couples. This season, we are delighted to offer an unforgettable trip to Vietnam as our grand prize, highlighting our commitment to celebrating and rekindling love. We hope this contest will bring joy and create lasting memories for all participating couples. Additionally, every couple will enjoy a discount coupon and an exclusive visit to the MDJ Showroom, with a careful selection process ensuring that the most deserving couples are recognized.”

On this Occasion, Richa Sharma, Actress, said, “Marriage is a beautiful journey that deserves to be celebrated every day. In this season of love, we invite couples to participate in MDJ Couple No. 1 Season 3. The challenges of recent times have reinforced the importance of support and connection in relationships. Our goal is to honor this enduring partnership and offer couples a chance to enjoy unforgettable moments together. Celebrating and nurturing these bonds is key to a lasting and fulfilling marriage.”

On this Occasion, Jyotee Khaitan, Fashion Designer, said, “True love flourishes through both grand gestures and quiet moments of connection. In this season of love, we celebrate couples who have grown even closer through recent challenges. This contest is an opportunity to honor their journey and provide a platform for their enduring love to shine. It’s a chance for every couple to showcase their unique bond and create new memories together.”

Speaking to the media, Naina More, Celebrity Motivational Speaker, said, “Love is about creating beautiful moments that last a lifetime. This season, we are excited to offer couples the chance to shine through our contest. The past few years have deepened relationships, and now it’s time to celebrate those bonds. We’re thrilled to help couples relive their special moments and make new memories that they will cherish forever.”

The “Couple No 1” contest invites married couples to submit their most captivating couple photos. A meticulous selection process will identify the most deserving couples, who will receive a discount coupon and a chance to visit the MDJ Showroom. The grand prize includes a trip to Vietnam.