Healthtech platform ‘WatchYourHealth’ onboards Former Abbott India MD – Mr. Ashok Nair as Co-Founder and Global Executive Director

Mumbai, 16th June, 2023: WatchYourHealth (WYH), a pioneering healthtech platform, proudly announces the appointment of Ashok Nair as Co-Founder and Global Executive Director. Mr Nair, former Managing Director of Abbott India, brings a wealth of expertise and visionary leadership to WYH, driving exceptional consumer engagement solutions and profitable growth.

With a distinguished career at Abbott India, Mr. Nair is a trailblazer in the healthcare industry, positioning WYH for unparalleled growth and market leadership. His remarkable achievements include turning around Abbott’s Primary Care business, outpacing the market by growing 1.2 times faster with 8% growth since 2017. As Co-Founder and Global Executive Director, Mr. Nair aims to expand WYH’s pharma business within India and globally.

“We are honored to welcome Mr. Ashok Nair to the WatchYourHealth family,” said Ratheesh Nair, Founder and CEO of WYH. “His illustrious tenure as the former Managing Director of Abbott India, coupled with his proven leadership abilities, will be invaluable as we forge ahead with our mission to revolutionize consumer engagement.”

Mr. Nair’s extensive experience spans therapy areas across acute, chronic, and consumer care. His appointment strengthens WYH’s commitment to assembling a world-class team. With Nair’s leadership, WYH is primed to deliver outstanding results, reshape consumer engagement, and make a lasting impact on the healthcare industry.

“The Covid adversity taught me that Pharma was ready for newer ways to do business. WatchYourHealth was a startup team that I had mentored and groomed to enable digital transformation into a traditional Pharma industry. The impact that they have brought in the Pharma sector in a short span of time made me realize that it was time to do it myself, rather than advising and guiding from the outside. WYH is attempting to build a full digital ecosystem to connect Healthcare providers to patients. India is at the cusp of a digital transformation that has already hit the Indian banking system like the UPI revolution,” said Mr. Ashok Nair, Co-Founder and Global Executive Director of WatchYourHealth.

Change food choices to increase chances of tackling global warming

 Action to protect the planet against the impact of climate change will fall short unless we reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the global food system, which now makes up a third of man-made GHG emissions, a new study reveals.

The largest emission increase within food supply chains is triggered by beef and dairy consumption in rapidly developing countries, such as China and India, whilst emissions per head in developed countries with a high percentage of animal-based food declined.

The United Nations projects that an additional 70 percent of the current food demand will be needed to feed the world’s estimated population of 9.1 billion by 2050.

Publishing their findings today (15 June) in Nature Food, an international group of scientists led by the Universities of Groningen and Birmingham, say that the growth of the global population and rising demand for emission-intensive food are likely to boost emissions further.

“A global shift in diets, including reducing excessive intake of red meat and improving shares of plant-based protein – will not only reduce emissions but avoid health risks such as obesity and cardiovascular disease” stated corresponding author, Prof. Klaus Hubacek from the University of Groningen.

Another corresponding author, Dr Yuli Shan, from the University of Birmingham, commented: “The agrifood system drives global land use and agricultural activities – contributing to around one-third of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas. Population growth, expansion of food production, and an increase in animal-based diets are likely to further increase emissions and squeeze the global carbon budget.

The first author, Yanxian Li, a PhD student at the University of Groningen added that “Mitigating emissions at every stage of food supply chains from production to consumption is critical if we are to limit global warming. However, widespread and lasting diet shifts are very difficult to achieve quickly, so incentives that encourage consumers to reduce red meat or buy products with higher environmental dividends could help to reduce food emissions.”

Researchers analysed data linking emissions to consumers between 2000 and 2019, revealing that in 2019, food consumption in the five highest emitting countries, China (2.0 Gt CO2-eq), India (1.3 Gt), Indonesia (1.1 Gt), Brazil (1.0 Gt) and the USA (1.0 Gt), was responsible for more than 40% of global food supply chain emission.

Annual global GHG emissions associated with food increased by 14% (2 Gt CO2-eq) over the 20-year period. The substantial increase in consuming animal-based products contributed to some 95% of the global emissions rise, accounting for almost half of total food emissions. Beef and dairy contributed 32% and 46% of the increase in global animal-based emissions.

Consumption of grains and oil crops is responsible for 43% (3.4 Gt CO2-eq in 2019) and 23% (1.9 Gt CO2-eq) of global plant-based emissions respectively, whilst rice contributes to over half of the global grain-related emissions (1.7 Gt CO2-eq), with Indonesia (20%), China (18%), and India (10%) being the top three contributors.

Soybean (0.6 Gt CO2-eq) and palm oil (0.9 Gt CO2-eq) have the largest shares in global emissions from oil crops with 30% and 46%, respectively. Indonesia, the world’s leading consumer of palm oil, has the largest emissions from palm oil (35% of the global total in 2019), followed by Southeast Asia (13%), Western Europe (10%), and China (9%).

The study reveals considerable differences regarding emission patterns and the reasons behind these trends – classifiable as follows:

Countries with high per capita food emission levels and dominant livestock emissions (mainly from red meat) (North America, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean);
Developed countries which heavily rely on imports and outsource substantial amounts of food-related emissions (Japan and Europe);
Rapidly developing countries with substantial emission increase driven by rapid population growth or improved living standards (China, South Asia, Near East & North Africa); and
Countries with emission-intensive production, mainly with extensive land-use change activities (Brazil, Indonesia, and South and Central African regions).

The researchers also note that a series of trade policies are accelerating emissions through increasing food imports from countries/regions with emission-intensive production – for example, the EU’s Green Deal encourages less intensive agriculture in Europe and increasing imports of agricultural products from countries such as Brazil, USA, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

SBI General Insurance alerts customers to stay safe ahead of the Cyclone Biparjoy warning across the coast of Gujarat

Emergency toll-free number 1800 102 1111, SMS <CLAIM>to 561612, email customer.care@sbigeneral.in or the Claims Intimation Section on www.sbigeneral.in.

Ahmedabad, June 15^th, 2023: SBI General Insurance urges its customers to stay safe and take precautionary measures to safeguard their lives and protect their loved ones. The atmospheric depression in the Arabian Sea has intensified into “cyclonic storm – Biporjoy”. As per reports of the IMD (India Meteorological Department), the cyclone is presently travelling towards the coast of Gujarat and is likely to make a landfall on evening of 15^th June 2023 near Jakhau Port in Kutch district. In addition to heavy cyclonic winds, the cyclone may also cause heavy rainfall at Kutch region, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh and Morbi districts.

Amidst these heavy rains and adverse  situation, SBI General Insurance urges you to stay indoors and safe and also to protect your vehicles from any damage.

SBI General Insurance stands by its customers during these testing times. The team has set the standard operating process in motion and has set up a task force to manage queries and claims on fast-track mode. It is monitoring the incoming information and is equipped to respond to all the queries

Customers can intimate / register claim via various means:

1. Call the company’s toll-free number 1800 102 1111
2. SMS <CLAIM>to 561612
3. Send details on email: customer.care@sbigeneral.in
4. Visit Claims Intimation Section on www.sbigeneral.in

To avoid any delays in the claim settlement procedure, the Company has contacted a panel of surveyors. SBI General follows a process of ‘Express Claims’ settlement for losses of up to Rs. 10 lakhs for affected customers. Customers have experienced challenges and losses because of the floods and heavy rainfall, SBI General will waive the paperwork requirement wherever practicable. In the case of some smaller claims, immediate settlements will be offered with efforts to help those affected recovers. SBI General is devoted to assisting their customers and get them back on their feet as quickly as possible. Having invested in digital readiness and a thorough Business Continuity Plan, SBI General is well placed to help the customers when they need it the most.

Clean Air Day: Bramble Energy Urges Greater Investment in Hydrogen Technology to Combat Dangerous Levels of Air Pollution

Crawley, UK, 15 June 2023: Bramble Energy, a leading innovator in fuel cell technology, is proud to announce its strong support for Clean Air Day as it raises awareness for the urgent need for cleaner air and promotes sustainable transportation solutions.

Clean Air Day serves as a poignant reminder of the environmental and health challenges posed by air pollution, one of the most significant environmental threats to public health. The initiative raises awareness of the need to address this pressing issue and prioritise sustainable transportation alternatives.

Bramble Energy recognises the dangerous impact air pollution can have on physical wellbeing and mental health, and is calling for industry to take action in accelerating its uptake of hydrogen as a viable clean and zero-emission solution for transportation

The potential for hydrogen as a clean solution in a wide range of mobility industries is immense. Hydrogen vehicles emit just water vapour and have the unique ability to clean the air as they drive, further reducing emissions and improving air quality.

With an urgent need to decarbonise the high-polluting transportation sector as quickly as possible, hydrogen, especially when produced from renewable sources (Green Hydrogen), represents an alternative, sustainable route for transportation to pivot away from fossil fuelled vehicles without relying solely on battery electrification.

Dr Tom Mason, CEO of Bramble Energy, said: “Meeting net-zero targets requires a multi-energy approach across industries. While batteries will continue to improve, BEVs are not a singular, silver bullet, solution. Bramble Energy’s innovative PCBFC™ technology provides a cost-effective pathway for transport operators to transition to hydrogen without high initial investments.

“We’re committed to making hydrogen fuel cells more accessible to a wide range of industries and businesses using our PCB technology, driving us closer to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions. Hydrogen will become a major part of the zero-emission solution over the next decade but it needs the support and vision to make this reality as quickly as possible.”

With its revolutionary world’s first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fuel cell technology (PCBFC™), Bramble Energy is poised to accelerate the transition to hydrogen mobility and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

The patent protected PCBFC™ technology revolutionises the manufacturing process of fuel cells by leveraging the innovative use of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), a common component found in electronic products. This offers unprecedented efficiency benefits over traditional fuel cell manufacturing methods, enabling cost-effective, scalable, and rapid production of fuel cells for various applications.

Bramble Energy’s PCBFC™ digitally tooled manufacturing process reduces costs and turnaround times, which are two of the biggest barriers to hydrogen adoption, providing design, manufacture, testing, and shipping of a PCBFC™ in a matter of weeks, enabling faster deployment of hydrogen solutions.

Thanks to its lower material, production, and manufacturing costs at the stack level, Bramble Energy’s PCBFC™ technology is two to three times cheaper compared to traditional fuel cell stacks. This affordability factor, coupled with its flexibility in manufacturing and business models, makes the option of hydrogen fuel cells more accessible for a wide range of industries and businesses, driving the transition to a net-zero future.

There is a growing interest for hydrogen solutions at a government level, with projects receiving substantial support and funding initiatives. The recent allocation of £77m from the Advanced Propulsion Centre for hydrogen projects saw Bramble Energy awarded £6.3m for its lead role in the Hydrogen Electric Integrated Drivetrain Initiative (HEIDI) project where it will develop a hydrogen-powered double-deck bus, using its first-of-its-kind Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fuel cell technology.

Bramble Energy urges industry decision makers, from haulage, freight, to bus and coach fleet operators to be increasing investments in hydrogen fuel cell technologies to develop and deliver solutions that meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation.

With its potential to revolutionise the fuel cell market, Bramble Energy’s PCBFC™ technology paves the way for the widespread adoption of hydrogen in automotive, marine, and energy storage applications. By making hydrogen fuel cells more affordable and accessible, Bramble Energy is actively contributing to the realisation of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

Father’s Day celebrations at ITC Grand Chola & World

ITC Grand Chola celebrates the first superhero in everyone lives on June 18^th – Father’s Day with a curated culinary selection as follows:

1. My Pop is Tops at the Madras Pavilion on 18^th May, 12.30 – 3.30 pm.

Brunch buffet all-inclusive per person at

• INR 3000 with soft beverages
• INR 3500 with select beverages
• INR 4950 with sparkling beverages

Highlights of the very special menu:

• Minestrone soup
• Mediterranean casserole
• Grilled lamb chops
• Shepherd’s Pie
• Roast chicken with roast gravy
• Potato & cashew croquettes
• Super Dad macaron
• Rum & blackberry dark chocolate mousse

2. Chocolatey Treat at Fabelle, epitomising all Elements – Earth, Fire, Breeze, Water, and Space in divine chocolatey versions as special as the man himself.

Contact —04466055272, 9677050598——————for more information.

Revenue of organised gold jewellers to rise 16-18% this fiscal

Photo by Michael Steinberg:

High gold prices will be the key driver amid minimal volume growth, credit outlook to remain stable

Sustained high gold prices will brighten up revenue of organised gold jewellery retailers by 16-18% this fiscal, but volume growth will remain modest driven by volatile and elevated gold prices. This comes after a stellar compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~35% logged during fiscals 2022 and 2023, led largely by strong volume growth, driven by pent-up demand and increased consumer spend. Average realisations during fiscals 2022 and 2023 increased at a CAGR of ~5%

Operating margin, meanwhile, is expected to moderate by up to 30 basis points to 7.8-8.0%, led by increasing promotional and store-related expenses. Still, the margin will remain above the pre-pandemic level of 6.8-7.0%. Working capital debt requirement will continue to rise as jewellers keep expanding stores, albeit at a slower pace than in the past two fiscals. Credit profile for the players will remain stable

.

A CRISIL Ratings study of 46 gold jewellery retailers, comprising ~25% of the organised jewellery sector revenue, indicates as much. For the record, the organised sector accounts for slightly more than a third of the market, with the highly fragmented unorganised sector making up the rest.

Domestic price of gold increased by ~10% last fiscal, averaging Rs 52,700 per 10 gm (24-carat) and reaching Rs 60,000 per 10 gm by end March 2023. The price further inched up to an all-time high of ~Rs 61,500 per 10 gm during May 2023, as gold kept its shine as one of the safer investment options amid an uncertain global economic outlook. High demand amid the marriage season in India and a gradual recovery in gold buying in China also contributed to the high prices.

Says Anuj Sethi, Senior Director, CRISIL Ratings, “We expect low single-digit volume growth for the organised players during fiscal 2024, given elevated gold prices. That said, organised players will continue to see modest market share gain, compared with unorganised players.”

Increase in penetration of goods and services tax, mandatory hallmarking, rising disposable income, and diversification in consumer preference in terms of jewellery designs are nudging market share towards organised players. This is also evident from the fact that gold jewellery retailers rated by CRISIL Ratings saw healthy double-digit volume increase last fiscal.

Store expansion, which grew 25-30% last fiscal after two consecutive fiscals of subdued growth, will see mid double-digit growth this fiscal. This will lead to higher inventory requirement, leading to increased working capital debt. Gross bank credit1 to the sector had declined 3% over the 12 months through March 2023 as players rationalised inventory across stores and generated healthy cash.

Says Aditya Jhaver, Director, CRISIL Ratings, “The marginal moderation in operating profitability, along with higher working capital borrowings and finance cost, will lead to a slight moderation in debt metrics this fiscal. Nonetheless, the credit profile of gold jewellery retailers will remain stable with total outside liabilities to tangible net worth ratio and interest coverage expected at 1.0-1.1 times and 8.2-8.4 times, respectively, compared with ~1.2 times and ~9.6 times, respectively, last fiscal.”

Unleash Dad’s Radiance this Father’s Day with Kiehl’s

With Father’s Day approaching, there’s no better time to show your love and appreciation for your father than by indulging him in a luxurious skincare experience. Kiehl’s India, known for its premium skincare products, presents a magnificent selection of skincare solutions tailored for men. Whether he’s a first-time dad, a skincare enthusiast, or an adventurous soul, Kiehl’s offers a thoughtfully curated range of men’s self-care products to elevate their pampering session this Father’s Day.

Facial Fuel Range:

Becoming a father is a transformative experience, but it also takes a toll on the skin due to sleepless nights and increased stress. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Range which includes Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment, scrub, and No Shine lip balm is specifically formulated to combat fatigue and revitalize tired skin. Enriched with invigorating ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C, and menthol, this range energizes and hydrates the skin, leaving it refreshed and revitalized.

Age Defender Range:

Skincare-savvy dads appreciate the importance of maintaining a youthful appearance. Kiehl’s Age Defender range is tailor-made for them, it has the Age Defender Cream Moisturizer, Power Serum, and Eye Repair. This advanced skincare collection is formulated with potent ingredients like capryloyl salicylic acid, linseed extract, and caffeine to target visible signs of aging, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin firmness. Give your dad the confidence of ageless skin with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream and Age Defender range.

Body Scrub Soap & Facial Fuel Eye De Puffer:

Adventure-loving dads need skincare products that can keep up with their active lifestyles. Kiehl’s Scrub Soap and De Puffer range is a perfect choice. The Scrub Soap is a unique blend of oatmeal and bran that gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it smooth and refreshed after every use. The De Puffer, infused with hibiscus extract and caffeine, helps reduce under-eye puffiness, making your dad look and feel his best, even after those long days.