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  • Amway Invests $4M in Four Innovative Research Labs Across India

    NEW DELHI: Advancing its focus on strengthening scientific capabilities to provide cutting-edge, next-generation support in health and wellbeing, Amway, a global company, today formally introduced its four state-of-the-art Research & Development (R&D) labs across India with an investment of $4 million. By harnessing advanced technology, contemporary science, and thought leadership, these labs are poised to redefine industry standards by developing safe, effective, differentiated, and high-quality health and wellbeing products to support people in India and around the world. India is the location of one of the four Amway R&D hubs, worldwide. This strategic move is in line with Amway’s efforts to cater to the evolving needs of consumers empowering millions to achieve optimal well-being and fostering a healthier future for all.

    Amway’s four state-of-the-art R&D labs in Gurugram, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Dindigul collectively total 24,700 square feet, creating a powerhouse of scientific discovery and breakthrough product development.

    Talking about the investment from Amway India’s business perspective and describing the benefits to India, Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, of Amway India, said “There is a need for a transformative approach to nutrition and wellness in India, as the health landscape here faces significant challenges related to nutrition, lifestyle and gut health. This investment accelerates Amway India’s product development capabilities and positions Amway to better serve the unique and evolving needs of its consumers and businesses in India and around the world. India stands as one of our top priority markets globally and this investment underscores the confidence of Amway Global in the country’s expertise and potential to drive groundbreaking innovation in the health and wellbeing space.”

    “For over a quarter-century, Amway India has earned the trust of people by helping them lead a healthy way of life. Our commitment to a healthier nation envisions empowering our distributors to help transform the lives of millions of Indians by prioritizing health span over lifespan. As we continue to drive innovation to offer need-based recommendations, we’ve found that the most crucial element in your health and wellbeing journey is a strong gut that is also linked to improved mental health and immunity. The R&D labs will further support driving scientifically backed initiatives like ‘Morning Nutrition’ – a holistic campaign to support a healthy lifestyle that helps individuals start their day with optimal nutrition to maintain a healthier lifestyle. We are poised to foster a healthier future for all in line with the Government of India’s vision. This strategic investment strengthens our confidence in achieving our goals while solidifying our position at the forefront of the health and wellbeing industry,” Chopra concluded. 

    Introducing the R&D labs in India, Dr Shyam Ramakrishnan, Director, Innovation and Science, India, and Southeast Asia, Amway said, “In response to the rising awareness around health, wellbeing, and nutrition worldwide, this investment in state-of-the-art R&D labs is well positioned to meet the evolving consumer needs across global markets.  Importantly, it aligns with our global multi-year growth vision of consistently providing recommendations for overall well-being tailored to the evolving needs of various age groups. Having an innovation hub in India allows us to harness the incredible Indian talent pool and support the country’s ambition to be a meaningful contributor to overall well-being. For more than six decades, we, at Amway, have always prioritized a science-led approach to product development, consistently innovating for our distributors and their customers. We’re leveraging top talent in India and around the globe to develop differentiated nutrition, food, and beauty products.  These products are focused on India and Southeast Asia and possibly on other global markets. Aligned with our vision of helping people live better, healthier lives, I believe this move will raise the bar of innovation, keeping science and technology at the forefront, thus showcasing our commitment to make Amway future-ready through aspirational, trendsetting products and solutions.”

    Amway is focused on delivering innovative, plant-forward formulations to meet modern nutrition, health, and well-being needs around 4 key areas, namely – Healthy Weight, Healthy Beauty, Fitness, and Healthy Ageing, emphasizing clean labels and sustainability. A team of expert researchers across various scientific disciplines will expedite the development of differentiated solutions. These contemporary R&D labs are equipped with advanced technology and instrumentation, botanical-driven innovation, the latest packaging technology, and more to ensure Amway’s benchmark quality and safety standards.

    The investment in the R&D labs in India will cater to domestic and global requirements, further augmenting the company’s efforts around research, testing, and validation of innovative ideas, products, and technologies. These labs are equipped to develop product solutions in Foods, Oral solids, Beauty, and Personal care segments with premium botanical ingredients for nutrition and skin applications.

  • The New Hyundai CRETA: A Design Marvel That Dominated India’s Best Design Awards 2024

    GURUGRAM:  Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) and Hyundai Motor India Engineering (HMIE) were presented with ‘India’s Best Design Projects Award’ at ‘India’s Best Design Awards 2024’ by Design India, for the new Hyundai CRETA. This accolade is a testament to Hyundai’s global design language of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’, personifying itself in the new Hyundai CRETA’s captivating, modern, bold stance.

    Speaking on this coveted recognition, Chohee Park, Head of Department, HMIE Hyundai Advanced Design India said, “Through Hyundai Motor Company’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, Hyundai is recognized the world over for its breathtaking designs. Winning ‘India’s Best Design Projects Award’ is a key recognition of this design philosophy. The new Hyundai CRETA showcases a seamless fusion of contemporary aesthetic and modern technology, ensuring it is not just an SUV, but a visual masterpiece. With its rugged design lines and authoritative presence on the roads, the new Hyundai CRETA continues to captivate the senses and enthrall new-age customers.”

    The new Hyundai CRETA is an all-rounder SUV that ticks all the right boxes. Its audacious design goes beyond mere style, combining bold aesthetics with functional practicality and a rich heritage. The refreshed design appeals to the growing popularity of SUVs, offering a distinctive and modern look. Inside, the Hyundai CRETA seamlessly blends practicality with a premium feel, using high-quality materials and a design focused on the Indian user experience. This facelift builds on the success of the Hyundai CRETA nameplate.

    The new Hyundai CRETA continues to fulfill the dreams of those seeking a contemporary and adventurous SUV, thus making India ‘Live the SUV Life.’

    Since 2015, ‘India’s Best Design Awards’ has established itself as a standard of excellence across diverse design categories including product design, communication design, digital design, spatial design, and more. These awards are a recognized symbol of accomplishment, shining the spotlight on exceptional design and showcasing brilliance in a highly competitive design landscape.

  • L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. Felicitates Outperforming Employees with Star Awards 2024

    L&T Finance Holdings

    7th Sept 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), a leading retail financier, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the prestigious ‘Star Awards 2024’, recognizing outstanding contributions from LTFH employees during the previous year.

    Among 6096 eligible colleagues, 320 exceptional LTFH employees received these coveted awards at a splendid ceremony in Mumbai. The event was graced by Mr. S. N. Subrahmanyan, Non-executive Director and Chairperson of the Board, along with Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Dinanath Dubhashi, Whole-time Director, the Board of Directors including, Mr. P. V. Bhide, Mr. Thomas Mathew T., Dr. R. Seetharaman, and members of the Group Executive Council (GEC).

    On this occasion, Mr. Nilesh Dange, Chief Human Resources Officer of LTFH said, “On behalf of the entire leadership team, I would like to extend gratitude to all the winners of the Star Awards 2024. Their contributions will be instrumental in the journey towards being a digitally-enabled, retail finance Company as their achievements not only reflect their individual brilliance, but also contribute to the collective success of our organisation. We also celebrate their ownership towards the Company values viz. Pride, Ambition, Integrity and Discipline in their journey towards achieving their goals.”

    “In the time to come, I look forward to seeing our employees achieve our goals by imbibing the ethos of the five pillars of execution namely, enhancing customer acquisition, sharpening credit underwriting, implementing futuristic digital architecture, heightened brand visibility and capability building for making this workplace into a Fintech@Scale,” Mr. Dange added.

    The awards ceremony was also live-streamed across regional, zonal, and head offices of LTFH.

    Star Awards are given in four categories which are:

    Bright Spark: The recipients of these awards are those who are relatively new to LTFH, but have ‘gone beyond’ and delivered significant results while demonstrating very high levels of ownership and collaboration. This year, 48 employees received these awards.

    Exemplar of Values: The recipients of these awards are those who have joined the Company on or before December 31, 2022, and have imbibed and reflected the organizational values. These awards are given in two categories which are Pride (the one who inspires results by setting high standards, advocating the cause of the unit’s mission and collaborating seamlessly) and Ambition (the one who has delivered what was thought to be almost impossible. A relentless person with a zeal to achieve more, and displays fearless accountability. The one who also raises the bar for the other people). Sixty-nine employees received the awards for Pride while 111 employees received awards for Ambition this year.

    Teamwork: The recipients of these awards are teams that exemplified the spirit of teamwork and collaborated across boundaries to deliver a complex project that was mission-critical for the enterprise while ensuring institutionalization of processes and outcomes. Seven teams covering 82 employees received these awards.

    Transformation Champion: The award recipients are individuals and teams who have displayed exemplary performance, initiative, consistent delivery, and game-changing practices/ideas that transform and turn around the business. Ten employees received these awards.


    Mansi Praharaj

  • Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan: 11 Years of Unmatched Hospitality and Service


    Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan

    Celebrating 11 Years of Excellence at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan

    PUNE: The Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan recently marked its 11th anniversary with an exclusive event celebrating relaxation, recognition, and connection. This special evening, hosted at our hotel, we honored the valuable partners who have played a crucial role in our journey.

    The event was an honor to the collaborative efforts that have driven our success over the past decade. Guests were treated to a serene atmosphere, allowing them to connect, reflect, and celebrate our shared achievements and the evening featured exquisite culinary offerings, live entertainment, and heartfelt acknowledgments of the contributions that have shaped our success.

    As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence and innovation. We eagerly anticipate many more years of fruitful partnerships and shared growth. This milestone highlights our past accomplishments and underscores our dedication to future success.

    Thank you to everyone who has been part of this remarkable journey. Here’s to many more years of continued excellence!

  • ICRA Boosts Vedanta’s Credit Rating to AA


    Vedanta

    The rating upgrade reflects improvement in credit metrics, financial flexibility, and a calibrated approach toward capital deployment.

    The company has Rs 22,000 crore+ ($2.61 billion) war chest arising from cash reserves, dividends, and stake sales from its subsidiary.

    INDIA: ICRA has upgraded Vedanta Limited’s long-term credit rating to [ICRA]AA from [ICRA]AA-, reflecting the company’s strengthened credit profile. The short-term rating has also been reaffirmed at [ICRA]A1+.

    This upgrade comes amidst significant developments at Vedanta Group that focus on long-term strategic growth and financial strength. Vedanta Ltd. has built a war chest exceeding Rs 22,000 crore, comprising mainly of existing cash reserves, stake sales, and dividends from its subsidiary Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL). Over the past few quarters, Vedanta has deleveraged its balance sheet resulting in an improvement in the net debt to EBITDA ratio from 1.9X in Q1FY24 to 1.5X currently. Similarly, the mining major’s UK parent – Vedanta Resources Limited – has seen an improvement in the current group net debt to EBITDA 3.3X in FY20 to a current 2.2X.

    VRL is also actively pursuing to refinance a substantial portion of its outstanding bonds, aiming to lower the consolidated entity’s interest costs further. All the deleveraging efforts are also expected to improve the overall financial flexibility of the Group. Notably, in July 2024, S&P Global upgraded the VRL’s credit rating to B-/stable from CCC+.

    The Vedanta Group has some of the world’s largest mines in various categories. As per its annual report, it has the world’s largest underground zinc-lead mine in India’s western state of Rajasthan. Vedanta’s subsidiary – HZL – is the third largest producer of silver in the world, while its oil and gas unit operates the world’s longest continuously heated pipeline.

    Vedanta has recently gone through fundraising initiatives such as a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) worth approximately $1 billion and an additional ~ $400 million from the sale of Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) shares. Furthermore, around $500 million raised by Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL) through a stake sale in VEDL in June 2024 will also aid in reducing the Group’s overall debt burden. This move is expected to improve the group’s leverage and lower its interest expenses, signaling a robust financial strategy focused on long-term stability and growth.

    In addition to these financial improvements, Vedanta’s operational performance has also been a key driver. The company has reported solid results, especially in its aluminum and zinc businesses, where improved realizations and cost efficiencies have led to strong operational performance.  They together contributed over 80% to consolidated OPBITDA in FY2024 and Q1 FY2025. The company recorded the highest-ever alumina production at Lanjigarh and mined metal products at the Zinc India unit. It brought down the overall cost of production by 20 percent YoY due to structural changes and other initiatives.  Lanjigarh has a capacity of 3.5 MTPA, which is one of the largest refineries in the world.

    Strategically, Vedanta continues to focus on strengthening its diverse portfolio. A key aspect of its strategy has been increasing the share of value-added products, particularly in the aluminum segment, which is expected to boost profitability and support long-term growth. The company’s efforts to streamline costs and focus on vertical integration will further contribute to improved margins and operational efficiency. The company’s investment in expanding its capacities and reducing operational costs ensures it is well-placed to maintain its market leadership.

    The company is on track with its demerger after receiving a no-objection certificate from secured lenders and the stock exchanges. It has already filed the scheme with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

    The de-merger, which is planned to be a simple vertical split, will enable value unlocking and attracting big-ticket investment into the expansion and growth of each of its demerged businesses. By further simplifying its corporate structure, the demerger will create sector-focused independent businesses that will provide investment opportunities to Indian and global investors, including sovereign wealth funds and strategic investors.

  • MCA Launches Architectural Design Competition for Gahunje Cricket Stadium’s International Club House


    Poster of Competition was unveiled on the occasion. From left Kamlesh Pisal, Rohit Pawar, Vikas Achalkar

    Partners with the Indian Institute of Architects, Pune Center to execute this competition

    PUNE: In a bid to expand the Cricket Stadium facility by accommodating an international clubhouse for providing the state-of-the-art infrastructure as per international standards to promote Cricket with training, fitness coaching, residential and other support facilities the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) is organizing an architectural design competition for professional architects, architectural firms and the students of the architecture in collaboration with the Indian Institute Architects, Pune Center.

    This was announced by Rohit Pawar, President of the Maharashtra Cricket Association during a Press Conference held at J W Marriott today. Kamlesh Pisal, Secretary MCA, Ar Vikas Achalkar, President, IIA Pune Center, and Ar Kapil Jain, EC Member of IIA Pune Center were present on the occasion.

    Commenting on the competition Rohit Pawar said, “We are happy to announce an architectural design competition in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Architects, Pune Centre that seeks to blend the passion for cricket with innovative architectural design. It is a unique opportunity for professionals and students alike to contribute to the vision of a world-class facility, which will serve as a beacon for the sport of cricket in the state of Maharashtra.”

    “Promoting Cricket as a global sporting event, expanding the existing facility for increased participation, integration of residential facilities, and most importantly making the MCA International Cricket Stadium at Gahunje a self-sustaining venue are the key objectives behind developing an international clubhouse and the competition being organized to get the best design for this project”, Pawar added.

    From left: Kapil Jain, Rohit Pawar, Vikas Achalkar and Kamlesh Pisal

    Ar Vikas Achalkar, President IIA, Pune Center said, “In this competition architects and students of architecture are invited to submit designs for the proposed international clubhouse adjoining the MCA Cricket Stadium at Gahunje, Pune. We are proposing an adequate number of rooms at this clubhouse which can be run by a reputed international hotel chain so that the players can stay there during the matches.”

    “Good accommodation at the stadium will save precious time for players and the support staff which is otherwise spent on travel from the city hotel to the venue on important days for the players. It will also reduce the burden on logistics and security. This will make MCA International Cricket Stadium the first stadium in the country to have world-class accommodation for the players”, Ar Achalkar stated.

    This open competition is divided into two parts including a ‘Single Stage Competition’ for professionals and the ‘Ideas Competition’ for the students of architecture. IIA Pune Center will shoulder the responsibility of designing and executing the competition along with the evaluation of entries received. Information about the competition is available on the MCA website.

    Registration for entering this competition can be done between September 10th and 30th, the designs submission process will take place between October 5th and December 14th, the presentation of shortlisted designs will take place between January 5th and 8th and the final result shall be declared on January 15th.

    The author of the winning design shall be appointed as the Project Architect to render architectural & other allied services for successful implementation. The International Club House project at the MCA International Cricket Stadium is proposed to have world-class rooms for the stay, banquet halls, a sports bar, restaurants, an ultramodern gym, a swimming pool,  indoor cricket pitches for the all-year-round practice, and many other sports with the indoor format.

    Details of the prizes of this competition are as follows

    For Professionals Rs.25 Lakhs, Rs.15 Lakhs and Rs.10 Lakhs would be the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cash prize respectively. In addition, five merit prizes of Rs.3 Lakhs each shall also be awarded in this category.

    For the students category cash prizes of Rs.3 Lakhs, Rs.2 Lakhs, and Rs.1 Lakh would be given as the top three prizes.

    Works of some participating professionals and students selected by the Jury would be displayed at the special exhibition on the day of the awards presentation.

  • ASCI Board Welcomes Partha Sinha as New Chairman

    MUMBAI: Post the board meeting held today following the 38th Annual General Meeting, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) appointed Partha Sinha, President & Chief Brand Officer of Bennett Coleman & Company Limited, as the Chairman of the ASCI Board of Governors for 2024-25. Sudhanshu Vats, Deputy Managing Director, Pidilite Industries Limited, was appointed Vice-Chairman, and S. Subramanyeswar, Group CEO & Chief Strategy Officer-APAC, Lintas India Private Limited was appointed Hon. Treasurer.

    Sinha comes with a rich and vast experience with top organizations such as Bennet Coleman, Ogilvy, Publicis, BBH, McCann, and Citibank, along with his stronghold of brand marketing, media, and communications.

    Partha Sinha expressed a compelling vision for ASCI. “Being the chairperson of ASCI is both an honor and a profound responsibility, especially as our industry is under greater scrutiny by our stakeholders. With rapid changes in the digital environment and the emergence of new challenges. ASCI is committed to not just keeping up but to staying ahead. Deploying technology and AI to monitor errant advertising as well as putting our might behind preventive measures will be our focus in the days to come. This will ensure that creativity and responsibility coexist, creating an ecosystem that values consumers and encourages innovation.”

    Reflecting on his term, outgoing Chairman Saugata Gupta said, “Leading ASCI through a period that witnessed significant development and change has been a privilege. This year has been marked by historic milestones, including the formation of the ASCI Academy, which has become a cornerstone in promoting responsible and progressive advertising. Our commitment to training and capacity building, creating new direction via our thought leadership work, reflects a culture of responsibility from the ground up.”

    ASCI has made great progress in terms of its achievements and strategic initiatives during the year, reinforcing its commitment to proactive work since the start of the ASCI Academy. The Academy’s expansion is an important aspect of ASCI’s initiatives, and it is quickly becoming an active proponent of industry training and education. Since its inception, the Academy has expanded to encompass over 75 alliances and, through its training and education, successfully impacted 33,300 new and emerging professionals, firmly anchoring ethical principles deeply within the advertising community.

    ASCI has also actively engaged in research and thought leadership through collaborative projects. Notable among these were partnerships with Khaitan & Co. on a white paper on the influence of generative AI on advertising, with the UN Women-led Unstereotype Alliance and lead research agency Kantar on D&I in India, as well as with Lexplosion for an in-depth understanding of privacy and data protection.

    In the past year, ASCI actively co-hosted and participated in several stakeholder and government consultations to address and discuss issues like dark patterns, green claims, and surrogate advertising.

    ASCI updated and introduced new guidelines on an array of categories this year, including deceptive patterns, charitable cause marketing, and green claims ads, among others. These changes keep the ASCI Code current in the face of the changing industry dynamics and consumer expectations.

    ASCI’s rigorous complaint redressal and monitoring operations this year included processing over 10,000 complaints and reviewing over 8,200 advertisements, affirming its role as a vigilant guardian of the advertising industry.

    ASCI remains dedicated to advancing ethical, inclusive, and transparent advertising.

  • Aristocrat Media’s 3rd Healthcare and Wellness Innovation Conclave

    September 21, 2024, at MIT World Peace University, Pune!

    MUMBAI: Aristocrat Media, a renowned entity in recognizing and celebrating excellence across various industries, is set to host the 3rd Edition of the Healthcare and Wellness Innovation Conclave on September 21, 2024, at the prestigious MIT World Peace University, Pune. Following the resounding success of the previous editions, this year’s event promises to be a monumental gathering of healthcare leaders, innovators, and visionaries.

    The Healthcare and Wellness Innovation Conclave has quickly established itself as a significant platform, fostering dialogue and collaboration in the ever-evolving healthcare sector. Under the visionary leadership of Founder Mr. Farooq Shaikh, Aristocrat Media continues to drive advancements and highlight the critical role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of healthcare.

    The event will be graced by the support of our esteemed partners: Strand Life Sciences as the Technology Partner, JM Financial as the Silver Partner, and Kiaan Wellness as the Wellness Partner. Alongside, we are collaborating with industry leaders and innovators including Redefine, SMBConnect, Theistic Business Consultants, Approach Entertainment as PR & Celebrity Partner, Go Spiritual India as Spiritual Partner, siliconindia, Pharma Utility, Gravitas AI, and many more. These partnerships are pivotal in making the event a grand success, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to explore the latest advancements and trends in healthcare and wellness.

    The upcoming edition will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including industry stalwarts such as Mr. Farooq Shaikh, Founder of Aristocrat Media; Umesh Unnikrishnan, Director of the Medical Value Travel Council of India; Dr. Urvashi Prasad, Director at the Office of the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Government of India; Dr. Rajiv Chhibber, Vice President of External Affairs (Policy, Government Relations & Outreach) at Sahajanand Medical Technologies; Mr. Rahul Datta, CEO of Ankura Hospital, Hyderabad; Mihir Vora, Founder of Magnus Medi; Mukesh Sinha, Director of OSEL Devices Limited and Co-Founder of Gravitas AI Ltd., UK; Dr. Akshay Kulkarni, Founder of Onco-Connect; Nilesh Sahasrabudhe, Founder and CEO of NordicMojo; Dr. Rishabh Bhandari, Founder of Medisha.com; Swamy SRII Rajvibhu, The Kumbhak Yogi; and Sagar Vazare, Director of KIAAN Wellness Corporation, among others. These experts will delve into pressing topics such as the integration of technology in healthcare, patient safety, the transformative power of AI, mental health and wellness, and holistic approaches to well-being.

    In addition to insightful discussions, the Conclave will honor outstanding contributions in the healthcare sector through a prestigious awards ceremony. Categories will include the Most Innovative CEOs in Healthcare, Most Innovative HR in Healthcare, and the esteemed Healthcare Innovation Excellence Award. The rigorous selection process adheres to international standards, ensuring that only the most deserving individuals and organizations receive recognition.

    “We are thrilled to continue our journey of recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements in healthcare,” said Farooq Shaikh. “We aim to inspire and motivate healthcare professionals and innovators to reach even greater heights in their fields.”

    Aristocrat Media’s previous awards and initiatives, including the Business Tycoon Awards, Global Healthcare and Medical Tourism Conclave and Awards, and Indo Asia Healthcare Leadership Award, have set a precedent for recognizing excellence across industries. The 2nd Edition of Healthcare Innovation Conclave & Awards promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together visionaries, innovators, and healthcare leaders to pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for India.Aristocrat Media is a leading organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating excellence in various industries. With a history of hosting prestigious awards and conclave events, Aristocrat Media has become synonymous with honoring outstanding contributions across diverse sectors. Committed to inspiring excellence and innovation, Aristocrat Media continues to lead the way in recognizing the best and brightest talents in India.

  • Your Ultimate Guide to Nutrition for Pre-Diabetes Control


    Almond Board of California

    By Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS and Nutritionist

    According to a study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, 136 million people in India, or 15.3% of the population, may be living with pre diabetes. This is a significant increase from 2017 when 6–15% of the population was estimated to have prediabetes. [1]With a rising tide of pre-diabetic cases in India, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to manage your health. Clean, mindful eating is key to maintaining blood sugar levels and can even reverse pre-diabetes. Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS and nutritionist, emphasizes the importance of incorporating specific foods into your diet to control blood sugar before it escalates into diabetes. Alongside dietary changes, she advises an active lifestyle, avoiding ultra-processed foods, and engaging in regular physical activities like post-meal walks to curb blood sugar spikes.

    Foods to Include in a Pre-Diabetic Diet

    Almonds Almonds are protein-dense, contain healthy fats, and are rich in fiber, all of which help regulate blood sugar. Two new research studies published last year authored by Dr. Anoop Misra and Dr Seema Gulati showed that a simple addition of almonds to the diet may help reduce the burden of diabetes. More specifically, a handful of almonds eaten 30 minutes before breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three months reversed prediabetes to normal blood sugar levels in nearly one-quarter of the people studied – improvements as potent as taking prescription diabetes medication. Diabetes researchers described this reversal from prediabetes to normal blood glucose regulation as “the holy grail of medicine.” Therefore, Dr. Patil recommends a handful of almonds daily, whether as a snack or in salads and yogurt, to stabilize blood sugar and curb overeating.

    Green Leafy Vegetables Leafy greens like spinach, fenugreek, and amaranth are low in carbs and high in fiber, making them a good addition for managing blood sugar levels. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health. Their low glycemic index (GI) makes them crucial for pre-diabetes management.

    Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and probiotics, which benefit gut health. The protein content slows carbohydrate digestion, leading to a gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream. Dr. Patil advises choosing unsweetened Greek yogurt and pairing it with nuts or fruits for a blood sugar-friendly snack.

    Lean Protein Lean proteins like fish, chicken, eggs, and legumes are vital for blood sugar management. Fish, especially fatty types like salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which improve insulin sensitivity. For vegetarians, paneer and tofu offer similar benefits. Including these proteins in meals can help prevent blood sugar spikes.

    Whole Grains Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and barley are high in fiber, which slows sugar absorption. Their lower GI makes them ideal for managing blood sugar. Dr. Patil suggests starting your day with oatmeal or incorporating brown rice into meals for sustained energy and better blood sugar control.

    If you’re pre-diabetic and not on medication, Dr. Patil stresses the importance of clean eating habits and incorporating these foods into your daily routine. Staying physically active is equally important. She recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity, five days a week, such as walking, yoga, or moderate exercises, to manage blood sugar and prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.

    By making these dietary changes and staying active, you can take control of your blood sugar levels and maintain overall health. Dr. Patil’s balanced nutrition and sustainable practices offer an effective approach to managing pre-diabetes.

  • Raymond Lifestyle’s Bourse Debut: Targeting a 7% Share in the Men’s Wedding Wear Market by 2027

    Expansion plans include 900 outlets in 3 years, alongside the launch of new categories

    MUMBAI: Raymond Lifestyle Ltd. (“RLL”), whose shares will be listed on the bourses on September 5, 2025, is on its way to towards the largest-ever retail expansion by adding 900 new outlets over three years. The Raymond Group’s lifestyle business entity is eyeing a 15% Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to attain around 7% market share in the fast-growing Men’s-Wear wedding market by 2027.

    Raymond, which will now have two listed entities following the demerger of its retail and lifestyle businesses, is focused on unlocking shareholder value by creating specialized businesses. Backed by a legacy of nearly a century, Raymond enjoys the position as the largest brand in the Indian men’s -wear wedding market, estimated at around Rs 75,000 crore. RLL, which is set to emerge among the top three global fabric suppliers by the end of this year, has sales of Rs 2550 crore from the wedding business in FY’24, which includes Raymond’s wedding and ceremonial attire, and Ethnix, its Indian ethnic wear offering.

    Underscoring RLL’s role in further cementing itself in the rapidly expanding lifestyle segment, Gautam Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, of Raymond Group, said, “The demerger aims at unlocking shareholder value by creating a focussed lifestyle business entity. Raymond Lifestyle will sharpen its strategic focus in this fast-growing sector to become among the top three global fabric suppliers by the end of this year. The global scenario presents significant opportunities, particularly the challenges in China and Bangladesh and trade agreements with the UK, EU, and Australia.”

    Highlighting RLL’s massive expansion plans, Sunil Kataria, CEO, of Raymond Lifestyle, said, “The Raymond brand enjoys an iconic status in the Indian Wedding Men’s-Wear market. With Raymond Lifestyle, we are all set to embark upon the largest-ever retail expansion with 900 new outlets over three years, alongside launching new categories such as sleepwear and innerwear. Several other categories are also in the pipeline. When it comes to our existing brands, Ethnix has already established its distinct position in the market, and we plan to nearly triple our physical presence with an additional 300 Ethnix stores in the next three years. We believe that we can achieve unparalleled growth in this wedding segment, significantly consolidating our position as the dominant market leader.”

    As a focused, pure-play consumer business, RLL is pursuing a three-pronged strategic approach of strengthening the core of branded textiles, accelerating the growth of apparel garments, and building new categories such as ethnic wear, innerwear, sleepwear, and international retail. RLL is focused on enhancing the distribution presence in the country and plans to set up over 650 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) over the next three years.

    Speaking about RLL’s growth plans, Amit Agarwal, Chief Financial Officer, of Raymond Group, said, “In the next three years, we anticipate Raymond Lifestyle doubling its EBITDA to over ₹20 billion. We are also looking towards a 12–15% sales growth in the lifestyle sector. The aim for Raymond Lifestyle would be to capture around 7% market share in the dynamic Men’s-Wear wedding market by 2027.”

    Raymond is the 10th strongest brand in India, and the only fabric and apparel brand as recognized by Brand Finance. Guided by the enduring legacy of “The Complete Man”, Raymond has always epitomized the values of trust, quality, and excellence. RLL is set to carry this legacy forward, continuing to define men’s fashion with the same timeless elegance.