ICICI Bank launches ‘Festive Bonanza’, with offers, discounts, and cashback on leading brands

ICICI Bank

Mumbai: ICICI Bank today announced the launch of ‘Festive Bonanza’, with exciting offers, discounts and cashbacks of upto Rs. 26,000 for its customers at the onset of the festive season. Customers can avail of these benefits by purchasing various items from their favourite brands by using ICICI Bank’s credit/debit cards, internet banking, UPI via Rupay credit cards and Cardless EMI. These offers are also available to the customers in the form of no-cost EMIs using the Bank’s credit/ debit cards.

The Bank has curated the offers to cater to the various needs of the customers during the festive season, in various categories such as electronics, mobiles, fashion, jewellery, furniture, travel, dining and more and with a host of leading brands including iPhone, MakeMyTrip, Tata Neu, OnePlus, HP, Microsoft, Croma, Reliance Digital, LG, Sony, Samsung, Tanishq, Taj, Zomato and Swiggy. The Bank has partnered with Flipkart for The Big Billion Days sale (from October 8 to October 15), Myntra for Big Fashion Festival (from October 6 to October 19) and Amazon for its Great Indian Festival sale (around last week of October). The Bank will also introduce special and attractive offers for its customers on retail loan products like home loan, auto loans and two-wheeler loan shortly.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Rakesh Jha, Executive Director, of ICICI Bank said, “We are delighted to launch ‘Festive Bonanza’ that includes a wide range of offers, discounts and cashback for our customers. The Bank has partnered with leading brands and e-commerce platforms to come up with exciting offers which are relevant for our customers. The customers can avail of these offers using ICICI Bank’s credit/ debit cards, internet banking, UPI transactions with ICICI Bank Rupay credit cards and Cardless EMI. Besides this, the Bank will also be introducing special festive offers on its products – home loan, auto loan and two-wheeler loan. We hope these offers will add immense joy and fervour to our customers during this festive season.”

Offers on leading brands and e-commerce platforms: Up to 15% discount on online shopping with major e-commerce players like Flipkart, Myntra, Amazon and Tata Cliq
Electronics: Up to Rs. 26,000 cashback across leading electronics brands like LG, Samsung, Sony, Eureka Forbes, Whirlpool and many more. 10% discount up to Rs. 6,000 on speakers from Bose and 25% instant cashback up to Rs. 12,000 on select products from JBL. Customers can also avail attractive discounts at Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales

Mobile phones: Attractive discount and EMI offers on mobiles from Apple, OnePlus, Motorola, Oppo, Xiaomi and Realme. No cost EMI on iPhone 15 with EMIs starting at Rs. 2,497

Fashion: Additional 10% discounts on leading fashion brands like Lifestyle, Fastrack, Myntra, Centro among others

Travel: Exciting discounts on leading travel sites like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, EaseMyTrip among others

Dining: Attractive discounts on Zomato, Swiggy, EazyDiner and McDonald’s

Entertainment: Exciting offers on SonyLiv annual subscription, and discounts on movie tickets in Cinepolis

Furniture and Home Decor: 10% discount on brands like Pepperfry, Urban Ladder and Duroflex

Two-day International workshop on “Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing” held at Amity University Haryana

Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing

Amity Medical School with Amity Academic Staff Collegein Collaboration with IAPEN India Association Delhi chapter organized a Two-day International workshop on “Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing” from 3rd – 4th October 2023. The event took place at Amity University Haryana and aimed to shed light on the pivotal role of nutrition in enhancing health and overall well-being.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the invocation of divine blessings through Saraswati Vandana and the symbolic lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the enlightenment of knowledge.

Distinguished keynote speaker Prof (Dr) P.B. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Amity University Haryana, delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the critical role of nutrition in promoting health and wellbeing. Prof. Sharma emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy body, a healthy mind, and a happy soul. Our diet, our attitude and our caring and compassionate behavior together shall enable us to live a healthy life in harmony with nature. Here simplicity of lifestyle, stress-free work environment and self-regulation through a disciplined life holds a great promise for good health and well-being. Prof Sharma underscored the fact that a comprehensive understanding of nutrition is fundamental in today’s world, where health and wellbeing are of paramount concerns. His words resonated with the audience as he illuminated the pathways to a healthier and more fulfilling life through proper nutrition..

Guest of Honor, Prof. (Dr.) N. R. Dash, President of IAPEN India-Delhi Chapter and an expert in G.I. Surgery at AIIMS, New Delhi, shared insights on the vital connection between nutrition and wellbeing. His address covered a wide range of topics, including contemporary nutrition trends, the historical evolution of nutrition, personalized nutrition, family and community nutrition, bridging the DBM gap, and the growing concern of overnutrition.

The first plenary session featured esteemed speakers including Ms. Shilpa Chadha Thakur, General Secretary of IAPEN India-Delhi Chapter and Senior Consultant Dietetics at Asian Hospital, Faridabad. With a wealth of experience at her disposal, she delved into the multifaceted aspects of nutrition, touching upon its role in maintaining optimal health and how dietary choices impact various facets of our lives. Ms. Thakur’s presentation was a masterclass in the science of nutrition, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of the subject.

Ms. Anita Jatana, Vice President of the IAPEN India, Delhi Chapter, and a Consultant Dietitian at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. Her presentation focused on exploring the intricacies of dietary practices and their profound effects on health. Ms. Jatana’s expertise shone through as she elucidated the importance of tailored dietary plans in addressing specific health concerns and enhancing overall wellbeing. Her insights undoubtedly left attendees with valuable takeaways on the customization of nutrition for individual needs

The following session included a presentation by Mr. Nikesh Kumar Jain from NSR NutriEdu Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., followed by Ms. Pooja Singh’s workshop on innovation in contact lenses. Additionally, Ms. Tanima Chakraborty and Mr. Aashish Bhatnagar from Essilor conducted an engaging sessions, providing valuable insights to the attending students. The event also featured Poster/Model Presentations and a Quiz contest organized by the hosts.
The second day of the plenary session commenced with a presentation by Dr.Joydeep Dutta, a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at AUH. Subsequently, Arun Kumar Agarwal, President of Sound Hearing 2030, delivered a thought-provoking talk on “Young India-Unsafe Listening,” highlighting the rising concern of hearing loss among the younger generation.

The session continued with Mr. Suneel Kumar Dixit’s, Incharge Optometry department at Ahooja Eye & Dental Institute, Gurugram, and holds the crucial role of Project Manager at Niramaya Charitable Trust, Gurugram. His presentation on “Optometry Clinical Practice by Tele,” covered topics such as telemedicine, project proposals, and case-based discussions. Mr. Subrata Roy, clinical Optometrist at Lal eye hospital discussed “Custom-made Artificial Eye – Why Every Optometrist Should Be Aware,” offering valuable insights into the field.

The day continued with a workshop on “Ayurveda Technology in Nutrition” conducted by Ms. Shreya Agarwal from P-NUT and Phoenix Solanki and their team from Cochlear Ltd., who focused on “Cochlear Implant Fitting.” The event also featured a workshop on Scleral contact lenses by Purecon, led by Mr. GaganSahani and Ms. Achint Kaur.
International perspectives were brought to the workshop through presentations by Dr. Ang YeowNyin from UKM, Malaysia, and Dr. Meshach Aiwerioghene, Senior Lecturer in Healthcare Management at Swansea University, United Kingdom.

The workshop concluded with a session by Dr.SuparnaJerath, Program Head of Nutrition at The George Institute for Global Health, India, who further emphasized the significance of nutrition in health and wellbeing.

Dr Luxita Sharma, Director, Amity Medical School and Head of the Department of Dietetics & Applied Nutrition, AUH during her address shared her personal experiences in the field of clinical nutrition and highlighted the intrinsic link between proper nutrition and good health.

Prof. Sanjna Vij, Deputy Director, Amity Academic Staff College, Amity University Haryana, during her remarks provided a comprehensive introduction to the workshop’s theme and underscored the critical need for nutrition in promoting health and wellbeing.Proper nutrition is indeed a critical factor in maintaining good health and overall well-being, and workshops like this can play a crucial role in educating and raising awareness among participants, said by Prof Sanjna Vij

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Luxita Sharma, Director, Amity Medical School and Head of the Department of Dietetics & Applied Nutrition, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers for making the workshop a resounding success.

The workshop achieved remarkable success, with a diverse gathering of over two hundred and fifty participants hailing from various universities and colleges and thanks to the Amity Medical School community, including dedicated faculty members, enthusiastic students, and the invaluable contributions of prominent individuals such as Dr Vijay Kumar, who heads the Audiology and Speech Language Pathology department; Dr Gaurav Bhardwaj, leading the Optometry and Vision Sciences department; and Dr.Sayantan Chakraborty from the Department of Public Health.

MediBuddy’s Data Reveals that Early Intervention is Key to Tackling Diabetes

Mumbai, 6th October 2023 MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, unveils workplace data that underscores the vital role in early diagnosis and diabetes management. According to the data, the prevalence of pre-diabetes is 32.5%, while the prevalence of diabetes is 11.31%, highlighting the importance of early intervention in reducing the incidence of diabetes later in life; pre-diabetes can be typically detected nearly a decade earlier. The data also reveals that approximately 13.7% of the patients with diabetes were male, while only 5.3% were female.

India accounts for one in seven of all adults living with diabetes globally. Accessibility to high-quality healthcare through telemedicine can help facilitate the uptake of preventive care and further lower health risks, especially in developing countries with a skewed doctor-to-patient ratio.

Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations, MediBuddy says, “Our data demonstrates the profound impact of preventive medicine in mitigating healthcare costs and enhancing patients’ longevity and quality of life. We at MediBuddy advocate for preventive healthcare as a cornerstone of public health. Our industry must pivot from a reactive approach to a more proactive and primary care-centred model, whether delivered at home or in the workplace. “

Given the age statistics, the average age of individuals with diabetes was 50+ years, notably higher than that of pre-diabetic patients, between 20 and 40 years. Most of these patients took routine health check-ups with us, where they were initially diagnosed with either diabetes or pre-diabetes. The majority of these patients sought our care following their regular health examinations, during which they received their initial diagnosis of either diabetes or pre-diabetes.

After initial diagnosis, around 40% of those with diabetes and 25% with prediabetes opted to maintain continuous engagement with MediBuddy. Over a span of 7-8 months, MediBuddy’s holistic approach, combining medication, dietary modifications, and exercise, led to remarkable improvements, including a 1.8% reduction in HBA1C levels and a 1 Kg/m^2 decrease in BMI. In cases involving significant comorbidities, diabetes-related complications, or unstable diabetes, patients were educated about the necessity of regular physical follow-ups, which they received from network doctors.

Dr. Preeti Kumar Goyal, Vice President of Medical Services, MediBuddy vHealth says, “One of the most striking trends observed over the years is the reduction in the age at which prediabetes is diagnosed. This highlights that early detection and management of prediabetes can effectively prevent its progression to diabetes. Similarly, early detection and proactive management of diabetes can help lower blood sugar levels, reduce the need for medications, and prevent or delay the onset of any complications. Our in-house team of doctors and clinical dieticians are easily accessible to help patients adhere to treatment plans and guide them about ways to prevent and control diabetes.”

A much higher prevalence observed in Non-communicable diseases will lead to lowered quality of life and strain on the healthcare ecosystem. MediBuddy’s vision is to make high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion people. With specialist doctors on our platform, one can leverage and promote to bring about preventive changes in lifestyle and health. Through this collective effort, we can reduce the healthcare ecosystem’s burden and improve health metrics for future generations.

Invest in Care: AVPN Knowledge Paper Finds Solutions to Asia’s Care Crisis

New Delhi,6th October 2023 AVPN, Asia’s largest network of social investors and The Social Investment Consultancy (TSIC) have developed a knowledge paper titled ‘Financing the Care Economy in the Global South: Investment Opportunities and Pathways’. International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a leading innovation and research centre, has also supported the creation of the paper, which outlines the opportunities and barriers in channelling capital into the care economy.

The care economy requires urgent attention from all stakeholders. As per a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Report, Asia-Pacific countries stand to lose $250 billion in GDP by 2035. This is due to demographic trends that showcase an ageing population, by virtue of which more people will be engaged in unpaid care work. Without additional assistance to enhance their well-being and capacity to look after their dependents, the labour market in Asia-Pacific could see increased numbers of caregivers leaving the workforce. In this context, the World Bank has estimated that India could grow up to 1% faster with more women in the labour force. However, women and girls spend two to ten times more time on unpaid care work than men. Globally, they spend an average of 4.5 hours a day on domestic chores and care activities, making them disproportionately burdened in the care crisis. To empower women economically and boost the GDP by securing the labour market, Asia requires an annual investment of US$5.4 trillion by 2035 as per the International Labour Organisation’s estimates. Collaborative action by policymakers, private sector players, and investors will be crucial in enabling this.

The AVPN knowledge paper provides insights for investors and policymakers in Asia to address the impending care crisis and highlights the need for innovative care delivery models. AVPN advocates collaborative efforts to invest in India’s care economy to drive sustainable development. The paper highlights three pathways for investors to engage in the care economy. These include investing in tech-enabled care businesses, focusing on accessibility and affordability for marginalised communities; supporting carer-friendly enterprises and integrating a care lens into existing investments to create impact, particularly for women and girls.

“Care economy presents vast and complex opportunities to create profound social and economic impact. Empowering women economically will ensure a thriving and sustainable economy. To achieve this, we must embrace innovative delivery models, including market-driven and blended solutions that bring together the public and private sectors,” said Patricia Mathias, Director, Gender Platform, AVPN. “Investors are increasingly recognizing the potential, but the challenge lies in identifying and evaluating opportunities due to limited information and understanding about the sector and its business models. Our paper addresses this information gap, providing valuable insights and recommendations to mobilise catalytic funds required to address the impending care crisis and promote gender equality in Asia and will also be significant for investors in India.”

Recommendations from this paper were also discussed during G20 EMPOWER meetings. The discussions highlighted the potential of the care economy, emphasising that investing in its equitable growth could have a positive ripple effect and bolster overall impact.

PlayboxTV Soars to the 4th Place Among Bharat’s OTT Aggregators

PlayboxTV Soars

6th October | Mumbai, India: In the fast-evolving realm of digital entertainment, PlayboxTV holds the position as the fourth largest OTT aggregator and stands as a groundbreaking force seamlessly merging digital presence and premium Over-The-Top (OTT) services. With its cutting-edge technology, PlayboxTV is setting new standards for value-added services in the industry, revolutionising the way people experience entertainment.

PlayboxTV is breathing new life into the cable community by collaborating with over 50,000 cable operators, empowering them to offer digital products and services. This innovative approach is reshaping how Indians consume TV content. By partnering with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), PlayboxTV delivers uninterrupted, all-in-one entertainment solutions to consumers at lightning fast speed. PlayboxTV allows users to stream premium content seamlessly on any device, whether it’s a mobile phone, laptop, ordinary TV, or smart TV.

What PlayboxTV Has to Offer?

PlayboxTV is not just another OTT platform; it’s a super OTT aggregator that enhances the entertainment experience for customers. Here’s what it brings to the table:

1. Comprehensive Content Selection: PlayboxTV consolidates content from over 22+ OTT apps, with an extensive library of 550+ channels spanning 10+ languages. This all-in-one solution streamlines your entertainment experience, eliminating the need to juggle multiple apps while offering a diverse range of content, from timeless classics to the latest trends, including movies, TV shows, web series, and live TV channels.

2. Affordability: PlayboxTV aims to cater to all your entertainment needs at an affordable price, with subscription plans starting from INR 49 per month.

3. Multi-Platform Accessibility: PlayboxTV is available on iOS, Google Play Store, Android TV, Android Box, and Fire Stick. This cross-platform availability ensures that users can enjoy their favourite content on their preferred devices.

4. Personalised Recommendations: PlayboxTV goes the extra mile by offering personalised content recommendations based on users’ viewing preferences, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Reshaping the OTT Landscape

PlayboxTV boasts over one million subscriptions and set its sights on reshaping the OTT landscape of Bharat by focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. In doing so, it aims to democratize access to high-quality digital entertainment, making it accessible to a wider audience.

In a world where entertainment content is unlimited, PlayboxTV emerges as a key player, bridging the gap between traditional cable services and the digital age. Its innovative approach, diverse content offerings, affordability, and personalized recommendations make it a go-to choice for entertainment enthusiasts across India. With its ambitious plans to reshape the OTT landscape, PlayboxTV is undoubtedly a game-changer in the realm of digital entertainment. So, why wait? Dive into a world of limitless entertainment choices with PlayboxTV today!

Hearmo Unveils the HearFit Armor Smartwatch

Hearmo Unveils

New Delhi, 6th October 2023: Hearmo, the leading smart wearable and hearable lifestyle brand, announces the launch of its latest offering, the HearFit Armor smartwatch. The HearFit Armor, an embodiment of elegance and performance, is meticulously designed to enhance the lives of our discerning customers. This remarkable timepiece boasts a dazzling 1.45-inch Super AMOLED Display with an impressive 1000 nits of brightness and a crystal-clear 466×466 resolution. Alongside its visual excellence, this smartwatch features Bluetooth calling, over 100 sports modes, comprehensive health monitoring capabilities, and a robust 300mAh battery—all packaged in a sleek Zinc Alloy Body. The HearFit Armor Smartwatch is set to revolutionize the market with its stunning aesthetics and unmatched functionality, all at an incredible launch price of just INR 4,999/-

Mr. Mahendra D Jangir, Founder & CEO of Hearmo, said, ” At Hearmo, our vision is to redefine the future of wearable technology by providing premium quality products that seamlessly blend sophistication and innovation. We believe that everyone should have access to cutting-edge tech products that enhance their lives without breaking the bank. The HearFit Armor embodies this commitment, offering a stunning array of features at an affordable price.”

Sleek Design:

The HearFit Armor Smartwatch epitomizes modern sophistication. Its sleek and stylish design, complemented by a durable Zinc Alloy Body, transforms it into the ideal accessory for any occasion. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this smartwatch effortlessly balances fashion with functionality.

Vibrant Display:

Behold the 1.45-inch 3D Curved Super AMOLED Display of the HearFit Armor, showcasing the best-in-industry quality with an impressive 1000 nits of brightness and a sharp 466×466 resolution. This vibrant screen ensures crystal-clear visuals and effortless readability, even under bright sunlight.

Effortless Connectivity:

With Bluetooth 5.2, stay seamlessly connected at all times. Whether you’re making calls, receiving notifications, or syncing data with your smartphone, the HearFit Armor ensures effortless connectivity, ensuring you’re always in the loop.

Performance and Style:

More than just a fashion statement, the HearFit Armor is a performance powerhouse. Offering over 100 sports modes, it caters to fitness enthusiasts. Its robust 300mAh battery and IP68 Waterproof rating ensure durability and reliability, making it the perfect companion for both work and play.

Comprehensive Health Monitoring:

The HearFit Armor isn’t just about style and convenience; it’s your health partner too. Equipped with Heart Rate Monitoring, Blood Pressure Tracking, SpO2 Monitoring, Sleep Tracking, and specialized Female Health features, it empowers you to take control of your well-being.

Price and Availability:

The HearFit Armor Smartwatch is competitively priced at INR 9,999/-. However, it is now available on Amazon and in offline retail outlets across India at an exclusive launch offer price of INR 4,999/-. This exceptional value ensures that premium quality and sophistication are within reach for everyone. The smartwatch comes in both Black and Silver variants, with Stainless Steel Strap and Silicon Strap options, ready to elevate your lifestyle.

Crime meets comedy in the most unexpected way on Amazon miniTV’s upcoming series ‘Constable Girpade’

Crime meets comedy

Mumbai,6th October 2023 – Amazon miniTV, a free video streaming service from Amazon, unveiled the trailer of its latest cop-comedy drama, Constable Girpade, created by award-winning writer-director, Saad Khan. The trailer gives an insight into Constable Girpade’s thrilling journey filled with twists, turns and laughter that will certainly keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The series brings together an ensemble cast including Khushaal Pawar, Neel Salkar, Vrajesh Hirjee, Gaurav Gera, Muskan Bamne, Dr. Sanket Bhosale and Chandni in pivotal roles.

Constable Girpade (Khushaal Pawar) and Phenyl Mohan (Gaurav Gera), the master of disguise, engage in a cat-and-mouse game throughout the series, which is filled with humorous moments and adventure. The trailer gives a glimpse of the hilarious characters in the series, ready to take viewers on an adventure, solving wildest cases dealing with complex and unpredictable rich folks. Girpade is caught in the middle of all the drama while attempting to catch Phenyl Mohan, fulfil his obligations, and confess his love.

Produced by FirstAction Studios (A Rainshine Entertainment Company), Constable Girpade explores the contrasting tones of Mumbai with complex crime cases that come to a shocking conclusion in the end, leaving viewers in splits. Keeping up with crime-solving elements, the series will leave viewers to ponder upon what is right and what is wrong! Get ready to tickle your bones with whodunit mysteries and solve intricate cases with Constable Girpade.

Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, Amazon miniTV sharing his thoughts about the series, said, “Constable Girpade is a perfect cop-comedy drama that has the perfect balance of investigations laced with humor, led by Khushaal Pawar as he prepares to win over audiences with his endearing portrayal of Girpade! Saad and his team have done a brilliant job of bringing together an ensemble that is definitely going to give audiences a laughter riot!”

Anuraag Srivastava, CEO, Rainshine Entertainment (India) said, “We’re delighted to join forces with Amazon miniTV for ‘Constable Girpade’. FirstAction studios at Rainshine has consistently captivated audiences with young and contemporary content, and this series is a testament to that. With its intriguing plot, ‘Constable Girpade’ promises a roller-coaster of laughter and suspense that will leave viewers wanting more.”

The construction arm of Larsen & Toubro has secured various orders (Large) for its Buildings & Factories business

Bangalore, 6th October 2023 The Buildings & Factories business of Larsen & Toubro has secured various orders in the large category under its various business units.

The business has secured an order to construct a residential township in Bengaluru involving the construction of 3,627 apartments spread across 19 Towers having configuration of 3 Basements + Ground + 23 to 41 Floors, 88 Villas along with club houses, swimming pools and other amenity structures. The total built up area will be approximately 9.7 million sq.ft.

The business also secured orders from a reputed developer to construct Commercial Towers in Hyderabad. The scope of work includes construction of 2 buildings (2B+G+6P+1T+15 Floors and 3B+LG+UG+4P+1T+14 Floors) with a combined built-up area of 4.2 million square feet.

In addition, the business has bagged an order from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur to construct a Super Specialty Hospital & Academic Block as part of the Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology. This will be the first super-specialty hospital with a medical college campus in India. This campus will play an important role in IIT Kanpur’s medical research and help train next generation medical personnel. The project involves construction of a 500 bedded Hospital block (G+5 floors) & Academic Block (G+5 floors).

Background:

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 23 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing and Services. It operates in over 50 countries worldwide. A strong, customer–focused approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

Project Classification

 

Classification Significant Large Major Mega
Value in ₹ Cr 1000 to 2500 2500 to 5000 5000 to 7000 >7000

 

New Research: Snacking on Almonds Can Support Weight Management

New Research Snacking

Pune(S.N) – Two new studies build on the large body of scientific evidence suggesting that almonds can improve diet quality and aid in weight management. They may also support weight loss as part of a reduced-calorie diet among adults with overweight or obesity.

The first study[1], published in Obesity and funded by the Almond Board of California, tracked 140 Australians aged 25-65 years with overweight or obesity for nine months. For the first three months of the study, the participants reduced their daily calories by 30% through either a nut-free or almond-enriched diet (with almonds providing 15% of their daily calorie needs, which is approximately 1.0-1.76 ounces/30-50 g). On both diets, participants lost an average of 15 pounds (7 kg) and improved their lean body mass after three months. Moreover, they continued to lose weight, about 2 pounds (approximately 1 kg), during the subsequent six months.

“Sustaining weight loss after a weight management program can be challenging, with many people gaining weight back at the end of the calorie restriction phase of their program,” said Dr. Alison Coates, Professor of Human Nutrition and Director of the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity at the University of South Australia. “This study showed that adding almonds to a weight management eating plan can not only promote meaningful weight loss but also offer a healthy and sustainable dietary addition.”

Participants who ate almonds also saw improvements in some lipoprotein subfractions (the different types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood), which may reduce cardiovascular risks. Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Future research should investigate different doses of almonds and test people with additional heart disease and diabetes risk factors, as the results are not generalizable to populations with chronic diseases.

The second study was a 12-month study[2], published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and also funded by the Almond Board of California, which found that almonds, when eaten long term as a snack, can improve overall diet quality without causing weight gain among healthy non-obese, habitual snacking adults in New Zealand. Half of the 136 participants were assigned to eat either 1.5 ounces (43 g) of almonds or 10% of their daily calorie needs (whichever was greater) while the remaining participants in the control group consumed a calorie-matched high-carbohydrate snack. Participants in the almond group consumed significantly more protein, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamin E, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc, and less carbohydrates and sugar than the control group.

There were no statistically significant weight changes or changes in lipids during the study in either group, suggesting almonds did not cause weight gain. Women in the almond group did not have a statistically significant change in visceral fat, but men had a statistically significant increase in visceral fat compared to the biscuit group. This finding has not been observed in previous studies, but it is important to note that this intervention was conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown, which may have affected eating habits and exercise levels. The participants were people at a normal weight or overweight so results may not be generalizable to other populations such as those with obesity.

Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head-Dietetics, Max Healthcare – Delhi says, “The Brown study reveals that choosing almonds over biscuits for a year not only results in significantly higher intakes of essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals but also a healthier fat profile. The almond group enjoyed the benefits of higher monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats while reducing their carbohydrate and sugar intake. This finding underscores the nutritional advantages of incorporating almonds into your diet for long-term well-being. When consumed mindfully as part of a well-rounded diet, almonds can contribute to a sense of fullness, improved dietary quality, and better overall health, making them a smart choice for those striving to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. In the Coates study on restricted diets, there is a significant and very similar weight loss in both the groups (one consuming almonds enriched diet-AED and other on nut free diet-NFT) but there is a difference between the groups in the macronutrient levels , specifically higher monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake in the AED group compared with the NFD group, as well as higher α-tocopherol ( vitamin E). This defines the statistically significant changes in the highly atherogenic very small TRL-P and small LDL-P following the AED, which can lead to improved cardio- metabolic health in the longer term.”

Dr Rohini Patil, MBBS & Nutritionist says, “These studies collectively emphasize the role of almonds in promoting a balanced and healthy diet. They suggest that almonds can be a nutritious and satisfying snack choice for habitual snackers, improving diet quality without causing significant changes in body weight. Furthermore, both studies underscore the effectiveness of an energy-restricted diet in achieving weight loss and improving cardiometabolic health, whether almonds or other non-nut-focused options are included. These findings highlight almonds as a valuable component of a balanced diet, offering potential cardiovascular benefits and satiety in weight management efforts.”

Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition & Wellness Consultant says, “Many people falsely believe that regular almond consumption leads to obesity. It’s heartening to note that there are 2 studies to reiterate that eating almonds regularly does not lead to obesity. On the other hand, using almonds as a part of a healthy diet helps in weight loss. Regular consumption of almonds helps to reduce the risk factors associated with heart disease and also improves the nutrition status by enhancing the overall diet quality. One study has shown that along with weight loss, there is also an improvement in blood pressure, blood lipids as well as the subfractions of lipoproteins. The other study has shown that individuals who consume almonds versus ultra-processed snack like biscuits (cookies and crackers), have a higher intake of protein, fibre, vitamin E, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, MUFA and PUFA, all of which are essential for good health.”

Together, these studies add to a growing body of scientific evidence suggesting that almonds, when eaten as part of a healthy diet, do not cause weight gain, can be included in reduced-calorie weight loss diets, and may improve overall diet quality and lower heart disease risk.

One ounce (23 g) of almonds provides 4 g fiber and 15 essential nutrients, including: 77 mg magnesium (18.3% DV), 210 mg potassium (4% DV), and 7.27 mg vitamin E (50% DV), making them a great snack for balanced weight management eating plans. One serving of almonds (28 g) has 13 g of unsaturated fat and only 1 g of saturated fat.

Samsung’s Biggest Festive Sale ‘Fab Grab Fest’ is Back with Never-seen Before Deals & Offers on Smartphones, Digital Appliances & More

Samsung’s Biggest Festive Sale

GURUGRAM, India –6th October 2023 – Samsung India today announced its biggest festive sale ‘Fab Grab Fest’, with bumper offers and exciting cashback on Samsung Galaxy smartphones, tablets, laptops, accessories, wearables, TVs, digital appliances and smart monitors. These never-before-seen before offers will be available across Samsung.com, Samsung Exclusive Stores and the Samsung Shop App starting today.

During the ‘Fab Grab Fest’, consumers can get up to 45% off on select models of Galaxy Z series, S Series, A series, M series and F series smartphones. Consumers purchasing select models of Galaxy Tablets, accessories and wearables will get up to 41% off in addition to a cashback of up to 20% on credit and debit cards of HDFC, ICICI and other leading banks. The new range of Galaxy laptops can be purchased at up to 36% off during the Fab Grab Fest sale along with a cashback of up to 20% on credit and debit cards of leading banks.

The offers extend beyond smartphones with up to 54% off on Samsung TVs – select models of the flagship Neo-QLED, QLED, OLED, 4K UHD TVs and The Freestyle projector.

The offers extend beyond smartphones with up to 54% off on Samsung TVs – select models of the flagship Neo QLED, QLED, OLED, 4K UHD TVs, The Freestyle projector. Additionally, consumers purchasing the 98-inch models of QLED and Neo QLED TVs will be able to get their hands on a free Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G smartphone. Consumers can also get free Samsung Soundbars (Q900A or S800B) on purchase of select OLED, QLED and UHD TV models. Offers do not end here. On purchase of select Neo QLED models, consumers will get a 50-inch The Serif TV absolutely free.

The ‘Fab Grab Fest’ gets bigger and better this year by providing never-before offers and prices on a host of digital appliances such as Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Microwaves and Air Conditioners.

Select models of Samsung’s premium Side-By-Side refrigerators will be available at up to 40% off. On purchase of select Side-By-Side refrigerators, consumers will also get a 10 kg top loading washing machine worth INR 30000 free whereas consumers purchasing Samsung’s French Door Refrigerators will get a Galaxy S23 128GB smartphone with their purchase. Consumers purchasing select models of Samsung’s fully automatic washing machines and the Ecobubble range of washing machines will get up to 37% off.

During the Fab Grab Fest sale, digital appliances like microwaves will be available at up to 34% off and select models of Samsung’s Windfree air conditioners at up to 40%. Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor and G5 Gaming Monitor will be available at up to 58% off. Additionally, you can avail cashback of up to 27.5% with a maximum limit of INR 25000 on debit and credit cards of HDFC, ICICI and other leading banks.

“This festive season, we are bringing back the Fab Grab Fest sale in a bigger avatar with not just cashbacks, offers, never-seen before prices & deals but also Buy More Save More platform. Customers can buy gifts for themselves and their loved ones from Samsung.com/Samsung ShopApp and save extra 5% off on both the products. For all those who love to make a difference, this Diwali, you can make it extra special by choosing from Special Edition colours available on Samsung.com and Samsung Exclusive Stores,” said Sumit Walia, Senior Director, D2C Business, Samsung India.

Other than the offers, consumers will also get up to 70% resale value with Assured Buyback, included free of cost with your purchase between October 1 to November 14, 2023 on select models of Galaxy Z series, S series and A series smartphones. Coming with a range of flagship devices, the latest range of products and easy financing options, the Fab Grab Fest guarantees consumers an unforgettable and premium shopping experience.

 

Fab Grab Fest Offers

Products Consumer Offer Highlight Models
Smartphones Up to 45% off  

Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy A54 5G, Galaxy A34 5G, Galaxy M34, Galaxy M14, Galaxy F34, Galaxy F14, Galaxy F04

Laptops Up to 36% off  

Galaxy Book3 Pro 360, Galaxy Book3 360, Galaxy Book3, Galaxy Book Go

 

Tablets, Accessories & Wearables Up to 41% off  

Galaxy Tab S9 Series, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (Wi-Fi), Galaxy Tab A8, Galaxy Watch6 Classic, Galaxy Watch6, Galaxy Buds FE, Galaxy Bud2 Pro

 

TVs  

Up to 54% off

 

Get Free Galaxy S23 Ultra, 50” Serif TV, or Soundbar (Q900A/S800B) on 98-inch TVs and select models of QLED and Neo-QLED TVs

Neo-QLED, QLED, OLED, 4K UHD TVs, The Freestyle projector

 

Refrigerators  

Up to 40% off

 

Get 10kg Top Loading Washing Machine worth INR 30000 for free on select models of Side-by-Side Refrigerators, and Galaxy S23 128GB version on purchasing French Door Refrigerator

 

301L Twin Cooling Plus Double Door Refrigerator

 

Washing Machines Up to 37% off  

Fully Automatic Washing Machines & Ecobubble Range of Washing Machines

 

Microwaves  

Up to 34% off

 

32 litre SlimFry Convection Microwave, 28 litre SlimFry Convection Microwave

 

Monitors Up to 58% off M8 Smart Monitor and G5 Gaming Monitor
Air Conditioners Up to 40% off Select Windfree AC models
Assured Buyback  

Up to 70%

 

 

 

(Purchased between October 1, 2023 –November 14, 2023)

 

Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 FE 5G, Galaxy A54 5G, Galaxy A34 5G
Bank Cashback  

Up to 27.5% Cashback with HDFC, ICICI, and other leading bank Debit and Credit Cards (Up to INR 25000)

Samsung TVs and digital appliances, smartphones, tablets, wearables, and laptops

 

Samsung Newsroom Link: Samsung’s Biggest Festive Sale ‘Fab Grab Fest’ is Back with Never-seen Before Deals & Offers on Smartphones, Digital Appliances, Monitors, Tablets & More