December 2024

10 Dec 2024 As winter settles in, many of us struggle with seasonal weight gain and sluggish metabolism. The good news is that regular yoga practice can help maintain metabolic health and manage weight naturally during the colder months. By combining mindful movement, breathing techniques, and stress reduction, yoga offers a holistic approach to winter wellness. Yoga provides valuable tools for maintaining metabolic health during colder months. By incorporating dynamic movements, twisting poses, stress-reduction techniques, and mindful breathing, you can create a sustainable practice that supports both physical and mental well-being throughout the winter season. According to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga guru, founder, Akshar Yoga Kendraa, “The key to boosting metabolism through yoga lies in incorporating dynamic, heat-building sequences. Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) serve as an excellent foundation, linking breath with movement while engaging major muscle groups. This flowing sequence naturally raises body temperature and energy expenditure.” Power yoga poses like warrior sequences, chaturanga pushups, and chair pose (Utkatasana) build lean muscle mass. Since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat, even at rest, these strengthening poses contribute to long-term metabolic health. Twisting poses for digestive health Winter often brings cravings for heavy comfort foods. Yoga twists like Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) and Supine Twist (Jathara Parivartanasana) massage internal organs, improving digestion and nutrient absorption. These poses help maintain efficient metabolism by supporting proper digestive function. Stress management for hormonal balance Cold weather and shorter days can increase stress levels, leading to elevated cortisol—a hormone that promotes fat storage, particularly around the midsection. Restorative poses like Legs-I-Ip-the-Wall (Viparita Karani) and Child’s Pose (Balasana) activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and supporting hormonal balance. Breathing techniques for enhanced energy Specific yogic breathing practices (pranayama) can boost energy and metabolism. Kapalabhati breathing, characterized by sharp exhales and passive inhales, generates internal heat while strengthening core muscles. Alternate nostril breathing, or Anulom vilom, Surya Bhedi Pranayama, and Nadi Shodhana help balance the body’s energy systems and reduce stress-related eating. Consistency is key According to Yogacharya Akhil Gore, Founder, Routeln Yoga, “For optimal results, aim to practice yoga 3-4 times weekly for at least 30 minutes. Begin with gentle morning sessions to kickstart metabolism and consider evening practices focused on stress reduction and digestion. Remember that even short, regular sessions are more beneficial than occasional lengthy ones.” Mindful living The mindfulness cultivated through yoga practice extends to daily habits. Regular practitioners often report increased awareness of hunger and fullness cues, leading to more mindful eating patterns. This awareness, combined with yoga’s physical benefits, creates a comprehensive approach to winter weight management. Remember to listen to your body and modify poses as needed. As with any exercise program, consistency and patience yield the best results. Through regular practice, you’ll develop a stronger connection with your body while nurturing your metabolic health naturally. Source: Times Of India

10 Dec 2024 Almarai, the Middle East’s food and beverage giant, has announced a pioneering collaboration with the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) to launch the “Health Insurance Extension service, ensuring sustainable healthcare benefits for employees even after retirement. This groundbreaking initiative positions Almarai as the first company in Saudi Arabia to offer such comprehensive post-retirement health coverage. The service allows employees to continue their inclusion in Almarai’s health insurance policy at affordable rates, with the added flexibility of instalment-based premium payments spread over 12 months. The costs are seamlessly deducted from retirees’ social insurance benefits, providing ease and security during retirement. “This initiative reflects Almarai’s commitment to its people, offering innovative solutions that enhance employee well-being at every stage of life,” said Ayman AlGeer, Chief Human Resources Officer at Almarai. “It eases the financial burden of medical care while ensuring long-term health security for employees and their families.” The partnership highlights Almarai’s broader vision of fostering sustainability and social responsibility. By investing in employee welfare, the company continues to set an example of integrating workforce care with community impact. For professionals, this initiative underscores Almarai’s commitment to creating a workplace that values its employees not just during their careers but throughout their lives, marking it as an employer of choice in the region. Source: Economic Times

09 Dec 2024 East Coast Railway has notified the temporary augmentation of special trains for the convenience of passengers during the festive season. The following trains will be enhanced with additional coaches to accommodate the growing demand for travel in December 2024: 1. Train No. 08311 — Sambalpur to Erode Special: Starting from 11th December 2024, this train, which departs from Sambalpur on Wednesdays, will be augmented with one AC Three-Tier Coach and one Sleeper Class Coach. This additional capacity will be available until 25th December 2024. 2. Train No. 08312 — Erode to Sambalpur Special: Similarly, the return journey from Erode to Sambalpur on Fridays, starting from 13th December, will also see the addition of one AC Three-Tier Coach and one Sleeper Class Coach. The augmentation will continue until 27th December 2024. 3. Train No. 08553 — Srikakulam Road to Kollam Special: In a bid to cater to the rising passenger traffic, this train, which departs from Srikakulam Road on Sundays, will be enhanced with one Sleeper Class Coach from 8th December until 29th December 2024. 4. Train No. 08554— Kollam to Srikakulam Road Special: Similarly, the train departing from Kollam on Mondays will be augmented with one Sleeper Class Coach from 9th December to 30th December 2024. These temporary enhancements are aimed at ensuring comfortable travel for passengers during the busy holiday period. Source: Financial Express

09 Dec 2024 The Indian Railways has sanctioned a budget of Rs 509 crore for the construction of two major flyovers in Odisha, aimed at enhancing train operations and easing traffic congestion in Cuttack and Rayagada districts. The development will take place under the Energy, Mineral, and Cement Corridor Scheme, which focuses on boosting railway infrastructure across major sections of the country. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during his recent visit to the state underlined the significance of these projects in boosting Odisha’s connectivity and strengthening operational efficiency. The first flyover project involves constructing a 10.89-kilometer-long structure interlinking Rajathgarh, Machchapar Railway station, and Radhakishorepur railway stations in Cuttack. The flyover with a budget allocation of Rs 268.92 crore is expected to lessen the congestion and streamline train movement in the region. The second flyover will spread over 5.50 kilometers at Singapur Road Station in Rayagada district. A budget of Rs 239,83 crore has been allotted for this flyover which is expected to resolve traffic jams on the busy Raipur-Vizianagaram railway line. Multiple train movements from various directions will be made possible in these two projects, thus helping to remove delays caused by cross- traffic. Operation efficiency will also improve at these main junctions. Meanwhile, the railway minister also launched the newly constructed east-side station building at Cuttack Railway Station on Sunday. Moreover, Vaishnaw also announced the expansion of the Howrah-Chennai route to four railway tracks. A third track between Bhadrak in Odisha and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh has also been permitted and a budget of Rs 10,000 crore has been allotted for the same. To meet the increasing demand this decision has been taken by the Railways. This ambitious project is anticipated to enhance train efficiency, connect major destinations, and will also impact the economic growth of the region. Source: Financial Express

09 Dec 2024 Indian Railways’ Vande Bharat Express will soon complete the Bengaluru- Chennai route in just four hours — 25 minutes faster than its current travel time. The Shatabadi Express on the Bengaluru-Chennai route will also save 20 more minutes now, MoneyContro/ reported. Recent speed enhancements on the route will make these cuts in travel time possible. According to the report, these changes are part of a broader effort by the South Western Railway (SWR) to increase train speeds on the high-demand corridor. On December 5, the Bengaluru division carried out a speed trial on the Bengaluru-Jolarpettai section to assess the possibility of raising the speed limit from 110 km/h to 130 km/h. The revised speed will be implemented following approval from the commissioner of railway safety. This upgrade will synchronize the entire Bengaluru-Chennai route, since the Chennai-Jolarpettai section already accommodates speeds of up to 130 kmph. Which trains will benefit for this speed upgrade? The speed limit upgrade will benefit two Vande Bharat and two Shatabdi trains operating daily on this high-density corridor. This route is crucial as it links Bengaluru’s technology and startup centers with Chennai’s automotive manufacturing and industrial areas. New sleeper Vande Bharat trains The first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper trainset has been manufactured and will undergo field trials soon, the government informed Parliament on Friday. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, planned for long and medium-distance journeys, are equipped with modern features and passenger amenities. Vaishnaw highlighted some of the distinguished features and amenities of these trains, such as the automatic train protection system Kavach, latest fire-safety standards compliance, crashworthy and jerk-free semi- permanent couplers and anti-climbers, a regenerative braking system for energy efficiency, higher average speed with quick deceleration and acceleration, among others. Source: Live Mint

09 Dec 2024 Bhubaneswar, Dec 9: The Indian government is set to enforce mandatory hallmarking for gold bullion, a move aimed at guaranteeing the purity of gold products and safeguarding consumers against quality issues. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare made this announcement at the Gems and Jewellery Conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (Cll) in New Delhi. Khare revealed that more than 40 crore gold jewellery items have already been hallmarked, with over 4 lakh gold items receiving hallmark certification daily. The new regulation, combined with the introduction of a six-digit unique ID system, is expected to significantly enhance trust and transparency in the jewellery sector. This system will help ensure consistent quality, improve traceability, and foster consumer confidence. The automation of the hallmarking process, incorporating API-based integration of XRF data, has streamlined operations and boosted efficiency for both jewellers and consumers. Khare also emphasized the importance of building global brands in India’s jewellery sector, urging a blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern consumer demands for international markets. Since the introduction of mandatory hallmarking, the number of registered jewellers has surged from 34,647 to nearly 1.94 lakh, and the number of assaying and hallmarking centres has grown from 945 to 1 ,622, strengthening the infrastructure for quality assurance. Source: Prameya News

05 Dec 2024 The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has asked Ola Electric Mobility Limited to provide additional documents and information on show cause notice it issued earlier over alleged consumer rights violations and unfair trade practices. The CCPA has given Ola 15 more days, starting from the email communication on December 4, to submit the required details, the company said in an exchange filing on Thursday. Ola Electric has confirmed it will comply and provide the necessary information within the specified timeframe. Ola Electric was issued a show cause notice by the CCPA in early October for alleged violations of consumer rights, misleading advertisements, and unfair trade practices. The notice required the company to provide additional documents and information. In a filing, the company, led by Bhavish Aggarwal, had stated that the CCPA’s notice does not impact its financial, operational, or other business activities, nor does it involve penalties or fines. As of Thursday, Ola Electric’s shares were trading at Rs 98.50 on the BSE. The company has faced mounting customer complaints regarding after-sales service, software glitches, and hardware issues with its scooters. Ola Electric’s market capitalisation recently dipped below $5 billion for the first time since its public listing. In October, Ola Electric’s CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, had a heated exchange with comedian Kunal Kamra on social media concerning service issues with the companys e-scooters. Despite these challenges, Ola Electric is focusing on expanding its service network, planning to double its service centres to 1,000 by December through its ‘Hyperservice’ initiative. Ola’s market share in the domestic electric two-wheeler segment dropped to 27.9 per cent last month, according to data from the Vahan portal. Competitors like Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor, and Ather Energy have gained ground with market shares of 21.4 per cent, 20.2 per cent, and 14.8 per cent, respectively. Source: Economic Times

09 Dec 2024 National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): While considering the instant revision petition wherein the petitioner contended that Madhya Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission had gone into the aspect of territorial jurisdiction of the DCDRC and passed an order based on this issue, even when the same was not raised by Reliance General Insurance; the Bench of Binoy Kumar (Presiding Member) and Saroj Yadav, J. (Member), remanded the matter to the State Commission to be heard on merits. The petitioner pointed out that Section-11 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 specifically mentions that if any of the opposite parties, where there are more than one, at the time of the institution of the complaint, actually and voluntarily resides, or [carries on business or has a branch office], or personally works for gain, provided that in such case either the permission of the District Forum is given, or the opposite parties who do not reside, or [carry on business or have a branch office], or personally work for gain, as the case may be, acquiesce in such institution. Counsel for the petitioner submitted that the Respondent No.2 has a branch office in Datia and the Complainant resides in Datia as well. The NCDRC noted that the State Commission did not look into the Appeal filed by the Insurance Company on merits, and rather it just dismissed the Complaint on territorial jurisdiction. The NCDRC further opined that, if the State Commission had in mind that the Complaint should have been instituted at the place where the incident in issue, i.e., theft, took place (Gwalior), then such clarity should have been put forth by them in the order. The NCDRC further stated that, after the matter had already been decided on merits by the District Commission and noting that both Datia and Gwalior fall under the purview of the SCDRC, the State Commission could have heard the matter on merits. The NCDRC also took note of the primary fact that Reliance General Insurance did not take the ground of territorial jurisdiction before State Commission and therefore, the order of the State Commission was declared to be bad in law and the matter was remanded. Source: Sccon Line

10 Dec 2024 The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Commission) in Delhi’s Central District found Emami found Emami (opposite party/ OP) guilty of unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements related to its “Fair and Handsome” fairness cream. The coram of President Inder Jeet Singh and member Rashmi Bansal found that the company’s claims of providing fair skin to users in three weeks were deceptive and unsupported by evidence, violating consumer rights. “The conclusions drawn above, makes it crystal clear that the OP is offering the product – Fair and Handsome cream with few, negligible and limited instructions on the packaging and labeling that its use regular use for three weeks will result into fairness in the skin of man, despite knowing that instructions mentioned are incomplete instructions and for want of following the other requirements, it will not give the result claimed. …this proves misleading advertisement and unfair trade practice that in order to promote product and sales, such strategy was adopted by the OP,”the Commission held Therefore, it ordered the withdrawal of all such misleading advertisements and packaging while also awarding punitive damages of lakh out of which lakh is to be deposited with the Delhi State Consumer Welfare Fund and has to be paid to the complainant. ” The complaint is partly allowed in favour of complainant and against the OP while directing OP (i) to discontinue the unfair trade practice in respect of its product, to withdraw those packages, labels, advertisements either of its brand ambassador or otherwise and not to re-exhibit by mode of audio or visual or combination of both forthwith; (ii) to deposit punitive damages ofRs.14,50,OOO/- in the Delhi State Consumer Welfare Fund (its receipt will be furnished to this Commission in time), (iii) to pay balånce punitive damages Rs. 50,000/- (which includes loss amount ofRs.791-) to the complainant as determined and payable and (iv) to pay costs ofRs.10,OOO/- to the complainant. The amount will be deposited and payable within 45 days from the date of this order,” the Commission held. This is second time the Commission has passed this order. In 2015, it had ruled in favour of the complainant. However, upon appeal, the State Commission overturned this decision in 2017 and remanded the case back to the District Commission for a fresh hearing and also directed that the case should be decided after considering evidences of the parties and other material. The case arose from a complaint filed by Nikhil Jain (complainant) filed against Emami Limited alleging unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements for their product “Fair and Handsome Cream.” Jain claimed that he purchased the product for and used it as per the instructions provided. Despite this, the product failed to deliver the promised results, such as fairness and other benefits, making it defective. As part of the relief, he sought corrective advertisements for one year, punitive damages amounting to ₹19.9 lakh and litigation costs of ₹10,000. In defense, Emami Limited denied all allegations, asserting that the product was scientifically tested and complied with all regulatory standards. The company argued that the complaint lacked merit as there was no sufficient evidence to prove the allegations. They also contended that the complainant failed to provide proper proof of purchase and expert opinion regarding the product’s effectiveness. Emami further contended that the product had undergone various tests and was designed for specific conditions, such as protecting against UV rays and improving skin quality for users aged 16—35. However, the Commission rejected these contentions noting that the packaging and advertisements of “Fair and Handsome” were misleading since it created an impression that the product would deliver fairness within three weeks though the conditions required to achieve the promised results were not mentioned. The Commission deemed this to be an unfair trade practice. It added that the damages should be of such an extent that they would actually “pinch” the defaulter, so that it deters others from engaging in conduct similar conduct Accordingly, the Commission imposed lakh in punitive damages on Emami and directed the company to withdraw deceptive advertisements and packaging. The damages have to be paid within 45 days of the order. Advocate Paras Jain appeared for the complainant Nikhil Jain. Source: Barand Bench