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Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Doctor says this simple blood test could help identify heart attack risk in advance
One of India's foremost killers strikes without forewarning. The untimely heart attack takes the lives of many without presenting any unmistakable symptoms in the wake of medical developments. But what if there were a simple blood test that could warn of a heart attack years before it would take place? The recent advances in cardiovascular diagnostics are trying to fulfil this dream. The power of predictive biomarkers 'Scientists', as Dumont et al. have demonstrated, 'have found certain proteins and enzymes and inflammatory markers in blood which, if they appeared in higher than normal concentration, indicated that the person was at risk of cardiovascular disease long before any clinical presentation.' High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is one such marker. It signifies inflammation in the vessels of the heart-a silent trigger in most heart attacks. A protein blood test (genetic lipo/protein analysis) can predict heart attack risk by detecting elevated lipoprotein(a) levels linked to inherited cardiovascular disease. Troponin comes next on this list of probable biomarkers. Troponin is primarily used to identify heart attacks. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wildlife Cameras Capture What No One Should See Ohi Blog Undo by Taboola by Taboola When troponin levels are elevated only a small amount, it has called to attention heart muscle stress or damage in the form of an early warning, years before. The other factor that has risen into prominence as a strong factor for early onset heart disease, especially in South Asians, is lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a genetic form of cholesterol. An unprecedented prospect for cardiovascular health In India, where CVDs affect younger populations, it is very much important to go in for early intervention. With urban lifestyles, increasing sedentarism, and the rising stress level, the younger lot itself is under threat. But for most routine checks, no one does anything else beyond reading cholesterol and blood pressure. With a little bit more of a proactive approach involving cardiac biomarkers testing, risk individuals could be identified earlier, so that they could then eliminate risk through lifestyle modification, early treatment with medication, or further diagnostic evaluation if warranted. This testing can be simple, non-fasting blood tests , no guruji, no stress test, no invasive procedure. Technology meets precision medicine The AI biomarker data integration is giving the jewel more shine. Advanced AI modeling techniques can now analyze the patient profile, which could include blood test results, genetic data, and lifestyle risk factors, and arrive at an individualized estimate of one's 10-year or even lifetime risk of developing heart disease. This individualized prediction and risk stratification allows for targeted prevention, rather than generic public-health-based preventions. A wake-up call for routine screening Despite these breakthroughs, public awareness and access remain barriers. Don't wait and wait until you suddenly have a heart attack and need an operation. We must shift our mindset from 'reactive treatment' to 'proactive prevention.' Including advanced cardiac biomarkers in annual health checks could be the key to reducing India's heart attack toll. Heart attacks don't just happen overnight, the silent damage increases over years. A basic blood check, administered at the right time, might provide a life-saving early alert. While science is arming us with tools, it's up to us as individuals, as doctors, as policymakers to act now before it's too late. Sameer Bhati Public Health Expert
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From village dreams to global scoops: How Dumont Creamery put Andhra Pradesh on the ice cream map
In the quiet village of Jakkulanakkalam near Gudavalli, Andhra Pradesh, a homegrown ice cream brand is rewriting the rules of India's frozen dessert industry. What began in 1999 as a small family-run unit with a handful of flavours and a big dream has today become a name that is delighting palates from Vijayawada to Vegas – Dumont Creamery. Behind this unlikely success story is a combination of deep local roots, bold flavour innovation, and global ambition. As India's appetite for premium and artisanal ice cream grows, Dumont has emerged as a symbol of what regional food entrepreneurs can achieve with the right blend of passion, process, and product innovation. Today, the brand's high-capacity plant in Gudavalli produces up to 3,000 litres of ice cream per hour, employing over 180 people and powering a research and development team that has created more than 300 unique flavours. From the richness of Filter Coffee and Choco Orange to globally inspired bestsellers like Lotus Biscoff and Blueberry Cheesecake, Dumont has built a portfolio that appeals to both Indian nostalgia and international tastes. Yet, at its heart, the brand remains committed to the land and its people. It sources key ingredients locally – such as Nuzividu mangoes from the Eluru district, chikoo and kala jamun from neighbouring food farms in Andhra Pradesh – preserving the authentic taste of Andhra in every scoop. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo These locally inspired flavours are not just crowd favourites at home but also help differentiate Dumont in international markets. The company's overseas journey, which began with the launch of stores in the United States, now includes 10 outlets, with plans for 25 more by 2026. It's a bold expansion plan for a brand that still calls Vijayawada its soul. In contrast to sleek, metropolitan dessert cafés, it's approach in India emphasises community-based experiences, offering affordable indulgence to families, students, and small-town consumers. This blend of accessibility and aspiration has won it a loyal following. Industry observers note that it's rise coincides with broader trends in Andhra Pradesh's food ecosystem. The Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Policy 2020–25, which supports cold chain infrastructure and export-oriented manufacturing, has made it easier for agri-linked businesses like Dumont to scale and innovate. What sets the brand apart, however, is more than policy or plant capacity – it's their mindset. The company's journey from a modest rural setup to a globally recognised ice cream brand is a reminder that ambition and authenticity can coexist. In doing so, the company has placed not just its brand, but Jakkulanakkalam village itself, on the global map. As it eyes new international markets and deeper domestic penetration, Dumont Creamery continues to churn out more than just ice cream – it's serving up a story of rooted innovation and the sweet success of believing in local roots.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Evolving Taste Preferences Drive Demand for Global Dessert Flavours in India
India, 16th June , 2025 : From Biscoff to Hokey Pokey, Indian dessert menus are beginning to resemble those of European cafés more than they do traditional Indian sweet shops. Once dominated by kulfi, rasmalai, and laddoos, India's ice cream market is evolving rapidly, as global flavours gain mass-market appeal across cities, towns, and even tier-2 markets. According to a 2023 report by IMARC Group, India's ice cream market, currently valued at over ₹21,000 crore and growing at a CAGR of 13.5%, with consumer demand increasingly driven by taste experimentation, travel exposure, and global culinary influence. Food aggregators report a 60% rise in dessert orders featuring 'non-Indian' flavours over the past two years, led by cheesecake variants, cookie-infused recipes, and indulgent European-style flavour profiles. Food trend analyst Priya Sharma attributes the shift to rising global exposure: 'Urban and semi-urban consumers are exposed to a wider range of global cuisine through social media, international travel, and OTT content. This is directly influencing their dessert choices. A decade ago, a flavour like Ruby Cheese may have sounded too experimental. Today, it sparks curiosity and is seen as premium.' A striking example of this trend is Dumont Creamery , based in Vijayawada, whose product R&D team has developed more than 300 unique flavours over the past five years ranging from globally inspired innovations like globally inspired flavours like Hokey Pokey (a toffee-based classic from New Zealand), Ruby Cheese (a creamy European innovation), and Biscoff (Belgium's iconic caramelised biscuit) to locally rooted variations like Nuzividu Mango, Filter Coffee, Jackfruit and Chikoo. While the brand began with traditional offerings, the bulk of its recent sales growth, according to internal insights, is being driven by a combination of a global-meets-local approach. Importantly, this global flavour trend doesn't come at the cost of local identity. Brands like Dumont maintain strong ties to regional sourcing and Indian taste preferences. 'It's about striking a balance of introducing global flavours while celebrating our roots,' says a Dumont spokesperson. 'We use locally grown fruits like Chikoo and Mango, even as we innovate with flavours that someone might discover during a trip abroad.' This demand is not limited to metros. Even in smaller cities like Karimnagar, Mysuru, and Vizag, global dessert influences are shaping everyday indulgences through local brands that adapt international profiles to Indian palates, often combining sweet and spicy notes or adjusting sugar levels. Biscoff-based treats are now staples in dessert cafés and mainstream QSR chains, enjoyed alongside classic Indian flavours. Retail data supports this shift. A NielsenIQ study found that ice cream products featuring global flavour cues sold 2.2 times faster than traditional variants in 2022–23. These figures align with broader consumption shifts where novelty, storytelling, and aspirational quality increasingly influence buying decisions. What was once considered niche or novel is now mainstream and in many cases, preferred. As Indian consumers continue to embrace international flavours while staying rooted in local traditions, the line between local and global taste is melting fast. 'This is a company press release that is not part of editorial content. No journalist of The Hindu was involved in the publication of this release.'
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Economic headwinds do not dampen outlook for new Marina Bay development: Las Vegas Sands president
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Las Vegas Sands president and CEO Patrick Dumont said Singapore is 'incredibly desirable' to the firm as so many people want to come to the Republic to live and do business. SINGAPORE – Consumer spending in the Asia-Pacific is currently dampened due to geopolitical factors, but Mr Patrick Dumont remains unfazed about long-term business projections for the upcoming Las Vegas Sands development. 'We think in 10, 20-year terms,' said Mr Dumont, who is the president and chief operating officer at Las Vegas Sands, Marina Bay Sands' (MBS) parent company. 'South-east Asia is filled with young people who are entrepreneurial, aspirational and working very hard and creating business success, and as that occurs, they want to consume, and experience things that are unique, luxury and aspirational.' Las Vegas Sands' new US$8 billion (S$10.3 billion) development is set to be completed by 2030 and open in the first quarter of 2031. The complex will comprise 570 luxury hotel suites, a casino, a 15,000-seat entertainment arena, and 200,000 sq ft of meeting and convention space. It will also have a 'Skyloop' – a counterpart to the current MBS SkyPark – and high-end restaurants. An artist's impression of Las Vegas Sands' new ultra-luxury development in Singapore. PHOTO: MARINA BAY SANDS 'This is going to be the most luxurious and high-serviced hotel in the world,' Mr Dumont told The Straits Times on July 14, a day before the ground-breaking on the new development. The new complex costs almost 50 per cent more than the US$5.6 billion that was pumped into the development of the existing MBS integrated resort by Las Vegas Sands 15 years ago. Despite being targeted at the ultra-luxury market, it will have public spaces open to everybody – such as the new Skyloop on the roof, where two overlapping elliptical decks are stacked on top of each other. An artist's impression of the Lower and Upper Skyloop on the tower's roof, where two overlapping elliptical decks are stacked on top of each other. PHOTO: SAFDIE ARCHITECTS The lower Skyloop will have several public areas, including an observatory, restaurants and rooftop gardens, while above, hotel guests will have private cabanas and infinity-edge pools. There will also be a wellness terrace for events. Singapore is 'incredibly desirable' to Las Vegas Sands and its significant investments because so many people want to come to the Republic to live and do business, said Mr Dumont. 'So, it is very important for us to continue to invest and grow our capabilities, to maintain leadership in the industry... This is the next evolution in high-value tourism investment.' (From left) Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, Las Vegas Sands co-founder Miriam Adelson, Las Vegas Sands chief operating officer Patrick Dumont, architect Moshe Safdie and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong looking at a model of the new hotel tower during its ground-breaking ceremony on July 15. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI The focus on high-spending business and leisure tourists aligns with the Government's focus, he noted. For example, the authorities have identified the Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) segment as a key growth engine for Singapore tourism. Mice visitors are expected to contribute 10 per cent, or $3.5 billion, of the country's tourism receipts by 2040. The upcoming entertainment arena, for instance, will be able to hold both live performances and Mice events. The hotel tower and arena by Las Vegas Sands set against the horizon. PHOTO: SAFDIE ARCHITECTS 'We will have a connection through a bridge that will allow people to have a large Mice event and then also use the arena for other purposes as part of that event,' said Mr Dumont, adding that it is important for the new development to include amenities not available in the existing MBS property. He also envisions the new development having a larger impact on the Marina Bay district as a whole in what he described as a 'halo effect'. 'Where it not only enhances our ability to conduct tourism and drive people to Singapore and to our properties, but also enhances the Marina Bay district as a desirable tourism destination because of the amenities that we will provide.'
Bangkok Post
15-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Las Vegas Sands bets on Asia's young rich
Las Vegas Sands Corp is targeting Southeast Asia's young and wealthy as it kicks off an ambitious US$8-billion expansion of its luxury resort in Singapore that is core to the casino operator's future growth plans. 'As those younger people create wealth for themselves, they want experiences that allow them the benefits of their success,' president and incoming chief executive officer Patrick Dumont said during an interview on Tuesday. Customers who visit the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort complex on business trips often then return with their families for a holiday, he said. The new Sands complex, which is expected to open in January 2031 subject to government approval, includes a new fourth tower with 570 luxury suites, about 18,600 square metres of conference space and a 15,000-seat live entertainment arena. The project underscores Sands' historic pivot to focus on its Asian operations — typically its biggest revenue earners — after the company said in 2021 that it would sell its iconic properties on the Las Vegas Strip. Singapore has emerged as a burgeoning luxury hub with a robust base of affluent locals, as well as a popular holiday destination where tourism spending has climbed to a record. Singapore overtook Macau as Sands' most profitable business after reporting a record adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of $605 million in the first quarter. In February, Marina Bay Sands Pte secured a multi-tranche loan of $9 billion — the largest such financing ever in Singapore — to help fund the project, for which has costs have ballooned from the original estimate of $3.4 billion made in 2019. Still, Sands faces challenges to its regional ambitions. Macau, the world's biggest gambling hub by turnover, has an uncertain near-term outlook as China pushes the territory to diversify away from gaming to curb capital outflow and money laundering. And in 2020, Sands dropped plans to open a casino resort in Japan due to concerns over the terms of the country's legislation including the duration of gaming licences. Elsewhere, Thailand's government this month withdrew a bill to legalise casinos as political turmoil deepens, although Dumont reiterated that Sands would consider a potential expansion into the country. 'It would be a very different development than anything that would happen here in Singapore,' he said. 'If the opportunity is right, we'll consider it.' As well as selling its Las Vegas properties, Sands' push to streamline its operations has also led it to abandon a bid to develop a New York casino, partly over concerns that rising online betting would hurt the property.
