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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
153% Jump in COVID Searches Reveals India's Vigilance Amid New Wave Fears
New Delhi: As India witnesses a resurgence of COVID-19 cases—with active infections surpassing the 7,000 mark—new search data from local search engine Justdial, reveals a significant shift in public behaviour. COVID-related searches spiked by 153 per cent nationwide between April and May 2025, reflecting a palpable increase in public concern and preparedness across cities. Among the top trends were an 8x increase in searches for government testing centres, a 77 per cent rise in insurance-related queries, and a threefold jump in vaccine centre lookups under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). The capital city Delhi has emerged as the most proactive, with a 140 per cent rise in overall COVID-related searches and a 15x surge in government testing centre queries. According to Justdial's report, the renewed public interest spans both metros and smaller cities, indicating broader health awareness. In Mumbai, searches for private testing rose alongside a 26 per cent increase in insurance-related lookups. Kerala, meanwhile, recorded an 84 per cent surge in insurance searches, the highest in the country. ETHealthworld's Rashmi Kaur spoke to experts from healthcare facilities to understand on how they view the public's proactive approach. 'Yes, we are witnessing huge spikes in footfalls for COVID testing, especially for travelers and those with mild symptoms,' confirmed Dr. Diksha Goyal, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram. 'We've streamlined testing logistics, stocked up on kits and PPE, and trained our staff to handle the surge efficiently. Online bookings and electronic reporting are helping us reduce crowding and waiting times.' Dr. Deepak Sanghavi, Vice President of Operations at Agilus Diagnostics, emphasized that the rising interest in testing is not just reactive but also preventive. 'While there's no panic, people are clearly more alert. We're seeing increased demand from symptomatic individuals, their contacts, and even post-infection follow-ups—many opting for home sample collection,' he said. While numbers are rising, doctors believe the clinical picture is changing. 'Many cases are now presenting with milder, influenza-like symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and fatigue,' said Dr. Goyal. 'Severe respiratory distress is rare, particularly in vaccinated individuals. However, early detection remains tricky, as the symptoms are more insidious. High-risk groups still need close monitoring and timely care.' Dr. Sanghavi echoed, 'This is not the same panic-driven atmosphere we saw during earlier waves. Public behaviour now shows a desire for early awareness and informed action. That's a good sign.' Demand for Booster shots With immunity waning and infection trends climbing, public interest in booster doses is seeing a revival. 'There's a clear uptick in people—especially seniors—seeking booster shots. While national advisories are awaited, state-level initiatives are encouraging precautionary vaccination for high-risk groups,' said Dr. Goyal. What sets this surge apart from earlier waves is the public's proactive response—seeking out information, verifying coverage options, and opting for safe testing methods like home collection. 'Healthcare providers and diagnostics labs are more prepared than ever before,' said Dr. Sanghavi. 'India's healthcare infrastructure, bolstered by earlier experiences, is well-equipped to manage this rise efficiently.' While health authorities monitor the evolving situation, experts agree that public vigilance, timely testing, accurate information, and vaccinations remain the most effective tools in preventing another full-blown crisis.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
High-protein, low-cal, and gram-worthy: How Kulfi got its glowup
The recent launch of 'protein kulfi' by an FMCG giant created quite a stir. Each 60g pack of this 'healthy' kulfi apparently has 10g of protein and only 57 calories - a clever positioning for a protein deficient nation. * But the real story is one of a delicious resurgence - the traditional desi dessert has made a comeback as a trendy treat. Between 2023 and 2024, India's kulfi exports grew by 31%, according to trade data by Justdial and as per a data by Volza, the biggest importers of kulfi are the United States, Bhutan, and Singapore. For generations, kulfi wore its street creds proudly. On family trips to the chowpatty, at sherbet and chaat stalls in summer and occasionally served at wedding banquets. The dense, creamy, frozen dessert did lose out to more exciting ice-creams and gelatos. But this summer has been big on love for nostalgia. Including the humble kulfi that's got a fashionable glow-up. The healthy twist to indulgence How do you take a creamy, dairy-rich, decadent dessert and make it healthy? You innovate. 'Indian kulfi is being redesigned to reflect modern nutritional demands,' says Chef Sanaa Khattar from CYK Hospitalities. 'So we are using toned milk, nuts, and natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or jaggery. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Ingredients such as turmeric, basil seeds, saffron, and dried fruits also boost both flavour and nutrition.' Since kulfi is meant to be denser and creamier than ice-cream, makers are sticking to slow cooking and natural reduction of the milk without any chemical stabilisers. 'It preserves the dessert's soul,' says Khattar. Chef Shivansh Bhasin, head chef at Quarter Plate by Kunal Kapur says, 'The challenge with enhancing protein content in desserts lies in preserving indulgence while boosting nutrition. We achieve this by incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients like nuts, seeds, Greek yoghurt, almond flour, and chickpea flour — creating sweets that please the palate without compromising on health.' Bespoke kulfi? Why not? It's not just health but personalisation that's fuelling the kulfi resurgence. 'The most exciting trend is the rise of customisable kulfis,' says Nesar Akhtar, owner Shaan's Restaurant & Banquet. 'Customers can choose their base — malai, saffron, paan, or coconut — and add mix-ins like caramelised figs, sea salt, or dark chocolate shards. The combinations are endless, adding a gourmet twist to a traditional treat. ' There are dietary preferences too. Gagan Anand, founder of Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic, explains how their gelato kulfi is still made with creamy milk. 'But the sugar is regulated to match client preferences.' Your treat is a swipe away Long considered too delicate for frozen delivery, kulfi is now thriving on quick-commerce platforms. Its natural density and stability make it ideal for logistics, making it an easy choice for those seeking authentic desserts without having to wait for it. Think house parties and sudden cravings for something sweet and familiar. 'Although I love eating kulfi at local shops, being able to order it online makes it easier to relive those childhood memories,' says Anusmita Bera from Kolkata, who is a fan of kulfis. 'Each bite is a blend of nostalgia and novelty — that's why it remains one of my all-time favourites.' Moreover home-grown brands are embracing playful formats: spirals, hearts, layered cubes, and even terracotta pots. "Artisanal producers are embracing packaging that reflects both tradition and innovation,' says Azra Golam, director of sales at Aminia. 'We're seeing biodegradable wraps, glass jars, reusable tins, and even labels that narrate the story behind each kulfi. Some brands offer interesting moulds for home freezing — turning kulfi-making into an experience. ' Kulfi trends to watch: No artificial additives, locally sourced fruits. Fusion and global flavours: Miso caramel, rose-lavender, tiramisu Plant-based and lactose-free varieties for the health-conscious Gourmet kulfi bites, scoops, and sticks that are IG-friendly and shareable . — Master Chef Karishma Sakrani, Consultant Chef at Kynd Cafe & Bar, Pune. Make your own kulfi Start with full-fat milk and reduce it slowly — that's where the richness comes from. Stir regularly and let it thicken naturally for that signature creamy texture. Swap refined sugar for jaggery or dates for a healthier, deeper sweetness. Add a pinch of cardamom or a few saffron strands to elevate the flavour. Feeling adventurous? Try flavours like coffee, matcha, or even sea salt caramel — kulfi is endlessly versatile. Top with caramelised nuts, rose petals, fresh berries, or even pair with a warm brownie or biscuit crumble for contrast. — Master Chef Ajay Chopra, consultant chef at Jugnu, Goa (* Study by International Food Policy Research Institute) Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Entrepreneur
14-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Why are MSMEs Still Unable to Access Newer Markets?
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Despite contributing nearly 30 per cent to India's GDP and employing over 110 million people, the Indian MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector remains burdened by long-standing barriers to growth; foremost among them, the inability to effectively access broader markets. A recent report by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), paints a comprehensive picture of this struggle. While access to credit continues to dominate policy discussions, the report finds that a significant pain point lies in MSMEs' limited ability to sell beyond their local markets. The majority of Indian MSMEs still rely on word-of-mouth, traditional sales channels, and offline marketing methods. Roughly 70 per cent of MSMEs continue to prefer conventional methods of customer engagement, while only 13 per cent have adopted social media-based digital marketing. This deep-rooted reliance on outdated modes of outreach is stalling their growth and hindering scalability. Shwetank Dixit, chief growth officer, Justdial, underlines the real bottleneck stating, "The biggest hurdle for most MSMEs isn't lack of ambition—it is lack of visibility. Many still rely on word-of-mouth or local footfall, while modern digital channels often feel complex, intimidating, or expensive." He notes that digital solutions in India often fail to reflect the realities of small business owners, missing key factors like language preferences, ease of use, and relevance to local markets. "That's where the friction begins," he adds. The challenge is particularly acute in non-metro and remote regions, where digital literacy is low and infrastructural gaps widen the digital divide. The report affirms that most MSMEs haven't yet integrated modern marketing or digital commerce into their operations. This lack of adoption not only curtails their visibility but also isolates them from fast-growing online markets. However, when digital adoption is demystified and made accessible, the response is swift. As Dixit explains, "We have seen that when MSMEs are shown how easy it is to get discovered online—often for free or at a nominal charge—they don't hesitate." With mobile-first, intuitive tools that integrate seamlessly into daily business routines, the transformation is not just possible, it's immediate. "The key is simplicity, trust, and proof of ROI," he emphasizes. The government has also stepped in to support digital expansion. Initiatives like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Government e-Marketplace (GeM) are enabling MSMEs to establish a digital footprint. ONDC surpassed 5 lakh sellers by May 2024, with 70 per cent being small and medium enterprises. GeM mandates 25 per cent annual procurement from MSEs by central ministries and public sector enterprises, including specific quotas for women and SC/ST entrepreneurs. These efforts are gradually lowering barriers to market entry, reducing customer acquisition costs, and improving profitability. Digital transformation could serve as another helping-hand. Anand Lakshmanan, head of Logitech for business, India, highlights, "Digital enablement is not a luxury but a necessity for businesses of all sizes in today's economy." According to him, scalable and cost-effective collaboration tools, especially for customer engagement and virtual interactions, can significantly enhance an MSME's ability to compete and grow. "Whether it's enhancing virtual customer interactions or empowering distributed teams, modern video conferencing solutions and digital collaboration tools are vital," he says. The export sector tells a story of both progress and untapped potential. While India's merchandise exports dipped slightly from ~$451 billion in FY2023 to ~$437 billion in FY2024, MSMEs increased their share of these exports from 43.59 per cent to 45.73 per cent. Among those surveyed, 14 per cent of MSMEs were export-oriented. Exporters face their own set of challenges like stringent quality requirements, limited access to export finance, and gaps in transportation and regulatory knowledge. However, they also tend to be better equipped technologically. Notably, exporters report fewer issues with digital adoption, reflecting the necessity of tech-driven processes in reaching global markets. However, they struggle more with sourcing high-quality raw materials that meet international standards. The contrast between exporters and non-exporters further illustrates how digital maturity can reduce operational friction and open new doors. As per a report by CareEdge Ratings, post the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom, India could double its share in the UK's readymade garments (RMG) market from 6 per cent to 12 per cent in the near to medium term. This shift could provide an incremental annual export opportunity worth $1.1 to $1.2 billion, where MSMEs could unlock new regions to expand their business. Read more
