Latest news with #SaurabhArora
News18
5 days ago
- Health
- News18
Safe to Drink? The Untold Risks of Packaged Water in India
Last Updated: The next time you reach for that bottle of water, remember it's not just about quenching thirst. It's about trusting a system designed to protect you, from source to sip. In a country where soaring temperatures and rising pollution levels often make access to clean drinking water a challenge, packaged bottled water is seen as a convenient and seemingly trustworthy solution. Be it at railway stations, airports, or roadside stalls, a bottle of mineral water is often perceived as a safer choice. But is it always as safe as it looks? 'We often take the safety of packaged drinking water for granted, but there is a long and rather strict set of scientific protocols and regulatory checks behind the label on every bottle," says Dr. Saurabh Arora, Managing Director, Auriga Research. The assumption that bottled water is inherently safer than tap water is a common one, especially in urban India. But the real story behind that chilled bottle involves decades of regulatory evolution, public health scares, and increasingly stringent quality standards. According to Dr. Arora, 'Two decades ago, the industry had no specific standards. It was only after significant public health concerns, including the presence of pesticide residues in bottled water and even carbonated beverages, that the Bureau of Indian Standards introduced mandatory frameworks such as IS 14543 for packaged drinking water and IS 13428 for packaged natural mineral water. These standards not only cover the water's quality but also the safety of packaging materials like bottles, jars, and pouches." advetisement These regulations have transformed the bottled water industry into one of the most rigorously monitored food sectors in India. Every licensed bottling facility is mandated to conduct daily tests to monitor basic parameters like pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and conductivity. Weekly and monthly testing expands the spectrum to include anions, cations, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and even microbiological pathogens. 'Today, every licensed facility is expected to conduct daily tests for basic parameters such as pH, dissolved solids, and conductivity. Weekly and monthly testing requirements cover a wide spectrum, from anions and cations to pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiological pathogens. Third-party laboratory testing at BIS or NABL-accredited labs is mandatory at multiple intervals throughout the year," says Dr. Arora. Interestingly, quality control doesn't end with the water alone. Even the plastic bottle it comes in undergoes scrutiny. 'Even the sensory attributes of water, its smell, taste, and clarity, are validated through organoleptic testing. Packaging, too, undergoes rigorous evaluation for structural integrity and chemical migration to prevent leaching of harmful substances," he explains. With the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stepping in as a key regulatory body, the bar for compliance has been raised even higher. Packaged water is now classified as a high-risk food product, a designation that requires bottling plants to undergo third-party audits every six months. 'With the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India now overseeing regulatory compliance, packaged water has been classified as a high-risk food product. This means facilities must undergo third-party audits every six months and remain compliant with FSSAI's quality framework," Dr. Arora adds. Despite these layers of quality checks, consumer trust doesn't come from the glossy label or a fancy cap. 'At our research center, we believe that trust in packaged water does not stem from branding or packaging. It is built on an invisible ecosystem of state-of-the-art testing infrastructure, regulatory vigilance, and scientific integrity. It is this commitment that safeguards public health and ensures that every sip consumers take is not only refreshing but also safe," says Dr. Arora. So the next time you reach for that bottle of water, remember—it's not just about quenching thirst. It's about trusting a system designed to protect you, from source to sip. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi First Published: June 01, 2025, 11:39 IST
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India's workforce witnessing early onset of chronic illnesses: Report
Bengaluru: India's corporate sector is facing a growing but largely invisible health emergency. Chronic diseases, mental health issues, and burnout are affecting a significant portion of the workforce—posing serious risks to productivity, employee retention, and long-term economic growth, according to a health report. The Plum Employee Health Report 2025 , analysed data from over 100,000 telehealth consultations, 25,000 insurance claims, nearly 2,000 health camp participants, and 512 survey responses, covering six per cent of its six-lakh-plus user base. The result is a stark portrait of a young but increasingly unhealthy workforce. Despite having over 600 million Indians under the age of 35—who should ideally be a key demographic dividend—the country is witnessing a disturbing increase in chronic health risks. Lifestyle-related illnesses are now striking as early as age 32, with the median age for heart disease consults at 32, cancer at 33, diabetes at 34, chronic kidney disease at 35, and strokes at 36. These numbers highlight a trend of early disease onset, nearly a decade sooner than typically observed in developed nations. This health decline is translating into up to 30 lost working days per employee each year, driven by absenteeism, disengagement, and mental health-related downtime. Mental health remains a major concern, accounting for 20 per cent of all telehealth consultations. Reproductive and hormonal health needs among women also remain underserved. Twenty-three per cent of telehealth consultations from women relate to reproductive health, 32 per cent to hormonal issues, and 18 per cent to menstrual health. Yet, 42 per cent of women report working through period pain without workplace accommodations, and over 70 per cent say their current health benefits do not meet their actual needs. Despite the rising health burden, only 20 per cent of companies offer regular health screenings. Even where screenings are available, only 38 per cent of employees avail them. Data from Plum's health camps paints a worrying picture -- 63 per cent of participants had elevated or high blood pressure, 38 per cent had high cholesterol, 17 per cent were clinically obese, 11 per cent were pre-diabetic, 5 per cent required urgent medical attention. In total, 71 per cent were found to be at moderate risk of non-communicable diseases. According to co-founder Abhishek Poddar, true employee well-being stems from holistic, accessible care that supports mental, physical, and social health—not just transactional insurance coverage. Fellow co-founder Saurabh Arora added that improving health span, not just lifespan, must become a strategic priority. He emphasised that delayed care or lack of support leads to immediate and measurable costs for businesses. With the right personalized and AI-powered interventions, employers can proactively guide employees toward healthier behaviors and close critical care gaps.
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Doctor reveals what people should know before buying packaged drinks this summer: ‘Always check the label'
As summer temperatures soar, cold, refreshing beverages become even harder to resist. In these sweltering moments, we may find ourselves tempted to grab unpackaged drinks from street vendors or the familiar chilled water from the cart when we're stuck in the heat. However, it's essential to stay cautious during this time and be mindful of what we're consuming. (Also read: Dermatologist says never use these 3 skincare products on your kids: 'Talcum powder can cause respiratory diseases' ) Dr Saurabh Arora, managing director, Auriga Research, shared with HT Lifestyle some basic tips, which we can all follow to stay safe throughout the summer and protect ourselves from waterborne or beverage-borne diseases. "First and foremost, we should all try to use packaged beverages as the first choice, especially while we are on the go. And make sure that any packaged beverage that we buy has an FSSAI license. And also look at the manufacturing and expiry date," says Dr Arora. He adds, "Personally, I always make sure to empty the Tetra Pack and then consume it, rather than putting a straw directly into it. Another thing to look out for is puffy packages. If there is gas buildup and pressure, and the package has become puffy, we should avoid those. That's a clear sign of contamination and microbial growth inside the tetra pack. The same goes for bottles and bottled beverages, always keep an eye out for any growth or foreign contamination before consuming them." "Another thing that we all typically shy away from is the ice being used at roadside vendors. While it's not always the culprit, you should still be careful about how it's stored and how it's being served to you," Dr Arora advises. Dr Arora also emphasises the importance of caution with milk-based beverages during the summer. "Like any other season, milk products and milk-based beverages have a higher risk of spoilage and contamination. So, you must be very careful while consuming them. Trust your taste buds and your nose, if you detect even a slight foul smell or an off taste, it's best to avoid it altogether." Lastly, he shares a tip for juice lovers: "Juices are very popular in summer and are indeed healthy, but again, ensure the juice vendor is properly cleaning the juicer, washing it thoroughly, and not letting it stand with pulp and remnants from the last service, which can rot and cause infections." Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Business Standard
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
OPPO Launches K13 5G - The OverPowered Performance Smartphone Starting at Rs 17,999
VMPL New Delhi [India], April 21: OPPO India has launched the OPPO K13 5G, engineered to deliver an "Overpowered" performance experience with power efficiency and a premium user experience. Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Mobile Platform, the device features a 7000mAh graphite battery with 80W SuperVooC fast charger, segment-leading VC cooling, a 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED display, and intelligent network optimization--offering smooth multitasking, immersive gaming, long-lasting battery life, and reliable connectivity. The OPPO K13 5G reflects OPPO's commitment to meaningful innovation, combining advanced engineering and refined design to redefine performance in its segment. Priced at Rs 17,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant and INR 19,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant, the OPPO K13 5G will be available for purchase starting 25th April 2025 on the OPPO e-store and Flipkart from 12 PM onwards, in two colour options - Icy Purple and Prism Black. Consumers purchasing the smartphone can avail an INR 1000 instant discount only on the sale day with select bank offers or with an exchange bonus of INR 1000, bringing the effective price at INR 16,999 and INR 18,999, respectively. Additional launch offers include No Cost EMI for up to six months, further enhancing the overall value proposition of the OPPO K13 5G. Savio D'Souza, Head of Product Communications at OPPO India, said, "With the OPPO K13, we're bringing an OP experience to the under Rs20,000 segment--without compromise. Whether it's the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, one of the segments-best VC cooling, or our intelligent graphite battery technology, every aspect of the K13 is engineered to deliver performance that punches above its weight. This device reflects OPPO's vision to democratize powerful, reliable technology and make flagship-level features accessible to more users than ever before." Saurabh Arora, Head of Mobile, Compute, and XR Business at Qualcomm India, said, "At Qualcomm, we are committed to delivering innovation that enhances user experiences. Partnering with OPPO on the OPPO K13, powered by Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, enables us to provide mobile users and gamers with unmatched performance and responsiveness." Smrithi Ravichandran, Vice President Mobiles, Flipkart, said, "At Flipkart, we continue to witness growing demand from consumers for smartphones that combine performance, battery life and design without compromising on value. The launch of the OPPO K13 5G is in line with this trend and we are proud to bring this device to our customers across India. With its desired features backed by OPPO's trusted innovation, we believe the K13 will resonate strongly with those who expect more from their devices--whether for gaming, content creation, or everyday productivity." Segment-Leading 7000mAh Graphite Battery Backed by 80W SuperVOOC Fast Charging Setting a new standard for endurance in its category, the OPPO K13 packs a segment-leading massive 7000mAh graphite battery. This powerhouse is engineered for longevity, promising an impressive five-year lifespan thanks to its advanced graphite anode battery technology. Unlike silicon anode alternatives which can suffer from significant expansion and faster degradation over time, OPPO's choice of proven graphite anode technology ensures superior stability, enhanced thermal management, and structural integrity across 1800+ charge cycles. This focus on graphite translates directly to sustained performance, enhanced safety, and the reliability users expect, ensuring consistent power delivery and exceptional durability for long-term use. The battery ensures users stay powered throughout the day and beyond, complemented by 80W SuperVOOC fast charging technology. A rapid 5-minute charge provides up to four hours of gaming time. Users can achieve a 62% charge in just 30 minutes, reaching a full 100% charge in under an hour. The intelligent Smart Charging Engine 5.0 dynamically adjusts charging speeds based on usage, optimising battery health and preventing overheating while ensuring efficient power delivery. On a full charge, users can enjoy up to 49.4 hours of call time, 10.3 hours of gaming, 15.1 hours of short video streaming, 14.9 hours of video chatting, 11.6 hours of outdoor navigation, and an impressive 32.7 hours of music playback, making the OPPO K13 an ideal companion for high-performance users who refuse to compromise on battery life. OverPowered Performance with Snapdragon® 6 Gen 4 At the heart of the OPPO K13 is Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 mobile platform -- the first 6-series chip built on TSMC's flagship 4nm process. Delivering an impressive AnTuTu score of 790,000, the chipset brings a big leap in efficiency, performance, and thermal stability over older 6nm rivals. Backed by ARMv9-based CPU cores and a balanced architecture of 1+3+4 (Cortex-A720 at up to 2.3GHz and Cortex-A520 efficiency cores), users can expect fast app launches, smooth multitasking, and reliable performance in everyday use. The powerful Adreno GPU boosts graphics by up to 29% over the previous generation, enabling fluid frame rates and console-level visuals in games like BGMI and Free Fire. Snapdragon Elite Gaming features like Adreno Frame Motion Engine and HDR Fast Blend further enhance the visual experience. OPPO's AI Trinity Engine optimises performance in real-time, reallocating resources to ensure sustained frame rates, better thermal control, and minimal background interference -- ideal for long gaming sessions. OPPO K13 is the first smartphone i.e. built to last, with a 5-Year Fluency certification and a 5-star anti-aging rating from TUV Rheinland--ensuring smooth performance for years to come. Additionally, to keep thermals in check, the OPPO K13 features a flagship-grade cooling system with a 5700mm2 Vapor Chamber cooling and a 6000mm2 ultra-high thermal conductivity graphite sheet. This multi-layer setup effectively dissipates heat from the CPU and GPU, ensuring consistent frame rates and touch responsiveness even under load. The device also features fast LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, making multitasking effortless and gaming uninterrupted. Smart connectivity comes built-in with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4's powerful 5G and Wi-Fi capabilities. AI LinkBoost 2.0 and OPPO's custom 360° antenna layout ensure stronger, faster connections even in challenging environments like elevators or basements -- and during horizontal gaming where signal drop is common. Immersive AMOLED Display, Built for All Conditions The OPPO K13 features a stunning 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1200-nits peak brightness -- perfect for outdoor use. With HDR support, vibrant colours, and deep contrast, every scroll, stream, and game feel immersive and fluid. Designed to perform in all conditions, the display includes Wet Touch Mode for responsive input even after a splash or in light rain, and Glove Mode, allowing seamless interaction without removing gloves -- ensuring uninterrupted use, no matter the weather. Completing the amazing viewing experience is the OPPO K13's dual stereo speaker setup that features 300% Ultra Volume Mode for immersive audio, perfect for movies and music. Under the display is the in-display fingerprint scanner, which allows you to unlock your device with a simple press. Powerful 50MP Camera Meets Intelligent AI Imaging Tools The OPPO K13 brings premium imaging experiences to its segment with a powerful 50MP main camera, paired with a 2MP depth sensor. Backed by a suite of advanced AI tools, the system is designed to help users capture sharper details, more accurate colours, and professional-grade results -- effortlessly. Whether it's a scenic landscape or a quick snap on the go, the AI Enhance Clarity feature uses deep learning to intelligently boost image sharpness and restore fine textures, while AI Reflection Remover eliminates distracting glares from glass and reflective surfaces for more lifelike photos. Additionally, AI Unblur rescues images affected by shaky hands or motion, instantly restoring them with improved sharpness and clarity. AI Eraser 2.0 offers seamless object removal -- just circle or scribble over unwanted elements and watch them vanish. On the front, a 16MP Sony IMX480 sensor powers crisp, detailed selfies with natural skin tones and low-light performance. Whether you're perfecting a portrait or editing with precision, the OPPO K13's AI-enhanced camera system makes every shot count. Flagship-Grade Durable Design Power-packed, yet polished, the OPPO K13 Series boasts a sleek, flagship-level design featuring balanced symmetry and a premium metal lens ring. Even with its massive 7000mAh battery, the device maintains an impressively slim 8.45mm profile for a comfortable grip. Durability is enhanced with an IP65 water- and dust-resistance rating. Taking it a step further, the OPPO K13 5G undergoes over 50 rigorous quality checks to ensure long-term reliability--from 300,000 cumulative button presses and 20,000 USB insertions to extreme temperature tests ranging from -20°C to 75°C. Built to endure life's unexpected challenges, this phone redefines durability in its class. The OPPO K13 5G will be available in two striking colour options: Icy Purple, inspired by the subtle hues of glaciers with rhombic textures that resemble floating ice for a cool, futuristic aesthetic; and Prism Black, a cyberpunk-inspired design featuring fragmented geometry and interlacing light and shadow for a bold, high-tech appearance. ColorOS 15 With GenAI Enhancements for Smarter Daily Use The OPPO K13 runs on ColorOS 15, based on Android 15, offering a fluid user experience enriched with intelligent, AI-powered features. Built specifically for students and young professionals, it integrates the latest GenAI tools like AI Summary, AI Rewrite, and Extract Chart in the Documents app--ideal for note taking, content creation, and pulling key insights from PDFs. The updated AI Toolbox 2.0 boosts productivity with tools such as Screen Translator, AI Writer, AI Reply, and AI Recording Summary, which records up to five hours of meetings in English, Hindi, or Tamil and auto-generates clean transcripts and summaries. Circle to Search with Google enables instant visual search by simply long pressing the home button or navigation bar, while OPPO's AI LinkBoost 2.0 ensures stable connectivity even in challenging environments. Together, these features transform the OPPO K13 into a smart productivity companion. Built with purpose and precision, the OPPO K13 delivers a complete performance package--pairing a powerful processor, massive battery, fast charging, powerful internals, a 120Hz AMOLED display, strong network, gaming capabilities and flagship-grade AI tools in a sleek, durable design. It doesn't just blur the line between budget and premium--it confidently redraws it, standing out as an overpowered all-rounder for users who demand more. Key Specifications
