Friday, May 30, 2025

Why Managing Thyroid Matters When You Have Diabetes


In India, about 1 in 10 adults have a thyroid disorder, and around 1 in 11 adults live with diabetes.[1] But what many people don’t know is how often these two conditions are connected. In fact, approximately 1 in 4 people with Type 2 diabetes also have hypothyroidism,[2] a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive. This overlap is not coincidental as both conditions affect how the body uses energy.[3]

Understanding the linkage between thyroid & diabetes

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. It regulates the body’s metabolism, which affects how the body uses and stores energy. Thyroid hormones and insulin are like the body's energy managers. Thyroid hormones help control how fast your body uses energy, while insulin helps manage your blood sugar levels. Together, they play a big role in keeping your metabolism running smoothly. So, when the thyroid function is disrupted, it can affect blood sugar control, and vice versa.[4]

Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India said, “People living with diabetes are usually aware of their blood sugar levels and know how to manage the fluctuations. But many symptoms of thyroid disorders might go unnoticed, even though they can impact blood sugar levels.[5] Thyroid health and blood sugar levels are more linked than you might think. That's why it's important to get regular thyroid check-ups. With the right care, thyroid disorders can be managed effectively, allowing people to live healthy and active lives.”

Dr. Mahesh DM, Endocrinologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, “Thyroid conditions are often neglected, with a large percentage of the population living with undetected issues and, as a result, not seeking the necessary care. Many people with diabetes may have thyroid problems without noticeable symptoms, which can range from fatigue, memory lapses, sleeping difficulties and excessive weight gain to constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, muscle cramps, and puffy eyelids. [6] An underactive thyroid can also result in fluctuations in energy levels, weight, mood, and heart rate, as the gland plays an important role in regulating these functions and supporting the body’s healthy development. This is why regular check-ups for thyroid function are important, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.”

Research shows that diabetes combined with thyroid disorders can increase the risk of kidney issues, poor heart function, and issues with blood circulation.[7],[8] These can lead to complications like diabetic retinopathy (happens when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina), nerve damage, and heart disease.[9]

Types of thyroid disorders that influence blood sugar control:[10][11][12]

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Hypothyroidism slows down how the body processes insulin. This means insulin stays in the bloodstream longer, which can cause unexpected dips in blood sugar. It slows down metabolism, leading to weight gain and increased insulin resistance. This can make it harder to keep blood sugar levels under control. Among people with diabetes, the most common type of thyroid disorder is subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid gland isn’t functioning normally, but there aren’t any visible symptoms.  Type 2 diabetes can also increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism due to changes in how the immune system functions.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism. This causes the body to absorb glucose from food more quickly. However, cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). This makes it challenging for people with diabetes to maintain stable glucose levels.

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect blood sugar levels, requiring regular monitoring and management.

Managing the Dual Diagnosis

Addressing thyroid dysfunction can help with diabetes control. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and timely medication as advised by your doctor, can help keep both thyroid and blood sugar levels in check.  Regular screening for thyroid function and blood sugar testing, as advised by your doctor, can ensure that any changes are diagnosed early.

Taking care of yourself by staying active, eating well, and getting enough sleep can really help. If you have both thyroid disorders and diabetes, you might need to pay extra attention to your health, by doing so can make you feel better and give you more energy to enjoy your favorite activities.

Jollygunj Launches Third Outlet At The Galleria Mall, Yelahanka


* A bold new chapter in Bengaluru’s bar culture begins

Brookfield Properties has announced the opening of Jollygunj, a vibrant rooftop bar concept by Byg Ventures at The Galleria Mall. This launch marks Jollygunj's third outpost in Bengaluru, bringing its unique blend of bold design, inventive mixology, and irreverent charm to North Bengaluru.

A Bold New Chapter in Bengaluru's Bar Culture

Jollygunj celebrates classic Indian decadence with a contemporary twist, offering a distinctive experience that encourages connection, celebration, and elevated socializing. With its smart design and high energy, Jollygunj reflects the evolving preferences of Bengaluru's nightlife enthusiasts.

Signature Offerings with a Side of Surprise

Jollygunj's music-focused ambiance, adult-only entry, and defined dress code create a unique nightlife experience. Designed for those seeking high-energy evenings with a curated crowd, Jollygunj focuses on shared moments, expressive interiors, and an unmistakable vibe.

The menu boasts 15 signature shots, including the whisky-forward Angrezi and the innovative Zabardast. The culinary experience features elevated interpretations of local street food favorites, such as Jolly Mutton Seekh and Clubhouse Fish Fry.

A Space that Speaks to the City

Rooted in an ecosystem philosophy, Brookfield Properties curates environments where commerce, culture, and community converge—transforming spaces into destinations. The addition of Jollygunj to The Galleria mall reflects our placemaking philosophy—curating spaces that prioritize lifestyle and community. The launch strengthens the dynamic mix of experiential retail, dining and leisure, while further expanding Brookfield Properties’ growing retail portfolio in India.

Ajay Gowda, Partner at Byg Ventures, stated, "We're thrilled to partner with The Galleria Mall, which shares our passion for creating spaces that celebrate energy, expression, and connection. With our third location in Yelahanka, we're bringing that spirit to North Bengaluru, where community and good times come together without compromise."

Venue Details:

 Location: Rooftop, The Galleria Mall, Yelahanka

 Timing: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Daily

 21+ only | Dress code in effect

About Jollygunj:

Jollygunj is a vibrant rooftop bar concept by Byg Ventures, offering a unique blend of bold design, inventive mixology, and irreverent charm. With three locations in Bengaluru, Jollygunj is redefining the city's nightlife experience.

About The Galleria Mall:

Brookfield Properties manages over 55 million sq. ft. of high-quality real estate across India. The Galleria Mall is a premium retail destination within this portfolio. As India’s first mall to receive the prestigious 5S Platinum Certification, it brings an international experience to local connoisseurs. The mall features a wide range of offerings including a spacious 800-seat food court, fine dining restaurants, a nightclub, and a curated selection of leading fashion and lifestyle brands—all under one roof.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Launches “50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour”


* ‘Bookings Open’

Celebrating half a century of iconic touring excellence, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) announced the launch of “2025 Gold Wing Tour – the 50th Anniversary Edition”. As this legendary nameplate turns fifty, the Gold Wing Tour continues to set the benchmark in luxury touring. Bookings for the same are now open and it will be exclusively sold via the company’s premium BigWing Topline dealerships. The 50th Anniversary Honda Gold Wing Tour has been priced at Rs. 39.90 lakh, ex-showroom Gurugram (Haryana).

Announcing the launch, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are ecstatic to introduce the 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour in India. The launch of the 2025 Gold Wing Tour commemorates an iconic journey that began in 1975. Over the past five decades, the Gold Wing platform has evolved into a symbol of class, comfort, and endurance. The 50th Anniversary Edition is a tribute to this unmatched legacy and a celebration of our commitment to engineering excellence for long-distance touring connoisseurs.”

Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to launch the 50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour for our Indian customers. With this special 50th Anniversary Edition, we aim to offer a riding experience that perfectly blends innovation, luxury, and power. This is more than just a motorcycle – it’s a tribute to a generation of motorcyclists who believe in the art of luxury touring. We are glad to announce that the bookings for the new Gold Wing Tour are now open and customer deliveries of this flagship luxury tourer will begin in India from June 2025 onwards.”

50th Anniversary Gold Wing Tour: The Art of Luxury Touring

The 2025 Gold Wing Tour boasts a cutting-edge style with a distinctive silhouette that balances aerodynamic efficiency and majestic road presence. Moreover, it gets a special Gold Wing emblem with 50th Anniversary and ‘since 1975’ detailing, commemorating the motorcycle’s important milestone. Enhancing its modern design is a full-LED lighting system and airflow-optimized air vents which helps the bike slip through the air efficiently while still offering the great ergonomics that are a staple to long days on the open road.

In terms of equipment, the new Gold Wing Tour gets a feature-rich cockpit with a 7.0-inch full-colour TFT display that provides riding, navigation & audio information. Moreover, it now features first-in-class wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for connectivity and gets a new welcome screen saying “Since 1975” when the motorcycle is turned on. Touring comfort is further elevated with an extended electric screen for excellent wind protection, improved audio system speakers to deliver rich sound at all speeds, Bluetooth connectivity with two USB type-C sockets, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a host of other features.

At the heart of the new Honda Gold Wing Tour is a massive 1833cc, liquid-cooled, 4 stroke, 24 valve, flat six-cylinder engine that churns out 93 kW power and 170 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Engineered for long hauls and responsive acceleration, this engine offers seamless performance even under demanding touring conditions.

Coupled with advanced safety aids and innovative electronics for seamless performance, including a Throttle-By-Wire (TBW) system, dual-channel ABS, traction control and Airbag, it guarantees a ride that’s both thrilling and safe. The Gold Wing Tour comes with four riding modes - Tour, Sport, Econ and Rain, each with distinct settings that help tailor the riding character of the motorcycle.

The 50th Anniversary Honda Gold Wing Tour will be available in a single DCT variant with Bordeaux Red Metallic colour and has been priced at Rs. 39.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Gurugram). Customers can book this flagship luxury touring machine exclusively at Honda’s premium BigWing Topline dealerships with deliveries commencing from June 2025 onwards.

IDEMITSU Honda Racing India Riders Arrive In Malaysia For 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship Round 2


As the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) heads towards its second round, the IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team is gearing up for the weekend challenge at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

The Round 2 presents a significant opportunity for IDEMITSU Honda Racing India riders to demonstrate their skill and determination at one of the most demanding and competitive circuits on the 2025 ARRC calendar. The season opener was held in Thailand this April, where young talents Kavin Quintal and Johann Reeves Emmanuel finished their best at 13th position (in race 2) and 15th position (in race 1), respectively. Since then, the team has been refining its approach, with a clear focus on enhancing performance and securing crucial points in the upcoming races.

With a cumulative total of 4 points so far this season, the team remains focused on building momentum and delivering stronger results in the upcoming rounds of the Asia Production 250cc (AP250cc) class, starting with the Round 2.

Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Quintal said, “Sepang is always a demanding circuit — fast, technical, and incredibly challenging. But that's exactly what makes it exciting. Round 1 in Thailand was a mixed bag for me, I knew I had to stay focused and fight hard. Finishing 13th in Race 2 gave me confidence and showed that our efforts are heading in the right direction. We are working on being sharper, faster & more consistent. I am looking forward to taking another step forward in Round 2.”

Looking forward to Round 2, Johann Reeves said, “Round 1 was a big learning experience for me, it showed me what’s possible with focus and determination. Every lap helped me understand the competition better. Sepang is a technical circuit that demands precision, and I have been working closely with the team to improve performance. I am feeling more confident heading into Round 2 and excited to keep building on what we have started.”

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Zuno Champions “Mental Health Awareness” With ‘Say Hi’ — A Campaign To Spark Real Connection


Zuno General Insurance, a new-age digital insurer, has launched a heartfelt campaign, ‘Say Hi’, as a reminder of the power of small gestures—especially in today’s fast-paced, hyper-digital world where meaningful connections often take a back seat. Marking with the Mental Health Awareness Month, the campaign encourages people to pause, reconnect, and check in on those around them with just one powerful word: Hi.

When life moves at the speed of scrolls and swipes, genuine connection can get left behind and silent struggles overlooked. We leave messages unread, miss chances to check in, or forget to follow up with the people who matter. Sometimes, the people we pass by every day may be the ones silently struggling. “Say Hi” is rooted in a simple but profound insight: that reaching out — even with just a Hi — can open the door to healing, comfort, or a meaningful conversation.

Behind every screen or silence, someone may be waiting to be heard and seen. Zuno’s latest campaign, ‘Say Hi’, is a reminder that a small gesture can make a big difference.

“At Zuno, ‘easy, breezy, surely’ isn’t just a brand promise, it’s a way of being. We are here to make life a little lighter not just through insurance, but by fostering real, human connections. Our brand’s signature outreach symbol signifies connection, and this campaign brings that philosophy to life. Whether it’s simplifying claims or the act of reaching out, Zuno is committed to making the hard stuff a little easier including talking about mental health,” said Ketan Mankikar, Vice President & Head of Marketing, Zuno General Insurance.

The campaign captures everyday scenarios where moments of disconnection quietly creep in—between colleagues at work, old friends, and even within families through thumb stopper videos and reels. It is being promoted across digital platforms to capture attention and spark reflection.

In addition, Zuno is hosting an interactive AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on Instagram with a mental wellness professional, allowing users to ask questions via comments or DMs. The expert will respond to these queries through a video message on the brand’s social media page, marking the culmination of the initiative.  

The SayHi campaign aims to foster genuine conversations, encourage empathy, because sometimes all it takes is a simple ‘Hi’.

Watch the reels here:

 1. PG Stories - https://youtube.com/shorts/809SCjPq_JQ?feature=share

2. Office Moments - https://youtube.com/shorts/T1GJ6dMKN0w?feature=share

3. Last Bench - https://youtube.com/shorts/gjJ3D0lxZbE?feature=share

IPRS Leads From The Front As India Records 357% Growth In Royalty Collections As Captured In CISAC’s 2025 Global Report


The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) welcomes the release of the CISAC Annual Report 2025, which showcases India’s strong growth in royalty collections and outlines a global call for ethical AI regulation in the creative industry.

The report underscores the importance of protecting creators' rights and adapting to technological advancements to ensure fair remuneration and sustainable growth in the music sector. 

India's progress in royalty collections reflects the country's commitment to strengthening its creative economy. The IPRS remains dedicated to supporting music creators and users by providing guidance on music copyright and facilitating legal music usage. As the industry evolves, the IPRS continues to advocate for policies and practices that uphold the rights of creators and promote the responsible use of technology in creativity.

According to the report, total royalty collections in India crossed Rs. 7 billion in FY24-25, reflecting a 42% increase over the previous year, and a 357% growth compared to 2020. This performance has moved India up significantly in global rankings - making it one of the fastest-growing music markets.

The report also highlights IPRS’s ongoing collaboration with CISAC to develop a strategic roadmap aimed at positioning India among the world’s top 10 creative economies. This includes targeted efforts to strengthen digital collections, address non-digital revenue challenges, and improve the licensing and distribution ecosystem.

Sharing his views, legendary creator and IPRS Chairman, Mr. Javed Akhtar, said, “A society that cherishes music must ensure that its creators are not forgotten in the shadows of technology and commerce. The significant rise in royalty collections is more than a number - it is a reflection of growing awareness around intellectual property, fair value for creative work, and the need for compliance across the industry. Yet, many challenges remain - as music travels far and wide in the digital age and AI presents new threats. From educating creators about their rights to ensuring the ethical use of their work across platforms, our mission is far from over.  As a body representing those behind the music, we at IPRS are committed to protecting the rights of every music creator, addressing systemic gaps, and building an ecosystem where creativity is respected, rewarded, and rightfully owned.”

Highlighting the significance of the report Mr. Björn Ulvaeus, CISAC President, mentioned, “We are living through an era of unprecedented transformation. Nowhere is this more evident that in the rise of generative AI – a force that raises fundamental questions about the nature of authorship and creativity. Protecting creators’ rights in no way means trying to stop the advance of technology. On the contrary, it means embracing and licensing AI tools in a safe, legal environment. I say this as the number one fan of AI and of its possibilities for enhancing human creation. What is pre-requisite, however, is that creators’ rights are respected. Upholding creators’ rights is not only about fairness, it’s also about economic good sense.”

Mr. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, added, “The remarkable growth in India’s royalty collections reflects not just a rising music economy, but also a growing recognition of creators’ rights - though there is still significant ground to cover. At IPRS, we are proud to lead this transformation—empowering creators, strengthening systems, and working with global partners to raise the standards of copyright governance. As technology reshapes the creative landscape, it is critical that innovation does not come at the cost of artistic integrity. Through strategic collaborations and a robust rights management framework, we remain committed to ensuring that every creator is respected, rewarded, and ready for the future.”

The report also spotlights IPRS’s participation in a global pilot project to link ISWC (musical work codes) with ISRC (sound recording codes), a step that will lead to more accurate and faster royalty payments for Indian creators.

On the global front, CISAC has raised a strong call for regulation of Generative AI. Its newly released Global Economic Study, published in partnership with PMP Strategy, warns that by 2028, music creators could lose up to 24% of their revenues if clear policies around AI-generated content are not implemented.

IPRS supports CISAC’s demands for:

Transparency in AI training data

Mandatory authorisation before use of creative works

Fair compensation for creators

The full CISAC Annual Report 2025 is now available on the IPRS website : https://iprs.org/wp-content/uploads/AG25-0354_CISAC_Annual_Report_2025_2025-05-22_EN.pdf

India SME Forum Concludes Bharat Quality Mission With Strong Call For Phased Implementation Of QCOs To Spur MSME Growth


India SME Forum successfully concluded the Bharat Quality Mission Conference today with a unified call for systemic reform in the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The event was organized in partnership with Amazon to educate sellers on growth and compliance. The discussion spotlighted urgent measures required including phased QCO implementation to prevent disruption, sector-specific compliance standards, expanded testing infrastructure, and financial support mechanisms to ease the burden on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India.

Themed “Enabling MSMEs for Global Competitiveness”, the event was organized in the wake of growing concerns as narrated by small sellers who have faced escalating challenges due to abrupt implementation of mandatory QCOs since last year like blocked capital and unutilized imported goods. It marked a turning point in industry-regulator dialogue, emphasizing that compliance should be a catalyst—not a constraint—for MSME growth. The conference concluded with the formal submission of a policy recommendations dossier to the Ministries of Consumer Affairs and MSME, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Delivering the keynote address as chief guest, Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, said, “When India rejected substandard goods, manufacturing units began shifting to India – bringing investment, technology, jobs, and confidence. This momentum is key to India becoming the third-largest economy, which requires strong manufacturing and globally competitive MSMEs. QCOs boost quality and exports, and adherence to standards is essential. To support this, we are strengthening testing infrastructure across the country with INR 78 crore being invested through BIS. Our aim is to empower MSMEs with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to move forward.”

T. Lalit Kumar Singh, Deputy Secretary, DPIIT stated, “Objectives of these QCOs and their enforcement are clear: to strengthen India’s quality infrastructure, enhance consumer product safety, prevent the import and sale of substandard products, attract investment, and reduce the risk of accidents caused by faulty or low-quality goods. We are open to receiving recommendations from the industry and are committed to working on them constructively”.

H.J.S Pasricha, Deputy Director General, BIS added, “Global competitiveness hinges on quality and cost efficiency. The government and institutions like BIS are here to support SMEs develop a strong quality culture. As the national body for standards, BIS brings together manufacturers, research labs, institutes, and experts through over 400 technical committees across 17 sectors. We look forward to actively engaging with industry to shape the standards benchmarks that define our future.”

Vinod Kumar, President of India SME Forum opined, “We heard MSMEs, regulators, and solution providers agree that abrupt enforcement without capacity-building will paralyze small businesses. From delayed certifications to import bottlenecks and one-size-fits-all standards, the challenges are real. Our recommendations aim to drive a national framework that combines global best practices with local realities, ensuring MSMEs aren’t left behind in India’s pursuit of quality. Ultimately, quality must become a shared journey, not an enforced destination. Aligning with global certifications as endorsed by the Ministry of MSME will make MSMEs globally competitive. We are thankful to Amazon for partnering with us on seller compliance awareness.”

One of the key sessions featured Ramaswami Lakshman, Director of Emerging Markets, FBA at Amazon. “Digitization has the power to level the playing field for MSMEs. At Amazon, we are committed to helping Indian sellers – especially from tier 2 and 3 cities – navigate compliance, improve quality, and reach customers across India and globally. Over 12 million MSMEs have already been digitized through our initiatives. We are proud to support initiatives like the Bharat Quality Mission that are essential to shape policy frameworks and can help unlock the full potential of small businesses,” he said.

The conference was attended by over 300 stakeholders including top policymakers, industry leaders, certification authorities, and e-commerce enablers. Built on the momentum of a recent national webinar attended by over 11,000 MSMEs, it featured deep dives into key pain points such as certification delays, testing infrastructure gaps, financial strain from compliance costs, and misalignment with international standards that restrict export competitiveness. With representation from sectors including electronics, food processing, and textiles, the conference established consensus on a roadmap that blends policy reform with tech-driven capacity building.

About India SME Forum

India SME Forum, is India’s leading organisation for MSMEs, with over 98,200 MSMEs as direct paid members (including 9400+ Women Entrepreneurs) and 12,36,000 MSMEs as subscribers across 19 State Chapters. India SME Forum is a nominated member of the Advisory Committee mandated in the section 7, sub section (2) of the MSMED Act, 2006, (27 of 2006 (https://www.dcmsme.gov.in/Advisory_Committee.aspx) and its professional association affiliation includes the Ministries of MSME, Finance, Corporate Affairs, Commerce & Industry of the Govt of India, FIDD of the RBI, UNIDO, UNCTAD, ITC Geneva, WUSME, INSME & WTO’s informal group for SMEs. For more information, please visit www.indiasmeforum.org.

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