Editorial Board

Mahakumbh 2025 : More than Sadhus and Yogis

-By Inderpreet Singh, Editorial

The largest hindu pilgrimage festival, Mahakumbh, already started on 13th January and will continue till 26th February holds a special presence among the followers as it occurs once every 144 years. While its spiritual and cultural significance is widely acknowledged, what often goes unnoticed is the massive economic boost it provides. Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected, a financial impact in lakhs of crores, benefiting multiple sectors of the economy.

The scale of Maha Kumbh 2025 is actually mind-blowing. With an estimated 400 million visitors over six weeks, this event is set to boost demand across several industries. Hotels, dharamshalas, and even homestays in Prayagraj and nearby regions are witnessing high rises in bookings, almost every single one already filled up. According to The Indian Express, the event is expected to generate direct revenue of around ₹25,000 crore, with the overall economic impact reaching ₹2 lakh crore.

How does Mahakumbh mela benefit various industries ?

Transport services, from railways to airlines and local taxis, have seen massive growth. With Uttar Pradesh’s government already investing in infrastructure development before the event, which includes road expansion, bridges, and railway stations, it ensured a smoother flow of tourists increasing the revenue generated only from the visitors coming in the event. This investment created employment opportunities for thousands, from daily wage laborers to skilled professionals furthermore increasing basic standard of living.

Growth in the employment generation is one of the most significant economic impact because of the event. BW Hotelier reports that thousands of temporary jobs are created in tourism, food, sanitation, security, and retail. For example street vendors, small shop owners, and artisans experience a major boost in sales, as pilgrims and tourists purchase souvenirs, religious figures, and local handicrafts.

Additionally, online platforms like OYO benefited from increased demand for accommodations. Logistics companies also saw increased work, ensuring supply chains for food, beverages, and essential services. The demand for skilled labor, such as translators and guides, has also surged, providing income opportunities to local youth and escorts.

How does the government view this economic boost ?

Even previous kumbh melas may be seen as the economic bursts for the Uttar Pradesh government, but comparing it to Prayagraj Mahakumbh festival might not be right. Even though the numbers may feel exaggerated, but according to Upstox, this festival alone could contribute up to 1% of India’s GDP, making it one of the most economically impactful religious events in the world. Beyond these direct economic gains, the improved infrastructure, tourism facilities, and global media coverage also make Uttar Pradesh a strong investment hub for future projects. The state government is leveraging this opportunity to attract investors for long-term projects in tourism and urban development, ensuring sustained economic benefits beyond the festival.

Does Mahakumbh poses any threats ?

Even though the monetary gain can make one feel the immense potential of these festivals, there is another aspect that contribute towards the overall feel of the event. These include qualitative features which cant be measured in numbers. While the economic benefits are immense, Maha Kumbh also presents logistical and environmental challenges. Managing sanitation, waste disposal, and crowd control are among the biggest headaches for the administration. With millions of people gathering in a single location, tons of waste—including plastic, food leftovers, and sewage—are generated daily. Maintaining cleanliness at such a large scale remains a very tough task.

Water pollution is another concern to worry about. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers, already under strain from industrial and domestic pollution, face an additional burden during the Kumbh mela. Security risks also increase with such a large gathering. The possibility of stampedes, theft, and other criminal activities demands a high security network. According to The Hindu, hundreds of people have been trapped in stampedes, killing people in double digits and deeply injuring others.

Concluding, Maha Kumbh 2025 is more than just a religious gathering, it is an economic powerhouse. From employment generation to infrastructural advancements, the event benefits not just Uttar Pradesh but also the entire nation. While devotees seek spiritual guidance; businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers find their own prosperity. However, managing an event of this magnitude comes with its fair share of challenges. The government and required parties must work collectively to ensure that the benefits exceed the difficulties, making Maha Kumbh a model for sustainable mega-events in the future.

Sources :

Inadequate Food Safety Standards and Regulations In India

-Vidhi Siddhu, Editorial

India is notably the second largest producer of food in the world but where does it stand regarding the safety and standard of the said food? That is one area where the country seems to be struggling through decades even after the establishment of ‘The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India [FSSAI]’ back in the year 2006. The association was introduced to work alongside the ministry of health and family welfare for “laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption”. ^[1]

Right to life includes the right to healthy food in our constitution but the inadequate implementation of standards for food safety are not exactly ensuring that. According to a report recorded by AIB International, FSSAI has detected a significant increase in cases of food adulteration over the years going from 15% in 2012 to almost doubling at 28% in 2019,^[2] which is alarming. The Global Food Security Index [GFSI], produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit of UNCCD, ranked India 67th in terms of quality and safety of food and 68th overall among 113th countries. ^[3] India was not a part of top fifty percent even.

There are a handful of consequential reasons behind the barely satisfactory level of food maintenance as observed in the country –

1. Lack of specificity regarding product composition

The FSSAI has laid out several terms and conditions regarding ingredients that may go and that may not go into the manufacturing of different categories of food products. However, the regulations are rather vague regarding the safe and healthy products that should be used which makes it easier for manufacturers to find loopholes and switch to inferior, unhealthy replacements instead of the intended healthy options.

For example – The authority only lays out precautions regarding use of toxic oils but does not have any specified restrictions against its use in processed food. That allows manufacturers to freely use the potentially harmful product in making food items without any legal consequences.

2. Lack of awareness among public

There are distinctive marks required to be labelled on packaging of food items by manufacturers that are supposed to be tell-tale signs of what ingredients are used, amount of dietary nutrition and information as such. It is considerably a good strategy if not for the lack of awareness among the general public. Very few proportions of people know what the signs and symbols stand for and even fewer who actively look for them to identify products that are healthier options. It doesn’t help that often times people willingly ignore labels and instructions that are made to help them navigate the situation better. Manufactures take advantage of this that leads to unnoticed adulteration in small measures but with possibly major health concerns.

3. Loose implementation

The rules and regulations defined by FSSAI “match international standards” says the Simi TB of CUTS International, an advocacy group that has been working for consumer welfare for over four decades. ^[4] But they also acknowledge that the authorities drastically lag behind in implementation of this written model. The food safety legislation of India has been sorted well above the mean average of all countries with evident updates in the last 5 years as per the GSFI report 2022. ^[5] Although if one looks at the execution of it, they would be left quite underwhelmed. It is surprising how many counterfeit products exist in the market that are being purchased by consumers on a daily basis despite them violating several food safety codes.

4. Corruption

The enforcements already fall back on exertion of protocols, but in the infrequent visits of supervision and inspection, the majority gets affected by instances of bribery and other personal benefits. The aforesaid has been one of the leading indirect causes of adulteration in not only unpackaged food, as is the common sighting, but in packaged food products as well.

These factors are at the core of what makes the complicated system of food safety in India a health concern for all. There are of course other elements to it but nevertheless it’s a problem to be acknowledged. There are ingredients being used in food items that are banned in a large number of countries but used for mass production in India. These products are then consumed by the public, of which a large fraction consists of children and elderly, posing a threat to their health. A regular intake of low-grade quality and adulterated food, which can be a carrier of food borne diseases, leads to health issues on a large scale. Data collected by the World Health Organisation [WHO] presents that “children under 5 years of age carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden, with 1,25,000 deaths every year”. ^[6]

In conclusion, although FSSAI has worked to maintain food safety standards in India, they don’t stand sufficient given the compelling amount of ambiguity, lack of execution on ground level and ignorance by general public. Faltering safety standards become a burden on the healthcare system slowing down the socio-economic growth of the nation.

SOURCES –

^[1]FSSAI https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/consumergrievance/about-fssa

^[2] AIB International, Inc

https://blog.aibinternational.com/is-india-on-the-verge-of-a-major-food-safety-shift

^[3]The Economist Impact

https://impact.economist.com/sustainability/project/food-security-index

^[4]The Tribune

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/features/regulating-food-standards-food-safety-laws-in-india-are-sufficient-but-lacking-in-enforcement-615372/

^[5] The Economist Impact

https://impact.economist.com/sustainability/project/food-security-index/explore-countries/india

^[6]WHO

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety

Impact of fast fashion and influencer marketing on the fashion industry

-Mehak Sejwal, Editorial

“People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. When they buy fashion, they’re buying a story, an identity, a movement.” — Joseph Pine.”
Fashion is not only a piece of cloth, but rather it is an intricate pattern of culture, self, and purpose.However, the industry has undergone transformations in quite the past years, mainly because of the incessant need of the consumers and the age of social media. One swipe on their smartphone, and the crazes start, grow, and vanish in a heartbeat, changes that are unnatural to the annual cycles of fashion. Many consider the advent of fast fashion embraced by internet sensations as a good thing, for it conveys style to the masses, but some will argue that then the beauty and integrity of fashion has most definitely been for gone, in exchange for instant satisfaction.This article explores how influencer marketing and fast fashion work together to shape the current fashion scene, asking
whether they foster creativity or only serve to reinforce a cycle of excess and short-lived trends

Changes in the Transformation of the Fashion Cycles
Not long ago, the fashion world functioned on a seasonal schedule where designers would showcase their creations long before the seasons changed. However, a season change has taken place within this model in the last few decades. We have been witnessing the emergence of fast fashion with the likes of Zara, H&M, and Shein, thanks to their innovative and efficient manufacturing processes enabling them to keep up with changing consumer needs.
For example, Zara’s ability to produce new designs in only two to three weeks is remarkable given that a company’s ideal lead time is six months.
Estimates indicate that Zara has about four hundred and fifty million articles of clothing per customer each year or about eight hundred and fifty-six per minute. Within that duration, the global clothing market managed to increase its output from 50 billion to 100 billion, while the lifestyle changed so that each person used to wear them less frequent than ever. Unsurprisingly, around sixty percent of garments made today are composed of synthetic fabrics, and the trend leads to even worse outcomes, as 87% of used textile gets burnt or thrown away in the oceans or landfills (World Bank).
This concept appeals to stakeholders like millennials and the new generation (Gen Z) who seem to rely on such concepts due to their need for diversity over sustainability.
Nowadays most fast-fashion providers offer more than 52 seasons for their stocks, making the one season a year concept somewhere in the past. In what has become disposable entertainment—fashion—people are purchasing more and more, or retraining their style to a new one every couple of weeks!
Nonetheless, this means that there are also downsides such as waste, pollution, and the risk to health that comes with the herd mentality that embraces change for the sake of it and not the quality in the end.
-Ethical and Environmental Implications
Fast fashion is however not without its ethical issues even though it allows one to satisfy a personal urge with fashion items that are within reach. The quality of products is almost always left behind in these production chains and as a result, the life of the clothing items is extremely short. In the words of Ellen MacArthur Foundation, over 85% of textile substances are wasted every year already, and a sizeable amount of that ends up in rubbish dumps and in the sea.
In addition, such brands also become the subject of controversies for unfair labor practices as they tend to manufacture the products in poorer nations where the local workforce lives in abject poverty and works for an extended amount of time under terrible circumstances. This area of the industry raises the difficult question of how much more clothing one really needs to buy in exchange for ever increasing cruelty inflicted upon others.

-Influencer Marketing and Fast Fashion’s Intersection
The connection between influencer marketing and fast fashion has become very tight. Brands are more and more working with influencers to release new lines or create special collections, taking advantage of influencers’ power to set trends. This teamwork creates a constant need for new styles, as influencers promote a “see now, buy now” attitude typical of fast fashion.
For instance, brands like Fashion Nova and PrettyLittleThin

– A New Era of Consumer Trust
Over the years, marketing is one area that has continuously remained relevant regardless of numerous technological advancements including the case of the internet. Perhaps, at no other time has influencer marketing been so embedded in branding strategy. Influencers, including famous people and social media figures, serve as connectors between brands and buyers, providing a relatable kind of advertising. With sites like Instagram and Youtube shorts helping reach active audiences, influencers are important in changing fashion styles and how consumers shop.
Influencers have built a special trust in their groups. Followers often see them as friends instead of far-off stars, and this connection makes it more likely that followers will act on their recommendations. This relationship is beneficial for both influencers and brands; influencers earn trust and money through partnerships, while brands reach specific markets that might ignore traditional ads.

Sources
https://earth.org/fast-fashion-quotes/
https://custommapposter.com/article/20-fast-fashion-quotes-to-inspire-you-into-action-earth-org/1337
https://www.guyvernes.com/fashion-quotes/
By the Numbers: The Economic, Social and Environmental Impacts of “Fast Fashion” | World Resources Institute
Fast-fashion giant Zara faces a huge challenge in the climate crisis. Can its heiress-turned-leader make the brand
fast, cheap, and green? | Fortune
H&M, Zara Fast Fashion Waste Leaves Environmental Impact – Bloomberg
Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Impact in 2024 | Earth.Org
Microsoft Word – 10081036- Corrections 2021 (2) .docx
Microsoft Word – DAHL INFLUENCER RESEARCH PAPER.docx

The Dollar’s Last Stand?

-By Tamanna Verma, Editorial Member

For as long as we can remember, the US has always been among the most powerful and developed countries in the world. It has ingrained itself into the economy of a majority of countries and has made the dollar one of the strongest currencies worldwide. However, even the mighty can fall and over recent years studies have shown that the dollar is losing its value. The US dollar used to be the world’s primary reserve currency, and it was also the most widely used currency for trade and other international transactions. However, its hegemony has come into question in recent times due to geopolitical and geo-strategic shifts. There have been speculations that the US dollar reserve is being eroded as the world divides itself into trading blocs after the Russia-Ukraine war and due to the increased strategic competition between the US and China.
De-dollarization means reducing the use of dollars in transactions relating to trade between countries as well as financial transactions. This would diminish the dominance of the US in the foreign market. There are two cases which would erode the value of the dollar. Firstly, reducing the stability offered by the US dollar which makes it the most desirable form of currency for trade. The second factor involves positive developments outside of the US that boost the credibility of alternative currencies.
Fundamentally de-dollarization would shift the balance of power between the countries, and this could reshape the global economy. The countries would be less compliant to use the dollar as a mode of payment which would in turn reduce its credibility in the market negatively affecting the position of the US on the power scale. De- De-dollarisation is already imminent in commodity markets where energy transactions are increasingly priced in non-USD currencies. As the saying goes you can’t put all your eggs in the same basket, the need for diversification is felt because there is a need to reduce over-dependence on the dollar and during recent years, the dollar has become a problematic currency. Central banks are increasing their gold holdings to lessen the dependency on the dollar. Increasing gold holdings reduces the need to maintain reserves of the US dollar which in turn provides the country with more money to invest in domestic projects.

China is a country which has dominated the commerce market for quite some time and can be seen as a favourable alternative to the use of dollar. China has made the most progress in using its currency yuan for international trade. The yuan’s share of international payments reached a record high in July. The Chinese currency has become the fifth largest currency in the world for reserves, payments and trading, and the third-largest currency for commercial financing. In Latin America, Bolivia is one of the most recent cases of countries adopting the yuan for trade transactions. Last year, the period from April to June was the first quarter in history in which the use of the Chinese currency surpassed the use of the dollar in the country’s bilateral trade. The sanctions against Russia partly explain this shift. Also Project mBridge is a multi-central bank digital currency (CBDC) platform that connects central and commercial banks across China, Hong Kong, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia without relying on the dollar. Moreover, the use of cryptocurrency can also be seen as an alternative use for dollar.

Diversification away from the dollar is a growing trend, but we find that the factors that support dollar dominance remain well-entrenched and structural in nature. Change is not an overnight process, dollar has been used as a form of trade currency for years and even though its stability has faltered in modern times it still hasn’t lost its value continues to dominate foreign reserve holdings, trade invoicing, and currency transactions globally. There are several countries that depend on dollar for incurring various transactions and dollar is still seen as a universal currency all over the world. Setting a currency as an alternative to dollar seems like a strenuous task as there are concerns around macroeconomic stability and fiscal consolidation. Hence de-dollarization risks do appear exaggerated but not completely out of context, though it’s going to take a long time to see any meaningful erosion of dollar.

Sources-

https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/currencies/de-dollarization

https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/us-dollars-dominance-secure-brics-see-no-progress-de-dollarization-report-2024-06-25/

https://www.brasildefato.com.br/2024/09/23/what-are-the-possibilities-and-challenges-of-de-dollarizing-the-global-south-s-economies

AI in revolutionary business management

-By Tinkle Singh, Editorial member

Introduction

In the age of digital transformation, businesses that harness the power of AI are not only surviving but thriving, setting new standards in productivity and customer satisfaction. According to McKinsey & Company, the use of artificial intelligence in business operations has doubled since 2017. This is largely because AI technology can be customised to meet an organisation’s unique needs. 63% of McKinsey’s respondents expect their investment in AI technologies to increase over the next three years.

AI uses large amounts of data and human knowledge to power computer systems with the ability to categorise data, make predictions, identify errors, have conversations, and analyse information similarly to humans. One of the goals of artificial intelligence is to create computer systems that can mimic the critical thinking skills of humans. These systems rely on business data and use technologies like natural language processing, machine learning, and deep learning to facilitate business operations.

AI in Business: An Overview

In a number of areas, AI can perform tasks more efficiently and accurately than humans. It is especially useful for repetitive, detail-oriented tasks such as analysing large numbers of legal documents to ensure relevant fields are properly filled in. AI’s ability to process massive data sets gives enterprises insights into their operations they might not otherwise have noticed. The rapidly expanding array of generative AI tools is also becoming important in fields ranging from education to marketing to product design.

In several areas, AI can perform tasks more efficiently and accurately than humans. It is especially useful for repetitive, detail-oriented tasks such as analysing large numbers of legal documents to ensure relevant fields are properly filled in. AI’s ability to process massive data sets gives enterprises insights into their operations they might not have noticed. The rapidly expanding array of generative AI tools is also becoming important in fields ranging from education to marketing to product design. Advances in AI techniques have not only helped fuel an explosion in efficiency but also opened the door to entirely new business opportunities for some larger enterprises. Before the current wave of AI, for example, it would have been hard to imagine using computer software to connect riders to taxis on demand. Yet, Uber has become a Fortune 500 company by doing just that.

Integrating AI into business functions requires a baseline understanding of the following components:

Machine Learning Algorithms: These algorithms are a subset of artificial intelligence and are used to make predictions or classifications based on input data. Through training data sets, these algorithms can learn to identify patterns, discover anomalies, or make projections such as future sales revenue.
Deep Learning: Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that allows for the automation of tasks without human intervention. Virtual assistants, chatbots, facial recognition and fraud prevention technology all rely on deep learning. By examining data that is related to user behaviour, deep learning models can make predictions about future behaviour.
Natural Language Processing: Natural language processing is a branch of AI that enables computers and digital devices to recognize, understand, and generate text and speech. Customer support chatbots, digital assistants, and voice-operated technologies such as GPS systems are all powered by NLP.

Key Areas Where AI is revolutionising business

-IT operations
AIOps—artificial intelligence for IT operations—consists of the practice of using AI, machine learning and natural language processing models to streamline IT operations and service management. AIOps allows IT teams to quickly sift through large amounts of data and reduce the amount of time it takes to detect anomalies, troubleshoot errors, and monitor the performance of IT systems.

-Marketing and sales
Customer data helps marketing teams develop marketing strategies by identifying trends and spending patterns. Artificial intelligence tools help process these big data sets to forecast future spending trends and conduct competitor analysis. This helps an organisation gain a deeper understanding of its place in the market.

-Customer service
AI enables businesses to provide 24/7 customer service and faster response times, which help improve the customer experience. AI-powered chatbots can help customers resolve simple queries without requiring a human agent. This ability allows the human customer service workforce to address more complex issues.

-Content generation
Generative AI is a growing field that helps organisations optimise content creation. Tools such as ChatGPT provide content teams with powerful tools to create original content. These tools can generate images or text based on input prompts, and designers, writers, and content leads can use these generative AI outputs to help with brainstorming, outlining, and other project tasks.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, it’s likely that AI will continue to blur the lines between human and machine capabilities, allowing companies to explore entirely new business models. For companies that can keep pace, the opportunities are limitless. Artificial intelligence has become an essential tool for businesses aiming to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. From enhancing customer experiences to streamlining IT operations, AI offers transformative benefits that improve productivity, drive revenue, and enhance customer satisfaction. However, adopting AI comes with its own set of challenges, including high initial costs, technical complexity, and ethical considerations.

Despite these hurdles, the future of AI in business looks bright. As companies continue to adapt and innovate, AI will play a central role in shaping the business landscape, creating new opportunities and setting new standards for efficiency and creativity.

Turning Sweat into Equity

-By Tanish Pandey, Editorial Member

In today’s fitness industry, icons have transcended their traditional roles as athletes to become trend-setting influencers, inspiring millions of people. This shift has had a significant impact on the economy, especially with the recent retirement of bodybuilding legend Chris Bumstead. The rise of social media influencers like Sam Sulek and Saket Gokhale highlights the important shift that fitness is not just a lifestyle, but a booming industry. This change has had a huge economic impact, affecting consumer behaviour and driving growth in various sectors.

Chris Bumstead’s Impact: A Legacy Beyond the Stage

Chris Bumstead, also known as “Cbum,” is a six-time Mr. Olympia Classic Physique champion whose recent retirement announcement sent shockwaves throughout the bodybuilding community. His influence extends not only in bodybuilding but also in creating a lasting commercial legacy. His personal brand includes successful dietary supplements and exercise apparel, generating approximately $5 million in annual revenue. This shows how a fitness brand can turn personal success into a profitable business.

Bumstead’s influence extends beyond financial success; he emphasises mental well-being alongside physical fitness. His openness about personal struggles, including autoimmune issues, has fostered relatability, encouraging followers to prioritise their health holistically. This approach reflects a broader trend where consumers seek brands and personalities that align with their values, driving sales in wellness-oriented products.

Rise of the Influencer

The emergence of influencers like Sam Sulek and Saket Gokhale marks a new era in the fitness industry, especially among younger audiences who rely on social media to guide their fitness journeys. Sam Sulek has gained a huge following due to his straightforward approach to fitness, discipline, support, and realistic physical goals. He contributes to an estimated $1.5 billion personal fitness market. Sulek’s content makes exercise easier to understand, making fitness more accessible and driving consumers towards products that support their fitness journey.

Saket Gokhale has also created a niche in the fitness community, particularly among South Asian populations. He combines humor with fitness to create relevant content, and his focus on mental well-being aligns with growing consumer demand for holistic health solutions. This, in turn, has increased the demand for fitness products that cater to mental well-being.

The Economic Impact of Fitness Influencers

The influence of icons like Bumstead, Sulek, and Gokhale is changing the economic landscape of the fitness industry. The global fitness market is expected to exceed $105 billion by 2025, with social media influencers playing a key role in this growth. Influencers don’t just endorse products; they shape consumer behaviour and actively drive brand loyalty. A recent study shows that 70% of consumers are more likely to purchase a product endorsed by their favourite influencer. This trend highlights the power of influencer marketing in the fitness space. Brands that partner with these fitness icons often report significant increases in sales. For example, companies that partner with Bumstead see an average 20-30% increase in sales from promotional campaigns.

The rise of digital fitness programs has also opened up new revenue streams. As more people look for flexible workout options, Sulek, Gokhale, and other influencers’ subscription-based training programs are personalised, taking advantage of this trend and contributing to the fitness economy.

Fitness Icons and the Changing Definition of Well-being

The influence of these fitness icons is helping to expand and redefine well-being. Traditionally, fitness has focused on physical achievements like muscle mass and athletic ability. However, Bumstead, Sulek, and Gokhale emphasise a holistic approach, including mental health, lifestyle choices, and community participation. A 2024 survey found that 75% of consumers prioritise mental health resources alongside physical fitness. The demand for comprehensive health solutions is increasing, and the healthcare market is expected to grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025.

Building Community and Breaking Down Barriers

Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of these fitness icons’ influence is the sense of community they foster. Bumstead, Sulek, and Gokhale create networks where followers connect for support, advice, and shared experiences. This community-building extends to mental health, as influencers emphasise its importance in fitness.

They frequently discuss personal struggles with anxiety and body image, reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations around mental wellness. This focus not only enriches their content but also cultivates a more inclusive fitness environment, leading to increased consumer engagement and brand loyalty.

The Future of Fitness: Empowering Everyday Athletes

The growing influence of fitness icons signals a shift towards a more dynamic, educated, and diverse group of fitness enthusiasts. Chris Bumstead’s legacy continues even into retirement, and new perspectives from influencers like Sam Sulek and Saket Gokhale are paving the way for future fitness leaders who value authenticity and inclusivity. As the fitness industry continues to evolve, signs show that wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and community. Their influence has democratised fitness, making it a lifestyle that everyone can embrace, not just elite athletes. Whether through innovative training programs, mental health initiatives, or simply sharing their daily routines, these icons are driving a health movement that will have a significant economic impact in the future.

References:

The Rise of Young Entrepreneurs

-By Savyasachi Singh, Editor-In-Chief

Young entrepreneurship is not just a trend; it’s a revolution. With access to technology and a fearless mindset, the youth are carving their path in the business world. They bring fresh ideas, boundless energy, and a hunger for success that knows no limits.

Gone are the days when age was seen as a barrier to achievement – today’s young entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules of the game. From e-commerce to artificial intelligence, they are disrupting industries and creating innovative solutions to complex problems. These trailblazers embrace challenges with open arms, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Their determination and resilience set them apart on their entrepreneurial journey towards success.

Aadit Palicha and Kalvalya Vohra recently started Zepto at the age of 21. They began this e-commerce platform amid the COVID-19 pandemic; now their company is one of India’s fastest-growing internet companies. Zepto has 150 stores and targets an annualised sales of 200 million dollars by April 2025, as per Forbes. Ritesh Aggarwal started OYO rooms at the young, fortuitous age of 20 in 2013. Since its initiation, OYO has become a recognised, common name in the minds of the Indian people and is bound to keep expanding and establishing itself in the hospitality industry in India. Zomato was founded by Deepinder Goyal at 25 in 2008 and since then Zomato has become very successful in India, making it easy for millions of people to order food from many different restaurants.

Nestled consistently atop the Forbes list of successful entrepreneurs is, of course, Mark Zuckerberg. He founded Facebook at the age of 19 years as a response to his own concerns and demands in the ever-changing landscape of a new generation of technology and development.

By bringing fresh ideas and disruptive technologies to the forefront, these young entrepreneurs are challenging traditional business norms and paving the way for future growth. This is a testament to the importance of meeting dynamic demands and developing with the times.

Their impact is not only limited to the business world but also extends to society and the economy as a whole. With their focus on social impact and sustainability, young entrepreneurs are addressing pressing issues such as poverty, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.

The significance of these young entrepreneurs cannot be overstated. They are not only creating job opportunities but also driving economic growth and fostering a culture of innovation in India. With their passion, drive, and determination, they are redefining success and inspiring others to follow their dreams.

It is easy to infer that it is necessary to leverage technology like never before to solve real-world problems efficiently and to the best of the call of the times. Today’s youth possesses the ability to adapt quickly to changing market dynamics and embrace digital trends which proves vital in recognising and realising the margin of opportunities that arise with the vigours and challenges of a new generation. This tech-savvy approach is also helping position India as a global hub for technological innovation and overall growth.

In this dynamic environment, where youth entrepreneurship is gaining momentum rapidly, it is crucial to nurture and support these budding talents. By providing them with the right resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, we can empower them to make a lasting impact on society while propelling India towards greater heights of success in the global arena.

The Invisible Incomings

-By Savyasachi Singh, Editor in Chief

Covid-19 gave a preview of what life is like when the invisible cage of quarantine is cast over the world. It was easy to gauge the dynamic and massive shifts in everyday life and the global connectivity of societies and economies. In 2024, various reports regarding new viruses as well as newer mutations of Covid-19 have been floating around. These viruses include a flesh eating virus in Japan as well as a virus known as Mpox which is spreading around the world. Mutations of the covid-19 virus also persist and grow.

The ongoing outbreak of Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has significant implications for public health and the economy, particularly in Africa where it has been declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as of August 2024. The outbreak has seen a dramatic increase in cases, with over 17,500 infections reported in 2024 alone, marking a 160% rise compared to the same period in 2023. Children, especially those under 15, are disproportionately affected.

The economic ramifications of the mpox outbreak are profound, affecting trade, travel, and essential services. The Africa CDC has emphasized the need for coordinated national and international responses to manage the outbreak effectively. The declaration of a PHECS aims to unlock emergency resources, including funding and technical support, to combat the spread of the virus:

Trade Disruptions: The outbreak may hinder trade activities, particularly in affected regions, as businesses may face operational challenges due to health concerns and potential quarantines.
Travel Restrictions: While the WHO has not recommended travel bans, heightened health alerts and precautions could deter travel to affected areas, impacting tourism and related industries .
Healthcare Costs: Increased demand for healthcare services, including hospitalizations and vaccinations, will strain public health systems and budgets, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Community Health Initiatives: Investments in community health programs are essential to manage the outbreak and may require reallocating funds from other public health priorities

Japan earlier this very year was also experiencing an outbreak of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), a rare and severe illness caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, also known as “flesh-eating bacteria”. The threat of such a virus caused a terrifying insurge of. cautious behaviour and fear of mythical proportions. As of June 2nd, Japan reported 977 cases of STSS, surpassing the previous record of 941 cases in 2023 .The outbreak has been particularly severe, with the bacteria causing rapid tissue necrosis, shock, and extreme pain. Symptoms can escalate from fever and chills to low blood pressure and organ failure within just 24-48 hours .

Japan’s economy is struggling, with the Japanese Yen being weaker than ever. Its value dropping massively in recent times. Japan has also been grappling with deflationary pressures for decades. Despite various government and central bank efforts, inflation remains low, making it difficult for the economy to grow sustainably. Tourism is an important industry for any country, and currently a primary source of financial counterpoint for Japan. An epidemic or pandemic will be the last thing any economy needs, especially one that’s struggling. Hence, the need to mitigate such situations efficiently is crucial.

Japan took effective control, diverted sufficient resources to fighting this problem and undermined the fatal virus by developing countermeasures and antidotes in the matter of a couple months. This should provide a map and a blueprint for every country in the post-pandemic age.

It could have been me…

-By Tanisha Shree, Associate Editor

An unnervingly quiet night, she sat alone in the seminar hall not knowing what awaited her. In no time, the walls that might have echoed with knowledge and wisdom, suffocated her with fear and helplessness as unwanted hands violated her space, her body, her soul. The room that once held the promise of growth now felt like a cage each second stretching into an eternity of silent screams. She felt stripped not just of her dignity but of her very humanity as the world around her continued
without noticing the torment that was ripping her apart from the inside.
The betrayal of safety left scars deeper than any visible wound, etching pain into the core of her being. She asked, ‘WHY’, in that very moment, her voice was stolen, her spirit broken and the bright future she envisioned, slipped away as she knew her question, unanswered. Unanswered to every ‘HER’ whose mouth has been silenced by the clutches of rogues, not fit to be called humans.
Why has humanity vanished? Why it no longer pains when humans resort to such an extent? What faults in the legal system ? What faults in the media that they fail to uphold the long built trust of the people?
Seventy Eight years since Independence but women are still In-dependence of the safety they can’t get although they long for. RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata witnessed a horrendous incident of rape and murder on the night of August 9 that sent goosebumps throughout the country. Since then protests for justice to the 31 year old victim erupted throughout the nation. Social media became flooded with emotional messages and stories that moved every spectator viewing them.
Unfortunately, this has not been the first instance of sexual assualt. According to the report published by the Statista Research Department, in 2022, the total number of cases reported in India amounted to over 31,000. As per the same report, domestic abuse or cruelty by husband and/or relatives was the highest reported crime against women across India in 2022. Moreover, there were over 3.4 thousand cyber crimes related to sexual harassment or exploitation reported across India in 2022.
The facts become quite scandalizing when the punishment of sexual abuse in India is rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 10 years and in cases way too heinous, it is a death sentence. Sadly, this becomes an integral part of the law book but the society asks, where is its
implementation? It took 7 years and 3 months to deliver justice in the Nirbhaya Rape Case, 2012. Tampering with the evidence, politicisation of almost every rape case happening in India, corrupt nature of the police, threatening the family of the victim, delayed trials of the court and most
importantly victim blaming to the fact that she should stay in her limits, she should stay away from men which does not let society focus on the fact that women are equals of men.
According to The Hindu, the principal of the college said to the protesting doctors, “It was irresponsible of the girl to go to the seminar hall alone at night.” Parents of the girl were informed of a suicide after which they rushed to the hospital. In the 21st century, we are exposed to a
multifaceted society wherein one section venture out on streets in protest while another deliver speeches to save their seat. A society which spurs outrage only when cases reach the headlines of the newspapers. A village girl, abandoned by her family is forced to work in the fields to serve her
living. She returns home late one day and on the way is gangraped and murdered. Leave the newspapers, this incident may not get noticed even in the eyes of the district administration she is a part of. Who would shed tears for her? Sadly, the questions are numerous but the answers are none.
There can only be reasons.
The patriarchal and hypocritical society that we are a part of sees women as subordinate to men. A section of men in particular are brought up in a manner where they see their surrounding females facing the atrocities of society. Depressing factor is that their atrocities are not condemned rather
justified. ‘It is because she is supposed to’, is what the answer becomes.
The fact that she is a woman and is bound to be a tool of sense gratification is rooted deep inside the internal psychic of an enlarged portion of men. A child initially is devoid of moral values but later is
imparted what he sees and is taught. Parenting is questioned because most of the times either the parent teaches the child that the woman is to be protected by the family members or they need to function as an inferior of other male counterparts. To bring to everybody’s notice, it is not
protection that a woman demands rather it is safety. Safety in a sense that going out alone no longer becomes a daring journey for her.
If we take a look around the globe there are people who acknowledge this just like you and me would agree to every line of this writing. nevertheless there are fragments who stay unaware. They are unaware and unbothered of every happening in the nation. It is a sorry state of
affairs that even after the ‘Right to Education’ inscribed in the Fundamental Rights of our Indian Constitution, people failed to exercise that right. Where is the implementation even after decades of educational reforms? The Centre legislates however as soon as it reaches the grass root level, it is vanished. What are the irregularities in between that manage to escape from the eyes of the government? Wasn’t democracy supposed to be a transparent one?
Unexpectedly, after ages of rising cases, the pornographic content is freely available on internet which people do consume but in a shadow of ignorance and take them in an altogether different angle. Regardless of the government knowing everyting, it is not banned. Women are commodified in movies like Animal, in item songs like Chikni Chameli, in perfume advertisements and so on. It is the same hypocrite society that rejoices in these entertainments and indeed the same which becomes
infuriated when something heinous happens. Why wasn’t there no reaction before?
India proudly asserts that it is the 5th largest economy in the world. According to India economic Outlook, India’s GDP grew 8.15% over fiscal year 2023 – 2024. Also it might become the 3rd largest economy by 2027 as per India Today. Nonetheless, India does see its violation of the Right to Equality( Art 14-18) and Right to Freedom (Art 19-22). To the government, media, legal system and the society all that a woman asks is equality to the extent that she is able to think freely, take independent decisions without a hindrance on her safety. It is NOT ALL MEN who are attackers but ALWAYS A MAN that she fears. It is a shame on the society, the state and the nation that 78 years since Independence, half of the population yet feels their voice unheard and lives on with an
unconquerable fear that, ‘IT COULD HAVE BEEN ME, INSTEAD OF
HER

Battleground and Barrels- The Oil and Gas Industry amid Modern Warfare

By Kavyansh Yadav, Executive

The Oil and Gas Industry is a vital resource and a key indicator of economic growth. It has been a
necessity, contributing towards industrial development, and has a cause and effect relationship with
inflation as this commodity determines the prices of input, affecting production of raw materials and
consumer prices factor in transportation cost, including fuel prices. A study by the Federal Reserve
Bank of Dallas in September 2021 suggested that if crude oil prices rose to $100 per barrel for three
months before retreating, the spike would boost the annual inflation rate by 3% in the short term, with
the effect fading quickly as oil prices pulled back.
The oil and gas industry is highly sensitive to geo-political terms and conflicts due its critical role in
the economy. Large scale wars have greatly affected the industry in various ways, particularly in trade
and geopolitical relations. The trade of this industry is influenced by a lot of factors which involve the
geo-political policies and politics, availability of a trade channel and global supply demand.

THE DEMAND-SUPPLY and CONTRADICTORY TREND

The basic demand and supply of any commodity goes simple- if demand is higher than supply, the
prices will rise, and if supply is higher, the prices will fall.
In the case of demand, not only wars and conflicts, but general economic growth and imbalance plays a bigger role. The trends have shown that though the demand of global oil consumption is rising, current demand is slower than production.

Various oil suppliers have emerged in the market over the
years, other than OPAC. Not only this, the general awareness of the individual to save resources, and
technological advancements to make efficient use of resources have also affected the industry.
From the data observed from International Energy Agency, In both 2022 and 2023, global oil
consumption rose by more than 2 mb/d (million barrels per day) as economies continued their
recoveries from the Covid-19 shock and saw spikes in personal mobility, along with exceptional
releases of pent-up demand for travel and tourism. The future global demand is expected to slow
down, but despite that fact global oil demand is still forecast to be 3.2 mb/d higher in 2030 than in
2023 unless stronger policy measures are implemented or changes in behavior take hold. (1.) (2.)
The conflict in the Middle-East caused a significant and shocking trend in the prices of oil. Iran, being in conflict with Israel recently, contributes to the production of 4% of the world’s oil, putting it in the top ten producers globally. It also holds a significant influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping route which around a fifth of the world’s oil passes through. During June 2024, forecasters predicted the prices to spike high, expected to cross $100 a barrel, but it turned out to be benign as the prices assumed normalcy quickly and again seem range-bound.

The reason for such a contradictory trend was that the world’s three largest consumers of oil had not
only advanced themselves strategically, but also due to forging alliances with non-OPEC oil
producers. Despite the supply diversification, advances in Technology have been a big assurer of US
energy security. China has begun its strategic reserves and is reportedly trying to upgrade and better
utilize its refining capacities. India, meanwhile, has been benefiting through the supply of discounted
oil from Russia. (3.)
From the above case it was evident that the current supply and reserves of oil was enough to not
create much of a global imbalance, and the fact that there are competitors even in such a market,
providing alternatives. Countries all over the world are moving towards a more efficient way of utilising
their limited resources, and taking significant steps towards advancement of their technology and
alternatives.
THE SUPPLY CHANNELS AND GEO-POLITICS

Supply channels through which the oil and gas is supplied, play a significant role in manipulating the
prices, and disrupting the economy of a country. If the supply has been blocked, the prices of the
commodity will rise, which will eventually result in imbalance in an economy. Countries may have to take measures and make policies to reduce their consumption, and look for long term solutions which often leads to choosing an alternative to the commodity.
They also help in compromising the geo-politics of the world, along with other factors, such as
measures and steps taken which could result in bitter relations with one country while coming to
terms with another global power.
Wars and conflicts around Iraq could not only compromise the supply of oil, but can also stop one of
the most important trade channels. This is not only in theory, Iran is known to seize and stop ships
going through the Strait of Hormuz, one such incident being in July 2019, when Iranian forces
descended on a Swedish-owned vessel sailing under the British flag. More recently, Iran seized a
commercial ship with links to Israel on Saturday 13 April, shortly before launching its drone and
missile strike.
The recent Ukraine-Russia war can serve as the prime example of this disbalance and its implication
being primarily on Europe. Russia, being the 3rd largest exporter of crude oil, contributing 12% to the global crude oil production, was responsible for supply of almost 20% of the continent’s oil and 30% of its gas. Several countries in Europe, including Austria, Finland, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary are dependent on Russia for 50-100% of their oil and gas imports.
The European Union took measures to cope with the problem, by making strategic plans to cut gas
usage by 15%. Germany, being most reliant on Russian oil supply, also took measures to cut its
energy consumption by 2%. (4.)
On december 2022, (5.), the G7 countries decided to impose a price cap on Russian oil, with the
intention to reduce the revenues. Russia had been reducing the supply through Nord stream 1 for a
number of months. Russia’s attempt to cut-off supply to Europe were assumed to coerce Europeans
into acquiescence, or at least to paralyze them politically and thus prevent them from supporting
Kyiv. (6.)
Putin’s policy also became an influential topic for discussion when it was announced that the trade of
oil from Russia is to be paid in Rubles instead of Dollars, such a condition being implied to countries
considered “hostile” to Moscow. (7.)
As discussed above, the shortage of supply of such a necessary commodity resulted in shifting to
various alternatives which included changing their suppliers and using their reserves. The industry in
Russia suffered a greater loss as their revenue plummeted, though they did manage to hurt the
economy of Europe significantly. Despite the efforts, the demand for oil rises, and supply being cut
short, it resulted in record high prices in Europe, eventually coming back to normal.

From the data presented by the European Central Bank, (8.), greater geopolitical uncertainty acts,oil
demand and oil prices it has been observed that taking long-term, the effect of geo-political tensions
across borders and channels can have a negative impact on overall demand and prices of oil. The
reason being, that geopolitical uncertainties raises doubt on overall economic outlook which
negatively affects consumption, investment and international trade. The market and consumers will
eventually adapt to current supply.
In conclusion, it can be stated that the oil and gas industry plays a central role in overall functioning of the global economy, determines the political relations between two countries and serves as the lifeline of industrial development. Being such a vital resources, it can also be concluded that the consumers have developed strategies to cope with the scarcity of this resource, and though prices may jump, it is only for short-term as the countries have the potential to quickly cope with such a change, and free market ultimately plays a role in normalizing itself.

SOURCESInternational Energy Agency (IEA)-
https://www.iea.org/news/slowing-demand-growth-and-surging-supply-put-global-oil-markets-on-course-for-major-surplusthis-decade
https://www.iea.org/commentaries/oil-demand-growing-at-a-slower-pace-as-post-covid-rebound-runs-its-course
Livemint

https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/rethink-prompt-why-did-the-iran-israel-conflict-barely-shake-oilprices-11715498855876.html
The Guardian

https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/rethink-prompt-why-did-the-iran-israel-conflict-barely-shake-oilprices-11715498855876.html
Wikipediahttps:

//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Russian_crude_oil_price_cap_sanctions
BBC newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60131520
Deutsche Welle(DW)-
https://www.dw.com/en/putins-gas-for-rubles-plan-set-to-worsen-eu-energy-crunch/a-61250164
Eureopean Central Bank

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/
economic-bulletin/focus/2024/html/
ecb.ebbox202402_01~b3d857ae05.en.html&ved=2ahUKEwju6tCj2q2HAxWKTGcHHV2IBw8QFnoECBYQAQ&u
sg=AOvVaw3HAwgKDUGBGUGD8POxm9gM