National Mango Day 2023: Unveiling the Surprising Benefits of Starting Your Morning with Mango Smoothies!

Health & Diet

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July 22, 2023

National Mango Day is an annual celebration that takes place on July 22nd, dedicated to recognizing the importance and versatility of this tropical fruit. Mangoes have been enjoyed for centuries, prized for their succulent taste and vibrant colors. However, beyond their delightful flavor, mangoes offer a myriad of health benefits that are often overlooked. In this article, we will explore the surprising advantages of incorporating mango smoothies into your morning routine. From improving overall health to boosting your immune system, mango smoothies are an easy and delicious way to kickstart your day.

The Nutritional Powerhouse of Mangoes:

Mangoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. A single medium-sized mango contains an abundance of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium, and folate. The high vitamin C content in mangoes contributes to a strong immune system, promotes collagen production, and acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from oxidative stress. Furthermore, the vitamin A content supports healthy vision, while vitamin E aids in maintaining healthy skin and hair. Potassium, on the other hand, is essential for heart health and maintaining proper blood pressure levels.

Rich in Antioxidants:

Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, reducing cellular damage, and combating oxidative stress. Mangoes are rich in antioxidants such as quercetin, astragalin, and gallic acid, which help protect the body from various chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Regularly consuming mango smoothies can be an effective way to boost your antioxidant intake, promoting overall well-being and longevity.

Supports Digestive Health:

Mangoes are a great source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber aids in promoting regular bowel movements, preventing constipation, and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Mangoes also contain enzymes like amylase, which helps break down carbohydrates, making them easier to digest. Starting your day with a mango smoothie can contribute to improved digestion and enhanced nutrient absorption.

Weight Management and Satiety:

For individuals looking to manage their weight or adopt a healthier lifestyle, mango smoothies can be a valuable addition to their diet. The dietary fiber in mangoes promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating and helping to control calorie intake. Additionally, the natural sweetness of mangoes satisfies sugar cravings, making it easier to resist unhealthy snacks and desserts. As part of a balanced diet, mango smoothies can aid in weight management and contribute to maintaining a healthy body weight.

Boosting Heart Health:

Heart disease remains a significant health concern worldwide. A heart-healthy diet is crucial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues. Mangoes, with their rich potassium content, can help regulate blood pressure, reducing strain on the heart. The high levels of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants in mangoes further support heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. Regular consumption of mango smoothies can be a flavorful and effective strategy to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

Strengthening the Immune System:

A strong immune system is vital for defending the body against infections and diseases. Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, both of which play key roles in bolstering the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, enhancing the body’s ability to fight off infections. Vitamin A supports the health of mucous membranes, acting as a barrier against pathogens. By starting your morning with a mango smoothie, you provide your body with the necessary nutrients to strengthen its defense mechanisms.

Enhancing Skin Health:

Healthy, glowing skin is often a reflection of overall well-being. Mangoes contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This process helps promote skin health by providing protection against harmful UV rays and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The antioxidants in mangoes also combat free radicals that can damage skin cells and cause premature aging. By regularly consuming mango smoothies, you can nourish your skin from within and achieve a radiant complexion.

Cognitive Benefits:

Maintaining cognitive health is essential for a productive and fulfilling life. Mangoes contain vitamin B6, a nutrient that supports brain health by promoting the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mood regulation and emotional well-being. Additionally, the antioxidants in mangoes have been associated with improved memory and cognitive function. Including mango smoothies in your morning routine may contribute to enhanced mental clarity and cognitive performance.

Hydration and Electrolyte Balance:

Staying properly hydrated is vital for overall health, and mangoes can contribute to your daily hydration needs. With their high water content, mangoes help keep the body hydrated and maintain a proper fluid balance. Furthermore, mangoes are a good source of essential electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for proper muscle function and preventing dehydration. A mango smoothie can be a refreshing and nutritious way to start your day, ensuring your body stays hydrated and balanced.

An Easy and Versatile Breakfast Option:

Incorporating mango smoothies into your morning routine is incredibly simple and versatile. All you need is a ripe mango, some liquid (such as water, milk, or plant-based milk), and optional additions like yogurt, nuts, or seeds. You can customize your smoothie to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Additionally, mango smoothies can be an excellent on-the-go breakfast option for busy individuals, providing a quick and nutritious start to your day.

Final Thoughts:

National Mango Day celebrates not only the delightful taste of mangoes but also their numerous health benefits. Starting your morning with a mango smoothie can be a delicious way to support your overall well-being. From providing essential vitamins and minerals to promoting heart health, digestion, and immune function, mango smoothies offer a plethora of advantages that are worth exploring. As you celebrate National Mango Day in 2023, consider incorporating this tropical fruit into your daily routine to experience the surprising benefits of a refreshing and nutritious mango smoothie to kickstart your day with a burst of vitality and flavor.

Mitti Café expands footprint, opens new branch at Mumbai airport

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July 21, 2023

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In a recent announcement, Mitti Café unveiled its newest branch at the arrival section of Terminal 2 in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The company revealed this exciting news in a press release on Thursday.

CSMIA spokesperson, expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership with Mitti Café, stating,” We are honoured to be partnered with Mitti Café as we embark on this extraordinary journey committed to the cause of employment and livelihoods for people with special needs. CSMIA truly supports this great initiative as it also helps create awareness about disability and inclusion.”

Alina Alam, Director, Mitti Café, said, “This endeavour not only creates employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities but also showcases the immense potential and capabilities of this remarkable workforce. We believe in breaking barriers and fostering a society that embraces inclusion.”

Swati Dokania, Chief Operating Officer and Director, Mitti Café added, “The launch of our café at CSMIA represents another step forward in our journey towards creating an inclusive society.”

The Mitti Café at CSMIA will be managed by a dedicated team of 23 differently-abled employees who have undergone specialized training for a duration of three months. These employees represent a diverse range of physical, intellectual, and psychological disabilities, including visual impairment, autism, Down syndrome, Asperger’s, and paraplegia. The café at CSMIA will cater to travelers, offering a delightful selection of refreshments such as Sandwiches, Pasta, Samosas, and a variety of hot and cold beverages.

To ensure an inclusive experience for all customers, a unique menu card will be available in braille, enabling visually impaired individuals to place their orders comfortably. Additionally, small placards will be provided to facilitate communication with the attendants, along with sign language menus and basic instruction placards.

Established in 2017, Mitti Café has already made a significant impact across India, with 38 outlets spread across the country. Its commitment to empowering differently-abled individuals and providing an accessible dining environment has garnered widespread appreciation and support.

India’s rice export ban expected to improve domestic supplies and modestly impact retail prices, says CRISIL

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July 21, 2023

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According to rating agency Crisil, the recent decision by the Centre to prohibit the export of non-basmati white rice is anticipated to lead to a reduction of India’s rice exports by 4-5 billion tonnes in this fiscal year. This amount represents over one-fifth of the rice exported during the previous fiscal year.

Pushan Sharma, Director-Research, Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics said “Despite two curtailing moves last fiscal — a ban on broken rice exports, and 20% duty on non-basmati exports – India’s overall rice exports rose 5-6% even as overall production fell. To boot, as of July 1, 2023, rice stock with the Food Corporation of India is down a fifth on-year.The consequent tight supplies meant domestic prices rose 14-15% last fiscal.”

He added “The government clearly viewed these as red lines from a domestic food security and inflation point of view. We expect Thursday’s blanket ban to reduce India’s rice exports by 4-5 billion tonne this fiscal, or more than a fifth of what was exported last fiscal. That should improve domestic supplies and have a moderating effect on retail prices.”

Over the past few years, India has held the position of the largest rice exporter, contributing to one-third of the world’s total rice exports.

India’s actions could potentially raise concerns about additional inflation in the global food markets. As India accounts for over 40% of the world’s rice exports, any reduction in shipments due to low inventories with other exporters may further inflate food prices. This situation is already influenced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year and unpredictable weather conditions, contributing to the existing instability in food prices.

Cash-strapped Dunzo faces legal notice from Facebook and Nilenso over unpaid dues

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July 21, 2023

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Homegrown quick-grocery delivery provider Dunzo finds itself in the midst of a legal dispute as it faces a legal notice from Facebook India Online Services Private Ltd (“FBI”) and Bengaluru-based software consultancy firm Nilenso. The notice highlights unpaid dues of INR 4 crore, as reported by the media.

As per sources cited by Moneycontrol, Dunzo has made partial payments to Facebook but still has an outstanding amount of approximately INR 1.5 crore to settle with the tech giant. The outstanding dues are related to the use of Facebook’s advertising services, for which the full payment has not been made yet.

Google, Dunzo’s second-largest backer, has recently served a legal notice to the startup, demanding the settlement of unpaid dues.

“Dunzo defaulted in making its payments to FBI under the Contract, despite repeated efforts, verbally and in writing, to rectify the delinquency, Dunzo acknowledged its liabilities and started making the payment to FBI. However, the payment was insufficient to settle all the outstanding balances under the account,” the legal notice read.

Based on the report, the total demand notices for the startup would be within the range of INR 5-6 crore.

During the period when Dunzo was still in negotiations with Facebook, the report revealed that Nilenso, a company offering contract software engineers, had also issued a demand notice to Dunzo under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), seeking payment for unpaid dues.

After settling approximately INR 1 crore from its total outstanding amount, the Bengaluru-based startup still has around INR 2.5 crore pending.

As per the report, there is pending litigation between Nilenso and Dunzo.

Meanwhile, Dunzo has said it will not be able to pay employees’ salaries until early September, a further delay from the earlier deadline of July 20. The company has also delayed the August salary for senior employees to September 4 as well, it said in an email seen by TechCrunch.

The delay is attributed to the startup’s concentration on “streamlining our cash flow to establish a more sustainable business for the future,” as stated by the Bengaluru-based company.

India prohibits non-basmati white rice exports amidst supply concerns

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July 21, 2023

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The Indian government, in a recent decision, has taken the step of prohibiting the export of non-basmati white rice, as mentioned in a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade on Thursday.

“Export policy of non-basmati white rice (semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed)…is amended from free to prohibited,” the DGFT said in a notification.

However, it will allow the export of consignments of this rice under certain conditions, such as cases where the loading of the rice onto the ship had already commenced before the notification was issued.

According to a previous report by the news agency Bloomberg, the Indian government was contemplating a potential ban on exports of most rice varieties. Such a ban could have significant ramifications, potentially affecting approximately 80 percent of India’s rice exports. While it might lead to reduced rice prices within India, there is a concern that it could have adverse effects on global prices.

Uneven distribution of rainfall in the key rice-growing areas of the country has resulted in a price hike of the grain by up to 20% in the last 10 days, as reported earlier by SnackFax.

According to a report by Reuters, rice prices for exports from Vietnam have surged to their highest levels in over a decade this week. The increase in prices is attributed to growing supply concerns arising from the El Nino weather pattern, coupled with India’s decision to impose restrictions on rice exports. Traders have pointed out that the news about India’s potential move to curb exports has further contributed to the upward trend in prices. As a result, traders anticipate that prices will continue to rise if India indeed limits its rice exports.

Meanwhile, rice planting in India has gained momentum with the revival in monsoon rainfall over the past fortnight.

In September 2022, India, renowned as the world’s largest rice exporter, took significant measures to address production concerns. It decided to prohibit the export of broken rice and levied a 20% duty on the export of several other rice grades. These measures were implemented as a response to the challenges faced in rice production at the time.

B.V. Krishna Rao, president of the Rice Exporters Association (REA) said a government move to increase paddy procurement price had been pushing up rates. “But, the government is holding more stocks than needed for welfare schemes. There is no need to restrict exports,” he told Reuters.

Last week, India’s rice export prices continued their upward trend for the seventh consecutive week, reaching a level not seen in over five years. The surge was driven by diminishing supplies as reports emerged that the country was contemplating a ban on exports for most rice varieties. This potential measure was being considered as a means to curb inflationary pressures in the country.

Medusa Beverages marks five-year milestone with record-breaking sales and revenue

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July 21, 2023

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Avneet Singh, the visionary behind Medusa Beverages, laid the foundation of the company in 2018 as they ventured into the beer market. From its very inception, the brand has been making remarkable strides towards achieving a substantial revenue target of INR 160 crore for the fiscal year 2023–24. Not only that, but Medusa Beverages has also achieved impressive sales figures, securing a notable 17 percent market share in the thriving canned beer industry in Delhi.

With three breweries in different parts of India, Medusa Beverages has established an impressive track record of progress. It all began with the company’s initial stage of manufacturing through a contract with one brewery in Punjab. However, since then, they have undergone significant growth and expansion, now boasting a network of three strategically located breweries across the country. This expansion has enabled Medusa Beverages to solidify its position in the market and make a notable impact on the beverage industry.

Speaking of their achievement, Avneet Singh said, “Our goal has always been to provide the best beer in the market and I am grateful to our consumers for the love they have shown for Medusa. It has been a wonderful five years and we have grown every step of the way. We are so proud of what we have achieved with Medusa so far and we are truly excited for the journey ahead. We will continue to strive for the best.”

Medusa has a dedicated marketing team that consistently strives to maintain its unique and quirky image in the market.

Tamil Nadu tipplers to pay more: Imported liquor and out-of-state varieties see price hikes

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July 21, 2023

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Tipplers in Tamil Nadu will now need to shell out more money to indulge in imported foreign liquor and varieties from other states, as the state-run liquor corporation, Tasmac, has decided to raise the maximum retail prices. According to reports, the updated MRP list shows a slight increase in the prices of beer varieties, with a INR 10 hike for 330 ml tins and a INR 20 increase for 500 ml tins.

Nevertheless, there have been significant price hikes for various vodka, whisky, gin, and rum options. The 700 and 750 ml bottles have seen an increase of INR 240, while the one-liter bottles have experienced a staggering INR 320 increase. These price jumps are directly linked to the special fee imposed on agents dealing with imported liquors.

With an extensive range of more than 500 imported liquor varieties and brands, the MRP list appears impressive. However, consumers have expressed their dissatisfaction due to the limited availability of these options. Out of the vast selection, only approximately 10 percent of the varieties are accessible at retail shops. Exclusive sales of imported liquors are restricted to specific establishments, previously referred to as Elite shops, which can be found in malls and a select few shopping complexes.

In addition to that, Tasmac has implemented price increases for liquor varieties sourced from other states. Among the 18 affected types, the prices have gone up by up to INR 320. However, it has been revealed that only three of these varieties are commonly found in all retail shops. For example, the 100 Pipers Blended Scotch Whisky, which was previously priced at INR 460 per 180 ml, now costs INR 520, while Globus wine’s price has surged from INR 140 to INR 170 per 180 ml.

Meanwhile, Tasmac has issued a warning to its staff, stating that they will face suspensions if they overcharge customers for liquor, exceeding the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

Tasmac’s Managing Director, S Visagan, has sent a circular to all senior regional managers, instructing them to take action against supervisors and salesmen if MRP violations are reported. Failure to do so will result in penalties for the managers themselves. In a stern warning, the staff that they will be suspended for overcharging.

Tata Coffee’s Q1 net profit drops 5% to INR 62.06 Crore; total income surges

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July 21, 2023

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On Wednesday, Tata Coffee disclosed a consolidated net profit of INR 62.06 crore for the quarter ending in June, reflecting a 5 percent decrease. In the corresponding period last year, the company’s net profit was INR 65.49 crore.

According to a regulatory filing by Tata Coffee, the total income for the first quarter of this fiscal increased to INR 707.93 crore, up from INR 666.05 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.

The surge in overall income was fueled by increased revenues in the plantation coffee and instant coffee sectors in both India and Vietnam.

“Tata Coffee’s Vietnam operations continue to deliver strong sales with improved profitability driven by higher sales of premium products. It has a robust healthy order pipeline,” it said.

During the June quarter, the operational performance of EOC (Eight O’clock Coffee) business was affected by reduced bag volumes and elevated input costs.

“The Group’s consolidated profit for Q1, FY’24 is marginally lower at INR 62 crore compared to INR 65 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year due to subdued performance of EOC,” the company said.

Tata Coffee Ltd, previously known as Tata Global Beverages Ltd, is a subsidiary of Tata Consumer Products Ltd. As Asia’s most significant integrated coffee company, it holds the distinction of being India’s foremost producer of specialty coffee and the second-largest exporter of instant coffee.

At its 19 estates in South India, the company cultivates shade-grown arabica and robusta coffee, yielding an annual production of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 tonnes.

UK regulator refutes weak retail competition as cause of soaring food prices

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July 21, 2023

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grocery shopping — (Representative Image)

On Thursday, the regulator of Britain’s food industry refuted the notion that high food price inflation was a result of weak retail competition. This statement supported supermarkets’ stance as they had been accused of profiteering during a period of cost of living crisis.

Amidst the crisis, certain politicians, consumer groups, and trade unions have pointed fingers at supermarkets, including major players like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, accusing them of earning exorbitant profits. However, the grocers firmly refute these allegations, deeming them baseless and without merit.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reported that as it continued its investigation into the grocery sector, the evidence indicated a more favorable scenario compared to the fuel market. The findings revealed robust price competition among all supermarkets and discounters, showcasing a healthier level of competition.

Official data indicates that UK food price inflation surged to its highest level since 1977 in March, surpassing 19%. Although there was a slight improvement in June, with a decrease to 17.3%, the burden on the financial situation of numerous households remains significant.

“Although food price inflation is at historically high levels, evidence collected to date by the CMA indicates that competition issues have not been driving this,” the regulator said.

The retail grocery sector experienced a significant downturn in its operating profits during the fiscal year 2022-2023, as they plummeted by 41.5%. This decline was accompanied by a notable drop in average operating margins, which went down from 3.2% to 1.8%. These figures indicate that retailers were unable to fully pass on the increasing costs to consumers.

Additionally, it was observed that market share had been gained by the most economical retailers, Aldi and Lidl, indicating that other retailers may face limitations in increasing prices without experiencing a loss of business.

Nevertheless, the CMA emphasized the need for stricter regulations regarding unit pricing, which refers to the cost of a specific product per weight or volume. It urged the government to undertake legislative reforms to assist shoppers in identifying the most favorable deals.

“Not all retailers are displaying prices as clearly as they should, which could be hampering people’s ability to compare product prices,” CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell said.

She emphasized that retailers found in violation would receive instructions to implement the required changes, and failure to do so would expose them to potential enforcement action.

During the upcoming stage of the investigation, the CMA will delve into competition and pricing dynamics across the supply chain for ten product categories, encompassing items such as milk, bread, and baby formula.

Earlier this month, the CMA stated that the diminishing retail competition was a contributing factor to the increased fuel prices faced by drivers.

The CMA’s report received a warm welcome from both the government and the British Retail Consortium (BRC), representing the supermarkets.

“Retailers have gone above and beyond to try and protect consumers from rising costs in the supply chain,” BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said.

Governments across Europe have been struggling with high inflation. Last month the French government secured a pledge from 75 food companies to cut prices on hundreds of products. Hungary, meanwhile, has imposed mandatory price cuts.

Swiggy employs generative AI to elevate user and restaurant experiences

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July 21, 2023

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In an effort to enhance user experience, Swiggy, the online food delivery platform, has taken a significant step forward. It has decided to leverage generative AI techniques to create and implement products and services that will revolutionize the way customers place orders. The aim is to provide more intuitive and effortless ordering experiences for its users. This announcement comes as a promising development for all food enthusiasts who rely on Swiggy for their favorite meals.

The company’s objective is to assist users in finding food and groceries through an AI-powered neural search system, enabling them to engage in natural conversations while receiving personalized recommendations.

Madhusudhan Rao, CTO of Swiggy, said in a blogpost, “Swiggy’s neural search enables users to search using conversational and open-ended queries and receive recommendations tailored to their specific needs. This makes it easier for consumers to find what they’re looking for without having to use or remember specific keywords.”

Furthermore, the company has announced that they have developed a neural search feature utilizing a Large Language Model (LLM), which has been specially adapted to comprehend the specific terminology associated with dishes, recipes, restaurants, and Swiggy’s unique search data.

By September, the neural search feature will undergo a pilot phase, and based on the insights and outcomes gathered during this period, Swiggy aims to implement it across all search traffic within their app.

Furthermore, the neural search capability is set to expand its support to include voice-based queries and queries in select Indian languages. This enhancement will make it even more accessible to users with diverse language preferences, catering to a broader range of customers.

Moreover, the company emphasized that they are actively integrating the neural search feature into Swiggy Instamart. This integration will enable customers to explore groceries and household items using conversational interactions, making the shopping experience more intuitive and efficient.

Swiggy Dineout is another domain where the company is leveraging generative AI techniques to revolutionize how consumers explore dining options.

“Our unique Dineout conversational bot acts as your virtual concierge, guiding you to restaurants that meet your preferences, be it ambience, kid-friendliness, valet parking, ratings, cost, to name a few,” Swiggy said.

Additionally, the online food delivery platform is actively developing generative AI-driven solutions to enhance the support provided to restaurant and delivery partners.

The company is currently conducting pilot tests of in-house tuned LLMs (Large Language Models) to empower restaurant partners with self-service capabilities for various processes and inquiries concerning onboarding, ratings, payouts, and more. This initiative aims to expedite issue resolution and streamline operations for improved efficiency.

A conversational assistant, powered by this LLM, will be accessible through both the restaurant-owner app and WhatsApp.

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