In December 2024, AirHelp, a company that assists air passengers with compensation claims, released its annual AirHelp Score report, ranking global airlines based on on-time performance, customer opinion, and claim processing efficiency. India’s largest airline, IndiGo, was ranked 103rd out of 109 airlines, placing it among the worst globally.
The AirHelp Score evaluates airlines on three main criteria:
On-Time Performance: Punctuality of flight arrivals and departures.
Customer Opinion: Passenger satisfaction regarding service quality.
Claim Processing: Efficiency in handling compensation claims.
IndiGo’s low ranking was attributed to poor customer satisfaction and inadequate handling of flight disruptions.
In response, IndiGo disputed the findings, stating that it consistently scores high on punctuality based on data from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline also questioned the credibility of the AirHelp survey, noting the lack of transparency regarding the sample size.
This ranking has sparked discussions among passengers and industry observers, with some expressing surprise and others sharing personal experiences that align with the report’s findings.
The AirHelp Score serves as a tool for passengers to make informed decisions about airlines, highlighting areas where carriers can improve to enhance passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency.
The recent proposal by the Indian government to increase the GST on sin goods like tobacco, cigarettes, and aerated beverages from 28% to 35% has sparked debates across various sections of society. While the intention is to discourage consumption of these products and boost revenue, the middle class faces indirect implications worth considering.
The Immediate Impact
For most middle-class households, products like aerated beverages are occasional indulgences, often reserved for family gatherings or celebrations. A GST hike will increase the cost of these items, making them less accessible. Tobacco and cigarettes, though not a necessity for all, are still consumed by a significant section of the population. This increase may force users to seek cheaper, unregulated alternatives, which could pose health and safety risks.
A Chain Reaction on Expenses
The middle class often bears the brunt of tax hikes. Even though the increase targets sin goods, it could indirectly influence costs in other sectors. For instance, transport, logistics, and associated industries dealing with these goods might pass on the increased costs to consumers. This ripple effect could tighten budgets already strained by rising inflation and stagnant wages.
Ethical and Health Considerations
From a health perspective, discouraging tobacco and aerated drinks is a welcome move. However, many argue that the government’s focus should equally prioritise reducing taxes on essentials and ensuring affordable healthcare. Middle-class families often struggle to balance health expenses and household needs, and a significant policy shift like this might seem imbalanced.
The Way Forward
While sin goods are not necessities, the government must ensure that any revenue generated through such hikes is reinvested in public welfare schemes. Transparent utilisation of this revenue for health and education will make the middle class more accepting of such changes. Additionally, the GST Council should consider exemptions or reductions on essential goods to balance the scales.
For many middle-class Indians, the proposed GST hike feels like a double-edged sword: a step towards better public health but also a blow to affordability. The hope is that this policy serves its intended purpose without exacerbating the financial challenges faced by average households.
Shilajit, a blackish-brown resin found primarily in the Himalayan mountains, has been treasured in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Known for its rich content of fulvic acid, humic acid, and over 80 essential minerals, Shilajit offers a wide range of health benefits for the body and mind. Here’s a detailed look at why Shilajit is considered one of nature’s most potent remedies:
1. Boosts Energy Levels
Shilajit improves mitochondrial function, often referred to as the “powerhouse of cells.” By enhancing energy production, it combats fatigue and promotes sustained physical and mental stamina.
2. Enhances Cognitive Function
The fulvic acid in Shilajit acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting brain cells from damage and oxidative stress. Regular use may improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive health.
3. Supports Healthy Ageing
Shilajit’s antioxidant properties fight free radicals and slow down the ageing process. It promotes skin health, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and maintaining elasticity.
4. Improves Testosterone Levels
In men, Shilajit has been shown to support healthy testosterone production, which can enhance energy, strength, and libido while improving overall reproductive health.
5. Promotes Bone and Joint Health
Rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, Shilajit strengthens bones and supports joint flexibility. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce pain and stiffness.
6. Boosts Immunity
Shilajit enhances the body’s natural defence mechanisms, helping to ward off infections and illnesses. Its adaptogenic properties also aid the body in managing stress and maintaining balance.
7. Aids in Detoxification
The fulvic acid in Shilajit binds to toxins and heavy metals, helping the body eliminate them naturally. This detoxifying effect supports liver health and overall well-being.
8. Improves Heart Health
Shilajit supports cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure, improving circulation, and protecting the heart from oxidative stress.
9. Combats Iron Deficiency
For individuals with anaemia, Shilajit provides a natural source of iron, helping to improve haemoglobin levels and reduce symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
10. Enhances Nutrient Absorption
The presence of fulvic acid in Shilajit aids the absorption of vitamins and minerals from food, ensuring the body gets the most out of its diet.
How to Use Shilajit
Dosage: A pea-sized amount (about 300–500 mg) dissolved in water, milk, or tea is the typical daily dose.
Timing: It’s best consumed in the morning or before physical activity for optimal energy and stamina.
Who Can Benefit from Shilajit?
Athletes and Active Individuals: For improved endurance, recovery, and energy.
Professionals: To enhance focus, reduce stress, and boost productivity.
Elderly: To support bone health, reduce inflammation, and slow ageing.
Individuals with Low Immunity: To strengthen the body’s natural defences.
Conclusion
Shilajit is a natural powerhouse that offers a variety of benefits, from boosting energy and immunity to supporting brain health and anti-ageing. Incorporating this resin into your routine can help unlock your full potential, promoting vitality and overall well-being.
There are a plethora of brands from whom you can buy biotin in India, however not all brands are cut from the same cloth and not all biotin supplements are made equal.
There are a lot of brands which mislead customers into believing that they are selling pure biotin and the dosage is what is mentioned on the bottle. I personally have seen some Indian vitamin brands selling 10,000 mcg biotin only to find out that they do not contain anywhere close to 10,000 mcg.
Biotin does not come cheap, if you see a brand selling it below Rs.500 then you should be careful of what they are selling, pure biotin comes expensive and to pack it in veg capsules adds to the cost. One of the best biotin brands in India is Satthwa and the reason why we can say it with confidence is because we have created it.
4G in general is supposed to give more than 10 times the 3G speeds. Essentially in India, we should be getting anywhere from 20-40mbps of download speed on 4G. However Vodafone things that 3-5 mbps is good enough for Indians. Why this discrimination?
Below are the 2 speedtest’s done on 4G from various locations. Hard to believe that we are not even getting 3G speeds on 4G.
