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- Unable to Take Decisions? You’re Not Alone…..
Dr. Devyani Rozario Corporate Professional/Academician/Soft skills Trainer/Happiness Coach,/Life Coach/Ex State President Maharashtra Marketing Council, WICCI Linkedin Profile ; Website We’ve all met people who seem to effortlessly light up a room at any place be it office or a get-together. But what makes them shine so brightly? I dropped in to meet Liza, my cousin. It had been months since we had met. I found her to be a bit low and that seemed unusual. I mentioned that and she said, “I have a bad back pain for the last few months. It is strange, the kind that comes and goes, but when it comes, I can’t even stand straight.” Why haven’t you seen a doctor? She said, “I have been to a doctor, and he said to go to the physiotherapist. I have been talking to my friends and some said I should go to an orthopaedic. I googled my symptoms, and it suggested a neurologist. I am confused and worried.” I realized Lisa’s case is all about decision-making. The conversation we had gave her the courage to take a decision. People procrastinate in making decisions, especially, when it is about themselves. Let us look at reasons that contribute to this behaviour. Psychological Factors You may be worried about the uncertainty about the outcome of your decision. The prospect of negative consequences is frightening, it makes you choose to defer your decision-making. You seek the opinion of too many people, conflicting opinions, too many options, or complex situations lead to analysis paralysis and result in your deferring decisions. The ideal outcome is what you are looking for. You want everything to be perfect. This again can delay decision-making. If something you must do requires a new skill, the thought of learning something new does not excite you as you are not sure whether you can harness the new skill, it is likely you will defer the decision. Self-doubt hampers your ability to make the right choice and delays decision-making. Your childhood memories of your parents/elders/teacher criticizing you for making poor decisions, may make you tend to avoid making decisions for fear of being seen as a failure . Do you constantly worry about what others think? If you are a person who wants to please everyone, you may find yourself struggling internally between what you want and what others want. Thus, making it difficult to decide what you should do. Hence, learning to say “No” makes it easier to decide on an action and move forward. If whatever you have to do requires you to move out of your comfort zone, the chances are that you will procrastinate. Emotional Factors You may delay taking a decision because you want to postpone associated feelings like hurting someone or disappointment to parents or other family members/friends. Typically, if you want to go against the wishes of close ones, this becomes a bigger dilemma. You are attached to something or someone and letting go is tough. This makes it difficult to choose between alternatives, making you procrastinate when making the decision. If you are a person who tends to think negatively, it can become challenging to look at the positives in the decision-making process. Practical Factors Insufficient data or lack of interpretation of the available information can hinder decision-making. Busy schedules can postpone important personal decisions. Opinions or expectations of others can influence delay in decision-making. The most common matters people procrastinate about are: Relationship commitments – choosing a life partner. Starting a family – are you both ready to start a family? Career – whether to stick to the current job or change? Major life transitions – moving from the family home to a new city/country or starting a family are major decisions that get deferred because of indecisiveness. Financial decisions – Balancing immediate needs with future aspirations , peer pressure, and societal expectations influences financial decisions. Health-related choices – Decisions to start going to the gym/walking, eating healthy food, etc. are easily put aside. Practicing hobbies – Hobbies are a fantastic way to relax, learn, and grow. Unfortunately, this is another area that takes a backseat. Did you know that deferring a decision causes stress and leads to unhappiness? It can have consequences like a dissatisfied life and emotional disturbance causing depression. Therefore, looking forward to a stress-free and happy life it is better to start making decisions. Here are a few tips you can adopt to start becoming decisive: Have confidence in your ability to decide. It involves taking risks. Self-doubt can be the biggest deterrent to building self-confidence. Believe in yourself, when you start trusting yourself, decision-making and remaining with the decision becomes easier. If you need to discuss, choose a close friend, relative, or mentor you trust and discuss it threadbare. Sometimes, if you open up to someone, the discussion helps you to decide as you suddenly see areas to consider that you had missed out in your thoughts. Asking many people about what to do will only confuse you further. It is you who know what you want. Weigh the pros and cons and decide at that moment what appears to be the best option and make the decision. Learn to trust your intuition. Have faith in yourself and God. If you find more than one option, evaluate the options by writing down the pros and cons, and then pick the one that best suits you. Writing down brings more clarity. Set deadlines to make the decision. Be firm with yourself. To begin with, it appears tough, but it is possible to get over procrastination. (link to the article on procrastination). Let the fear of making a wrong decision not deter you from making the choice. Remember, a decision is always taken at a point in time when it seems right. In hindsight, the same decision may be wrong. Let the thought of making an incorrect decision not trouble you, instead look at the experience to gain wisdom. Congratulate yourself for every decision you make. It will boost your morale. Are you ready to make decisions?
- Holistic Wellness
Dr. Yogesh Suradkar Founder & CEO of YOGEE Beauty & Wellness Pvt Ltd Consultant, Startup Mentor, Ex VP R&I L'Oréal, P&G, Marico LinkedIn Are you truly alive or just running on autopilot? Most of us wake up tired, chase goals that don’t fulfill us, scroll through life instead of living it, and call that “normal.” But what if wellness wasn’t a to-do list, a supplement stack, or the next green smoothie? What if wellness was remembering who you really are beyond the noise, the stress, the sugar highs and cortisol crashes? Welcome to Holistic Wellness. Not the Instagram kind. The real, raw, rhythmic kind. “Health is a state of body. Wellness is a state of being.” — J. Stanford It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being in tune. When you start living in alignment, you realize your body, mind, emotions, spirit, and surroundings aren’t separate; they’re deeply intertwined. What you feel is what you digest. What you eat shapes how you think. Who you’re around can either heal you or harm you. Let’s break it down, soul-first: 🧠 Mental Wellness Protect your peace. Think slower. Learn something that lights you up. 💪 Physical Wellness Move with joy, not guilt. Sleep like your cells depend on it—because they do. 💖 Emotional Wellness Don’t numb it—name it. Feel it. Heal it. Your emotions are not your enemies; they’re messengers. 🕊️ Spiritual Wellness Silence isn’t empty. It’s full of answers. Whether it’s nature, prayer, or breath—connect to something greater. 🌍 Environmental Wellness Your skin doesn’t just wear what you put on it—it absorbs your air, your water, your mood. Live clean, inside out. 👥 Social Wellness Your nervous system responds to love. Choose people who feel like sunlight. 💼 Purpose & Money Wellness Your peace is your greatest asset. Align your work with your why. Spend less on things and more on meaning. You don’t have to overhaul your life. Just start with one breath, one walk, one glass of water. At YOGEZ we believe in Bio-Aligned Living, a Soul-Science™ philosophy where ancient Ayurvedic rhythms meet modern microbiome science. Every product, every ritual is crafted to help you not just survive, but truly thrive. So here’s your gentle nudge: Not to hustle harder, but to pause. Not to fix yourself, but to feel yourself. Not to escape, but to return to your most aligned self. True well-being is the harmony of everything. - Your mind. - Your body. - Your microbiome. - Your emotions. - Your environment. - Your choices. Holistic wellness isn’t a destination. It’s the rhythm of your life when you finally remember the beat. Begin again. Gently. Reclaim it, rhythm by rhythm.
- The Eco Crusaders of EI: Leading a Quiet Revolution
Lavanya Karthik Madhuri Parthasarathy Dipti Kapadia, Dipali Vyas and Rani, Sakshi, Namita EI Eco Crusaders Team Reachout to Us How a community-led composting movement is turning daily waste into something truly wonderful. In the heart of our bustling EI community, something remarkable is unfolding —in the quiet corners of P1 (near basketball Court) where waste becomes compost, and compost becomes life . Welcome to the world of EI Eco Crusaders — a group of residents and staff working together to ensure our society manages its waste sustainably and responsibly. With green representatives from every tower , and the invaluable support of our housekeeping staff , the Eco Crusaders have built an efficient and deeply impactful composting ecosystem — one that’s become a model for urban residential communities. The Process: From Kitchen Waste to Garden Gold Kitchen Waste to Garden Gold Everyday in Phase 1 of EI, 450–480 kg of wet waste is generated — vegetable peels, food scraps, fruit waste. Instead of sending this to a landfill, this waste is segregated at source and moved to composting bins within the premises. Through careful monitoring and processing, this waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost — about 1,000 kg every month. This compost feeds our own society gardens and is also sold — making the model economically sustainable too. Here’s a snapshot of last year’s compost usage: 🌼 Used in EI Gardens: 2,465 kg 🛍️ Sold to EI Residents: 220 kg 🚛 Bulk Sales to External Buyers: 7,000 kg The earnings are reinvested to expand and improve the composting infrastructure — including adding new bins and supplies. Nothing goes to waste — not even the waste. The team also champions the creation of bio-enzymes using simple ingredients like citrus peels and jaggery. These are used as natural cleaners and plant boosters, reducing the need for harsh chemicals in our green spaces. Meet the Faces Behind the Movement At the core of this powerful initiative are three passionate women — Madhuri Parthasarathy, Dipti Kapadia, and Lavanya Karthik They are the heart, mind, and soul of the Eco Crusaders movement. They’ve spent countless hours planning the system, managing the finances, coordinating with staff, and measuring outcomes — all without seeking any fanfare. Their contribution isn’t about titles or recognition — it’s about scientific thinking, quiet leadership, and relentless commitment to a better, greener way of life for our EI. Why It Matters The Eco Crusaders have shown us that sustainability isn't an abstract concept . It's real, doable, and something each one of us can contribute to — whether it’s segregating correctly, respecting collection norms, or simply appreciating the effort behind that bag of compost. They’ve proven that with collaboration, care, and consistency, even 700 flats worth of daily waste can become a source of goodness instead of pollution. So the next time you drop off your wet waste or walk past a blooming marigold in the garden, pause for a moment. Somewhere in its roots is the care, effort, and vision of the Eco Crusaders — making our community not just cleaner, but kinder to the planet. Let’s not just applaud them. Let’s join them.
- Monsoon Health Tips
Dr. Narendra Palan Industrial Physician Ph No: 98206 01529 LinkedIn Profile Edited by: Namya Aggarwal Rain may cool the air — but it heats up health risks. Don’t let the season catch you off guard. Here are some precautionary measures to stay ahead: 1. Stay Dry & Clean Keep your body warm and dry , especially your feet, to avoid fungal infections. Use anti-fungal talcum powder on areas prone to sweating. Do not stay in wet clothes for long as it can lead to infections, fever, and body aches. Take a bath twice a day using warm water and an antiseptic to remove impurities and prevent skin infections. Wash your hands frequently and keep your surroundings clean. Do not allow stagnant water to accumulate in or around the house to prevent mosquito breeding. 2. Eat Safe, Drink Safe Drink plenty of purified or boiled water to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. Avoid carbonated drinks , opt for warm beverages like ginger tea. Eat freshly cooked food , preferably soups and stews, which are light and nutritious. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly , especially leafy greens. Avoid eating outside , particularly street food and cut fruits, as they may carry harmful bacteria. Consume food in moderate quantity , and avoid keeping it exposed to air for too long. 3 . Diet Avoid overeating , as digestion slows down during monsoon. Include vegetables like bitter gourd, carrots, radish , and herbs like neem and turmeric . Add fruits like apples, bananas, pomegranates, cherries, litchis, and plums to your diet. Spices such as pepper, hing, coriander, and turmeric support digestion and immunity. 4. Block Infections Consult a doctor if fever lasts more than two days , as it could indicate malaria, dengue, or typhoid. Use mosquito repellents, nets, window screens , and creams to prevent bites. Wear appropriate clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid skin exposure. Drain water from unused flower pots and coolers to prevent mosquito breeding. 5. Mind Your Feet! Keep your feet dry and clean ; avoid puddles and damp environments. If feet get wet, immediately clean and dry them with a soft towel. Use rubber-soled footwear for better grip; avoid leather shoes which get damaged in water. Do not walk barefoot, and keep socks, shoes, and raincoats clean and dry . Special care should be taken by diabetics , as they are more prone to foot infections. 6. Dress for Protection Wear loose, cotton clothes to stay comfortable and well-ventilated. Avoid jeans , as they take time to dry. Use talcum or prickly heat powder in areas prone to fungal infections. Use rainwear when stepping outside to remain dry and avoid catching a cold. 7. Watch the Vulnerable! Children are more vulnerable during monsoon; ensure a hot water bath with antiseptic after outdoor play. Provide homemade soups and stews for balanced nutrition. Elderly should avoid walking in parks or slippery areas after rains to prevent falls and injuries. 8. Guard Your Eyes! Common issues include conjunctivitis, dry eyes, and styes. Wash hands before touching your face or eyes . Do not share towels, eye drops, or contact lens solutions . Avoid eye makeup during infections and do not use contact lenses if infected. Apply antibacterial lotion as needed.
- Understand Heart Attack From Our Cardiology
Dr. Mukul Kaushik Head of Interventional Cardiology Nahar Medical Center ; Seven Hills Hospital; Holy Spirit Hospital; Criticare Asia Multispecialty Hospitals; Guru Nanak Hospital Practo ; Every Minute Counts: Recognize, Respond, Recover. Heart attack is a condition wherein out of three arteries one or two arteries gets completely occluded leading to severe chest pain breathing difficulty. Heart attacks are of two types major & minor. Major heart attack occurs due to complete occlusion of a coronary artery. Minor heart attack occurs due to partial occlusion of coronary artery. Major heart attack is always life endangering & requires prompt treatment either primary angioplasty or thrombolytic therapy. Minor heart attack requires medical stabilization followed by coronary intervention. Early signs of heart attack are severe left sided chest pain with perspiration. In diabetics chest pain does not occur. In cases of heart attack it is advisable to take tab Ecosprin 150 mg clopidogrel 150 mg & Rosuvas 40 mg & immediately rush to the hospital. Cardiac arrest is a condition where heart stops functioning completely & it is because of multiple reasons heart attack being one of them On should undergo Cardiopulmonary resuscitation at that time Conclusion: Early recognition and timely care can save lives. Whether it’s knowing the warning signs, taking immediate steps with medication, or reaching the hospital without delay, every action matters. Advances in treatment today mean that even major heart attacks are survivable when addressed quickly. Stay informed, stay prepared, and remember—hope and help are always within reach.
- Are you chasing perfection or progress
Harish Dixit Senior Infrastructure Manager – APAC Linkedin Are you chasing perfection or progress ? Picture a butterfly refusing to leave its cocoon because its wings aren’t flawless yet. That’s what perfectionism feels like. It keeps you stuck, grounded and stops you from soaring. Many of us wait for the “perfect” moment, the “perfect” plan, or the “perfect” version of ourselves before we act. But here’s the truth: perfection is a cage , not a goal. Perfectionism often hides behind good intentions. You want to do your best, avoid mistakes, and impress others. But in trying to do everything flawlessly, you end up doing less or nothing at all. Progress, on the other hand, is about movement. It’s about taking off, even if your wings are a little shaky. Think of a sparrow. It doesn’t wait for the wind to be just right. It flaps, it stumbles, it learns. That’s how progress works. You don’t need to be perfect to begin. You just need to begin. Here’s the secret : most of the time, “good enough” is more than enough. That email you’re rewriting for the tenth time? Send it. That project you’re scared to start? Start it. You’ll learn more by doing than by waiting. Perfectionism also feeds on fear, fear of failure, embarrassment, or not being good enough. But what if failing isn’t the end? What if it’s just part of flying? Every bird falls before it learns to glide. Every mistake is a feather in your wing, not a flaw. Let’s talk about time. You often spend 80% of your time trying to perfect the last 20% of a task. That’s time you could spend with loved ones, resting, or doing something joyful. Let go of the tiny details that don’t matter. Focus on what does. Also, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Your worth isn’t tied to one grade, one job, or one opinion. Let your value come from many places: your kindness, your effort, your relationships, your growth. And finally, consider stepping away from social media. Constant comparison is like flying through a storm. You don’t need to see everyone else’s highlight reel to know your journey matters. Play a game you’re bad at. Try a new hobby. Let yourself be a beginner. You’ll feel awkward at first. But you’ll also feel free. Entrepreneur Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, captured this mindset in his book Screw It, Let’s Do It . In it, he shares lessons from his bold, imperfect, and adventurous life. It’s a call to action, to take chances, and to live fully. Even when things aren’t perfect. So let go of perfect, and let yourself soar.
- Ram’s Story: Help Is Always an Arm’s Length Away
Harinath Strategy & Growth – Reliance Retail; EI Outlook Editor Linkedin Profile We all know someone like Ram. Bright. Ambitious. Thoughtful. But unsure at times—like all of us. Life doesn’t always give us the roadmap we need. Sometimes, we stumble. We wait for a turning point. A lucky accident. A saviour. Ram’s journey teaches us something else: what if we didn’t wait? 1. Counselling – A Childhood Trauma That Stayed Quiet Ram was in 4th standard when he was asked to read the morning news in school. It was in Hindi—a language he wasn’t confident in. He froze on stage. Fumbled. His teacher scolded him in front of everyone. His legs shook. Another teacher tried to comfort him—but the damage was done. That one moment buried his confidence. He never stepped on a stage again. Shivering in Front of Mic Decades later, he realised what he really needed then was not criticism, but counselling —a safe conversation, a comforting hand, a voice that said, “It’s okay.” Had someone just helped him process that fear, he might have embraced the stage instead of avoiding it for 30 years. 2. Life Coaching – When Silence Hurt More Than Noise Ram’s first job was hard. His boss was toxic. The work hours were brutal. He stayed for three years , burning out in silence. He didn’t seek help. He thought he had to “just endure.” It affected his health, his family, and his peace of mind. Few year later, a life coach helped him unpack that phase. They spoke about boundaries, priorities, and asking for help. The coach helped Ram see how he had handed his power to others—unknowingly. Cross Roads A life coach won’t solve your life. But they’ll help you see how to take control of it again. Ram’s takeaway? Never wait for the breakdown to ask for help. 3. Mentoring – When Growth Felt Like a Question Mark Years later, Ram was doing well in his career. Seven years into a stable job, with a supportive boss and a solid reputation. But something didn’t feel right. The challenges had dried up. He feared becoming stagnant. He met a mentor —a retired leader from a similar field—who asked him: "Are you looking for growth outside, or meaning inside?" Mentoring The mentor shared how, during his own plateaus, he found new problems to solve, new skills to learn. That kept him motivated. Mentors don’t give answers. They reflect your own thoughts back—clearer, calmer. Ram realised: he didn’t need a new job. He needed a new problem worth solving. 4. Career Coaching – Bridging the Generation Gap Today, Ram leads a team spread across the country. He connects well with peers, but struggles with younger Gen Z team members. They’re quiet, unresponsive unless prompted. He’s tried being friendly, strict, supportive—nothing worked. He feared a disconnect. Then, two Gen Z employees in another team were removed for silly mischief like proxy attendance. When Ram saw them crying, it hit him: "Do I really know my team? Will I know if they’re in trouble?" He turned to a career coach . The coach didn’t lecture. He asked Ram to flip the situation: "Have you tried asking them for help? Showing them your vulnerability?" So Ram tried. He told his team, “I’m stuck on a problem—can you help me think through it?” It worked. Slowly, trust was built. Career Coaching Career coaching isn’t about giving instructions. It’s about unlocking others . And the Best Part – Help Lives Among Us Ram’s story is real. And it’s not rare. We all carry our own versions of these phases—moments we could have navigated better, if only we had someone to guide us. That’s why, in our EI community , we’re lucky. We have certified coaches , mentors , counsellors , and professionals—who’ve offered to help. Whether you’re: A mid-career professional at a crossroads A working woman returning after a break A student unsure of your next step A parent trying to balance work and home Or just someone who needs to talk Help is just a conversation away. These experts offer their time for a nominal fee—just enough to ensure commitment, not cost. Don’t Wait for the Accident Ram waited. Sometimes the help came. Sometimes it didn’t. But now, he lives by this: Help doesn’t always arrive by accident. Sometimes, you have to ask. And when you do, you’ll realise—it was always just an arm’s length away. Don't Hesitate to ASK
- Understanding Your Community Drives Business Growth
Shaurya Tyagi Head of Digital Marketing – JSW Group LinkedIn When you step into our gated community each evening, you're not just entering a residential complex—you're walking into an ecosystem that quietly dictates every purchasing decision, social interaction, and business opportunity within its boundaries. As someone who has spent years understanding how culture shapes commerce, first at HDFC Life , where I worked on pension, investment and protection products, then as Digital Marketing Lead at OPPO in the SEA market , and currently at JSW Group , I've witnessed that successful businesses are those that crack the cultural code of their communities. Powai's transformation from a tiny hamlet surrounding IIT Bombay to Mumbai's premier residential destination mirrors a broader phenomenon across India's urban landscape. What makes places like Shapoorji Pallonji Vicinia or the broader Hiranandani Complex more than just housing is the emergence of distinct cultural identities that drive specific consumption patterns. These are cultural signals that communicate values, aspirations, and a sense of belonging to both residents and the broader market. Our community's culture operates like an invisible hand guiding economic activity. When residents in gated societies prioritise sustainability and organic food stores, eco-friendly services naturally gravitate toward these areas. When fitness becomes a cultural cornerstone, specialised health coaches, wellness centres, and sports facilities emerge. The presence of facilities like Galleria Shopping Mall and R City Mall in proximity to Powai isn't coincidental—it's a direct response to the community's preferences and purchasing power. Understanding this relationship between culture and commerce isn't just academic theory; it's practical intelligence that drives real business growth. The dynamics within gated communities create what sociologist Émile Durkheim called "collective effervescence" —shared emotional experiences that bind groups together. In the context of the Powai’s community, this might manifest as weekend morning walks around the Lake, celebrating festivals, or informal gatherings at local cafes. These moments of collective experience create shared meaning and consumption preferences for businesses. When community members develop similar tastes through cultural interaction, they become predictable customers for companies that understand their language. The economic data tells a compelling story about the commercial impact of culture. In terms of price appreciation/depreciation , flat rates in Powai, Mumbai, have i ncreased by 7.8% over the last year, 20.7% over the previous three years, 28.4% over the last five years, and 51.3% from a decade earlier. Source: 99 Acres It isn't merely about supply and demand—it reflects the cultural premium residents place on being part of a community that aligns with their identity. When culture drives real estate values, it also drives the commercial ecosystem that serves these communities. For CXOs living in these environments, understanding your community's cultural dynamics offers competitive advantages that extend far beyond your residential experience. The patterns you observe in your housing society—whether it's the preference for specific brands, the adoption of new technologies, or the way people socialise—often predict broader market trends. Your community becomes a living laboratory for understanding how culture influences consumer behaviour across demographic segments. The commercial ecosystem surrounding gated communities operates on a principle of cultural reciprocity. Businesses that succeed in serving these communities don't just provide products or services—they reinforce cultural identity. The restaurants that thrive understand the community's dining culture, the retail outlets stock brands that align with residents' self-image, and service providers adopt communication styles that resonate with the community's values. This cultural alignment creates customer loyalty that transcends price competition. What makes India's emerging gated communities particularly fascinating is how they blend global aspirations with local cultural roots. Businesses that navigate these cultural nuances successfully create deeper connections with their customers and build more sustainable growth. The key insight for understanding community-driven commerce is recognising that culture isn't just context, but rather it's the primary driver of economic activity. The future of marketing belongs to those who understand that commerce isn't just about transactions; instead, it's about cultural connections. In communities like ours, where culture and commerce intersect daily, this understanding becomes the difference between businesses that merely survive and those that thrive as integral parts of the community's cultural ecosystem.
- The Growing Threat of AI-Powered Job Interview Fraud
Harish Dixit Senior Infrastructure Manager – APAC Linkedin A new cybersecurity threat is emerging in the remote work era. Hackers using artificial intelligence to deceive employers during video interviews. According to recent security reports, North Korean operatives are at the forefront of this sophisticated scam, posing as remote IT workers to infiltrate foreign companies. How the Scam Works These cybercriminals create fake profiles using stolen identities and apply for remote programming and development positions. During video interviews, they use what experts call “laptop farms” , a network of devices that help simulate legitimate remote workers. The fraudsters often exhibit inconsistencies that only trained eyes can spot, such as strong accents that don’t match their claimed backgrounds. Advanced AI avatars are now being used to create convincing fake video appearances. These digital personas can fool automated screening systems and even experienced recruiters, appearing as realistic during video calls. Real-World Impact In a recent case, a recruitment team for high-end medical laboratory work discovered an AI avatar fraud after an applicant passed through two layers of service provider filtering. Only when the hiring manager asked the interviewee to raise their right hand during the video call did the deception become apparent. The avatar could only display head and shoulders. The company is now reviewing six months of previous interviews and hires. The consequences extend far beyond simple employment fraud. One London-based company unknowingly hired North Korean operatives who gained access to internal systems through remote desktop applications. For four months, these fake employees funneled company earnings to the North Korean regime before being discovered. After their dismissal, the company received ransom demands for six-figure cryptocurrency payments. A cybersecurity training company reported a similar experience, noting that despite public warnings about such incidents, fraudulent applications continue to represent a significant portion of their candidate pool. Protection Strategies Companies can defend themselves through several key measures: Enhanced screening: Conduct thorough background checks and verify identities through in-person interviews, ensuring the applicant’s appearance matches their documentation. Simple physical requests, like asking candidates to move their hands or turn their head, can expose AI avatars. Technical monitoring: Implement strict access controls, monitor login locations for anomalies, and track company devices carefully. Employee awareness: Train HR and IT staff to recognize red flags, including the potential use of AI tools to create fake resumes or manipulate video appearances. Reporting systems: Encourage teams to report suspicious activities in remote work setups. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, the line between genuine and fraudulent candidates continues to blur, making vigilant hiring practices more critical than ever.
- Will AI Take Away My Child’s Career Opportunities? -- A Conversation Every Parent Needs to Have
Vinayak Rao A study abroad counselor at Gradmonk Former Immigration Officer, New Zealand Embassy Ex-India Representative, University of Auckland Education Counsellor in Hiranandani, Powai LinkedIn “Vinayak,” Nikita said, “I keep hearing AI will replace many entry-level jobs. How will Rohan find good opportunities when he graduates? I’m really worried.” I hear this concern often from parents feeling overwhelmed by AI’s impact on their children’s futures. Recently, Nikita, mother of Grade 11 student Rohan, came to me with the same anxiety. Her worry is understandable. But it opens a bigger conversation about how we can help our kids thrive in an AI-driven world. While AI may replace some jobs, it also creates new roles and industries. Sam Altman, co-founder of ChatGPT, said, “AI is going to eliminate a lot of current jobs... and it’s going to create entirely new jobs.” This isn’t the first time we’ve faced such change. When computers and the internet arrived, many feared job losses, but new careers emerged. For Rohan, who loves ecology and environmental science, the outlook is positive. These fields are less likely to be disrupted soon. Still, no one really knows what the future holds—Altman’s sign says, “No one knows what happens next.” What matters most are skills AI can’t replace: creativity, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and leadership. I also advise students like Rohan to take AI-related electives. Learning to use AI as a tool will keep them relevant. Imagine an environmental scientist using AI to discover new insights—that’s the future. In the end, Nikita smiled as Rohan talked about combining his passion with technology. With the right skills and mindset, our children won’t just face the future—they’ll shape it. P.S. – I love interacting with parents to shape their kids future studies abroad. Happy to connect on 9819700567
- Beauty That Breathes, Heals, and Regenerates
Dr. Yogesh Suradkar Founder & CEO of YOGEE Beauty & Wellness Pvt Ltd Consultant, Startup Mentor, Ex VP R&I L'Oréal, P&G, Marico LinkedIn What if skincare wasn’t just about what you see on the surface; but how your skin lives, breathes, and evolves beneath it? We’re stepping into a new era: Bio-Regenerative Skincare . It’s not just another beauty trend. It’s a scientific and soulful movement ; one that respects your skin as a living ecosystem and restores it at the root level while honoring the delicate balance of the planet. The Science: A Living Skin Ecosystem and the Microbial Symphony Your skin and scalp are not blank canvases. They are biodynamic landscapes , teeming with trillions of microorganisms; bacteria, fungi, and even viruses; that work in harmony to protect, repair, and regenerate. This microbiome is your skin’s first line of defence and a silent architect of youth, clarity, and resilience. But modern skincare, with its obsession for sterilization and synthetics, often wages war on this natural ecosystem: • Harsh surfactants and alkaline cleansers strip away beneficial microbes. • Antibiotics and antifungals trigger microbial resistance. • Pollution weakens skin barriers, accelerates aging, and fuels inflammation. This imbalance is called dysbiosis , and it’s a silent epidemic behind chronic skin issues; from stubborn acne to premature wrinkles. The Power Trio: Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics Enter Bio-Regeneration ; a skincare science built on restoring microbial harmony using: Prebiotics : Nutrients that feed the good microbes and suppress the bad. Probiotics : Live beneficial bacteria that reinforce skin’s immune system and microbial diversity. Postbiotics : Powerful by-products like enzymes, peptides, and fatty acids that calm inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and boost skin barrier function. Scientific studies have shown that these ingredients: Break down biofilms ; the stubborn microbial shelters that make acne and dandruff hard to treat. Inhibit aging enzymes like MMP (Matrix Metalloproteinases) and LOX (Lipoxygenase) that degrade collagen. Rebuild barrier lipids, like ceramides and filaggrin, essential for hydration and elasticity. Neutralize ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), the invisible culprits behind dullness, pigmentation, and cellular damage. Evidence: Healing Skin and Scalp at the Source Acne: Dysbiosis shifts Cutibacterium acnes toward inflammatory strains. Bio-regenerative actives rebalance the microbial terrain, dissolve biofilms, and reduce porphyrin-triggered inflammation. Atopic Dermatitis : An overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus disrupts skin lipids. Postbiotic therapy restores hydration and enhances lipid synthesis while calming flare-ups. Aging & Oxidative Stress : Pollution and UV exposure spike ROS levels, breaking down collagen. Probiotic ferments rich in antioxidants like GSH and SOD shield the skin from photoaging and free radical assault. Scalp Issues: Overgrowth of Malassezia species and disrupted C. acnes levels cause dandruff and thinning. Fermented propionate, enzymes, and biotics restore scalp balance and reduce inflammation, paving the way for thicker, healthier hair. The Hidden Enemy: Biofilms Think of biofilms as microbial bunkers protective shields that pathogens form to resist skincare treatments. In acne, they form deep within sebaceous glands. In dandruff, they colonize hair follicles. But bio-regenerative formulations with natural biosurfactants, enzymes, and probiotics can penetrate and dismantle these fortresses, restoring microbial balance where no cream or acid ever could. YOGEE: The World's First Soul-Science Beauty Brand At the forefront of this revolution stands Dr. Yogessh Suraadkaar, ex-R&D leader at L’Oréal, P&G, and Marico; now the visionary Founder & CEO of YOGEE Beauty & Wellness Pvt Ltd. YOGEE isn’t just another clean beauty label. It’s a movement built on Soul-Science and Bio-Aligned Rituals; a proprietary fusion of Ayurveda, Advanced Biotechnology, and Microbiome Wisdom , crystallized in the BioAyurPro Fusion Technology ™ (20 patents filed); to heal your inner-self and the planet. This is skincare that goes beyond clean: It regenerates , not just repairs. It aligns biology with consciousness. It honors the Earth as much as the epidermis . From hydrosol-based cleansers to pre/pro/postbiotic serums, from baby-safe body washes to anti-aging elixirs, every YOGEE product is: 100% certified organic Microbiome-friendly & fragrance-free Sustainable in formulation, process, and packaging Why It Matters: Healing You and the Planet In a world obsessed with superficial glow-ups, YOGEE chooses regeneration over coverage , balance over aggression, and biological truth over cosmetic illusion . Bio-Regenerative Skincare isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. As your skin regenerates, so does your s ense of self, and so must the planet . Join the Regeneration Revolution We invite you to pause. Reflect. Reimagine beauty; not as correction, but as alignment . Let’s heal acne and aging, but also eco-anxiety and disconnection . Let’s embrace rituals that not only restore our skin but renew our spirit and steward the Earth . Choose Soul-Science. Choose YOGEE. Because true beauty begins where science touches the soul. Visit us at https://theyogez.com/
- Will AI take my job? Or our children's jobs?
Indresh Kumar Head of Data Science VoltUp LinkedIn Will AI take my job? Or our children's jobs? Short answer: no. Long answer: read on. AI is a software, just like Excel, only it’s made in a completely new way. Instead of humans writing code (like how Microsoft made Excel), it learns on its own. For example: ChatGPT learnt how to chat with us by reading a lot of internet articles. Learning on its own? That sounds scary to me. Yes. It is scary. AI can learn a lot, way more than we do, with PhD level expertise in all areas of knowledge. But, here is the deal: knowledge doesn’t mean intent AI has no intent to learn anything, or to even do anything. Has ChatGPT ever messaged in the morning asking you about that business proposal you made with it last night? Nope. AI doesn’t care.. It has no intent, no meaning, not even a bit of curiosity about the proposal it just made for you. It is a lifeless piece of software that followed your instructions, just like the elevator goes to the floor you instruct it to, or the microwave runs for the time you set it to. Here is a thought experiment. Let’s give ChatGPT a non-fancy name. I would name it “word-calculator”. Just like a calculator doesn’t care about your calculation, ChatGPT doesn’t care about your nice big proposal either. It just makes some complex calculations - and it shows up as words on our screens. AI has no intent to take either your job, your Sunday morning breakfast. Okay, but then why do I keep hearing about AI replacing humans? You are right to be concerned. Even I am, and I develop AI for a living. We do keep hearing about AI replacing consultants, software developers, graphic designers or even video producers. It is a genuine threat, Or is it? Let’s take some examples of real problems to solve. Example 1: Before AI: If Indian defence needed to develop new drones for the airforce, they would require a team of engineers and strategists After AI: ChatGPT has little clue about dynamically changing geopolitical scenarios. It can only read what’s publicly written on the internet. How to develop a drone strategy for India is not a wikipedia article or a YouTube video for it to recycle. The defence still needs the same professionals as it did before. Example 2: Before AI: if we needed to develop an EV charger booking app for our society, including demand prediction and automatic booking of slots for residents, we would need to go to a software and EV expert After AI: Try asking ChatGPT to make something this complex, and you will see how spectacularly it fails. We would still need the exact same professionals to do it as before. What has really changed is simply that AI can recycle information much faster than humans copy-pasted off the internet. And it can also generate images and videos based on what already exists on the internet. It is limited to its birthplace of internet articles and videos. It can’t come up with anything new on its own (at least yet). So you mean to say our jobs are safe? Yes. We need even more jobs now. Business now will aim for bigger and grander, more moon-shot goals. Ones that earlier settled for delivering groceries will now aim for delivering groceries before you run out of them, automatically. Those who earlier built cars will now build cars that run on hydrogen fuel. The more complex the problem, the worse AI is at solving it - and the more humans you need for it. What AI really did was to make us think bigger, and provide a bit of assistance here and there towards this. What AI really transformed is not our relationship towards work, but towards our goals, and our ability to fulfil these goals. With this trajectory, we will think bigger, and one day, we will even solve the most complex problems of all: Mumbai traffic.

















