NotHappyJohn

All choices matter greatly, for this is a low-cost, high volume game. The differential in manufacturing costs between the most and least expensive syringe may be just a few paise. The paise can be saved in a few ways: by achieving economies of scale; or by choosing sub-par material, cutting corners in manufacturing or quality…

In 2015, Vivek Sharma walked into Max Super Speciality Hospital in Gurugram and launched a trade war. Three years later, the social worker’s actions have resulted in a wide-ranging inquiry into sales practices at super-specialty hospitals in New Delhi, particularly as they relate to medical devices. Sharma, whom The Ken could not reach, bought a…

The last 10 years have witnessed the warmest winters in the recorded history of India; globally, 15 of the 16 warmest years on record have occurred since 2001. And businesses all across the world have been scrambling to get a handle on how weather changes have been impacting what consumers eat, drink, drive and entertain…

The gains aren’t all paper gains either. In Zomato’s previous funding round, Info Edge made Rs 330 crore ($45 million) by selling a 6% stake. It’s done something similar with Policybazaar too, progressively cashing out some of its gains by selling shares to newer investors, while seeing the value of unsold shares continue to balloon.…

In India, Envirofit began operations in 2007 after it became Shell Foundation’s partner in Breathing Space. They got their stoves into retail shops in Indian villages. They didn’t sell. The cookstove, it turned out, is a “push” product. Women didn’t understand why their chulhas needed replacing. Improved health is not an attractive sales proposition; if…

And yet, cookstove companies have held on. Despite meagre sales; despite long-term losses; despite a steady drumbeat of scientific studies showing their products don’t protect the poor from the worst effects of indoor air pollution. How? Contents1 Out of the frying pan2 Into the fire2.1 Charity begins at home Out of the frying pan Since…

Every winter, smog settles across North India, burning people’s eyes, making them cough, and increasing hospital visits. The pollution comes from vehicles, burning landfills, crop stubble fires, and other sources. About 25% of these fumes are from indoor open cooking fires. The World Health Organisation is hosting its first conference this week to figure out…

He smiles and waves us away. “No, man. I am not really worried. You can’t really think too much about these things” It’s a warm afternoon in Bengaluru. His office isn’t air-conditioned. Occasionally, people pop in to give him updates or to remind him about meetings. With a smile on his face, Nestaway CEO Amarendra…