Power of women entrepreneurs; Your health is not a luxury

Hello,

Oil prices may extend their gains when markets open on Monday as the US-Israeli war against Iran enters its third week, raising concerns over energy infrastructure and keeping the Strait of Hormuz largely shut.

Tensions escalated further in the region after US President Donald Trump threatened additional strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export terminal, prompting a defiant response from Tehran and warnings of further retaliation.

Amid this, Japan said it plans to begin releasing oil from its strategic reserves on Monday to cushion the economic impact of the conflict—a move reminiscent of the oil shocks of the 1970s that first pushed Tokyo to build large emergency stockpiles.

The Japanese government has pledged to release 80 million barrels of crude, equivalent to roughly 45 days of supply for the resource-poor country.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that Trump said Iran is prepared to negotiate an end to the war, although Washington is seeking stronger terms.

The conflict has brought shipping through the Strait of Hormuz close to a standstill, rattling global energy markets and threatening supply chains.

Against this backdrop, India said an Indian-flagged vessel carrying 80,800 metric tons of the UAE’s Murban crude sailed for India on Sunday from Fujairah. The shipment departed a day after sources said some loading operations at the UAE port had been suspended.

In today’s newsletter, we will talk about 

• Power of women entrepreneurs
• Your health is not a luxury

Here’s your trivia for today: How many folds are in a chef's hat?

SheSparks

Power of women entrepreneurs

At SheSparks 2026, CK Kumaravel shared how a personal moment with his wife sparked the creation of Naturals Salon & Spa, and a larger mission to enable women’s financial independence. His candid conversation highlighted how entrepreneurship can transform households, communities, and India’s business landscape.

Key takeaways:

• Naturals now has over 1,000 salons in India, with more than 600 women-led franchisees—many first-time entrepreneurs—often becoming primary earners and shifting traditional family power dynamics.
• Kumaravel emphasised that many large opportunities lie in unorganised service sectors, citing examples like beauty and personal care—an insight reflected in success stories such as Falguni Nayar and her company Nykaa.
• As Naturals expands nationwide and eyes global markets, Kumaravel urged Indian founders to leverage the country’s scale and ambition, arguing that Indian brands should not limit themselves to regional strongholds.

SheSparks

Your health is not a luxury

At SheSparks 2026, Dr Nikki Yadav, Infertility Specialist, Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, and Director of Yellow Fertility & IVF, urged women to prioritise preventive healthcare. She stressed that routine check-ups are not a luxury, but essential for lifelong health.

Key takeaways: 

• Yadav said women often delay health check-ups while managing family and career responsibilities. Regular gynaecological visits can detect issues early and maintain long-term reproductive and overall health.
• Fertility declines after age 30, with a sharper drop after 35. Options like egg freezing can provide flexibility, but timing and proactive planning are critical.
• Disorders like PCOS and symptoms of perimenopause can be mitigated through lifestyle interventions—balanced nutrition, regular exercise, weight management, and bone-strengthening practices.

News & updates

• Chatbots: A review in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that AI chatbots may reinforce delusional thinking in vulnerable people. Researcher Hamilton Morrin reviewed 20 reports on “AI psychosis” and calls for clinical testing with mental health professionals.
• EVs: Automaker Honda has halted the development of several planned EVs and is reportedly ending production of the GM-built Prologue, effectively scrapping what little EV strategy it had while blaming tariffs and Chinese rivals.

What you should watch out for

• Nvidia GTC, the company’s biggest event of the year, will kick off in San Jose, California, on Monday with a keynote from CEO Jensen Huang.
• Investors will look for clarity on whether the Middle East conflict is complicating expectations for interest-rate cuts this year. Federal Reserve policymakers will meet for the first time this week since the US and Israel began air strikes on Iran, triggering a surge in oil prices.

How many folds are in a chef's hat?

Answer: 100

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