50 september 2023 By Caitlin Stall-Paquet ILLUSTRATION by Serge Bloch 1 What’s in a name? Plenty, when meteorologists assign them to hurricanes and typhoons. It’s a practice that began in the 19th century, when a British meteorologist living in Australia started naming storms after politicians he disliked, as well as Polynesian women. Using female names caught on with American meteorologists in the 1950s; weather reports included sexist cliches about ‘temperamental’ storms ‘flirting’ with coastlines. Male names were finally included by 1979. 2 The association with destruction tends to make some storm names unpopular baby names, which is what happened to Katrina after a Category 5 storm with that name devastated the US state of Louisiana in 2005. A very damaging storm may have its name retired, and some years there are enough storms to run through the 21 alphabetical names (Q, U, X, Y and Z are not used). The World Meteorological Organization keeps a list of backup names prepared for that eventuality. 3 From cows lying down when rain is on the horizon to 13 THINGS All About Extreme Weather
readersdigest.in 51 birds that fly lower prior to a storm, there are plenty of theories that animals can predict the weather. One that’s proven is that coastal sharks swim deeper during the drop in barometric pressure that precedes tropical storms. Sometimes animals are the weather: Waterspouts or tornadoes can pick up critters and carry them long distances, leading to accounts of frogs or fish falling from the sky, like the anchovies that rained down on San Francisco in 2022. 4 When ice forms on trees, the weight of branches can increase 30-fold. In 1998, the freezing rain of a devastating ice storm in eastern North America brought down millions of trees. The ice layers also collapsed enough electrical wires and cables to go around the world three times. Power outages left more than five million people in the dark—some for as long as 30 days. 5 Blizzards can be equally destructive, especially when they happen in unlikely places, like Iran’s 1972 blizzard— called the worst in history. Almost eight metres of snow fell over nearly a week, covering 200 villages and killing a reported 4,000 people. But ‘oncein-a-generation’ storms are happening more often as polar winds meet warmer-than-usual winters. Cold snaps and record daily snowfalls could become more norm than outlier. 6 After bursting onto the scene in the 1970s, the disaster-movie genre— with hits like The Swarm and The Poseidon Adventure—really hit its stride in the 1990s. (Twister grossed nearly US$500 million in theatres). Since then, disaster movies have stagnated, possibly because we feel ever closer to life imitating fiction. The 2021 film Don’t Look Up served as an apt commentary on climate change and society’s collective reluctance to act. 7 rising average temperatures are contributing to more heat waves and larger storms. Earlier this year, Cyclone Freddy hit parts of Africa and lasted a record 34 days. Human activity is known to compound the disastrous effects of extreme weather directly, too, like in western Canada when the torrential rains of 2021 in areas that had been clear-cut led to deadly mudslides. Major flooding in Germany and Belgium in 2021, and Australia’s unprecedented bush fires of 2020, were also caused by climate change. 8 When forest fires follow drought, bark beetles can make the fires even worse by turning wooded areas into fields of tinder. An infestation along the west coast of North America, from Reader’s Digest
52 september 2023 the Yukon to Mexico, killed more than 102 million trees in California alone. To make matters worse, trees can secrete chemicals called terpenes—which are highly flammable—as a defence mechanism against insect invasion. 9 Lightning sprites make the skies glow with jellyfish-like shapes during thunderstorms, from the Chilean Andes to Israel’s Negev Desert. The crimson lights are produced by electric discharges in the mesosphere and their name is thought to be inspired by Shakespeare’s mischievous fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 10Sandstorms occur when strong winds sweep across dry desert landscapes. In 2021, Mongolia’s southern province of Dornogovi experienced a record 20-hour sandstorm. These storms can sometimes trigger an apocalyptic- seeming ‘blood rain’, a rare event that occurred in Spanish skies in 2022. This red precipitation was caused by dark sand being carried from the Sahara Desert and mixing with water before falling back to earth. 11Intense heat waves have a way of making society go off the rails. They can melt power lines and buckle railway tracks, which happened during the United Kingdom’s 2022 heat wave. People also tend to lose their cool: Studies show that violence spikes as our bodies heat up, possibly due to a drop in serotonin and an increase in testosterone, which can make us more aggressive. 12The US experiences 75 per cent of the world’s tornadoes, with about 1,200 reported every year. And ‘Tornado Alley’, which runs vertically through the middle of the country from South Dakota to Texas, gets the brunt of it. In 2013, a record 4.2-kilometre-wide tornado hit El Reno, Oklahoma, with neverbefore-seen ground speeds: 476 kph! 13 Thanks to computer technology and global data sharing, weather forecasts are improving in accuracy, giving residents more time to seek safety. But some people still run toward danger: Amateur and professional storm chasers track highimpact weather and gather invaluable meteorological data—and perhaps a viral video or two. An episode of the 2021 documentary series Wild Canadian Weather followed the adventures of Prairie Storm Chasers. And DutchTReX, a stormchasing group based in the Netherlands, travels to the US each year during tornado season in search of the perfect storm. reader’s digest
WINNERS READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ 53
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 54 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ Winners for 10 years and above Winners for 1-9 years
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ 55
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 56 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ The Brands We Trust Reader’s Digest launched the Trusted Brand award in 1998, as an exploration into the brands that have earned consumer confidence and loyalty. In a world brimming with choices, where products and services clamour for attention, there emerge brands that stand tall as beacons of trustworthiness and quality. Reader’s Digest dives deep into the realm of consumer experiences, where the consumer vote shapes the landscape of brand reputation. For years, Reader’s Digest has been synonymous with authenticity and reliability, making it the perfect platform to seek consumer insights about their favourite brands across segments and categories, sharing with us the factors that influence their purchases, including value for money, consistent quality, innovation and excellent customer service. From household names that have been around for generations to newcomers that have swiftly risen through the ranks, the award unveils the brands that measure up to the yardstick of consumer approval and satisfaction. The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand awards is an opportunity to celebrate these brands that have consistently, delivered on their promises and secured a special place in our lives. It is a reflection of consumer preferences, making it the perfect guide for discovering the brands that have stood the test of time and scrutiny. The following pages contain the brands that have earned consumer trust and love through the years. Our winners continue to embody the values of consistency, quality, and authenticity that have allowed them to become success stories. INTRODUCTION
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement How We Conducted the Survey For the past 25 years, the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands survey has uncovered India’s most trustworthy brands. The Trusted Brand survey has established its reputation as a premier consumer-based and international m e a s u r e o f b r a n d p r e f e r e n c e . Conducted in collaboration with Marketing and Development Research A s s o c i a t e s , t h e s u r v e y s h o w s which brands consistently fulfil their promises to satisfy consumer needs and deliver quality. A representative sample of 4,076 people across 20 cities geographically spread across India were surveyed. Respondents were asked to name five of their most trusted brands across 41 product categories via quantitative Face to Face and Telephonic interviews. For statistical accuracy the weights were derived for each product category and accordingly were used to arrive at the final weighted score. The participants were then requested to further rate their choice of a trusted brand on a list of four attributes: Reliability and Quality, Value Proposition, Usability a n d / o r n e e d f u l f i l l m e n t a n d Recommend & Repurchase, on a scale of 1 to 10. A Trust Score was arrived at by taking the weighted mean of the rating on all 4 parameters. In addition, brand trust based on awareness level and usage experience was given higher weightage than those based solely on perception or little knowledge. Awareness level scores were multiplied by the final weighted trust scores to arrive at Brand Trust, revealing the 2023 winners. We are pleased to unveil the Reader’s Digest 2023 Trusted Brand winners. Congratulations to all our winners. METHODOLOGY READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ 57
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 58 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years) CATEGORY BRAND ELECTRIC CARS AUDI BMW HYUNDAI MAHINDRA TATA MOTORS ELECTRIC SCOOTERS ATHER ENERGY BAJAJ HERO ELECTRIC OLA TVS FOUR WHEELERS HYUNDAI MAHINDRA MARUTI SUZUKI TATA MOTORS TOYOTA AUTOMOBILES ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 59 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ CATEGORY BRAND TWO WHEELERS BAJAJ HERO HONDA ROYAL ENFIELD TVS LUBRICANTS BHARAT PETROLEUM-MAK CASTROL GULF OIL HP LUBRICANTS INDIANOIL SERVO AUTOMOBILES ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
Wi t h a t u r n o v e r o f n e a r l y `13,000 crore, SERVO is India’s biggest lubricant brand and enjoys a market share of more than 25% in the Finished Lubes segment. Launched by IndianOil in 1972, the brand has developed an extensive marketing infrastructure, supported by one of Asia’s most advanced Research and Development centres. The size of the Indian lubricant market is estimated to be around `40,000 crore and automotive lubricants constitute 65% of the total finished lube market. With more than 5,200 formulations and 1,600 grades of lubricants available in more than 1,700 active SKUs, SERVO is India’s single largest oils & lubes brand by way of volumes as well as value. Over the years, it has established its authority and has built exceptional relationships with automobiles and speciality engine manufacturers. With recommendations from leading companies such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Tata Motors, M&M, Ashok Leyland, Volvo-Eicher (VECV), Renault-Nissan, Hero Motors, etc., it is the brand of choice and an original equipment supplier to most of them. In the field of industrial lubricants too, SERVO is the undisputed leader. It offers a wide range of lubricants for use in all core industries such as the railways, defence sector, state transport undertakings, power, coal and mining, automobile, steel and cement amongst others. H a v i n g a c h i e v e d d i s t i n c t i o n in India, SERVO has also established its footprint in more than 40 global destinations such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, South America and the African continent. ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 60 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ SERVO: For The Smoothest Ride
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 62 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years) CATEGORY BRAND PETROL STATION BHARAT PETROLEUM HINDUSTAN PETROLEUM INDIANOIL JIO-BP NAYARA TYRES APOLLO TYRES BRIDGESTONE CEAT JK TYRES MRF TYRES AUTOMOBILES ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 63 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years) CATEGORY BRAND ACs HITACHI LG SAMSUNG VOLTAS WHIRLPOOL WATER PURIFIERS AQUAGUARD– EUREKA FORBES BLUE STAR KENT PUREIT V-GUARD CONSUMER ELECTRONICS ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
The saga of IndianOil is the remarkable story of achieving self-sufficiency in the petroleum sector. It was the foresight of the founding fathers of the oil industry in India that led to the formation of this integrated refining and marketing behemoth. Over the last six decades, lndianOil has provided energy access to millions of people through its ever-expanding network of over 60,000+ customer touchpoints. Today, IndianOil is India’s highest ranked energy PSU in Fortune ‘Global 500’ list (rank 94) and the flagship national oil major. With a 31,095 workforce and extensive refining, distribution & marketing infrastructure, lndianOil plays a significant role in fulfilling the energy needs of the country. With a finger on the pulse of the market, IndianOil has pioneered several revolutionary products such as XP100 & XP95 (India’s first 100 Octane and 95 Octane petrol respectively), ClearBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), composite LPG cylinders (new-age, polymer-wrapped cylinders), to name a few. IndianOil also spearheaded India’s remarkable transition from BS-IV to BS-VI grade motor fuels, much ahead of the 1st April 2020 deadline. Since its inception, IndianOil has constantly challenged the status quo. Its vision to be the ‘Energy of India’ and to emerge as a ‘Globally Admired Company’ are mere milestones in this glorious journey. And despite six eventful decades in the heart and mind of every Indian, the fire to light up the life of a lonely driver on a dark highway still burns within! Visit www.iocl.com ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 64 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ IndianOil: Fulfilling India’s Energy Needs
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 66 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ CATEGORY BRAND BANKS (NATIONALIZED) BANK OF BARODA BANK OF INDIA CANARA BANK PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK STATE BANK OF INDIA BANKS (PRIVATE) AXIS BANK HDFC BANK ICICI BANK INDUSIND BANK KOTAK MAHINDRA BANK CREDIT CARDS AXIS BANK HDFC BANK ICICI BANK SBI CARD FINANCIAL SERVICES ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
SBI Card started its journey in 1998 with a commitment to transform the payments experience of modern India. Today, SBI Card is the largest pureplay credit card issuer in the country with over 17 million cards in force. Over the years, SBI Card has achieved several milestones with the latest being completion of 25 successful years in the industry in 2023. SBI Card continues to design innovative products and services that address the evolving needs of varied consumer segments. It has an extensive product portfolio catering to a wide category of cardholders, from new-to-credit to mass to super premium. For instance, the brand offers AURUM, a super-premium card, catering to CXOs and HNIs; and also has SimplyCLICK SBI Card for online shopping savvy consumers. SBI Card’s strong technology focus is an extension of its customer-centric approach. Its technology infrastructure and various tech-enabled solutions are aimed at enriching the payments experience of its customers. So, whether it is its comprehensive digital payments suite or end-to-end digital card enrollment experience through SBI Card SPRINT, SBI Card continuously leverages new technological solutions to enhance its customers’ convenience. With ‘Make life simple’ as its motto, SBI Card has evolved as a trusted brand over the years. According to Mr. Abhijit Chakravorty, MD & CEO, SBI Card, “We are humbled to be honoured with this recognition once again. This is a testimony to our strong relationship with our customers, which is defined by the values of trust and transparency. We will continue with our customer-first approach while delivering them a worldclass experience.” ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 68 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ SBI Card: Celebrating 25 Years of ‘Making Life Simple’
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 70 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ CATEGORY BRAND INSURANCE (GENERAL) BAJAJ ALLIANZ GENERAL INSURANCE HDFC ERGO GENERAL INSURANCE ICICI LOMBARD GENERAL INSURANCE SBI GENERAL INSURANCE TATA AIG GENERAL INSURANCE INSURANCE (LIFE) HDFC LIFE ICICI PRUDENTIAL LIFE INSURANCE LIC MAX LIFE INSURANCE SBI LIFE FINANCIAL SERVICES ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
SUBSCRIBE Use the reply-paid card. Visit https://www.readersdigest.in or write to: [email protected], or to Reader’s Digest, C-9, Sector 10, Noida, UP–201301. Tel: 0120–2469900. For bulk subscriptions 0120–4807100, ext. 4361. Customer Services Contact Customer Services for renewals, gifts, address changes, payments, account information and all other enquiries. Phone/WhatsApp No: +91 8597778778, Mail Subscriptions Reader’s Digest, C-9, Sector 10, Noida, UP–201301, Tel: 0120-2469900.E-mail: [email protected] Digital Edition RD is now available as a digital edition! Pay `100 for an issue and enjoy the magazine on your phone or tablet. Visit http://subscriptions.intoday.in/ subscriptions/rd/digital-magazinesubscription.jsp We are Social! Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/ readersdigest.co.in Instagram @readersdigestindia Twitter @ReadersDigestIN for updates on the buzz in our world. Want To Get Published? SEPTEMBER 2023 `100 PAGE 120 PAGE 26 DRAMA IN REAL LIFE LIFE LESSON Alligator Attack! 6 Ways to Embrace Anticipation PAGE 154 PAGE 50 WHO KNEW? 13 THINGS HEALTH BONUS READ Turn Anxiety to Your Advantage He Risked Everything to Save Thousands Wacky Birthday Traditions Whirlwind Facts about Extreme Weather PAGE 108 PAGE 162 EPTEMBER 2023 FOUND! GET MORE RD CONNECT WITH US BEYOND THESE PAGES Send us your original stories, funny anecdotes or jokes and get a chance to be featured in one of these monthly columns—Your True Stories in 100 Words, Life’s Like That,Humour in Uniform, As Kids See It, Laughter the Best Medicine, All in a Day’s Work or It Happens Only in India. Do share the source, so we can verify the facts. Mail us at [email protected] or upload them on www.readersdigest.in/share-your-story or www.readersdigest.in/share-your-joke. All new stories are just a click away! Never-before-seen web-exclusive articles, classic stories from our archives, jokes, quotes, and news—the RD website’s got it all. Visit www.readersdigest.in today!
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 72 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years) CATEGORY BRAND MUTUAL FUNDS ADITYA BIRLA SUN LIFE MUTUAL FUND N HDFC MUTUAL FUND ICICI PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND KOTAK MUTUAL FUND SBI MUTUAL FUND PAYMENT WALLETS AMAZON PAY BHARATPE GOOGLE PAY PAYTM PHONEPE FINANCIAL SERVICES ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 74 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ CATEGORY BRAND COOKING OILS DHARA FORTUNE PATANJALI SAFFOLA SUNDROP MASALAS CATCH EVEREST MDH PATANJALI TATA SAMPANN ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 75 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ CATEGORY BRAND PACKAGED JUICE FROOTI MAAZA REAL TROPICANA PICKLES AND SAUCES DABUR KISSAN MAGGI MOTHER'S RECIPE NILON'S FOOD & BEVERAGE ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
CATEGORY BRAND HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS BAIDYANATH DABUR HIMALAYA PATANJALI ZANDU ORAL CARE CLOSE-UP COLGATE DABUR RED PEPSODENT SENSODYNE ORGANIC COSMETICS (PREMIUM) COAL CLEAN BEAUTY FOREST ESSENTIALS KAMA AYURVEDA SOULTREE HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 78 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 80 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years) CATEGORY BRAND ORGANIC COSMETICS (REGULAR) BIOTIQUE KHADI NATURAL LOTUS ORGANICS PLUM GOODNESS RADICO ORGANIC HAIR COLOR ANI SKINYOGA PAIN RELIEF OINTMENTS AMRUTANJAN IODEX MOOV VOLINI ZANDU BALM HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 81 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years) CATEGORY BRAND BATH FITTINGS CERA HINDWARE JAQUAR JOHNSON BATHROOMS KOHLER ELECTRICAL SWITCHES ANCHOR FINOLEX HAVELLS PHILIPS V-GUARD FURNISHINGS D'DECOR GODREJ INTERIO HOMETOWN NILKAMAL PEPPERFRY HOME IMPROVEMENT ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Established in 1958, H & R Johnson (India), is the pioneer in ceramic tiles in India. While Johnson is synonymous with tiles, in all categories and sizes—its Bathroom Division has been making inroads into Indian homes for the last 25 years. The Johnson Bath Division started operations in 1998 with the brand Milano. Milano was the first in India to introduce instant showers, shower panels and shower enclosures. It then expanded its product range to include sanitary ware, faucets and accessories. This led to a change in the brand’s positioning and it was renamed Johnson Bathrooms—a complete bathroom solutions provider. Foremost in offering innovative solutions to customers, Johnson introduced germ-free sanitaryware. Another unique feature of Johnson Bathrooms products is its water-saving technology. By incorporating efficient flushing systems that use 3/ 4.5 litres, it ensures water-saving in every flush. Another innovation is their 360-degree flushing mechanism which creates a powerful swirl for efficient flushing coupled with 100% surface cleaning. Rim-free WCs of Johnson are easy to clean and prevent germ build-up. The smooth zircon opacified glaze resists the build-up of stains. Johnson faucets come with high grade aerators that reduce water consumption. Faucets with tilting aerators enable control of water flow by adjusting the aerator and the Durashine chrome plating ensures a long-lasting dazzle finish. Johnson Bathrooms has introduced the Johnson International range in the luxury segment and Johnson Elite, in the premium segment. Both these product ranges include both sanitaryware and faucets, designed and developed for the discerning customer. ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 82 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ Johnson Bathrooms: Come Alive With Luxury
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 84 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ CATEGORY BRAND KITCHEN CHIMNEYS ELICA FABER HINDWARE SUNFLAME WHIRLPOOL MATTRESSES GODREJ KURLON SLEEPWELL MODULAR KITCHENS GODREJ INTERIO HAFELE IFB KOHLER SLEEK HOME IMPROVEMENT ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 86 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ CATEGORY BRAND MODULAR WINDOWS AND DOORS FENESTA PROMINANCE WINDOW MAGIC ONLINE FURNITURE COMPANIES HOMETOWN PEPPERFRY THE HOME DEKOR URBAN LADDER WOODEN STREET TILES CERA HINDWARE JOHNSON TILES KAJARIA SOMANY HOME IMPROVEMENT ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 87 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ CATEGORY BRAND FOOTWEAR ADIDAS BATA NIKE PUMA REEBOK HOSIERY AMUL DOLLAR JOCKEY LUX RUPA PENS CELLO CLASSMATE FLAIR PARKER REYNOLDS PERSONAL PRODUCTS ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
J ohnson Tiles began in England in 1901 and came to India in 1958. Its journey began with a single plant in Thane and now H& R Johnson (India), a division of Prism Johnson Limited, is one of India’s leading names in providing solutions that include tiles, sanitaryware, bath fittings and engineered marble & quartz. Focusing on the hygiene, environmental sustainability and safety, Johnson is transforming the way consumers choose tiles with their offerings of Smart Tiles. Durability and aesthetics are expected of a good tile but Johnson defines “smart” by going beyond these fundamental attributes to provide additional value propositions to the products, which includes a mix of durability, aesthetics and functionality. Tiles from H & R Johnson (India) have a whole gamut of features that makes them a trusted choice. The tiles in the SMART category include X-ray radiation shielding tiles that protects from the harmful x-ray radiations, Solar reflective tiles that brings down the temperature of the exteriors surface thereby improving indoor comfort. Other innovations include the patented Anti-static technology, these tiles ground static electricity and prevents the risk of fire or explosion, Tactile-warning and directional tiles for the visually impaired and MaxGrip, superior slip resistant tiles that ensures safety from slipping. Another interesting addition to the portfolio is Stepping Stone, a range of ready-to-use staircase solutions. Many of the tile collections from Johnson are Green Pro certified, which is a product certification that helps customers make an informed choice to buy ecofriendly products. Johnson’s relentless focus on innovation and customer aspirations has earned it several awards including the Superbrand title, the Golden Peacock Innovative Product Awards, Brand of the Decade, to name a few. ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 90 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ Johnson Tiles: Not Just Tiles, Lifestyles
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 92 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ CATEGORY BRAND FREIGHT AND COURIER BLUE DART DHL SHIPPING COMPANY DTDC COURIER COMPANY FEDEX COURIER PARTNER INDIAN POSTAL SERVICES INSTANT DELIVERY PLATFORMS AMAZON FRESH BIGBASKET BLINKIT SWIGGY INSTAMART ZEPTO SERVICES ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 93 READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ CATEGORY BRAND PLATFORMS SELLING PREOWNED CARS CARDEKHO CARS24 CARWALE QUIKRCARS SPINNY TRAVEL PORTALS CLEARTRIP GOIBIBO MAKEMYTRIP TRIVAGO YATRA SERVICES ALL BRANDS LISTED HERE ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER PLATINUM (Winners for 10 years and above) GOLD (Winners for 1-9 years)
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 94 Blue Dart: The Trusted Brand Shaping India’s Logistics Landscape South Asia’s premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 55,000+ locations in India. At Blue Dart, the foundation has always been built on customer-centricity. The company’s fleet comprises 6 Boeing 757 freighters, 2 Boeing 737 aircraft, and a vast network of 12,000+ on-ground vehicles with 2200+ facilities across the nation and a diverse team of industry stalwarts, to bridge the supply chain gap, &serve as the trade facilitor for the nation. As part of DHL Group’s DHL eCommerce division, Blue Dart has access to a global express and logistics network spanning 220+ countries. Acting as a catalyst for operational efficiency, Blue Dart facilitates business for various sectors, including eCommerce, Pharmaceuticals & Medical devices, BFSI, Consumer Electronics, and Automotive, among others.Aligned with green logistics and ESG principles under its Strategy 2025, Blue Dart continues to deliver as the Provider, Employer, and Investment of Choice. Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart says, “Blue Dart’s 17th consecutive recognition as the Trusted Brand fills us with profound pride. The entrusted faith placed on us plays a pivotal role in charting our path to success. Having served as the nation’s Trade Facilitator for nearly four decades, Blue Dart’s standing as aTrusted Brand is well-deserved.” View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ BALFOUR MANUEL, Managing Director, Blue Dart
ADVERTISING FEATURE Trusted Brand Special Supplement READER’S DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2023 100% VOTED BY CONSUMERS 96 View all results at https://www.readersdigest.in/tb-winner/ Fostering Relationships Built On Trust Ab r a n d ’ s s u c c e s s i s n ’ t b u i l t o v e r n i g h t . I t h i n g e s o n understanding customer needs and aspirations, then delivering consistent quality and experiences that align with their target audience. To ensure that a brand keeps its consumer base happy and continues to stay relevant in a dynamic market, effective marketing and innovation are key. In a marketplace where trust can be fragile, earning strong customer relationships can ensure that the brand fosters loyalty. In the end, a successful brand transcends the realm of a single good or service to become a dependable friend in customers’ lives, forging bonds that last the test of time. The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand award winners have gone beyond simply achieving brand sales. They have won consumer trust by consistently delivering on their brand promises, ensuring quality products and deep commitment to brand responsibility. They have maintained transparency in business practices, pricing and fostered a culture of responsiveness to consumer feedback, deepening accountability. Placing the consumer at the centre of their practices, has allowed these brands to earn lasting loyalty over time. The Readers Digest Trusted Brand awards celebrate the brands that exemplify a dedication to quality, dependability and consumer trust. Through the years these winners have consistently made a genuine difference in the lives of consumers. These awards celebrate these enduring relationships between brands and their consumers. Congratulations to all the trusted brands, and may the legacy of trust and excellence continue to shine brightly in the years to come. CONCLUSION
QUOTABLE QUOTES Whether it’s beauty or fashion, there’s an obsession with youth. But if we’re lucky, we’re all going to get old. —Lauren Hutton, model and actor, in Byrdie Evil comes from a failure to think. It defies thought for as soon as thought tries to engage itself with evil and examine the premises and principles from which it originates, it is frustrated because it finds nothing there. That is the banality of evil. —Hannah Arendt, academic from left: hardik chhabra, yasir iqbal readersdigest.in 97 Anxiety is a trap; it’s not a trend to be followed. It’s not supposed to be cool, it’s meant to be fixed. —Masaba Gupta, designer and actor Autobiographies are always written as if the author had it all mapped out with perfect foresight, ignoring the risks and uncertainties at that time. This misleads, as much as those beautiful photographs of a past holiday abstract from the heat, the mosquitoes and the lack of connectivity. —Raghuram G. Rajan, economist I always hated the expression ‘being the voice of the victims’. They have voices; what they need is a megaphone. —Louise Arbour, former Supreme Court justice and United Nations high commissioner for human rights, in Maclean’s
98 september 2023 All in a Day’s WORK My 12-year-old cousin asked my boyfriend, a teacher, how he sleeps at night knowing he’s giving kids homework. — @lemonmombley On the first day of school, I asked each of the kids in my first grade class to say what they wanted to be when they grew up. One boy said “artist.” “Oh, that’s wonderful!” I gushed. “What kind?” He replied, “Con.” —Sara Lidtke I was walking near New York’s Wall Street and popped into a deli. I ordered a sandwich and chatted with the owner. I asked whether being in the financial district ever led to his getting valuable tips from his informed customers. He paused his sandwich-making. “Every day, those brokers come in here,” he said. “They get their bagels, sandwiches, doughnuts, coffee …” He pointed toward the door of his shop. “And every day, they’re out there on the sidewalk, pushing and shoving on a door that is clearly marked ‘pull’.” —Steven Scharff, in the New York Times Before creating the private detective Sam Spade, author Dashiell cartoon by Terry Colon