विज्ञान

By Jaspreet Kalra and Ashwin Manikandan MUMBAI (Reuters) -At the world's largest gathering for the financial technology sector in Mumbai this week, more than 800 speakers tip-toed around two topics that have captured attention globally: cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. About 100,000 participants converged for the three-day conference starting October 7 in India's financial capital, headlined by the prime ministers of India and the United Kingdom, and drawing regulators, investors and industry executives from more than 100 countries. The annual conference kicked off just as bitcoin catapulted to an all-time high above $125,000 but that milestone found no mention at the conference on the back of India's regulatory caution around the sector. India is leaning towards not creating legislation to regulate the sector, Reuters reported last month. "AVOID CRYPTO REMARKS" "Please avoid political, crypto, religious, or personal remarks on stage or at the venue," read a document containing guidelines for speakers, a copy of which was shared with Reuters by a participant. Organisers for the event, the Payments Council of India, National Payments Corporation of India and the Fintech Convergence Council did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. The warning highlights a contrast with other Asian economies and regions such as Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, which have made efforts to establish themselves as regional hubs for cryptocurrency and stablecoins. Instead, regulators spotlighted India's central bank digital currency, called the e-rupee, with the Reserve Bank of India launching pilots for deposit tokenisation and a sandbox for fintechs. All told, more than 50 products debuted at the event, including PayPal's global wallet platform, biometric authentication for payments via India’s Unified Payments Interface, and the India launch of U.K.-based Revolut’s payment platform. "The policy ambivalence has a chilling effect on the development of commercial use cases for stablecoins in India," said Mandar Kagade, founder of Delhi-based Black Dot Public Policy Advisors. LITTLE APPETITE FOR CRYPTO VENTURES At least six industry executives on the sidelines of the event said that while entering into the crypto sector could offer fresh business lines and help attract investment, there is little appetite in the absence of regulatory blessing. "There is cause for fair degree of caution (on stablecoins)," said Sahil Kini, the CEO of Reserve Bank of India Innovation Hub, while addressing a session on Tuesday. "I don’t think this kind of stance changes overnight." India's fintech sector raised a total of $3.5 billion last year, the lowest since 2020 and well off the peak of $9.2 billion in 2021, per data from Tracxn. "Regulators need to have an iterative approach instead of the complete aversion they have towards stablecoins currently," said Joseph Sebastian, vice president for investments at Mumbai-based venture capital firm Blume Ventures. The first step can be allowing inward remittances via U.S. dollar stablecoins as the regulatory grey-zone also complicates the picture for startups and investors, he noted. Globally, U.S. dollar stablecoins have amassed a market capitalisation of over $300 billion, while the overall market cap of crypto tokens has climbed to more than $4 trillion, according to industry data provider CoinGecko. "It’s becoming real whether we like it or not, so it's imperative to figure out how to engage with it," said Vivekdeep Gupta, an independent consultant focused on digital assets who advises half a dozen startups. There is a "huge amount of energy but lack of regulatory clarity is also causing brain-drain," Gupta said, pointing to a preference for companies in the sector to incorporate overseas. (Reporting by Jaspreet Kalra and Ashwin Manikandan in Mumbai)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Helen Reid LONDON (Reuters) -Online fast-fashion retailer Shein is strengthening its controls after a string of fines over data privacy breaches, fake discounts and greenwashing, according to a letter to investors, internal memos and two sources with direct knowledge of the plan. Shein, which ships cheap clothes and accessories direct from factories in China to more than 150 countries, has grown to become the world's biggest fast fashion retailer by sales. But its rapid expansion has been accompanied by regulatory breaches in multiple markets. In a letter to investors reviewed by Reuters, executive chairman Donald Tang said the company has created a "Business Integrity Group" that connects compliance, governance and external affairs teams, and has also expanded its internal audit capabilities to strengthen "discipline". In the past three months Shein has faced mounting penalties: a 150 million euro ($174.53 million) fine from France over website cookies collecting consumer data without consent, a 40 million euro penalty from France's antitrust agency for misleading discounts, and a 1 million euro fine from Italy over greenwashing. Shein is contesting the 150 million euro fine. Further fines could follow if a European consumer protection probe finds that products sold on its website fail to meet EU safety standards. Founded in China and headquartered in Singapore, Shein has filed for a stock market listing in Hong Kong, after failed attempts to list in New York and London. According to the letter, Shein has piloted enhanced internal controls in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. The company declined to comment on the letter's contents. It is currently hiring for two governance, risk and compliance policy analysts and one internal audit manager in Los Angeles, according to its career website and LinkedIn. It was not clear if the jobs being advertised are additional roles. The internal overhaul focuses on areas where Shein faces legal risk, like breaches of copyright and product safety laws, a separate source with direct knowledge of the matter said. As Shein's global profile has grown, so too have its risks, prompting senior management to allocate more resources to address persistent compliance problems, the source said. MOUNTING FINES AND SLOWING GROWTH Tang acknowledged "heightened challenges" in the second quarter, citing U.S. tariffs and "intensifying political and regulatory headwinds" in Europe. The letter, which has not been previously reported, was sent on August 25, according to a second source. "In Q2 we grew firmly in line with both our global expansion plan and our financial projections," Tang wrote. The end of duty-free treatment for low-value online orders has hit Shein's U.S. sales – the company's largest market – forcing it to raise prices to offset higher costs.  Coresight Research estimates Shein's U.S. revenue will grow 20.1% in 2025, to $17.2 billion, down from estimated growth of 50% in 2024. Shein has shifted more of its marketing spending to Europe (including the UK), which is expected to surpass the U.S. in revenue for the first time this year, growing 30.7% to $17.9 billion.  GROWING CRITICISM OF SHEIN'S BUSINESS PRACTICES Europe, especially France, has become the epicentre of scrutiny of Shein's business practices. An investigation by a French agency of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) prompted by a complaint from two French lawmakers found last week that Shein does not comply with OECD guidelines on responsible business conduct, due diligence, working rights, environmental standards, and transparency. "Information about the activity of the group, its finances and its governance remains extremely rare, hindering a clear analysis of its business, its revenue and its structure in the European Union and globally," the final report, published on September 29, stated.      A Shein spokesperson said the investigation "at times did not reflect the neutral mediation intended by the OECD framework" and rejected claims that Shein is in breach of various EU legislation, "specifically those that are not yet applicable".   ($1 = 0.8595 euros) (Reporting by Helen Reid; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Alistair Smout and Ira Dugal MUMBAI (Reuters) -Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British counterpart Keir Starmer hailed their new trade deal as potentially transforming commercial links, as London unveiled new Indian investment that would be a "launch pad" for closer ties. Starmer is in the financial capital of Mumbai on a two-day visit to India, joined by more than 100 leaders from Britain's business, culture and university sectors, as he rushes to harvest the trade deal signed in July. The deal envisages cuts in tariffs on goods from textiles to whisky and cars, and allows more market access for businesses in the world's fifth- and sixth-largest economies, aiming to boost trade by a further 25.5 billion pounds ($34 billion) by 2040. "This relationship matters more than ever," Starmer told reporters at a press conference before he flew home. "We're opening up new opportunities in India for British businesses, opportunities that other countries simply do not have. It has given us a unique edge." MODI HAILS INDIAN DYNAMISM, UK EXPERTISE Earlier, Modi told a business forum he was confident that the two countries would double their trade from the current $56 billion ahead of their 2030 target to do so. Starmer's visit, accompanied by the largest-ever business delegation, "reflects the new energy and broad vision" in the partnership, Modi said after talks with the British premier. "India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise together create a unique synergy," Modi said, speaking in Hindi.     Starmer said the focus of his visit was about doubling down on the potential of the trade deal, which is expected to take effect within a year. "This is just the start," Starmer later told a fintech conference. "It's time to invest in the United Kingdom, invest in this relationship and invest in our shared future." An Indian foreign ministry statement said the two sides agreed to set up a connectivity and innovation centre and a joint centre for AI, and unveiled a critical minerals industry guild to bolster supply chains and promote green technologies. INDIA, UK SIGN DEFENCE DEALS Earlier, Starmer's office said 64 Indian companies would collectively invest 1.3 billion pounds ($1.75 billion) in Britain, without elaborating. But the two countries do not agree on everything. After Modi wished Russian President Vladimir Putin a happy birthday on Tuesday, Starmer joked to reporters that he would not be doing the same, given Britain's strong backing for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia over its invasion. Asked if he raised with Modi concerns about India buying Russian oil, Starmer said they did discuss it and looked particularly at ways to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which he said was "the outcome that we both want". Britain says it respects India's strategic independence and can work with countries even if their views may differ on certain issues. In an early indication of that strategy and in a bid for closer defence ties, Britain said it had signed a 350-million-pound ($468 million) contract to supply the Indian army with lightweight multi-role missiles built in Northern Ireland, and the next phase of a deal, worth an initial 250 million pounds, to collaborate on electric-powered engines for naval ships. New Delhi has for decades been dependent on Russia for much of its military hardware but has slowly moved away in recent decades to buy more from France, Israel and the U.S. Britain said two UK universities had been given approval to open new campuses in India, which it said would help the UK expand its influence "without adding pressure to domestic migration figures". Starmer's government has been tightening rules around international students and has said more Indian visas were not on the agenda for talks. ($1=0.7444 pounds) (Reporting by Alistair Smout and Ira Dugal in Mumbai, Manoj Kumar and Sakshi Dayal in New Delhi; writing by YP Rajesh; editing by Clarence Fernandez, William Maclean and Mark Heinrich)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

(Reuters) -Alphabet's Google on Thursday launched a new AI platform for business customers called Gemini Enterprise, as the tech giant ramps up efforts to capture more corporate clients with its artificial intelligence tools. Gemini Enterprise will be powered by the company's most advanced artificial intelligence models, and will act as a conversational platform where employees can chat with their companies' data, documents and applications, Google said. Tech companies, including Microsoft, ChatGPT maker OpenAI and AI startup Anthropic, have all focused on products for enterprises to boost returns on their AI efforts. Gemini Enterprise's offerings will be similar to its rivals, providing a suite of pre-built Google AI agents to help with tasks such as deep research and data insights. They will also provide companies tools to build and deploy their own custom AI agents, the company said. The technology giant has signed new customers for the platform, including apparel retailer Gap, design software company Figma and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) lender Klarna. The new platform builds on the company's existing offering for enterprise clients, Google Workspace, which already offers businesses a range of AI features powered by Gemini.  (Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Giulio Piovaccari MARANELLO, Italy (Reuters) -Ferrari has unveiled the technology which will power its hotly-anticipated first electric car, the Elettrica, as the 78-year-old luxury Italian sportscar maker looks to add battery power to its hybrid and petrol-engine models. In a closely-guarded event at its Maranello headquarters, a Ferrari-red cover was pulled back on a stage to reveal the Elettrica's production-ready chassis: a car base, with battery pack and electric motor, though with no wheels or outer shell. The completed car, which Ferrari is expected to present next year at a global premiere, will have a top speed of 310 kilometres per hour (193 miles) – slightly slower than most of its engined models and a range of at least 530 km. The four-door, four-plus seat car will have a specially-designed sound system to amplify actual vibrations from its powertrain to create a distinctly electric Ferrari sound, rather than just faking engine noise. The unveiling of the inner workings of Ferrari's maiden electric car marks a milestone for the auto industry that is grappling more widely with a shift from the internal combustion engine to the electric battery. "Today… is an historic day for us. We all have goosebumps," said CEO Benedetto Vigna, who said the electric car would complement, not replace, the company's existing models. "The EV is an addition, not a transition." FERRARI NEEDS AN EV FOR NEXT GENERATION OF RICH KIDS Like other high-performance brands, Ferrari has been cautious about electrification. Reuters reported in June that it had delayed a second EV model until 2028 because of a lack of demand. Rival Lamborghini, part of Volkswagen, has delayed its first EV until 2029, saying the market is not ready. Luxury automaker Porsche forged ahead with EVs, but has been caught between a crowded Chinese market and Western buyers who still want Porsche's loud combustion engines. Delays to its EV roll-out have hit parent Volkswagen. Ferrari is aiming to have 20% of its model line-up fully-electric by 2030, its long-term business plan unveiled on Thursday shows. That is below the 40% target it set for 2030 in its business plan three years ago. Ferrari is under less pressure than mainstream automakers to go electric ahead of a 2035 European Union ban on new fossil-fuel car sales, as it can sell combustion-engine models running on higher-cost synthetic e-fuels its customers can afford.  But wealthy younger buyers are keen to go electric.     "If you think about the next generation of kids, to remain relevant, maybe Ferrari needs an electric line-up that represents the pinnacle of its type," former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer told Reuters. FERRARI NEEDS "AN EV THAT IS MORE THAN AN EV" The Ferrari Elettrica, expected to cost at least 500,000 euros ($580,400), Reuters reported last year, comes almost two decades after the first hybrid technology appeared in its Formula One cars in 2009. Ferrari began selling hybrid models in 2019. The Elettrica's chassis and body will be made from 75% recycled aluminium and the battery is fully integrated into the floor to help lower its centre of gravity, which will help with performance and speed. It will have a fast-charging battery.   Industry experts said the challenge for brands like Ferrari was how to create something more than just a high-spec version of a premium EV, which already has instant acceleration. The upcoming Tesla Roadster, for example, is advertised with a top speed of more than 250 mph. Ferrari's cars, which start with a price tag of more than 200,000 euros, need to offer more. "If Ferrari is going to be successful, it has to bring to the market an EV that is more than an EV," Palmer said. "(It) is not offering you acceleration, it's not offering you top speeds because you can buy that in a 30,000 euro BYD." Phil Dunne, a managing director at consultancy Grant Thornton Stax, said demand was yet to catch up, but Ferrari's strength would be offering its large base of wealthy consumers the same experience and feeling its combustion-engine models do today. "If their customers want to be environmentally friendly today, they can have a Tesla, they can have some other EV," Dunne said. "Teslas can give you an amazing feeling of power, but it doesn't feel anything like a Ferrari." ($1 = 0.8615 euros) (Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari in Maranello; Editing by Nick Carey, Adam Jourdan and Jane Merriman)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Haripriya Suresh and Sai Ishwarbharath B BENGALURU (Reuters) -Tata Consultancy Services, India's top software-services exporter, beat second-quarter revenue estimates on Thursday, aided by strength in its banking, financial services and insurance segment despite U.S. tariff-related uncertainty. The results boosted optimism around the country's $283 billion IT sector, which has been dealing with cautious client spending amid economic uncertainties, especially in North America, its largest market. "If there are no more tariff-related surprises, Indian IT should slowly recover from this quarter," Centrum Broking analyst Piyush Pandey told Reuters, noting that TCS's revenue and operating margins were above his expectations. TCS's consolidated sales in the July-September quarter rose 2.4% to 657.99 billion rupees ($7.4 billion), beating analysts' average estimate of 650.86 billion rupees, according to data compiled by LSEG. Revenue at its core banking, financial services and insurance segment, which accounts for about a third of the company's business, rose 1%, while revenue from its consumer, healthcare and manufacturing verticals fell 2.9%, 2.2% and 1.1%, respectively. Profit rose 1.4% to 120.75 billion rupees, but missed analysts' average estimate of 126.29 billion rupees, hurt by restructuring costs. In July, TCS announced its plans to shed 2% of its workforce in fiscal 2026, affecting about 12,200 middle and senior management jobs. Its employee count fell by 19,755 since last quarter. TCS's total order bookings stood at $10 billion during the second quarter, versus $9.4 billion in the first quarter and $8.6 billion in the year-ago period, bringing some cheer to the sector that has been facing many challenges, including a proposed 25% tax on outsourcing payments and an H-1B visa crackdown that is expected to upend the industry's playbook. The company also said it would set up a new business entity to build AI infrastructure, including a 1 GW data centre in India. TCS shares closed 1.1% higher ahead of the results.  ($1 = 88.7910 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Haripriya Suresh and Sai Ishwarbharath B; Editing by Sonia Cheema, Mrigank Dhaniwala, Dhanya Skariachan and Shinjini Ganguli)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

(Reuters) -Alphabet's Google on Thursday launched a new AI platform for business customers called Gemini Enterprise, as the tech giant ramps up efforts to capture more corporate clients with its artificial intelligence tools. Gemini Enterprise will be powered by the company's most advanced artificial intelligence models, and will act as a conversational platform where employees can chat with their companies' data, documents and applications, Google said. Tech companies, including Microsoft, ChatGPT maker OpenAI and AI startup Anthropic, have all focused on products for enterprises to boost returns on their AI efforts. Gemini Enterprise's offerings will be similar to its rivals, providing a suite of pre-built Google AI agents to help with tasks such as deep research and data insights. They will also provide companies tools to build and deploy their own custom AI agents, the company said. The technology giant has signed new customers for the platform, including apparel retailer Gap, design software company Figma and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) lender Klarna. The new platform builds on the company's existing offering for enterprise clients, Google Workspace, which already offers businesses a range of AI features powered by Gemini.  (Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

By Giulio Piovaccari and Keith Weir MARANELLO, Italy (Reuters) -Ferrari's shares fell more than 16% on Thursday on disappointment over the luxury carmaker's new long-term financial targets, taking the shine off the unveiling of the technology behind its first electric car. The share price drop wiped 13.5 billion euros ($15.67 billion) from Ferrari's market capitalisation. The automaker set a revenue target of 9 billion euros for 2030, an increase on its 7.1 billion euro forecast for this year, but a less ambitious figure than the market had been hoping for. "I think people were expecting a higher top line – but I think it is important that we execute what we say, we cannot commit on something we cannot achieve," CEO Benedetto Vigna said, referring to financial targets, during a presentation of the company's new long term business plan to 2030. Company executives gathered at Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello in northern Italy also to unveil details of Ferrari's new EV called the Elettrica. Ferrari showed off its production-ready chassis – a car base, with battery pack and electric motors – but has not yet determined its price. TARGETS DISAPPOINT, ELECTRIC AMBITIONS SCALED BACK Ferrari's new financial targets failed to meet expectations, hitting its Milan-listed shares, which were down 13.5% by 1300 GMT. Earlier the shares had dropped nearly 17%, their lowest since February 2024. "Ferrari's new 2030 guidance falls below Citi and consensus expectations," analysts at Citi said in a note. Ferrari has also shifted to a less ambitious approach to electrification. It now aims for a 2030 lineup made up of 40% internal combustion engine (ICE) models, 40% hybrids and 20% fully-electric. This marks a change from its 2022 plan, which had targeted 40% EVs, 40% hybrids and 20% ICE models in 2030. Vigna said that, based on these targets, it was reasonable to expect a second Ferrari EV within the plan to 2030. Sources told Reuters earlier this year that Ferrari does not plan to launch a second EV before 2028, citing weak demand for high-performance electric luxury cars. The unveiling of the inner workings of Ferrari's maiden electric car marks a milestone for the company in an auto industry that has been grappling with the transition from the internal combustion engine to the electric battery for a number of years. Ferrari said it would launch an average of four new models per year between 2026 and 2030, maintaining the steady rhythm that has helped it stimulate the interest of its wealthy clients and grow its customer base. The 1,000 horsepower, four-plus seat, four-door Elettrica complements Ferrari's traditional petrol and newer hybrid models. NEW LIFESTYLE STORES SET TO OPEN All strategic EV components, including high-voltage battery packs, e-axles and inverters, are developed and produced in-house at Ferrari's new "e-building" facility in Maranello. Ferrari's active client base has grown by around 20% since 2022, reaching 90,000. To deepen engagement, it plans to open new "Tailor Made" centres in Tokyo and Los Angeles in 2027 to help customers to add personal touches to their vehicles. It reaffirmed its lifestyle strategy expansion, with flagship stores planned in London and New York in 2026, and a broader range of luxury goods and experiences for both owners and fans of the brand. ($1 = 0.8613 euros) (Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari in Maranello, Italy, and Keith Weir in LondonEditing by Jane Merriman and Joe Bavier)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

(Reuters) -Intel on Thursday unveiled key details of its upcoming Panther Lake laptop processor, the first chip built on its next-generation 18A production process, aiming to convince investors its costly turnaround plan can restore its manufacturing edge. The rollout of Panther Lake, aimed at high-end, artificial intelligence-enabled laptops, is a major test of Intel's ability to scale its 18A manufacturing technology and reclaim PC market share lost to rival AMD. Intel said graphics and central processors integrated in Panther Lake deliver 50% faster performance than its previous generation of chips, Lunar Lake, which was largely made by rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The 18A process includes a new transistor design and a method of delivering energy to the chip more efficiently. The Panther Lake uses a 'system-on-chip' design that usually integrates various components such as a graphic processor and a central processing unit on to a single circuit. The processor will begin ramping up production this year, with the first unit slated to ship before 2025 end. It will be broadly available from January 2026. Reuters had on Tuesday reported details about the chip's specifications and availability. HIGH STAKES "Panther Lake is extremely important to Intel on many different levels," said Bob O'Donnell, chief analyst at Technalysis Research. It could serve as a "confirmation of the company's continued advancements in semiconductor manufacturing and show the kind of chips that their fabs can produce", he said. New CEO Lip-Bu Tan has in the recent months sharply scaled back the massive manufacturing expansion pushed by his predecessor Pat Gelsinger. In July, Intel warned it would halt the development of its future 14A process unless it gets a customer. After U.S. President Donald Trump called for Tan's resignation in August, Intel drew new investments from SoftBank Group and Nvidia. Following Tan's meeting with Trump and White House officials, the administration converted a planned CHIPS Act grant into a 9.9% equity stake in the company. CATALYSTS FOR INNOVATION The new technologies "are catalysts for innovation across our business as we build a new Intel", Tan said on Thursday. The company's chip manufacturing facility in Arizona, known as Fab 52, is now fully operational and set to reach high-volume production using 18A later this year. Intel's new server processor Clearwater Forest, which will be launched in the first half of 2026, is also being made at Fab 52. While Intel has yet to gain traction in the AI graphics processor market dominated by Nvidia, it expects Clearwater Forest will help it grab a share in AI data centers thanks to its power efficiency. (Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

Swimming offers a range of mental and physical benefits for older adults. London (PA Media/dpa)  – Stripping off and diving into a swimming pool can seem daunting, but braving the water could be one of the best decisions you ever make for your mental and physical health. Being a strong swimmer is a key life skill that can come in handy when you least expect it, so it’s important to fine-tune your skills and increase your confidence in the pool – especially later in life. “I’ve seen the difference swimming makes in people’s lives, especially for older adults,” says Emma Kuwertz-Norman, national swim manager at Nuffield Health in the UK. “It’s not just about keeping fit; it’s about feeling confident, staying independent and enjoying life to the fullest. Retirement is the perfect time to work on movement and the pool is one of the safest and most effective places to start.” When you compare swimming to other low-impact activities, like walking or cycling, it really does stand out. “It’s safer for people who struggle with balance, it works more muscle groups, and because our pools are indoors, it’s something you can do all-year round,” says Kuwertz-Norman. If you are apprehensive about taking the plunge, here are five key benefits of taking up swimming in retirement and some tips on how to get started… 1) Takes pressure off the joints “Swimming is kind to the body, especially as we get older,” says Kuwertz-Norman. “The water takes the pressure off your joints, which makes it ideal for anyone dealing with arthritis, osteoporosis, or general stiffness. It’s low-impact but still gives you a full-body workout. “You’re still building strength, improving flexibility, and getting your heart working – all without putting excessive stress on your body.” 2) Improves mental health “Mental health is something I really care about, and one of the things I love most about swimming is how much it supports it,” says Kuwertz-Norman. “It’s not just about physical fitness – it genuinely helps people feel calmer, more in control, and more balanced. “We see it all the time in our pools. People come in carrying the stress of the day, and they leave feeling lighter and more relaxed. Swimming has this brilliant way of helping you reset, both mentally and emotionally.” 3) Creates a sense of community Although swimming is often viewed as a solitary activity, an outdoor pool or a leisure centre offers a shared space which nurtures connection. “One of the things I think sometimes gets missed is just how much of a community swimming creates,” says Kuwertz-Norman. “Whether it’s chatting in the changing rooms, joining a group session, or just being around others in the pool, it brings people together in such a genuine way. “We see it all the time at our sites – friendships forming in the pool, in the café, or just through casual conversations before and after sessions. There are so many swimmer groups who stay for a coffee after their swim, and it becomes part of their routine and a reason to get up, get moving, and connect with others. It gives people structure, purpose, and often leads to lifelong friendships built around something they enjoy and have in common.” 4) Boosts cardiovascular health “Swimming is a fantastic way to improve your cardiovascular health, helping to strengthen the heart, improve circulation and lower blood pressure – all of which help to reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases,” says Inez Griffin, senior health and wellbeing physiologist at Nuffield Health. 5) Builds muscle strength “Swimming enhances strength, particularly around the core, and also improves our posture, both of which are crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls,” says Francesca Bagshaw, performance physiologist at Nuffield Health Manchester Institute of Health and Performance. With all those benefits, I bet you are itching to make a splash in your local pool. But if you are a novice swimmer who doesn’t know where to start, here are some tips on how to increase your confidence in the pool safely. Talk to your GP “I’d always recommend speaking to your GP before getting started, especially if you’ve got any health concerns,” advises Kuwertz-Norman. Start slow “If you’re new to swimming or haven’t been in the pool for years, start slow and don’t worry about technique, speed, or what you look like in your costume,” advises Kuwertz-Norman. “Even just walking through the water or using a float to get started can make a real difference. It’s about finding what works for you and building from there.” Consider adult classes “We run adult learn-to-swim programmes that are all about building confidence, step by step,” says Kuwertz-Norman. “We support everyone – from complete beginners who are learning how to float, to competent swimmers who want to improve their technique and swim more efficiently. It’s not a competition – we just want to see more people feeling comfortable and confident in the water.” Start with gentler strokes “For beginners, strokes like breaststroke or backstroke are a great place to start,” suggests Kuwertz-Norman. “They’re gentle, easy to breathe through, and help you find a rhythm. Aqua aerobics and water walking are also brilliant options, especially for improving balance, coordination, and just getting moving in a way that feels good.” The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)