Is public health emergency becoming a routine?

Amidst crackers bursting, sweet eating and selfie clicking, people took the AIR, something which is the most basic essential element, for GRANTED.

A recent HEI study report titled “The State of Global Air 2019” reported that the life expectancy loss of an Indian child is one of the highest in South Asia. The current air pollution level has reduced the life span by 1.53 years, higher than China (1.25 years), just below Pakistan (1.56 years) and significantly higher than the global average (0.77 years). A recent analysis by Health Effects Institute found that major sources in India include household burning of solid fuels; dust from construction, roads, and other activities; industrial and power plant burning of coal; brick production; transportation; and diesel-powered equipment.

The policymakers in India are certainly taking cognizance of the fact that 100% of the population is living in the areas exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines. The Government has initiated shifting more households to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) instead of biomass, providing free LPG to poor families, accelerating Bharat Stage VI clean vehicle standards, the new National Clean Air Programme and so on.

Regardless of that, this year Diwali gave a new turn to the equity markets, newer shine to Gold and bigger problems for the Environment.

With Diwali gifts, people in the northern part of India also started buying anti-pollution masks. Even before the celebration kicked off in Delhi, people accessorized themselves with fancy masks ranging from Rs 60 to Rs 5,300 in different colors and designs. Mask makers certainly had a Happy Diwali! New electronic items bought this time were not mobiles, not tablets but Air Purifiers! 'Buy it before Diwali and get a discount. Buy one Air purifier and get one mask free' were some of the top offers in the NCR market.

Unfortunately, it seems that the consumption demand has changed drastically and certainly not in favor of growth, society and the environment!

In 2016, Delhi shut schools for three days. In 2017, Delhi shut schools for four days. In 2018, schools extended Diwali holidays. Present day situation is no different. Already a public health emergency is declared in Delhi-NCR.

It is high time to take action and ensure health safety of our near and dear ones. So, let us start investing our hard earned money in companies which are considerate towards environment, take care of the well-being of the employees, looks after the interests of the society and investors. It would be a thought driven investment, an investment which resonates with welfare and sustainability!

Apna time aagaya hai to choose wisely where we want to put our money. Do we keep tolerating incidences of Public Health Emergencies, erratic weather conditions and doomy and gloomy gifts like designer masks or do we choose clean air, fresh water and a green planet?

An opportunity is right here, right now! The Quantum India ESG Equity Fund (Q-ESG) is a chance to invest your money in the right direction, in a socially responsible direction, in an environmental and socially beneficial direction. The fund invests in equity and equity related instruments by following Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) theme. The fund is an open-ended fund giving the investor the flexibility to enter the fund with as minimum as Rs 500.

Now is the time to buy a sustainability fund, Quantum India ESG Equity Fund, as a gift for your near and dear ones.

Name of the Scheme & Primary Benchmark	This product is suitable for investors who are seeking*	Risk-o-meter of Scheme
Quantum India ESG Equity Fund An Open ended equity scheme investing in companies following Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) theme	• Long term capital appreciation • Invests in shares of companies that meet Quantum's Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) criteria.	Investors understand that their principal will be at Very High Risk

Disclaimer, Statutory Details & Risk Factors:

The views expressed here in this article / video are for general information and reading purpose only and do not constitute any guidelines and recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader. Quantum AMC / Quantum Mutual Fund is not guaranteeing / offering / communicating any indicative yield on investments made in the scheme(s). The views are not meant to serve as a professional guide / investment advice / intended to be an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial product or instrument or mutual fund units for the reader. The article has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other sources believed to be reliable. Whilst no action has been solicited based upon the information provided herein, due care has been taken to ensure that the facts are accurate and views given are fair and reasonable as on date. Readers of this article should rely on information/data arising out of their own investigations and advised to seek independent professional advice and arrive at an informed decision before making any investments. Please visit – www.quantumamc.com/disclaimer to read scheme specific risk factors.

Above article is authored by Quantum.

View All