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As India prepares for the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) COP11, concerns over foreign influence in health policymaking are gaining prominence. Growing apprehension surrounds the FCTC process, which many believe is increasingly shaped not by science but by a few powerful international NGOs, often backed by private philanthropic funding. While India has consistently asserted its right to localize global frameworks across sectors, the issue becomes particularly stark in the case of tobacco regulation. India faces one of the most severe tobacco burdens globally, with over 300 million users and more than 1.35 million annual deaths attributable to tobacco-related illness. The urgency to act is clear — but so is the need for regulation that reflects Indian consumption patterns, socio-economic realities, and public health infrastructure.

Commenting on the issue, Jeffrey Smith, Resident Senior Fellow at Integrated Harm Reduction, stated, “The only known fact is that the existing tobacco policies fall far short of meeting the goal of cessation. Without novel policies that provide options for those who use tobacco products to switch, it is unlikely that India will reduce the health consequences of tobacco use at the population level.”

Instead, global policy frameworks have often pushed for blanket prohibitionist measures — including on emerging alternatives that help fight the ill effects of smoking or chewing tobacco— while failing to adequately address the more harmful forms of tobacco, such as bidis and smokeless tobacco. The result is a regulatory approach that appears inconsistent with risk profiles and ground realities. Around the world, countries are re-evaluating such frameworks. Sweden, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UAE, among others, are exploring more flexible regulatory models — focused on mitigating harm through innovation, consumer awareness, and better enforcement. 

Spanning 56,000 sq. ft. and housing over 1,200 seats, the new Hyderabad centre reflects alt.f coworking’s commitment to providing value-first, design-led workspaces that cater specifically to the needs of growing startups and small businesses. With future expansion potential of up to 100,000 sq. ft. and 2,400 seats, this flagship centre is poised to become a hub for the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Hyderabad is a growing market for flexible workspaces. Our launch here brings us one step closer to our vision of building a powerful national footprint,” said Yogesh Arora, Co-founder of alt.f coworking. “This centre isn’t just a workspace — it’s a foundation for founders who are serious about scaling.”

With seats starting at just ₹8,000/month, the Hyderabad centre offers private offices, open seating, meeting rooms, and virtual office solutions —all supported by enterprise-grade infrastructure, a zero capex model, and transparent pricing.

A Proven Model, Now Going National

alt.f coworking already operates a strong network across Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram, catering to over 11,000 seats and managing more than 500,000 sq. ft. of fully owned and operated spaces. Unlike managed space operators, alt.f follows a 100% self-operated model, ensuring consistency in service delivery and complete control over customer experience.

The company’s expansion is a reflection of the increasing demand for flexible, compact, and high-trust workspaces in emerging business hubs. alt.f’s spaces are designed for founders who want performance without distractions—and an environment that scales with them.

Featured on Shark Tank India Season 4

The company recently gained national attention after being featured on Shark Tank India Season 4, further validating its distinctive business model and founder-first philosophy. The exposure helped shine a spotlight on alt.f’s mission: to help India’s small and micro businesses grow faster, smarter, and stronger.

Next Stop: 3 More Launches in 2025

Building on its Hyderabad entry, alt.f coworking will be launching three new centres in 2025, including one more in Hyderabad’s Hitech City. Together, these launches will add more than 200,000 sq. ft. and 4,000+ seats, strengthening the brand’s position as a preferred office space partner for founders across India.

Chennai, 2 May 2025: Continuing its legacy of meaningful entertainment, Zee Tamil once again demonstrated its commitment to creating impact beyond the screen. On the occasion of International Dance Day, 29th April, the channel brought together compassion, joy, and the true spirit of dance by visiting home of specially abled individuals in Chennai. The special celebration left a lasting impression on everyone involved and truly showcased the power of dance to bring people together.

Zee Tamil redefines dance on International Dance Day with a heartwarming initiative by the contestants of Dance Jodi Dance Reloaded 3. The DJD Reloaded 3 team including anchor Mirchi Vijay, select contestants, and crew members visited Samarpana, a home for differently abled individuals in Chennai. The team spent meaningful time with the residents, dancing with them, sharing laughter, and creating unforgettable memories. The heartfelt moments were captured in a video released on Zee Tamil’s social media platforms, which quickly went viral and touched thousands of viewers. This initiative beautifully echoed the show’s belief that dance transcends barriers and has the power to connect and uplift lives.

Zee Tamil’s flagship dance reality show airs every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 PM to 10 PM and is designed to give aspiring dancers across Tamil Nadu a platform to shine. Selected through state-wide auditions, these participants are paired with celebrity dancers to perform as jodis (couples), showcasing their skills to a wider audience. The show is anchored by the dynamic duo Mirchi Vijay and Manimegalai and is judged by a stellar panel of judges comprising actress Sneha, celebrated choreographer Baba Bhaskar, and actress Varalakshmi Sarathkumar. Together, they bring energy, emotion, and credibility to this celebration of dance and determination.

Dr Raghav Kesri, Senior Consultant and Head of Department, Medical Oncology, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida

Cancer is no longer a disease confined to older adults. In recent years, India has seen a concerning rise in cancer cases among individuals under the age of 40. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cancers among the youth, particularly breast, colorectal, blood, and thyroid cancers have seen a significant spike, especially in urban areas like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. This shift in demographics is a wake-up call for early detection, timely intervention, and lifestyle awareness.

Young Adults and Unexpected Cancer Diagnoses

Traditionally, cancer screening programs and public awareness campaigns have focused on middle-aged and older adults. However, doctors across India are now reporting more cases in younger individuals who often present with aggressive forms of the disease. Breast cancer is being diagnosed in women in their 20s and 30s, while young men are increasingly facing colorectal and testicular cancers. Unlike older adults, the disease in younger patients often progresses faster and can go undetected longer due to lack of screening.

Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, increased exposure to environmental toxins, obesity, smoking, and delayed medical checkups are contributing to this surge. Additionally, hereditary factors and genetic mutations play a more prominent role, especially in families with a history of cancer.

Why Awareness and Timely Action Matter

One of the biggest challenges in treating cancer among the youth is the delay in diagnosis. Many young people dismiss early warning signs like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, changes in bowel habits, or lumps, assuming they are too young to have cancer. This leads to late-stage detection, when treatment becomes more complex and outcomes less favorable.

Awareness campaigns must now evolve to speak directly to young adults, stressing the importance of not ignoring symptoms and undergoing regular health checkups, especially in high-risk groups.

Rethinking Prevention and Screening

While national cancer screening programs are being expanded, there is an urgent need to tailor these initiatives for younger populations. High-risk individuals, those with family history, lifestyle risks, or early symptoms should be prioritized for screening and early evaluation.

Hospitals and cancer care centers across India are beginning to introduce more youth-focused outreach and genetic counseling, particularly in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, where young-onset cancer incidence is rising rapidly.

The rise of cancer among young Indians is not just a medical concern, it is a social and generational issue. Early detection, timely intervention, and greater awareness can significantly improve outcomes. As India grapples with this evolving challenge, it’s essential to educate, empower, and equip younger generations with the tools to act early. Detection at the right time can save lives, even in the prime of youth.

Rudra says, “On this Labour Day, let’s pause and honor the hard work that goes into every role, whether on screen or behind the scenes. Every actor, technician, and crew member plays a vital part in creating something magical. The sweat, the dedication, and the passion that each one brings to their craft deserve appreciation. It’s a reminder that success is a team effort and each person’s contribution is what makes the world of entertainment come alive.”

The Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri actor further added, “Today is a celebration of all those who put in tireless effort, turning dreams into reality. Behind every great performance, there’s a story of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Labour Day isn’t just about the big names – it’s about everyone who works together to create something extraordinary. So here’s to the unsung heroes, the dreamers, and the doers – your efforts are what shape our world and make it better!”

2nd May’25, New Delhi: Roadcast, a leading SaaS-based, hardware-agnostic tracking and logistics management platform, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sridhar Iyer as its Chief Business Officer (CBO). With over 30 years of experience across advertising, marketing, and digital transformation, Sridhar brings with him a rare blend of strategic foresight and operational depth, traits that are set to play a pivotal role in shaping Roadcast’s future.

Sridhar-Iyer-CBO-Roadcast

Sridhar’s professional journey has been one of steady growth. Starting his career in brand management and advertising, he honed his skills at agencies such as Everest Advertising, TBWA Anthem, and FCB Ulka, working on brands across diverse sectors including White Goods, Cigarettes, Alcobev, Kitchen Appliances, Automobiles (2-Wheelers), Education , FMCG and B2B  brands. Over time, he evolved into leadership roles at prestigious firms like FCB Ulka, J. Walter Thompson, Publicis Capital and later joined Hashtag Orange a full-service digital agency as Chief Strategy Officer.

What distinguishes Sridhar is his strategic thinking and ability to build strong, high-performance teams and put robust systems into place. “I’ve always found my strength in building cohesive teams, developing structured processes, and setting up scalable business frameworks,” he shares. His experience spans across traditional and digital mediums, making him both a strategist and an executor. From cigarettes to education to alcohol, he has handled a wide spectrum of categories, with a strong understanding of consumer behaviour, digital engagement, and brand storytelling.

At Roadcast, Sridhar’s mandate is clear: to bring structure, scalability, and strategic direction to the company’s growing operations. In a fast-moving startup environment, he is focused on formalizing business processes across functions, including HR, sales, marketing, and product. From setting growth mechanisms in place to defining advertising and outreach roadmaps, Sridhar is building a solid foundation to help Roadcast scale exponentially in the coming years.

“Startups often move fast, but in the process, sometimes processes and structures get overlooked. My role here is to ensure that while we drive growth, we also build a stable, process-oriented organisation where every team knows their goals, KPIs, and the logic behind our business targets,” Sridhar said.

Vishal Jain, Co-founder and CEO of Roadcast, added, “Sridhar brings a unique combination of creative instinct and business rigour. His cross-category experience, understanding of brand frameworks, and hands-on leadership style will be instrumental as we enter our next growth phase.”

May 2, 2025, Mumbai, India: The University of Western Australia (UWA), one of the world’s top 100 universities, has submitted its application to the University Grants Commission in India to establish multiple branch campuses across India, with the hub to be established in Mumbai. UWA will become the first Ivy League–equivalent institution and the first of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities to set up a campus in India. The announcement was made at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) held at the Jio World Centre, where Diane Smith-Gander, Chancellor, UWA, met with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis in a closed door session.

A leader in research and graduate outcomes, UWA will leverage India’s strength as the world’s second largest innovation ecosystem and Western Australia’s commitment to accelerating its position as a renowned global hub of invention, investment, innovation and impact. UWA intends to provide a range of undergraduate and master degree programmes that will help shape the future economy, including STEM, Business and in particular creative industry offerings, leveraging the faculty and expertise of one of Australia’s leading music schools – the UWA Conservatorium of Music. Subject to UGC and UWA Senate Approval, the University of Western Australia intends to establish branch campuses in both Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu – among the top performing state economies in India.

Established in 1911 and globally ranked #77, UWA, a public research university in Perth, is amongst the top 1% of universities in Australia and #1 in graduate employability in Western Australia with notable alumni including Prime Ministers of Australia, five High Court Justices, Governors of the Reserve Bank, Federal Cabinet Ministers, Premiers of Western Australia, over 110 Rhodes Scholars, 2 Nobel Laureates and a Field’s Medallist. UWA has had its graduates positively impact the society – from Nobel Prize-winning scientists such as Professor Barry Marshall, to Indian Australian mathematician, Professor and Fields Medal winner Akshay Venkatesh, to former Australia Prime Minister Bob Hawke, among several others. The establishment of the India campus marks a significant milestone in UWA’s global expansion strategy. By offering Indian students access to world-class education and international degree pathways, UWA is not only enhancing individual career prospects but also contributing to the development of a skilled, globally competitive and future ready workforce.

“Mumbai has the highest concentration of talent and continues to attract individuals from diverse sectors – with Navi Mumbai emerging as a key dynamic hub in our country and ranked as a top destination in terms of quality of living. My vision for Maharashtra is to carve out dedicated zones with shared infrastructure. It’s an honour and pleasure to welcome University of Western Australia, a G08 (Ivy League equivalent), to establish a presence in Mumbai and thereafter in Educity, Navi Mumbai. This also builds on the long standing relationship we have with the Government of Western Australia who established a presence in our state in 1996 and we continue to deepen our relationship through innovation and education between Australia and India,” said Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis.

“We are proud for UWA to have chosen our first global branch campuses to be established in India. Our selection of India is based on a long standing history of research collaboration in the areas of agriculture, plant sciences and business; and leveraging the Government of Western Australia’s long standing presence across Mumbai and Chennai. We feel connected to India and wish to deepen that connection into a substantial footprint that has the landscape of a diverse and strong economic base. We are committed to working in and with Indian students and the Indian Government to support its ambitions under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020,” said Diane Smith-Gander, Chancellor, UWA.

Indian higher education is expected to grow by approximately 60% in the next decade and there is strong demand for quality education. However, access to top-tier institutions remains limited, creating a gap that UWA aims to fill. By offering degrees from a globally renowned institution, UWA’s India campus will equip students with the skills and credentials sought after by employers worldwide. It is intended that students studying at the UWA India Branch campus will have the opportunity to transfer to the UWA Crawley campus; as well as opportunities for UWA students in Perth to undertake experiences in the intended branch campus. This pathway not only offers an international education experience but also facilitates access to global career opportunities and fosters a diverse and globally connected academic community.

Gurgaon, 2 May 2025: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, today announced its sales for April 2025, showing a steady year-on-year growth.

The company sold a total of 1,12,948 units in April 2025, registering a 14% growth over April 2024 when it sold 99,377 units.

In the domestic market, SMIPL sold 95,214 units, up by 8% from 88,067 units sold in April 2024. Exports also grew strongly, with 17,734 units shipped in April 2025, compared to 11,310 units in April 2024, marking a 57% rise.

Commenting on the monthly performance, Mr. Deepak Mutreja, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd., said, “This positive start to the year fills us with gratitude. Each unit sold represents the beginning of a new journey with our customers and we are thankful to be a part of it. We will continue to work sincerely to meet the evolving expectations of our customers and contribute positively to their journey with us.”

During the month, SMIPL announced the launch of the 2025 edition of OBD-2B Suzuki Hayabusa in three new dual-tone colour options. In a move to enhance customer accessibility, SMIPL started online bookings of its products via Flipkart across eight Indian states. Adding to the month’s milestones, Suzuki Access entered the India Book of Records for completing the fastest scooter ride from India’s lowest region, Kuttanad, to the highest village, Komic.

2 May 2025: The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) — now officially recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India — has been entrusted with the responsibility to govern, promote, and develop pickleball across the country. This landmark recognition validates IPA as the sole apex body for the sport in India and marks a turning point in its national and global journey. With systematic and painstaking groundwork laid by the members in IPA and a fast-growing community behind it, IPA is ready to drive the next chapter: building a nationwide ecosystem of access, excellence, and opportunity. This includes embedding pickleball in schools, communities, and elite training programs, and preparing Indian athletes for the global stage.

“This recognition is a historic milestone — but more importantly, it is a mandate to act,” said Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of IPA. “We are committed to building a world-class sporting structure for pickleball in India. The mission is clear: talent identification, equitable access, professional training, and global competitiveness – winning medals for India at the junior and pro categories at the world stage.” He further commented, “The current IPA team brings a wealth of experience — from organizing multiple state and national-level pickleball events to conducting coach certification programs and running junior development academies. Many of us have also represented India on the global stage — at the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games — as players, coaches, and administrators. This collective expertise is a tremendous asset for the growth of pickleball in India. As a team, we are committed to making pickleball one of the most popular sports in the country.”

 IPA’s Vision and Youth Development Focus

The Indian Pickleball Association envisions a robust and inclusive sporting ecosystem built on the following pillars:

• 100,000 active registered players regularly participating in events
• National-level competitions across all age groups
• Comprehensive grassroots development programs
• Establishment of more National High-Performance Centres for elite training in addition to existing Centres

A key priority for the IPA is youth player development, training and officiating, and professional pathways and events. To this end, the association is actively working to:

• Rollout of Pickleball in schools, through alignment with programs like Khelo India
• Women’s Pickleball Cup expansion, championing gender inclusion
• Host International Coaches Conferences to facilitate knowledge exchange and Nationwide certification programs for referees and coaches, creating employment and structure
• Conduct multiple state events through state associations leading to nationals leading to India’s representation at the Pickleball World Cup and other International Events
• On top of this, Indian Pickleball League, sanctioned by IPA will feature 6 teams and about 36 Indian and International top players, and will take place in the second half of 2025
• The league was announced with Tennis Icons Andre Agassi and Rohan Bopanna in December 2024 in Mumbai
• Streamline the junior and national ranking structure

Demonstrating its nationwide impact, the IPA Nationals in January 2025 at Bennett University, Greater Noida, welcomed over 500 players from more than 20 Indian states. The tournament featured 14 international-standard courts, showcasing the rising competitive standards in India.

Previously, the IPA sanctioned PWR DUPR India Masters 2024 at DLTA Stadium, New Delhi, brought global attention to Indian pickleball. The event drew players from around the world and was covered by media houses like DD National, Times Now, Zoom, Mirror Now, and leading YouTube channels such as Pickleball Now. The IPA also hosted clinics and coaching programs in India led by APP World #1 Megan Fudge DeHeart and APP World #5 Ryler DeHeart — underscoring its commitment to bringing the best global expertise to India.

Over the past three years, pickleball has rapidly gained popularity in India — inspired by its phenomenal growth in the US and accelerated by a post-pandemic shift toward new-age sports. IPA, and the leaders now at its helm, have been central to this surge. The association has been carefully structured with member states and individuals who bring unmatched credibility — from Olympians and national champions to experienced sports administrators, business leaders, and certified coaches.

The IPA Leadership

IPA’s Executive Board brings together 14 visionary leaders committed to the sport’s integrity and growth. Notable members include:

• Suryaveer Singh Bhullar – IPA President, National Champion, and Asian Gold Medalist (50+)
• Dhiren Patel – US Open Gold Medalist and National Champion (35+) and India No. 1 (35+)

• Vishnu Vardhan – Tennis Olympian and Silver Medalist in Asian Games
• Lt. Col. Ranbir Chauhan – Veteran sports administrator – over 25 years of International, and National exposure
• Praveen Singh – Tournament Director of various International Sporting Events
• Vivek Shokeen – Former Davis Cupper India, Active Pickleball Player, A True Athlete and A Coach
• Amrita Mukherjee – Women’s National Champion (Open)
• Raima Sen – Actor and pickleball advocate

Coaching & Officiating Leadership

• Dilip Mohanty, Head of PPR India, has led the training and certification of over 100 coaches nationwide.
• Abhishek Mukherjee, world-class tennis official, leads IPA’s referee program, bringing international standards to Indian tournaments.

International Alignment and Milestones Ahead

IPA is a proud member of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and is actively aligned with its roadmap for Olympic inclusion. Supported by GPF, IPA is preparing Indian athletes for top-tier international competition.

More than 20 states and union territories have organised multiple state-level pickleball events in the lead-up to the national championships. These events have featured participation across various categories, including juniors, professionals, and seniors.

Upcoming IPA Events

 India’s Time is Now

With official status, robust leadership, and a clear international roadmap, the Indian Pickleball Association is set to transform the sport’s future — making pickleball a household name and positioning India as a global powerhouse in the game.

GURUGRAM, India, May 2, 2025 Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, is turning up the heat this summer with the return of its blockbuster sale — Fab Grab Fest! Kicking off on May 1, this much-anticipated shopping extravaganza brings sizzling, limited-time deals on a wide range of Samsung’s cutting-edge products, available exclusively on Samsung.com, Samsung Shop App and Samsung Exclusive Stores.

Fabulous Smartphone and Laptop Deals up for Grabs

As the sale kicks off, customers can enjoy up to 41% off on select models of Samsung Galaxy S, Galaxy Z, and Galaxy A smartphone series. Whether it is the latest foldables or powerful camera-centric models, there is something for every tech enthusiast. In addition, select Galaxy tablets, accessories and wearables will be available at discount of up to 50% off, making it the perfect time to complete your Galaxy ecosystem.

Not just that, users seeking a seamless and versatile tablet-like experience can avail up to 35% off on select Galaxy Book5 and Book4 laptops and elevate their workflow with Galaxy AI.

Customers purchasing the all-new Galaxy Tab S10FE series will get 45W charger without cable worth INR 2999 free.

Big Screen Luxury at Incredible Prices

Unmissable deals on Samsung’s flagship TVs are also lined up in this edition. Customers can expect up to 48% off on popular models including the Neo-QLED 8K, Neo QLED, OLED, QLED, The Frame, and Crystal 4K UHD series. Those looking to turn their walls into a confluence of art and technology can choose The Frame TV. With a flush fit, Samsung’s Frame seamlessly transcends into an art piece when turned off – and now, with an instant cart discount of up to INR 11000, premium design and cinematic experiences are more accessible than ever. Additionally, customers can avail benefits of up to INR 5000 exchange bonus on purchase of select TVs.

Smart Savings on Digital and Premium Home Appliances

Samsung is also rolling out exclusive offers on its full suite of digital appliances. Shoppers can enjoy deals across refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, air conditioners, and monitors.

For those seeking top-tier performance and design, select models of side-by-side refrigerators, French-door refrigerators will be up for grabs at an exclusive deal of up to 43% off.

Select models of washing machines will be available at up to 43% off. Additionally, they will get a generous 20-year warranty on the Digital Inverter Motor for both Fully Automatic Front Loading and Fully Automatic Top Loading machines.

To beat the heat this summer, select WindFree™ AC models can be availed at a fabulous deal of 58% off, with an additional 5% discount on the purchase of two or more units. These ACs also include a 5-year warranty on the PCB part and a 10-year warranty on the compressor, delivering both savings, comfort and peace of mind.

Step into Luxury with Samsung’s ‘Buy More, Save More’ Offers

Customers can continue to indulge in a premium experience through our ‘Buy More Save More’ deals. Shoppers purchasing two or more smart home appliances via Samsung.com or the Samsung Shop App will receive an additional discount of 5%. The programme invites users to handpick their own personalized bundles from a variety of digital appliances that suit their needs, while maximizing savings.

Select Samsung monitors will be available at discounts of up to 60%. Customers purchasing Galaxy Book Series laptops can avail a multi-buy offer on monitors – where pairing the two together will mean more savings. Additionally, Samsung is offering an instant cart discount of up to INR 7000 on gaming monitors.

Easy Financing and Cashback Offers

Customers can avail cashback of up to 22.5% using debit and credit cards from leading banks including HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank. The maximum cashback available during the Fab Grab Fest is INR 25000, adding an extra layer of affordability to the existing unbeatable offers.