Ankush Bahuguna Wows at Spoken Fest Mumbai with Teri Favourite Kaun Hai
Asia’s largest spoken word festival, Spoken Fest by Kommune, unveiled its much-anticipated 7th edition in Mumbai, this weekend. The mega event honours the power of words, combining diverse forms like stories, music, poetry, theatre, Shayari, comedy, creative workshops, art installations, and immersive experiences—fostering a dynamic and inclusive space for fans across the spectrum. Among the many celebrated artists gracing the stage was digital sensation and content creator Ankush Bahuguna.
The festival took the city by storm, filling the air with raw energy, unfiltered stories, and voices that demanded to be heard. At the Spoken Fest, Ankush delivered a deeply personal and poignant tale about the unbreakable bond between siblings. His story, titled “Teri Favourite Kaun Hai?”, was a heartfelt tribute to his two elder sisters—Badi Didi and Chhoti Didi—who shaped his life in more ways than he ever imagined.
Ankush began by painting a vivid picture of his childhood—a constant tug-of-war for attention in a household where comparisons between siblings were part of the daily routine. “Life in the Bahuguna household was chaotic and melodramatic. Aur ek sawaal tha jo us ghar mein har waqt goonjta tha; at least mere kaanon mein goonjta tha. Dono didiyon ka mujhse poochhna: ‘Anki, bata teri favourite kaun hai?’” (Translation: Life in the Bahuguna household was chaotic and melodramatic. And there was one question that always echoed in that house; at least it echoed in my ears. Both my sisters would ask me: ‘Anki, tell me, who’s your favourite?’). Ankush recalled this with a laugh, setting the tone for a narrative brimming with humour.
He shared that his sisters (Teena and Cheena) turned their winter holidays into a full-fledged radio war, with their makeshift show, Bahuguna Ki Awaaz. “Pehle dono didiyaan ladti thi ki kal tu RJ bani thi, aaj main RJ banungi.”
(Translation: First, both my sisters would fight over who got to be the RJ that day).
But the real battle wasn’t over the mic; it was over his loyalty. Despite being the unwitting celebrity guest of their show, they still expected Ankush to pick a side. “Aur guts dekho, yeh sab karne ke baad bhi they expected me to have a favourite out of them! Mera favourite toh aam papad tha bhai! Because … You see, saste nashe run in the Bahuguna blood”, he declared with a grin.
(Translation: And look at their guts—after making me do all this, they still expected me to have a favourite among them! My favourite was aam papad, because… you see, cheap thrills run in the Bahuguna blood.)
Yet, no amount of dodging could save him from the inevitable question that loomed over his childhood. “Seriously though! Yeh sawal tha mera poora bachpan. ‘Who is your favourite one?’ And even at that age, my inner voice was like ‘Chup kar chup kar! Matt jawaab de, tu phasega’”, he admitted.
(Translation: Seriously though! This question haunted my entire childhood. ‘Who is your favourite one?’ And even at that age, my inner voice was like ‘Shut up, shut up, don’t answer—you’ll get trapped.’)
After that life became more complicated and so did the competition between his sisters. First, his elder sister, Teena, boldly declared she wanted to marry a man she liked, and while their parents initially opposed, citing their stance against love marriages —she eventually got her way. But the competition didn’t stop there. His younger sister, Cheena, eager to outdo her elder sibling, converted to another religion and planned an interfaith marriage. With their parents firmly against it, Ankush and his elder sister secretly helped her marry in court, making sure she tied the knot without anyone’s knowledge.
Just as the dust was settling from the previous drama, Ankush’s elder sister dropped a bigger bomb—she got divorced, becoming the first in the family, throwing the household into chaos. And that’s how, his younger sister, who had once been the rebellious one, suddenly became the favourite child, but that didn’t last long. A heated argument on Facebook over a family issue quickly had her dethroned from the top spot.
Things took a darker turn when Ankush’s mom discovered that their elder daughter, Teena also consumes alcohol. And as if that wasn’t enough, in true ‘MY TURN’ fashion, his elder sister declared she was remarrying, delivering a double strike in the ongoing competition of life between the two. Now, to top it all off, Ankush’s younger sister, always with fragile health, found herself battling kidney failure at just thirty-five, and was hospitalized.
Cheena’s illness became a harsh reminder of how quickly life could change. She moved back in with Ankush’s family, and once again, the two siblings found themselves roommates. But this time, life had altered them in ways they could never have anticipated. He reminisced, “I used to notice unki skin har baar thodi aur different lagti thi. But smile same thi! Aur pata hai kya same tha? Hum dono ka memes mein taste. Din bhar hum faltu ke memes dekh ke hanste. I told you! Saste nashe, melodrama, aur faltu memes, run in the Bahuguna blood.”
(Translation: I noticed her skin seemed a little different every day, but her smile never changed. And, you know what stayed the same? Our shared love for memes. We spent hours laughing at silly memes together. I told you! It’s the same cheap thrills, melodrama, and silly memes that run in the Bahuguna blood.)
Before the elder one could make her next move, Cheena played her trump card. Ankush was away for a shoot and that’s the day she left. He didn’t even get to meet her.
A month before Rakhi, Cheena had told him, “Anki, mujhe pahad dekhne hain…mujhe pahad dekhne le jaa.” (Translation: Anki, I want to see the mountains… take me to the mountains.) And, something in him had said, “Anki, karle yeh trip. Yeh wali mat postpone karna.” (Translation: Anki, just do this trip. Don’t postpone this one.) They planned the Rakhi trip to Dehradun, but Cheena didn’t make it that far. Maybe a month was just too long a wait for her.
But Chhoti and Ankush still went. His younger sister wasn’t there, but her Janamaz was. They laid it out in a valley with the most breathtaking view. Ankush recalled, “Us trip par kisi ne nahi poochha, ‘Anki, bata teri favourite kaun hai?’”— a question that had once been inescapable now felt hollow, lost into the silence.
And yet, suddenly, he still hears her – “’Sunn, Bittu ki shaadi mein Teena kya pehen ke aayi thi?’ Ab DNA thodi badlega…..Kyunki saste nashe, melodrama, faltu memes aur endless gossip run in the Bahuguna blood. And so does smiling in the face of tragedy.”
(Translation: ‘Hey, what did Teena wear at Bittu’s wedding?’ Now, the DNA isn’t going to change, right? Because cheap thrills, melodrama, silly memes, and endless gossip run in the Bahuguna blood. And so does smiling in the face of tragedy.)
Bahuguna’s story, rich in humour, vulnerability, and raw emotion, reminds us that life is a series of unexpected twists. It often leaves us without closure, but it gifts us with moments, voices, and laughter that linger. Perhaps that’s how love endures—through the echoes of shared joy and sorrow.
Top Property Investment Hotspots in MMR for 2025
As the Indian real estate market continues its upward trajectory, 2025 is expected to be a landmark year for property investments. With growing infrastructure developments, improved connectivity, and evolving buyer preferences, certain locations in Mumbai stand out as top investment destinations. Industry leaders share insights on why these areas are poised for significant growth.
Mulund: The Gateway to Luxury Living
Known as the ‘Prince of the Suburbs,’ Mulund offers a perfect mix of connectivity and lifestyle amenities. Mr. Nishant Deshmukh, Founder and Managing Partner of Sugee Group states, “Mulund’s proximity to both Thane and Mumbai’s central areas, along with its green surroundings and premium residential projects, makes it highly attractive for those seeking a balance between luxury and convenience. Further, its strong social infrastructure and upcoming projects are reshaping it into a hub for modern urban living.”
Borivali: The Urban Oasis
Borivali’s seamless connectivity and thriving social infrastructure have made it a favorite among investors. Mr. Rohan Khatau, Director of CCI Projects notes, “Borivali’s proximity to Sanjay Gandhi National Park and its excellent connectivity to the rest of Mumbai and Thane make it a hotspot for families looking for a balanced lifestyle. The steady development of retail and recreational spaces in Borivali enhances its appeal as a vibrant urban oasis.”
Malad-Goregaon: Western Suburbs on the Rise
The Malad-Goregaon belt continues to see an uptick in demand, driven by infrastructure advancements and lifestyle enhancements. Ms. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director of Transcon Developers shares, “The area’s connectivity via the Western Express Highway and metro lines has drastically improved, enhancing its appeal. It’s a perfect blend of residential and commercial growth. With new-age developments, this area is becoming a preferred choice for young professionals and families alike.” Mr. Umesh Jandial, Chief Business Officer of Omkar Realtors adds, “Malad-Goregaon offers excellent rental yields and long-term value due to its growing IT, corporate and entertainment industry presence. The steady influx of working professionals ensures sustained demand for high-quality housing in this region.”
Panvel: The Emerging Investment Hotspot
Panvel has emerged as a prime destination for property investments, thanks to its strategic location and burgeoning infrastructure projects. Mr. Sandeep Sonthalia, CEO of Wadhwa Wise City, explains, “With the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and the now operational Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Panvel is becoming a hub of connectivity. The area offers a blend of affordability and future appreciation potential, making it an ideal choice for investors and end-users alike. We foresee Panvel evolving into a self-sufficient ecosystem with a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces.”
Chembur: A Neighborhood of Transformation
Chembur’s transformation into a premium residential and commercial hub is undeniable. Mr. Govind Krishnan Muthukumar, Managing Director & Co-Founder of Tridhaatu Realty comments, “With excellent road and metro connectivity, Chembur offers a mix of modern housing and traditional charm. The area’s redevelopment projects and enhanced infrastructure make it a promising destination for long-term investments.”
Sion: Central Location with High Potential
Sion’s strategic location in the heart of Mumbai makes it a sought-after area for real estate investments. Mr. Samyak Jain, Director of Siddha Group remarks, “Sion offers unmatched connectivity to major parts of the city and is witnessing a steady rise in premium residential developments. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking central living with modern amenities. The area’s ongoing transformation into a premium real estate destination is attracting a new wave of discerning buyers.”
With a mix of established hubs and emerging hotspots, Mumbai’s real estate market in 2025 promises diverse opportunities for investors. Whether it’s the affordability of Panvel, the luxury of Mulund, the convenience of Malad-Goregaon or the connectivity of Sion, each location offers unique advantages that cater to varied preferences and investment goals. As the city continues to evolve, these areas are set to redefine urban living and investment potential.
Britannia Launches Harry Potter Themed Biscuits with Warner Bros
National, 04 February 2025: Attention, witches, wizards, and Muggles alike! It’s time to fasten your seat belts and prepare to be spellbound—because Britannia is bringing magic to your snack time, giving you a chance to celebrate your love for Harry Potter in the most delicious way possible. Introducing Britannia’s Pure Magic Choco Frames – a Limited-Edition Harry Potter-inspired open choco biscuit crafted to delight your taste buds and transform everyday moments into indulgent celebrations inspired by the enchanting world of Hogwarts.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBGCP), Britannia has curated a sensory experience to delight all Harry Potter fans. Each of the five biscuits in a pack is inspired by the world of Harry Potter, bringing back fond memories of Hogwarts and featuring intricate designs of the four iconic houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. But the magic doesn’t stop there— you may uncover a rare treasure: a biscuit embossed with the iconic Platform 9¾. With Britannia Pure Magic Choco Frames every bite takes you deeper into the world of choco indulgence.
Every Pure Magic Choco Frame is a delightful combination of textures and flavours—a crisp biscuit topped with a luscious bar of velvety chocolate. This limited-edition collection isn’t just a treat; it’s a collectible, perfect for gifting to fellow Harry Potter fans or indulging yourself.
Siddharth Gupta, General Manager – Marketing, Britannia Industries, says “At Britannia, we are committed to constantly innovating and finding new ways to delight our consumers while evolving our portfolio to meet changing preferences. Our collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBGCP) marks a significant milestone as we bring a Harry Potter-inspired indulgence for fans through our Pure Magic Choco Frames. This strategic partnership is an attempt to bring the iconic legacy Harry Potter together with Britannia’s expertise in crafting indulgent treats for everyone. It’s more than just a product; it’s an opportunity to create a memorable moment, that resonates with fans across generations”
Harry Potter fans, don’t let this extraordinary opportunity vanish! The Britannia Pure Magic Choco Frames is available only for a limited time on Blinkit or your nearest Reliance stores. Grab your pack now, and let the magic unfold—because when it comes to Harry Potter, the magic is forever.
Zebra Study Finds 77% of Indian Shoppers in APAC Prefer Retailers Providing Tailored Recommendations
New Delhi, India – February 04, 2025 – Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating frontline workflows, today announced the findings of its 17th Annual Global Shopper Study. The study clearly reflects Indian consumers’ expectations from retailers to embrace AI / GenAI to transform their shopping experiences. Retailers recognize the potential of this technology to revolutionize customer engagement and enhance personalization, highlighting a clear demand for innovative and tailored retail solutions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are currently viewed as the most helpful with loss prevention, closely followed by cameras, sensors, and RFID. A significant majority of retail associates (84% globally, 72% in APAC, including India) are concerned about the lack of technology to detect safety threats or criminal activity. In response, 78% globally and 80% in APAC (including India) are investing in technology tools to support frontline workers and monitor operations from behind the scenes.
While only 3-in-10 retailers (38% globally and in APAC, including India) currently use AI-based prescriptive analytics for loss prevention, more than half surveyed (50% globally, 52% in APAC, including India) plan to use it in the next 1-3 years for this purpose. Over three in 10 retailers say they also plan to use self-checkout cameras and sensors (45% globally, 52% in APAC, including India), computer vision (46% globally and in APAC, including India), and RFID tags and readers (42% globally, 38% in APAC, including India) within the next three years, specifically for loss prevention.
This should come as a relief to shoppers, as 78% say it is annoying when products are locked up or secured within cases. Adding to that frustration is that it is hard to find an associate while shopping in stores these days, according to 70% of consumers. This resonates with 79% and 70% of APAC shoppers, including India, respectively.
Increasingly over the past two years, the reason why one in five shoppers (21% globally, 22% in APAC, including India) left a store without getting what they needed was due to a lack of available retail associates to help. Other Issues Contributing to Associate Frustration, Decline in Shopper Satisfaction
Although consumers are still generally satisfied with their shopping experience and global consumer spending is holding steady, fewer shoppers overall are satisfied with their shopping experiences this year. In 2023, 85% were satisfied with both the in-store and online experiences – this stood at 81% and 80% respectively for APAC shoppers, including India. This year, only 81% are satisfied with the in-store experience and 79% with online shopping. Satisfaction similarly decreased for APAC shoppers, including India, to 78% for in-store experience and 75% for online shopping.
Generally, most shoppers expect retailers to offer easy click-and-collect and returns options, yet retailers (79% globally, 85% in APAC, including India) and associates (85% globally and in APAC, including India) admit challenges with both. Most retailers also say it is a struggle to confirm current inventory and pricing. Plus, with more shoppers returning to stores, lingering labor shortages and increasing loss incidents are having a greater impact on service levels. For example:
- 78% of global shoppers (81% in APAC, including India) say self-checkout options improve their shopping experience, yet 68% of global shoppers (67% in APAC, including India) identify that self-checkout (SCO) lanes are lacking, with some reporting they have left a store without making a purchase because there were no SCO (shelf-checkout kiosks) or contactless payment options.
- 71% of global shoppers (70% in APAC, including India) are concerned about the lack of help associates can offer, while 82% of global associates (76% in APAC, including India) say it is even difficult for them to find help or ask for timely support when needed.
Nearly 90% of retail associates believe they can provide better customer experience when they have mobile technology tools to help simplify real-time communication and prioritize tasks as well as check prices and inventory. Most retailers agree technology enables associates to do their jobs better, and as a result, 75% of global retailers (79% in APAC, including India) say they plan to increase their technology investments in 2025.
“Many retailers are laying the groundwork to build a modern store experience,” said Subramaniam Thiruppathi, Director of India sub-continent business, Zebra Technologies. “By investing in mobile and intelligent technologies to provide greater visibility, help inform operational decisions and enable great mobility for associates, this ladders up to elevate the customer experience for retail’s long-term longevity.”
Along with enhancing customer experience, the study shows retailers’ top priorities include improving mobile workforce efficiency and productivity along with inventory management. More than one-third of them (39% globally, 41% in APAC, including India) believe that GenAI will have an extremely significant impact on inventory management and demand forecasting. They will also be automating product locating and item-level RFID (46% globally and in APAC, including India), video monitoring (45% globally and 36% in APAC, including India), and stock-out alerts (45% globally, 49% in APAC, including India) to give associates and shoppers real-time inventory visibility, which is a leading profitability driver.
Retailers can exceed shopper expectations, drive profitability and empower engaged associates if they:
- Get to know their customers. Three-quarters (75% globally, 77% in APAC, including India) of shoppers are more willing to try and buy items when retailers know their personal preferences and associates make recommendations.
- Make it easier to find, pay for, and return items and find item–related information. Shoppers want associates to be available, and they are driven to retailers who can help them more easily find or return items.
- Keep shelves stocked. While fewer shoppers are complaining about out-of-stocks, this remains the top reason why over half (57% globally, 49% in APAC, including India) of shoppers leave a store without items they want, and more associates (86% globally and in APAC, including India) are now struggling with real-time out-of-stock tracking.
- Protect shoppers without over-indexing on loss prevention. Most shoppers (71% globally, 65% in APAC, including India) are concerned about the stores at which they shop are experiencing high levels of theft and crime. Like associates, they worry threats can’t be spotted or stopped. However, 77% of global shoppers (68% in APAC, including India) are also concerned retailers may raise prices to cover the cost of increasing theft and crime.
- Avoid passing operational costs onto customers. Shoppers are more price sensitive than ever, with over three-quarters (between 71% to 86% of those surveyed) worried inflation will drive up the prices of both everyday essentials and big-ticket items and force them to reduce overall spending.
- Give associates more technology. Most associates (85% globally, 82% in APAC, including India) feel strongly that their store needs more associates, and majority of retailers agree (81% globally, 85% in APAC, including India). Associates also believe stores that leverage retail technology and mobile devices attract and retain more associates, and shoppers have a better experience when associates use the latest technology to assist them.
Gopal Vittal appointed as Acting Chair of the GSMA Board
Bangalore, February 3, 2025: Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman & MD, Bharti Airtel and Deputy Chair GSMA has been appointed as the Acting Chair of the GSMA board following the resignation of José Maria Álvares-Pallete, Chairman & CEO, Telefónica from the company. By virtue of this resignation, he is no longer able to continue in the position of the Chair of the GSMA.
Gopal was recently re-elected as the Deputy Chair of the GSMA board. He has also served the board as a key member for the term 2019-2020.
GSMA represents the global telecommunications industry with over 1100 companies from the telecom ecosystem across the world including telecom service providers, handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organizations in adjacent industry sectors.
ISCR’s 18th Conference Highlights Innovation and Patient Centricity
Mumbai, February 4th, 2025: Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR), an association of clinical research professionals, hosted its 18th Annual Conference at CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Centre, Vashi, Navi Mumbai on January 31 and February 1, 2025. Marking two decades of advancing clinical research in India, ISCR also celebrated its 20-year journey at the event. The conference welcomed participation from over 2100 delegates and featured 300 eminent speakers. It brought together a diverse group of experts to discuss key themes, including advancements in patient-centric approaches in clinical trials, ethics, artificial intelligence, innovations in data management, statistical reporting, medical writing, programming, and increased academic participation in research. All discussions revolved around the central theme: “Enhancing India’s Success in Clinical Research: Unifying Innovation, Technology, and Patient Centricity.” A key highlight of the conference was the launch of ISCR’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) paper during the inaugural session, highlighting the growing impact of AI and ML in clinical research.
Dr. Santosh Kadam, President of IMA Maharashtra, emphasized the importance of innovation and addressing unmet medical needs during his inaugural address. He highlighted how clinical research plays a pivotal role in ensuring that new medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and devices are thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. Prominent industry thought leaders and experts like Dr. Arijit Nag (Tata Memorial Center), Dr Rahul Purwar (IIT Mumbai), Dr Ganesh Dakhle (AIIMS, Nagpur), Dr Kshitij Jadhav (IIT Mumbai), Dr Anant Patil (DY Patil Medical College, Nerul) etc. were part of sessions which discussed the evolving role of clinical research in healthcare. Other speakers at the event included representatives from leading R&D organizations such as Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s, Biocon Ltd. as well as other Multinational R&D organizations . They enriched the dialogue with valuable insights on cutting-edge technologies, innovative methodologies, and patient-centric approaches shaping the future of the sector.
The conference also emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in enhancing clinical trial methodologies. Interactive sessions like “Revolutionizing Dose Decision Making” and “Harnessing the Power of Statistics in Cancer Care” provided attendees with practical strategies for improving trial outcomes and patient-centric solutions. The event concluded with engaging panel discussions on preparing effective regulatory submissions and bridging data gaps using advanced statistical tools.
Highlighting importance of clinical research in India, Dr. Sanish Davis, President of ISCR, said, “The 18th Annual Conference exemplifies our commitment to advancing the discipline of clinical research in India by fostering collaboration and innovation. As methodologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, decentralized trials, adaptive designs, and patient-centric approaches rapidly evolve, this platform enables meaningful discussions on integrating these advancements into the Indian clinical research ecosystem. Together with academia , regulators, innovation driven R&D organizations and patients, ISCR aims to push the vision of Viksit Bharat to bring forth impactful healthcare solutions, prioritizing both quality and accessibility.”
In its journey to becoming a global leader in clinical research, India’s evolving policy landscape continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the research ecosystem. With ongoing regulatory advancements, the country is well-positioned to foster innovation, enhance patient outcomes, and establish itself as a hub for cutting-edge discoveries, innovations and clinical trials. Beyond the conference, ISCR actively builds public awareness about clinical research. In 2024, ISCR’s Run4Research engaged the public in discussions on its healthcare impact, reinforcing ISCR’s commitment to bridging knowledge gaps and fostering trust in clinical research.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s January 2025 Sales Reach 4,44,847 Units
Mumbai, February 3, 2025: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India today announced its sales numbers for the month of January 2025.
The company’s total sales for January’25 stood at 4,44,847 units, recording a 6% YoY growth. This includes domestic sales of 4,02,977 units and 41,870 units exports. The domestic sales for the month registered 5% YoY growth while exports grew 14% over the same period of last year.
It is worth mentioning that HMSI’s YTD FY25 (April’24 – Jan’25) total sales stand at 49,81,767 units. This includes domestic sales of 45,41,323 units and 4,40,444 units exports.
HMSI’s Key Highlights of January 2025:
- Product: HMSI introduced the updated OBD2B compliant versions of the Activa, Livo, and Dio with advanced new features. Moreover, the company’s premium motorcycle portfolio has been further strengthened with the launch of latest editions of the CB650R and CBR650R.
- Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: HMSI took the center stage at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, showcasing an exciting line-up of innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. The company announced the prices of the all-new ACTIVA e: and QC1. In addition, the CB300F flex-fuel, Honda’s portable electric scooter Motocompacto, Electric Racing Go-Kart and advanced battery swapping technology with the dedicated Honda Power Pack Exchanger e: were also on display.
- Road Safety: Expanding road safety awareness in India, HMSI promoted campaigns in 11 cities across India – Zirakpur (Punjab), Bhopal & Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh), Bahula (West Bengal), Ongole (Andhra Pradesh), Chiplun & Ahmednagar (Maharashtra), Davanagere (Karnataka), Palakkad (Kerala), Rajkot (Gujarat), and Dhanbad (Jharkhand). Additionally, HMSI organized Road Safety Convention with school principals in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) as a part of ongoing project – Mindset Development for our Future Generation. HMSI also hosted an engaging Road Safety Kids Carnival for school students at its Global Resource Factory in Manesar, Haryana.
- Motorsports: There was a double celebration in Saudi Arabia with a second consecutive Dakar Rally double podium for Monster Energy Honda HRC as Tosha Schareina and Adrien Van Beveren took 2nd and 3rd place at the 47th edition of this world-famous motorsport event.
Cancer Surge Threatens Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision Experts
India, 2025: This ‘World Cancer Day’, the Global Sustainability Alliance (GSA) spotlighted the growing cancer incidence denting the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision & stressed on an urgent need to bolster public health programs with an alternative tailored strategy to improve public health. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), cancer cases in India would increase to 2.08 million, accounting for a rise of 57.5% in 2040 from 2020. At present India ranks 3rd globally among the countries with most cancer cases, suggesting that the internationally prescribed tobacco control measures have been less effective.
India has made notable progress in tobacco control, however the Report, ‘Human-centric Approach to Tobacco Control’ highlights the pervasive use of tobacco, making India the 2nd largest tobacco using population globally. With a 27% prevalence of tobacco consumption among the population aged 15 years and above, India faces a unique challenge due to a large economically weak tobacco-using population.
Dr. Lancelot Mark Pinto, Consultant Pulmonologist and Epidemiologist at PD Hinduja Hospital said, “One of the leading causes of cancer in India is tobacco use. There is no safe way to use tobacco, however, the major risk of cancer is associated with tobacco smoking. It is the burning/ combustion of tobacco that releases harmful toxins, leading to smoking related diseases, including cancer.”
Speaking on the urgent need to curb tobacco harm, Dr Prof. Bijon Misra, Founder Director at Patient Safety and Access Initiative of India Foundation Private Limited said, “The growing rate of cancer in the country is alarming. Unfortunately, global bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) have not been able to solve this crisis effectively. Beyond supply and demand reduction, harm reduction is another critical aspect mentioned in WHO’s global treaty, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), but not actively adopted by countries, causing failure to meet reduced consumption goals. A healthy population is the backbone of India’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, however, unless the tobacco control policy is tailored to the situation on ground, cancer cases will continue to rise.”
Global state led efforts have also seen non-governmental organizations attempting to influence tobacco health policies. Early last year, the Indian government placed a leading US advocacy organization, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CFTK), under prior reference category (PRC) indicating that international donations in India will have to be vetted and approved by the authorities before being utilized. The Union home ministry cited lobbying by domestic NGOs against the tobacco industry as one of the main reasons for the move. Further, Trump’s WHO threat let to a debate on the efficiency of global health governance.
Speaking on this global influence, David Sweanor, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa said, “It is not a hidden fact that international NGOs are working with a larger agenda. They continue to run multi-million-dollar campaigns to outlaw less harmful alternatives. These efforts have quickly scaled to the level of the WHO to completely outlaw these alternatives in developing countries across Latin America, Asia, and more, which have larger smoking populations than in the US and Europe, depriving them of reduced risk alternatives. Even though health agencies in nations such as US, UK, New Zealand, Sweden, Japan and even Canada actively recommend some form of alternatives to get smokers to quit, this option is kept off the table in developing nations.”
In a recent development, the FDA authorized the marketing of 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products after a thorough scientific evaluation. The federal body’s approach of regulating less harmful alternatives has helped the country achieve record cessation rates. A Gallup report found smoking in the US is at an 80-year low with just 11% population smoking while the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), reported current use of any tobacco product among high school students at 10.1%, lowest in 25 years.
This approach is being explored by developing countries as well. In Thailand, a special parliamentary committee tasked with studying laws and measures to regulate less harmful alternatives has signaled towards regulating these alternatives in the country. Therefore, the committee must seek regulatory & control measures appropriate to Thailand’s circumstances, state of reality and context.
India is on a growth trajectory and aims to achieve its vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047. However, making this a reality would need a healthy population that can support this growth. Hence, an urgent collaborative effort among the policy makers, industry, and organizations, emphasizing the role of harm reduction alternatives is required to grapple with a rising tobacco induced cancer burden, to ensure improved public health.
MoveInSync GCC Conclave 2025 to Shape Next Phase of Growth in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, February 2025: Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government is set to preside over The GCC Conclave, hosted by Global leaders in enterprise commute, MoveInSync in collaboration with Humanize AI.
This exclusive conclave, scheduled on the 5th of February at Sheraton Hyderabad, will witness business leaders engage with the Government and discuss the roadmap for growth and acceleration of GCC in the State.
Commenting on the announcement of the conclave Cofounder and CEO of MoveInSync, Deepesh Agarwal said “India is set to record an accelerated growth in the GCC space, and the market is poised to double in another 5 years. There is no doubt that infrastructure, capacities, skill and talent will drive this growth and for this we need to prepare. A Deloitte study has reported that there are 1,600 plus Global Capacity Centres employing more than 1.5 million professionals and a projected market size of US$110 billion by 2030. This puts India-specially Hyderabad and Bengaluru as a cornerstone of global business innovation in the GCC ecosystem”
Deepesh further lauded Telangana’s efforts in building a vibrant ecosystem for growth of Global Capacity Centres, especially through Telangana’s ‘Vision for Life Science 2030’. However, he cautioned that on an average Indians are spending about 8.3 % of their day commuting for work which increased by about 1.6% in 2024.
Speaking about the conference, Jagdish Mitra, Founder & CEO of Humanize said, “We are seeing a paradigm shift in the Indian technology industry- GCCs, one of the fastest growing technology segments, are evolving beyond capability-driven hubs to become global centers of efficiency, automation and most critically, of innovation. AI, GenAI, and emerging technologies are not just enablers but we at humanize believe that they will be fundamental to redefining service delivery, talent orchestration, business impact and customer experience. Hyderabad is truly at the center (geographically and virtually) of the India tech revolution, with its dynamic ecosystem, is poised to lead this transformation – more than 120 GCCs have either set up or expanded in Hyderabad over the last 5 years. Telangana’s second ICT Policy – focusing on infrastructure, supporting innovation, promoting datacenters, IT parks and incubation centers, and emphasizing digital inclusion – has been instrumental in this growth. Having spent several years in Hyderabad, I’ve witnessed its remarkable progress firsthand. The GCC Conclave serves as a catalyst for collaboration, ensuring that technology, policy, and leadership converge to shape the future of enterprise evolution.”
Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government and Chief Guest at the GCC Conclave will deliver the keynote speech.
The GCC Conclave will further witness key business leaders and officials participating in panel discussions. Sirisha Voruganti (CEO &MD, Lloyds Technology Centre India), Mamatha Madireddy (MD & Head, HSBC India Global Service Centres) and Jagdish Mitra (Founder & CEO, Humanize) will be speaking at the event. This will be followed by 2 panel discussions. The first panel will explore how GenAI and emerging technologies enhance service deliveries in GCC. This will feature MD, Evernorth, Ashok Venkatachalam and VP and MD, CC Site Leader of Kenvue Solutions India GCC, Rajesh Puneyani. The final panel discussion will detail Hyderabad’s growth story and highlight the City’s initiatives on sustainability, CRE and mobility infrastructure. This panel will be attended by VP, Product and Growth, MoveInSync, Ujjwal Trivedi, Partner and CFP of Gloplax, Rakesh Singhania and MD, Sonoco, Arvind Chittora.
K2 Infragen Limited Wins Prestigious Highway Project in Gujarat
Gurgaon, 4th February, 2025 – K2 Infragen Limited, one of the fastest-growing players in India’s infrastructure and EPC sectors, has secured a road project contract worth INR 142.14 Crores for the “Strengthening and Maintenance works/activities on the section from Km 0.00 to Km 123.454 of the Jetpur-Somnath Section (excluding Junagarh Bypass, 103 Km) in the state of Gujarat, under a Performance-Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC).” The contract was awarded by NHAI to M/s SRM Contractors Ltd. and will be executed by K2 Infragen Ltd.
This order further strengthens K2 Infragen’s credentials and enhances its ability to bid for direct contracts from NHAI in the future. With this addition, the company’s total order book under execution now stands at INR 550 Crores, providing strong growth visibility.
Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Pankaj Sharma, Managing Director at K2 Infragen, stated:, “We are honored to have secured this landmark project-our largest single order in the Roads & Transport infrastructure domain. While the scheduled completion is set for September 2026, we expect to complete most of the construction within this year. The company continues to secure significant contracts of NHAI while diversifying into the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) and Railways sectors. We have developed in-house expertise across design, procurement, and construction supervision, delivering comprehensive EPC solutions spanning roads, railways, water supply, and civil construction. By integrating AI-driven solutions to optimize efficiency in turnkey projects, we are reinforcing our position as a leader in multi-sector infrastructure development. Additionally, we are also actively exploring opportunities in the solar EPC space, anticipating a major breakthrough soon and are actively engaging in discussions with financial institutions to enhance fund-based and non-fund based credit limits.”
Additionally, K2 Infragen is actively engaged in discussions with large financial institutions to enhance its banking limits, which will enable the company to:
- Execute the current order book efficiently.
- Continue bidding for attractive opportunities across various infrastructure verticals to further expand its order pipeline.
With a continuously expanding sales pipeline and enhanced execution capabilities, K2 Infragen is on track for consistent, sustainable growth over the next three years, driven by strategic expansion across India. The company is also making steady progress towards its vision of becoming a multi-sector, diversified infrastructure EPC player. Earlier this year, K2 Infragen secured significant orders in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) and Railways sectors. Additionally, the company is actively exploring opportunities in the solar EPC sector and expects a major breakthrough soon.