PadelPark Set to Put India on the World Padel Map
Mumbai, 10th March 2025: PadelPark, India’s premier 360-degree Padel company, has emerged as India’s undisputed leader, with 70% of the country’s infrastructure for the racket sport under them and spearheading its mainstream adoption. Padel, a $2 billion global industry, is rapidly expanding in India, with participation growing 200% year-on-year and an increasing demand for premium sports infrastructure. As the sport gains traction, PadelPark is spearheading the Padel revolution in India and it aims to put India on the World Map. With an end-to-end ecosystem that spans court manufacturing, facility development, coaching, retail, and competitive events, PadelPark is not just growing the sport, it is defining its future.
Founded in 2019 by Ronak Daftary, Nikhil Sachdev, Jigar Doshi, and Pratik Doshi, Padel Park officially launched operations in late 2023. In just over a year, it has installed over 100 padel courts across India, making it the country’s largest infrastructure provider. With 17 operational courts in Mumbai and 20 more under development in Delhi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Bangalore, the company has solidified partnerships and has built padel courts for corporate giants —positioning itself as the pioneer of India’s padel revolution.
PadelPark operates across four key verticals, creating a robust and self-sustaining ecosystem for the sport:
- Padel Infrastructure & Franchising – Through Sky Padel India, a strategic partner of the renowned Spanish brand, Padel Park designs, manufactures, and installs world-class padel courts. It also develops and franchises premium Padel centers, making the sport accessible across the country.
- Padel Academy & Training – Led by veteran Spanish coach Victor Perez, Padel Park’s structured coaching program currently operates across four centers in Mumbai, training over 200 players, including both adults and children. The academy also serves as India’s premier training and certification hub for Padel coaches, ensuring the sport’s long-term growth.
- Retail & Equipment – As the exclusive distributor of BullPadel in India, Padel Park brings top-tier professional equipment to Indian players, bridging the gap between local enthusiasts and global Padel standards.
- Tournaments & Competitive Growth – PadelPark has transformed the Indian Padel Tour, expanding participation from 25 teams in its first season to 120 teams today. With growing demand for structured competition, PadelPark is set to launch the country’s first professional Padel league in partnership with JSW Sports. This milestone initiative, backed by Parth Jindal, who has acquired a 20% stake in the company, is expected to drive mainstream recognition and professionalize the sport at an unprecedented level.
“Padel Park was founded with the mission of making padel accessible and popular across India. We have made significant strides in building the sport’s infrastructure and fostering a passionate community of players. With our upcoming professional league, we are taking the next big step towards cementing padel’s place in India’s sports culture,” said Nikhil Sachdev, Co-founder, PadelPark.
With its strategic expansion, market dominance, and commitment to talent development, PadelPark is leading the charge in making padel one of India’s most exciting and commercially viable emerging sports. By investing in infrastructure, grassroots development, and competitive events, the company is not just supporting a trend, it’s building a legacy.
Florida Atlantic University Welcomes Indian Students Through Study Group Partnership
March 10, 2025: Florida Atlantic University is an exceptional academic hub for Indian students seeking lucrative international career prospects. This partner university of Study Group, a global leader in preparing Indian and other students for international success, is known for its academic and research innovation, in addition to its cultural diversity, as it is recognized as the No. 1 most diverse public university in Florida.
As of February 2025, Florida Atlantic is a Research 1 (R1) institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. An R1 classification is the most prestigious research accolade for universities in the USA. This status designates a university as having “very high research activity” and is the most prestigious research level of universities in the U.S. Only 187 U.S. universities hold R1 status. Florida Atlantic’s programs and faculty members have been awarded more than $75 million in research awards, signifying the university’s commitment to research and innovation.
With the university’s reputation as an esteemed academic institution, Florida Atlantic delivers exciting prospects for international students, from top academics and career preparation to on-campus involvement to an ideal location in southeastern Florida.
Academic and Career Preparation
Florida Atlantic connects students with academic and hands-on opportunities that increase their employment options. With affordable degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the university offers students the chance to build their CVs while studying. Each year, Florida Atlantic students participate in 6,2000+ registered internships across well-known companies including Google, Apple, General Motors (GM), and others. In special interest for international students, the university offers more than 30 bachelor’s and master’s degrees designated with a STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension.
Inclusivity and Diversity
Florida Atlantic understands the need for inclusivity, featuring more than 400 clubs and organizations for students. To carve a sense of community and belonging, Florida Atlantic has established clubs like the Indian Student Association, the Asian American Association, the Asian Student Union, FAU Indo Grooves, Global Owls, and the Global Student Success Program, to support and encourage student diversity and inclusion. The university is known to be warm to its students and make them feel at ease: more than 57% of the student body is from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and the university hosts more than 5,000 student-led events annually.
Florida Location
Warmth extends beyond the Florida Atlantic campus in Boca Raton, as the Atlantic Coast is less than 10 minutes from the university. Boca Raton features beautiful parks, beaches, and golf courses, and it is an entrepreneurial and technology hub within two hours of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Florida maintains the fourth largest economy among the U.S. states and territories, giving plenty of opportunities for students to secure job training and professional opportunities across the state (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024).
Karan Lalit Vice President, of Global Student Acquisitionin North America and Regional Director South Asia, Study Group said, “Every student who dares to dream has the potential to realize their goals. As a staunch enabler of their ambitions, Study Group is committed to supporting Indian students through every step of their international academic journey as they enroll at Florida Atlantic, a university that offers many opportunities to provide students the education and exposure they deserve. Study Group remains dedicated to supporting Indian students in accessing world-class education prospects at institutions like the Florida Atlantic University, thereby paving the way for attractive global career prospects in the global higher education landscape.”
Strong Mind, Strong Performance: How TM Enhances Workplace Well-Being
New Delhi, 10th March 2025: In today’s high-pressure corporate world, Transcendental Meditation is gaining popularity as a science-backed practice proven to reduce stress and boost mental clarity, enhancing both productivity and well-being. This method was originally taught by Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s. Since then, Fortune 100 companies and even other top Indian companies have adopted this method to improve the productivity of the workforce. But what is TM, and how does it work? By following this method for only 20 minutes in the morning and evening, the employees can undergo deep relaxation, enhanced concentration, and improved resiliency. This changes the work culture in the offices and improves the overall productivity of the workforce.
Organised by Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, TM is practiced by millions scattered all over the globe, even the top CEOs of the Fortune 100 firms. Sumitomo, General Motors, Tata, BHEL, Ericsson, IBM, Toyota, and even Indian business houses like ICICI Bank, Maruti, and Infosys have incorporated TM into their organizations through the Maharishi Corporate Development Programme (MCDP) and have seen marvelous outcomes.
The impact of Transcendental Meditation in the workplace is confirmed by Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA research studies that measured a reduction in the level of stress, enhanced decision-making, and increased overall well-being of employees. TM-practicing companies have measured a 57% boost in productivity, a 56% reduction in hospitalization rates, and a 50% reduction in doctor visits.
Aditi Shrivastava, Senior Transcendental Meditation Teacher, states, “TM is a natural, effortless technique that makes corporate cultures better. It enhances mental sharpness and stress reduction that allows a professional to work to their best while being relaxed. Corporations employing TM have more cooperation from employees, productivity, and overall peace in the corporation.”
By specially tailored corporate programs with initial workshops and further in-depth training, businesses are able to offer Transcendental Meditation to their employees. Because of this, the Maharishi Corporate Development Programme offers integrative training tailor-made for the business world. Executive managers from various businesses have come forward with success testimonials of how TM has kept them balanced, created creativity, and enhanced resilience in their high-stress professional lives.
Hearing loss in elderly
By: Dr. Rohit Udaya Prasad, Lead & Senior Consultant – ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgery, Aster RV Hospital
Hearing loss in elderly is an issue which is seen in almost every household in our country which can range from mild to severe – profound levels.
It’s generally the elephant in the room and is least expressed by the elderly and addressed by the family. Visual impairment has the immediate attention of the person who has it but hearing loss in elderly is addressed late or never. In our society hearing impaired elderly aren’t sympathized and assisted as much as you see with visually impaired people.
Hearing loss progressively leads to poor socializing skills where the elderly isolate themselves from day-to-day conversations and prefer solitude. Many a times while conversing with hearing impaired elderly we notice they smile when unable to have the clarity in a conversation or would reply differently. Day to day activities need listening spoken language and active conversations especially in the elderly as it’s one such activity which isn’t physically demanding.
This keeps them mentally engaged and helps to have a good memory with recent activities. Usually, the family of the hearing impaired find the conversations tasking and bring them for a hearing assessment. Some of the hearing impaired do visit on their own accord and get an assessment as they are more socially active and also professionally engaged.
Appropriate hearing evaluation with continuous engagement of the patient with hearing loss is needed to make them understand the nature of hearing loss and the possible solutions. Hearing solutions can range from as simple as a hearing aid to a cochlear implant surgery.
Cochlear implants in the geriatric age group is done in cases where they no more benefit with a hearing aid due to the severe/ profound nature of hearing loss. Providing the cochlear implant device via surgery to the elderly also has its challenges when they have other health issues. Optimizing the patient with a good multi-disciplinary approach prior to surgical intervention is done prior the cochlear implant surgery. Intervening at the right time without worrying about hearing assistance as a taboo is much needed in today’s society.
Dementia, depression is worsened due to hearing loss in elderly which can be tackled with simple hearing solutions at the right time.
Experience Innovation: JTOTO’s Stunning Bathroom Installation at ISH 2025
Mumbai, 10 March 2025 – TOTO, Japan’s global leader in sanitary ware and bathroom solutions, returns to Forum0 at ISH 2025 with an immersive showcase of innovation, elegance, and renowned Japanese hospitality. Visitors can explore a captivating installation featuring cutting-edge products, exquisite sanitary ceramics, premium faucets, and thoughtfully designed accessories.
Renowned for redefining bathroom experiences, TOTO brings a fresh perspective to ISH 2025. This year’s exhibition introduces innovative designs that blend contemporary aesthetics with functional excellence, setting new standards in modern minimalism.
TOTO is expanding its design palette with striking matte black and white finishes, offering greater creative flexibility for bathroom interiors. These new surfaces, along with TOTO’s visionary approach to intimate hygiene, provide a glimpse into the future of bathroom design.
TOTO’s experts will be available for in-depth discussions and personalized tours, offering visitors a closer look at the brand’s latest innovations and craftsmanship.
Press Information
TOTO’s ISH 2025 showcase in Forum0 is a testament to human-centered innovation, emphasizing comfort and hygiene —values deeply rooted in Japanese culture and design philosophy. Among the highlights is the newly introduced TA Vessel in an elegant matte black finish. This asymmetrical, organic design exudes sophistication with its velvety texture, adding a contemporary touch to modern bathrooms. Crafted from ultra-thin yet highly durable LINERACERAM, TA Vessel seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality. Also available in matte white, its soft curves and non-glossy surface create a refined, understated appeal, making it a versatile addition to any space.
POCO M7 5G The Ultimate Smartphone Upgrade, Now on Flipkart
National, 10 March 2025: A smartphone that delivers power, style, and future-ready 5G—all at a price that fits your budget! POCO, India’s fastest-growing consumer tech brand, announces the first sale of POCO M7 5G, a feature-packed device designed for young achievers, students, and everyday users who want more for less.
Available exclusively on POCO M7 5G is the perfect upgrade for anyone looking for a powerful smartphone with a bigger display, smoother performance, and future-ready 5G—at a price that makes sense.
Limited Time First Sale Offers!
✅ Unbeatable Launch Price: 6GB+128GB at ₹9,999 | 8GB+128GB at ₹10,999 – Special 1st Day Sale Price
Why POCO M7 5G is the Smartest Choice for Users Across India?
- Your Best Upgrade Yet: Whether switching from 4G or upgrading from a basic smartphone, POCO M7 5G gives you flagship-like power at a budget price.
- Biggest Display for Movies & Reels: Segment’s largest 6.88” screen lets you enjoy entertainment just like on a smart TV.
- Capture Every Festival & Moment: 50MP Sony Sensor ensures sharp and detailed photos, even in low light.
- All-Day Battery for Non-Stop Hustle: 5160mAh battery + 33W charger (in-box) keeps you connected all day.
- 5G Speeds, Affordable Price: No more slow networks! M7 5G brings ultra-fast connectivity to users ready to experience the future.
JK Lakshmi Cement Welcomes Growth with rupees11,000 Crore Investment in Assam
Mumbai, 10 March 2025: In a significant move to bolster India’s infrastructure and economic growth, JK Lakshmi Cement (JKLC), one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Assam at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit. The agreement, formalized by Shri Arun Shukla, President & Director of JK Lakshmi Cement, in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, marks a major milestone in the company’s expansion and commitment to sustainable development.
As part of this MoU, JK Lakshmi Cement will invest ₹11,000 Crore over the next 7-8 years to develop a Greenfield project dedicated to cement production and value-added products. This initiative underscores JK Lakshmi Cement’s dedication to sustainable growth and its contribution to the economic development of the region.
The project further aligns with the Government of India’s focus on positioning the Northeast region as a hub for industrial and infrastructural growth. By integrating sustainable practices, JK Lakshmi Cement aims to set a benchmark for environmentally responsible industrial expansion in the country. This investment is poised to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region and the nation at large. Moreover, the initiative reinforces India’s position as a rapidly growing economy, attracting significant investments in critical sectors like infrastructure and manufacturing, while supporting the nation’s vision of inclusive and sustainable progress.
Shri Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Assam Government on this transformative project. This partnership underscores our commitment to sustainable industrial expansion and aligns with our vision to achieve 30 MT by 2030. Beyond strengthening Assam’s infrastructure, this initiative will generate employment opportunities and catalyze economic growth in the region, while contributing to the nation’s broader goals of self-reliance and inclusive development.”
With a strong emphasis on environmentally responsible practices, the Greenfield project is a testament to JK Lakshmi Cement’s dedication to nation-building while upholding the highest environmental standards. The company aims to ensure that this project not only fuels economic progress but also integrates sustainable solutions for long-term impact.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit serves as a vital platform for fostering government and industry collaborations to drive regional development.
CHA Republic Expands to Bangalore with First Store at 1 Sobha
Bangalore, March 10, 2025 – CHA Republic, India’s pioneering bubble tea brand, is all set to make waves in Bangalore with the launch of its first store in the city at 1 Sobha on March 7, 2025. Born in Chennai as a passion project to introduce India to the global bubble tea phenomenon, CHA Republic has quickly grown into a household name, redefining the way Indians experience tea. Now, as it expands beyond its roots, Bangalore’s dynamic, trend-savvy market marks the perfect next step in the brand’s journey.
Bangalore’s evolving café culture, urban population, and strong social media influence make it an ideal destination for CHA Republic’s next phase of growth. With an increasing demand for customisable, Instagrammable, and premium beverages, the brand is poised to captivate the city’s boba-loving audience.
“Started from a single store in Chennai to expanding across cities, CHA Republic has always been about bringing people together over great flavours and fun experiences,” said Vanitha Ramasamy, Founder of CHA Republic. “Bangalore is a city that thrives on innovation and global trends, and we’re excited to introduce our handcrafted bubble teas to a whole new audience who appreciate variety, customisation, and sustainability.”
Operating throughout the day as per the mall’s hours, the new outlet will offer CHA Republic’s signature handcrafted bubble teas—from classic milk teas and refreshing fruit-infused blends to trendy sugar-free and non-dairy alternatives. Staying true to its eco-conscious ethos, the brand will continue using recyclable PET cans and paper straws, making sustainability a part of every sip.
To celebrate its Bangalore debut, CHA Republic has invited local influencers and food bloggers to experience and share their take on its signature boba creations. This initiative aims to introduce the brand to the city’s vibrant food-loving community and create a buzzworthy entry into the Bangalore beverage scene.
With this expansion, CHA Republic continues its journey of bringing handcrafted, high-quality bubble tea to tea lovers across India—one city at a time.
TechX Bangalore: WeWork India Commends Innovation and Collaboration
Bengaluru, March 10, 2025: WeWork India Management Limited (“WeWork India”), one of India’s leading premium flexible workspace operators, hosted the inaugural edition of ‘WeWork Tech X’ in Bengaluru recently with a focus on shaping a tech-forward tomorrow. As a tech-focused organization, WeWork India follows a data-backed and tech-based approach that’s designed to enhance the member experience, property management, and operational efficiency. With an aim to drive conversation about the future of tech, the summit brought together some of the brightest minds in the tech industry to discuss the future of technology and its impact on businesses.
The summit gathered a distinguished audience, including tech heads, CTOs, data science experts, and multiple tech enthusiasts from various industries. Keynotes and panel discussions were conducted with industry leaders, including Goda Ramkumar (Head of Data Science at Swiggy), Saurabh Arora – CTO & Co-founder – Plum, Jeyandran Venugopal (Chief Product and Technology Officer of Flipkart), and Hemant Khandelwal (Ex-SVP, Amagi) – who shared their insights on the future of AI and tech innovation.
Commenting on the first edition of TechX, Rupesh Kumar, Head of Engineering, WeWork India stated, “At WeWork India, we’re not just keeping pace with technological changes but we are driving it. We believe in creating smart, intuitive workspaces that enhance productivity and foster innovation. Our approach is about integrating technology seamlessly so that it empowers our community and members. Our existing tech infrastructure includes Zoapi, Workplace as well as the WeWork app – which is embedded into our centres and member experience. With WeWork TechX we want to create a platform where we share and evolve these ideas, initiate opportunities for networking, while ensuring that technology truly serves and enhances the human experience at work.”
A key highlight of the summit was the CTO roundtable, where tech leaders discussed the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing influence on businesses. Hemant Khandelwal, Building Stealth AI Startup, shared his perspective on AI’s role in automation and business growth, “The key to AI’s impact lies in its ability to automate intelligently. This allows the workforce to tackle more complex challenges, driving innovation and growth. AI should be seen as a partner in innovation and not just a tool for streamlining operations.”
The summit brought together over 200 technology enthusiasts and experts to discuss the future of AI, workspaces, and business innovation. In addition to the insightful sessions, there were tech talks, and a talent booth for techies to explore career opportunities at WeWork India, and an open networking session. With TechX, WeWork India has taken a significant step towards driving conversations around tech in flex and real estate.
SS Innovations Launches India’s First Mobile Tele-Robotic Surgery Unit
New Delhi, 10th March 2025: SS Innovations, the maker of India’s first and only home-grown surgical robotic system, SSI Mantra, has unveiled the SSI Mantra Tele-Sync Mobile Unit, well known as SSI MantraM– India’s first-of-its-kind mobile tele-robotic surgery unit. This revolutionary unit, designed as “telesurgery on wheels,” brings advanced surgical care closer to patients. It enables real-time collaboration for surgeons to perform or guide procedures remotely with minimal latency.
Built on a BharatBenz 1824 chassis, SSI MantraM has a gross vehicle weight rating of 18,500 kg and measures 11.9 meters in length, 2.59 meters in width, and 3.49 meters in height. The total cost of SSI MantraM including structural modifications, is approximately INR 1.3 Crores. However, this cost excludes the SSI Mantra Surgical Robotic System, whose price varies based on features and robotic arm configurations.
SSI has meticulously custom-designed the entire bus structure, including a reinforced base and locking mechanisms to minimise vibrations and secure the robotic system. Actuator-based patient-side carts provide precision and stability, while custom power and data circuitry ensure seamless operation. The expandable cabin space accommodates surgical requirements, and an air suspension system reduces road vibrations to protect sensitive electronics. Dedicated mounting points and locking systems secure equipment integration, while a well-ventilated, air-conditioned layout maintains optimal conditions at 21°C ± 3°C and 55% RH. The system is EMI/EMC-compliant to prevent electrical interference.
Designed to serve underserved regions, SSI MantraM is equipped with backup power systems, including onboard 5 kVA generators and external power compatibility, ensuring uninterrupted telesurgery capabilities even in remote locations. Its 380-litre fuel tank allows for extensive travel, making it well-suited for rural and remote transportation. With high-speed telecommunication systems and ongoing R&D into satellite connectivity, the unit has the potential to enable remote telerobotic surgeries in even the most inaccessible areas.
Speaking on the launch of SSI MantraM, Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder & Chairman of SS Innovations said, “SSI MantraM is more than just a mobile telesurgical unit, it is a movement towards democratizing and decentralizing world-class healthcare. This initial version of SSI MantraM illustrates the immense potential of bringing gold-standard remote surgical capabilities to underserved communities. Beyond tele-surgical procedures, SSI MantraM serves as a powerful platform for surgical education, tele-mentoring, and real-time patient data analytics. With continuous research and innovation, SSI is taking a major step toward ensuring that advanced robotic surgery reaches those who need it most.”
SSI has designed SSI MantraM with a special entrance and ramp for safe robotic system movement, reinforced locking mechanisms to minimize vibrations, and actuator-based carts to maintain calibration. The actuator-based design ensures the patient-side carts remain firmly in place, preserving the delicate calibration and integrity of the robotic arms. To optimize space, the unit features an extendible cabin, providing ample room for medical staff to perform or assist in telesurgical procedures. Additionally, multiple entry and exit points (one at the rear and two on the side panels) enhance the efficient movement of personnel and equipment. For safety and focus during procedures, a separate driver’s cabin isolates the operating and patient area from the driving compartment, ensuring an uninterrupted surgical environment.
SSI MantraM is a testament to SS Innovation’s unwavering commitment to revolutionizing healthcare through innovation and precision engineering. By continuously advancing its capabilities, from satellite-enabled remote procedures to fully equipped surgical units, SSI is redefining the possibilities of mobile healthcare. This initiative is not just about technology; it’s about breaking barriers and ensuring that life-saving, world-class surgical care reaches even the most remote and underserved communities.