28, May 2025
Experts Call for Access Reforms Amid Rising Cases of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in Mumbai
Mumbai, 28th May 2025 – In a city recognized for its premier cancer treatment centers, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) remains a growing yet under-recognized health emergency. At an awareness discussion hosted by AbbVie India, leading oncologists, from the city spoke the need to examine Mumbai’s AML burden and its impact on healthcare access, survival outcomes, and affordability. For many patients, the onset is silent, the symptoms vague, and the window for intervention tragically narrow. Despite global strides in targeted therapies and diagnostics, India still faces major challenges in awareness, access, and affordability. With cases gradually rising, experts are calling for AML to be recognized as a national health priority to prevent avoidable loss of life.
Though Mumbai houses renowned oncology centers, access to molecular diagnostics and AML-targeted therapies remains limited outside certain hospitals. Many patients delay treatment due to financial constraints or seek care in late stages when treatment is less effective.
Dr. Abhay A. Bhave, MD, FRCPA(Australia) ,Haematologist, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre in Bandra West, Mumbai said, “Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), while rare among all haematological malignancies, is the most feared one. It has an excellent chemotherapy combination for control of disease, including deep remission (control, not cure), but is fraught with complications, including life-threatening ones due to severe infections and bone marrow suppression. Literally, we carpet bomb the bone marrow with chemotherapy and hope that the fire settles in time to allow normal blood cells to regrow in the bone marrow! Sometimes this fire is uncontrolled, and we remain helplessly as passive onlookers. Fortunately, with better supportive care and facilities and with earlier diagnosis, we can still win in many of these patients and plan at least a functional cure with treatment followed by bone marrow transplantation.”
He further added, “AML can be a relapsing, relentless disease based on the genes that cause this disease. Fortunately, many new agents are available in the Indian market that allow precision therapy and hence better outcomes. However, this adds to cost and not all patients are able to avail the same. Also Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (normal HLA-matched stem cells from a relative or unrelated donor given to the patient) is expensive and not easy to obtain.”
“In 60% of the AML cases we see, patients arrive in advanced stages with infection and bleeding which impairs our ability to give full treatment to such patients. However with advent of newer agents which are non chemo therapy we are able to give a chance of treatment to such difficult patient presentations. Better public and physician awareness along with routine molecular screening may help save many lives said, Dr Punit L Jain, MBBS, MD, DM (Clinical Hematology) Fellowship (Leukemia) MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA |,Oncology at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai
Advances in AML Treatment: A Hopeful Shift
Traditional chemotherapy, the mainstay of AML treatment, has often been poorly tolerated, especially in older patients. However, the emergence of targeted therapies—which act on specific genetic mutations driving the disease—has dramatically improved remission rates, reduced toxicity, and enhanced quality of life for patients globally.
India, however, has yet to fully benefit from these advancements. Access to molecular and genetic testing remains largely confined to private urban centers. Targeted drugs are often unaffordable, as they are not included in public health schemes or the National Cancer Drug Registry.
Policy Imperatives: A Roadmap for Transforming AML Care in India
To address the unmet needs in AML diagnosis and treatment, stakeholders are urging the Indian healthcare system to adopt a multi-pronged strategy:
- Recognize AML as a Public Health Priority: Integrate AML into the national cancer control strategy to enable focused funding, epidemiological tracking, and research prioritization.
- Expand Access to Diagnostics: Establish infrastructure for molecular and genetic testing at government and tertiary care hospitals. Promote public-private partnerships to train diagnostic personnel and scale up access.
- List AML-targeted Therapies in the National Cancer Drug Registry: Ensure regulatory inclusion of new therapies and adopt pricing mechanisms like subsidies or government procurement to reduce costs.
- Reform Insurance and Reimbursement: Include AML-targeted therapies in Ayushman Bharat and private insurance schemes to ease out-of-pocket expenditure for patients.
- Launch a National Awareness and Screening Program: Drive public education on early AML symptoms through national campaigns and equip general practitioners with tools for early detection.
- Integrate AML into National Health Data Systems: Link AML cases to digital health records and cancer registries for real-time tracking and better health planning.
- Support Clinical Research and Trials: Provide regulatory and financial incentives for India-focused AML research to enable locally viable treatment protocols and innovations.
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- By Neel Achary
28, May 2025
Thomas Cook & SOTC Unveil 2025 India Travel Trends in Latest Holiday Report
Mumbai, May 28, 2025: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company SOTC Travel, have released their India Holiday Report 2025 – a comprehensive study capturing the evolving aspirations and travel behaviour of Indian consumers. The survey conducted across digital platforms covering over 2500 respondents (a combination of past Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel customers, as well as non-customers) over a duration of one month, reflects a significant shift driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential holidays.
With 85% of Indians planning to increase their frequency of holidays and a significant number intending to boost budgets by up to 50%—the report paints a picture of a booming travel economy. Experiential and event-led travel such as polar/ icebreaker cruises, music concerts, global sporting events, wildlife safaris, gastronomy and vineyard trails, stargazing camps and phenomenon travel (Northern Lights, Cherry Blossom, Midnight Sun, etc.) are at the forefront of Indian travellers’ preferences. Phygital journeys, blending digital discovery with human touch-points, continue to influence and drive bookings. Additionally, travellers are showing a clear inclination towards longer holidays – both domestic and international. Today’s new-age Indian traveller is also keen on spiritual travel, hidden-gems and distinctive accommodation like igloos, treehouses, chalets-chateaux…
Key findings include:
1. Key Holiday Drivers: Travel has now become a necessity – an essential part of the Indian lifestyle and is driven by factors like:
• Influence of Social media, OTT platforms and Movies: 60% respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions
• Simplified visa processes and easy access: 44% respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, Sri Lanka; while countries that issue long-term visas are also seeing uptick like the Australia, Japan, USA
• Enhanced connectivity: 43% Introduction of new routes and direct flights are significantly improving accessibility – fuelling travel demand not just from metros, but significantly from India’s rapidly growing Regional Tier 1 & 2 markets
• Indian consumers continue to remain value-seekers: 39% prefer to actively seek promotions, highlighting the strong influence of discounts/special offers on their purchasing decisions. Promotional campaigns & deals from tour operators and tourism boards are driving travel interest. At the same time, there is a clear shift towards trusted travel brands for premium holiday experiences, reflecting a focus on reliability
• Word of mouth still relevant: 30% of respondents reported that recommendations from friends, family and colleagues continue to impact their holiday decisions
2. Increased frequency of Holidays and Longer Stays:
• Holidays set to double/Triple: 85% of respondents plan to increase their holidays from 2 per year to 4-6 trips annually
• Smart planning fuels mini-cations: 47% of respondents intend to leverage long weekends/ public holidays for short getaways
• Equally, Strong shift towards longer trips with 54% respondents preferring longer holidays by extending for an additional 5-10 days, to create holidays of an average of 8-15 days
3. Strong Holiday Spend Intent:
• Approximately 84% of respondents plan to increase their travel spends by 20-50% in 2025, with over 18% intending to boost budgets by a significant 50%
• This mirrors a broader trend, where travellers are allocating more budgets to gastronomy, experiences and shopping – including premium outlets like McArthurGlen and Bicester Village
4. Evolving Travel Companion Preferences:
• Travelling together remains the preferred mode, with 90% opting for company. Multigenerational families (65%) lead the chart, followed by couples (60%) and a rising segment—‘frolleagues’ (colleagues who double as friends) at 28%; Solo at 10%
• Family bonding trips on the rise: There’s been an increase in travel experiences focused on family connections, such as mother-daughter trips and sibling/cousin holidays
• Growing subsets, including solo female travellers, also in older age groups and empty nesters, reflecting diverse companion preferences across demographics
5. Experiential Travel Takes Centre Stage:
• Close to 75% respondents indicating strong interest for experience-led holidays
• Over 45% of respondents are prioritizing phenomenon-based travel (like Northern Lights – Norway, Murmansk; Japan-S Korea’s Cherry blossoms; Midnight sun –Iceland, Russia) – a pivot towards bucket list experiences
• Uptick in Safaris, self-drives, outdoor adventures (32%)
• Gastronomy (26%) reflecting – evolving palates and desire to experiment – with France, Spain, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea
• Event tourism—global music concerts, sporting events and festivals are also on the rise, aligning with a focus on entertainment-driven travel experiences (22%). Australia, Abu Dhabi, Thailand
Spa-Wellness (19%) Relaxation & rejuvenation seeing demand – especially in destinations like Thailand, Bali, Kerala
6. Premium & Luxury Holidays on the Rise:
• Over 36% respondents are opting for premium experiences like transportation via super cars/bikes, luxury cruise holidays (Scandinavia, Mediterranean, USA), private island dining in Australia, upscale stays in boutique hotels, French chateaux/Swiss chalets, heritage properties in India, glacier landings in New Zealand
7. Destination Preferences:
• Internationally, Europe continues to top the list (50%) led by Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany; Eastern Europe’s Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia emerging well. Short-hauls like Southeast Asia follows with favourites like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore (46%); also Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Ras Al-Khaimah (37%); Japan & South Korea (35%) and Australia-New Zealand¬ (26%); Island locales – Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, Sri Lanka (22%); South Africa & Kenya (12%)
• Central Asia’s Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan (32%) signal growing interest for unique short hauls with easy access and affordability
• Morocco, Iceland, Greenland (8%) emerging on the radar
• For travel in India and subcontinent: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (55%) remain top favourites; North East (25%); Bhutan (32%); Rajasthan & Kerala (21%). Island/beach escapes like Andaman & Lakshadweep (3%); are also gaining strong momentum; Goa (13%)
8. Increasing Demand for New Travel formats: Indians are increasingly opting for new and unique travel formats
• Cruises (45%), self-drives (35%) and scenic train journeys (20%) have entered the top three holiday travel formats apart from flights, as more travellers seek unique, curated, comfort-first experiences.
• Cruises across domestic and international for both ocean and river options, are emerging as popular choices
• This shift reflects the growing appeal of slow, immersive travel over rushed itineraries, including sustainable options like scenic train journeys in Switzerland
9. Booking Patterns: Travellers are increasingly using a blend of digital platforms for research, contact centers and retail outlets for bookings, making phygital journeys a key driver of conversions
• 58% prefer a mix of online convenience with offline guidance (phygital), 59% opt for in-person visits to tour agency or talking over the phone while 68% book online
• While digital adoption is growing, there remains a strong dependency on in-person visits to agencies, valued for the human touch, personalized guidance and expert recommendations
10. Travellers Equally Divided Across Travel Styles: The report reveals a near-equal distribution in travellers preferences for type of holidays
• 35% prefer partially guided tours, valuing a balance of structure and autonomy
• 33% respondents opted for fully packaged and guided tours, seeking a seamless, worry-free experience. Interestingly an equal number of respondents (32%) opted for entirely self-planned journeys
11. Sustainability focus: 37% of respondents are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and eco-conscious practices in their travel choices
12. Impact of AI & Tech on Travel Planning: The rise of AI and technology is transforming travel planning, with 35% of travellers using digital platforms for research, bookings and itinerary planning
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, “The Indian traveller story is no longer just about destinations—it’s a reflection of evolving lifestyles and rising aspirations. Our Holiday Report 2025 clearly signals the emergence of a bold, experience-first traveller mind-set. Indians are not only travelling more, but also increasing spends – choosing depth, discovery and emotion over traditional sightseeing tours. While multigenerational family segments continue to lead, we are seeing strong emergence of new travel subsets like frolleagues and solo travellers.
Our Holiday Report 25 reflects a strong shift towards offbeat travel and emerging destinations like phenomenon travel – whether it’s experiencing cherry blossoms in Japan/South Korea or witnessing the midnight sun in Scandinavia/Russia. At Thomas Cook, we’re excited to witness the rapid evolution of Indian travellers and are curating exciting holidays that reflect this experience-first outlook.”SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel, said, “Our Holiday Report 2025 reflects evolving travel formats, with Indians moving away from rushed itineraries in favour of comfort-first, immersive experiences. Slow travel is seeing an uptick, with river and ocean cruises and sustainable rail journeys offering unique opportunities for exploration. Additionally, spiritual/pilgrimage tourism is on the rise – with our ‘darshans’ portfolio coupled with adventure tourism is gaining popularity – interestingly from young India’s millennials and GenZ.
Booking behaviours have also shifted—while Indians are researching online, they continue to value expert guidance, making SOTC’s phygital approach a key driver of trust and convenience. At SOTC, we’re proud to offer experiences to suit every Indian traveller segment. With over 75 years of experience and a deep understanding of Indian travellers’ evolving needs, SOTC ensures that every journey is memorable and enriching.”
The Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s India Holiday Report 2025 showcases the Companies’ commitment to understanding evolving traveller preferences and catering their offerings accordingly. While the 2025 findings delve deeper into emerging patterns, the consistent trend line from 2023 to 2025 is unmistakable: India is travelling more, spending more and wanting more from every holiday.
28, May 2025
Indian HR Leaders Expect Agentic AI Adoption to Grow 383% by 2027
National, 28 May 2025: Salesforce’s latest research, which surveyed 200 global human resource executives, reveals that digital labor isn’t just a trend — it’s a business strategy revolution. With AI agent adoption expected to jump 383% over the next two years, leading to a productivity gain of 41.7%, HR leaders in India are reimagining the way organizations structure and skill their workforce. The findings reveal that CHROs in India expect to redeploy nearly a quarter (24.7%) of their workforce as their organizations implement and embrace digital labor.
The study also highlighted a growing focus on AI reskilling programs. 88% of Indian HR chiefs are or are planning to reskill their workers to be more competitive in a market shaped by AI agents. Most of these leaders (81%) also agree that soft skills like relationship building and collaboration will be even more critical as humans work alongside agents.
Why it matters: 85% of Indian HR leaders agree the workforce will be made up of humans and agents in the next five years. And yet, 88% say their organizations have yet to implement agentic AI and 63% say employees don’t yet understand how digital labor will impact their work. As agentic AI reshapes the workplace — and the skills workers need to succeed — understanding how HR leaders are ensuring organizational resilience is critically important.
Comments on the news:
“We’re in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime transformation of work with digital labor that is unlocking new levels of productivity, autonomy, and agency at a speed never before thought possible,” said Nathalie Scardino, President and Chief People Officer at Salesforce. “Every industry must redesign jobs, reskill, and redeploy talent — and every employee will need to learn new human, agent, and business skills to thrive in the digital labor revolution.”
Key insights from the research include:
- HR leaders in India believe digital labor is the future and its integration is critical to their role
85% believe that within five years, most workforces will have humans and AI agents/digital labor working together.
92% of CHROs say that integrating digital labor alongside their existing workforce will be a critical part of their job.
CHROs project a 383% growth in agent adoption within their organizations by 2027 (from 12% adoption today to 58% two years from now).
Once agentic AI is fully implemented, CHROs expect an average employee productivity gain of 41.7% and a 26.2% reduction in labor costs. - CHROs in India plan to reskill and redeploy their employees to work alongside agents
83% of CHROs believe AI agents/digital labor will transform their organizational structure.
93% of CHROs believe AI agents/digital labor will empower them to reassign employees to new, more relevant roles.
They anticipate redeploying nearly a quarter (24.7%) of the workforce to new roles or teams.
88% of CHROs believe redeployment is the more cost-effective approach compared to hiring outside the business for new roles.
88% of CHROs are either already reskilling (15%) or plan to reskill (73%) employees for roles with better future opportunities. - With 88% of businesses yet to embrace agentic AI, CHROs in India direct near-term efforts toward AI implementation — including IT and research and development
CHROs anticipate research and development (R&D) (59%), IT (51%), and sales teams (34%) will grow as their business begins to adopt AI agents.
CHROs plan to reassign employees to governance, compliance, and ethics roles (60%), like defining standards and monitoring AI inputs, and technical roles (60%), like data scientists or technical architects, in the near term.
CHROs believe AI literacy is the number one skill workers need as businesses move into the agentic economy. - As businesses implement digital labor strategies, CHROs in India believe soft skills and relationship-building roles will become more valuable
81% of CHROs say AI agents/digital labor will increase the need for soft skills at their organization.
CHROs also plan to reassign employees to relationship-building roles (54%), like partnerships and account management and say collaboration and adaptability skills will be valuable in the agentic economy. - Despite the urgency of digital labor, many Indian HR chiefs are still in early planning phases with preparing their workforce.
Just 12% of Indian CHROs say their organization has fully implemented agentic AI.
63% of Indian HR chiefs say their employees remain unaware of how AI agents will impact their work
28, May 2025
Rosatom Presented Solutions for the Region’s Sustainable Development at the NT2E Forum in Brazil
Moscow, 28th May 2025 – The State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom took part in the NT2E-2025 Forum (Nuclear Trade & Technology Exchange) – the largest nuclear industry event in Latin America. The forum brought together more than 2,700 participants, including representatives of government agencies, businesses, academia, and international organizations, highlighting the growing role of Russian-Brazilian cooperation in the energy and climate agenda.
Rosatom’s corporate booth featured key solutions for Brazil – from small modular reactors (SMRs) to strengthen energy system resilience and supply power to remote regions, to approaches for managing used nuclear fuel, which is particularly relevant for the Angra nuclear power plant and nuclear medicine, one of the Forum’s key discussion topics.
Ivan Dybov, Director of Rosatom America Latina, spoke at the Forum’s opening plenary session. In his address, he focused on the sustainable and expanding cooperation between Russia and Brazil in the nuclear sector: “For Rosatom, developing relations with Brazilian partners in the peaceful use of nuclear energy is among our strategic priorities. Our partnership began over 30 years ago. Today, Rosatom supplies 100 % of the enriched uranium needs of the Angra nuclear power plant, which generates electricity for São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and also provides the Brazilian market with medical isotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Emphasizing the importance of nuclear projects in addressing climate challenges and regional development, we are ready to expand our cooperation by offering Brazil both small modular nuclear power plants (SMRs) and large-capacity power units to strengthen the national energy system – technologies whose reliability is backed by the 80-year history of the Russian nuclear industry.”
At the session “Engaging the New Generation: The Future of the Nuclear Sector”, Elena Vesna, Vice-Rector of MEPhI, emphasized that international cooperation and academic exchange are fundamental to training highly qualified professionals who will shape the future of the nuclear sector. The National Research Nuclear University MEPhI trains specialists for Rosatom’s international projects and is among the world’s leading universities in the field of nuclear energy. Within the cooperation with Brazil, an updated agreement with IPEN (Brazil’s Institute for Energy and Nuclear Research) was signed in 2024, and a joint “1+1” Master’s program in nuclear engineering is scheduled to launch in 2025. Currently, 48 Latin American students from Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador are studying at MEPhI.
During the discussion “Global SMR Projects”, Ruan Souza (Rosatom America Latina) highlighted the potential of SMR technology in Brazil: “Small modular reactors are not a concept of the future, but a practical solution for energy access, decarbonization, and the development of remote areas. SMRs provide clean energy at predictable prices, are easily scalable, and are suitable for isolated regions – not only in the Arctic, but also in Brazil’s rainforest – without harming the climate and with the potential for integration with data centers and local industry.”
In the thematic session “The Clean Energy Revolution”, he also described SMRs as a highly promising tool for replacing coal-based generation, especially given Brazil’s ongoing dependence on hydropower and its vulnerability to droughts.
At the session “Uranium Mining Market in Brazil and Globally”, Alexander Boytsov (TENEX) emphasized the importance of international cooperation and the competitive advantages of Russia’s experience in uranium logistics and processing. Rosatom’s approach is based on closing the nuclear fuel cycle. Used nuclear fuel is viewed not as waste, but as a valuable resource. As a sustainable, safe, and economically viable solution for used nuclear fuel (UNF) management, Rosatom offers partners a comprehensive product called the Balanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle (Balanced NFC).
“The Balanced NFC allows for the generation of stable and clean electricity with minimal waste, ensuring its safe and reliable isolation. Our comprehensive solution is based on innovative technologies and enables the return of up to 97% of the components of used nuclear fuel to the fuel cycle, making the use of natural resources truly responsible,” said Mikhail Baryshnikov, Director of the Department for Innovation and Technology at TENEX.
At the session “Used Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Scenarios”, Gonçalo Castillo, Business Development Manager at Rosatom America Latina, described Rosatom’s approach to environmental protection: “Rosatom has unique expertise in radioactive waste management and the remediation of radiation-affected territories. We are ready to offer Brazil not only technologies, but a step-by-step methodology for implementing such projects – from regulatory frameworks to commissioning. We transform post-industrial areas into safe platforms for new eco-friendly initiatives.”
On the sidelines of the Forum, a session of the BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform took place – an independent international initiative aimed at promoting nuclear energy as a tool for energy transition, technological sovereignty, and sustainable development. The session was titled “Financing Tools for Nuclear Projects: Development Prospects.” Participants included representatives from financial institutions, state bodies, and companies from BRICS and partner countries.
In his speech, Rosatom’s representative Stanislav Shpakovsky emphasized: “Nuclear energy must be fully integrated into the global sustainable development financing agenda as a reliable, carbon-free energy source. It is a tool that can simultaneously deliver sustainable growth, energy security, and progress toward climate goals.”
Rosatom’s participation in the Forum contributes to promoting sustainable, safe, and economically efficient nuclear technologies, building partnerships with both established industry leaders and new market entrants.
28, May 2025
ACCA and University of London launch new opportunity for students to attain a BSc degree as they study for their accountancy qualification
National, 28 May 2025: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the University of London have collaborated on the launch of a new BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy programme.
This innovative programme integrates studies for the ACCA Qualification with those for the University of London BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy into one study route, meaning that students can achieve both as part of their route to becoming members of the leading global accountancy body, which has more than quarter of a million members across 180 countries.
The BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy has been designed to fit into a student’s journey through the ACCA Qualification, with a clear pathway for those wanting to attain a degree. ACCA students will be able to apply for the degree from December 2025.
Like the ACCA Qualification, students will have the flexibility to study for the BSc online anywhere in the world. They can choose between supported online learning or, as it becomes available, face-to-face tuition support, through the University of London’s network of Recognised Teaching Centres.
Alan Hatfield, ACCA Executive Director – Content, Quality and Innovation, said: ‘Choosing between a professional and an academic qualification is a significant dilemma for many students. This new route offers a great career launchpad for those who want to do both at the same time.
‘University of London is a world-renowned university with a global reach and values that mirror ours. This new route supports our efforts to increase inclusion and opportunity in the accountancy profession, and to bridge the accountancy skills gap that exists in many countries.’
Dr Sky Zheng, Executive Director of University of London Worldwide, said: ‘We have a longstanding commitment to innovating the way we provide accessible, quality, distance education to students around the world. This includes providing courses that allow students to choose the best learning experience to suit them and their needs, whether professional or academic.
‘This BSc programme, delivered in collaboration with ACCA, gives students the best of both worlds – gaining both credentials simultaneously to improve their career prospects in global accountancy. We look forward to helping develop the next generation of qualified professionals who can meet the evolving demands of the business world.’
The BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy builds on an existing collaboration between the two bodies under which ACCA members and affiliates have the opportunity to attain an MSc in Professional Accountancy.
28, May 2025
No Plates, Just Patties – A Boomburger Ode to International Burger Day
This International Burger Day, forget the fancy and go straight for the flavour. Boomburger is serving up a mouth-watering lineup of stacked, saucy, and seriously satisfying burgers that hit all the right spots. Whether you’re craving sweet and smoky, spicy and juicy, or just straight-up indulgent, we have got the goods to make your burger binge worthwhile.
BOOM PULLED PORK BURGER – Smoky, Saucy, and Simply Unmissable
A slow-cooked pulled pork patty dripping with BBQ sauce, topped with tangy slaw and a zesty house-made aioli. It is rich, tender, and a must-have for the hardcore meat lover.
BOOM DOUBLE SMAASH BURGER – Double the Patty, Double the Pleasure
Two juicy, smashed-to-perfection beef patties, topped with oozy cheese, caramelized onions, and Boom’s signature burger sauce. The ultimate bite for when you’re all in for the beef.
BOOM BACON & JAM BURGER – Sweet, Savoury, Smoky
A thick, juicy patty layered with crispy bacon strips, a slathering of sweet onion jam, and molten cheddar. It is the perfect mash-up of sweet and savoury that you won’t forget.
BOOM PORK AND APPLE BURGER – A Bite of Bold & Bright
A succulent pork patty paired with a crisp apple slaw and tangy mustard aioli. It’s sweet, smoky, and refreshingly different – just the way we like it.
28, May 2025
Popees Baby Care Inaugurates Its 92nd store at Sahara Centre, Sharjah
Sharjah, May 27,2025: Popees Baby Care, one of India’s most trusted babywear brands, proudly celebrated the grand opening of its 92nd Exclusive Brand Outlet (EBO) at Sahara Centre, Sharjah. The store was inaugurated by Dr. Omar Zubair Al Marzooqi, in the esteemed presence of Mr. Shaju Thomas, Chairman & Managing Director of Popees Baby Care Pvt Ltd.
The event marked a significant milestone in Popees’ international journey, drawing a warm gathering of dignitaries, well-wishers, families, and customers.
Strategically located in one of Sharjah’s most prominent shopping destinations, the new outlet offers a premium range of stylish, skin-friendly, and affordable clothing and accessories for newborns and toddlers — all curated with the signature care and quality Popees is known for.
On the occasion, Mr. Shaju Thomas stated, “Opening our 92nd store at Sahara Centre, Sharjah, is a proud moment for all of us at Popees. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our customers and are excited to bring our trusted products closer to families in the UAE.”
This new store is Popees’ second location in the UAE, with its first branch successfully operating at Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi. With a strong retail presence across India, Popees continues to expand its global footprint — driven by a mission to provide high-quality babywear to every parent, everywhere.
28, May 2025
WTFund Opens Applications for Third Cohort Backing India’s Most Innovative Young Founders
National, Wednesday, May 28, 2025 – WTFund, India’s leading platform for entrepreneurs under 25, has opened applications for its third cohort – C1/25 inviting young, ambitious founders to apply for its pioneering non-dilutive grant and mentorship program.
Following the success of its first two cohorts, WTFund continues to champion early-stage startups by offering INR 20 lakh in non-dilutive grants per selected startup, alongside unmatched access to mentorship, strategic guidance, and a powerful network of industry leaders, operators, and investors.
Founded by investor and entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, WTFund has quickly emerged as a launchpad for India’s youngest founders. Focused on democratizing access to capital, it supports first-time entrepreneurs to scale bold ideas with global ambition.
Comprehensive Support for Young Builders
WTFund’s highly selective program offers early capital along with insights and hands-on support, giving young founders the runway to grow without the pressure of giving up equity too soon. Selected startups get hands-on support, practical mentorship, and direct access to industry leaders and domain experts – the kind of backing early-stage founders usually don’t have easy access to. What sets WTFund apart is that all of this is offered with no strings attached.
Whether building in health tech, clean energy, agri innovation, AI, or consumer tech, WTFund offers holistic support across the entire journey: from ideation to execution, crafting go-to-market strategies, and even preparing to raise capital from investors. It’s a high-impact platform built to turn bold ideas into scalable ventures.
In less than two years, WTFund has received over 5,000 applications and disbursed non-dilutive capital to high-potential startups across 50+ cities. The fund has enabled founders from all backgrounds to build scalable solutions in sectors including SaaS, D2C, EdTech, FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, and CleanTech.
28, May 2025
The Emergence of High-End Residential Projects on Dwarka Expressway
Dwarka Expressway has come a long way from being just another infrastructure project on the map. From a dusty bypass to emerging as one of the most desirable residential pockets in the NCR, the stretch is rapidly shedding its ‘upcoming’ tag. Today, it stands out not just for its connectivity but for the premium lifestyle it now offers, attracting a new generation of homebuyers and investors looking for space, convenience, and long-term value.
Besides, luxury housing is no longer a niche segment along Dwarka Expressway. As buyer aspirations shift toward smarter, more spacious living, developers are responding with amenity-rich, design-forward homes. Wellness zones, private decks, home automation, and green features have become must-haves, not add-ons. This change in demand is reflected in the numbers, too.
According to PropEquity, Dwarka Expressway in Gurugram has witnessed a five-fold jump in average housing prices in the past 14 years, with rates soaring over Rs 18,000 per square feet on rising land cost and strong demand. The data showed that 42,816 units have been launched in Dwarka Expressway between 2010-2024. The number of units sold during this period stood at 41,899 units, and this is a clear sign that premium is the new mainstream.
Moreover, the expressway’s growth is the result of multiple growth triggers coming together at the right time. With the expressway finally nearing completion after years of delays, connectivity has improved dramatically. Its proximity to the IGI Airport, Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, and the upcoming Dwarka Golf Course in Sector 24 have boosted real estate. In addition, commuters travelling between Delhi and Gurugram may soon experience reduced congestion, with the much-awaited tunnel connecting Dwarka Expressway to the IGI Airport expected to open by the end of May. Once operational, the tunnel is expected to streamline travel between key areas such as Gurugram, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, and Alipur.
Kushagr Ansal, Director Ansal Housing says, “Gurugram’s booming luxury housing market has positioned it as one of the fine localities in the NCR region, and the Dwarka Expressway is defining that growth curve. The surge in luxury residential projects along the expressway is a response to homebuyers who are investing in lifestyle, connectivity, and long-term value. Their sustained interest validates the corridor’s maturation, and we believe this will continue bringing a noticeable shift in the demand for luxury housing.”
Dimple Bhardwaj, Head Channel Sales & Marketing, Better Choice Realtors Pvt Ltd said, “The story of Dwarka Expressway is one of vision catching up with reality. From a peripheral to a growth corridor, the expressway is central to the next phase of Gurugram’s growth. As developers, we feel the corridor offers a rare opportunity to build not just premium homes, but future-ready communities. Hence, we look forward to integrating sustainability, smart design, and lifestyle conveniences that reflect the priorities of today’s evolved buyer.”
Moreover, according to Square Yards, the corridor has become Gurugram’s largest residential market in terms of cumulative new supply since 2020, outpacing even New Gurgaon and Sohna. Post-2020, annual new housing supply along the expressway has consistently crossed 10,000 units, a substantial jump from the 5,000–7,000 units launched annually before the pandemic. This momentum has encouraged prominent developers to roll out a steady pipeline of new launches, further cementing the expressway’s role in shaping Gurugram’s real estate future.
Surender Kaushik, Founder and Managing Director ARIPL said, “Sectors along Dwarka Expressway, especially pockets like Sector 102, are fast emerging as luxury residential hotspots. What sets this corridor apart is the unique mix of available land, evolving infrastructure, and pricing that still makes sense for premium developments. As developers, we’re leveraging this opportunity to create boutique, future-ready homes, where sustainability meets sophistication. We believe that in the coming years, the corridor will sustain its exponential growth in the luxury real estate market.”
Saurab Saharan, Group Managing Director of HCBS Developments, says, “Dwarka Expressway’s seamless connectivity has become a key driver of its rising capital values. Its closeness to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, an integral part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, has further elevated the region’s appeal. As more buyers actively choose luxury residences here, we’re confident this momentum will continue, reinforcing Gurugram’s position at the forefront of NCR’s premium housing boom.”
Thus, the Dwarka Expressway is set to remain a defining force in shaping Gurugram’s future as a premier real estate destination. With its strategic connectivity, rapid infrastructure development, and increasing influx of high-quality residential and commercial projects, the corridor is driving a new era of urban expansion.
28, May 2025
Infinix Levels up: Partners with Esports Titans True Rippers to Launch ‘Infinix True Rippers’ Ahead of GT 30 Pro Gaming Phone Debut
India – May 28, 2025: Infinix India, a new-age smartphone brand, has partnered with True Rippers, one of India’s most prominent Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) Esports teams. As part of this revolutionary move, the team will now compete under the ‘Infinix True Rippers’ banner – marking Infinix’s first-ever Esports team collaboration globally. The move reflects Infinix’s vision to support the rise of Esports in India and empower the next generation of Esports athletes.
This landmark deal reaffirms Infinix’s commitment to India’s gaming and Esports scene. Beyond its grassroots-level initiatives like the GT Powerplay Tournament, this collaboration aims to support the country’s top BGMI athletes while strengthening the brand’s connection with growing gamers.
The collaboration comes ahead of the launch of Infinix’s GT 30 Pro, an Esports-ready smartphone debuting on June 3. Tailored for high-performance gameplay, the GT 30 Pro offers 120 FPS support certified by BGMI Krafton and introduces dual gaming shoulder triggers—a segment-first feature aimed at competitive mobile gamers. This synergy between product innovation and strategic partnership reflects Infinix’s vision to support and empower the next generation of Esports talent.
Commenting on the partnership, Anish Kapoor, CEO at Infinix India said, “At Infinix, we’re not just witnessing the gaming revolution—we’re driving it. Teams like True Rippers are the driving force behind India’s growing Esports culture. Our collaboration is rooted in a shared belief—that gaming in India is more than just play; it’s a powerful aspiration for the youth. Today’s gamers aren’t just looking for entertainment; they’re driven by recognition, purpose, and identity. We’re proud to be among the first brands in the industry taking active steps to encourage aspiring esports athletes—empowering young gamers with products and initiatives that would be a testament to fulfilling our mission to support esports in India.
As we gear up for the launch of the GT 30 Pro, this collaboration signals more than just brand synergy—it’s about building a performance-driven ecosystem that inspires and empowers the next generation of gamers. In True Rippers, we’ve found a team whose competitive edge, creativity, and strong community presence align with our vision. Together, we’re setting the stage towards strengthening the Indian Esports ecosystem.”
Currently, Infinix True Rippers is competing in the prestigious BGMI Pro Series (BMPS) 2025 by Krafton, being one of the few elite teams in this invite-only competition. The tournament will culminate in a grand finale in New Delhi next month. The squad heads into the event in strong form, having secured a sixth-place finish at the BGMI India Series (BGIS) in Kolkata last month.
Aside from tournaments, the team will engage in ongoing co-creation with Infinix throughout the year, focusing on GT and other performance-driven smartphones.
Speaking about the partnership, Yashwanth AR, CEO at True Rippers said, “At True Rippers, we’re not just focused on building one of the best BGMI lineups in the country. We’re also committed to connecting with our young audience beyond the game through innovative content and meaningful engagement. We’re thrilled to partner with Infinix, a brand that shares our vision for trendy storytelling and performance excellence. This carefully curated collaboration is a step towards redefining how brand narratives can go beyond conventional naming rights deals.”
The Infinix True Rippers BGMI roster is comprised as follows:
· Gunjan Thakur aka Jelly
· Swaraj Singh aka KioLmao
· Ngurang Takar aka Ninzae
· Samuel Nabam aka SAM
India is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally, with over 454 million gamers in 2023, a number expected to exceed 730 million by 2028. According to Niko Partners, more than 65% of gamers either play, watch Esports, or compete in tournaments with BGMI playing a significant role in driving this engagement. Earlier this year, the BGIS 2025 recorded a peak concurrent viewership of 485,132 and amassed over 9.4 million watch hours, per Esports Charts data, showcasing the potential of the Infinix and True Rippers partnership in engaging with gamers directly.
With True Rippers’ in-game dominance and Infinix’s vision for empowering gamers beyond the screen, the Infinix True Rippers are set to become a powerful force at the intersection of technology, performance, and community-driven gaming culture.
