Category Archives: Business

Govt Recognizes IPA as Apex Pickleball Body — To Drive National Growth and Global Push

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

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

 IPA’s Vision and Youth Development Focus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The IPA Leadership

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

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

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

Coaching & Officiating Leadership

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

International Alignment and Milestones Ahead

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

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

Upcoming IPA Events

 India’s Time is Now

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

Samsung Unveils Fab Grab Fest: Massive Deals on Must-Have Tech & Home Appliances

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

Fabulous Smartphone and Laptop Deals up for Grabs

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

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

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

Big Screen Luxury at Incredible Prices

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

Smart Savings on Digital and Premium Home Appliances

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy Financing and Cashback Offers

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

Air India, Air India Express Appoint dnata as UAE Representative

GURUGRAM, 02 May 2025: Air India and Air India Express have announced the appointment of dnata as their General Sales Agent (GSA) and Representative Agency (RA), respectively, in the UAE. The agreement, formally signed at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, reflects the Air India group’s continued focus on enhancing reach and customer engagement in the strategically important UAE market.

Under this partnership, dnata will provide comprehensive sales, marketing, and distribution support to both carriers across the UAE, excluding Abu Dhabi and Al Ain for Air India. This localised approach will improve accessibility for travellers and trade partners while supporting the Air India group’s broader growth plans in the region.

Air India operates 82x weekly flights from the UAE to India, while Air India Express connects five cities—Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah—with over 240x weekly flights from the UAE. The UAE represents the single-largest international market for Air India Express and remains one of the most significant global markets, serving millions of Indian expatriates and other travellers.

Kaizad Postwalla, Head of International Sales – GMEA & North America, Air India, said, “The UAE is a key market in our international network. We are pleased to partner with dnata, whose deep understanding of the region and proven track record in travel services will help us better connect with customers, drive demand, and enhance service delivery in the market.” 

Dr. Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express, added, “Our collaboration with dnata marks another step in expanding our commercial presence in the region. As our network and fleet grow, this partnership will help us stay closer to our customers and offer them even more reliable and seamless travel options to and from India.” 

Simon Woodford, Vice President Global Air Services at dnata Travel Group, commented, “Air India group is offerig increasingly accessible and affordable options for leisure and business travel between the UAE and India. We represented Air India in Dubai for passenger sales for almost 50 years between 1967 and 2014 and are delighted to now be appointed by the Air India group, as its operations continue to grow and support millions of travellers.”

With a growing network of 45 domestic and 43 international destinations served by Air India, and 38 domestic and 17 international destinations by Air India Express, the Air India group continues to invest in partnerships and service enhancements that bring India closer to the world.

Mahindra Auto Sees Robust April: SUV Sales Soar, Total Volumes Near 85K

Chandigarh, May 02, 2025: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.), one of India’s leading automotive companies, today announced that its overall auto sales for the month of April 2025 stood at 84170 vehicles, a growth of 19%, including exports.

In the Utility Vehicles segment, Mahindra sold 52330 vehicles in the domestic market, a growth of 28% and overall, 54860 vehicles, including exports. The domestic sales for Commercial Vehicles stood at 22989.

According to Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd., “Building on the strong momentum of last year’s performance, we began the year on a strong note in April by achieving SUV sales of 52330 units, a growth of 28% and total vehicle sales of 84170 units, a 19% growth over the same month last year. These numbers indicate the strength of our portfolio and customer offerings.”

Royal Enfield Registers 86,559 Sales in April 2025

New Delhi: May 02, 2025: Royal Enfield posted monthly sales of 86,559 motorcycles in April 2025, up by 6% during the same month last year. Royal Enfield exported 10,557 motorcycles during the month ascompared to 6,832 during the same month last year registering a growth of 55% over corresponding period last year.

Speaking about the performance for the month of April 2025, B Govindarajan, Managing Director,Eicher Motors, and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Enfield, said, “After achieving the million unit sales milestone in the past financial year, this year is also off to a flying start. In April, we introduced the2025 Hunter 350 in new colourways at HunterHood — a celebration not just of the motorcycle’s agilityand youthful spirit but of the vibrant community that’s at the heart of everything we do at Royal Enfield.We also expanded our international footprint, introducing the Classic 350 in Nepal and continuing todeepen our connection with our global riding community. As we move further into the new financialyear, we are excited about what’s coming next while staying true to our core philosophyof puremotorcycling.”

Brand & Business Updates
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Colourways Launched at HunterHood Royal Enfield launched the 2025 Hunter 350, a refreshed version of its popular street roadster, at its first-ever street culture festival, HunterHood, in Mumbai and Delhi. The event gathered riders, artists, and urban explorers. The 2025 Hunter 350 comes in three new colours and offers better ground clearance, improved comfort, a slip-assist clutch, LED headlamps, a tripper pod, and Type-C charging. Powered by the 349cc J-series engine, it continues to blend style, agility, and urban spirit, with a growing global community of over 500,000 riders.

Royal Enfield Classic 350 Launched in Nepal
Royal Enfield launched the new Classic 350 in Nepal, combining its timeless style with modern enhancements. Rolled out from Royal Enfield’s exclusive CKD facility in Nepal, the motorcycle starts at an MRP of NPR 5.55 lakhs with the entry-level Heritage variant now featuring dual-channel ABS, LED headlamps, LED pilot lamps, a Type-C USB charger, and a gear position indicator. For the first time in Nepal, ABS is standard across all Classic variants, which are offered in seven colourways across five distinctive trims — Heritage, Heritage Premium, Signals, Classic Dark, and Classic Chrome.

Flutter’s Hyderabad Global Capability Centre Surpasses 1,000 Employees

National, April 30, 2025: Flutter Entertainment (NYSE: FLUT; LSE: FLTR), the world’s leading sports entertainment operator has reached a major milestone in the growth of its business in India. The company’s Global Capability Centre (GCC)-Flutter Entertainment India LLP (FEI) delivers a broad spectrum of capabilities and is based in RMZ Spire, Knowledge City, Hyderabad, has now surpassed the 1,000-employee mark, highlighting its rapid growth and strategic importance within the Flutter ecosystem.

By harnessing the power of the Flutter Edge — the company’s unique advantage – and leveraging Hyderabad’s thriving talent landscape, local hiring grew by 60% in the past year, positioning Flutter Entertainment India as a critical enabler of Flutter’s global operations and strengthening its capabilities in Data & Technology, HR Tech and Analytics, Finance, Customer Support Operations, and Shared Services.

As part of Flutter’s global sustainability strategy, the Positive Impact Plan, Flutter allocated  GBP 30,000 to local initiatives in Hyderabad in 2024 to support cancer screening for 550 women and education in Data Science and Machine Learning for 76 students. In recognition of the initiative’s impact and Flutter’s commitment to ‘Do More,’ Flutter has doubled its investment in local initiatives for 2025.

Peter Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Flutter, recently visited the Hyderabad GCC (FEI) and offices of Junglee Games (Gurgaon), Flutter’s leading Indian rummy brand.

During this visit, he spent time with local leadership, engaged with employees across teams, and participated in a fireside chat that highlighted Flutter’s innovation journey, organizational culture, and vision for continued growth in the region.

Speaking on the sidelines during his visit to India, Peter Jackson, CEO Flutter, said, “India is a key growth market for Flutter, and the Hyderabad GCC is integral to our continued expansion in the region. It’s been great to see the teams at the GCC grow over the past year and I’ve been hugely impressed by their role in providing our world-class brands with technology capabilities, another great example of the Flutter Edge in action.”

Ashish Sinha, Managing Director of Flutter Entertainment India, said, “The past year has been a transformative journey for Flutter in India. Since launching our state-of-the-art GCC in Hyderabad, we’ve tapped into the city’s exceptional talent and embraced India’s rising prominence as a GCC. Our vision goes beyond operational scale—we’re building a centre of tech excellence and innovation that supports Flutter’s growth globally. Additionally, through Flutter’s ‘Do More’ strategy, we’re committed to giving back to the communities where we live, work and play. Our next phase of growth will focus on our deepening expertise and further reconciling with Flutter’s global strategies.”

Coforge Divests AdvantageGo to Sapiens

Greater Noida, India, April 30, 2025: – Coforge Limited (NSE: COFORGE), a global digital services and solutions provider, as part of a recent strategic review and corporate restructuring announced the divestment of Coforge Advantage Go Limited. Coforge U.K. Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company has agreed to enter into a share purchase agreement with Sapiens UK Limited for sale and transfer of entirety of shareholding held by it in Coforge Advantage Go Limited, subject to completion obligations. Sapiens will pay a base consideration of GBP 43,000,000 for the transaction which is expected to be completed in 4-6 weeks.

AdvantageGo is a leading product provider in Commercial and Specialty space with a dominant market position in Lloyd’s Syndicate Market. AdvantageGo has been in business for 30+ years and has served several marquee insurers over the years.

With over two decades of experience and more than 6,000 insurance experts, we are the trusted partner for leading global insurers in life and annuities and property and casualty space. Insurance Services will continue to be a core vertical focus and growth driver for Coforge, and we look forward to servicing global insurance clients and leveraging deep domain expertise, technology expertise and partnership eco system. This transaction will enable Coforge to sharpen its focus on the Insurance Services business.

Sudhir Singh, CEO & Executive Director, Coforge said, “AdvantageGo is a stellar product business in a predominantly IT Services organization. Divestment of AdvantageGo would resolve the channel conflict with some of our strategic partners in the P&C space and enable us to stay focused on driving very strong growth in the Coforge Insurance Services business. As a global leader in Insurance SaaS-based software, Sapiens is a great strategic fit for the AdvantageGo business. This transaction will also strengthen our go-to-market partnership with Sapiens and help further accelerate the growth of both organizations within the Insurance industry.”

Ian Summers, Global Business Leader of AdvantageGo, said: “I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to build AdvantageGo business under Coforge ownership. Joining Sapiens means becoming part of a leading global product organization that will amplify our capabilities and enhance our solutions, creating greater opportunities for our clients and team,” said. “We look forward to integrating our products into the Sapiens Insurance Platform to deliver a seamless and powerful offering for the European and North American markets. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continued service excellence for all our customers.”

Equity International Completes Sale of Remaining Investments

“Equity International has been an invaluable long-term partner that helped guide SAMHI’s growth and accelerate the expansion of our platform,“ said Ashish Jakhanwala, chairman, managing director and chief executive officer of SAMHI.

“Equity International and Sam Zell recognized Ashish and the SAMHI team as high-quality partners with impressive prior experience in the hospitality sector. This sale marks the full exit of Equity International’s interest in the company, which is part of the normal course of our ongoing portfolio management activity and disciplined monetization philosophy. We wish the SAMHI team success in their future endeavors,” commented Tom Heneghan, chief executive officer of Equity International.

Titan Watches Elevates Style with New Automatics Collection

Bengaluru/Chandigarh, 30 April 2024 – Man’s fascination with the anatomy of the mechanical world is well known! Titan Watches brings this allure to life with the launch of its latest Automatics Collection, taking style deeper with every movement. This collection celebrates the elegance of visible mechanics by highlighting the intricate beauty of mechanical watchmaking. Each watch from the collection features captivating skeletal dials where intricate engineering becomes the very essence of style. From integrated bracelets to dual-finish solid link straps, each design is thoughtfully crafted to reflect with varied personalities. With 21 jewel bearings, a vibration frequency of 21,600 beats per hour, and an impressive 42-hour power reserve, the collection focuses on precision, craftsmanship, and performance, made for connoisseurs who appreciate every tick in motion.

The Titan Automatics Collection comes in four distinguished watch lines, each uniquely designed to reflect one’s distinct personality. At the heart of this exceptional collection is the Yin Yang Skeletal Automatic watch, designed with an artistic celebration of balance, featuring an extraordinary Yin-Yang skeletal dial design with refined press-pattern detailing. Available in sleek stainless steel and elegant rose gold combinations, this line makes a striking statement for formal settings.

The Phoenix Skeletal Automatic watch is inspired by the legendary phoenix, symbolizing strength and rebirth-with the bold skeletal dials intricately designed to resemble phoenix wings. The knurled crown enhances its sophisticated design and is available in monochromatic Eclipse Black and opulent Ember Rose Gold variants. Its powerful design and rich finishes make it ideal for evening wear and high-impact occasions.

The Nexus Skeletal Automatic blends contemporary aesthetics with timeless symbolism. Its unique skeletal dial, inspired by a ship’s helm, represents movement and progress, offering a glimpse into the intricate automatic movement. Available in captivating dial shades of Coffee Brown, Gunmetal, and Midnight Blue, its sporty appeal and integrated bracelet make it a versatile fit for smart casual looks and everyday sophistication.

The Golden Heart Skeletal Automatic watch is crafted for those who love to make a statement with gold. Available in bi-metal and full gold variants, it incorporates meticulous detailing through its gilded skeletal dial. This standout piece is perfect for formal occasions, celebrations, and refined evening ensembles, where a bold, luxurious touch is essential.

Commenting on the launch, Aparna Ravi, Marketing Head – Titan Watches, said, “The Titan Automatics Collection represents a significant milestone in our journey, reinforcing Titan’s commitment to innovation through timepieces that represent a harmonious symphony of advanced, sophisticated horology and contemporary style. Targeted for the discerning, style-conscious man who views his watch as a reflection of self-expression and craftsmanship, these timepieces speak before you do.”

Vividobots Raises INR 1.47 Crores in Seed Round Led by Inflection Point Ventures

Chennai, 30 April 2025: Vividobots a robotic automation startup has raised INR 1.47 Crores in a Seed Round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The funds will be utilized to enhance product innovation and expand vertical-specific robotic deployments.

Founded in 2021 by postgraduate engineers Dhinesh B (CEO), Velmurugan B (CPO), and Kesavaraj S (CTO), Vividobots was born out of a tragic incident involving a painter’s fall. This moment of vulnerability inspired the trio to innovate for real-world impact. With backgrounds at Flipkart, Air Defence Agency, and TCS respectively, the founders bring deep domain and technical expertise to the problem they set out to solve.

Vikram Ramasubramanian, Partner & CIO, Inflection Point Ventures, said, “As real estate in India continues to boom, high-rise buildings are becoming increasingly common and so are the challenges that come with maintaining them. Vividobots is tackling this head-on with innovative robotic solutions that make exterior maintenance of the building safer and more efficient. At IPV, we’re excited to support a startup that’s not just keeping pace with urban growth, but shaping its future through technology.”

Vividobots, a robotic automation startup based in Chennai, is on a mission to make high-risebuilding maintenance safer, faster, and more efficient. By leveraging AI-powered robotics, the company is revolutionizing exterior painting and cleaning operations an area historically reliant on manual labor and prone to fatal risks. Their solutions significantly reduce time, cost, and material wastage while improving safety and precision.

Vividobots is currently operational in Chennai, with plans to scale into new metros where real estate growth and vertical maintenance are surging. The startup’s robotic systems deliver up to 70%-time savings, 50% cost reduction, and 15% lower material wastage, setting a new benchmark in high-rise operations. Their proprietary technology ensures AI-powered precision, safety, and repeatability—making exterior maintenance predictable and scalable.

“At Vividobots, we are revolutionizing the way robotics address real-world challenges. Inspired by the delicate balance of human effort and resilience, we are steadfast in our mission to build a future defined by safety, speed, and sustainability. Our partnership with IPV fuels our drive to innovate boldly, push boundaries, and redefine the possibilities of robotics and its impact on society,” said Dhinesh B, CEO.”

Among its key milestones, Vividobots was named one of the Top 10 Tech Startups in Real Estate by Mahindra LEAP 2023 and is a part of the Brigade REAP accelerator portfolio.