MAM
AFTC backs Tobacco Control Bill ban on advertising
MUMBAI: The Tobacco Control Bill, due to be tabled in the parliament shortly by the union minister of parliamentary affairs, health and family welfare Sushma Swaraj, has received a boost.
The Advocacy Forum for Tobacco Control (AFTC) has been formed to support the government as it presents the bill. The forum consists of a coalition of health professionals, research scientists, NGOs and like-minded people from organisations like the Cancer Patients Aid Association, Consumer Education and Research Centre, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
The Bill seeks to put a total ban on advertising of tobacco products and prohibits sponsorship of sports and cultural events either directly or indirectly. It also prohibits the sale of tobacco products to minors, and specifies that the new warning on cigarette packs should be more prominent in terms of liability, language, colour and display. The Bill proposes that the nicotine and tar content will have to be specified on packs. Goods without specified warnings on nicotine and tar will be confiscated and penalties will be levied.
Last March, delegates to the World Health Organisation (WHO) agreed upon the wording of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the world’s first anti-tobacco treaty. The Indian Tobacco Control Bill has many provisions similar to FCTC; and if made into an Act, will establish India as the pioneer nation to conform to WHO standards regarding tobacco.
WHO projections state that by 2030, tobacco will be the leading cause of death, claiming 10 million lives a year. The proportion of tobacco-related deaths that occur in developing countries is expected to increase from the current 50 per cent of global tobacco related deaths to 70 per cent for the same period. The incidence could be higher in India, with one billion cigarettes currently being smoked everyday.
It wouldn’t be surprising if tobacco related deaths, which currently number 800,000-900,000 per year, rise three to four-fold over the next 30 years. Heart diseases, cancers and chronic respiratory ailments are among the principal causes of death due to tobacco which is a cause of more than 25 diseases. Recent research from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) reveals that there are 700,000-900,000 cancer cases in India per year, with an estimated 250,000 cases being tobacco related.
Tobacco farming is not just socially undesirable but also economically unfavourable. While the total excise from tobacco in India was Rs 69.34 billion in 1999-2000, the estimated health costs as a result of tobacco consumption was over Rs 270 billion during this period.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
