GECs
Discovery to add variety with controversial weight loss programme
MUMBAI: In a bid to add diversity to its programme line up Discovery has announced that it will air the special Atkins Fat Or Fiction on 28 September at 10 pm with a repeat on 29 September at 10 am.
The subject is the diet programme of Dr. Robert Atkins which was introduced in 1972. 20 years later it was reintroduced when he republished his best selling book. This time around it caught the attention of Hollywood stars like Jennifer Aniston and Renee Zellwegger. Three million UK citizens follow it. The diet flies in the face of all other programmes that came before it and which were in vogue in the 1980s.
That is because it recommends that people increase their intake of protein substances like milk, mutton, chicken and eggs and fatty stuff like cheese while substantially reducing their carbohydrate intake like bread. Over a relatively short period of time the above-mentioned stars lost over 10 kilos. Speaking on the initiative Discovery India marketing director Aditya Tripathi said, “While the Atkins diet has revolutionised weight loss concepts the world over the final word on it is not over yet.
Atkins Fat Or Fiction presents both sides of the story in a fascinating format. With lifestyles in India having changed along with the work culture Indians have become more conscious about their physical appearance. As a lifestyle brand it makes a lot of sense for us to push a show like this.” The show takes a rounded non-biased approach and also shows us the impact that Atkins Diet is having on the food industry.
At a media screening this afternoon dietician Dr. Snehalata Pande who acts as a consultant to many Bollywood stars and nutritionist Dr. Jagmeet Madan dwelt on the pros and cons of the diet. Pande noted that while Dr. Atkins was genius it was a pity that he did not do many case studies to find out whether the programme has any drawbacks.
She noted that people taking this diet should undergo regular blood and urine tests. Medical supervision is important. That is because with Atkins diet comes the risk of ailments like heart attack, weakened bones and kidney problems. Madan was not in favour of reducing the carbohydrate intake to such a drastic extent as the Atkins diet prescribes.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
