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Rajeev Kumar Cheruvara: The Visionary Redefining Youth Sports in India

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Sometimes, the brightest ideas are born in the toughest times. Ten years ago, when Rajeev Kumar Cheruvara’s real estate business was hit hard by the recession, he could have simply stepped away. Instead, he chose a different path—one that would transform his own journey and open new doors for millions of young athletes around the world. That moment of resilience gave birth to the Students World Cup (SWCC), now set to become one of the most ambitious youth sporting movements in history.

When an Idea Took Center Stage

Rajeev looks back on his beginnings with gratitude and humility. It was his friend Saju’s simple advice—“You initiate… things will follow”—that gave him the courage to take the first step. At his very first official meeting, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari asked everyone in the room to rise—not in honor of Rajeev himself, but in recognition of the powerful idea he had brought forward. “That moment wasn’t about me,” Rajeev recalls. “It was about what we could build together.”

Today, that seed of an idea has grown into something extraordinary. Backed by more than 100 legendary athletes and global patrons, the Students World Cup (SWCC) now carries a valuation of ₹16,000 crore for its first three editions—a testament to a vision that has the strength to match its dreams.

Power of Purpose

The SWCC is not just another tournament. It is a movement dedicated exclusively to school students, aiming to make sports an inseparable part of education. Beginning with Under-17 categories and expanding to Under-15, it spans 36 sporting disciplines, from athletics to swimming. The structure is rigorous—state-level knockouts leading to nationals, and finally, the grand World Cup finals. With prize pools running into crores of rupees, mentorship from legends, and even residential training for exceptional talent, SWCC is designed to create not just winners but a generation of healthier, stronger, and sharper youth.

Rajeev Kumar Cheruvara; CEO, SWCG India Ltd & Secretary, SWCC

Leveling the Playing Field

Cricket may be India’s heartbeat, but Rajeev’s dream goes beyond just one game. “Cricket already has a strong platform,” he explains. “It’s the champions in other sports who truly need recognition and support.” That’s why cricket has been intentionally left out of the Students World Cup (SWCC—so the spotlight can shine on athletes from lesser-known disciplines, giving unsung talent the stage it deserves.

A New Home for Sports Excellence

Kochi is all set to become the heartbeat of a sporting revolution. In collaboration with the Ajinorah Group of Companies, the Students World Cup (SWCC) is developing its very first Sports City—a state-of-the-art hub spread across 25 acres near Cochin International Airport.

The campus will feature an international-standard residential sports school, a massive 1 lakh sq. ft. indoor stadium, dedicated arenas for volleyball, basketball, kabaddi, hockey, athletics, football, and a world-class swimming pool. Designed to host global-scale events, it will also include parking for 5,000 vehicles, guest cottages, and service apartments.

This is just the beginning—Sports Cities are also planned for Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, the UAE, and even the Maldives, where the government has offered 108 acres on an atoll. By 2030, when India welcomes the Commonwealth Games, these Sports Cities will stand as the backbone of a new sporting ecosystem.

The Man Behind the Movement

While Rajeev is quick to credit his team, his own journey is no less compelling. An alumnus of IIM Kashipur, he specialises in consumer behaviour, blending data-driven insights with creativity. His book, Marketing Push Customers to Pull the Brand, redefined how marketers approach consumer engagement. His Guinness World Record for building the world’s largest Christmas star is proof of his flair for bold, unconventional ideas. Recognised by the Times of India for his innovative marketing strategies, Rajeev continues to bring the same energy to SWCC—transforming it from an idea into an international movement.

Toward 2036: A Sporting Dream in Motion

The path ahead is mapped with precision. With the first three Students World Cups set for 2026, 2028, and 2030, Rajeev and his team are laying the foundation for something far bigger—the 2036 Olympics, where India’s youth will step onto the world stage not as underdogs, but as true contenders.

“Our motto is simple,” Rajeev says. “To make India the sports capital of the world.”

Backed by global patrons, increasing government interest, and the enthusiasm of thousands of schools eager to participate, this once-distant dream is now beginning to look like an achievable reality.

More Than a Dream, A Movement

For Rajeev Kumar Cheruvara, this isn’t just about chasing a personal vision—it’s about building an ecosystem of purpose. A place where education and sport go hand in hand, where talent meets opportunity, and where young people from across the globe come together beyond borders.

What began as a flicker of hope during his hardest times has grown into a flame bright enough to ignite an entire generation. His journey reminds us of a timeless truth: the most powerful revolutions often start with a single person who dares to believe.

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Spain Shelves Shorter Work Week Bill in Blow to Sanchez Government

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Spain’s lower house of parliament has rejected a bill to reduce the standard work week from 40 hours to 37.5, handing another setback to the Socialist-led minority government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The proposal, championed by Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz and major trade unions, was blocked late Wednesday when opposition lawmakers joined forces with Catalan separatist party Junts to prevent it from reaching the floor for debate.

Junts, despite occasionally backing the central government, sided with the conservative People’s Party and far-right Vox, producing a 178–170 majority against the measure. Opponents argued the reform would burden small businesses and farmers, raising costs and risking job losses. Díaz condemned Junts’ stance as “incomprehensible” and vowed to reintroduce the legislation.

The defeat adds to a string of setbacks for Sanchez, who has struggled to advance reforms and secure parliamentary backing amid corruption scandals and waning voter support. His government, already under pressure for failing to pass a long-overdue budget, faces mounting challenges as Vox gains popularity and relations with Catalan parties remain strained despite a contentious amnesty deal for separatists.

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Swiss Lawmakers Push Back on Tougher Anti-Money Laundering Rules Amid Rising Global Competition

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Swiss lawmakers are seeking to dilute government proposals aimed at preventing financial crime, arguing that stricter rules could erode the country’s competitiveness in global cross-border wealth management. Switzerland, long the world’s largest wealth hub, faces mounting competition from rival centres such as Singapore and the UAE, while a Boston Consulting Group forecast warns Hong Kong could overtake Switzerland as the leading booking centre for cross-border wealth as early as 2025.

The government’s anti-money laundering legislation was designed to meet Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements, including curbs on shell companies and greater due diligence for advisers. But parliament has watered down key measures, exempting charities, trust arrangements, and some lawyers from transparency registers and due diligence rules. Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter warned that the amendments significantly reduced the scope of safeguards, while critics said the changes risk undermining Switzerland’s commitments to fight financial crime.

Supporters of the rollback, including lawmakers from the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, centre-right Liberals, and The Centre, argue the measures are excessive and burdensome, pointing out that Switzerland already enforces more detailed compliance rules than other financial hubs. However, Anton Broennimann, head of the country’s financial crime unit, cautioned that Switzerland must not allow competitive pressures to make it attractive to criminals, stressing that an effective system was vital to safeguard the country’s reputation as an international financial centre.

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Poland Shoots Down Drones in Historic NATO First, Raising Fears of Wider Conflict

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Poland confirmed on Wednesday that it shot down drones that entered its airspace, marking the first time a NATO member has fired during Russia’s war in Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as a “large-scale provocation” and warned that it brings Europe closer to open conflict than at any point since World War Two. The move, he said, alters the political situation and underscores the need to prepare for multiple scenarios.

The escalation drew swift international reactions. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia’s war is “escalating, not ending,” urging stronger defence investments and support for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the drone incursion as “unacceptable,” pledging full solidarity with Poland and consultations with NATO leadership. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the violation of Polish and NATO airspace an “egregious and unprecedented” act that highlighted Moscow’s disregard for peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stressed the significance of European nations acting jointly to shoot down Russian weapons, saying only coordinated action can ensure security. Meanwhile, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, confirmed the alliance responded “quickly and decisively,” reaffirming NATO’s resolve to defend allied territory. Russia, however, denied responsibility, with its envoy in Warsaw dismissing the accusations as “groundless.”

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FCA Proposes Flexibility on Contactless Payment Limits in Britain

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The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed allowing card providers in Britain to set their own contactless payment limits, potentially raising the current £100 ($135.35) cap. The regulator said the move aims to make payments more convenient for consumers while supporting digital solutions and economic growth.

The consultation, open until October 15, is part of 50 measures the FCA outlined to the prime minister earlier this year. While the regulator does not expect immediate changes, the flexibility would give firms more freedom to tailor limits to customer needs. Many providers already let users adjust their personal limits or disable contactless features entirely.

David Geale, the FCA’s executive director of payments and digital finance, stressed that fraud protection remains in place. “Even with contactless, firms will refund your money if your card is used fraudulently,” he said, adding that stronger controls mean consumers can benefit from greater convenience without compromising safety.

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Five Eyes Alliance to Announce Tougher Border Security Measures

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Homeland ministers from the Five Eyes alliance – the U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – are set to announce new measures this week to strengthen border security and dismantle criminal smuggling networks. The meeting will be held in London on Monday and Tuesday, with Britain’s newly appointed Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood confirming that the talks will focus on “hitting people smugglers hard.”

Alongside people smuggling, the discussions will also cover joint efforts to combat online child sexual abuse and curb the spread of deadly synthetic opioids. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Canada’s Gary Anandasangaree, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, and New Zealand’s Judith Collins will join Mahmood at the high-level talks.

The issue of migration has become a major political flashpoint worldwide. In the U.S., President Donald Trump has made both legal and illegal immigration a central priority of his second White House term, while in Britain, the government faces intense pressure to address record asylum claims and the rising number of small boat crossings across the English Channel.

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ExxonMobil Weighs Sale of European Chemical Plants Amid Tariff Pressure

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ExxonMobil is exploring the sale of its chemical plants in the UK and Belgium, as Europe’s chemicals industry struggles with the impact of U.S. tariffs and growing competition from low-cost Chinese imports, the Financial Times reported. The potential deal, which could raise up to $1 billion, remains at an early stage, with Exxon holding discussions with advisers in recent weeks, according to people familiar with the matter.

The U.S. energy giant operates an ethylene plant in Fife, Scotland, along with several production facilities in Belgium, and has reportedly also considered shutting them down. The European sector continues to face pressure from disrupted trade flows, delayed orders, and a lingering fallout from the 2022 energy crisis. Exxon, however, told the FT it does not comment on “rumours or speculation.”

Other global players are also scaling back in Europe. LyondellBasell (LYB.N) has sold some of its olefin and polyolefin assets earlier this year, while Sabic is shrinking its regional footprint. In May, Exxon entered exclusive talks to divest its majority-owned French unit Esso (ESSF.PA). Industry analysts note that any potential deal could take time, with no certainty a sale will go through.

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Russia Denies Role in GPS Jamming of EU Chief’s Plane

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Russia has dismissed allegations that it was behind the jamming of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s airplane, calling the claims baseless and paranoid. The denial came from Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday, following reports of suspected interference.

An EU spokesperson earlier stated that von der Leyen’s plane experienced GPS disruptions while en route to Bulgaria on Sunday. The spokesperson added that European authorities suspected Russian involvement in the incident, raising concerns over aviation security and potential geopolitical motives.

Moscow, however, has rejected the accusations outright. Zakharova emphasized that the narrative was fabricated and fueled by paranoia, accusing European officials of spreading disinformation. The latest exchange adds to already tense relations between Russia and the European Union amid ongoing political and security disputes.

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UK Regulator Probes $2.4 Billion Healthcare Property Deal

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Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Primary Health Properties’ (PHP) $2.4 billion acquisition of rival Assura, a leading healthcare real estate investor. The regulator said it was assessing whether the deal could result in a “substantial lessening of competition” in the UK healthcare property market.

PHP completed the takeover of Assura in August, following a prolonged bidding battle with U.S. private equity firm KKR. The acquisition valued Assura at 53.3 pence per share, comprising 0.3865 new PHP shares, 12.5 pence in cash per share, and a special dividend of 0.84 pence. Both companies have yet to comment on the regulator’s review.

Assura currently manages more than 600 healthcare properties, with the National Health Service among its key clients. The CMA has set October 29 as the deadline for its decision on the initial phase of the inquiry.

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French Actor Gerard Depardieu to Face Trial on 2018 Rape Charges

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French film icon Gerard Depardieu, 76, will stand trial on charges of raping actress Charlotte Arnould in 2018, marking another major setback to his career following a sexual assault conviction earlier this year. Arnould, then in her early 20s, alleged that the assaults took place on two separate occasions at Depardieu’s Paris home. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that an investigating judge has referred the case to court, though no trial date has been set.

Arnould, now 29 and a theatre and voice actress, expressed relief over the ruling in an Instagram post, calling it “huge” and criticizing Depardieu’s previous courtroom defense, where his lawyer labeled her a liar. She has since become a prominent voice in France’s #MeToo movement, advocating for victims of sexual violence and accountability in the film industry.

Depardieu, one of French cinema’s most recognizable figures since his breakthrough in the 1970s, has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct in recent years. In May, he received an 18-month suspended prison sentence for sexually assaulting two women on a film set, a verdict his lawyer vowed to appeal. Arnould’s case, initially dropped in 2018, was reopened in 2020 and formally sent to trial in 2022. Depardieu has denied all wrongdoing.

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