Category: iWorld

  • News9 Plus launches ‘The Diplomat’

    News9 Plus launches ‘The Diplomat’

    New Delhi: News9 has announced the launch of its groundbreaking series, The Diplomat, in association with VFS Global as the presenting partner. This exclusive 12-part series is set to explore the intricate world of international diplomacy, offering viewers a unique window into India’s evolving global relationships, strategic trade ties, and its prominent role on the world stage.

    Each episode of The Diplomat will feature distinguished ambassadors and diplomats from key global players, engaging in candid discussions on pressing issues such as geopolitical strategies, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges. The series will delve into how India is shaping and responding to the global diplomatic landscape, with insights on topics ranging from policy alignments to the softer aspects of diplomacy like sports and entertainment.

    Anchored by News9’s national security expert Aditya Raj Kaul, The Diplomat promises to be both informative and engaging. With its fresh perspective on serious global issues, presented in an approachable format, the series aims to resonate with younger audiences as well as policy enthusiasts. Viewers can expect a seamless blend of formal diplomatic discourse with lighter, more relatable themes such as cultural diplomacy and culinary experiences of diplomats living in India.

    Highlighting the strategic vision behind this initiative, TV9 Network chief growth officer Raktim Das said, “At News9, we are committed to redefining how news is consumed by the discerning English audience. The Diplomat is a unique offering that decodes the complexities of global diplomacy, making it accessible and relevant for today’s audiences. Through this series, we hope to engage viewers in thought-provoking conversations, showcasing India’s expanding role in shaping global narratives.”

    The Diplomat will debut on News9 OTT and will be streaming across major Connected TV platforms. With special visibility at key airports in Delhi and Mumbai, the series is set to engage high-profile travellers and global influencers, ensuring maximum reach among India’s most discerning audience.

    “Diplomacy is not just about foreign policies and trade agreements; it’s also about the cultural narratives and the human stories that define nations. With The Diplomat, we are bringing these stories to the forefront, giving our audience a 360-degree view of how diplomacy operates behind closed doors and how it impacts everyday lives,” said Aditya Raj Kaul,

    VFS Global COO, South Asia, Yummi Talwar said, “We are excited to collaborate with News9 on The Diplomat series, a significant initiative that will provide audiences with deep insights into cross-border relationships. Through candid conversations with ambassadors, we will explore each nation’s growing relationship with India, India’s rising influence globally, and the expanding opportunities in travel and trade. At VFS Global, our mission is to simplify cross-border mobility, and these discussions will contribute to fostering greater understanding between nations, promoting stronger ties and cooperation.”

  • Business Today announces jury for BT Best Banks Awards 2023-24

    Business Today announces jury for BT Best Banks Awards 2023-24

    Mumbai: Business Today has announced the jury for the 29th edition of the BT Best Banks Awards 2023-24, highlighting a remarkable panel of leaders from across the gamut of government and industry. This year’s jury not only brings together some of the most experienced voices in banking and finance, but also reflects the growing representation of women in leadership roles within the industry.

    The jury will convene on 11 November to assess India’s banking sector, large non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and fintech firms, drawing on its unparalleled expertise honed over nearly three decades. The evaluation will be based on insights provided by the knowledge partner KPMG for this initiative, focusing on three key parameters-growth, size, and strength—while conducting a thorough financial ratio analysis covering over 35 sub-parameters.

    Former chair, standing committee on Finance and MoS Finance, Jayant Sinha has consented to Chair this year’s jury.

    The jury boasts of two esteemed women leaders from the financial sector:  J.P. Morgan former chairman, South & Southeast Asia, Kalpana Morparia and former chairman and managing director of General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC), Alice G. Vaidyan. Their inclusion underscores the increasing influence of women in the financial industry and the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of banking in India.

    Other distinguished members of the jury are:

    • Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Former Finance Secretary & Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Union Ministry of Finance

    • Shri Dinesh Kumar Khara, Former Chairman, State Bank of India

    • Shri Gunit Chadha, Founder & Managing Director, APAC Financial Services; Former CEO, Deutsche Bank, Asia-Pacific

    • Shri AP Hota, Former MD & CEO, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

    The jury will evaluate and decide on awards across multiple categories, including Bank of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Bank in Innovation, and Best Bank in Talent and Workforce.

  • bigbasket partners with social media influencers to brighten Diwali

    bigbasket partners with social media influencers to brighten Diwali

    Mumbai: bigbasket is transitioning into a full-stack quick commerce player, expanding its offerings beyond groceries to meet customer demand for a wider selection of quality products from top brands.

    With Diwali approaching, bigbasket is making it easier for customers to celebrate by delivering a variety of products in just 10 minutes. The Diwali-specific range includes gold and silver coins from Tanishq, electronics and home appliances from Croma, toys from Mattel, Hasbro, Lego, and Beyblade, as well as apparel from Tata Cliq.

    bigbasket marketing head Anand Bhaskaran said, “This Diwali is extremely important to us. To amplify our reach, we are partnering with national and regional influencers, who will showcase the ease and convenience of shopping with bigbasket for all Diwali needs.”

    The Diwali marketing campaign is inspired by the concept of ‘Poo bani Parvati,’ where influencers embody different festive personas to showcase the versatility of bigbasket’s offerings for family gatherings, Diwali parties, and traditional pujas.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Aatman Desai (@aatmeme.in)

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Danish sait (@danishsait)

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Niti Taylor (@nititaylor)

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Vividh 2.0 (@thekurtaguy)

    In the North, influencers like Kusha Kapila, Gaurav Kapoor, and Agasthya Shah contribute their unique styles, while RJ Princy Parik and Aatman Desai represent the East. In the South, influencers like Danish Sait, Ayyo Shraddha, and Anu highlight bigbasket’s extensive range of products for festive occasions.

    The campaign aims to illuminate social media by demonstrating that bigbasket is more than just groceries. Through engaging reels, influencers emphasise the app’s ease of use, diverse product selection, and how bigbasket is transforming Diwali shopping across India.

  • FAU-G: Domination playtests uncover India’s FPS game demands

    FAU-G: Domination playtests uncover India’s FPS game demands

    Mumbai: Fearless and United Guards (FAU-G): Domination, the made-in-India first-person shooter (FPS) team deathmatch mobile game, recently held its latest playtests in Gurgaon and Mumbai. With enthusiastic participation, the playtest provided valuable insights into what Indian gamers seek in a homegrown FPS experience.

    The key takeaways from the playtest include:

    1.    Around 85 per cent of players felt the visuals were an upgrade over the last playtest held in July 2024

    2.    Nearly 90 per cent of players believed the Indian environments and themes in-game are a standout feature

    3.    55 per cent of players preferred the team deathmatch over other modes such as arms race, deathmatch, and search and destroy

    4.    Approximately 70 per cent felt the gunplay was in the range of ‘good’ to excellent’

    5.    24 per cent felt their devices were overheating indicating the team has some way to go in terms of optimisation

    6.    Versus the last playtest held in July, the overall quality has improved by about 23 per cent

    Developed by Mumbai-based Dot9 Games and published by Nazara Publishing, FAU-G: Domination recently crossed over one million pre-registrations on the Google Play Store for Android.

    Given that the Indian shooter market comprises nearly 500 million players, the development team at Dot9 aims to ensure transparency and implement meaningful improvements for FAU-G: Domination through close collaboration with the community. Pre-launch playtests like these are essential to help made-in-India games thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

    Pre-registrations for FAU-G: Domination are now live on the Google Play Store for Android, with iOS and iPadOS pre-registrations coming soon. Players who pre-register will receive the Beast Collection, a limited edition set of in-game cosmetics inspired by the Tiger.

    The collection includes six accessories: frame, banner, avatar, sticker, spray, and charm, along with six gun skins: sawed-off shotgun, USP, Scout rifle, M4, Uzi, and Kabar. The Beast collection will only be available to players who pre-register and will not be offered after launch.

  • National Poker Series India 2025 unveils Rs 100 crore prize pool

    National Poker Series India 2025 unveils Rs 100 crore prize pool

    Mumbai: The National Poker Series India (NPS) in its fifth edition in March 2025, promises to elevate India’s poker landscape to newer heights. Exclusively hosted on PokerBaazi, NPS 2025 boasts an unprecedented ₹100 crore prize pool, positioning it as the biggest and most prestigious poker event in the country’s history.

    Baazi Games founder & CEO Navkiran Singh commented, “The National Poker Series India is a platform that transcends mere competition; it is a movement that recognizes poker as a serious skill-based mind sport in India. Each edition is designed to emphasize strategy, precision, and mental endurance, enabling players to refine their abilities while promoting the sport across the nation. We are proud to host the National Poker Series India for its fifth edition with a ₹100 crore prize pool—the biggest our country has seen yet. We aim to deliver an unparalleled experience at PokerBaazi, to empower the talent of poker players across India.”

    Building on the overwhelming success of the 2024 edition, which drew over 2.25 lakh entries and offered a prize pool of ₹62.5 crore and 450 medals, NPS 2025 is set to raise the bar even higher. Players can anticipate an event of extraordinary scale in 2025, making the fifth edition the most competitive and rewarding yet.

    Since its inception, the National Poker Series India has attracted over 5.33 lakh entries, hosted 404 high-stakes tournaments, and awarded 1,221 players with medals, solidifying its position as India’s premier platform for competitive poker. In the 2024 edition, Deepak Singh from Delhi emerged as the overall champion with three gold, one silver, and one bronze medals. The competition was fierce, with Abhishek Sonu from Bihar and Samay Modi from Maharashtra also securing podium finishes. Maharashtra led the medal tally with over 100 medals, closely followed by Delhi with 83, illustrating the regional pride and intense rivalry that NPS has come to symbolize.

    The schedule of the tournament series that surpasses the rewards of some of the country’s largest sports leagues is expected to follow soon.

  • Kanika Kapoor to drop global track ‘Matak Matak’ with Timi Boi

    Kanika Kapoor to drop global track ‘Matak Matak’ with Timi Boi

    Mumbai: Kanika Kapoor, known for her powerful vocals and Bollywood hits, is set to release her international collaboration with Afro artist Timi Boi. This project marks a significant milestone in her career, blending Indian vocals with global influences like afrobeats and modern pop.

    The track, ‘Matak Matak,’ is an upbeat, dance-driven fusion of Afro-pop and Indian styles, celebrating cultural diversity. Shot in Lagos, Nigeria, it highlights movement, joy, and cultural unity.

    “Music knows no boundaries, and with Matak Matak, we’ve created a vibrant fusion that brings the best of India and Nigeria together. This cross-cultural collaboration is uniting two musical worlds in an energetic, fresh way. The song is full of life, and I can’t wait for my fans to experience this exciting blend, along with the catchy hook step that brings it all to life,” Kanika expressed.

    This collaboration showcases her originality and commitment to exploring new musical ideas, with more Afro collaborations in the pipeline. As the owner of her record label, Bajao, Kanika continues to break barriers, proving her versatility as an artist, entrepreneur, and mother. Her new single marks another chapter in her journey, blending afrobeats, pop, and Indian sounds for a truly global experience.

  • ZEE5 has announced the ZEE5 Manoranjan Festival

    ZEE5 has announced the ZEE5 Manoranjan Festival

    Mumbai: ZEE5 has announced the ZEE5 Manoranjan Festival, an exclusive Diwali celebration featuring family-friendly and dramatic films for free. Running from 24 October to 3 November 2024, this festival aims to bring the joy of the season to screens, offering entertainment in eight languages.

    Viewers can enjoy a selection of over 75 premium titles across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Bengali, and Punjabi, reflecting themes of joy, tradition, and togetherness. With ZEE5 available on connected TV, audiences can experience these films with cinema-quality visuals at home.

    The 11-day campaign includes notable titles such as Saand Ki Aankh, Uunchai, Chhatriwalli, and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha in Hindi; Paappan and Moothon in Malayalam; Yaar Anmulle Returns, Saas Meri Ne Munda Jameya, and Beautiful Billo in Punjabi; Vimanam, Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava, and Jersey in Telugu; Thothapuri: Chapter 1, Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana, and Kurukshetra in Kannada; Basu Poribar, Mini, and Parineeta in Bengali; Yaanai, DD Returns, and Ayothi in Tamil; and Timepass 2, Timepass 3, and Sairat in Marathi.

    ZEE5 India CBO Manish Kalra said, “At ZEE5, our constant effort has been to make world-class entertainment more accessible to everyone, while continuously providing greater value to our consumers. Our festive campaigns have always been loved by the audience and we are eager to bring them back this year. For this season, our focus is on expanding the offerings on the platform to ensure a wider family viewing experience. This Diwali, our aim is to make every moment count with the ZEE5 Manoranjan Festival as the one stop destination for festive family entertainment.”

  • Playground S4 on Amazon MX Player elevates reality gaming

    Playground S4 on Amazon MX Player elevates reality gaming

    Mumbai: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, has continued to deliver the highest quality gaming entertainment in India with the reality show Playground, currently streaming its fourth season. The show aims to unite contestants from diverse regions and backgrounds. It drew over 14 million viewers across India in the first three weeks of its launch, a 50 per cent increase over season three.

    As India’s first ever reality gaming show, Playground S4 continues its search for the next ‘New Age Star’, with a more dynamic and enhanced experience. Featuring top-notch gaming content, tougher challenges, and an innovative format, Season 4 has surpassed expectations, capturing the attention of major brands in the country. The show’s blend of gaming, drama, and entertainment has brought in major sponsors like Hero MotoCorp and Tecno mobile for the second time and MAAC for the fourth consecutive year. In a further big win, Zupee, one of India’s leading skill-based gaming apps, has come on board as the ‘co-powered’ sponsor, cementing the show’s reputation and success.

    Amazon MX Player director & head Karan Bedi, shared his excitement about the show’s success, “Playground S4 has set new benchmarks in the gaming entertainment space. The positive response from viewers and advertisers is a testament to our vision of providing premium, free entertainment to our audiences across India. The show’s high engagement comes from its mix of unique gaming challenges and reality television drama, making it a top choice for young adult viewers. We have even more exciting challenges and mentors lined up as we progress towards the finale!”

    Zupee COO Akanksha Dhamija says, “We’re excited to partner with Playground S4, as it perfectly aligns with our commitment to innovative, skill-based gaming. At Zupee, our focus is on creating meaningful engagement and delivering joyful experiences through games that are relevant to all gamers, which makes this collaboration an ideal fit.”

    Presented by Hero MotoCorp and co-powered by Tecno mobile and Zupee, Official Gaming Partner, Playground S4 streams exclusively on Amazon MX Player, with episodes airing daily at 12 pm, available through its apps on mobile, Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV and Connected TVs.

     

  • Tata Teleservices reports strong Q2 growth, driven by data services expansion

    Tata Teleservices reports strong Q2 growth, driven by data services expansion

    Mumbai: Tata Teleservices Maharashtra Limited (TTML) has announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, revealing significant strides in revenue growth driven by the ongoing expansion of its data services. The company’s performance reflects a resilient strategy amidst India’s evolving telecom landscape, with a clear focus on capitalising on the surge in data demand.

    For the quarter ended 30 September 2024, TTML reported a year-over-year (YoY) revenue increase of 8.5 per cent, reaching Rs 320 crores. This growth was largely attributed to an uptick in enterprise data services, which now constitute a substantial portion of the company’s business. Despite the competitive environment, TTML’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the data services market have yielded promising results, signalling a shift away from legacy voice-based revenue streams.

    The quarter also saw a significant reduction in losses. Net loss narrows to Rs 125 crores compared to Rs 140 crores in the same period last year, representing an 11 per cent improvement. This was mainly due to improved operational efficiencies and strategic cost management initiatives implemented across the organisation. The focus on higher-margin data services has contributed to the containment of operational expenses, which fell by 4 per cent YoY.

    TTML’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) margin also saw a positive shift, improving to 29 per cent from 26 per cent in Q2 FY24. This three-percentage-point expansion in EBITDA margin reflects the company’s disciplined approach towards optimising its cost structure while maintaining revenue growth. The EBITDA itself rose to Rs 93 crores, a 20 per cent increase YoY, marking the company’s highest quarterly EBITDA in recent years.

    The half-year performance mirrors this positive trend. For the six months ending September 2024, TTML achieved a revenue growth of 7.9 per cent YoY to Rs 628 crores. Net losses for the period, however, totaled Rs 262 crores, slightly reduced from Rs 278 crores in the corresponding period last year, as the company continued to streamline its operations. The results indicate a gradual improvement in the financial health of the company, even as the broader telecommunications sector grapples with regulatory and competitive pressures.

    A notable highlight for the quarter was the significant increase in demand for TTML’s IoT solutions, which cater to a variety of industries including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. With enterprises increasingly adopting digital solutions for operational efficiency, TTML’s enterprise-grade data services have seen robust adoption, contributing to the 15 per cent YoY growth in the company’s data revenue segment.

    Moving forward, TTML plans to continue investing in expanding its data infrastructure and launching innovative solutions tailored for enterprise customers. While challenges remain, including ongoing regulatory uncertainties and market competition, the company’s strategic pivot to data services places it on a solid trajectory for further growth.

    The board meeting, held on 24 October, 2024, reviewed these results and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to achieving operational excellence. As the industry continues to shift towards data-centric services, TTML’s efforts to reduce its debt burden and improve financial stability will be crucial for sustaining this growth momentum.

  • Red FM brings ‘South Side Story – Kutty Edition’ to Mumbai

    Red FM brings ‘South Side Story – Kutty Edition’ to Mumbai

    Mumbai: 93.5 Red FM has announced the ‘Kutty’ edition of South Side Story in Mumbai, taking place on 14 December 2024, at NESCO Center, Goregaon. Following the huge success of the two-day festival in Delhi, this edition will bring a more intimate South Indian experience to Mumbai, showcasing the best of South Indian music, culture, and food. The lineup features Vedan, Pal Dabba, Sooraj Santhosh, Yung Raja, Dopeadelicz, Baby Jean, and headliner Agam, all making their debut at South Side Story with unique musical styles.

    The festival promises a full cultural experience, with attendees treated to a traditional Sadhya feast and a variety of South Indian delicacies, along with a curated selection of drinks and cocktails. Immersive South Indian experiences will further capture the essence of the south, offering festival-goers a rich blend of flavors and traditions right in the heart of Mumbai.

    Red FM & Magic FM COO and director Nisha Narayanan said, “In a sea of larger-than-life concerts, this is our humble effort to bring South Side Story to Mumbai in a unique, bite-sized format. As a Kutty edition, it continues to be packed with several flavors of the South. The festival brings both cultural evangelism and Indie music space on one stage and we continue to support it in whichever way we can. For this edition, we are focused on bringing an eclectic mix of hip-hop/rap, folk fusion, and progressive rock. We are supremely excited to bring six debuts to this year’s edition, headlined by our South Side Story lucky charm – Agam the band. This festival is for those who seek out something special and niche. And as always, we look forward to hosting you all.”

    Book your tickets here:  https://bit.ly/3AgrhJC