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Category: iWorld

  • Humans of Bombay blossoms into full-stack media powerhouse

    Humans of Bombay blossoms into full-stack media powerhouse

    MUMBAI: Humans of Bombay (HOB), the platform that’s touched millions with its poignant tales, is no longer just telling stories; it’s now poised to write its own, transforming into a full-stack digital media company. Having spun over 6,500 narratives and built a community of more than 7M, HOB is branching out to become a veritable media tree.

    With a belief that real human stories can, in fact, change the world, HOB is now taking that power to the next level. Expect a bumper crop of original IPs, bold new partnerships, and immersive formats that aim not just to recount lives, but to shape the very culture of a New India. It’s a bit like turning a heart-warming anecdote into a blockbuster franchise.

    “Stories change people. And people change the world. We’re building storytelling ecosystems—formats and IPs designed to inspire, influence, and push India forward.” said Humans of Bombay founder & CEO, Karishma Mehta

    Every grand transformation needs the right hands to steer the plough, and HOB is no exception. They’ve brought in some serious talent to cultivate this new growth.

    Amit Sobti is joining HOB as its new president. With two decades of experience in building and scaling media companies, including a dozen years spent nurturing Fork Media into one of India’s leading digital media powerhouses—Sobti will be driving operations, revenue, and partnerships to new heights. He’s clearly got a knack for turning narratives into net profits.

    “This move just felt right,” Humans of Bombay president, Amit Sobti. “I’ve spent years building brands and businesses, but HOB is different. It’s honest. It’s human. And in a world full of noise, that really matters. I’m excited to help shape what comes next—thoughtfully, and with purpose.”  

    And because creativity is the very soil in which HOB thrives, Jasleen Kaur Gupta is stepping in as vice president, creatives & delivery. Armed with a decade of experience in shaping content, marketing, and talent IPs at big names like Myntra, 120 Media Collective, and Fork Media, gupta will lead the creative vision, bringing bold, fresh storytelling formats to vivid life.

    Much before joining HOB, I was a fan of their content. To now actually be here and have the opportunity to make an impact with life changing storytelling and creative experiments is a chance to do what I do best. Build. Bigger, better and be disruptive,” says Jasleen Kaur.  

    “At our core, we’ll always stand for real, empathy-driven stories. But the future we’re building is about going beyond content—into culture, influence, and impact at scale,” adds Karishma Mehta.  
     

  • Flipkart launches ‘InvoiSIS’

    Flipkart launches ‘InvoiSIS’

    MUMBAI: Rakshabandhan has always been a high-activity moment in Indian e-commerce, but over the years, the space has become crowded and undifferentiated. Most brands compete on price, speed, and generic gifting assortments. Flipkart wanted to shift the focus from discounts to what really matters – the bond between siblings.

    The idea was rooted in a simple truth that sisters do a lot for their brothers; things that often go unnoticed or unacknowledged. So this year, Flipkart launched InvoiSIS, the world’s first Rakhi invoice generator. A light-hearted, yet functional tool that lets sisters raise itemised invoices for all the favours they’ve done, from sharing their fancy skincare to saving their brothers from family drama.

    Each favour came with a certified value, calculated in collaboration with finance educator and sister CA Rachana Ranade. Sisters could then attach a Flipkart wishlist that matched their invoice total, turning emotional dues into a real-time, shoppable bill.

    At the centre of the campaign was a microsite, www.invoisis4rakhi.com, designed like an old-school Indian invoice pad in pastel colours. The flow was kept simple and inclusive. To launch it, a fun digital film featuring CA Rachana walked audiences through the idea in her signature lecture style, complete with charts, data, and a direct call to action.

    The campaign conceptualised by the DDB Mudra Group was extended through culturally relevant content, including fictional invoices for iconic sibling duos like Monica & Ross and Aisha & Kabir, meme formats, and influencer engagement, all built for sharing, not scrolling. With minimal media spend and maximum relatability, InvoiSIS encouraged more thoughtful, higher-value gifting across tech, fashion, grooming, and wearables.

    Flipkart VP – growth and marketing, Pratik Shetty said, “Rakhi is an emotionally rich moment, and we saw an opportunity to move beyond transactional gifting. With InvoiSIS, we wanted to create something sisters could truly relate to, something fun and rooted in their everyday reality. It’s not just about the product value, it’s about making that bond feel seen and celebrated.”

    DDB Mudra group creative directors, Gagandeep Bindra and Rahul Arcot added, “How much should you really spend on a Rakhi gift? We figured it should at least match the value of everything sisters do for us. So we teamed up with financial expert Rachana Ranade and put a price on all sisterly favors, letting sisters raise an invoice for what she is owed, and demand a fair gift in return.”

  • Google says it prepared to open Play Store gates for real-money gaming in India

    Google says it prepared to open Play Store gates for real-money gaming in India

    MUMBAI: Google has told India’s competition watchdog it is finalising a business model to accommodate the country’s booming real-money gaming (RMG) sector, in a proposal that could see all permissible formats return to the Play Store. The Competition Commission of India (CCI), which is conducting an ongoing antitrust probe, has invited public comments on Google’s plan until 20 August.

    All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) chief executive Roland Landers  called the move “a timely and welcome step” toward a fairer and more transparent digital ecosystem. He noted that Google’s recognition of certificates issued by self-regulatory bodies such as the All India Skill Gaming Council (AISGC) would “empower responsible operators, support innovation, and ensure a safer experience for Indian consumers.”

    The AISGC, chaired by a former supreme court justice, has since 2018 applied a detailed legal and analytical framework to determine whether a game qualifies as one of skill under Indian law.

    AIGF, the country’s largest and oldest gaming industry body, said the proposal could lower entry barriers, level the playing field for smaller firms, and boost jobs and digital inclusion. The federation represents more than 120 members, including many MSME startups, who together serve over 40 crore Indian gamers and are collectively valued at more than $10 billion.

    If the CCI approves the plan, India’s gaming sector — long hobbled by inconsistent platform policies — could be set for a growth spurt.

  • Amazon MX Player announces the new season of the Munawar Faruqui starrer – First Copy

    Amazon MX Player announces the new season of the Munawar Faruqui starrer – First Copy

    MUMBAI: After a breakout debut that left fans buzzing and critics applauding, First Copy is all set to return with a new season later this year on Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service. Launched with Munawar Faruqui’s much-talked-about entry into scripted drama, the show quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its gripping narrative, nostalgic ’90s energy, and a performance that proved Faruqui’s versatility beyond the mic.

    Picking up from the suspenseful cliffhanger of the debut season, where Arif’s empire came crashing down, the upcoming season will dive deeper into the consequences of his rise, his fall, and his relentless drive to reclaim what was lost. Will the man who built his kingdom on charisma, chaos, and cinema find a way back? The new instalment of First Copy promises new twists, higher stakes, and an Arif the audience hasn’t seen before. The series boasts a powerhouse cast featuring Munawar Faruqui, Krystle D’Souza, Gulshan Grover, Saqib Ayub, Ashi Singh, Meiyang Chang, Inam Ul Haq, and Raza Murad — and has cemented itself as one of Amazon MX Player’s most talked-about titles of the year.

    Reflecting on the show’s overwhelming reception and his return, Faruqui shared, “First Copy was a big leap for me, my first acting project, and I honestly didn’t expect this kind of love. I think audiences really connected with Arif with all his imperfections, and that’s been humbling.  He is intense, passionate, and constantly looking for meaning in chaos. But his story? It’s just getting started. The new season will reveal a whole new side of him and I can’t wait for audiences to see what’s next.”

    With fans already dissecting every frame of the video drop, the countdown has officially begun. First Copy still has plenty of pages left to turn, and fans won’t have to wait too long for the new season, which will premiere on Amazon MX Player later this year.

    First Copy is available to stream on Amazon MX Player for free, available through its own app, on the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, and Airtel Xtreme.

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  • Did Bitcoin Leave Without You? BYDFi Helps You Scout XRP, ADA, and SOL Before They Pop

    Did Bitcoin Leave Without You? BYDFi Helps You Scout XRP, ADA, and SOL Before They Pop

    As Bitcoin continues to dominate headlines with its dramatic price surges, institutional adoption, and volatile swings, many retail investors are left asking the same question: Did I miss the boat? For those who watched Bitcoin climb from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars, it can feel like the golden opportunity has passed. However, the crypto landscape is far from limited to just Bitcoin. In fact, some of the most promising investment opportunities right now may lie in select altcoins like XRP, Cardano (ADA), and Solana (SOL).

    These alternative cryptocurrencies each bring unique strengths to the table and have the potential to outperform the market in the coming cycle. And for traders and enthusiasts eager to capitalize on the next big breakout, BYDFi (short for BUIDL Your Dream Finance) offers a powerful, user-friendly platform that empowers users to spot opportunities early—before they make the rounds on social media or mainstream news.

    The Altcoin Window: Why XRP, ADA, and SOL Still Have Room to Run

    While Bitcoin remains the flagship cryptocurrency, its large market capitalization makes exponential gains increasingly difficult. Many seasoned investors now turn to altcoins—smaller, newer cryptocurrencies with strong fundamentals—as a more accessible entry point with higher upside potential.

    XRP, the digital asset associated with Ripple Labs, continues to gain attention due to its ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The lawsuit, which revolves around whether XRP is a security, has clouded the asset’s future for years. However, any positive legal resolution could result in a flood of institutional capital and renewed confidence from retail investors. XRP’s vision to revolutionize cross-border payments by offering faster, cheaper, and more transparent international transactions remains a compelling narrative.

    ADA (Cardano) is another altcoin with a loyal following. Developed by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, Cardano prides itself on being one of the most academically rigorous blockchain projects in the industry. With its emphasis on peer-reviewed research, energy efficiency, and scalability, Cardano is positioning itself as a blockchain that can support decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts at scale. The community surrounding ADA remains strong, and many long-term investors see it as a fundamentally sound project with real staying power.

    SOL (Solana), meanwhile, has quickly earned a reputation for speed. With blazing-fast transaction times and ultra-low fees, Solana is becoming a go-to platform for developers, NFT creators, and DeFi projects. Although it has faced network outages in the past, recent upgrades have improved its performance and stability. More recently, Solana has benefited from rising interest in the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) sector, further increasing its use cases and momentum.

    In short, these aren’t just speculative tokens—they’re the building blocks of robust, evolving ecosystems. Their potential is tied not just to hype cycles, but to real technological advancements and tangible use cases. Learn exactly how to buy ADA on BYDFi and start building your position today.

    Your Edge Starts Here: How BYDFi Helps You Stay Ahead

    In a market as fast-moving as crypto, timing and information are everything. Most retail investors end up buying altcoins after they’ve already pumped—when the majority of the profits have already been captured by early movers. BYDFi is designed to change that narrative.

    A globally trusted and rapidly growing cryptocurrency trading platform, BYDFi provides the tools, insights, and execution capabilities to help users get in before the breakout. Whether you’re new to crypto or a seasoned trader, BYDFi makes it easier to analyze trends, monitor market sentiment, and take quick action.

    Want to take a position in ADA before its next rally? BYDFi provides a simple and secure way to buy, sell, and hold Cardano. The platform supports spot trading for long-term investors and derivatives trading for those looking to amplify returns through leverage or hedge positions.

    Some of BYDFi’s standout features include:

    ●  Advanced scanning tools that identify trending coins before they become viral topics online 
    ●  Low trading fees and fast onboarding so you can act quickly when opportunity strikes 
    ●  A smooth and intuitive interface, suitable for beginners and professionals alike 
    ●  Access to leverage and derivatives markets for sophisticated strategies 
    ●  BYDFi offers spot trading for over 900 cryptocurrencies, as well as flexible leverage trading ranging from 1x to 200x

    It’s not just about having the right coin—it’s about having the right platform to act decisively.

    Timing Is Everything: Don’t Wait for the Headlines

    By the time an altcoin makes it to the front page of Reddit or appears in a viral YouTube video, it’s often too late. The early adopters have already taken profits, and retail investors are left chasing diminishing returns.

    That’s where BYDFi shines. With its early alert systems, strong liquidity, and in-depth analytics, BYDFi allows users to spot trends before they become mainstream. Its real-time data and community-driven insights can help you identify a coin that’s building momentum—before the rest of the market catches on.

    Whether you’re tracking news on XRP’s legal situation, analyzing ADA’s smart contract deployments, or watching Solana’s growing presence in the NFT and DePIN space, BYDFi gives you the tools to take action at the right time.

    Conclusion: You Didn’t Miss Out—You’re Just Getting Started

    Bitcoin may have been the pioneer, but it’s far from the end of the crypto story. The next chapter is being written by innovative altcoins like XRP, Cardano, and Solana. These projects each have unique value propositions and active communities backing their growth.

    If you’re looking to capitalize on the next wave of crypto momentum, now is the time to start scouting promising altcoins—and BYDFi is the ideal partner to help you do just that. With its suite of advanced tools, low fees, and user-friendly interface, BYDFi empowers both new and experienced traders to navigate the altcoin market with confidence.

    Don’t sit on the sidelines. The next breakout may already be brewing. Dive into the world of altcoins with BYDFi, and position yourself for the opportunities ahead.

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  • Prime Video’s teen drama smashes viewership records

    Prime Video’s teen drama smashes viewership records

    MUMBAI: Prime Video’s sun-soaked coming-of-age saga, The Summer I Turned Pretty, has returned in blazing form. Season 3 premiered on 16 July, drawing 25 million unique viewers worldwide in its opening week, a 40 per cent leap from Season 2 and a threefold surge since the show’s debut.

    Backed by Jenny Han’s book-to-screen vision and fuelled by Taylor Swift’s soundtrack magic, the series has cemented its place as a Gen Z obsession. It now ranks as Prime Video’s most-watched TV season among women aged 18–34 and its fifth most-viewed returning season overall.

    Sharing her elation on the smashing success of the series, creator, showrunner, and executive producer Jenny Han said, “Seeing how ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ has resonated with millions—how the story has sparked so many fan conversations, sent the books back on the bestseller lists, and inspired so many viewers’ reactions across social media—it’s everything I could have hoped for and more. As creator and co-showrunner, I’m incredibly proud of what we made. I’m grateful we got to make all three seasons, one for each book, and grateful that audiences have been so passionately embracing the story I wanted to tell.”

    Amazon MGM Studios head of TV content, Vernon Sanders explained how the decision to release Season 3 episodes weekly, despite heightened anticipation from fans, was a deliberate move. He said, “This has been a strategy that we’ve rolled out with our second seasons and beyond — whether that’s with ‘The Boys’ or ‘Reacher,’ even ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 2 was weekly. And we see that the audience, even though they’re craving every episode, we’re able to engage them in a longer conversation. And it’s great for the service, because we have people coming back week after week. But that discussion, the community that gets built by having that shared experience and being in one conversation, we see lots of benefits to it. So when and where it makes sense, we’ll keep doing that.” Additionally, the 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET release time aims to streamline messaging and accommodate global viewers.

    Adding to the frenzy, the showrunners recently urged fans to keep their passion playful rather than personal, reminding viewers not to blur lines between the fictional heartbreak on screen and the cast bringing it to life.

    With new episodes dropping every Wednesday until 17 September, this final season finds Belly (Lola Tung) torn between Jeremiah and Conrad, as love triangles, nostalgia and messy feelings collide one last time.

    Prime Video is streaming all three seasons in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada, proof that summer heartbreak now has a truly global language.
     

  • Aamir Khan takes ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ straight to YouTube in a first-of-its-kind digital premiere

    Aamir Khan takes ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ straight to YouTube in a first-of-its-kind digital premiere

    MUMBAI: Aamir Khan is ripping up the rulebook. In a landmark move, the actor-producer is releasing his blockbuster Sitaare Zameen Par directly on YouTube Movies-on-Demand from 1 August 2025, bypassing traditional OTT platforms and putting premium cinema within reach of every household.

    Actor-producer Aamir Khan stated, “For the past 15 years I have been struggling with the challenge of how to reach audiences who do not have geographical access to theatres, or those who are unable to make it to theatres for various reasons. Finally the time for the perfect storm has come. With our government bringing in UPI and India becoming no 1 in the world in electronic payments, with internet penetration in India having grown dramatically and growing everyday, and with YouTube being on most devices, we can finally reach vast sections of people in India, and a significant part of the world. My dream is that Cinema should reach everyone at a reasonable and affordable price. I want people to have the ease of watching Cinema when they want, where they want. If this idea works, Creative voices can tell different stories breaking geographical and other barriers. This will also be a great opportunity for younger creative people entering the field of Cinema. If this idea works, then I see this as a win-win for all.”

    YouTube India country managing director, Gunjan Soni highlighted the strategic significance of this partnership. “The digital launch of Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively on YouTube underscores a significant step towards democratizing Indian film distribution at a global scale. YouTube is already a key digital destination for premium content, and we’re excited to offer filmmakers and content owners not only our unparalleled digital reach but also the control and flexibility to meet their audiences where they are. Today’s launch is far more than a release – YouTube is laying out the red carpet for Indian cinema to stride onto the global stage.”

    The film, which has already grossed over Rs 250 crore worldwide, will be available in India for Rs 100 and in 38 international markets including the US, UK, Australia, Germany and Singapore, with localised pricing and subtitles.

    A spiritual successor to his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, the heartwarming drama stars Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh and ten actors with intellectual disabilities, making inclusivity its emotional core.

    This YouTube-first strategy is a radical experiment that not only turns every screen into a theatre but also cements YouTube’s growing clout in post-theatrical film distribution. With YouTube already reaching 4 out of 5 internet users in India, this could reshape how films find their audiences.

    Directed by RS Prasanna and written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, the film will also be available in dubbed and subtitled versions for global audiences. Next up for Aamir Khan Productions: Lahore 1947 starring Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta, and Ek Din featuring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi.

    Cinema, it seems, just found its biggest digital stage.

  • Idiotic Media’s micro-influencer blitz sells out POCO F7 on day one

    Idiotic Media’s micro-influencer blitz sells out POCO F7 on day one

    MUMBAI: Idiotic Media has turned micro-influence into macro impact. Its high-octane campaign for Poco’s F7 5G smartphone has rewritten the rulebook for digital launches, enlisting 250 niche tech creators across Instagram and YouTube to craft content that clicks.

    Fronted by a high-energy launch film starring Akshay Kumar, the campaign turbocharged engagement with 15.15m Instagram Reels views and a flood of gaming-focused content that spoke directly to Poco’s core audiences. From reverse-charging demos to all-day battery bragging rights, micro-creators delivered credibility that no big-budget ad could buy.

    “Our focus on tech micro influencers for the Poco F7 5G campaign allowed us to craft platform-native stories that connected deeply with audiences, proving that relatability and precision drive unparalleled results,” said Idiotic Media CEO and co-founder Himanshu Singla. Adding to this, Idiotic Media co-founder Sankalp Samant said, “Micro-influencers bring authenticity that resonates deeply with today’s audiences, turning product features into relatable stories that drive real engagement.”

    Expressing his excitement, Poco Smartphones brand marketing head, Varun V Nair said, “We’re thrilled to see such incredible growth and engagement in India through tech micro-influencers, thanks to our innovative strategies and passionate community.”

  • Under 25 crosses 1m downloads, pays out six crore to students

    Under 25 crosses 1m downloads, pays out six crore to students

    MUMBAI : Under 25, the flagship youth platform from Collective Artists Network, has hit one million downloads, cementing its status as one of India’s fastest-growing student-first communities.

    With over 4 lakh monthly active users, the app has become a digital playground where students create, connect and cash in. In just 18 months, it has paid out more than Rs 6 crore to 1.5 lakh students, hosted 600+ events across 25 cities, and powered the creation of 2.5 million pieces of content.

    “This is the largest youth cohort India has ever seen — they are digitally native, culturally aware, and deeply expressive,” said Collective Artists Network founder & group Vijay Subramaniam.“Under 25 has done what few platforms have managed to do: bring this generation together in one place, on their terms. It’s not just an app, it’s a cultural engine built for the future of India.”

    “What excites me most is how quickly this has grown, not just in numbers, but in energy,” said Under 25 CEO Jeel Gandhi. “From students discovering new interests to finding their voice through content or showing up to events across the country, this isn’t just user growth, it’s real community. We’ve built something that belongs to them, and they’re building it with us.”

    Having collaborated with 350+ brands, the platform is now set to supercharge engagement with Season 2 of its in-app campaign, Joyride Through the Universe, offering Rs 10 lakh in rewards.

    For India’s Gen Z, it seems, Under 25 has become the ultimate extracurricular activity.

  • Naseeruddin Shah steps into J.R.D. Tata’s shoes in Amazon MX Player’s Made in India – A Titan Story

    Naseeruddin Shah steps into J.R.D. Tata’s shoes in Amazon MX Player’s Made in India – A Titan Story

    MUMBAI – On the 121st birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna J.R.D. Tata, Amazon MX Player and Almighty Motion Picture unveiled the first look of their upcoming series Made in India – A Titan Story. The series sees veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah bring the legendary industrialist to life in a cinematic retelling of ambition, innovation, and nation-building.

    Produced by Prabhleen Sandhu, founder of Almighty Motion Picture, and directed by Robby Grewal with writing by Karan Vyas, the series charts the extraordinary journey of J.R.D. Tata and his pivotal role in shaping modern India.

    Joining Shah is Jim Sarbh as Xerxes Desai, the visionary founder of Titan, alongside Namita Dubey, Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, Kaveri Seth, Lakshvir Saran, and Paresh Ganatra.

    Slated for release early next year, Made in India – A Titan Story will stream free on Amazon MX Player across mobile, CTVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xstream, promising audiences a front-row seat to the story of an empire built on grit and genius.