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Category: iWorld

  • Crypto’s Next Chapter: Institutions, ETFs, and the Path to a New Bull Market

    Crypto’s Next Chapter: Institutions, ETFs, and the Path to a New Bull Market

    MUMBAI: After a bit of a cool-down, the crypto market is once again buzzing with talk of the next big bull run. Of course, anyone who’s been around for a while knows that nothing is ever simple when it comes to price. Still, a powerful mix of big-money players getting serious, huge demand for ETFs, and a promising chart setup hints that a solid base is being built for the next leg up.

    To get an insider’s perspective on this shift, Binance Studios’ Jessica Walker sat down with Catherine Chen, Head of VIP and Institutional at Binance. Her insights reveal a quiet but powerful change in how the world’s biggest financial players view the crypto landscape. The discussion highlights a maturing industry poised for its next chapter of growth.

    According to Chen, institutional interest in crypto has been steadily growing, with last year’s debut of spot cryptocurrency ETFs serving as a “pivotal moment” for institutional adoption. As Chen explained, “at the very minimum all of these institutional investor(s) has a fiduciary duty to at least take a proper look at this asset class and thanks to the introduction of ETF this asset class has also been given the much needed legitimacy.”

    The Institutional Wave: A Turning Point for Crypto

    For years, the market has anticipated the arrival of institutional capital, and according to Chen, that moment is already underway. She explained that institutional interest has been “slowly bubbling” for some time, noting that “a lot of institutional investors are already here”. This includes a wide range of players, from agile hedge funds and proprietary traders to more conservative pension and sovereign wealth funds that are now beginning to make allocations.

    A key factor paving the way for these institutions is a shift in perception. Chen actively debunks the persistent myth that crypto is primarily for illicit activities. She points to research showing that over 99% of all criminal and money laundering activity happens through the traditional financial system, whereas crypto’s illicit transaction share has fallen to less than 4%. Getting comfortable with how transparent the blockchain really is has been a game-changer for these big institutions.

    This change in thinking has a ripple effect across the entire crypto space. When that kind of money starts to pour in, it brings with it a new level of credibility and the resources to match. Chen believes this trend will lead to “more valid and really meaningful project” development, creating a healthier and more sustainable market for all participants.

    ETF Inflows: Opening the Floodgates

    The launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US was the catalyst that many institutions were waiting for. Chen described the introduction of ETFs as a “pivotal moment for crypto” that sent a very important signal to the market. It provided the “much needed legitimacy” for the asset class, she explained, creating a “fiduciary duty” for large money managers to “at least take a proper look at this asset class”.

    The numbers since the January 2024 launch back this up. Despite a recent outflow of $342.2 million on July 1, which ended a 15-day streak, the funds have seen massive year-to-date net inflows of approximately $13.4 billion. The success of BlackRock’s IBIT fund is particularly telling, as it has attracted over $52 billion in inflows and now generates more revenue than the firm’s enormous S&P 500 ETF, proving the massive “pent-up demand” for regulated crypto exposure.

    While a recent dip in inflows suggests traders are taking a more “defensive stance” for now, the broader trend remains clear. ETFs have successfully created a regulated and familiar bridge for trillions of dollars in capital to enter the digital asset space.

    Reading the Charts: Technicals Signal a Breakout

    While institutional flows provide the fuel, the market’s technical structure offers a roadmap for what could be next. After hitting a new all-time high of over $110,295 in June 2025, Bitcoin has been consolidating. Analysts are closely watching the price range between support at $106,500 and a major resistance zone at $108,000 to $110,000 for the next decisive move.

    Several on-chain indicators suggest the market is in a cool-down phase, gathering strength for its next leg up. Both on-chain transfer volume and spot trading volumes have declined from their recent peaks, which is typical of a consolidation period. However, other metrics flash bullish signs. A key metric called the MVRV ratio, which gives a sense of market profitability, is sitting well below the levels where things have historically gotten overheated. That suggests there’s still plenty of gas left in the tank for this cycle.

    On top of that, the Altcoin Season Index is still way down at 24 out of 100. This tells us the spotlight is firmly on Bitcoin for now. If history is any guide, a big Bitcoin move often leads to money flowing into altcoins later. This could kick off a wider market rally if BTC can just break through its current ceiling.

    Are the Bulls Ready to Charge?

    All the signs seem to point toward a market that’s building a really solid foundation for what comes next. Here’s what builds a pretty strong case for the bulls. Steady institutional buy-in, the game-changing effect of ETFs, and a technical setup that looks ready to pop. And this isn’t just hype. It’s a sign that the crypto industry is growing up.

    But let’s not get ahead of ourselves as there’re still some hurdles. As Katherine Chen pointed out, “regulatory clarity is the single most important thing” needed to really open the floodgates for institutional money. For everyday investors, this flow of serious capital and talent is a clear win.

    The ride might be choppy in the short term. But considering all these powerful forces, the next major bull run isn’t a question of “if,” but “when.”

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  • JioHotstar bags 200+ Emmy nods

    JioHotstar bags 200+ Emmy nods

    MUMBAI: JioHotstar has struck Emmy gold again. With over 200 nominations at the 77th Emmy Awards, the platform has proved its muscle as the go-to destination for high-calibre global content in India. From brooding anti-heroes and dysfunctional families to culinary showdowns and sharp-tongued satire, the streaming giant’s buffet of premium storytelling is turning heads and racking up accolades.

    Leading the charge is The Penguin, waddling in with 24 nominations, including best limited series, and acting nods for Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti. The show also scored big in directing and writing, making it the bird to beat. Sharing the spotlight is The White Lotus, another 24-time nominee, basking in glory with noms for best drama, and its ensemble cast featuring the likes of Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, and Parker Posey.

    On the comedy front, Hacks cracked 15 nominations, while culinary chaos came alive with The Bear roaring in with 13, featuring nods for Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri, plus a directing shoutout for the tear-jerker episode “Napkins”.

    Not to be left behind, heavy hitters like The Last of Us, Paradise, The Pitt, and Andor brought the drama, with multiple nominations in lead and supporting categories. Comedy staples Abbott Elementary and Only Murders in the Building also made the cut, ensuring laughter wasn’t left off the ballot.

    In the limited series and unscripted corners, Dying for Sex and Top Chef brought spice and surprise, while Last Week Tonight with John Oliver reminded us that even satire can win serious awards.

    From House of the Dragon to The Grammys, and even Pee-wee, JioHotstar’s growing trophy shelf reflects a shrewd curation of global storytelling with universal bite. As Emmy night looms, one thing’s clear: when it comes to world-class TV in India, this streamer isn’t just playing—it’s winning.
     

  • Unfiltered Naari streams on ShemarooMe

    Unfiltered Naari streams on ShemarooMe

    MUMBAI : What does a woman really want? If Bollywood’s tried and failed to crack it, Unfiltered Naari gives it a shot with a cheeky twist. The Hindi dubbed version of Gujarati blockbuster Fakt Mahilao Maate is now streaming on ShemarooMe, and it’s putting the spotlight on womanhood, gender gags, and one very confused lad with a supernatural gift.

    Originally a smash hit among Gujarati audiences, the film marks megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s Gujarati cinema debut, now repackaged for pan-India viewers in a language that promises even more punch. Directed by Jay Bodas and produced by Anand Pandit and Vaishal Shah, the film stars Yash Soni as Chintan, a middle-class bloke suddenly blessed (or cursed?) with the power to understand women.

    From matriarchs to mates, Chintan’s world is full of opinionated, unapologetic women. But when he starts hearing their unfiltered thoughts, the real chaos begins. Peppered with satire, heart, and some Bachchan baritone, Unfiltered Naari explores what happens when empathy meets exasperation in the great gender tug-of-war.

    The cast also includes Deeksha Joshi, Tarjanee Bhadla, Bhavini Jani, Kalpana Gagdekar, Chetan Daiya, Vaishakh Rathod, Deep Vaidya and Om Bhatt, adding to the ensemble madness.

    ShemarooMe’s Hindi launch of the film is part of its larger push to give regional gems a national stage. As gender debates get louder and more layered, Unfiltered Naari doesn’t claim to solve them, it just wants to make you laugh, think, and maybe text your mum more often.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Prime Video’s new campaign says it all: laugh, cry, love, repeat

    Prime Video’s new campaign says it all: laugh, cry, love, repeat

    MUMBAI: Prime Video is wearing its heart on its sleeve. In a snazzy new brand campaign titled ‘Every kind of emotion. It’s on Amazon Prime’, the streaming giant is trading in genres for gut punches, spotlighting its diverse catalogue through the lens of pure feeling.

    The campaign features two punchy ad films—one with national treasure Manoj Bajpayee and another with South sensation Samantha—each crafted for specific markets. But the message is universal: Prime Video isn’t just about what you watch, it’s about what you feel.

    Comedy that’s awkward or absurd, love that’s unspoken or unrequited, thrills that sneak or strike—this is entertainment that sticks. The campaign taps into the viewer insight that when audiences scroll for genres, they’re actually hunting for emotional hits—those little jolts of joy, nostalgia, suspense, or heartbreak.

    Gone are the days of slotting stories into neat boxes. Prime Video is throwing open the doors to content that’s as layered as life itself—across languages, formats, and cultures.

    “At Prime Video, we believe entertainment isn’t about ticking genre boxes—it’s about delivering experiences that emotionally connect with customers,” said Sonal Kabi, director & head of marketing, Prime Video, India. “This campaign showcases our commitment to delivering a wide range of stories that capture a gamut of feelings that our viewers can relate to. ‘Every kind of emotion. It’s on Amazon Prime’ isn’t just a line—it’s a promise we deliver, day-in and day-out through our series and movies. Great stories can come from anywhere — and our goal is to ensure audiences don’t just watch them but truly feel and connect with them. We’re proud to be a service that reflects the full spectrum of human emotions.”

    Bajpayee said, “The beauty of entertainment today is that it mirrors our own complexity. Just as my character Srikant Tiwari balances national security with family life in The Family Man, Prime Video masterfully balances the full spectrum of human emotions. One moment you’re craving a thriller that keeps you on the edge, the next you’re seeking the warmth of a heartfelt story. That’s what drew me to this campaign – it captures how we truly experience and consume entertainment in our lives. It’s smart, it’s emotional, it’s completely relatable and it beautifully showcases how Prime Video has become a destination where every emotion finds its perfect match. It was fun to play a version of Srikant Tiwari who is catching feelings instead of catching bad guys for once!”

    Samantha said, “Every role is an emotional journey. From embodying the intensity of Raji in The Family Man to exploring the complexities of a covert operative in Citadel: Honey Bunny – each character has pushed my boundaries in unique ways. What fascinates me is how this mirrors our own viewing habits. We don’t just watch shows; we seek emotions that resonate with our moment. Sometimes it’s the adrenaline rush of a thriller, other times it’s revisiting that one scene that touched our soul. That’s the magic Prime Video has captured – understanding that stories aren’t just about genres, they’re about the feelings they evoke. Every story has its own emotional fingerprint, and there’s something beautiful about having a service like Prime Video that celebrates every shade of human experience.”

    Created by Manja, the campaign will be deployed through a rollout across digital, social, and outdoors. Suyash Barve, Head of Creative, Manja said, “As more and more content gets added to our screens, our classical understanding of genres has become too vague. There is no action on one side and romance on the other. Now, every movie and TV show is a multi-hyphenate. An action-dramedy or a political-espionage-thriller or a political-espionage-action-dramedy. Now, you can choose between comedies that make you laugh out loud, or ones that make you chuckle. Horror movies that make your heart stop, or just ones that creep you out. We used this rephrasing of genre to tell our story of range. There’s just so much to watch on Prime Video, that you simply have to be more specific. The perfect sutradhars for this journey were of course, our Family Man, Manoj Bajpayee and the star of Citadel: Honey Bunny and The Family Man antagonist, Samantha – both of whom turn a simple discussion on what to watch into a days-long crusade to prove that there’s more than one kind of funny and more than one kind of thriller.”

    It’s a slick, slice-of-life sell, reinforcing Prime Video’s pitch as India’s most beloved binge-spot. From belly laughs to big sobs, it’s all on tap—and just a click away.

  • Netflix schools rivals as streamers ace June TV viewership charts

    Netflix schools rivals as streamers ace June TV viewership charts

    MUMBAI: Class is in session and Netflix is teaching everyone a lesson in domination. In Nielsen’s 50th The Gauge report for June 2025, streaming flexed its muscle once again, accounting for a record 46.0 per cent of total TV usage in the US. Leading the binge brigade was Netflix, which saw a 13.5 per cent surge in viewership over May, grabbing an 8.3 per cent share of total television minutes. That’s 0.8 points up month-on-month and enough to account for 42 per cent of streaming’s total gain in June.

    The platform’s winning streak was powered by its usual bag of tricks: original series Ginny & Georgia was crowned the most-streamed title of the month with a jaw-dropping 8.7 billion viewing minutes, while acquired shows Animal Kingdom and Blindspot together clocked 11.4 billion minutes. And just to put a cherry on top, Squid Game Season 3 dropped in the final three days of the month and still managed nearly a billion viewing minutes per day.

    Peacock wasn’t far behind on the podium, notching a 13.4 per cent usage rise fuelled largely by the new season of Love Island USA, which bagged 4.4 billion viewing minutes and ranked fourth overall. The streamer finished June with a 1.5 per cent TV share, up from 1.2 per cent in May.

    Much of the streaming spike can be chalked up to school being out. Kids and teens (aged 6–17) increased their TV usage by 27 per cent in June, with streaming accounting for 66 per cent of their total watch time. Netflix and Peacock saw viewership from this age group climb 32 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively.

    This cohort also powered up consoles and cable boxes, leading to a 41 per cent jump in the “Other” category home to video games and set-top box viewing far above the overall 14 per cent gain in that segment.

    Meanwhile, traditional TV continued its summer slump. Broadcast viewership dipped 5 per cent to an all-time low share of 18.5 per cent, slipping below the 20 per cent mark for the first time. Cable remained mostly flat but still ceded 0.7 share points to end at 23.4 per cent. Combined, cable and broadcast dropped from 44.2 per cent in May to 41.9 per cent in June.

    That said, the NBA Finals threw broadcasters a lifeline, ABC aired all seven of the month’s most-watched telecasts, including the NBA Trophy Presentation. On cable, Conference Finals on ESPN and TNT scored big, while news and special programming like Fox News’ Army 250 Parade and CNN’s Goodnight and Good Luck helped shore up ratings.

    With summer holidays in full swing and streamers rolling out irresistible content, one thing is clear: viewers are switching channels literally and figuratively. And if June is any indication, traditional TV might need more than just a timeout to catch up.

  • Aditi Guha joins Prime Video as head of programming & content insights

    Aditi Guha joins Prime Video as head of programming & content insights

    MUMBAI: Amazon Prime Video has roped in media veteran Aditi Guha as head of programming & content insights for Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios India. She joined the content giant in May 2025 and made the announcement today on Linkedin. 

    With over two decades of experience across media planning, consumer insight, content strategy and product monetisation, Guha is set to shape the streamer’s data-led storytelling and business decisions.

    Prior to this, Guha served as senior product researcher at Netflix APAC, where she led consumer insight across South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, and Southeast Asia, focusing on partnerships, churn, retention and commerce growth. Before that, she held multiple leadership roles at The Walt Disney Co in Singapore, launching Disney+ in Southeast Asia and building audience strategies across studios, media networks and licensing verticals.

    Her career began in media planning at Universal McCann and WPP, before she made her mark at Viacom18’s MTV Insight Studio and ABP News. Guha is an alumna of Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication and has earned certifications from NUS Business School, IdeoU, and General Assembly in analytics and design thinking.

    With content wars heating up in the Indian OTT space, her appointment signals Amazon’s continued push to double down on data-fuelled programming decisions, local insights and international storytelling chops.

  • Rohit Gandhi appointed revenue head at moneycontrol.com

    Rohit Gandhi appointed revenue head at moneycontrol.com

    MUMBAI: The city  has seen a significant move in the digital media landscape with Rohit Gandhi taking up the role of vice president and revenue head at moneycontrol.com. Commencing July, Gandhi has overseen the crucial display, branded content, IPs, and video revenue streams for the financial news platform.

    Gandhi transitions to moneycontrol.com from HT Digital Streams, where he served as revenue head for digital business for over two years. In that capacity, he was responsible for the digital monetisation of a diverse portfolio, including hindustantimes.com, livemint.com, livehindustan.com, and various specialist portals.

    His extensive background in digital revenue generation also includes an eight-month stint as revenue head for LCS business at MX Player. Prior to that, Gandhi spent four years as national sales head at Network 18 Digital, overseeing revenue for cnbctv18.com and Moneycontrol, encompassing display, content marketing, branded video content, native ad solutions, and programmatic sales.

    Earlier in his career, Gandhi was digital monetisation director at Condé Nast India, where he drove revenue strategy across titles like Vogue and GQ. He also held the position of national revenue head for The Hindu Group’s digital properties and was the national head for content marketing and native advertising at Times Internet Ltd, focusing on the “Demand Plus” business for economictimes.com and its B2B verticals.
    Gandhi’s appointment underscores moneycontrol.com’s strategic focus on strengthening its diverse revenue channels in the competitive digital media market.

  • Aisle unlocks free premium features for women

    Aisle unlocks free premium features for women

    MUMBAI: Swiping just got a little more serious (and a lot more empowering) for women on Aisle, India’s dating app built for meaningful relationships. The platform has rolled out free access to its premium features for all verified women users this July, a bold move to encourage safer, more intentional matchmaking in a space too often dominated by casual swipes.

    As part of the ‘Free Premium for Women’ initiative, women across India and the NRI diaspora will enjoy key paid features such as ‘See Who Likes You’, unlimited likes, daily comment privileges, and advanced lifestyle filters for free, post verification.

    This isn’t your average dating freebie. The goal is to give women more control in a world where online dating still has its share of red flags. By offering premium access and putting safety and intent first, the platform aims to foster deeper, more compatible connections and let women make the first move with confidence.

    “With this offering, we’re making it easier for members to access meaningful connections without the usual barriers,” said Aisle head, Chandni Gaglani. “Our members deserve digital spaces that are safe, respectful, and aligned with their intentions. This initiative not only empowers women in India to explore meaningful connections with confidence in a secure environment but also benefits our male members by offering access to highly verified profiles, enhancing the overall experience for those seeking serious relationships.”

    Designed as an antidote to hookup culture, Aisle continues to carve out a distinct space for itself where intent meets impact, and love doesn’t come with a subscription fee (at least for now).

     

  • Haier levels up with G-League to play big in India’s gaming arena

    Haier levels up with G-League to play big in India’s gaming arena

    MUMBAI: From refrigerators to frag grenades Haier is no longer just cooling your kitchen, it’s heating up India’s gaming scene. Haier Appliances India has hit the start button on its first e-sports IP with the launch of the Haier G-League, bringing the brand into the heart of India’s fast-growing gaming universe. Backed by its cutting-edge QD Mini LED TV range, the G-League is not just a tournament, it’s a bold move to connect with the joystick-wielding, meme-sharing Gen Z and millennial crowd.

    Set to kick off on 4th July 2025 with the finals on 20th July, the tournament has already pulled in 2,048 teams and over 8,000 players, all vying for a grand prize of Rs 1 million. The battle unfolds in Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), streamed live on Haier India’s official Youtube channel, turning every play into primetime entertainment.

    While Haier has previously dipped into sport-o-tainment as a digital streaming partner for the Indian T20 League and title sponsor of Match Centre Live for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the G-League is its first homegrown leap into India’s e-sports cosmos.

    At the heart of the G-League is Haier’s QD Mini LED TV series crafted for those who crave cinematic visuals and low-latency gameplay. This isn’t just a viewing device; it’s a front-row ticket to the future of gaming, with specs that could make even a console blush.

    “The G-League is more than a campaign, it’s a cultural commitment,” said Haier Appliances India president NS Satish. “We’re not just creating content, we’re entering conversations. Gaming is where Gen Z lives, and we want to meet them there with relevance, innovation and authenticity.”

    With a platform that champions skill, speed, and streaming appeal, Haier is now not just in living rooms, it’s in the digital arenas where the next generation battles it out.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Brands join the First Copy wave on Amazon MX Player

    Brands join the First Copy wave on Amazon MX Player

    MUMBAI: When a show strikes the right chord, it doesn’t just stay on screens, it creates a cultural movement. And that’s what First Copy on Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service has done. With its sharp, nostalgic tone and a title that practically writes its own punchlines, First Copy has sparked a trend no one saw coming. From FMCG to fashion and fintech, brands across sectors are joining in with a bold twist on their messaging, ‘Sirf ek original hai. Baaki sab first copy hai.’

    The phrase, now synonymous with the series, has become a campaign theme adopted by everyone from Bikaji, Pulse, and Sunfeast, to Aashirvaad, Lee, Tata Soulful, Vadilal, each one tipping their hat to their own originality while nodding to the series that’s made “first copy” a part of everyday conversation. From crunchy snacks to digital wallets, dairy products to denim, the show’s influence is cutting across categories. Whether it’s “Iske deewanepan ka koi match nahi! Pulse hi hai asli OG, baaki sab toh bas #FirstCopy!” or “Bikaji bhujia mein hai ORIGINAL BIKANERI JADOO! Baaki sab? #FirstCopy,” or “Sirf Sunfeast Dark Fantasy hai #HarDilKiFantasy, baaki sab #FirstCopy hai,” each activation cleverly inserts itself into the world of First Copy.

    Each brand is celebrating their product’s authenticity, while cheekily nodding to the show’s core theme that in a world full of duplicates, there’s only one worth watching. As the campaign continues to grow, First Copy has sparked conversations with multiple brands wanting to be a part of it. And in the age of scrolls, shares, and smart marketing, that’s the real original win. 

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)