Category: iWorld

  • Clovia joins Zepto for 10-min delivery of innerwear and sleepwear

    Clovia joins Zepto for 10-min delivery of innerwear and sleepwear

    MUMBAI: Clovia, has partnered with quick-commerce giant Zepto to offer 10-minute doorstep delivery in over 18 cities across India.

    Consumers in cities including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Kolkata can now access Clovia’s curated collection with just a few taps receiving bras, panties, sleepwear and more almost instantly.

    The collaboration reflects Clovia’s push to blend convenience with quality by harnessing the power of fast-commerce. With this move, the brand is focused on scaling access to its essentials particularly in Tier one and Tier two cities, where demand for rapid, reliable shopping experiences continues to rise.

    Clovia co-founder & chief growth officer Soumya Kant shared, “Today’s shoppers want speed without compromising on quality. Our partnership with Zepto allows us to serve this demand, delivering Clovia favourites at lightning speed.”

    As part of the launch, over 100+ top-selling styles are now live on Zepto, ensuring a smooth and swift shopping journey for customers on the go.

    Zepto chief business officer Devendra Meel added, “This collaboration strengthens our promise of convenience and quality. We’re thrilled to help bring Clovia’s innerwear essentials to users faster than ever.”

    The partnership not only accelerates Clovia’s digital-first approach but also boosts its omnichannel growth, reinforcing its presence in the ever-evolving intimate wear market.

  • Alcatel joins Flipkart to launch stylish Make in India smartphones

    Alcatel joins Flipkart to launch stylish Make in India smartphones

    MUMBAI: Alcatel has announced a strategic tie-up with Flipkart, bringing its latest range of ‘Make in India’ smartphones to Indian consumers via both Flipkart’s main platform and its rapid delivery arm, FK Minutes.

    This collaboration marks a bold step in Alcatel’s push to blend global innovation with local manufacturing, targeting digitally savvy youth across metros and smaller towns with feature-rich devices wrapped in sleek French design.

    With Flipkart’s massive e-commerce reach and real-time fulfilment capabilities, the partnership sets the stage for Alcatel to tap into the aspirations of India’s booming smartphone market—especially among the urban and semi-urban youth segment.

    Alcatel chief business officer Atul Vivek said, “As we chart our path forward, our vision is to build a complete ecosystem of products that deliver a truly connected and unified experience for Indian consumers. We are enthusiastic about our upcoming launches and the steady expansion of our footprint in the Indian market. This strategic partnership with Flipkart is instrumental in bringing that vision to life. Leveraging Flipkart’s expansive reach and deep market insights, we aim to offer high-quality products backed by a reliable, seamless after-sales service, ensuring an elevated consumer experience across the country.”

    Alcatel chief operating officer Ansh Rathi added, “We are proud to join hands with Flipkart to bring world-class quality and service to Indian consumers. This collaboration marks a significant step in elevating the smartphone experience by introducing feature-rich, premium devices at compelling price points. At Alcatel, our commitment lies in creating a seamless, connected ecosystem across devices and platforms. Guided by our core philosophy of delivering exceptional product experiences, we believe Flipkart’s vast network will help us build strong, meaningful connections with the youth across both urban and emerging markets in India.”

    Alcatel is also scaling up its nationwide service infrastructure to ensure smooth, dependable after-sales support.

  • Affle launches AI-driven ad tech solutions for SMEs, targeting connected TV growth

    Affle launches AI-driven ad tech solutions for SMEs, targeting connected TV growth

    MUMBAI: Affle India, celebrating its 20th anniversary at the Bombay Stock Exchange, has announced the launch of new AI-powered advertising technology solutions aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Founders Anuj Khanna Sohum and Anuj Kumar presented the company’s long-term strategy, focusing on innovation, impact, and intelligence, during the event.

    Key platforms introduced include OpticksAI for hyper-local creative generation and CTV AI, designed to facilitate ad campaigns for SMEs on connected television (CTV). The company also showcased 100 AI agents developed to enhance team productivity.

    “We are targeting a tenfold growth over the next decade, with a planned increase in manpower from 600 to 1,000,” stated Sohum.

    The CTV AI platform aims to provide SMEs with affordable access to television advertising within geographically defined areas. 

    “Shopkeepers and SME business owners can utilise these platforms to advertise on connected TVs,” explained Kumar. “Both platforms feature user-friendly interfaces.”

    Sohum elaborated, “Many small business owners desire television advertising at an accessible cost. Our CTV AI service enables them to achieve this at a significantly lower expense compared to traditional satellite and national television in a performance advertising format for bite sized ad campaigns.”

    Kumar highlighted the potential market growth, noting, “Currently, there are approximately 12,000 television advertisers out of a total of 250,000 advertisers across various mediums, indicating substantial growth potential.”

    Affle intends to deliver approximately a billion hyper local and hyper contextual  creatives annually through OpticksAI and onboard one million SMEs globally. “We are focusing on the vernacular vertical, addressing language and localisation needs for ad creation and delivery,” emphasised Sohum.

    The company is exploring various strategies to reach and onboard smaller advertisers, including the potential use of agents spread all over the country.

  • Swiggy Instamart rolls out Maxxsaver to boost customer savings

    Swiggy Instamart rolls out Maxxsaver to boost customer savings

    MUMBAI: Swiggy Instamart, has unveiled ‘Maxxsaver’, a brand-new feature designed to reward customers with extra savings on their everyday shopping. This launch follows Swiggy Instamart’s recent expansion into 100 cities across India.

    With Maxxsaver, users can now enjoy instant discounts of up to Rs 500 once their cart hits a certain value. The feature is applied automatically at checkout, meaning users don’t need to opt in to access the benefits.

    The platform’s extensive catalogue of over 35,000 products spanning groceries, makeup, fashion, electronics, toys and more can now be shopped at even better prices, with deliveries continuing in just 10 minutes.

    “As more users turn to Swiggy Instamart for daily essentials, electronics, fashion, and more, we remain committed to delivering exceptional value. With Maxxsaver, we enhance our promise to make Swiggy Instamart the most affordable and convenient quick-commerce destination. By passing on the benefits of larger orders, we’re able to offer better pricing to our users. Whether it’s a top-up or a weekly haul, users can effortlessly unlock maximum savings on every order,” said Swiggy Instamart CEO Amitesh Jha.

    First-time users will get a quick visual walkthrough via a half-screen prompt, while returning customers will notice progress bars, price-drop tags, and reminder nudges nudging them toward optimal savings.

    Swiggy’s premium subscription users, Swiggy One Blck members, can also expect exclusive Maxxsaver perks to roll out soon, adding even more value to their experience.

    Maxxsaver marks a move to make smart shopping more seamless, rewarding both small top-ups and large hauls alike.

  • Gotta snatch ’em all S8ul books third trip to Pokémon Worlds

    Gotta snatch ’em all S8ul books third trip to Pokémon Worlds

    MUMBAI: When the going got tough, S8ul got going and how! In a run that could rival any anime redemption arc, the Indian esports juggernaut clawed its way back from early defeat to punch its ticket to the Pokémon World Championship 2025 in Anaheim, USA. This marks a hat-trick of national triumphs for S8ul, reinforcing their stranglehold on the Indian Pokémon Unite scene.

    After a bumpy start in the India qualifiers a 0-2 stumble to True Rippers in the Upper Bracket S8ul fell into the dreaded Lower Bracket. But instead of crumbling, the squad dug deep, unleashing a four-match knockout blitz. They swept past Team Dynamis, crushed Autobotz, and settled scores with True Rippers in an emotionally charged rematch before toppling QML to make the Grand Finals.

    With the momentum firmly in their Pokéballs, they faced off against Revenant Xspark in the finals, clinching the crown with a 2-0, 2-1 victory combo. The win not only earned them a cool Rs 12.85 lakh in prize money but, more importantly, secured their slot among the top 32 teams heading to Worlds.

    The S8ul roster is stacked with talent: Manmohan ‘AllMight’ Singh (captain), Rahul “Kyurem” Lavhate, Deep “Snowyy” Patel, Adnan “Badshahh” Badshah, Rudra “ReX” Nayak, and Aditya “Reapy” Bhujbal, a squad known for sharp strats, ice-cold nerves, and synergy that rivals any evolution chain.

    Speaking on the achievement, team captain Manmohan ‘AllMight’ Singh said, “Representing India at the World Championship is a fantastic feeling. We knew we had the potential, it was about staying composed and focused after the initial round loss. This victory is a testament to our hard work, dedication, team strategy and communication. We’re honored to represent the nation and will give it everything we’ve got in Anaheim.”

    S8ul, founder & CEO Animesh Agarwal added, “Winning the Indian qualifiers for the third time in a row is a proud moment for all of us at S8ul. This team has consistently raised the bar for Indian esports and their resilience in this campaign was nothing short of inspiring. Representing India on a global stage again is not just an achievement, it’s a responsibility and we’re ready to make the country proud.”

    The Pokémon World Championship 2025 will unfold from 15–17 August in Anaheim, featuring top global squads fighting for a slice of the Rs 4.28 crore prize pool. As an official club partner at the Esports World Cup (EWC), S8ul is already a flagbearer for Indian gaming on the world stage and with their Anaheim adventure looming, they’re ready to evolve once again.

  • Prashant Nigam joins  Ullu & Atrangii in revenue position

    Prashant Nigam joins Ullu & Atrangii in revenue position

    MUMBAI: Prashant Nigam has joined Ullu & Atrangii Network as vice president of revenue, marking a new chapter in his extensive media career. Nigam, who announced his new role on LinkedIn, brings a wealth of experience in content licensing, syndication, and ad sales to the rapidly expanding OTT platforms.

    Nigam’s move comes after a two-year stint at GoQuest Media, where he served as head of content licensing for India and Saarc nations. His resume also includes roles at Rainshine Entertainment, Helios Media, Zoom Entertainment Television, Radio City 91.1, Red FM, and Dainik Bhaskar.

    At Helios Media, Nigam focused on content syndication and acquisition, while at Zoom Entertainment, he led new business development and ad sales. His background in radio and print media, with positions at Radio City 91.1, Red FM, and Dainik Bhaskar, further underscores his diverse media expertise.

    Nigam’s appointment signals Ullu & Atrangii’s ambition to boost revenue through strategic content partnerships and innovative sales initiatives. His experience in navigating the Indian media landscape positions him to drive growth for the platforms in the competitive OTT market.

  • Naval Pandya plugs In at You Broadband, eyes national network expansion

    Naval Pandya plugs In at You Broadband, eyes national network expansion

    MUMBAI: Naval Pandya, a seasoned telecom executive, has joined You Broadband India  as vice president of network alliance, tasked with turbocharging the company’s national broadband expansion. After a 13-year stint at GTPL Hathway, Pandya is set to leverage his extensive experience to forge strategic partnerships and broaden You Broadband’s footprint.

    Pandya, who officially plugged into his new role in April 2025, brings over two decades of industry expertise to the table. His LinkedIn post expressed enthusiasm for “building on that journey by strengthening our last-mile access and creating broadband-ready homes across the country.”

    You Broadband, in a statement, highlighted Pandya’s “more than 22 years of industry experience,” and expressed confidence that his “leadership and drive will contribute significantly to our goals on expanding the operator business.”

    Prior to You Broadband, Pandya served as vice president of broadband sales & operations at GTPL Hathway, where he oversaw customer lifecycle management, P&L management, and growth strategies. His resume also includes roles at Den Networks, Hathway Cable & Datacom, Bharti Airtel, Tata Communications, and You Telecom India.

    Pandya’s track record spans cable TV operations, broadband sales, and institutional sales, positioning him to drive You Broadband’s ambitions in a rapidly evolving market. He arrives at You Broadband with a wealth of experience in the Indian broadband and cable sectors.

  • Moksha hits a high note with 360° spin on indie music revolution

    Moksha hits a high note with 360° spin on indie music revolution

    MUMBAI: From side hustle to centre stage India’s indie artists just got their encore. In a power-packed duet of vision and grit, Bobby Baskaran, Grammy voting member, global CMO, and co-founder of legendary rock band Moksha has teamed up with serial entrepreneur Richard Dudley to launch Moksha 360, a full-spectrum ecosystem designed to rewrite the rules of the independent music industry.

    This isn’t your typical music label reboot. Moksha 360 blends artist-first values with next-gen tech, offering a 360° solution that spans live concert promotion, artist management, and an XR/AI-powered content platform. Think of it as a backstage pass to creative control, brand-building, and global exposure without the fine print.

    Speaking about Moksha 360 Richard Dudley says, This isn’t just a business, it’s a response to years of watching talented artists struggle to find a way forward. Moksha 360 is designed to change that. We’re building an ecosystem where creativity meets opportunity, and where indie artists can finally access the infrastructure they deserve, without losing who they are.

    Speaking about Moksha 360 Bobby ‘Beebob’ Baskaran says, “For too long, independent artists have been told to treat their passion like a side hustle. Moksha 360 is about changing that narrative – proving that creative and financial success can coexist. We’re building a legacy that empowers artists to own their voice, build their brand, and navigate the music industry with confidence, both in India and on the global stage.”

    The trio of pillars propping up Moksha 360 reads like a wishlist for any unsigned artist. First, live concert promotion goes beyond the usual dive-bar circuit, curating everything from intimate showcases to large-scale global gigs. Then there’s Artist Management & Label Services, handling the heavy lifting from music production and PR to distribution, marketing, and long-term career strategy. Finally, the XR/AI Content Platform harnesses cutting-edge technology to boost discoverability, deepen fan engagement, and unlock digital monetisation, giving artists not just a voice, but a viable business model.

    The concept isn’t just future-forward, it’s already on the world stage. In February 2025, Baskaran and Dudley took Moksha 360 to the 67th Grammy Awards in LA, where they entered strategic talks with potential collaborators and content partners, placing India’s indie scene firmly in the global spotlight.

    By bridging artistry with opportunity, Moksha 360 aims to be more than a platform, it wants to be a movement. One where indie artists can plug in, turn up, and finally be heard on their own terms, and at full volume.

  • WWE meets chai, chaos and childhood nostalgia in Netflix’s latest smackdown

    WWE meets chai, chaos and childhood nostalgia in Netflix’s latest smackdown

    MUMBAI: Just when you thought Netflix had already conquered every corner of Indian living rooms, it goes and body-slams convention with a fresh campaign that’s part love letter, part elbow drop. On 7 April 2025, Netflix launched a raucous tribute film celebrating India’s relentless WWE fandom, marking the start of what it’s calling the “Netflix Era” of WWE.

    Now that the OTT giant is the exclusive home for WWE in India, it’s bringing the wrestling ring to every smartphone and set-top box in the country — but not before honouring the real MVPs: the desi fans who’ve made John Cena, The Rock, and The Undertaker feel like long-lost cousins.

    “WWE isn’t just watched in India but lived, cherished and woven into everyday moments,” said Netflix India VP – marketing Srivats TS. “This film is a celebration of that synergy—showcasing how WWE and Netflix share the same passion for delivering unmissable entertainment.”

    The film, cheekily titled Fanmania, shows just how deep the wrestling fever runs in the country—from office banter to schoolyard brawls to uncle ji doing a DDT at a wedding (well, almost). It pays homage to the sheer spectacle that is WWE, while neatly folding it into the chaos and charisma of Indian life.

    Tilt Brand Solutions group CCO Adarsh Atal didn’t hold back on the fanfare, “With Fanmania, we set out to celebrate the unshakable passion of WWE fans by seamlessly blending its electrifying energy into everyday life.”

    To make the film hit as hard as a steel chair, they roped in directors Prakash Varma and Kishore Iyyar, whose flair for stylised, crowd-pleasing visuals made the narrative pop louder than a WrestleMania intro. Produced by Nirvana Films and backed by Tilt Brand Solutions, the campaign is slick, nostalgic, and undeniably fun.

    Netflix isn’t just content with playing cheerleader. The platform now streams every WWE flagship show — RAW, NXT and SmackDown — plus the Premium Live Events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank. For Indian fans, it’s not just binge-watching; it’s body-slamming boredom.

    With WWE woven into the very fabric of Indian fandom for decades, Netflix is clearly aiming for a finishing move of its own: converting casual couch potatoes into roaring superfans. Judging by this campaign, the strategy might just be championship-worthy.

  • Eternal’s COO jumps ship as new passions call, seven-year itch hits hard

    Eternal’s COO jumps ship as new passions call, seven-year itch hits hard

    MUMBAI: For a company that prides itself on timely deliveries, Eternal Limited (née Zomato) just had one dropped at its own doorstep — and this one didn’t come in a red bag. Rinshul Chandra, the company’s COO for the food ordering & delivery business, has called it quits after a seven-year-long run, submitting his resignation on 5 April 2025, with his last working day marked for 7 April.

    In true millennial fashion, he’s leaving to follow his “passions”. Maybe it’s yoga, maybe it’s a startup, maybe it’s sourdough — no one knows for sure. But what we do know is this: Eternal’s kitchen just lost one of its top chefs.

    “I am writing to resign… to pursue new opportunities and passions that align with my evolving personal and professional goals… It has been an incredibly fulfilling journey over the past seven years,” Chandra wrote in his parting note to the company’s founder and foodie-in-chief Deepinder Goyal. Short, sweet, and with a sprinkling of “new beginnings” jargon — a resignation letter that pairs nicely with a kombucha.

    The company, ever dutiful in ticking SEBI boxes, wasted no time in informing BSE and NSE through the standard (and terribly uninspiring) Regulation 30 filings. The update: Chandra has resigned voluntarily. Reason cited? “To pursue new opportunities and passions.” Translation? Possibly tired of 30-minute delivery targets and pings at midnight.

    The resignation comes into effect on 7 April, which gives him exactly two days to clear the desk, return the ID card, and possibly finish the last office buffet.

    The board hasn’t announced a successor yet. In the meantime, speculation is likely to swirl faster than masala in a curry.

    The end of an era or just a new menu?

    Chandra’s exit marks a notable shift in Eternal’s post-Zomato evolution. Since the rebrand, the company has been reinventing itself — and now, one of its most visible faces from the food-tech chapter is bowing out. Whether this signals more shake-ups in the C-suite or just a strategic calorie cut, remains to be seen.

    The departure also comes at a time when the food delivery industry is facing heat — tighter margins, tech churn, and the occasional PR indigestion. But in Eternal’s case, the tone remains cheery, polite, and as crisp as their garlic bread.

    As the company’s company secretary Sandhya Sethia confirmed in the filing, all the formalities have been wrapped up and the paperwork is public, as per SEBI’s menu of disclosures.

    No drama. No fireworks. Just a neatly plated career exit with a side of gratitude and a drizzle of dignity.

    So, what’s next for Eternal? Will they whip up a new leadership recipe? Will they double down on AI-driven kitchen ops? Or maybe bring in a Tiktok-savvy Gen Z exec who moonlights as a food critic? Your guess is as good as ours.