ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Airtel beams entertainment into 2000 cities with mega IPTV splash

    Airtel beams entertainment into 2000 cities with mega IPTV splash

    MUMBAI:  Bharti Airtel has fired a broadside into India’s home entertainment market, launching IPTV services that promise to turn living rooms into multimedia playgrounds across 2,000 cities.

    The telecom giant’s latest offering bundles 29 streaming apps — including Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime — with 350 television channels, all riding on Airtel’s high-speed Wi-Fi networks.

    Chief of connected homes Siddharth Sharma  declared the launch as “a new era in home entertainment where cutting-edge technology seamlessly blends traditional linear TV with streaming”.

    The telco has drawn up a handful of packages for the IPTV service based on the broadband speed and number of apps. The following are the plans:  
    * Rs 699 (40 Mbps, 26 apps)
    * Rs. 899 100 Mbps 26 Streaming Apps 350 TV Channels
    * Rs. 1099 200 Mbps 28 Streaming Apps including Apple TV+, Amazon
    Prime 350 TV Channels 
    * Rs. 1599 300 Mbps 29 Streaming Apps including Netflix, Apple TV+,
             Amazon Prime 350 TV Channels* Rs 3,999 (1 Gbps, 29 apps)
    * Introductory sweetener: 30 days free service

    Customers can activate services through Airtel’s website or stores. Existing Wi-Fi subscribers can upgrade via the Airtel Thanks App.

  • Content maven Manish Dubey to ride YouTube wave at Infinitum Network

    Content maven Manish Dubey to ride YouTube wave at Infinitum Network

    MUMBAI:  Manish Dubey has landed a plum role as head of content strategy and partnerships at Infinitum Network Solutions, a digital content behemoth controlling 400-plus YouTube channels across 100 languages.
    The media veteran, previously content head with Suniel Shetty Productions, brings a robust track record spanning UTV Stars, Disney India, and television newsrooms. His new brief: to transform Infinitum’s already impressive 300-million-subscriber empire.

    “YouTube is like an ocean,” Dubey mused, “the  deeper you dive, the more you realise its vastness.”

    His strategic remit covers sports, news, entertainment, comedy, business, health, and beauty verticals.
    Founders Satyadev Chada and Vandana B have positioned Dubey to attract top-tier talent and drive innovation across markets including the middle East, Europe, India, Asia Pacific, and the US.

    The move signals Infinitum’s aggressive expansion in the digital content landscape, with Dubey positioned to chart bold new content strategies.

     

  • Fortune and Blinkit’s Eid film food and festive bonds

    Fortune and Blinkit’s Eid film food and festive bonds

    MUMBAI: Fortune Foods, the edible oil and food brand of AWL Agri Business Ltd, has partnered with Blinkit, the quick commerce platform, to release a heartwarming advertising film celebrating the spirit of Ramadan and Eid. The campaign emphasises the ease of purchasing Fortune products via Blinkit, ensuring a seamless shopping experience during the festive season.

    Set in Hyderabad, the film portrays the joy of Eid celebrations and the importance of sharing food. Ibrahim visits Taufiq Chacha, renowned for his biryani, only to find his memory failing. Taufiq Chacha has forgotten to prepare his signature dish. Ibrahim swiftly orders Fortune Biryani Special Basmati rice through Blinkit and begins cooking. As the family gathers, Taufiq Chacha recalls the essence of Eid biryani sharing it before partaking. Ibrahim and the family promptly order disposable containers from Blinkit, pack the biryani, and prepare to distribute it among friends and family. The campaign concludes with Blinkit’s message Iss Eid, khushiyaan baante! (This Eid, share happiness!).

    AWL Agri Business Ltd head & media and digital marketing Jignesh Shah commented, “Our collaboration with Blinkit shows our commitment to providing consumers with easy access to Fortune’s premium range of products. This film not only reflects the superior quality of our offerings, but also showcases how technology is reshaping grocery shopping, making it faster and more reliable. It perfectly captures the role food plays in uniting people during festive occasions. Biryani, so intrinsic to Eid celebrations, takes center stage, highlighting the spirit of sharing that defines the festival.”

    Customers can now receive Fortune products via instant delivery, ensuring they can enjoy their favourite meals without delay. Orders can be placed effortlessly through the Blinkit app.

    The advertising film is now available across digital and social media platforms, with plans for further expansion across other mediums. Fortune Foods and Blinkit invite consumers to experience the convenience of rapid, reliable grocery shopping.

  • India gears up for Esports Conclave 2025 to shape gaming future

    India gears up for Esports Conclave 2025 to shape gaming future

    MUMBAI: India is levelling up in the esports arena, with the Esports Conclave 2025 set to take centre stage on 1 April in New Delhi. Organised by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) in partnership with Krafton India and supported by Invest India as the knowledge partner, the conclave is poised to redefine the future of competitive gaming in the country.

    Bringing together senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and esports professionals, the event will tackle crucial topics like international tournament readiness, investment opportunities, job creation, and esports infrastructure development. The discussions will also contribute to an Esports framework recommendation for the government, charting a course for esports regulation and industry recognition.

    With the theme “Forging the Path to Global Leadership”, the conclave will explore ways to integrate esports into Aatmanirbhar Bharat, positioning India as a powerhouse in the global gaming ecosystem.

    The need for a structured regulatory framework has become more pressing as esports gains momentum. With its inclusion in major sporting events like the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, the industry is no longer just a niche digital phenomenon, it’s a legitimate competitive sport with global stakes.

    PEFI secretary Piyush Jain said, “The upcoming Esports Conclave 2025 will mark a historic milestone in establishing India as a global powerhouse in the world of esports. Esports has evolved into a dynamic and competitive sporting industry with immense potential of growth. This conclave will serve as a catalyst, bringing together industry leaders, gamers, and policymakers to shape the future of esports in India. It will facilitate crucial discussions on policy frameworks, infrastructure, and opportunities for Indian talent on the global stage. PEFI is dedicated to making India a frontrunner in this digital sports revolution and is fully prepared to embrace this new era of competitive gaming.”

    Krafton India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn said, “Esports is the future of competitive entertainment. With its official recognition in premier sporting events such as the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, Indian athletes now have the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stages. At Krafton India, we are committed to fostering a structured, sustainable, and internationally competitive esports ecosystem that empowers players and drives industry growth. Esports Conclave 2025 is a defining moment in this journey, bringing together policymakers, industry pioneers, and esports professionals to shape a long-term vision for India’s Esports industry.”

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee said, “With esports now finding a place in major international sporting events, India has a real shot at becoming a global contender. Esports Conclave 2025 is an important step in that direction – it’s where the right conversations can happen between the industry, government, and other key players. Whether it’s building grassroots programs, improving tournament ecosystems, or integrating esports into initiatives like Khelo India, this platform gives us a chance to align on what the future should look like. The goal is simple: create the structure and support needed for Indian esports talent to thrive on the world stage.”

    The Indian gaming industry is projected to hit 7.5 billion dollars by FY28, growing at a staggering CAGR of 20 per cent. As one of the fastest-growing esports markets in the world, India is not just playing the game, it’s setting new rules.

    By bringing together visionaries from policy and industry, Esports Conclave 2025 is more than just a conference; it’s a game-changing moment for India’s digital economy. With strategic vision, investment, and collaboration, India is gearing up to not only participate in the global esports arena but to dominate it.

  • Dream 11’s IPL technology challenge

    Dream 11’s IPL technology challenge

    MUMBAI: IPL 2025  Day One. The much hyped and awaited opener between RCB and KKR is about to begin. The Dream Sports War Room – as the tech hub has been labelled – is a hustle-bustle of activity. Energy levels are high, there’s tension in the air amongst all the engineers and product managers who have stationed themselves in the office for the cracker of a match that’s about to go on air. 

    Viewer engagement expectations on the Dream 11 app  are higher than ever following the merger of JioCinema and Disney Hotstar into this behemoth streamer called JioHotstar with a subscription base of 60 million.
    Even before the first ball has been bowled fantasy players by the millions have started their game play on Dream 11. 

    At the centre of it all is Dream Sports chief technology officer Amit Sharma  – the commander of the nerve centre that keeps millions of cricket fans connected—come traffic surge or system meltdown. Like the captain of a ship sailing through a turbulent sea he retains his calm so that he can steer his charge safely through the storm.  

    “IPL isn’t just a cricket tournament; it’s a digital gladiatorial arena,” Sharma explained on Linkedin. ” We’re all hands on deck, I really mean it. Every team works in tandem to make it bigger and better than the previous season! While the event lasts just for a couple of months, we prepare by making our systems more robust throughout the year. There’s a lot that goes behind stitching the most seamless experience for our users – from coming on the app, selecting a contest to making their dream team and real-time leader boards – it’s truly a journey. On top of our mind is the fact that we’re not just hosting an app; we’re managing a national digital phenomenon that can spike to 700 million requests per minute. “

    And how does the engineering team manage to keep the app in good enough shape  despite the killer load that piles up when the league gathers steam? 

    Before the first ball is bowled, Sharma’s team conducts a “service operational maturity assessment” (SOMA)—a forensic examination of over 100 critical services. Engineers run what can only be described as digital stress tests: benchmarks that would make Silicon Valley veterans break into a sweat. Chaos tests and real-world load simulations are pressured on the system to fine-tune applications and infrastructure.

    “We’re not just testing; we’re essentially performing open-heart surgery on our digital infrastructure,” he quips. Some systems receive targeted upgrades, while others undergo complete architectural metamorphosis.

    A key tool that streamlines the massive inflow of online players is “Scaler”, Dream Sports’ in-house traffic 
    management marvel. This system doesn’t just respond to traffic—it anticipates it. Predictive models allocate resources before traffic spikes can even think about overwhelming the system.

    The war room’s crown jewels? Two razor-sharp monitoring systems:

    1. Watch Commander (WACO): A real-time performance sentinel that catches anomalies faster than a fielder’s lightning-quick catch.

    2. Pulse: A user interaction tracker that identifies potential glitches before they can say “out.”

    Behind every algorithmic prediction and system upgrade is a team of engineers who treat digital resilience like a cricket strategy—meticulously planned, ruthlessly executed. Dream Sports’ incident management system stands ready, a digital emergency response unit primed to tackle any unforeseen technological yorkers.
    Each IPL season is more than a sporting event—it’s a technological crucible where Dream Sports redefines the boundaries of digital scalability, says Sharma. “It  challenges us to rethink and refine how we approach scale, speed and reliability,” he adds. 

    Back to Dream Sports War Room and to the opening match of the IPL. All that is needed to take RCB to their first victory in the 2025 edition is a thump to the boundary, which Livingstone does when he wacks the Johnson delivery past mid-on to the ropes  to the dismay of those in the Eden Gardens stadium. 

    In the war-room, Sharma leans back and heaves a sigh of relief. The match saw the Dream 11  app getting a peak concurrency of 16.5 crore users. And it held up strong, without any glitches to the delight of all the engineers who were on standby. Another battle won. Till the next one.

  • Kshema unveils ‘Secure Hands’ contest for IPL 2025 Punjab Kings fans

    Kshema unveils ‘Secure Hands’ contest for IPL 2025 Punjab Kings fans

    MUMBAI: Kshema General Insurance Ltd., the official general insurance partner of Punjab Kings, has launched the ‘Kshema Secure Hands’ digital campaign, offering cricket fans a chance to win match tickets and exclusive merchandise.

    The contest, open to participants aged 18 and above, will run across Kshema’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X. Fans must predict which Punjab Kings player will be crowned the ‘Kshema Secure Hands’ of the match, recognising the best fielding effort be it a catch, run saved, run-out, or stumping. Punjab Kings will shortlist the standout moments, and those who predict correctly will enter a lucky draw, where a jury will select the winner.

    “We are excited to launch the ‘Kshema Secure Hands’ campaign as part of our partnership with Punjab Kings. We have planned this nationwide contest to drive home our message that insurance means security just like good fielding provides a safety net to the team during matches which can be the difference between a victory and defeat. Cricket is the beating heart of India, and we couldn’t have found a better vehicle to connect emotionally with fans and create awareness about insurance and its importance in mitigating adverse financial situations,” said Kshema General Insurance Ltd. chief marketing officer Bhaskar Thakur.

    The initiative not only strengthens Kshema’s association with cricket but also raises awareness about its innovative insurance solutions. The company leverages AI-driven algorithms, machine learning, and big data to assess and price insurance risks efficiently.

    “We always strive to give our fans an experience they will cherish. I am happy that Kshema has launched this campaign and has kept the fans at the centre of our partnership. We look forward to fans from all over the country participating and having a great matchday experience,” said Punjab Kings chief executive officer Satish Menon.

    Punjab Kings, featuring a fresh squad under captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans on 25 March in an evening match. 

  • OTTplay Awards 2025 takes centre stage with a star-studded celebration

    OTTplay Awards 2025 takes centre stage with a star-studded celebration

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s entertainment scene sparkled brighter as the OTTplay Awards 2025 rolled out the red carpet at JW Marriott on 22 March, bringing together the finest in digital storytelling under its ‘One Nation, One OTT Award’ banner. The third edition of the only pan-India OTT awards was a grand spectacle, uniting stars and creators from across languages and regions to honour the best in streaming content.

    The night was a triumph of storytelling, with major accolades going to Panchayat, Paatal Lok, Girls Will Be Girls, Poacher, Freedom at Midnight, Black Warrant, and IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.

    The acting honours saw Manoj Bajpayee (Despatch) and Anupam Kher (Vijay 69) take home Best Actor (Popular and Critics, respectively), while Kajol (Do Patti) and Parvathy Thiruvothu (Manorathangal) claimed Best Actress titles.

    The web series category delivered emotional highs, with Jyotika (Dabba Cartel) winning Best Supporting Actor (Female) and presenting the Critics’ Best Actress award to Nimisha Sajayan (Poacher) in an on-stage moment that radiated camaraderie.

    Other winners included Jaideep Ahlawat (Paatal Lok 2) and Raghav Juyal, bagging Best Actor (Male) in the Critics’ and Popular categories, respectively, while Aditi Rao Hydari earned recognition for her performance in Heeramandi.

    The evening also saw a blend of generations, with industry veterans Anupam Kher and Shekhar Suman cheering on Patralekha, who won Breakthrough Performance (Female) Series for IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, while her husband Rajkummar Rao led a standing ovation.

    Adding a touch of nostalgia, Kunal Kohli presented Kajol with her award, reigniting Fanaa memories for Bollywood buffs.

    The night was filled with iconic reunions, including The Family Man trio Manoj Bajpayee, Priya Mani, and Neeraj Madhav, sharing the stage for the first time since Season 1. They were joined by Jaideep Ahlawat, the antagonist of the upcoming season, making for a momentous OTT crossover.

    Regional representation shone bright, with Sriimurali and Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar receiving special felicitations, while Miheeka Daggubati accepted the Best Talk Show Host award on behalf of her husband, Rana Daggubati.

    Commenting on the significance of the event, OTTplay, CEO and co-founder Avinash Mudaliar said, “At the OTTplay Awards, we honour the creators who challenge convention, the performers who redefine excellence, and the stories that resonate across languages and regions. With our ‘One Nation, One OTT Award’ vision, the OTTplay Awards are designed to transcend linguistic, regional, and platform-specific boundaries—recognising the finest in web series, OTT films, and digital storytelling from every corner of India’s dynamic entertainment ecosystem. This is more than an awards ceremony for me; it is a celebration of a cultural shift—a tribute to a golden era of streaming that is not arriving but already here. OTTplay Awards – Where India’s stories find their spotlight.”

    As the curtains closed with Raghav Juyal’s signature slow-motion hook step, the OTTplay Awards 2025 stood as a powerful testament to India’s ever-evolving digital entertainment landscape, where creativity knows no borders.

    The event was co-presented by Real Juice and Kuhl, powered by StockGro, and held in association with HT City. With Zoom as the official broadcast partner, and Flipkart Spoyl, D Pauls, Amante, and Propshop among key sponsors, the evening was a seamless blend of entertainment and industry excellence.

  • Law firm Nishith Desai & VC Tim Draper launch digital nation hackathon

    Law firm Nishith Desai & VC Tim Draper launch digital nation hackathon

    MUMBAI: The geopolitical map is getting a digital makeover, and it’s not just another crypto pipe dream. Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper and legal eagle Nishith Desai have joined forces to launch the e-Tibet Hackathon—an eyebrow-raising attempt to create the world’s first truly digital nation.

    Unveiled in Bengaluru on 22 March, the initiative brings together coders, policy wonks and entrepreneurs to build what amounts to a nation-state that exists entirely in the cloud. One might call it governance without the geography.

    Throughout history, humanity has continuously tinkered with the concept of statehood. The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 gave us sovereign nation-states with their territorial obsessions. The Bretton Woods Conference in 1944 redesigned global finance while maintaining physical borders. Now Draper and Desai are betting that 2025 will be remembered as the year nations began to exist primarily as strings of ones and zeros.

    The hackathon participants aren’t merely playing SimCity with higher stakes. They’re building blockchain-based governance systems, AI-driven legal frameworks, and smart contract public services. It’s like creating an entire government IT infrastructure, minus the government buildings and grumpy civil servants.

    “We are witnessing a fundamental reimagination of governance and national identity,” gushes Draper Startup House founder Vikram Bharti. “Just as Westphalia formalised nation-states and Bretton Woods reshaped financial systems, Draper Nation is setting a new precedent, one that will outlive us all.”

    Desai adds: “Traditionally, states are bound by geography, requiring physical land and territorial governance. But nations, built on shared values, culture, and identity, can transcend borders. This hackathon proves that digital nations can foster futuristic economic, legal, and social cohesion without physical boundaries.”

    The choice of Tibet as the prototype for this digital experiment carries obvious political overtones, though the organisers have been careful to frame it as a technological rather than a geopolitical endeavour. China, which claims Tibet as its territory, may have thoughts on a virtual alternative popping up in cyberspace.

    Whether e-Tibet will join the ranks of history-altering innovations or become another footnote in the long list of tech-utopian fantasies remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—the old adage about “no man’s land” might soon need updating to “no man’s bandwidth.”

  • ENO brings cricket banter to life with Aakash Gupta in humorous new campaign

    ENO brings cricket banter to life with Aakash Gupta in humorous new campaign

    MUMBAI: ENO, has launched a witty new campaign featuring comedian Aakash Gupta, celebrating the nation’s shared love for cricket and food. The campaign highlights passionate fan rivalries and indulgent match-time snacking, ensuring that acidity never spoils the fun.

    Fresh off the Champions Trophy victory, cricket fever grips the nation as fans gear up for the next big tournament. With every match comes friendly banter, intense team rivalries, and a spread of delicious snacks elements that define the true cricket-watching experience in India. ENO’s campaign playfully captures these moments, reminding fans that while emotions may run high, acidity shouldn’t interfere.

    Gupta takes on multiple humorous avatars, portraying enthusiastic fans enjoying regional delicacies without worrying about acidity.

    “For millions of cricket fans, it’s not just a game but a battle of pride, passion and some friendly banter. No matter which side you are on, one thing’s for sure great cricket is best enjoyed in the cheerful company of friends and family over delicious food that we love to indulge in. In the moments of nail-biting finishes and wholesome entertainment, the last thing we want is for acidity to spoil the fun. ENO understands the joy of these shared moments and wants to ensure that nothing comes between you and the excitement of the game – not even acidity. ENO is here to help you savour every moment, every snack, and every triumph, without interruption,” said Haleon India category lead, digestive health Bineet Jain.

    Comedian Gupta said, “I’m super excited to be teaming up with ENO for this campaign! As a die-hard foodie and cricket fanatic, I live for intense match moments where you get so caught up in the game, you don’t even realise how much you’ve devoured until the acidity hits. That’s when ENO is the ultimate solution for fast and effective relief to go right back to the game without missing a moment. I hope the humorous scenarios we’ve created in this campaign really resonate with audiences, reminding them to keep ENO handy so they can keep the party going, uninterrupted!”

    The campaign will run across digital platforms, including YouTube, Meta, and other social media channels, reaching cricket fans across the country.

    Watch the campaign films here,

    – Chennai vs Mumbai –

    – Delhi vs Punjab –

    – Gujarat vs Rajasthan –

    – Hyderabad vs Lucknow –

    – Kolkata vs Bangalore –

  • Cooler Master and EliteHubs unleash Shark X PC to make waves in gaming

    Cooler Master and EliteHubs unleash Shark X PC to make waves in gaming

    MUMBAI: The apex predator of gaming PCs has arrived! Cooler Master, in partnership with EliteHubs, has launched the Shark X PC, a high-performance machine designed for gamers, creators, and tech enthusiasts. Engineered for next-level speed and power, the Shark X blends cutting-edge performance with an aerodynamic chassis inspired by nature’s fiercest hunter.

    Exclusively available through EliteHubs’ website and offline stores, the Shark X PC is designed to be more than just a gaming rig, it’s a statement of precision engineering and design brilliance. Featuring aggressive curves, premium materials, and superior cooling, it ensures peak performance without compromise.

    At its core, the Shark X III is a powerhouse built for gaming, streaming, and content creation, featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 9900X processor, an Asus Prime GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, 64GB DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD. The lineup offers three performance-packed variants the Shark X III priced at Rs 6,64,293, the Shark X II at Rs 5,85,741, and the Shark X I at Rs 5,33,439, each delivering top-tier speed, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.  

    To celebrate the launch, EliteHubs hosted an exclusive Shark X Gaming Tournament at its flagship Mumbai store on March 23, 2025. Gamers battled it out in an intense 1v1 VALORANT face-off, with the winner taking home exclusive EliteHubs merchandise. The underwater-themed arena, complete with a custom-built shark cage showcasing the Shark X, added to the high-energy atmosphere.

    Cooler Master South Asia head Sanket Naik added, “The Shark X PC is a true testament to Cooler Master’s relentless pursuit of innovation. This launch, in partnership with EliteHubs, brings a unique fusion of cutting-edge performance and bold design to the Indian market. EliteHubs has been a key player in delivering top-tier gaming experiences, and their expertise in custom PC builds perfectly complements our vision for high-performance gaming. Together, we are bringing a product that stands out both in power and aesthetics. Built for gamers and enthusiasts, the Shark X delivers not just exceptional performance but also a statement piece that reflects passion and individuality.”

    Speaking on the launch of the Shark X PC, EliteHubs CEO Jai Desai said “At EliteHubs, we have always been at the forefront of delivering high-performance custom PC solutions tailored for gamers, editors, professionals, workstations & more. Our collaboration with Cooler Master on the Shark X PC is a testament to our shared commitment to bringing innovative solutions to India. Cooler Master’s innovation, combined with our expertise in custom PC builds, brings a product that not only excels in power but also makes a bold statement. We are excited to bring this unique experience to the Indian gaming community and redefine what’s possible in high-end PC gaming.”

    With India’s gaming hardware market projected to hit 5.96 billion dollars in 2025 and grow at a 7.10 per cent CAGR till 2030, the launch of the Shark X PC couldn’t be better timed. The gaming accessories market alone is set to reach 525.1 million dollars by 2030, reflecting a nationwide surge in high-performance gaming solutions.