ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Hip Hop India season two brings bigger battles and bolder moves to the floor

    Hip Hop India season two brings bigger battles and bolder moves to the floor

    MUMBAI: The floor is set, the beats are dropping, and the stage is sizzling, India’s biggest hip-hop showdown is back! Hip Hop India Season two has hit Amazon MX Player, promising a bolder, grittier, and more electrifying dance battle than ever before. With Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora as judges, the competition is tougher, the performances more jaw-dropping, and the talent pool ready to redefine India’s hip-hop landscape.

    From Shillong’s Afro-dance prodigy Iamonlang Karjana to Mumbai’s freestyle dynamo Oggy, the solo category boasts an electrifying mix of styles. Hectic from Mumbai, Funky Anna from Tamil Nadu, and Hitesh Patel, fresh from Romania and Italy’s Got Talent, are just a few of the dancers set to ignite the stage. With influences ranging from Krump and Tutting to Bhangra and Belly Dance, each contender brings a distinct flavour to the floor.

    The duo category is all about sync, style, and synergy. Snehal & Vaidehi bring an explosive mix of Whacking, Popping, and Afro, while Krish & Aditya Tyagi are set to seamlessly fuse Hip-Hop with Freestyle. Expect jaw-dropping chemistry and gravity-defying coordination as these duos battle it out.

    The group category is packed with powerhouse crews ready to command the dance floor. Mumbai’s Rule Breakers are set to bend the rules of gravity with their B-Boying and Breaking, while The Evokers, with members from Delhi, Lucknow, Goa, Haryana, and Meerut, promise a fusion of Openstyle choreography. Team SA from Siliguri completes the lineup with a dynamic blend of Hip-Hop, House, Locking, and Light Feet.

    This season isn’t just about dance, it’s about passion, storytelling, and pushing the limits. The contenders are not just here to compete; they’re here to make history.

    Streaming for free on Amazon MX Player, Hip Hop India Season 2 is available across mobile, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs. It’s time to turn up the volume and let the battles begin!

  • Wipro’s Srini Pallia brings in BPO veteran Kang; does business realignment

    Wipro’s Srini Pallia brings in BPO veteran Kang; does business realignment

    MUMBAI: In a bold corporate shuffle aimed at spicing up its business offerings, Wipro has appointed industry veteran Jasjit Singh Kang as managing partner & global head of its business process services  (BPS) division, effective 1 April.

    The appointment, which adds another heavyweight to chief executive and managing director Srini Pallia’s inner circle, comes as part of a larger organisational makeover designed to seduce clients with more integrated, AI-powered solutions. Kang will report directly to Pallia and join Wipro’s exclusive executive board in what the company coyly describes as “a new position.”

    Kang, who cut his teeth in the rough-and-tumble world of banking with stints at Citibank, Bank of America, and ANZ Grindlays, brings over 32 years of technology and business leadership experience to the role. He’ll take the reins of Wipro’s massive BPS operation, which employs a whopping 84,000 staff globally.

    Before being wooed by Wipro, Kang played the field with leadership roles at Alight, Aon India, WNS Global Services, and GE/Genpact. His CV boasts extensive experience in BPO setups, mergers and acquisitions, and technology transformation projects that would make lesser executives blush.

    The MBA holder from Central Queensland University also served as chairperson for Nasscom’s global in-house centres for the north India region, cementing his reputation as a player in India’s technology services scene.

    Meanwhile, Pallia has also taken Wipro through  a management reshuffle which forms part of the company’s broader strategic realignment around four global business lines to cater to client needs better:

    * Technology services: Nagendra Bandaru will lead this division, focusing on cloud-enabled and industry-specific technology solutions including digital and industry cloud, cybersecurity, data, analytics, and AI.
    * Business process services: The freshly appointed Kang will steer this ship, concentrating on digital operations and business process transformation.
    * Consulting services: Under Amit Kumar’s stewardship, this division will provide strategic advisory and transformation services to clients thirsting for innovation.
    * Engineering: Srikumar Rao will continue to head this division, providing engineering and R&D services.
    Meanwhile, Anne-Marie Rowland will maintain her grip on Capco, with no changes planned for this division.
    Jo Debecker, who previously led Wipro FullStride Cloud, has decided to pursue opportunities outside the company, marking the only executive departure in this round of reshuffling.

    “This evolution of our business lines will enable us to further sharpen our focus towards client needs with consulting-led and AI-powered solutions. This realignment will allow us to serve our
    clients better, enabling us to deliver tailored, high-impact transformation” said Pallia, who took over as Wipro’s chief last year.

    Industry analysts suggest the restructuring comes as tech consultancies worldwide feel the heat from generative AI, which threatens to disrupt traditional outsourcing and consulting models. With clients increasingly demanding integrated, outcome-driven solutions, Wipro’s reorganisation aims to position the company as a more agile dance partner in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

  • TCS veteran N . Ganapathy Subramaniam takes chairman’s position at Tata Communications

    TCS veteran N . Ganapathy Subramaniam takes chairman’s position at Tata Communications

    MUMBAI: Tata Communications has handed the keys to its chairman’s office to N. Ganapathy Subramaniam, the tech wizard who spent four decades cutting code and climbing ladders at Tata Consultancy Services.

    The appointment, which took immediate effect today, adds another feather to NGS’s already well-plumed cap, as the seasoned executive continues his post-retirement tour of Tata boardrooms.

    Having hung up his boots as chief operating officer and executive director at TCS last May, the Bangalore-based tech veteran is chairman at  Tata Elxsi and Tejas Networks, making this latest appointment something of a hat-trick for the self-described “software engineer at heart.”

    Subramaniam’s elevation comes as Tata Communications—formerly the state-owned behemoth VSNL—continues its transformation from stodgy telecom operator to nimble digital services provider. With revenues nudging Rs 17,000 crore, the company has been aggressively courting enterprise clients with cloud and IoT offerings that bear little resemblance to its public sector ancestor.

    The company informed the bourses of the appointment through a  regulatory filing.

    For NGS, whose four-decade tech odyssey has seen him shepherd TCS through banking, telecom and public service transformations worldwide, the new role adds to an already bulging portfolio of responsibilities. 

    Beyond his corporate entanglements, he chairs the governing council of Bharat6G Alliance and serves on the institute body at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology. To ease off from all his hectic engagements, NGS  enjoys nature walks around his Bangalore home.

  • Viswanathan Anand decodes the game of deception in a high tea duologue with Barun Das

    Viswanathan Anand decodes the game of deception in a high tea duologue with Barun Das

    MUMBAI: The latest episode of Duologue with Barun Das, airing on News9 on 15 March at 10 pm, features a compelling exchange between TV9 Network’s MD & CEO Barun Das, and chess legend Viswanathan Anand. Known for its deep, thought-provoking conversations, Duologue once again delivers an intellectual discourse that goes beyond the surface.

    Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, delves into how chess mirrors life, shaping critical thinking and resilience. Reflecting on his playing style, he remarked, “How you approach chess often reflects your approach to life.” With humour, he recalled his mother’s jest, “If I hated losing in chess as much as in cards, I’d be a better player.”  

    Das described the conversation as “a fascinating dive into Anand’s visionary outlook on chess, AI, and life itself.” He added, “In chess, checkmate signals the end, but in this duologue, the discussion only deepens, sparking new perspectives and ideas.”

    Anand shared his views, the sport’s potential inclusion in the Olympics, and the growing prize money, especially in women’s chess. He also addressed the Nikhil Kamath controversy, acknowledging it as an unfortunate event.

    Anand noted that computers have surpassed human players for over 25 years, with AI-driven neural networks revolutionising chess even further. Instead of resisting change, he believes players must learn to ask the right questions rather than seek fixed answers.

    As Duologue nears the end of its third season, this episode stands out as an insightful and engaging discussion. Don’t miss it on News9 this Friday at 10 pm.

  • Crocs on the Clock as Swiggy Instamart Delivers in Just 10 Minutes

    Crocs on the Clock as Swiggy Instamart Delivers in Just 10 Minutes

    MUMBAI: In a move that blends speed with style, Swiggy Instamart has teamed up with Apparel Group to bring Crocs to consumers in just 10 minutes, a first for the global footwear brand in India’s quick commerce space. Shoppers in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Gurgaon can now grab iconic Crocs styles like the Classic Clog and Classic Sandal instantly, just in time for Holi and the summer season.

    Swiggy Instamart’s latest partnership underscores its expansion into fashion and lifestyle categories, making premium footwear just a click away. Swiggy Instamart CEO Amitesh Jha highlighted the significance of the collaboration, “At Swiggy Instamart, we’re constantly exploring ways to bring customers what they love faster than ever. With Holi and summer around the corner, we’re excited to introduce a globally loved brand like Crocs, giving customers a seamless and instant shopping experience.”

    For Crocs, the partnership is about enhancing accessibility and making its iconic designs more readily available. Crocs, senior VP and GM (ROW) Adrian Holloway shared, “We’re thrilled that, through our partnership with Swiggy Instamart and Apparel Group, customers can now get their favourite Crocs styles in minutes. This service redefines convenience, making it easier than ever to step into style.”

    Apparel Group India CEO Abhishek Bajpai added, “This marks our brand’s first foray into quick commerce, and we are confident this collaboration will allow us to serve our customers faster and more efficiently. With Holi and summer ahead, we’re bringing the best in fashion footwear straight to their doorstep.”

    Starting March 2025, select Crocs footwear will be available for immediate delivery across major cities, with further expansion planned in the coming weeks. Swiggy co-founder Phani Kishan also took to social media to tease the latest offering for fashion and footwear lovers. As quick commerce reshapes shopping habits, Swiggy Instamart is stepping ahead by bringing instant retail convenience to new categories because now, fashion waits for no one!

  • Nazara Technologies COO Sudhir Kamath cashes out chips after impressive run

    Nazara Technologies COO Sudhir Kamath cashes out chips after impressive run

    MUMBAI:  In a departure,  that’s sent ripples through India’s gaming industry, Nazara Technologies’ chief operating officer Sudhir Kamath is folding his hand after a two-and-a-half year winning streak.

    The gaming and sports media powerhouse confirmed yesterday that Kamath will step down from his post on 1 April, with the veteran executive citing family reasons for his departure from the Mumbai-based firm’s C-suite. It made this declaration through a regulatory filing with the Bombay stock exchange. 

    “Kamath is exchanging his corporate royal flush for a full house back home,” quipped one industry insider, referencing the executive’s previous life as co-founder and CEO of online poker platform 9stacks, where he dealt cards for over five years before Nazara poached him in October 2022.

    His decision to relocate to his native city marks the end of a diverse career that has seen him play across multiple tables – from McKinsey’s consulting halls and Nigerian oil fields to the competitive word tiles of the Scrabble Association of India, where he spelled out success as president from 2020 to 2022.

    During his tenure at Nazara, Kamath helped the company level up its operational strategy while navigating the increasingly competitive gaming landscape. industry analysts suggest his departure comes at a pivotal moment as India’s gaming sector faces regulatory challenges and fierce competition from international players.

    While Nazara’s managing director Nitish Mittersain and board  has yet to name a successor, the company’s shares remained stable following the announcement, suggesting investors aren’t throwing in their cards just yet. The firm continues to expand its portfolio across esports, gamified learning and mobile gaming.

    For Kamath, who once turned an amazing return as an early investor in fruit exporter INI Farms, this latest move appears less about game over and more about selecting a new avatar closer to home.

  • JioHotstar bowls over digital world with Champions Trophy final streaming record

    JioHotstar bowls over digital world with Champions Trophy final streaming record

    MUMBAI: JioHotstar has smashed the cricket ball clean out of the stadium with eye-popping viewership figures during India’s Champions Trophy final victory against New Zealand, giving Netflix’s boxing blockbuster a run for its money.

    The streaming giant registered a colossal 61 million concurrent viewers at its peak as cricket-obsessed fans piled onto the platform to witness India’s crowning moment. Total reach rocketed to a mind-boggling 182 million, with an astronomical 900.2 million views altogether.

    These staggering statistics narrowly trail Netflix’s boxing extravaganza featuring Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, which drew 65 million peak concurrent viewers globally and 38 million in the US. However, cricket enthusiasts certainly weren’t on the back foot with their passionate support.

    JioHotstar’s record-breaking performance demolishes the previous high of 59 million concurrent viewers set during the 2023 Cricket World Cup final by predecessor Hotstar, showing just how far the digital heavyweight has come.

    “The subcontinent was absolutely stumped by Team India’s magnificent display,” remarked an OTT technology expert. “JioHotstar’s platform faced a tsunami of viewers but never dropped a catch.”

    The India-Pakistan group stage clash proved particularly lucrative, notching up a whopping 602 million streaming views on JioHotstar. Meanwhile, on traditional television, Star Sports registered 206 million viewers tuning in – amassing over 26.1 billion total viewing minutes, an 11 percent jump from their 2023 World Cup encounter.

    The #CTonJioHotstar campaign delivered a perfect yorker, connecting millions of fervent supporters to every boundary and wicket as India’s cricketing heroes lifted the trophy.

    This viewership milestone cements JioHotstar’s position as the undisputed champion of India’s streaming landscape – the team there is not merely participating in digital entertainment’s premier league, it is writing the record books.

  • Cape May Studios inks deal with Indie Rights for global streaming venture

    Cape May Studios inks deal with Indie Rights for global streaming venture

    MUMBAI:  Independent film distributor Indie Rights has struck a landmark content licensing agreement with Cape May Studios, the fledgling streaming venture founded by former Zee Entertainment executive Sachin Gokhale.

    The partnership will see a curated selection of critically acclaimed indie films appear on Cape May’s upcoming free ad-supported streaming television (Fast) and advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) channels, set to launch next month.

    Gokhale, who established Cape May Studios in August 2024 after serving as executive vice president and territory head for the Americas at Zee Entertainment, is building a network of genre-focused channels targeting global “fandom” audiences.

    “This collaboration is a key milestone as we prepare to launch our channels,” said Cape May Studios. founder & CEO Gokhale. “With access to Indie Rights’ compelling films, we’re excited to deliver content that challenges, inspires, and resonates with a global audience.”

    The content deal focuses heavily on horror, thriller, sci-fi and mystery genres – with titles including I Survived a Zombie Apocalypse and Shadows of Bigfoot set to terrify viewers in English, Hindi and Spanish initially, with plans for further language expansions.

    Indie Rights chief executive Linda Nelson noted: “This is an exciting moment as we expand our global reach with Cape May Studios. Their innovative streaming platforms will provide our filmmakers with new opportunities to connect with audiences who crave original, meaningful stories.”

    The agreement represents Cape May’s first major content acquisition since Gokhale launched the venture after an extensive career spanning major media companies including Viacom18, where he spent over 12 years in senior leadership roles across multiple territories.

    Industry observers note the partnership shrewdly targets millennial and Gen Z viewers between 18-40 years old, a demographic increasingly abandoning traditional subscription services in favour of free, ad-supported alternatives.

    As one streaming analyst quipped: “In the bloodbath of global streaming wars, this horror-focused partnership might just give audiences something to actually scream about – in a good way.”

  • Jio hops onto SpaceX’s StarLink bandwagon close on the heels of Airtel

    Jio hops onto SpaceX’s StarLink bandwagon close on the heels of Airtel

    MUMBAI:  In a strategic move that follows arch-rival Airtel’s recent partnership, Jio Platforms has entered into an agreement with SpaceX to offer Starlink’s satellite internet services to Indian customers.

    The agreement, announced Wednesday, will see India’s data traffic heavyweight join forces with the world’s leading low Earth orbit satellite operator in a partnership that promises to reach even the most remote corners of the subcontinent.

    “This deal isn’t just about connecting the unconnected—it’s about transforming digital access,” says an industry analyst. “With Airtel and now Jio partnering with Starlink, SpaceX has strategically orchestrated its entry into one of the world’s most competitive telecom, internet and data delivery markets.”

    Jio’s retail network will soon showcase Starlink equipment alongside installation and activation support, creating a significant expansion of connectivity options that complement existing JioAirFiber and JioFiber services.

    Mathew Oommen, group chief executive at Reliance Jio, emphasized the company’s mission to provide “affordable and high-speed broadband” to all Indians, while Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership—pending government authorisation. “We are looking forward to  to provide more people, organisations and businesses with access to Starlink’s high-speed internet services.”

    The satellite internet competition has intensified in India, with both telecom giants now aligning with Elon Musk’s constellation. Industry watchers suggest this competition could revolutionise connectivity across rural India, where terrestrial infrastructure has traditionally been inadequate.

    Beyond immediate internet provisions, both companies are exploring additional collaborative ventures to boost India’s digital ecosystem in what Oommen described as “this AI-driven era.”

    For millions of Indians lacking reliable internet access, these satellite partnerships promise to be a significant breakthrough—one that now has not just one, but two major telecom providers driving forward.

  • Amazon to launch linear TV channel for Prime Video members in Germany

    Amazon to launch linear TV channel for Prime Video members in Germany

    MUMBAI: Traditional television is far from dead as Amazon makes a decisive move into linear broadcasting with the launch of a new TV channel called Prime, exclusively for its Prime Video subscribers in Germany and Austria.

    Set to debut on 17 April 2025, the channel represents Amazon’s strategic push to bridge the gap between conventional television and streaming services, according to Christoph Schneider, country director of Prime Video Deutschland.

    PRIME VIDEO GERMANYSpeaking to German industry publication DWDL, Schneider explained the channel would serve as “an easy entry point into our Prime Video universe” for viewers who prefer the curated experience of traditional television rather than navigating through extensive on-demand libraries.

    The programming schedule will feature Prime Video originals including Reacher, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Fallout, alongside live sports coverage of the UEFA Champions League for German viewers and Wimbledon tennis for both German and Austrian audiences.

    Prime will maintain a distinct advantage over traditional television by featuring “shorter and less frequent” commercial breaks, whilst still adopting familiar TV-style advertising models that will be open to standard industry measurement.

    The channel will launch with the premiere of the first two episodes of comedy series LOL: Last One Laughing at 20:15 CEST on its opening night, marking Amazon’s latest effort to enhance its comprehensive streaming ecosystem that already encompasses subscription, ad-supported and transactional video-on-demand services.

    (MAIN PICTURE COURTESY: KANTAR)