ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Pocket FM’s Rs 1,000 crore revenue milestone: Growth soars 500 per cent YoY

    Pocket FM’s Rs 1,000 crore revenue milestone: Growth soars 500 per cent YoY

    Mumbai: Imagine a world where your favorite stories come alive—not on screens, but in your ears, whispering adventures and drama as you multitask through life. When binge-watching wasn’t an option, Pocket FM became your storytelling savior, transforming mundane chores and long commutes into thrilling escapades. Today, the platform that brought you gripping audio series at the tap of a finger is basking in the spotlight, shattering records with its meteoric rise.

    In an extraordinary leap, Pocket FM has surged past the Rs 1,000 crore revenue milestone in FY 2024, marking an awe-inspiring 496 per cent year-on-year growth from Rs 176.36 crore in FY 2023. This groundbreaking success cements the company’s status as a trailblazer, combining innovative storytelling, microtransactions, and global ambition to rewrite the rules of entertainment. As it inches closer to profitability, Pocket FM’s journey serves as an inspiring masterclass in turning sound waves into success stories.

    Pocket FM reported a global revenue of Rs 1,051.97 crore, bolstered by significant growth in subscription and advertising revenue. This rapid expansion comes alongside a 21 per cent reduction in global losses, from Rs 208 crore in FY 2023 to Rs 165 crore in FY 2024, highlighting its strategic push towards operational efficiency.

    Financial highlights: A year of remarkable transformation

    Subscription Revenue Growth:
    The platform’s subscription revenue skyrocketed, increasing nearly sixfold from Rs 160.05 crore in FY 2023 to Rs 934.73 crore in FY 2024. This growth reflects the platform’s ability to build a thriving community of paid users, largely driven by its innovative microtransaction model.

    Advertising Revenue Expansion:
    Advertising revenue increased over seven times, from Rs 12.5 crore to Rs 89.34 crore, underscoring the platform’s growing attractiveness for advertisers.

    Enhanced Operational Efficiency:
    Pocket FM’s expense-to-earnings ratio improved significantly, from 2.18 in FY 2023 to 1.16 in FY 2024, illustrating the company’s disciplined approach to cost optimisation.

    Loss Reduction:
    Losses decreased by Rs 43 crore, down from Rs 208 crore in FY 2023 to Rs 165 crore in FY 2024, reinforcing the company’s commitment to profitability.

    Pocket FM

    Pocket FM has reshaped entertainment through its serialised audio storytelling model. Over 30 audio series have each surpassed the Rs 10 crore revenue milestone, with seven series crossing Rs 100 crore—a testament to the platform’s robust content pipeline. Additionally, the platform leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to produce over 40,000 audio series, contributing Rs 25 crore to its revenue.

    With over 100 billion minutes of streaming powered by its 200-million-strong listener community, the platform has also recorded 45 million transactions through its microtransactions model.

    While India remains a core market, Pocket FM is making aggressive strides in global markets like the United States, Europe, and Latin America. The company’s investments in localised content, advanced technology, and strategic user acquisition have bolstered its international footprint, positioning it as a global leader in entertainment innovation.

    “This growth reflects our relentless efforts to redefine the entertainment landscape. With a sharp focus on leveraging AI, we are not only enhancing operational efficiency but also creating smarter processes that optimise content delivery and monetisation. Our vision remains clear: to establish Pocket FM as a global entertainment platform that consistently pushes the boundaries of content experiences.” said Pocket FM, CFO, Anurag Sharma.

    Anurag sharma

    Pocket FM’s success is an inspiring example of a tech-driven company prioritising scalability while staying on the path to profitability. As it continues to redefine the entertainment landscape, the company’s disciplined growth strategy, innovative storytelling approach, and global ambitions place it on an upward trajectory in the ever-evolving world of digital content.

  • 30,000+ people attended India’s creator fest ‘Stanfest2024’

    30,000+ people attended India’s creator fest ‘Stanfest2024’

    Mumbai:  Stan platform organised “Stanfest 2024” on 24 November in Phoenix Palassio mall, bringing together India’s top 200+ creators, 30,000+ attendees, gaming enthusiasts, and fans in a one-of-a-kind gaming and creator event.

    The event witnessed top creators and their die-hard fans (Stans), concluding on a high note and making Lucknow the new star in the gaming industry.  The Stanfest witnessed a footfall of 30,000+ Fans and brought together top creators and gaming enthusiasts under one roof creating a sense  of excitement. Among the key highlights was the participation of popular gaming and lifestyle creators and social media influencers, like Ashish Chanchalani, Fukra Insaan, Round2Hell, UK07 Rider, Mortal, Anurag Dwivedi, Shayar, Chill Gamer, Achanak Bhayanak Gaming and many gaming influencers, and more.

    At Stanfest, CEO Parth Chadha revealed that the platform has now empowered over 500,000 creators. He also highlighted that the app’s early monetization features have enabled creators to collectively earn over $1 million in just the past six months. Stan is quickly establishing itself as a leading force in driving innovation and growth within the creator economy.

    The event enabled the fans to meet their favourite creators, interact, capture moments and create unforgettable memories. It also offered Esports LAN tournaments, gaming awards, live music shows and other performances. The Cosplay section showcased award-winning artists bringing gaming characters to life. The crowd enjoyed a rousing live music performance bringing the night to a close.

    “Engaging with such an enthusiastic and vibrant audience was an absolute thrill! I’m truly grateful for the warm welcome in Lucknow. I would like  to thank the STAN team for making this experience unforgettable. Seeing all fans together is always an amazing experience.  Looking forward to more moments like this!”says Ashish Chanchlani.

    Different arenas with interactive experiences were enabled during the fest including custom games in BGMI and Free Fire and other mini games and a club-style gaming experience were also available. The event was full of fun and excitement, with activities like meet-and-greet sessions and mini-games. Participants could win prizes worth Rs 25 lakh, including big rewards like a Royal Enfield Bullet and a Mahindra Thar.

    Speaking about the event, the co-founder & COO Nauman Mulla said, “ It was indeed a pleasure to receive so much love from Lucknow. We are elated to share that we have organised India’s biggest creator meet up in India with 200 + creators that has never been seen before in India but we finally made it happen . Stanfest is a major milestone for us, bringing together the brightest creators in a way that reflects the rapid growth of our community. This has been the largest yet, and we’re excited to introduce new experiences that will set the tone for the future of gaming and content creation in India.”

  • Anuj Tandon announces departure from JetSynthesys as gaming CEO

    Anuj Tandon announces departure from JetSynthesys as gaming CEO

    MUMBAI: He’s game to get a move on Anuj Tandon, the CEO and investor of  gaming at JetSynthesys  has decided to hang up his boots at the company. As CEO of gaming, Anuj led  and managed various gaming assets of JetSynthesys including its game studio, investments and  global partnerships, esports (Skyesports), Nautilus Mobile, Jetapult, Nodwin and Web3 ventures.

    He spent two years at India’s foremost gaming firm as its CEO, also being a board observer at Nautilus and Jetapul. Prior to that, he was head (India & Mena regions) of corporate development &  investments at Krafton where he led its investments in Pratilipi, FRND, Nautilus Mobile, KukuFM, Nodwin, Loco, One Impression, among others.

    A hard core software enthusiast Anuj began his career at Infosys working as a developer, then a solution designer for four years before jumping to Tech Mahindra for a short stint of six months in end-2009. He then  co-founded his own studio Rolocule Games which he ran for five years before it was acquired by Dream 11. Nazara Games was his next stop for a year where he headed mobile game publishing & marketing till 2016. He then helped Chinese company Yozu Interactive to set up Yoozoo Games as its CEO and stayed there for four years. And then came his Krafton shift where he oversaw its investments in various companies.

    Anuj is a well-known figure in the games industry and observers are all eager to know what his next initiative will be.

    However, he was effusive in his praise while posting his departure from JetSynthesys on Linkedin this morning. Said he:  “.. I would like to thank Rajan Navani for being the visionary to create one of the most important companies in digital media and gaming in India and offering me the opportunity to work as CEO gaming.”  

    He then went on to thank the rest of his colleagues at the various studios and companies he oversaw. 

  • JetSynthesys welcomes Ryo Shima as CEO of gaming division

    JetSynthesys welcomes Ryo Shima as CEO of gaming division

    Pune: JetSynthesys, a new age global digital entertainment and technology company, announced the appointment of Ryo Shima as the new chief executive officer of its gaming division. Shima, who has been leading JetSynthesys’ Japan business, will now oversee the company’s gaming operations. Based in Silicon Valley, Shima brings a wealth of experience, including a notable tenure at listed Japanese major GREE (Former-CEO of GREE UK, COO of GREE US and SVP of GREE Inc) where he excelled in driving growth and innovation in the mobile gaming sector.

    Shima is a highly seasoned leader known as an expert in data-driven decision making, financial modeling, global partnership strategies, and digital marketing to deliver innovations, and revenue growth. He has also been instrumental in cross border game development (Japan-India-US) in the past at JetSynthesys. In his new role, Shima will be charged with steering the strategic direction of the Gaming Division, with a focus on expanding the company’s portfolio, enhancing player experiences, and harnessing advanced technology to deliver groundbreaking gaming solutions, at a time when Indian companies are expanding their global footprint.

    “Ryo’s impressive track record, particularly during his time at GREE where he played a pivotal role in establishing key titles and expanding international reach, makes him an exceptional leader for our Gaming Division,” said JetSynthesys founder & CEO Rajan Navani. “His insights from Silicon Valley, combined with his experience in the global gaming arena, will be crucial as we pursue innovative opportunities and deeper engagement with our global partners.”

    Shima said, “I am excited to step into this expanded role and look forward to collaborating with our talented teams worldwide to create engaging and innovative gaming experiences. Our focus will remain on offering unparalleled solutions for game developers, publishers and gamers while ensuring growth in the dynamic and ever-evolving gaming landscape.”

    Ryo holds an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and has investment banking experience as well having worked with one of the world’s largest firms, Carlyle for three years. With Ryo Shima at the helm, JetSynthesys is poised to strengthen its position in the competitive gaming market and deliver unparalleled entertainment to gamers around the globe.

  • AI innovation takes center stage at Global AI conclave

    AI innovation takes center stage at Global AI conclave

    Bengaluru – The Global AI Conclave, hosted by Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18, concluded its second edition in Bengaluru, showcasing how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, governance, and society. With the theme ‘From Hype to Impact,’ the event brought together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore AI’s potential to solve pressing challenges and drive real-world change.

    The event highlighted advancements in AI across sectors like healthcare, governance, urban planning, and more. Attendees included visionaries, industry leaders, and investors, offering insights into AI’s risks, rewards, and transformative possibilities.

    Moneycontrol managing director Nalin Mehta emphasised India’s pivotal role in the AI revolution:“India is at the forefront of an AI-powered transformation, with ₹10,300 crores committed to the India AI mission. It’s time to move beyond the hype and deliver real-world impact.”

    Intel India VP & MD Santhosh Viswanathan celebrated India’s unique strengths:“This is an extraordinary moment for India to lead, fuelled by abundant data, scalable solutions, and frugal innovation.”

    The session progressed into a thought-provoking discussion on ‘Reimaging Governance with AI’ featuring former union minister of state for electronics and information technology, skill development & entrepreneurship & Jal Shakti, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. He stated, “The Prime Minister envisions the next phase of governance, propelled by the monumental success of Digital Public Infrastructure that has already redefined citizen interactions.  Leveraging vast datasets, the focus is on enhancing public services and decision-making, much like how UPI transformed financial inclusion, aiming to redefine governance for the modern era.”

    The conclave continued with two interesting fireside chats on ‘Decoding the AI Gold rush’ with General Catalyst CEO & managing director Hemant Taneja. He stated “India stands at a pivotal moment, driven by global resilience and shifting geopolitics. With strategic focus on core industries like defence, healthcare, and energy, its high growth and entrepreneurial spirit make it an ideal global leader. The success of quick commerce in India reflects more than convenience—it highlights transformative infrastructure like UPI. It’s the bold aspirations of visionary founders that are driving this change, and it’s inspiring to support their journey.”

    The sessions then further delved intoan insightful fireside chat with Ministry of Electronics & IT secretary S. Krishnan GoI on ‘Inside the India AI mission’, he shared “India’s AI initiatives are progressing rapidly, with significant investments and over 1,000 proposals already under review. The next phase will focus on trusted technologies and advanced computing under the National Supercomputing Mission, emphasising a balanced, inclusive approach to drive transformative growth.”

    Among the many highlights was a fireside chat with Adobe senior director & head of digital media business, India/South Asia, Girish Balachandran on ‘Digital Transformation in the Era of Gen AI’. Further enriching the discourse were panels such as, ‘Can AI reshape healthcare and diagnosis’ with Dr H. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman, Manipal Hospitals; Dr Geetha Manjunath, CEO and Founder, Niramai Health Analytix and Laina Immanuel, Co-founder & CEO, BrainSightAI.

    The event proceeded with another fireside chat on ‘From India to the world: How Premji Invest built a world-beating global AI portfolio from Bengaluru’, featuringTK Kurien, Chief Executive Officer , Premji Invest. . Following this insightful discussion, the focus shifted to a dynamic panel on ‘AI for All: Building a Future where AI benefits everyone’ with Manish Gupta, Director, Google Deepmind; Kalika Bali, Senior Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research India; Shri Nand Kumarum, President and CEO, National e-Governance Division, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technologyand Manu Chopra, Founder, Karya.

    The summit then transitioned to another fireside chat on ‘Can AI solve the traffic woes of India’s tech capital?’ with M.N. Anucheth, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Bengaluru Traffic). He said “Bangalore is implementing smart traffic signalling at 165 junctions by February, with adaptive systems at 200 locations to prioritise flow based on density. These measures, already cutting travel times by 17-22 per cent, aim to manage the city’s rapidly growing vehicle population, which has doubled in a decade, now surpassing Delhi.”

    The conclave concluded with a special address on ‘Karnataka’s Path to Becoming India’s AI Powerhouse: What does it take?’ by Dr M. B. Patil, Minister for Commerce & Industries and Infrastructure-GoK and Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka. Sharing his thoughts Dr M. B. Patil said”Karnataka, India’s IT capital, is now a global leader in machine learning, robotics, and quantum computing. With 1.2 million skilled professionals and contributing 60% to biotech, defence, and aerospace, the state’s talent and infrastructure make Bengaluru a vibrant hub of innovation and creativity.”

    Adding to this Gunjan Krishna said “At the Global Investors Meet in February 2025, Karnataka will unveil a new industrial policy focused on high-value industries, boosting employment with an emphasis on women, and advancing technologies like EVs and hydrogen. The goal is to raise manufacturing growth to 12 per cent, attract Rs seven lakh crore in investments, and create 25 lakh jobs, solidifying Karnataka as a hub for sustainable growth.”

    The second edition of the Global AI Conclave was not only celebrated AI’s transformative journey but also set the stage for future breakthroughs that promise to redefine industries, improve lives, and propel India as a global AI leader. As the curtains close on this year’s edition, the commitment to leveraging AI for a better tomorrow continues to inspire.

  • Competition Commission clears Alphabet’s investment in Flipkart

    Competition Commission clears Alphabet’s investment in Flipkart

    MUMBAI: Indian ecommerce giant  Flipkart  -owned by  US retail major Walmart – has a new minority shareholder. India’s monopolies  and fair trade watchdog, the Competition Commission of India, on 26 November, gave the green signal to Alphabet’s subsidiary Shoreline International Holdings LLC to acquire a stake in it. Shoreline International Holdings is a wholly-owned offshoot  of Alphabet,  Google’s parent company. It is a holding firm and does not own or operate any Google products or services.

    “The proposed transaction comprises an investment through subscription of shares of Flipkart Pvt Ltd (Target) by Shoreline International Holdings LLC (acquirer) and an arrangement between an affiliate of the acquirer and the target’s subsidiary for the provision of certain services,” the regulator said in a release.

    Flipkart mainly  offers wholesale cash and carry operations and runs marketplace-based e-commerce platforms to facilitate trade between customers and sellers in India. 

    In 2023, Flipkart had started a funding round of close to a billion  Us dollars which included $350 million from Google and around $600 million from Walmart. The agreement with Google also included, according to reports, access to its cloud services which would allow it expand its digtal infrastructure further. With that its valuation had risen to $36 billion and it said it would use the money to expand into quick commerce and other fintech ventures.

    85 per cent owned by Walmart, Flipkart will probably move towards an IPO in the not-too-distant future, as it is something which the Binny Bansal and Sachin Bansal-founded firm has been thinking about for sometime. 

  • Streambox Media unveils Dor India’s first subscription-based TV service

    Streambox Media unveils Dor India’s first subscription-based TV service

    MUMBAI: Gone are the days of debating over iOS and Android or boasting about who owned the fastest gadget. The era of squabbles about which TV brand—LG, Xiaomi, or Samsung—rules the market is fading into nostalgia. Buying a television back then felt like assembling a puzzle: first, the TV itself, then a dish connection for channels, followed by an OTT device to smarten it up. And even then, you were stuck playing detective—Googling endlessly to figure out which platform hosted your favorite show, live match, or breaking news.

    But now, the tide has turned. The clutter and confusion of old-school television are making way for an extraordinary transformation. As the sun sets on fragmented entertainment, a bold new dawn emerges in the Indian living room. Welcome Dor—the future of home entertainment that combines everything you need into one seamless subscription experience. It’s not just a TV; it’s a revolution. Or so claims the company behind it. 

    Streambox Media, a leading media-tech venture founded by cable TV industry and distribution vetera Anuj Gandhi and backed by Micromax Informatics, Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath, and Stride Ventures, has launched Dor—India’s first subscription-based television service. Designed to revolutionise home entertainment as claimed by the company, Dor integrates a high-performance 4K QLED TV with over 24 premium OTT platforms, 300+ live channels, gaming, news, and more into a single, affordable subscription model.

    Dor is set to debut in India via Flipkart on 1 December 2024, with plans for expansion to other platforms and offline distribution channels. This innovative TV-as-a-service model eliminates fragmented content navigation across devices, offering users a seamless, unified experience powered by India’s indigenously developed Dor TV OS.

    Micromax Informatics co-founder, Rahul Sharma emphasised the shift in consumer preferences, “The home entertainment landscape is witnessing a tectonic shift with the rise of subscription and leasing models. Younger audiences prioritise flexibility and value over ownership. With Dor, we are introducing a market disruptor that addresses these evolving preferences while showcasing India’s capabilities in developing future-ready technology.”

    Streambox Media, COO, Romil Ramgarhia added, “Dor democratises premium entertainment by making advanced technology accessible to Indian households. Our innovative approach significantly reduces costs by 50-60 per cent, consolidating the expense of smart TVs and content services.”

    Indiantelevision.com Sreeyom Sil got into an exclusive conversation with Anuj Gandhi  on the sidelines of a press conference in Mumbai to announce Dor and Streambox’s launch. He shed light on how Dor is setting new benchmarks for connected TVs in India. Excerpts from the interview: 

    * What differentiates Streambox’s Dor service from others in the market?
    The key difference is simplicity: everything should be plug and play. Why should I worry about subscriptions, when my payments are due? It should be as convenient as possible in one single shop. And that’s what we have endeavored to do here. 

    Then, fragmented services and high upfront costs deter many households from adopting connected TVs. Dor’s subscription model integrates cutting-edge AI, content platforms, and hyper-personalised recommendations to deliver an unmatched value proposition  with an immersive experience. With its integrated Dor OS, users can enjoy a seamless interface consolidating OTT platforms, live channels, and on-demand content. 

    Dor’s subscription model offers unparalleled flexibility and cost-efficiency. Consumers can own a 43-inch 4K QLED TV with Dolby Audio and solar-powered remote for an upfront activation fee of Rs 10,799, including the first month’s subscription. Post the initial month, the subscription costs Rs 799 per month for 12 months, after which customers can customise their packages. 

    The subscription includes access to platforms like Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Jio Cinema, Sony Liv, and many more, with a single sign-on and AI-driven personalised recommendations simplifying the entertainment experience. Larger 55-inch and 65-inch TV variants are set to launch in early 2025, expanding options for Indian households.

    With its integrated Dor OS, users can enjoy a seamless interface consolidating OTT platforms, live channels, and on-demand content. A four-year warranty and regular software upgrades every quarter are on offer with which Dor aims to make a real difference in how India consumes entertainment.

    * What specific challenges in content discovery does Dor address, and how does it enhance the user experience compared to existing software?
    Dor takes content discovery beyond the siloed limitations of individual apps. Our intuitive AI and large language models power a seamless search experience across multiple platforms. Dor personalises recommendations based on user preferences, ensuring a richer and more tailored viewing journey.

    Anuj Gandhi quote

    *  How does Dor use advanced machine learning for personalised recommendations and ensure diversity in content?
    Personalisation is at the core of Dor. We analyse individual preferences—language, genre, or favorite actors—and adapt recommendations in real-time. For example, if you select action movies but increasingly watch romantic films, our system dynamically adjusts your homepage to prioritise romantic content.

    * How does Dor aggregate content from OTT platforms and live channels, and what partnerships have been instrumental?
    We’ve secured partnerships with over 24 OTT platforms and various linear television providers, especially in the free-to-air (FTA) category. These long-term deals ensure a comprehensive content catalog, enabling us to deliver unmatched variety to users.

    * With a growing emphasis on data privacy, how does Dor ensure user data is protected?
    Data security is paramount. We comply with all data protection laws in India and employ robust security measures to prevent breaches. Sensitive user information, such as installation addresses and phone numbers, is safeguarded through strict privacy policies and best practices.

    *  How is Streamworks Media capitalising on India’s growing connected TV market, and what role does Dor play?
    We aim to democratise connected TV with competitive pricing and an intuitive OS like Dor. By addressing the needs of a growing audience, we plan to secure a dominant market share in this burgeoning ecosystem.

    *  What inspired you to venture into the media-tech space, and where do you see Streambox Media and Dor in five years?
    Simplicity and accessibility inspired me. Our goal is to make content discovery and consumption effortless. Within five years, we envision Dor holding a double-digit global market share, solidifying its place as a leader in the entertainment OS market.

    With Dor, Streambox Media and Micromax Informatics have not just launched a product—they’ve unveiled a statement of technological prowess and national pride. Proudly ‘Made in India’, the launch resonates deeply with the Indian spirit of innovation and ambition. It’s not just a device; it’s a symbol of India’s leap into the global tech arena. The moment leaves one awestruck, tingling with pride, and breathlessly waiting for what’s next in this revolutionary saga.

  • Dish TV India offers creators and filmmakers Watcho Stories Conclave

    Dish TV India offers creators and filmmakers Watcho Stories Conclave

    MUMBAI:  Film makers and creators watch out, Watcho is coming your way. Dish TV India’s OTT aggregation platform has launched the Watcho Storytellers Conclave,  an innovative platform dedicated to empowering filmmakers and content creators across India. The  initiative addresses the need for a level playing field for film makers and content creators, also, creating and opening up new avenues for both emerging and established talent to connect with audiences and share their unique narratives., says a press release issued by Dish TV India.

    Watcho is being positioned as a game-changer for emerging filmmakers and creators, offering numerous benefits with even more breakthrough features and opportunities to come. On offer is the 10 million plus household  audience available through Watcho and Dish TV, along with promotional opportunities across multiple channels for maximum visibility and impact. For viewers, the platform promises a carefully curated selection of diverse content that enriches their experience with fresh, hand-picked programming, making quality entertainment accessible to all.

    To commemorate the launch, Watcho organized a  Watcho Storyteller Conclave in Kolkata featuring filmmakers and creators, including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Prasun Chatterjee, and Indranil Roy Chowdhury. The event included three sessions, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the content creation landscape, while also expressing enthusiasm for the possibilities that the platform will bring to the industry.

    Said Prosenjit Chatterjee: “DishTV  Watcho is a game-changer for emerging filmmakers and creators. It levels the playing field, making it easier than ever to share your vision with the world. It’s going to be a one-stop hub where creativity meets opportunity, and I’m excited to see the future of film and content unfold here. I’m eagerly thrilled for the Watcho Storytellers Conclave.”

    The next editions  of Watcho Storytellers Conclave are planned for Hyderabad and Mumbai.

    Dish TV CEO & executive director Manoj Dobhal said: “In a vibrant and diverse nation like India, the creative voices of our filmmakers and artists often remain unheard due to limited avenues and opportunities. With this event, we are pioneering a movement that empowers creators to transcend traditional constraints and connect directly with audiences. Our vision is to cultivate an inclusive platform where every creator can share their unique stories, enhancing visibility and enriching the cultural fabric of our entertainment industry. As we embrace the digital-first era, we foresee a future where every narrative, no matter how unconventional, can resonate with its audience. With Watcho Storytellers Conclave, we are committed to nurturing an ecosystem that celebrates creativity and transforms the entertainment experience for all.”

    Added Dish TV corporate marketing head Sukhpreet Singh: “The Watcho Storytellers Conclave in Kolkata marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers. With this event, we are not just providing a platform; we are cultivating a vibrant community where creativity thrives. Today’s viewers demand content that resonates with their diverse experiences, and Watcho enables creators to step into the spotlight and share their unique voices.”
     

  • Nitin Gadkari to headline Times Drive Green Conclave & Awards 2024

    Nitin Gadkari to headline Times Drive Green Conclave & Awards 2024

    New Delhi: Times Network Digital is set to host the Times Drive Green Conclave & Awards 2024 on November 27, 2024 in New Delhi. Under the theme, ‘Driving the future: Accelerating India’s Electric Mobility Revolution,’ the conclave will honour winners across 20+ categories and convene a stellar line-up of global automobile manufacturers, energy providers, tech innovators, and policymakers to explore scalable green mobility solutions. The chief guest, union minister Nitin Gadkari, will deliver a special address focussing on the future of EV’s and the adoption of scalable green mobility solutions to drive India’s towards a sustainable and future-ready transportation ecosystem.

    Times Drive Green, a Times Drive initiative powered by Times Network Digital champions clean fuel vehicles and sustainable mobility, covering EVs, hybrids, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and supporting infrastructure like batteries and charging networks. Through its website and YouTube channel, it informs consumers and facilitates dialogue among industry stakeholders and policymakers, driving the shift from internal combustion engines to scalable, clean mobility solutions aligned with India’s sustainability goals

    The Times Drive Green Conclave & Awards 2024 will feature a series of expert panel discussions, addressing critical themes shaping the future of electric mobility in India. Diverse topics will include New-Age Mobility Innovations & Future Trends: Fuelling the Future from EVs to Hydrogen and Hybrid Solutions, Policy and Financial Incentives for Green Mobility: Paving the Way with Regulatory and Financial Roadmaps, and EVs: The Key Challenges and Opportunities Ahead.

    The conclave will bring together industry experts including Preetesh Singh, Specialist CASE, Nomura Research Institute; Maxson Lewis, Founder & CEO, Magenta Mobility; Madhumita Agrawal, CEO & Founder, Oben Electric; Randheer Singh, CEO and Founder, ForeSee Advisors; Akshay Kashyap, Vice President, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles; Ajay Agarwal, Co-Founder,Driveo Electric Mobility; Ashim Sharma, Senior Partner & Group Head Business Performance Improve Consulting, Nomura Research Institute; Rajeev Chauhan, BYD VP, BYD, E-Passenger Vehicles; Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility; Shailesh Hazela, CEO & MD, Stellantis India, and Gaurav Gupta, Deputy MD, JSW MG Motors.

    The Times Drive Green Conclave & Awards 2024 will be live streamed on Times Now’s YouTube channel, 6pm onwards.

  • Understanding Rates and Money in India: A Key for Growth and Investment

    Understanding Rates and Money in India: A Key for Growth and Investment

    India’s interest rates are extremely important for how the economy grows, affecting what it costs to borrow money, save, and invest. Low rates are key for helping industries grow, helping people borrow, and bringing in money from foreign places. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) runs things on money management, focusing on keeping prices stable and the economy steady.

    Current Interest Rate Situation in India

    In India, rates have changed due to shifts at home and worldwide. Over time, the RBI has used money tools to try to control rising prices while supporting steady growth. Low rates help more people access loans for education or homes or starting businesses. This boosts local spending which helps grow the economy.

    Repo Rate and Costs 
    The repo rate is now 6.5%, which is a key number to understand borrowing costs in the country. By keeping a middle-rate level, the RBI helps keep loans affordable for both companies and everyday people. This is meant to encourage investments in big areas like infrastructure, making things, and tech while also aiding small businesses.

    Outside Factors Affecting Rates 
    India’s interest situation connects with the rest of the world. Global happenings like decisions of the Federal Reserve, oil price changes, or global conflicts impact India’s rate changes too. These outside elements force RBI to be careful so that economic stability stays but affordability doesn’t drop.

    How Low-Rate Money Fuels Investments

    Interest costs influence how costly it is to get money which affects how companies act about market chances. When rates go down, it creates good conditions for investments across many areas.

    Business Growth 
    With lower interest costs for loans, companies find it easier to expand or buy new assets or technology. Reduced repayment amounts improve cash flow allowing firms to reinvest back into their work which can create job opportunities.

    Real Estate Growth  
    Low-interest conditions stimulate activity in India’s housing sector as more accessible home loans let more people buy property affordably. Leading developers also benefit from cheaper funding resulting in better prices driving up supply levels in real estate markets.

    Tech’s Impact on Rate Changes 
    The quick growth of financial tech (FinTech) has changed how businesses interact with interest rate factors. People and sellers deal with money rules. Easy tools, fast data checks, and simple designs help users to make smart money moves.

    Smart Market Data 
    Sellers and investors gain from up-to-date info and prediction tools that are helpful in sensitive rate markets like forex or commodities. Using items like a trading calculator allows users to guess profits, refine plans, and lower dangers.

    Stock Markets 
    Low-interest situations usually lead to good times in stock markets because cheaper borrowing increases company earnings enhancing investor trust too. This trend appears particularly strong when traders look towards indices trading as market indices reflect overall economic well being.

    Problems in Keeping Low Rates

    While low interest rates are good, keeping them that way is tough.

    Rising Prices 
    A big issue is holding growth while managing rising prices. Too low rates can cause too much activity where more loans push prices up, making things less affordable.

    World Economy Worries 
    Global issues like changing oil costs, trade fights, and tightening money in rich countries can hinder India’s chance to keep low rates. For example, higher US rates might pull funds from emerging areas like India, stressing local rates.

    Money Limits 
    Big government debts can limit what the government can do about interest rates. Finding a middle ground between cutting debts and growing support is a big policy task.

    Loan Access Issues 
    Even with low rates, getting cheap loans isn’t equal for everyone—especially for small businesses and rural folks. Boosting financial access is vital so more people enjoy lower rates.

    Policy Ideas for Better Rates

    To keep the benefits of low interest alive, we need a multi-step plan:

    Careful Money Policies: The RBI should stay careful—balancing price control with growth support. 
    Help for Small Businesses: Giving more financial backing to small businesses can extend the perks of lower rates through encouraging new ideas.

    Investment in Basics: Pushing investments into basic structures can raise productivity and long-term chances.

    Education on Finance: Teaching people about money rules and loan choices helps them make smarter money moves.

    As India handles a tricky global economy scene, keeping reasonable interest will need wise policies and active moves. With focus on steady growth and tech use, the nation is set up well to make the most of accessible borrowing and strong investments.

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