ITV

Category: MAM

  • Nayara and Sanctuary celebrate Gir’s legacy with ‘The Gir Inheritance’

    Nayara and Sanctuary celebrate Gir’s legacy with ‘The Gir Inheritance’

    MUMBAI: When it comes to celebrating nature’s majesty, Nayara Energy and Sanctuary Nature Foundation are roaring in harmony. The duo has unveiled The Gir Inheritance, a stunning coffee table book that pays tribute to the wild beauty, cultural richness, and enduring conservation legacy of Gujarat’s Gir Forest, the last refuge of the majestic Asiatic lion.

    Published by Sanctuary, the book was presented to select recipients as a symbolic gesture of support for Gir’s lions and the communities that protect them. Every page of The Gir Inheritance captures the pulse of this living ecosystem: its resilient wildlife, its deep-rooted traditions, and the untiring efforts that have kept this sanctuary thriving against all odds.

    Through a blend of evocative imagery and heartfelt storytelling, the book explores Gir’s evolution from a royal hunting ground to a global symbol of conservation success. It doesn’t just showcase nature’s splendour, it reveals the powerful link between protecting biodiversity and nurturing local livelihoods, urging readers to see conservation as a collective inheritance, not a distant cause.

    “At Nayara Energy, we are committed to protecting and preserving India’s natural heritage,” said Nayara Energy chief executive officer Teymur Abasguliyev. “The Gir Inheritance is a tribute to those who have tirelessly worked to protect Gir and its ecosystems, ensuring that future generations inherit this invaluable living legacy. We are honoured to be part of this vital mission.”

    Echoing the sentiment Sanctuary Asia editor Bittu Sahgal remarked, “The Gir Inheritance captures the heritage of Gir, home to the last sanctuary of the endangered Asiatic lion. The ‘Pride of Gujarat’ owes its resurgence to the efforts of scientists, communities, and conservationists. Nayara’s support ensures that this vital legacy continues for generations to come.”

    The collaboration underscores Nayara Energy’s wider sustainability philosophy, one that links business responsibility with biodiversity preservation. It’s not just about powering economies, but also about powering purpose.

    By celebrating Gir’s triumphs and trials, The Gir Inheritance invites readers to reconnect with the wild heart of India reminding us that protecting nature is, ultimately, protecting our own future.

     

  • Hindustan Unilever’s profits flatten as margins take a beating

    Hindustan Unilever’s profits flatten as margins take a beating

    MUMBAI:  Hindustan Unilever limped through the September quarter with anaemic growth and shrinking margins, a performance that underscores the headwinds buffeting India’s consumer-goods bellwether. The maker of Dove soap and Surf detergent eked out a mere two per cent rise in sales whilst profit after tax before exceptional items slipped four per cent.

    Revenue from operations nudged up to Rs 16,034 crore for the quarter ended 30 September 2025, compared with Rs 15,703 crores in the year-ago period. But the real story lay in the margins: EBITDA margin contracted a painful 90 basis points to 23.2 per cent, down from 24.1 per cent last year. The culprit? Surging raw-material costs, which jumped 15 per cent year-on-year to Rs 5,746 crore.

    Profit after tax before exceptional items came in at Rs 2,482 crore, down from Rs 2,594 crore in the September 2024 quarter. But here’s where it gets interesting: exceptional items swung the needle dramatically. A one-off Rs 273-crore windfall from resolving tax disputes between UK and Indian authorities turned what would have been a profit decline into a four per cent gain. Reported PAT stood at Rs 2,694 crore versus Rs 2,595 crore last year.

    The half-year picture proved equally tepid. For the six months ended September, sales rose just four per cent to Rs 32,330 crore from Rs 31,200 crore. EBITDA for the period came in at Rs 7,539 crore with margins at 23.3 per cent. Profit after tax before exceptionals at Rs 4,960 crore marked a five per cent decline from Rs 5,201 crore in the first half of the previous year.

    Segment performance revealed a mixed bag. Home Care, the company’s largest division with Rs 11,441 crore in half-year sales, saw operating profit slip to Rs 2,212 crore from Rs 2,250 crore. Beauty & Wellbeing proved the bright spot, with sales surging 10 per cent to Rs 7,363 crores, though operating profit dipped marginally to Rs 2,060 crore. Personal Care posted a robust four per cent sales growth whilst Foods, contributing Rs 7,885 crore  saw profits decline 10 per cent to Rs 1,281 crore.

    The company’s acquisition spree added fresh complications. Purchase consideration for business combinations totalled Rs 2,661 crore during the half-year, primarily related to the Minimalist skincare brand acquisition completed in April. This aggressive M&A activity, whilst positioning HUL for future growth, weighed on near-term cash flows and contributed Rs 38 crore in acquisition-related costs.

    Managing director and chief executive officer Priya Nair faces a delicate balancing act. The board declared an interim dividend of Rs 19 per share, maintaining shareholder payouts even as profits sputtered. Meanwhile, the proposed demerger of the ice-cream business into Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited awaits regulatory clearances—a restructuring that could reshape HUL’s portfolio but added Rs 51 crore in expenses this quarter.

    Cash generation remained robust despite operational headwinds. Operating cash flows for the half-year stood at Rs 6,267 crores, though down from Rs 6,657 crore last year. The company deployed Rs 5,639 crore in dividend payments whilst splashing Rs 617 crore on capital expenditure.

    Earnings per share for the quarter came in at Rs 11.43, up marginally from Rs 11.03 last year, though this flattered the underlying performance due to exceptional gains. For the half-year, EPS stood at Rs 23.16 versus Rs 22.14, a five per cent increase that masked the compression in core profitability.

    The September quarter’s travails suggest India’s consumption story has lost some fizz. With costs climbing faster than pricing power allows and competition intensifying across categories, HUL’s playbook of premiumisation and market-share gains faces a stern test. The Rs 273-crore tax bonanza provided cosmetic relief this quarter, but the underlying business needs more than accounting alchemy to regain its mojo.

  • Priya Malik brings poetic touch to Interio by Godrej’s ‘Moments that matter’

    Priya Malik brings poetic touch to Interio by Godrej’s ‘Moments that matter’

    MUMBAI: Home got poetic this week as Interio by Godrej teamed up with celebrated storyteller Priya Malik to turn furniture into feelings and design into dialogue.

    At the launch of its sprawling new 22,000 square feet, experiential flagship store in Vikhroli, Mumbai, the brand deepened its ‘Moments that matter’ campaign with Malik’s moving spoken-word piece “Ghar, Ghar Jaisa Hota Hai.” True to her evocative style, the poet painted scenes that every homebody knows by heart: that quiet cup of morning coffee, the chatter around a dining table, or the comfort of simply belonging.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Interio by Godrej head of integrated marketing and communications Reshu Saraf said, “Our campaign ‘Moments That Matter’ shifts the conversation from furniture as mere utility to pieces that help nurture genuine connections both with ourselves and with our loved ones. We’re delighted to have Priya Malik take this thought a step further through her poetic narration, which beautifully captures the emotions and everyday moments that make a house truly feel like home…”

    The collaboration, conceptualised by Contract Advertising, extends beyond words, it’s a celebration of spaces that hold life’s small, significant stories. The new store, anchored in Godrej’s century-old design legacy, blends nostalgia and modernity with curated look books, an archive gallery, and even a Mangrove kitchen café inspired by Vikhroli’s lush biodiversity.

    Visitors also got a taste of Indian craftsmanship through collaborations with artisans and design studios including Adigami Studio by Aditi Anuj, BR Pandit, Cane Concept, Heirloom Naga, Makaan by Tahir Sultan, Oorja, Sirohi and Svabhu Kohli. The event also featured a fireside chat with designer David Abraham on Bauhaus’ influence in India and an immersive digital experience by Aaron Myles.

    With plans to open 500 new stores by FY29, Interio by Godrej seems set to shape not just homes, but the moments that make them truly matter.

     

  • Sunrise Spices adds extra flavour to Chhath with music, art, and devotion

    Sunrise Spices adds extra flavour to Chhath with music, art, and devotion

    MUMBAI: When devotion meets melody and colour, the Sun never sets on Bihar and Jharkhand’s Chhath celebrations. ITC Sunrise Spices, a stalwart of Eastern India’s culinary and cultural heritage, has rekindled its iconic campaign ‘Urja Ka Vardaan’, honouring the energy, faith, and devotion that define Chhath Puja.

    Originally launched last year, the campaign connects deeply with the people of Bihar and Jharkhand, spotlighting the rituals, stories, and artistry that have shaped generations. This year, Sunrise takes the narrative further, journeying back to the origins of Chhath, from Sita’s first vrat, king Priyavrata and queen Malini’s prayer for a child, to the Pandavas’ devotion and Karna’s worship of Surya Dev. The aim: to engage younger audiences with the timeless significance of this festival.

    To bring these stories alive, Sunrise has introduced two creative pillars: a devotional music video, “Chhath Ki Mahima”, sung by Bihar’s very own Maithili Thakur, and an illustrated storybook, “Urja Ka Vardaan – Chhath Ki Kahaniyaan”, rendered in traditional Madhubani and Tikuli art styles. While the music video channels emotion and devotion through song, the storybook visually immerses audiences in the festival’s rituals, colours, and cultural pride, celebrating the sacred link between the Sun and a mother’s love.

    The storybook will be distributed across ghats in Bihar and Jharkhand, and shared digitally via Swiggy Instamart, enabling devotees nationwide to experience these narratives. In a move that blends tradition with technology, Sunrise has also relaunched its ‘Chhath Companion’ Whatsabpp Bot, offering sunrise and sunset timings powered by IMD data, ritual guides, recipes, devotional songs, and insights into the festival’s cultural essence. This year’s edition incorporates the new song and illustrated stories, enriching the digital experience for devotees across India.

    Sunrise Spices, business head Piyush Mishra highlighted the brand’s enduring connection with regional culture: “Sunrise has always believed that culture is the truest flavour of a region. Beyond enriching meals, we celebrate the festivals, artistry, and heritage that define the soul of Bihar and Jharkhand. Through traditional music and folk arts, we aim to keep Chhath stories alive and inspire younger generations to stay connected to their roots.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Maithili Thakur said, “Chhath Puja is not just a festival, it’s an emotion lived in every home across Bihar and Jharkhand. Through this song, we honour the faith, discipline, and strength every devotee carries. Sunrise’s effort to share the stories of Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev through music and illustration brings our tradition alive for the next generation. I feel truly blessed to be a part of it.”

    With ‘Urja Ka Vardaan’, Sunrise Spices continues to blend heritage with innovation, from devotional melodies to folk-art storytelling and digital tools, ensuring that every devotee’s Chhath experience be it on the ghats or online is immersive, enlightening, and unforgettable. This initiative cements Sunrise’s role not just as a spice brand, but as a custodian of Eastern India’s cultural soul, celebrating devotion, artistry, and the timeless energy of the Sun.

    The campaign perfectly captures the festival’s essence: a radiant union of faith, music, art, and technology, a reminder that Chhath Puja is as much about storytelling as it is about worship.

  • Sania Mirza serves up stories and spirit in new IVM podcast

    Sania Mirza serves up stories and spirit in new IVM podcast

    MUMBAI: Game. Set. Chat. Sania Mirza, India’s tennis superstar, is stepping off the court and into the studio with her brand-new podcast “Serving It Up with Sania,” produced by IVM Podcasts. True to its name, the show promises a lively volley of on-court action, off-court candour, and honest conversations served with a side of Sania’s trademark wit and warmth.

    Each episode opens with a quick pickleball match between Sania and her guest, before moving into a no-holds-barred conversation about ambition, burnout, balance, and joy. The idea? To capture the real person behind the public persona, whether the guest is from sports, entertainment, entrepreneurship, or pop culture.

    “Sport has always been my way of connecting with people; it breaks barriers, builds stories, and reveals character,” Sania said. “With my new podcast, I wanted to create a space that’s fun and real, where we can talk about everything from ambition to burnout without filters.”

    Blending competition with connection, ‘Serving It Up’ offers listeners a rare rally of humour, emotion, and unfiltered storytelling. With pickleball’s rising popularity adding a playful edge, the show’s visual-first format makes it as much a watch as a listen, something that sets it apart in India’s rapidly evolving podcasting landscape.

    IVM Podcasts – Pratilipi head Amit Doshi described the show as “a glimpse of where podcasting in India is headed personal, visual, and deeply relatable. Sania’s voice and perspective make these conversations unmissable.”

    IVM Podcasts – Pratilipi co-founder Kavita Rajwade added, “Everyone’s got a podcast, but it’s always fun to see athletes behind the mic. It’s great to see Sania leading this moment for India.”

    The podcast also marks a key collaboration with Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment pvt ltd (CME) CEO and CME Bunty Sajdeh saying, “We’re thrilled to partner with IVM Podcasts and launch ‘Serving It Up with Sania’. Sania’s ability to have honest and vulnerable conversations will make this podcast truly stand out.”

    IVM Podcasts, known for hits like ‘What The Hell Navya’, ‘Cyrus Says’, and ‘Chitthiyaan’, continues to push the boundaries of audio storytelling blending innovation, authenticity, and emotion.

    ‘Serving It Up with Sania’ premieres new episodes weekly, first on Myntra Glamstream, followed by Youtube and major audio streaming platforms.

    So, if you’ve ever wanted to know what happens when a tennis ace trades her racket for a mic, Sania’s ready to serve it fresh, fiery, and full of heart.

     

  • Hot flashes, cool conversations as i-Know sparks menopause talk

    Hot flashes, cool conversations as i-Know sparks menopause talk

    MUMBAI: It’s getting hot in here and this time, it’s not just the weather. On World Menopause Day, i-Know, the women’s health brand from Piramal Pharma, has launched a thought-provoking campaign titled #OwnYourMenopause, conceptualised by DDB Mudra Group, to help women put words and warmth to what they’re feeling.

    For far too long, menopause has been the silent chapter in a woman’s story. Its symptoms, confusing, invisible, and often indescribable can leave many feeling isolated. The campaign tackles that silence head-on, giving women a new language to express their experiences and encouraging open dialogue about a life stage too often brushed under the carpet.

    At the heart of #OwnYourMenopause are stories drawn from real women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Using clever, metaphor-led storytelling, the films translate the unspoken: brain fog becomes the moment one forgets where the salt container is, while hot flashes are likened to “global warming” inside one’s body. These vivid visuals bring to life the humour, confusion, and humanity of the experience reminding women that they’re not alone, and that what they feel has a name, a reason, and help at hand.

    As part of this initiative, i-Know spotlights its Menopause Testing Kit, a simple, home-based urine test that detects elevated Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, a key indicator of menopause onset. It’s a small but powerful step towards helping women take control of their health with confidence and clarity.

    “True healthcare goes beyond products; it starts with awareness and empathy,” said Piramal Consumer Healthcare VP marketing Abhishek Kr. Srivastava. “With i-Know, we want to normalise a conversation that has been silent for far too long.”

    Adding to that DDB Mudra Group creative director Mahima Mathur shared, “Most women we spoke to began their menopause journey in confusion, not conversation. These stories inspired by real testimonials are meant to make it easier to talk, to understand, and to turn a lonely journey into a shared one.”

    The campaign, produced by Boathouse Media and directed by Taaha Quadri, features contributions from creatives Mahima Mathur, Shalmali Sawant, Rhea Kumar, Harshada Shinde, and Payel Pramanik, with strategy led by Menaka Menon, Sanjana Chetan, and Navya Anil.

    With #OwnYourMenopause, i-Know continues its mission to empower women with knowledge across every phase of life from fertility to menopause and beyond. Because sometimes, owning your story starts with finding the words to tell it.

     

  • Amagi appoints Hyukmo Mun to lead cloud broadcast growth in Korea

    Amagi appoints Hyukmo Mun to lead cloud broadcast growth in Korea

    MUMBAI: The cloud is rolling over Korea and it’s bringing Amagi with it. The cloud-based SaaS powerhouse for broadcast and streaming TV has announced the appointment of Hyukmo Mun as sales director for Korea, marking another bold step in its expansion across East and Southeast Asia.

    In his new role, Hyukmo will lead Amagi’s business growth in Korea, while also fuelling opportunities in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam, a region fast becoming the epicentre of cloud-led broadcast transformation.

    With more than 18 years in the media and broadcast trenches, Hyukmo’s credentials are as solid as they come. From helping Korean broadcasters embrace advanced video compression at ATEME, to spearheading AI-powered cloud migration at Megazone Cloud, he’s been at the frontline of broadcast evolution.

    Now, at Amagi, Hyukmo’s mission is clear to help broadcasters and content owners transition to cloud-native playout and monetisation models that promise agility, efficiency, and new revenue streams in an increasingly digital-first world.

    “I’m thrilled to join Amagi at a time when broadcasters and content owners in Asia are accelerating their move to the cloud,” said Amagi sales director for Korea Hyukmo Mun. “With Amagi’s deep expertise in cloud-native broadcast and monetisation, I look forward to helping customers modernise operations, improve agility, and unlock new revenue opportunities.”

    Welcoming the appointment Amagi senior vice president for Asia Pacific Jay Ganesan noted, “Hyukmo’s appointment reinforces our commitment to the Korean and broader Asia Pacific markets. His extensive experience across broadcast, IPTV, and cloud transformation makes him an invaluable addition as we expand Amagi’s footprint and support customers in their journey toward next-generation cloud broadcasting.”

    Founded in 2008, Amagi has become a global force in cloud-based media delivery powering over 7,000 channel deliveries and enabling 26 billion ad impressions worldwide. From traditional broadcasters to next-gen streamers, the company is redefining how content travels from studio to screen.

    For Amagi, the addition of Hyukmo isn’t just another leadership move, it’s a strategic acceleration. As Asia’s broadcasters race to modernise, Amagi’s mix of cloud innovation and local expertise could make it the region’s go-to tech ally.

    Looks like the Korean wave just got a cloud upgrade and Amagi is ready to ride it.

     

  • Aakarsh Gupta takes charge as head of operations at Nas Daily

    Aakarsh Gupta takes charge as head of operations at Nas Daily

    MUMBAI: Looks like Nas Daily’s storytelling engine just found its new navigator. Aakarsh Gupta, the man who’s helped power billions of views and stories across continents, has been elevated to head of operations (global) at Nas Daily, where he’ll now lead 1000 Media, the company’s sister arm that crafts social media content for brands worldwide.

    Over the past three years, Aakarsh has been one of the key architects of Nas Daily’s global rise, steering production teams that helped the platform cross 10 billion views and execute shoots in over 50 countries, from Sudan and Mongolia to Ecuador and Cuba. His work on projects like the “Religion Challenge” series pushed creative and cultural boundaries, blending storytelling with social exploration.

    Before joining Nas Daily, Aakarsh worked with global powerhouses like Netflix, National Geographic, and Dubai Tourism, creating campaigns that inspired curiosity and human connection. His storytelling lens has always been global but his approach deeply personal.

    Speaking about his new role, Aakarsh Gupta said, “At Nas Daily, everything we do is about connection people, ideas, and stories. My goal is to make our operations as creative and agile as our content. Because when our teams move fast and feel inspired, we create stories that bring the world a little closer together.”

    As head of operations, Aakarsh’s next chapter will see him scale Nas Daily’s creative ecosystem streamlining workflows, mentoring creators, and ensuring every story travels faster, farther, and with purpose.

    With Aakarsh at the helm, Nas Daily seems ready to turn every 1-minute story into a masterclass in global storytelling.

     

  • From Struggles to Success: Rahul’s Journey to Becoming a Millionaire

    From Struggles to Success: Rahul’s Journey to Becoming a Millionaire

    MUMBAI: Rahul Kumar proves that determination along with consistent effort and proper direction lead to the achievement of dreams for those who actually accomplish them. Rahul Kumar transformed an impossible dream into a reality after his birth in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

    The limited financial resources of Rahul’s family did not stop his endless drive to learn and explore new possibilities. Since his early days as a student he demonstrated academic excellence while supporting his education and personal costs through tuition work. The internet began its growth during this time when he became aware of its unlimited business possibilities.

    Through YouTube videos and free digital tools along with blogs he learned digital marketing skills as well as social media promotion and content branding techniques. The village faced persistent power outages together with weak internet connections which made his journey challenging. Rahul Kumar refused to surrender at any point. Through his creative approach and unwavering dedication he discovered methods to maintain connectivity and continue his education.

    He developed interest in the stock market operations at the same time period. Small initial investments triggered him to perform extensive research and watch tutorial videos and he waited before making SIPs and stock investments. He made strategic choices to reinvest his profits into his startups and property acquisitions.

    He established Digipro Media as his digital platform during 2017 which now operates nationwide. The company prospered because of his dedication and perseverance. Through his two new ventures Bollywood Bus brought digital transformation to entertainment and SocioMinds Pvt Ltd started delivering digital solutions to brands in 2024.

    Through his leadership Rahul now manages three thriving companies while supervising 150 staff members and provides complimentary digital training to numerous young individuals to help them become self-sufficient.

    His achievement demonstrates to everyone that maintaining learning dedication and perseverance allows you to achieve any dream. Rahul Kumar transformed his dreams into reality by living them out which now motivates millions to pursue their ambitions: Dream big while taking the necessary steps to make it possible.
     

  • WPP faces twin lawsuits as media arm stumbles

    WPP faces twin lawsuits as media arm stumbles

    NEW YORK: WPP, the world’s biggest advertising group, is being sued by investors who reckon the company misled them about the state of its struggling media business. Two class-action lawsuits—one from Rosen Law Firm, another from Glancy Prongay & Murray—have reportedly been filed against the British giant, both chasing shareholders who bought American depositary shares between 27 February and 8 July 2025.

    The complaints claim WPP painted a rosy picture whilst hiding an ugly truth: that its media arm, formerly called GroupM and now renamed WPP Media, was losing ground to rivals and couldn’t hack the tough economic climate. On 9 July, the firm finally admitted that performance had “deteriorated” through the second quarter, blaming “macro uncertainty” and “weaker net new business” alongside “distraction” from restructuring its media operations.

    Investors weren’t amused. The shares plunged $6.48—an 18.1 per cent drop—to close at $29.34. The lawsuits allege that WPP’s upbeat statements lacked any reasonable basis and that executives concealed the media division’s market-share losses.

    Both firms are now racing to recruit a lead plaintiff before the 8 December deadline. Rosen Law Firm, which boasts of securing the largest-ever securities settlement against a Chinese company, says investors may be entitled to compensation without upfront costs. Glancy Prongay & Murray is pitching a similar deal.
    No class has been certified yet, and shareholders needn’t do anything to remain part of the action. But if they fancy leading the charge, they’d better move fast. WPP’s troubles, it seems, are only just beginning to bite.