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Category: News Headline

  • Saif turns up the cool as brand face of Thermocool’s appliance portfolio

    Saif turns up the cool as brand face of Thermocool’s appliance portfolio

    MUMBAI: Bollywood’s Nawab of charm is now king of cool. Saif Ali Khan has been signed on as the brand ambassador for Thermocool Home Appliances, stepping into the spotlight to endorse the company’s cooler division, which includes desert air coolers, room coolers, and portable units.

    The tie-up, spanning two years, will see Saif front high-profile activations, interactive digital campaigns, and a string of consumer promotions designed to give the trusted homegrown brand a stylish new edge just in time for India’s scorching summers.

    Calling the association a “strategic milestone,” Thermocool MD Rajeev Kumar Gupta said Khan represents the perfect blend of “utility and style,” aligning with Thermocool’s push for high-performance yet aspirational products.

    Adding to that, Thermocool director of operations Tushar Gupta highlighted that Saif’s versatility and credibility would cement Thermocool’s place as a preferred choice in a crowded market. Meanwhile Thermocool director of sales & marketing Tanuj Gupta, called him “the embodiment of style meeting substance,” noting his multi-generational appeal.

    For decades, Thermocool has enjoyed a special place in Indian households, trusted for innovation and reliability. Now, with Saif lending his star power, the brand aims to refresh its connect with younger, design-conscious buyers while continuing to deliver quality cooling solutions to millions across the country.

    The rollout will span media platforms nationwide, promising consumers not just effective cooling tech but also a dash of stardom with every campaign. After all, when it comes to beating the heat, Thermocool is banking on Saif to keep things effortlessly chilled.

  • Huella makes its ad move, ropes in Prabhvir Sahmey as strategy advisor

    Huella makes its ad move, ropes in Prabhvir Sahmey as strategy advisor

    MUMBAI: When an adtech player wants to make a statement, it brings in a strategist who’s seen the script unfold for decades. Huella, one of India’s fastest-growing independent adtech companies, has appointed Prabhvir Sahmey as strategic advisor, a move designed to sharpen its market narrative and fuel its next growth chapter. Sahmey isn’t new to the spotlight. With 25 years of experience across digital, media, and adtech, he has played pivotal roles in shaping India’s advertising ecosystem. His most recent stint was as senior director, ad sales at Samsung Ads, where he drove innovation in connected TV and programmatic solutions.

    For Huella, which is rapidly scaling from being a challenger brand to a market mover, Sahmey’s addition is about more than just marquee credentials. Based out of Delhi/NCR, he will guide the company’s efforts to strengthen its product portfolio, refine internal structures, and amplify its external presence.

    “Huella has always been about building something larger than a company, it’s an ecosystem where creativity, technology, and credibility meet,” said Huella co-founder & CEO Prrincey Roy. “Bringing Prabhvir on board is a deliberate step to ensure we scale this vision with discipline and ambition.”

    For his part, Sahmey called the appointment “an exciting opportunity to work with a transformational leadership team that’s building a future-ready adtech ecosystem.” He added that Huella’s clarity of vision makes it a fertile ground for meaningful impact.

    As the adtech sector in India prepares for a period of consolidation and innovation, Huella’s latest move signals that it wants to play in the big leagues not just chasing growth, but writing the next chapter of the country’s digital advertising playbook.

  • Bihar call as India News Manch 2025 puts politics centre stage in Patna

    Bihar call as India News Manch 2025 puts politics centre stage in Patna

    MUMBAI: When Bihar speaks, India listens and this September, the microphone will be turned up to full volume. India News Manch 2025, the flagship political conclave from Itv Network’s India News, is set to storm into Patna’s Hotel Maurya on 12 September 2025, bringing together the who’s who of Indian politics just months ahead of the state’s high-stakes election.

    Now in its legacy-making run, the Manch has built a reputation as one of the nation’s most influential forums. This year’s edition is particularly charged, with Bihar’s verdict expected to ripple far beyond its borders, shaping alliances, governance strategies and even the national democratic roadmap.

    The conclave will see a powerhouse line-up of more than 20 leaders, including deputy CMs Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, BJP stalwarts Ravi Shankar Prasad and Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, Congress MPs Akhilesh Prasad Singh and Rajesh Ram, RJD’s Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, VIP’s Mukesh Sahani, Jansuraaj’s Prashant Kishor, RLM’s Upendra Kushwaha, and LJPR MP Shambhavi Choudhary. From Pappu Yadav to Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, the conclave ensures every major party and ideology has a voice on stage.

    Beyond the political star power, the agenda is just as weighty: governance, economy, youth aspirations, equity, policy reform, and India’s global standing. With Patna as its stage, the forum will drill into how Bihar’s decisions could once again alter the balance of power across India.

    “The future of Bihar is inseparable from the future of India,” said India News managing editor for Input Rakesh Singh. “This Manch will bring those voices to the national stage.” Echoing him, ITV Foundation founder Aishwarya Pandit Sharma noted: “By putting leaders and citizens on one platform, we bridge the gap between governance and grassroots voices.”

    As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: this isn’t just another conclave. With Bihar at the crossroads of history, India News Manch 2025 promises fireworks, frank talk, and a front-row seat to democracy in action.

  • South India drives growth, contributes one-third of GDP: Chengappa

    South India drives growth, contributes one-third of GDP: Chengappa

    MUMBAI: South India is the nation’s true economic powerhouse, declared India Today, group editorial director, Raj Chengappa, as he opened the India today conclave south 2025 in Coimbatore.

    In his welcome address, Chengappa noted that though the six southern states account for just 20 per cent of India’s population, they contribute nearly one-third of the country’s GDP. He called this unmatched productivity proof of the region’s economic dynamism, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping India’s growth story.

    Chengappa urged a change in perspective: South India should no longer be viewed as “down south” but as “up south,” reflecting its leadership across development, technology, governance, and culture.

    The two-day conclave, held on September 8–9 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, brings together leading politicians, policy thinkers, entrepreneurs, cultural icons, and innovators. Under the theme ‘Ideas from the south, for the nation’, sessions will explore transformative forces shaping the region, from disruptive technologies and governance models to emerging economic opportunities and cultural identities.

    Over the years, the south conclave has become a premier platform for dialogue, sparking debates on governance, entrepreneurship, and technology. Building on this legacy, the 2025 edition aims to showcase how ideas from the south are increasingly aligned with national aspirations and how the region’s contributions are steering India’s socio-economic future.

  • Maitri trunk calls glory as Farhan bags Kerala’s first Red Elephant

    Maitri trunk calls glory as Farhan bags Kerala’s first Red Elephant

    MUMBAI: When elephants dance, they leave a mark and Muhammed Farhan just left one for the history books. The 22-year-old art director at Maitri has delivered Kerala its very first Red Elephant at the Kyoorius Design Yatra 2025, bagging the top honour for his packaging design for ITC Foods’ Bingo! festive gift packs. The brief was no small fry. Bingo! wanted festive gifting to feel modern and premium while sticking to a lean budget. Farhan responded with not one but two inventive packs that wowed the jury and stood out in a sea of entries.

    Pack A took inspiration from Warli art, a tribal form famous for its geometric motifs. Farhan cleverly wove Bingo!’s beloved snacks chips, nachos and Tedhe Medhe into celebratory Warli compositions. The design used a single strip with a looping mechanism, adaptable to hold varying snack quantities.

    Pack B went the nutty route, quite literally. Mandala-inspired and constructed with cashews, almonds, and exotic mixtures, the modular design borrowed from India’s classic tiffin box. Each paper unit clicked neatly together, allowing portions to be added or removed while staying securely locked.

    This wasn’t Farhan’s first brush with Kyoorius acclaim. He has already won four Blue Elephants and was shortlisted for the Young Maverick award at Goafest 2025 all without a formal design education. But this Red Elephant marks a historic leap, both for him and for Kerala.

    Maitri managing director Raju Menon couldn’t hide his pride: “Farhan joined us at 18, and his meteoric growth has been a delight to watch. We’re all very proud of our young star.” Maitri group creative director Francis Thomas added, “We knew this day was coming.”

    Farhan himself called the moment “unforgettable,” adding that representing Maitri on such a stage was an honour he would always carry.

    For Maitri, the win is more than just an award. It underscores the agency’s reputation for nurturing raw talent and pushing creative boundaries. For Farhan, it’s a reminder that sometimes the boldest ideas come from the youngest hands and they can carry the weight of an elephant.
     

  • Outspark sparks ahead with 200,000 paid users and Rs 30 Crore ARR

    Outspark sparks ahead with 200,000 paid users and Rs 30 Crore ARR

    MUMBAI: When it comes to careers, Outspark is lighting a fire under the job market. The AI-powered career-tech platform has raced past 200,000 paid users and clocked an annual recurring revenue of Rs 30 crore, all within months of its debut. Even more dazzling, revenue has grown fourfold in just seven months, making it one of India’s fastest-growing names in career technology.

    In an age where resumes battle algorithms before reaching recruiters, Outspark is arming professionals with an AI toolkit that feels more Silicon Valley than CV valley. From auto-polished resumes and studio-grade Linkedin headshots to an AI co-pilot that suggests daily posts and networking prompts, the platform is designed to turn passive profiles into magnets for opportunity.

    The numbers are equally bold: more than two million resumes and profiles reviewed, over 300,000 resumes generated, and 20,000 Linkedin makeovers delivered. Half of the company’s revenue now comes from users levelling up to premium services, proving its appeal runs deep.

    “Hiring is evolving faster than ever with AI. While companies have powerful tools, job seekers have been left behind,” said Outspark, founder and ceo, Kumar Apoorv. “Outspark bridges that gap by giving professionals the same edge as recruiters.”

    With ambitions now stretching beyond India, Outspark is eyeing expansions into the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Future plans include hyper-personalised job alerts, a job search co-pilot to automate applications, and partnerships with global recruiters. The goal? To build the world’s largest AI-first talent pool and make job hunting less of a grind and more of a glide.

  • Sony swings for six with full throttle Asia Cup 2025 broadcast blitz

    Sony swings for six with full throttle Asia Cup 2025 broadcast blitz

    MUMBAI: Cricket’s continental carnival is back, and Sony Sports Network is rolling out the red carpet. Starting 9 September in the UAE, the Asia Cup 2025 returns for its 17th edition with eight teams India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, all chasing bragging rights before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

    For Indian fans, the excitement begins with India’s opener against hosts UAE on 10 September, followed by a series of high-stakes encounters through the Super Four stage and the grand finale on 28 September. Every ball, boundary, and bouncer will be available live across Sony Sports Network channels and streamed on Sony Liv, with commentary in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu ensuring fans can cheer in their mother tongue.

    And that’s not all. The iconic Extraaa Innings T20 makes a comeback, bringing with it a line-up of cricket royalty and sharp-tongued analysts. Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Russel Arnold, Simon Doull and more will headline the World Feed in English. Hindi viewers get the firepower of Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, and Ajay Jadeja, while regional fans are not left behind Tamil coverage boasts WV Raman and Bharat Arun, and Telugu commentary features stalwarts like Venkatapathy Raju and Venugopal Rao.

    Sony chief revenue officer Rajesh Kaul underlined the network’s vision: “The Asia Cup represents not just a battle for supremacy but a fusion of history, culture, and aspiration. With our #RagRagMeinBharat campaign, we’re making world-class cricket accessible from the remotest villages to the busiest metros.”

    On the cricketing front, legends are already buzzing about India’s prospects under new captain Surya Kumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Sunil Gavaskar hailed the side as a “blend of tenacity and experience” while Ravi Shastri dubbed it the “perfect mix of experience and potential,” spotlighting stars like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, and Harshit Rana.

    With 8 nations, 1 trophy, 20 days of action, and commentary in 4 languages, Sony’s coverage of the Asia Cup 2025 looks set to bowl over fans before the World Cup even begins.
     

  • Nat geo’s ‘postcards from Saudi Arabia’ paints a new picture of travel

    Nat geo’s ‘postcards from Saudi Arabia’ paints a new picture of travel

    MUMBAI: Talk about a trip worth writing home about. National Geographic is sending viewers on an unforgettable journey with its new four-part travel series Postcards from Saudi Arabia, streaming on Jiohotstar and airing on Nat geo channel from 6 September.

    Hosted by actor and presenter Ridhi Dogra, the series peels back the curtain on Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems, from ancient wonders to modern marvels. The show takes viewers across three Unesco world heritage sites such as Jeddah’s Al-Balad, Riyadh’s At-Turaif and Diriyah, and AlUla’s awe-inspiring Hegra.

    In Aiuia, audiences encounter iconic landmarks such as Elephant Rock and Old Town, where local crafts, music and desert luxury blend seamlessly. Jeddah offers a different rhythm with souks, vibrant street art, and sunsets over the Red Sea, while Riyadh balances tradition and innovation, showcasing bustling markets, art galleries and a city on the rise.

    For Dogra, the series carried a personal resonance. “As a woman travelling through the location, I felt an unexpected sense of freedom, warmth, and welcome,” she shared. “I hope viewers, especially women, see this as an invitation to explore freely.”

     

  • Jiostar strikes gold at Gema India with 32 wins across categories

    Jiostar strikes gold at Gema India with 32 wins across categories

    MUMBAI: Jiostar didn’t just shine at this year’s Gema India Awards, it glittered. The entertainment marketing giant bagged an impressive 32 metals, including 15 golds and 17 silvers, making it one of the night’s biggest winners.

    The victories cut across every corner of the creative spectrum, from promos and video campaigns to craft, design, social media and branded partnerships. Whether it was MTV Beats’ cheeky Jassi and Rinku promo, the stylish Diwali Diya animations, or the thought-provoking One for Change series, Jiostar proved it could deliver work that entertains, inspires, and breaks the clutter.

    Formerly known as Promax, the global entertainment marketing academy of arts & sciences (Gema) has been celebrating cutting-edge TV and streaming marketing for 60 years. Winning at Gema is regarded as one of the highest accolades in entertainment marketing, and Jiostar’s haul cements its reputation as a creative powerhouse.

    “These awards underscore the firepower of our teams and JioStar’s leadership in entertainment marketing,” said a Jiostar spokesperson. “It is a strong testament to our ability to set new benchmarks and shape the future of entertainment storytelling.”

    From scripting (Showtime: kjo’s biopic) and sound design (Thunder thighs film festival) to bold key visuals (Lootere) and heartfelt social good campaigns, JioStar walked away with recognition across the board.

     

  • Pocket fm insights ’25: 86 per cent of listeners prefer audio dramas over podcasts

    Pocket fm insights ’25: 86 per cent of listeners prefer audio dramas over podcasts

    MUMBAI:  For millions of Indians, screens are out and sound is in. Pocket fm’s entertainment insights ’25 report reveals how audio series have emerged as the country’s most intimate form of entertainment, redefining binge culture.

    Based on responses from 20,538 digital entertainment consumers, the survey reveals that audio dramas are now part of daily life, with 49 per cent listening to over 10 episodes a day, 50 per cent tuning in for more than 90 minutes (including 35 per cent who cross two hours), 60 per cent listening during leisure time, 48 per cent during commutes, and 86 per cent preferring episodic audio dramas over podcasts, audiobooks, or music.

    At the center of this shift is young India (18–24 years), treating audio series as both escape and habit. Genres such as drama (40 per cent), romance (37 per cent), sci-fi/fantasy (37 per cent), and thriller/horror (34 per cent) dominate, with Hindi leading at 53 per cent while regional languages rapidly gain ground.

    Monetisation patterns are equally unique: three in four prefer micro-payments over subscriptions, mirroring India’s wider digital payment culture.

    And the future? Surprisingly open to tech. 80 per cent of listeners say they are comfortable with AI-generated storytelling, so long as the narrative connects emotionally.

    “India has always been a storytelling nation, from epics to bollywood. What we are witnessing now is a generational pivot,” said Pocket entertainment, co-founder and ceo, Rohan Nayak. “People aren’t abandoning video; they’re choosing audio because it offers intimacy, imagination, and freedom. The future of pop culture will be defined as much by what we hear as by what we see.”