ITV

Category: News Headline

  • Loss signal as Dish TV Q1 net loss widens and revenue falls 27.6 percent

    Loss signal as Dish TV Q1 net loss widens and revenue falls 27.6 percent

    MUMBAI: Dish TV is still buffering and this time, the picture is far from rosy. The DTH operator reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 94.53 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, a sharp plunge from the mere Rs 1.56 crore loss logged in the same period last year. Revenue from operations shrank 27.6 per cent year-on-year to Rs 329.36 crore, down from Rs 455.29 crore, while total income stood at Rs 334.11 crore, aided by Rs 4.75 crore in other income.

    Costs, however, went in the opposite direction. Total expenses climbed to Rs 425.92 crore, led by operating costs of Rs 142.10 crore, employee benefits of Rs 42.16 crore, and finance costs of Rs 64.12 crore. Depreciation and amortisation weighed in at Rs 105.28 crore.

    The company’s balance sheet remains under heavy strain, with accumulated losses now exceeding equity share capital, pushing net worth into the negative. Adding to the pressure is a long-running license fee battle with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) Dish TV has set aside Rs 4,680.24 crore for the dispute, even as the MIB slapped a fresh Rs 8,735.67 crore demand (including interest) in April, which the operator is contesting in court.

    For FY25, Dish TV’s annual loss narrowed to Rs 487 crore from a massive Rs 1,966 crore in FY24, but total revenue slid 15.6 per cent to Rs 1,567.6 crore, hit by falling Pay TV subscriber numbers and stagnant ARPU. EBITDA came in at Rs 529.1 crore, with margins easing to 33.75 per cent from last year’s 40.6 per cent.

    While exceptional items of Rs 335.4 crore, a pre-tax loss of Rs 152.3 crore, and mounting competition from DTH rivals, cable, telecom, and OTT players dimmed the outlook, the company is leaning on its digital play. Watcho, its OTT arm, crossed the 10 million paid subscriber mark, thanks to premium content aggregation from Jiocinema, Zee5, Sonyliv and others, the launch of Watcho Fliqs for creator-led IP, and smart set-top boxes like the Dish Smrt Hub.

    The strategy now is clear: retain quality subscribers, push regional content, and keep hybrid offerings in the mix because in today’s entertainment market, staying in the game might just be about playing on every screen available.
     

  • Sabyasachi clicks with Tata CLiQ Luxury for first digital jewellery boutique

    Sabyasachi clicks with Tata CLiQ Luxury for first digital jewellery boutique

    MUMBAI: When couture royalty meets digital luxury, the sparkle goes online. In a move that marries Calcutta craftsmanship with cutting-edge e-commerce, Sabyasachi Calcutta has teamed up with Tata CLiq Luxury to launch its first-ever digital jewellery boutique in India, going live on 21 August 2025.

    The online store will showcase the largest selection of Sabyasachi Fine Jewellery ever available on a digital platform all crafted in 18 carat gold and brimming with the house’s hallmark blend of heritage and modernity. From the regal Royal Bengal Heritage Gold Collection, flaunting the Bengal Tiger insignia and the signature mangalsutra, to the VVS-VS EF diamond-studded Royal Bengal Diamond Collection, each piece wears its opulence lightly.

    Pearl lovers can swoon over the Royal Bengal Pearl Series featuring natural, cultured, and South Sea pearls, while nature takes centre stage in the Sunderbans Collection, inspired by flora and fauna. Contemporary icons include the lacquer-accented Tiger Stripe and Shalimar collections, alongside the dazzling Tiger Eye group. The line-up spans earrings, pendants, bracelets, and rings everyday elegance with a luxury twist.

    The partnership promises a personalised shopping experience, with trained experts guiding buyers through their perfect pick whether it’s a wedding heirloom, a statement gift, or a piece of self-indulgence.

    For Tata CLiq Luxury, it’s a strategic gem. “We’re bringing one of India’s most iconic brands to discerning consumers nationwide, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities,” said Tata CLiq CEO Gopal Asthana. “It’s about redefining fine jewellery for the digital era.”

    Sabyasachi Mukherjee himself calls the collection “refined, rooted, timeless” and grounded in value, not just aspiration. Sabyasachi CEO Manish Chopra adds that the online launch bridges the gap between atelier and living room, letting a new generation experience the brand’s integrity and craftsmanship firsthand.

    With this debut, luxury is no longer just on the high street, it’s in your browser, ready to be delivered with all the sparkle, soul, and story Sabyasachi is known for.

  • News18 Tamil Nadu hits pause on ads for break-free morning prime time

    News18 Tamil Nadu hits pause on ads for break-free morning prime time

    MUMBAI:  Who needs a coffee break when the news won’t take one? News18 Tamil Nadu is hitting the fast lane in the morning rush, going completely ad-free from 7:00 am to 10:00 am no interruptions, no distractions, just pure, back-to-back headlines. The move is a viewer-first experiment in prime-time engagement, ensuring that audiences stay glued to the day’s most impactful stories without the lure (or annoyance) of a break. It’s also a shrewd play for advertisers: the first spots aired after this three-hour break-free stretch land at the perfect moment, when viewer attention is at its sharpest, promising premium impact and brand recall.

    For brands, it’s a golden window uninterrupted audience flow, peak attention levels, and the halo of being seen alongside serious, high-focus news. The channel says the initiative not only keeps viewers hooked but also strengthens credibility and trust for advertisers riding the post-prime wave.

    But the innovation doesn’t stop there. News18 Tamil Nadu has been pushing boundaries with Disco with KS, a weekly podcast hosted by editor Karthigaichelvan. It’s the first of its kind for any Tamil news channel, blending sharp interviews with bureaucrats, industry leaders, and young achievers. Each episode racks up over 1 lakh views, with 10 plus snackable clips per episode routinely going viral reaching more than 3 million social media views, with a notable 25 per cent coming from the Tamil diaspora.

    Another highlight is Decode – The World Unfiltered, breaking down complex national and global events into crystal-clear context. Together, these offerings are turning the channel into more than just a news source, it’s becoming a daily habit for Tamil audiences across the globe.

    Come morning, whether it’s hard news, deep dives, or viral interviews, News18 Tamil Nadu wants you in without cutting away for anything else.
     

  • Safed Detergent launches new campaign this Independence Day

    Safed Detergent launches new campaign this Independence Day

    MUMBAI: Safed Detergent from Shantinath Detergents Private Ltd marks this Independence Day with a heartwarming campaign film released on 12 Aug’25 that revives the forgotten purity of Safed. In a middle-class home, a kid asks what to wear for his school’s fancy dress competition. While his parents suggest modern heroes, his grandfather steps in with a simple white chadar and a reminder of what Safed once stood for.

    He recalls how Safed bowed an empire, won us freedom, became a symbol of peace, and showed the path of truth. But somewhere along the way, we forgot the safed in our hearts.

    Safed becomes more than fabric; it’s an emblem of unity, truth, and courage. “With this campaign, we wanted to remind people that the true spirit of freedom lives in keeping our hearts as pure as the Safed we wear,” said Shantinath Detergents Pvt Ltd director Ritum Jain. “Just as Safed keeps clothes spotless, we must keep our nation’s conscience unstained.” And hence we say “· Jab Dil Mein Ho Safed, To Saare Jahan Se Achha Desh.”

  • Dave & Buster’s opens 22,000 sq ft dining and gaming hub in Mumbai

    Dave & Buster’s opens 22,000 sq ft dining and gaming hub in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Mumbai, get ready to eat, drink, play, and win all in one go. Dave & Buster’s, the iconic American dining-and-gaming powerhouse, has made its grand Mumbai debut at Infiniti Mall, Andheri West, in partnership with Malpani Group. After a hit first innings in Bangalore, the brand is now levelling up the city’s entertainment game with its trademark “Eat. Drink. Play. Watch.” promise.

    Sprawling over a mammoth 22,000 sq. ft., this is Mumbai’s biggest entertainment hub yet packing more than 60 arcade games, Nitro Bowling, Hi-Tech Darts, and a food-and-drink line-up that swings from indulgent bites to Instagram-worthy cocktails. The vibe is part carnival, part sports bar, part social lounge shifting gears from laid-back afternoons to high-energy nights.

    “Bringing Dave & Buster’s to Mumbai is not just a launch, it’s the next chapter in redefining how Indians experience entertainment,” said Malpani Group director Shreya Malpani. The group, which holds the exclusive India franchise, is no stranger to big-ticket leisure, it also helms Imagicaaworld Entertainment Ltd.

    Designed as more than just a venue, Dave & Buster’s Mumbai aims to be the go-to for everything from post-work de-stressing and weekend gaming marathons to corporate outings and family dinners that end with a fistful of prize tickets. With curated zones, evolving music, and tech-driven fun, it’s pitched to blend global standards with local flavour and keep Mumbai playing long after the first game ends.

  • Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League returns, set to kick off from 25 December

    Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League returns, set to kick off from 25 December

    MUMBAI — The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) is back after its electrifying debut, promising even more action, intensity, and local pride. Season 2 kicks off on Thursday, 25 December 2025, marking the return of one of the state’s most thrilling sporting platforms — a professional stage for Uttar Pradesh’s finest kabaddi talent.

    This milestone builds on the momentum of UPKL’s inaugural season, which reached over 30 million TV viewers according to BARC India and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Season 2 is set to elevate the excitement with new franchises on board, more matches, and even bigger fan engagement.

    The league will comprise approximately 64 matches spread over 17 days, with all matches taking place in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

    Season 2 will begin with a league phase followed by playoffs, with all players selected through an auction. Building on the excitement of Season 1, which featured exceptional star players like Arjun Deshwal, Vinay Tewatiya, Shubham Kumar, Sahul Kumar, Abhishek Thakur, Mohd Aman, Nitin Panwer, Abhijeet Malik, Arpit Sroha who captivated audiences across the state. This season promises to showcase top-tier talent and deliver even more thrilling kabaddi action and intense competition.

    SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Ltd director & founder, Sambhav Jain expressed, “The success of UPKL season one was a testament to the growing love for kabaddi in our state, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of our viewers, players, investors, sponsors, and every stakeholder involved. Building on the phenomenal success, as we move into the next chapter, we are thrilled for season two. We remain committed to our vision of building a strong platform for local talent and elevating kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh and beyond. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey so far and made season one possible. I look forward to everyone’s continued support in making season two even bigger, bolder, more inspiring, and more impactful.”
     

  • Inka Insurance rolls out ‘Before We Get Too Big to Do This’ campaign

    Inka Insurance rolls out ‘Before We Get Too Big to Do This’ campaign

    MUMBAI – In a bold move set to disrupt the insurance industry, Inka Insurance has launched a first-of-its-kind campaign giving customers direct, one-on-one guidance from its CEO. The initiative emphasises its exclusivity and time-sensitive nature, offering unprecedented access to the company’s top leadership before rapid growth makes such interactions impractical.

    While most insurers route customers through toll-free numbers, chatbots, or agents focused on meeting sales targets, Inka Insurance is redefining customer service by ensuring that policy queries are addressed by a true expert. The campaign reflects the company’s belief that insurance questions deserve personalised, knowledgeable answers, not scripted responses.

    “Your insurance is personal, and so should be your insurance advice,” said Inka Insurance founder Vaibhav Kathju. “I’ve personally helped MNC leaders and startup founders identify gaps in their policies, and I want to extend that same level of attention to every customer.”

    The initiative aims to simplify an often complex process by having the CEO personally assist customers in identifying missing elements in their policies, providing jargon-free explanations, and offering clear, unbiased advice without any sales pressure. Currently gaining rapid traction on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), the campaign stands out as a rare opportunity for customers to engage directly with Inka’s top leadership, fostering trust, transparency, and confidence in their insurance decisions.

     

  • Sheela Foam appoints Rakesh Chahar as deputy managing director

    Sheela Foam appoints Rakesh Chahar as deputy managing director

    MUMBAI: Sheela Foam Ltd, a market leader in comfort and sleeping solutions in India, has appointed Rakesh Chahar as deputy managing director (Whole-time Director) with immediate effect. The appointment was announced at the Board of Directors’ meeting pursuant to the recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee. Mr. Chahar has more than three decades of robust institutional experience and leadership at Sheela Foam.

    Sheela Foam, the owner of iconic brands Sleepwell, and recently acquired Kurlon Enterprises and Furlenco, is building its presence in different geographies at a steady pace. With its portfolio spread across heritage comfort solutions and new-generation tech-enabled lifestyle solutions, the company is heading to a pivotal stage of integrated growth in both Indian and foreign markets.

    Chahar, who has been with Sheela Foam since 1990 and a Whole-Time Director since 2003, brings over 30 years of experience in scaling operations, building distribution strength, and delivering category growth. he has led transformational efforts that have solidified the group’s leadership status in polyurethane (PU) foam business. He has played a pivotal role in establishing Sleepwell as India’s most recognized and highest-selling mattress brand.

    He has been the driving force to build Sheela Foam’s distribution muscle, establishing a robust network of distribution and retail partners across the nation – efforts that have greatly enhanced consumer reach and market share.

    In his enhanced mandate, Chahar will lead the company’s growth strategy – to drive integrated operations, channel consolidation, and pan-India market reach. His leadership will also focus on expanding institutional and B2B verticals, while unlocking manufacturing and procurement synergies across the group’s production facilities.

    Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Chahar also serves as Chairman of the Indian Sleep Products Federation (ISPF) – India’s first dedicated industry body for the mattress and sleep solutions sector.
     

  • Yash Soni starrer Mithada Maheman to premiere on ShemarooMe

    Yash Soni starrer Mithada Maheman to premiere on ShemarooMe

    MUMBAI: Some journeys aren’t defined by the destination—they’re shaped by the people you meet along the way, and how they quietly help you rediscover parts of yourself. That’s the kind of journey Mithada Maheman takes you on. It’s an emotionally layered Gujarati film filled with drama, twists, and moments of laughter. The movie is now set to reach audiences across the globe with its world digital premiere on ShemarooMe from 14 August 2025, perfectly timed for the Independence Day weekend.

    Directed by Chinmay Parmar, Mithada Maheman follows the lives of four individuals whose paths cross by chance, but whose lives are transformed through kindness, empathy, and acceptance of one another.  At its center is Aditya (played by Yash Soni), a young man fighting his own emotional battles. Just when he is on the verge of giving up, he meets Hari (Mihir Nishith Rajda), a warm-hearted taxi driver who takes him on an unplanned road trip, one that slowly becomes a path to healing.

    Their path soon brings two others into their circle—Komal (Aarohi Patel), whose grounded presence provides emotional clarity, and Jay (Mitra Gadhavi), whose humour masks a quieter pain. As these strangers travel through hill stations, highways, and tea stalls, what unfolds is a story of unexpected bonds, vulnerability, and slow but steady emotional transformation.

    Sharing his thoughts on the role, Yash Soni said, “Aditya isn’t a loud or dramatic character, his pain is internal and hard to explain. That’s what made him feel so real to me. Playing this role reminded me that sometimes we don’t need to fix people, we just need to sit with them, without judgment. ‘Mithada Maheman’ is about those silent moments of understanding and small acts of care. I’m grateful to be part of a film that approaches such a delicate subject with honesty and warmth. I believe a lot of people will see themselves in Aditya, or in the people who walk beside him on this journey.”

  • Google’s quick move to boost brand sales with Commerce Media Suite

    Google’s quick move to boost brand sales with Commerce Media Suite

    MUMBAI: When it comes to India’s shopping habits, “add to cart” is now often followed by “arrives in 10 minutes” and Google is making sure brands don’t miss the ride. The tech giant has launched its Commerce Media Suite, an AI-powered solution designed to help brands and merchants tap into the surging quick commerce and e-commerce markets. The suite works through Google Ads, letting advertisers reach high-intent shoppers across Search, Shopping, Youtube, Display, Discover, and Gmail, directing them straight to product listings on marketplaces like Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto, and Myntra.

    The timing is no accident with the festive season around the corner, competition for eyeballs (and wallets) is fierce. “Today, consumers demand immediacy and convenience, clearly demonstrated by the rise of quick commerce,” said Google India director for omni-channel businesses Bhaskar Ramesh. “Commerce Media Suite opens fresh pathways for discovery across Google and Youtube, driving stronger results for brands during peak demand seasons.”

    Early adopters are already seeing gains worth bragging about. ITC Aashirvaad Select clocked a 4x return on ad spend on Blinkit, while Renee Cosmetics reported an 11.5 per cent bump in sales and a 48 per cent drop in cost per order.

    For Blinkit, the solution is a match made in delivery heaven. “Google’s Commerce Media Suite offers brands a significant opportunity to cut through the noise and connect with the modern consumer,” said Blinkit director of ad monetisation and pricing Anish Acharya calling it a “game-changer” ahead of the festive rush.

    Beyond just reach, brands get Google AI-driven performance, first-party marketplace data, product-level measurement, and self-service transparency effectively marrying campaign spend to actual sales impact.

    Or as Renee Cosmetics head of eCommerce Jitendra Rawal put it: “It’s allowed us to efficiently connect with customers looking for our products and significantly drive incremental sales.”

    With India’s quick commerce sector in overdrive, Google’s latest play might just help brands click with customers in more ways than one.