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Category: News Headline

  • Hinduja Group appoints Anand Agarwal as group president – finance

    Hinduja Group appoints Anand Agarwal as group president – finance

     MUMBAI: Money talks and so does experience. In a move that signals serious intent for its next phase of growth, the Hinduja Group has roped in financial veteran Anand Agarwal as group president of Finance. With a career spanning nearly three decades and multiple sectors, Agarwal is expected to steer the conglomerate’s financial strategy with a steady, seasoned hand.

    Agarwal brings to the table heavyweight credentials, he’s a chartered accountant, company Secretary, ICWA, CFA, and an executive MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. His résumé reads like a who’s who of Indian industry: Chambal Fertilisers (as CFO), Tata Power, Peepul Capital PE, AGS Transact Technologies, Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Industries, and ITC Limited.

    He has successfully raised capital from global private equity giants, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds, and helmed several high-stakes M&A deals across the Agri Inputs, Infrastructure (Power), FMCG, Cement, Metals, and Financial Services sectors.

    As group pof Hinduja Group HR Amit Chincholikar put it, “With the Group’s businesses entering a phase of strategic expansion, strong financial leadership is crucial. Anand’s vast experience in corporate finance and M&A, along with his proven ability to manage large-scale financial strategies, will be key in driving the Group’s growth.”

    Agarwal, too, sounds ready to get down to business: “My focus will be on enhancing financial efficiency, optimising capital deployment, and supporting the Group’s expansion plans.”

    With Agarwal’s appointment, the Hinduja Group appears poised to fine-tune its financial engine accelerating towards a future built on bold strategy, smart capital, and sharper execution.

  • Alt plays smart with new campaign: ‘Zugzwang-Proof Your Portfolio’

    Alt plays smart with new campaign: ‘Zugzwang-Proof Your Portfolio’

    MUMBAI: Alt has rolled out its latest digital-first brand campaign, ‘Zugzwang-Proof Your Portfolio’, featuring the youngest world chess champion Gukesh D. This innovative campaign draws parallels from the game of chess to build awareness on the importance of portfolio diversification for long term wealth generation and the role played by alternative investments in building a well-diversified portfolio.

    In chess, zugzwang (German for “compulsion to move”) describes a situation where a player is at a disadvantage because they are forced to make a move wherein any legal move that they make in this position would further worsen their situation, often leading to a loss or significant disadvantage.

    Similar zugzwang situations could also arise in any investor’s financial investments. When an investment portfolio relies entirely on only one asset class, it is left exposed to market volatility and potential zugzwang situations during unfavorable conditions.  The film brings this concept to life by portraying these potential zugzwang situations in investments and how portfolio diversification into alternative assets can avoid them.

    Gukesh takes center-stage in the film, demonstrating how preparation, foresight, and a multi-faceted strategy are equally critical for success in both chess and investing.

    Commenting on the campaign launch, Kunal Moktan, co-founder, Alt said, ‘‘We are excited to feature chess prodigy Gukesh D in our latest digital campaign. The campaign aims to educate investors at all levels about the advantages of building a well-balanced portfolio by leveraging private market alternative assets like commercial real estate, AIF funds, REITs, and private credit. Gukesh’s journey is proof that thinking ahead changes the game, and that’s exactly what we at Alt want to help investors do.”

  • WBD’s streaming and studios segments soar as linear TV slows

    WBD’s streaming and studios segments soar as linear TV slows

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has delivered a mixed bag of results in its second quarter, with its film and streaming divisions providing a much-needed shot in the arm as its traditional linear TV business struggles.

    The company, which is planning to split its streaming & studios and global linear networks businesses, reported a net income of $1.6 billion, a stark contrast to the massive $9.9 billion loss it posted in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA also saw a respectable 9 per cent year-on-year increase, hitting $2.0 billion. However, free cash flow took a hit, falling by 28 per cent to $702 million, partly due to one-off separation costs.

    The studios segment was the star of the show, with revenues rocketing by 54 per cent to $3.8 billion. Content revenues, in particular, surged by 59 per cent, largely driven by a strong box office performance from theatrical releases like A Minecraft Movie, Sinners, and Final Destination: Bloodlines. The company’s film slate grossed over $3 billion globally this year and saw five consecutive films open to over $45 million domestically. On the television side, WBTV received 60 Emmy nominations, a record for a studio, with its shows like The Pitt, Abbott Elementary and The Penguin receiving critical acclaim.

    The streaming business also showed strong momentum, adding 3.4 million global subscribers in the quarter to reach a total of 125.7 million. Revenues for the segment rose by eight per cent to $2.8 billion, and it turned a profit of $293 million in adjusted EBITDA, a significant improvement from a $107 million loss a year ago. The company’s international expansion, including a successful launch in Australia, helped drive subscriber growth. However, global average revenue per user (ARPU) decreased by 11 per cent to $7.14, mainly due to the influx of lower ARPU international subscribers and the wider distribution of the ad-supported HBO Max tier.

    In contrast, the global linear networks business took a tumble. Its revenues fell by nine per cent to $4.8 billion, and adjusted EBITDA plummeted by 25 per cent to $1.5 billion. The decline was attributed to a nine per cent drop in domestic pay TV subscribers and a hefty 13 per cent decrease in advertising revenue, driven by a 23 per cent decline in domestic linear audiences.

    Looking ahead, WBD is targeting 12-14 theatrical releases annually and is set to launch HBO Max in Germany, Italy, the UK, and Ireland in 2026. The company also reduced its gross debt by $2.7 billion in the quarter, bringing the total to $35.6 billion.

  • Philips India launches the Philips Avent Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump

    Philips India launches the Philips Avent Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump

    MUMBAI: Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), announced the launch of their biggest innovation – the Philips Avent Hands-free Breast Pump, in India. It was unveiled at an exclusive event in the presence of Masaba Gupta – renowned fashion designer, entrepreneur, actor, and a new mother herself, who is the face of this campaign. With the #GiftOfFreedom campaign, the launch event highlighted the importance of supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journey with more freedom and flexibility, a key highlight during World Breastfeeding Week.

    New mothers get so overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenting and their constant focus to do the best for their baby, that they end up sacrificing their own care. Infact, research shows that 2 in 3 new mothers get less than one hour to themselves each day. The Philips Avent Hands-free Breast Pump is designed to give mothers that time back, offering a hands-free, comfortable, and discreet pumping experience, freeing them up to multitask and care for themselves without compromising on their baby’s needs. With features like Natural Motion Technology, hospital strength motor & SkinSense breast shields, it has been designed around the needs of a new mother to make her breastfeeding journey smoother.

    Commenting on the launch, Vidyut Kaul – head of Personal Health, Philips growth region (JAPAC, ISC, META & LATAM), said, “At Philips, our mission is to create meaningful innovations that address real-life challenges faced by today’s consumers. Within our Personal Health portfolio, Philips Avent has long been a trusted companion for parents around the world, supporting every stage of the parenting journey, from feeding and soothing to monitoring and care. The launch of the Philips Avent Hands-free Breast Pump marks another step in our commitment to empowering new-age parents. More than just a product, it reflects our belief that self-care is an integral part of motherhood. With this innovation, we aim to bring greater comfort, freedom, and confidence to mothers, making a lasting impact with care.”

    Speaking about her own experience, Masaba Gupta – founder, Entrepreneur & Actor, shared, “Becoming a mother changed everything including how I think about time, rest, and showing up for myself. I have realized that carving out space for yourself is not luxury, it’s essential. That’s why I am happy to be part of this campaign. As an Avent mom, I’ve personally used and trusted Philips Avent products, and this new hands-free breast pump is truly a game-changer. It gives you the freedom to step out for a meeting, a workout, or just a moment of fun, without second-guessing if your baby is okay. It’s not just tech; it’s a quiet form of support for moms who do it all”.

    The event, hosted by Simone Khambatta, one of India’s top mommy bloggers, featured a heartfelt video by Masaba Gupta, followed by a candid conversation between Masaba & her mother Neena Gupta on how parenting has evolved across generations. A powerful ramp- walk with new mums, with Masaba as the showstopper, revealed that all mothers were using the Philips Avent Hands-free breast pump live on stage, showcasing the true freedom it offers to new mothers, setting a new benchmark & empowering mothers to embrace self-care while supporting to always provide the best for their baby.

    In their constant endeavor towards supporting new mothers in their parenting and breastfeeding journey, the event concluded with the announcement of a landmark strategic partnership between Philips Avent and Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, who are coming together to drive awareness and education regarding the challenges of breastfeeding for new mothers, and towards achieving and ensuring that mothers can get all their doubts clarified, they are joining hands to soon provide complementary lactation consultation sessions to all mothers who buy a Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump.

    Sriram Iyer – CEO, Apollo Health and Lifestyle Ltd. said, “At Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, we believe that informed care is empowering care – especially for new mothers navigating the uncertainties and challenges of breastfeeding. This partnership with Philips Avent is a reflection of our shared commitment for supporting mothers with the right knowledge, guidance, and tools they need during this beautiful yet demanding journey.”

    He added further, “Philips Avent’s commitment to empowering new mothers in the motherhood journey through their innovative products, perfectly complements our dedication to expert maternal care and nutrition for newborns. Together, we aim to make momhood a little easier and a lot more empowering- helping mothers live with greater freedom, confidence, and peace of mind.”

  • Instamart teams up with Kalyan Jewellers to roll out Rs 500 crore worth of vouchers this Raksha Bandhan

    Instamart teams up with Kalyan Jewellers to roll out Rs 500 crore worth of vouchers this Raksha Bandhan

    MUMBAI: Raksha Bandhan marks the onset of India’s festive season—and what better way to celebrate than with a thoughtful gift that lasts a lifetime. Gold has long been cherished in Indian culture, symbolizing prosperity and making for both meaningful gifts and smart investments. This Raksha Bandhan, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform – Instamart, has partnered with Kalyan Jewellers to add a touch of sparkle to sibling bonds. With every Rakhi purchase made on the platform, customers will receive a ₹2,100 Kalyan Jewellers voucher. The initiative, amounting to a total voucher value of nearly ₹500 crore, enhances the festive shopping experience while promoting the tradition of thoughtful, lasting gifting.

    Instamart’s Raksha Bandhan campaign, ‘Gehna To Your Behna’, is live from 28 July to 9 August. As part of this special festive offer, every Instamart customer placing an order above Rs 499 will automatically receive a Rs 2,100 voucher from Kalyan Jewellers. The voucher can be used to choose from a stunning selection of gold, diamond and platinum jewellery at Kalyan Jewellers, no matter what you’re picking – a modern piece or a timeless heirloom. With redemption available in-store and validity extended through Diwali 2025, customers have the freedom to shop at their own pace and style. This campaign turns a simple Rakhi purchase into a more meaningful, lasting gift—whether you’re surprising your sibling or treating yourself.

    Sharing insights on this special gift for users, Manender Kaushik, AVP & category head – Instamart, said, “Festivals carry deep sentimental value across India, and gifts are a way to express emotions—whether love, care, or appreciation for those closest to us. Despite the bickering and teasing all year round, this day is filled with banter, but at its core, heartfelt gratitude towards one another. At Instamart, we understand this, and that’s why we’ve teamed up with Kalyan Jewellers to bring something really meaningful to our users – a gift that will last a lifetime. With just a few taps on Instamart, you can get the perfect Rakhi delivered within 10 minutes, alongside a Kalyan Jewellers voucher to help you go all out with your gift.”

    Last Raksha Bandhan, Instamart saw an incredible surge, with nearly 700 Rakhi orders placed every minute and overall sales soaring fivefold. The most popular gifts included toys, chocolates, flowers, and make-up. This year, to make celebrations even more special, Instamart is introducing silver rakhis—available for quick delivery. As a first in quick commerce, these silver rakhis have quickly become a favourite among customers across cities.

    Instamart is now live across 127 cities, offering lightning-fast 10-minute delivery and an expanded assortment of up to 35,000 items. The platform recently introduced Maxxsaver—a feature designed to unlock maximum savings and support more planned, affordable purchases for users across India.

  • OPG Mobility appoints Maharana Ray as president & chief growth officer

    OPG Mobility appoints Maharana Ray as president & chief growth officer

    MUMBAI: OPG Mobility (formerly Okaya EV), announced the appointment of Maharana Ray as president & Chief Growth Officer (CGO). In his new role, he will lead the company’s EV business including the Ferrato and OTTOOPG brands while driving expansion, market development, brand building, and strategic business alliances within the Indian electric mobility value chain.

    A distinguished leader with over two decades in the auto, electric mobility, and energy sectors, Maharana is known for his excellence in driving business expansion, forging strategic alliances, and growing operations. He most recently served as vice president at Chetak Electric (Bajaj Auto), spearheading the network development, strategic planning, and customer experience initiatives, successfully expanding the brand’s pan-India footprint.

    Maharana’s career spans both international and domestic markets, with hands-on experience in 16 countries. His expertise covers Sales, Service, Spares, Channel Management, and HR, making him a well-rounded professional equipped to deliver holistic business growth and operational excellence. He is an alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, and has been a member of the Achiever’s Club at Symbiosis. His strategic leadership skills have been further complemented by training at IIM Ahmedabad.

    Commenting on the appointment, Anshul Gupta, co-founder, OPG Mobility said, “We are delighted to welcome Maharana Ray to our leadership team. As OPG Mobility enters into its next phase of expansion, his leadership and extensive experience in the mobility and energy segments will be critical to accelerating our business. His vision and emphasis on execution fit well with our overall strategy for the electric vehicle businesses.”

    Talking about his new role at OPG Mobility, Maharana Ray expressed, “As one of India’s fastest growing electric mobility solution providers, I am excited to join OPG Mobility and Power Pvt. Ltd. The company’s mission to develop inclusive, reliable, and sustainable electric mobility solutions that truly shape the future of transportation deeply resonates with me, and I look forward to collaborating with the leadership to explore new avenues for growth, scale operations, and strengthen our presence across India and international markets. We will strive together to build a future where OPG Mobility is a trusted partner in India’s and the world’s EV journey.”

  • Meghashrey Foundation honours Navika Kumar with Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025

    Meghashrey Foundation honours Navika Kumar with Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025

    MUMBAI: Navika Kumar, group editor-in-chief, Times Now & Times Now Navbharat, has been conferred with the Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025, one of India’s most prestigious civilian honors, presented by Meghashrey Foundation. The award recognises her exceptional contribution to Indian journalism and her unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and nation-building. Her fearless reporting, sharp political analysis, and leadership have helped shape informed public discourse across the nation.

    The Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Indian society in fields such as social work, science, education, medicine, arts, and public life. This year’s ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister for Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Maharashtra for Culture, Shri Ashish Shelar, and held at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai.

    Other awardees included an illustrious list of changemakers and national icons, including, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Padma Bhushan Vijay Bhatkar, Padma Shri Dr. Shankar Mahadevan, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, Padma Shri Kumar Sanu, Padma Shri Raveena Tandon, Luke Coutinho amongst others.

  • News18 calls the shots as it headlines Hindi and English viewership

    News18 calls the shots as it headlines Hindi and English viewership

    MUMBAI: The ratings are in and News18 isn’t just reading the headlines, it’s writing them. With the latest BARC data painting a clear picture, the News18 Network has reinforced its dominance in both English and Hindi news broadcasting, leaving its rivals flipping through the pages.

    CNN-News18 retained its crown as the Number 1 English news channel, capturing a commanding 35.7 per cent market share, well ahead of Times Now (22.4 per cent) and NDTV 24×7 (17.7 per cent). That’s a 60 per cent lead over Times Now, and a staggering 102 per cent lead over NDTV, according to BARC India (Week 30’25, All India, 15 plus).

    Fronted by a strong editorial team that includes Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar and Shivani Gupta, CNN-News18 has held onto its pole position ever since BARC ratings resumed in March 2022.

    Not to be outdone, News18 India ruled the roost in Hindi news with a powerful 74,444 AMA’000s, outpacing Aaj Tak’s 67,957 AMA’000s (BARC | Week 27–30’25 | HSM | 15plus | 24×7). With trusted faces like Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra, News18 India continues to be the nation’s go-to source for breaking news, sharp debates, and hard-hitting reports.

    The network’s leadership isn’t confined to television either. News18’s digital footprint is growing steadily, with Youtube views and social media traction providing a second wind to its broadcast muscle.

    Behind the ratings blitz is a clear strategic push. News18 has ramped up investments in technology, editorial staffing, and international partnerships to ensure it stays not just first with the news but first in the hearts (and remotes) of viewers.

    In an age of news clutter, News18 Network seems to have cracked the code: clarity, credibility, and countrywide reach.

     

  • JioStar launches glitzy new website in bold digital makeover

    JioStar launches glitzy new website in bold digital makeover

    MUMBAI:JioStar has quietly dropped its flashiest transformation yet — a brand-new corporate website that oozes OTT swagger. With the sleekness of Netflix and the razzmatazz of Hulu, the platform is as loud as it is polished — a brash, confident statement of intent from India’s most ambitious media house.

    The homepage hits hard: a full-throttle montage of its marquee films, series and sports properties, proudly calling itself “India’s favourite storytellers.” The site’s visual energy mirrors the brand’s content-first ethos — big, bold, and unmistakably JioStar.

    The revamped logo — with ‘Jio’ in a magenta coloured circle nudging into ‘Star’ — marks a subtle but sharp shift in branding. There’s sections on entertainment and sports, but what’s catching industry eyes is a new section titled consumer products. Empty for now, it hints at an incoming wave of IP-led merchandise, possibly transforming the site into a content-to-commerce powerhouse. Time — and licensing deals — will tell.

    For journalists and media pros, the portal is a goldmine. Rich press resources, high-res spokespeople photos, detailed executive bios, promos make it one of the most media-friendly corporate sites in India. Missing in action, however, is an investor relations section — a standard fixture on international media giants’ portals.

    In a practical masterstroke, JioStar has also made life easier for cable TV operators. A clean dropdown menu now lists all reference interconnect offers by channel clusters — making compliance and clarity a breeze.

    From content brag to backend utility, the new website signals that JioStar isn’t just flexing its brand muscle — it’s gunning for global best-in-class.

  • WPP slashes dividend in half as advertising giant struggles with client cuts

    WPP slashes dividend in half as advertising giant struggles with client cuts

    LONDON: WPP, the world’s biggest advertising agency, delivered a sobering performance in the first half of 2025, slashing its interim dividend by 50 per cent as profits tumbled and clients tightened their belts.
    The London-listed giant reported headline operating profit of £412m for the six months to June, down 36 per cent from £646m a year earlier. Revenue less pass-through costs—the industry’s preferred measure—fell 4.3 per cent on a like-for-like basis to £5.03bn.

    The company cut its interim dividend to 7.5p per share from 15p previously, with the board citing the need to give incoming chief executive Cindy Rose “room to review the group’s strategy and capital allocation policy”.
    Mark Read, who steps down as chief executive on 1 September after seven years at the helm, acknowledged the difficulties. “It has been a challenging first half given pressures on client spending and a slower new business environment,” he said.

    The results underscore the advertising industry’s struggles as companies slash marketing budgets amid economic uncertainty. WPP’s top 25 clients managed only flat growth, while key sectors including consumer goods and automotive weakened in the second quarter.

    WPP has made “significant progress” repositioning its media division, which replaced GroupM in May as part of chief executive Read’s drive to simplify the sprawling conglomerate. The unit, now called WPP Media, has undergone substantial restructuring to make it more client-focused.

    The company expects severance action taken in the second quarter alone to generate more than £150m of annual cost savings from 2026. Headcount has fallen 3.7 per cent since the start of the year to 104,000 people.
    Despite the gloom, WPP continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence and data capabilities. Usage of WPP Open, its AI-powered marketing platform, has surged, with 85 per cent of client-facing staff now using it monthly, up from 60 per cent in March.

    The company also completed the acquisition of InfoSum, a data collaboration platform, and launched Open Intelligence, an AI tool designed to predict audience behaviour.

    Looking ahead, WPP expects like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs to decline between 3 per cent and 5 per cent for the full year. Headline operating profit margin is forecast to drop by 50 to 175 basis points.
    The company’s performance varied widely by region. North America, WPP’s largest market, saw revenue less pass-through costs fall 2.4 per cent, while China plunged 16.6 per cent amid persistent macroeconomic pressures.

    At the prestigious Cannes Lions festival in June, WPP was named creative company of the year, providing some cheer amid the financial turbulence. The group’s agencies secured 168 Lions, including a coveted Titanium Lion.

    Average adjusted net debt stood at £3.4bn at the end of June, giving a debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.98 times—outside the company’s target range of 1.5 to 1.75 times.

    Shares in WPP have struggled this year as investors fret about the advertising downturn and the company’s transformation efforts. The stock trades well below pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the challenges facing traditional advertising agencies in an increasingly digital world.

    Rose, who joins from Microsoft, faces the daunting task of restoring growth while maintaining WPP’s position as the industry leader. Her strategic review will be closely watched by investors hoping for a clearer path forward for the advertising behemoth.