MUMBAI: A new shuttle star is on the rise and IOS Sports and Entertainment is ready to back her all the way to the podium. The agency has signed 16-year-old badminton sensation Tanvi Sharma as an exclusive athlete, adding the Hoshiarpur-based prodigy to its elite roster that already includes names like Mirabai Chanu, Manika Batra, and Lovlina Borgohain.
Fresh off her Super 300 US Open finals appearance, Tanvi brings more than just promise to the table. She’s already got a stack of medals: Silver at the Badminton Asia Youth Championships 2023, Gold at the 2024 Asia Team Championships, and an impressive Silver at the Senior Nationals last year where she held her own against India’s top adult talent.
“Her work ethic and achievements at just 16 speak volumes,” said IOS Sports and Entertainment COO Rahul Trehan. “We see tremendous potential in her and are committed to supporting her rise in global badminton.”
As part of the deal, Tanvi will receive comprehensive management and development support as she sharpens her game for bigger stages national and international.
With a training base in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, and a dream to make it to the world’s biggest badminton arenas, Tanvi’s journey is only just beginning. But with IOS backing her, it’s clear she’s not just playing to participate, she’s in it to win.
And if her medal count is anything to go by, it won’t be long before Tanvi Sharma becomes a household name in Indian sport.
MUMBAI: Why let your old gold gather dust when it can shine anew without losing a single rupee? Indriya, the Aditya Birla Group’s fine jewellery brand, has unveiled ‘Smart gold exchange’, a bold nationwide initiative that offers India’s only zero-deduction policy on old gold, starting from 14kt upwards. Whether it’s a well-worn 14kt trinket or a family heirloom in 22kt, customers can now exchange their pre-loved gold jewellery at full market value, with absolutely no hidden charges or deductions, a rare promise in an industry notorious for its fine print. The initiative reimagines the traditional exchange process with a sharp focus on transparency, trust, and transformation.
“At Indriya, we believe trust is the most precious element in every piece of jewellery,” said Indriya CEO Sandeep Kohli. “With this initiative, customers can upgrade to our new collections without losing value. It’s seamless, smart, and sincere.”
The exchange scheme is now available at all 25 Indriya stores across India, including:
The campaign doesn’t just appeal to those seeking a style refresh, it targets a broader shift in consumer behaviour, where value retention and brand transparency are gaining currency. By removing deductions regardless of karatage and keeping the process fuss-free, Indriya is not just offering new jewellery, it’s offering peace of mind.
With the Smart gold exchange, the brand adds sparkle not only to jewellery boxes, but also to the way Indians think about their old gold as an asset ready to be reimagined, not reduced.
MUMBAI: What do you get when you mix flavour, fun, and futuristic tech with zero internet? A rural marketing masterstroke. Centerfruit, from the house of Perfetti Van Melle India, has launched an industry-first voice-based AI campaign that’s got rural tongues wagging – quite literally.
In a bold move to bridge the digital divide, Centerfruit rolled out the Tongue Twister Challenge in partnership with WPP, BharatGPT.ai, and Google Cloud. Targeted at audiences in rural Uttar Pradesh – where smartphone penetration is patchy and data access even patchier – this initiative lets users engage with the brand using nothing more than a basic feature phone.
Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, Perfetti Van Melle India marketing director Gunjan Khetan said, “Rural Bharat is an important market for Centerfruit, and while we have been able to reach millions through Television, there are still pockets where narrating our brand story has been a challenge. However, the latest Voice AI tech activation is a game-changer, it allows us to not just reach but have conversations with people outside of the traditional digital ecosystem. By using AI and creative storytelling, we bring the Kaisi Jeebh Laplapayee spirit to life in a way that feels local, effortless, and deeply inclusive. We believe this is a powerful step toward ensuring that no consumer is left out of the conversation, no matter where they are or what technology they have access to.”
As part of its ongoing ‘Kaisi Jeebh Laplapayee’ campaign, the brand deployed a hyperlocal Voice AI that dialled users directly. All they had to do was give a missed call, and they were in – chatting away in local dialects, tackling tongue twisters, and laughing through a gamified, fully voice-led experience.
The backend was as sophisticated as the frontend was simple. Deployed on Google Cloud, the experience leveraged BharatGPT and CoRover’s desi LLM optimised for Indian languages and dialects. Users’ voices were streamed and converted in real-time, analysed by Gemini (Google’s AI model), and scored on clarity, pronunciation, and speed. No screens, no apps, just good ol’ vocal cords.
But the experience didn’t stop at tongue twisters. Users could also ask questions in their native dialects via BharatGPT.ai’s ‘Ask Engine’ and receive instant responses, turning every call into a conversation.
Google Cloud India VP and country MD, Bikram Singh Bedi added, “Google Cloud’s scalable cloud infrastructure will enable brands like Center Fruit to reach consumers in their native language and Gemini’s capabilities will enable real time scoring which will make the whole user journey exciting while creating more brand recognition. This is a testament to how technology can truly empower businesses and consumers around the globe.”
Wavemaker CEO – South Asia, Ajay Gupte said, “We believe technology should be an equalizer, not a barrier. Our collaboration on the campaign along with BharatGPT.ai and Google Cloud is a powerful example of how voice-based GenAI can bridge the digital divide and bring playful, immersive brand experiences to audiences often overlooked by mainstream media. By combining creativity with scalable tech infrastructure, we’re proud to help create a campaign that’s as inclusive as it is innovative—one that speaks directly to people, in their language, on the devices they already use. This initiative is a step forward in redefining how brands connect with rural India—not just by reaching them, but by truly engaging them in ways that are local, personal, and deeply human.”
Hogarth India CEO Karthik Nagarajan said, “This partnership between Perfetti Van Melle, WPP, Google Cloud, and BharatGPT wasn’t about tech deployment – it was about cultural engineering. We built AI not just to answer questions, but to reflect the wit, rhythm, and warmth of everyday Bharat. When creativity meets technology, you don’t just reach people – you resonate. As a content experience company, we specialize in delivering engaging, enriching brand experiences irrespective of the medium. In this case, we are very grateful to Perfetti Van Melle for providing a platform that enabled us to create such an experience at scale for its audience.”
With this move, Centerfruit hasn’t just taken the road less travelled – it’s made it multilingual, hyperlocal, and powered by next-gen tech. Who said you need 5G to have fun?
MUMBAI: From Seoul to serum shelf, Anua the Korean skincare sensation with a minimalist soul has officially made its Indian debut, courtesy of Nykaa. With cult-favourite toners, gentle pore-cleansing oils and spot-busting serums, the brand promises skin that’s not just glowing but also grateful. Known for its “less is more” philosophy and a clean, calming approach to skincare, Anua lands as Nykaa’s latest K-beauty exclusive, reinforcing the platform’s first-mover status in bringing South Korea’s finest skin solutions to Indian beauty bags.
Whether you’re battling breakouts or just looking for balance, Anua’s star lineup brings together natural ingredients with scientific sensibility:
. Heartleaf 77 per cent Soothing Toner: Cult-favourite calming toner to soothe inflamed, sensitive skin
. Niacinamide 10 per cent + TXA 4 per cent Serum: Skin-brightening booster that targets dark spots and dullness
. Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil: Melts makeup and excess sebum without disrupting the skin barrier
. Heartleaf 77 Clear Pads: Pre-soaked toner pads that exfoliate, clarify and calm in one swipe
“We’re thrilled to introduce Anua to the Indian market through our exclusive partnership with Nykaa,” said Founders Inc. CEO Ryan Lee, brand owner of Anua. “This marks a new milestone in our global journey and we’re here not just to launch, but to build a meaningful skincare community.”
With Nykaa Beauty’s executive director & CEO Anchit Nayar calling it “clean, calming, and results-driven,” Anua joins an elite K-beauty club already represented on the platform including Dr. Jart+, COSRX, Etude, Aestura, and Laneige.
Nykaa, which first mainstreamed Korean skincare in India, continues to lead the wave, offering Anua exclusively on its website, app, and across 230 plus retail stores.
As India’s beauty buffs grow more conscious and curious about ingredients, textures and routines, Anua’s entry is a timely ode to gentler formulations that work hard without trying too hard. It’s glow time, minus the guesswork.
MUMBAI : Two dessert dynamos just scooped out something extraordinary. Hangyo Ice Cream and Smoor have teamed up to launch Black Gold Ice Cream — a luscious blend of Hangyo’s famously smooth, creamy base and Smoor’s rich, artisanal couverture chocolate.
Unveiled in style at Smoor’s Lavelle Road boutique, the launch event brought together ice cream lovers, media, and some very lucky sundae architects. Guests sampled the Black Gold flavour bomb — a silky, bold creation that drips heritage, elegance and luxury in every bite. Think ancient cacao rituals meets 21st-century dessert couture.
The event was headlined by Hangyo Ice Cream head, Business Development, SankeernPai and Smoor founder & CEO Vimal Sharma, who revealed the product in a grand unveiling, followed by a tasting session that delighted guests and media alike. To add to the celebration, attendees enjoyed a DIY Sundae Station, where children and adults alike crafted their own personalized sundaes with a range of toppings and sauces. The event also featured Black Gold-themed games and fun activities for kids, ensuring the afternoon was filled with flavor and joy.
Hangyo Ice Cream vice chairman Ullas Kamath said, “At Hangyo, innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. The launch of Black Gold in association with Smoor Chocolates is a celebration of craftsmanship, indulgence, and collaboration. This luxurious creation brings together our legacy in ice creams with Smoor’s artisanal chocolate expertise to deliver a truly premium dessert experience. Black Gold is more than just a product—it’s a statement of elegance, quality, and the power of partnerships in redefining indulgence”.
Sankeern Pai said, “We’ve always believed that ice cream is more than dessert — it’s an emotion that speaks to every palate differently. Our strength lies in understanding and celebrating this diversity, which has helped us become a beloved brand across regions and generations. With the launch of Black Gold, we take that philosophy a step further — blending our legacy of rich, creamy textures with Smoor’s mastery of fine chocolate. This collaboration is a bold exploration of taste, tradition, and innovation, elevating indulgence to a whole new level. It’s not just about introducing a new flavor; it’s about crafting a refined experience that’s rooted in who we are as a brand.”
Sharma commented, “Smoor has always stood for purity, precision, and the power of true couverture chocolate. With Black Gold, we’re venturing into a new dimension — where the art of chocolate-making meets the soul of Ice Cream craftsmanship. Partnering with Hangyo has enabled us to reimagine what indulgence means for the Indian consumer. This creation is a fine blend of two legacies — one that balances tradition with refinement and elevates familiar comfort with luxurious flair. It’s a celebration of two brands that understand their craft deeply, coming together to offer something rare, bold, and unforgettable.”
Smoor CMO Kanchan said, “At Smoor, we’ve always believed that true indulgence lies in the details — in the richness of taste, the finesse of craftsmanship, and the joy of discovery. ‘Black Gold’ is a celebration of that philosophy. This collaboration with Hangyo brings together our artisanal chocolate expertise with their legacy in Ice Creams, resulting in a creation that’s bold, luxurious, and truly unforgettable. It’s not just ice cream — it’s a sensory experience.”
Beyond the tasting, the event was a carnival of cocoa dreams — from a DIY Sundae Station for kids (and kids-at-heart) to Black Gold-themed games and treats that made the launch a full-blown flavour fest.
Hangyo, a brand that has blended tradition with trend, and Smoor, known for its high-end chocolate wizardry, have together created a dessert that’s as much about legacy as it is about sensory joy.
Black Gold Ice Cream is now available at all Smoor outlets and can also be ordered via Swiggy and Zomato. A dessert this decadent doesn’t just deserve a place in your freezer — it deserves a standing ovation.
MUMBAI: 7UP is turning up the volume – literally. The fizzy favourite from PepsiCo has launched its first-ever sonic identity in India, giving its signature refreshment a catchy new sound. This “MOGO” (musical logo), created in partnership with sonic branding agency BrandMusiq, is more than just a jingle — it’s a crisp, 7-note sonic signature designed to tickle your ears and tap into your emotions.
India leads the global rollout, with the sound debuting at retail touchpoints in Bengaluru. Coolers in stores will now play this audio cue, making the “sound of refreshment” unmistakably 7UP right at the point of thirst.
Commenting on the launch, PepsiCo India category lead, Cola and Flavours, Shailja Joshi said, “In today’s dynamic consumer landscape, building a brand goes far beyond the imagery to creating experiences that are instantly felt and remembered. With our new sonic identity, we bring to life the essence of 7UP, refreshing, vibrant, and full of character, in a way that resonates across platforms and cultures. This sonic identity is not just an audio asset, It’s an innovative leap into sensory branding. It will serve as a consistent, emotionally engaging cue that will amplify 7UP’s refreshing spirit wherever our consumers engage with us.”
Built using AI-powered emotion mapping, the sound blends the crack of a can, a splash of fizz, and a bubbly melody that’s meant to feel like sunshine in a bottle. It’s refreshment you can hear — designed to trigger joy, build memory, and elevate brand recall in today’s scroll-and-swipe culture.
Talking about the collaboration, BrandMusiq founder & soundsmith, Rajeev Raja said,“For the 7UP global sonic identity, we weren’t just creating a sound, we were bottling a feeling. The rush of freshness, the playful splash, the upliftment you get when you take a sip. The swiftly ascending 7-note MOGO®️ captures all of that in a way that’s light, cool, and instantly recognizable. The MOGOSCAPE (sonic brandprint) was crafted to bring the totality of the brand experience across every ‘Earpoint’. It all comes together to create a consistent and emotionally engaging sonic world for the brand.”
The sonic ID is set to echo across digital, retail, and experiential spaces — making 7UP not just a drink, but a multisensory experience. And in a noisy world, that’s music to any brand’s ears.
MUMBAI: India’s most high-stakes, high-drama poker league is back. Poker Sports League (PSL) — billed as the world’s largest poker league — has shuffled up and dealt out its plans for Season 7, promising a mind-sport spectacle of skill, grit, and serious gameplay. With PokerBaazi as title sponsor and JioHotstar as official streaming partner, the league is going all-in with a raft of upgrades and innovations.
From free-to-enter qualifiers and influencer-led showdowns to the introduction of mandatory female poker pros and a franchise revenue-sharing model, PSL is betting big on inclusion, digital scale, and edge-of-your-seat action.
Speaking on the synergy with PokerBaazi and JioHotstar, Poker Sports League CEO & co-founder, Pranav Bagai said, “With PokerBaazi’s credibility in competitive poker and JioHotstar’s extensive digital reach, PSL Season 7 is well-positioned to reach a wider, more engaged audience. This season brings together scale, skill, and immersive storytelling to elevate the profile of poker as a mind sport in India. By combining strategic gameplay with high-quality digital content, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the broader mind sports ecosystem in the country.”
“Each season of PSL is rooted in our commitment to innovation and inclusion. Season 7 introduces several firsts, from mandatory female poker pros and influencer showdowns to a new revenue sharing model for franchises and a massive finale in Goa. This is more than just competition, it’s a celebration of poker as a modern, mind-driven sport. We invite poker players and fans across the country to be a part of this journey.” Bagai added.
What’s new this season?
● 8 franchise teams battle it out for poker supremacy (soon to expand to 9)
● Revenue-sharing model makes PSL India’s first league to give franchisees a cut
● Mandatory female pros on every team – a strong push for representation
● Influencer face-offs – bringing creators and celebs into the mix
● Live-streamed matches on JioHotstar, including qualifiers, auctions and the grand finale
● 5-day finale in South Goa, loaded with high-stakes drama and resort glamour
Following a blockbuster Season 6 that clocked 20,927 unique participants, Season 7 is now live on PokerBaazi with daily free qualifiers running from 25 June to 3 August. Players can compete in up to 8 events, climb the leaderboard, and land in the top 40 for a shot at the auction, with a base bid of Rs 50,000 and a confirmed team spot.
Baazi Games founder and CEO, Navkiran Singh commented, “PSL introduces a unique team format for Poker and has grown quite popular over the years. As a mind sport that demands strategy, skill, and composure, Poker is on the rise, and we believe Season 7 will build on this momentum to take the sport to new heights.”
MUMBAI: Drop in, level up and cash out Krofton India has gone all in with Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2025, announcing a blockbuster Rs 4 crore prize pool, the highest in the tournament’s history. The mega bump in winnings signals a big moment for Indian Esports, putting the spotlight firmly on mobile gaming’s rise from hobby to headline act.
The top 16 BGMI teams have locked in their slots for the Grand Finals, set to light up New Delhi’s Yashobhoomi Convention Centre from July 4 to 6. With the crowd roaring and the stakes sky-high, fans can expect three days of edge-of-the-seat action, tactical brilliance and adrenaline-fuelled eliminations.
The elite contenders include heavyweights like iqoo 8Bit (led by Saumraj), Oneplus Gods Reign (featuring Destro), and rising stars like 2oP Official, TWOB and Team Eggy. All 16 teams have battled their way through a gruelling qualifying gauntlet, showing off the kind of skill that’s fuelling the BGMI frenzy across India.
The Final 16 Squads:
● Nonx eSports
● Aryan x TMG Gaming
● Genesis Esports
● Los Hermanos
● Team Eggy
● Team Forever
● TWOB
● Oneplus K9 Esports
● Gods Omen
● Oneplus Gods Reign
● iqoo 8Bit
● Team Insane Esports
● Rising Inferno Esports
● 4TR Official
● 4Merical Esports
● 2oP Official
“The Rs 4 crore prize pool is not just a number, it’s a message,” said Krofton India associate director of esports Karan Pathak. “It tells every aspiring gamer that this is a career path with passion, prizes and potential. The BMPS Grand Finals will be a celebration of everything Indian Esports has grown into and where it’s going next.”
Even if you’re not on the Yashobhoomi stage, you can still win big. 1 Until July , players can rack up Discovery Island (DI) points in Classic Mode for exclusive BGMI Esports outfits and up to 50 in-game rewards. Hit 3000 Exploration Points and unlock all six DI rewards because who says the audience can’t be in the game too?
With a record prize pool, premium venue, fan-first features and big-brand partnerships, BMPS 2025 isn’t just the grand finale, it’s a new beginning for Indian mobile Esports. And as the top 16 prepare to drop in, the rest of India is getting ready to watch history being made one clutch play at a time.
MUMBAI: From Tiktok towns to tractor rallies NDTV India’s newsroom just got sharper, louder and closer to the ground. In a decisive move to recalibrate its editorial voice, NDTV India has announced the addition of three seasoned journalists Subhankar Mishra, Meenakshi Kandwal, and Malika Malhotra to its newsroom. The trio brings a dynamic mix of digital savvy, primetime polish, and fearless field reporting to a channel that’s realigning its compass to reflect Bharat’s heartbeat.
Subhankar Mishra, with over 30 million followers across platforms, isn’t just a social media juggernaut, he’s one of Hindi journalism’s most recognisable digital-first reporters. Known for his consistent presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, Subhankar reports from regions often ignored by mainstream media, turning hyperlocal issues into national conversations.
Meenakshi Kandwal brings more than a decade of anchoring and field reporting experience. From live disaster coverage to investigative field reports, her work is defined by a rare blend of composure and clarity. With a firm grip on the facts and a steady on-air presence, Kandwal is poised to add both credibility and calm to the NDTV India desk.
Malika Malhotra is the long-hauler of the lot. Whether it was the months-long farmers’ protests at Singhu or the environmental crisis in Joshimath, she’s proven that journalism isn’t just about breaking the news but staying with it long after the headlines fade. Her brand of journalism is patient, persistent and painfully relevant.
NDTV CEO and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal summed it up best saying, “Each of them brings something critical to the newsroom Subhankar’s digital-first strength, Meenakshi’s editorial steadiness, and Malika’s commitment to field reporting. They are not chasing headlines; they are building trust.”
The appointments signal more than a staffing shuffle, it’s a deliberate editorial shift. NDTV India is increasingly aiming to serve what it calls the “changing India” with journalism rooted in credibility, consistency, and context, a rare breed in a time of manufactured noise.
This move is part of a broader evolution at the network, as it sheds the soundbite syndrome and retools itself around deep reporting, trust-building and ground realities. From Twitter trends to tractor trails, NDTV India’s new trio looks ready to walk the talk.
MUMBAI: From mud courts to the world stage Kabaddi is getting a passport stamp. SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, the force behind the successful Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), has announced the launch of the World Super Kabaddi League (WSKL), an international franchise-based kabaddi extravaganza set to kick off in February–March 2026 in Dubai.
Touted as Kabaddi’s boldest global leap yet, WSKL has already received confirmations from 20 national federations, with 30 countries actively engaged in shaping the league. Backed by the International Kabaddi Federation and the South Asian Kabaddi Federation, WSKL aims to not only attract eyeballs across continents but also make a serious pitch for Olympic inclusion.
The league’s format will feature eight franchise teams, with rosters mixing international stars and top Indian players. To match this global ambition, WSKL has committed a Rs 48 crore player purse in its debut season signalling both serious investment and serious intent.
“With WSKL, the world becomes the playing field,” said SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd founder Sambhav Jain. “Our vision is Olympic-sized, we’re here not just to entertain, but to evolve the sport into a global property that thrives year-round, not just seasonally.”
Unlike UPKL’s domestic focus under the rallying cry of Apna Bharat, Apna Khel, WSKL is all about building a borderless Kabaddi ecosystem. Participating countries already include South Korea, Iran, Japan, Thailand, Canada, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the United States, with more nations expected to come on board as the countdown begins.
But WSKL isn’t just about the tournament weeks. It’s being positioned as a 12-month Kabaddi ecosystem, offering off-season fan engagement, long-term player development, and a pipeline of international talent. That’s a far cry from the one-off seasonal formats currently dominating the sport.
Dubai, with its neutral ground and strategic accessibility, has been selected as the inaugural host city, a move aimed at attracting a global audience and spotlighting Kabaddi on an international scale.
With the whistle blown for what promises to be a high-stakes power play for the sport’s future, WSKL is more than just a league, it’s a leap. And if all goes to plan, Kabaddi might just tackle its way into the Olympic fold.
