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Category: News Headline

  • Yupp TV helps crack down on global IPTV piracy racket

    Yupp TV helps crack down on global IPTV piracy racket

    MUMBAI: A global piracy party just got shut down—with a solid rap on the knuckles, thanks to global OTT aggregation platform the Uday Reddy-run Yupp TV. The streamer has over the past two years been working with authorities in India and the US, which has now resulted in the bust-up  of a sprawling illegal IPTV empire that’s been streaming premium Indian and international content without paying a paisa in licence fees.

    The syndicate, operating under slick brand names like Boss IPTV, Guru IPTV, Tashan IPTV, Brampton IPTV, Punjabi IPTV, Vois IPTV, and UltrastreamTV, has been caught red-handed pushing pirated streams from the likes of Star, Sony, Zee, Sun Network, Aha, and even global OTT giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and major international sports leagues.

    All this was being served to unsuspecting users via Android and Linux-based set-top boxes and apps on smart devices, aggressively marketed through websites, blogs, and social media—at throwaway rates far below legitimate subscriptions.

    But it wasn’t just the broadcasters who were getting robbed. Authorities say user data—credit cards, passwords, even identities—was likely being harvested and possibly linked to more sinister operations including phishing, tax fraud, and even terrorism financing.

    YuppTV, one of the legal players worst hit by the piracy plague, estimates South Asian broadcasters lose $200–$300 million every year to illegal IPTV operations. The platform triggered a previous crackdown in 2021, when a complaint led to the Faridabad Cyber Crime Branch arresting six people involved with Boss IPTV.

    The matter has now gone international. YuppTV has filed a civil suit in the United States, represented by Goldstein Law Group, LLC, citing criminal copyright violations under 18 U.S.C. § 2319. According to GLP:
    “Using pirate IPTV services may result in felony charges under U.S. law. Non-citizens could face deportation.” That is, criminal activities like watching pirated content  has been brought under the immigration customs enforcement’s (ICE’s) ambit. 

    The latest blow came from Gujarat’s Gandhinagar Cyber Crime Unit, which arrested Mohammed Murtuza Ali, allegedly the kingpin behind Bos IPTV. Based out of Jalandhar, Punjab, his operation reportedly raked in a staggering ?700 crore (roughly $84 million) annually, with over five million subscribers.

    Legal agencies are urging users to quit illegal streaming services immediately and switch to licensed alternatives like YuppTV (www.yupptv.com) to avoid falling foul of the law—or worse.

    This crackdown makes it clear: the era of “chalega yaar, sasta hai” streaming might soon come with handcuffs attached.

  • Flipkart unveils annual beauty trends report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025

    Flipkart unveils annual beauty trends report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025

    Mumbai:  Flipkart’s beauty game just hit glow mode. At its flagship Glam Up Fest 2025, the homegrown e-commerce giant joined hands with NielsenIQ to unveil its first-ever Glam Up Annual Beauty Trends Report — a sizzling dossier on what’s hot, what’s viral, and what’s flying off carts in the beauty aisles.

    The numbers are blinding. Five beauty products sold every second, over 148 million items purchased in 2024, and premium beauty growing at 70 per cent year-on-year. India’s online beauty obsession has officially entered its golden age — and Gen Z is running the show.

    “The beauty landscape in India is in the midst of a vibrant transformation, and no one is driving it more than GenZs. Their evolving preferences, digital fluency, and expressive approach to beauty are reshaping the industry as we know It,” quipped Flipkart head of business (Cleartrip, FMCG, general merchandise) Manjari Singhal. “At Flipkart, we’ve always believed in staying close to the consumer. The Glam Up Trends Report is a reflection of that belief, an effort to listen, understand, and anticipate what beauty means to the next generation. This report is the result of a deep, collaborative effort between Flipkart and NielsenIQ teams.”

    Here are sone of the  key findings of the report: 
    * Skinimalism is the new glam: Sales of gel moisturisers shot up 120 per cent, serums by 80 per cent, and face washes cleaned up with a 123 per cent rise. Active ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and vitamin C are skincare royalty.
    * Slugging, glazing, and SPF-ing: Sun protection is now a religion. Sunscreen sales have doubled; SPF product searches soared 76 per cent. Hydration-led rituals are here to stay.
    * K-Beauty craze goes full K-drama: Snail mucin, hydrating essences, and sheet masks clocked 90 per cent YoY growth. Searches for Korean skincare grew 81 per cent. Seoul clearly has India’s skincare vote.
    * Fragrance goes full ‘scent-sational’: Perfume isn’t just a splash; it’s a statement. Sales doubled, attars surged 2.5x, and gourmand notes (think marshmallow and brown sugar) are ruling scent playlists.
    * Hair’s having its serum moment: Goodbye champi, hello peptides. Flipkart saw 2x growth in hair serums and an 85 per cent spike in scalp care. Haircare is now high-performance skincare in disguise.
    * Cherry Cherry Lady and Surma surge: Glossy lips, barrier-friendly blush, and hybrid makeup formats are hot picks. Searches for Surma-inspired looks skyrocketed 33x, proving culture and colour can coexist.
    * Beauty by geography: From Delhi’s dust to Kerala’s humidity, Flipkart is going hyper-local with assortments tailored to regional skin and hair woes.

    Flipkart’s bet? Beauty is Gen Z-led, creator-powered, science-fuelled — and only just getting started.

    Flipkart senior director research and insights Priyanka Bhargav, said: “Beauty today is bold, expressive, and constantly evolving and no one captures that spirit quite like Gen Z. Whether it’s their focus on skin health, passion for active ingredients, love for nostalgic aesthetics, or embrace of hybrid formats, they’re redefining the beauty playbook. The Glam Up Trends Report helps decode this dynamic shift. With rich data, real consumer voices, and cultural context, it highlights what’s truly resonating. Trends like Hydration Daze, Scientific Obsession, kiSKIN, and Cherry Cherry Lady go beyond surface appeal, they reflect how young India is engaging with beauty in deeper, more expressive ways. This report is the result of a thoughtful collaboration between the Flipkart Insights Team, the beauty and personal Care team, and our intelligence partner, NielsenIQ. We hope it sparks fresh thinking, challenges conventions, and inspires the next wave of beauty innovation.”

    Flipkart’s Glam Up Report isn’t just a data drop — it’s a blueprint for beauty’s next billion. With a marketplace of over 1.4 million sellers, 500 million+ users, and innovations like UPI, no-cost EMI and easy returns, the platform is blending global trends with Indian needs at scale.

    As Kartheek Kanumuru, Sakait Choudhary, Priyanka Bhargav and Manjari Singhal unveiled the report, one thing was clear: Flipkart is no longer just delivering products — it’s delivering beauty revolutions in a box.
    Glam up, log on, and swipe right on that serum.

    (Pictured above: Left to Right: Sakait Choudhary, Priyanka Bhargav, Manjari Singhal, Kartheek Kanumuru at Flipkart Glam Up 2025)

  • Rafael Nadal’s UAX School and Sportzprix serve up digital sports marketing masterclass

    Rafael Nadal’s UAX School and Sportzprix serve up digital sports marketing masterclass

    NEW DELHI: India’s booming sports economy is about to get a masterstroke of a makeover. Spanish tennis titan Rafael Nadal’s UAX Rafa Nadal University School in Madrid has teamed up with homegrown grassroots sports platform Sportzprix to launch a power-packed online master’s in digital sports marketing — tailor-made for Indian students, marketers and sportpreneurs.

    This slick nine-month course blends Nadal’s high-performance mindset with UAX’s academic muscle, landing right in the sweet spot of India’s Rs-crore sports marketing boom. Set to launch in October 2025, the course aims to plug the yawning skills gap in fan engagement, sponsorships, digital influence and league building. Think Champions League meets Indian Super League — in the classroom.

    There’s a desi twist too. The curriculum comes with an India-specific module co-crafted by Sportzprix, covering everything from IPL-style formats and homegrown brand tie-ups to cricket’s influencer economy. Open to graduates, athletes and professionals, the course also includes an optional on-ground immersion at the UAX Rafa Nadal campus in Madrid — for those who fancy some Spanish sun and sports business savvy.

    “With India bidding for global events like Olympics, CWG and the domestic leagues becoming bigger and more professional India is poised for a sports revolution, and marketing will play a central role in shaping its future. Our partnership with UAX Rafa Nadal University School brings world-class sports education to Indian students and professionals at the click of a button,” said Sportsprix co-founder & CEO  Prasad Mangipudi.

    The ace himself weighed in too. Rafael Nadal, founder, mentor and tennis legend, said: “I’ve always believed in the powerful synergy between education and sport. Sport shapes individuals, but without academic grounding, its impact is incomplete. The UAX Rafa Nadal University School excites me because it embodies this alliance — blending education, specialization, and industry relevance. In a rapidly evolving world, we aim to stay ahead by anticipating market needs, and with the exceptional team we have, I’m confident we’ll deliver exactly what the industry demands.”

    “The UAX Rafa Nadal School of Sport is designed to shape the future leaders of the sports industry, combining UAX’s academic experience with the sport values that have defined Rafa Nadal’s career: effort, humility, discipline, and perseverance. We focus on training the next generation of professionals in the multi-sports industry and sport technology, combining academic excellence with the values and experience of Rafa Nadal and his team”,  pointed out UAX Rafa Nadal University School director Miguel Palencia Yllera.

    Backed by a bullish Google–Deloitte report that pegs India’s sports industry to hit $130 billion by 2030, the timing couldn’t be sharper. With league culture thriving, digital viewership spiking, and sports start-ups multiplying, this course arrives as the perfect training ground for India’s next-gen sports marketers.
    Applications are now open. Details are live on www.sportzprix.com/sportsed/UAX and the official UAX Rafa Nadal University School website.

    Game on, India.

  • Sea it to believe it David Attenborough dives deep with National Geographic

    Sea it to believe it David Attenborough dives deep with National Geographic

    MUMBAI: From the man who’s shown us the planet’s wildest wonders comes a call louder than the crashing waves and this time, the sea is the story. To mark World Oceans Day, National Geographic and Sir David Attenborough have teamed up for the first time to present OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH, a sweeping, feature-length documentary that blends science, storytelling, and soul-stirring visuals to shine a light on our planet’s blue heart and how we might just save it. The film premieres on Sunday, 8 June at 7 pm on National Geographic and streams the same day on JioHotstar.

    At 99 years old, the legendary broadcaster, biologist, and knighted natural historian delivers what may be his most powerful message yet. Drawing on a 70-year career of exploration, Attenborough takes viewers on an awe-inspiring undersea journey from coral reefs to kelp forests, seamounts to the open ocean showing how the Earth’s watery lungs are all interconnected, increasingly imperilled, and yet astonishingly resilient.

    With haunting new footage of bottom trawling, the film doesn’t flinch from showing the devastation being caused by destructive fishing practices. But rather than wallowing in gloom, Attenborough and the filmmakers focus on solutions: stories of hope, restoration, and revival, offering evidence that if action is taken now, marine life can recover at unprecedented scale.

    “If we save the sea, we save our world,” declares Attenborough and the science backs him. According to recent studies and inputs from advisors including Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas, ocean protection efforts can lead to rapid biodiversity rebounds and support climate stability.

    The film’s timing is no accident. It aligns with the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice and falls mid-decade of the UN’s Ocean Science for Sustainable Development plan (2021–2030), lending weight to its message.

    As National Geographic EVP Tom McDonald put it, “There is no one better to deliver this landmark film than Sir David.”

    In India, where over 11,000 km of coastline supports thriving marine ecosystems and millions of livelihoods, the message couldn’t be more personal. JioStar president of entertainment Alok Jain noted, “This is not just a global story, it is our story too.”

    With sweeping cinematography, compelling accounts, and Attenborough’s trademark gravitas, Ocean urges viewers to rethink their relationship with the ocean. The film also offers hope that with the right marine protection policies and public pressure, we can restore what’s been lost beneath the waves.

    Later this year, the film will also be made available to educators and non-profits worldwide, bringing the message to classrooms, museums, and conferences.

    Directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey, and Colin Butfield, and produced by Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios, Ocean is not just a documentary, it’s a rallying cry for ocean lovers, policy-makers, and future generations.

    Tune in this Sunday, 8 June at 7 pm because when Attenborough speaks, the world listens. And this time, the sea needs us to.

  • Content queen Ekta Kapoor inks storytelling deal with global streamer Netflix

    Content queen Ekta Kapoor inks storytelling deal with global streamer Netflix

    MUMBAI: One’s a streaming juggernaut. The other, a serial storyteller. Together, they’re set to write India’s next big entertainment chapter, one frame at a time.

    In a move that could reshape the contours of desi drama for global screens, Netflix and Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms Ltd. have inked a long-term creative partnership to co-create a diverse range of stories across formats and genres. The collaboration marks a major milestone for both powerhouses uniting Netflix’s premium production muscle with Kapoor’s cultural storytelling instinct.

    With hits like Kathal, Pagglait, Jaane Jaan, and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare already under their belt, the duo’s past collaborations have blended mass appeal with narrative nuance. But this new deal isn’t just a sequel, it’s a universe-expanding reboot.

    Netflix India vice-president of content Monika Shergill summed up Ekta’s impact best. She elaborated: “Ekta has been a force in shaping Indian entertainment with unforgettable stories and characters that made it to pop culture, even before hashtags existed. Her creative instinct and deep understanding of the audience’s pulse have consistently set her apart in shaping what India chose to watch and love for more than two decades. At Netflix, our focus is to serve audiences with very diverse tastes and this  collaboration will bring unique stories in rooted ways, marking an exciting new chapter in our creative journey.” 

    Now, with this partnership, Kapoor’s flair for emotionally resonant, rooted tales is set to stream straight into the hearts (and queues) of Netflix’s 300 million-plus subscribers across 190 countries.

    For Kapoor, this tie-up isn’t just business, it’s a mission. Says she: “At Balaji Telefilms, storytelling has always been at the heart of everything we do — whether through cinema, television, or digital platforms. Partnering with Netflix, the world’s leading storytelling platform known for its premium content and constant innovation, is a big moment for us. It allows us to bring powerful, culturally rooted, and emotionally resonant stories to a global audience. The beginning of this new collaboration marks an exciting new chapter where we continue to push creative boundaries and deliver content that entertains, inspires, and connects people everywhere.”

    The first untitled series from the slate is already in advanced development, and if history is any cue, Kapoor’s next wave of characters will likely live rent-free in the minds of audiences for years to come.

    With Netflix betting big on local stories with global resonance and Balaji armed with two decades of insight into what India loves to watch the new partnership promises not just eyeballs, but emotional buy-in. After all, when Balaji’s drama meets Netflix’s dynamism, expect nothing less than a streaming superhit.

  • Game set match for sports ed as Nadal school enters India with Sportzprix

    Game set match for sports ed as Nadal school enters India with Sportzprix

    MUMBAI: In a winning shot for India’s sports industry, Rafael Nadal’s school is serving up more than just aces, it’s bringing academic firepower to the field. Sportzprix, India’s grassroots sports education platform, has teamed up with the UAX Rafa Nadal University School, Madrid, to launch a first-of-its-kind Master’s in Digital Sports Marketing programme tailor-made for Indian students and professionals. The nine-month online course rolling out in October 2025 fuses Nadal’s championship mindset with UAX’s academic muscle to upskill future leaders of India’s booming sports economy.

    Designed for graduates, athletes, and marketing professionals, the course dives into fan engagement, sponsorship strategy, influencer marketing, and more all recontextualised for India’s dynamic leagues and fandoms. A dedicated India module, co-created with Sportzprix, offers hyperlocal relevance while retaining global rigour.

    “It’s not just education, it’s a sporting transformation,” said Prasad Mangipudi, CEO and Co-founder of Sportzprix. “India is bidding for mega events like the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, and our leagues are scaling up. This programme ensures our talent pool grows just as fast.”

    For those craving a more global view, an optional immersion at the UAX Rafa Nadal campus in Madrid adds cross-continental experience to the mix. Meanwhile, online delivery ensures learners across India can access this training without leaving their home turf.

    Nadal, mentor of the programme, called the school a blend of education, specialisation, and sport values, pointing to its grounding in discipline, humility, and perseverance. “In a rapidly evolving world, we must anticipate market needs. That’s what this school is built to do.”

    The course arrives at a perfect moment. According to a Google–Deloitte report, India’s sports industry is on track to hit 130 billion dollars by 2030, driven by digital consumption, league proliferation, and sports entrepreneurship. Yet, the skills gap in sports marketing and management remains wide. This course aims to be the bridge.

    Miguel Palencia Yllera, Director at UAX Rafa Nadal University School, said, “We’re shaping future professionals in sport tech and management those who understand both the business and the values of the game.”

    So, if you’re ready to score big in sports business, this could be your grand slam moment.

  • Crest in class Real Madrid’s 2025 kit is piping hot and Bernabéu bold

    Crest in class Real Madrid’s 2025 kit is piping hot and Bernabéu bold

    MUMBAI: A royal refresh is underway at the Bernabéu this time, in fabric. Adidas and Real Madrid have unveiled the 2025–26 Home Jersey, and it’s a sleek nod to the club’s illustrious past and future ambitions stitched together with precision, pride and a touch of metallic magic.

    Designed to celebrate the evolution of the Santiago Bernabéu, the kit is as much a tribute to architecture as it is to footballing legacy. Featuring metallic detailing and subtle textures, the jersey draws from both the old and new elements of the iconic stadium, creating a modern silhouette with historical soul.

    And while the classic all-white palette remains untouched, it’s the yellow piping drawn from the club crest that delivers a bold pop of identity. It’s Real Madrid through and through, just with sharper tailoring.

    Topping off the look is a clean crew-neck collar, paired with bespoke ribbed cuffs, and finished with white shorts and socks trimmed in dark grey for a full kit that says: regal, but ready for war.

    Performance hasn’t taken a back seat either. The on-field version of the kit uses the latest adidas innovation to maximise airflow, while the fan edition is built with sweat-wicking tech to keep things cool in the stands or on the pitch.

    Available now, the authentic player jersey is priced at Rs 8,599, while the replica home kit retails at Rs 5,999. Both can be snapped up at adidas stores, Real Madrid outlets, and select retail partners across India.

    With the Bernabéu as its muse and modern design in its seams, this kit doesn’t just wear history, it plays it forward.
     

  • All access pass Ipsos unlocks Total Access for a fuller view of Indian consumers

    All access pass Ipsos unlocks Total Access for a fuller view of Indian consumers

    MUMBAI: If data is the new oil, Ipsos just laid the pipeline. Global research and advisory giant Ipsos has launched Total Access in India, a sweeping new initiative that promises to crack the complexity of India’s consumer landscape with a one-roof data collection model that is as vast as it is versatile. With India’s diversity often leaving marketers data-drunk but insight-parched, Total Access combines five key modes mobile, online, hybrid, multi-mode and offline to serve a wider, deeper, and more inclusive view of the Indian consumer. And it’s going live immediately.

    “Total Access addresses client concerns around consumer representation,” said Ipsos India CEO Amit Adarkar. “It’s about transformational scale, with responses from across socio-economic classes, towns big and small, languages, literacy levels, and even internet access. And yes, every response is human verified.”

    Clients will now have access to a whopping 3.5 million-strong panel base, India’s largest, according to Ipsos. From mobile-first surveys and multilingual outreach to DIY capabilities, AI-based transcription, moderation and dashboard-based reporting, Total Access is basically research-as-a-service, turbocharged.

    “Earlier, clients would need to juggle multiple vendors to access diverse demographic data across formats. Now, all modes are integrated providing a more holistic and representative picture,” added Ipsos India chief client officer Geeta Lobo.

    In short, Ipsos is no longer just gathering data, it’s bringing the whole country into the room, whether you’re in a boardroom in Mumbai or a village in Manipur. With Total Access, the days of skewed sampling and fragmented insights may finally be numbered.

  • Ad it up, Moloco and Xiaomi dial up global reach with ML-powered alliance

    Ad it up, Moloco and Xiaomi dial up global reach with ML-powered alliance

    MUMBAI: What happens when one of the world’s biggest smartphone giants teams up with a machine learning marvel? A global ad tech power play. Moloco, the operational machine learning company, has struck a global strategic partnership with Xiaomi’s International Internet Business Department, unlocking a fresh frontier in mobile advertising across more than 100 countries and regions. With Xiaomi boasting a staggering 702 million monthly active users, the alliance is set to supercharge advertising efficiency, targeting accuracy and developer growth worldwide.

    As part of the deal, Moloco will bring its ML chops to optimise ad placements across Getapps (Xiaomi’s overseas app store), in-app inventory and lock screen ads. In return, Moloco’s advertisers get front-row access to Xiaomi’s high-value user base served through a tech ecosystem spanning mobile, smart homes, and even electric vehicles like the new Xiaomi SU7.

    Having tested the waters in a pilot partnership in 2023, the results spoke for themselves. Daily ad spends soared, native and interstitial ad formats drove stronger conversions, and Xiaomi’s presence across Brazil, India, Turkey and Germany emerged as a serious magnet for advertisers chasing scale and precision.

    Moloco, co-founder and CEO Ikkjin Ahn called the partnership a response to the rising need for “efficient monetisation and the ability to reach the right users.” He added, “Xiaomi’s global ecosystem is a perfect match for our machine learning platform. Together, we’ll unlock serious ROI for advertisers and push the boundaries of programmatic efficiency.”

    Xiaomi International Internet Business general manager Qiang Song echoed the sentiment, noting that Moloco has already “helped enhance the competitiveness of our ad platform.” With more AI-powered tools on the horizon, both companies are eyeing innovative monetisation models that could reshape how brands connect with mobile-first consumers.

    Whether you’re an app developer chasing downloads or a marketer craving smarter reach, this partnership may just be the algorithmic edge you’ve been waiting for.
     

  • Green carpet call as BT spotlights India’s most sustainable companies

    Green carpet call as BT spotlights India’s most sustainable companies

    MUMBAI: India Inc’s ESG stars are set to walk the green carpet. Business Today Multiverse is rolling out a new kind of red carpet green, actually as it launches the inaugural edition of BT India’s Most Sustainable Companies – Summit & Awards 2025. Slated for 6 June in New Delhi, the event puts the spotlight on the companies walking the talk on ESG, sustainability and responsible business.

    With the theme ‘Charting India Inc’s Sustainable Future’, the event promises not just trophies, but timely conversations and action plans. Union minister Bhupender Yadav will headline the summit with a special keynote on India’s environmental strategy, setting the tone for a day packed with powerful dialogue.

    The awards are backed by a rigorous methodology, led by Careedge ESG Ratings, which evaluated 1,000 listed companies across 11 impact-heavy sectors using publicly available data. The final winners were selected by an expert jury chaired by former SBI chairman Rajnish Kumar.

    The speaker list reads like a who’s who of India’s sustainability and policy ecosystem. From Pepsico’s Yashika Singh and Zomato’s Anjalli Kumar to JSW’s Prabodha Acharya, Mahindra’s Abanti Sankaranarayanan, and SEBI’s Pramod Rao, leaders from corporates, think tanks, and regulatory bodies will tackle how sustainability can shift from boardroom buzzword to operational backbone.

    Panel discussions will feature experts like ORF’s Nilanjan Ghosh, CEEW’s Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Avaana’s Anjali Bansal and Swapna Gupta, ISA’s Joshua Wycliffe, Diageo’s Ashish Parikh, and legal minds like Meyyappan Nagappan (Trilegal) and Amit Kapur (JSA), offering multidisciplinary takes on climate strategy, regulation, investment, and innovation.

    Supporting the summit are sustainability stalwarts: L&T (Green Partner), Pepsico (Sustainable Progress Partner), Diageo (CPG Sustainability Partner), along with KREDL and RVNL as associate partners.

    The evening will culminate in the BT India’s Most Sustainable Companies Awards and the unveiling of a special Business Today edition centred on the campaign: ‘Sustainability is no longer an option, it is the only way forward.’

    For India Inc, the message is clear going green isn’t just good optics. It’s the only playbook that matters now.