MUMBAI: Game on, India! Fans eyeing the FIFA World Cup 26 can now book their dream matchday in style without risking an offside foul on fake tickets. On Location, the official hospitality provider of FIFA World Cup 26, has appointed Dreamsetgo as its non-exclusive sales agent for India. This move marks a significant play in bringing the thrill of the tournament to Indian fans with VIP treatment, travel perks, and premium access all through legitimate channels.
With this partnership, Dreamsetgo becomes the official point of contact in India for those looking to score premium hospitality packages to the world’s biggest football spectacle, which is set to kick off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
FIFA World Cup 26 business general manager of on location Alicia Falken said, “We are thrilled to partner with our new international sales agent, Dreamsetgo, on the FIFA World Cup 26. Their expertise in hospitality sales in India and deep understanding of their market will be instrumental in ensuring that our clients receive unparalleled service.”
FIFA has cautioned fans against purchasing tickets or packages from unauthorised sellers, reminding everyone that only On Location and its officially appointed agents are authorised to provide hospitality experiences. Any tickets bought through unofficial platforms risk cancellation without refund.
In addition to its India play with Dreamsetgo, On Location is also teaming up with Major League Soccer and various clubs across the U.S. and Canada to ensure seamless access for global fans. The full list of authorised global agents will be published on FIFAWorldCup.com/hospitality.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, Indian football enthusiasts can now plan their FIFA World Cup experience without fear of scams and with all the glamour of an unforgettable global sporting event.
MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery is all set to launch a new Indian original docu-series, ‘Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi’, premiering exclusively on Discovery channel and discovery+ starting 7 August 2025, at 9:00 PM. Blending immersive storytelling with rich historical narratives, the show revisits the courage and resilience of India’s well-known as well as unsung kings and queens, including incredible guerrilla war strategists, naval warriors and empire builders.
This eight-part series transports viewers across centuries and geographies. From Garhwal (Uttarakhand) and Malwa (western Madhya Pradesh) to Rajputana (Rajasthan), the Deccan (Maharashtra and Telangana), Karnataka, and Kashmir, each brings to life a ruler whose courage shaped history. To make it accessible to audiences across India and the South Asian diaspora, the series will be available in seven languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Bengali.
Ek Tha Raja is hosted by Akul Tripathi, a passionate storyteller, cultural expert, and one of India’s most respected voices in historical narratives. With a deep love for the subcontinent’s heritage, Akul brings history to life through compelling storytelling that blends fact, folklore, and modern-day relevance. His unique approach adds both gravitas and accessibility to the series, inviting audiences to experience India’s past as unforgettable and memorable stories.
The show profiles remarkable rulers and leaders whose legacies live beyond the mainstream historical spotlight such as Rani Durgavati of Gondwana, who died defending her kingdom against the Mughals; Abbakka Chowta, the fiery queen of coastal Karnataka who defied Portuguese colonisers; and Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir, known for building one of the region’s most formidable empires. Also featured are icons such as Maharana Pratap and Rana Sanga (Rajasthan), Peshwa Bajirao I (Maharashtra), Raja Chhatrasal (Bundelkhand), and Rani Karnavati of Garhwal, all of whom defended their land, people, and culture with unmatched courage and strategic brilliance.
Commenting on the launch, Sai Abishek, head of factual entertainment, lifestyle & kids, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery said, “As a brand, we’ve always believed in championing powerful narratives, and Ek Tha Raja builds on that belief. Through this series, we’re proud to bring the stories of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience, through a fresh, cinematic lens. It’s great to have a masterful storyteller like Akul Tripathi narrate these stories. His narration gives viewers a truly immersive experience into the lives of some of India’s greatest defenders.”
As Discovery marks 30 years of storytelling in India and 40 years globally this August, Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi reflects this continued commitment to spotlighting stories that celebrate the country’s rich and diverse regional histories.
Host, Akul Tripathi added, “History is often remembered by its victors. India’s past is filled with remarkable figures who stood their ground against invaders and adversity. Ek Tha Raja is our attempt to honour these leaders and to remind viewers that the roots of India’s freedom run far deeper than we’re often told. It’s also a way to pass these stories on to a younger generation, to help them see India’s legacy as a reminder that courage and leadership have always been part of our DNA.”
Each episode dives into epic tales of conquest, valour, lost kingdoms, and overlooked warriors who shaped the subcontinent’s legacy of resistance. Expert interviews with royal descendants, historians, and cultural voices further deepen the storytelling, providing lived context and invaluable insights into these enduring legacies.
Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi will be premiering exclusively on Discovery channel and discovery+ starting 7 August 2025, at 9 PM. The series will also stream on HBO Max in Southeast Asia.
NEW DELHI: Gaurav Banerjee, managing director and chief executive of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), has been named chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s national media and entertainment council for 2025-26. The move signals CII’s push to turbocharge the M&E sector’s global competitiveness with a focus on policy reform, skilling, tech-creative innovation and inclusive growth.
Banerjee, who also chairs BARC India, steps into the role at a time when India’s media and entertainment engine is revving up to be a $100bn juggernaut—fuelled by AI, VFX, and a hungry Gen Z audience. His mandate? Drive trust, sharpen policy, and make “Create in India” the global gold standard.
“At a time when the world is looking to India for inspiration, our M&E industry is uniquely positioned to reflect our cultural ethos while shaping global narratives,” said Banerjee. “We need frameworks that empower innovation, creative-tech and opportunity—without compromising trust or accountability.”
As council chair, Banerjee will double down on four key levers:
* Policy and regulation: Partnering with government to streamline norms, fight piracy, and foster a level playing field. * Tech meets creativity: Embracing AI, AR/VR and automation to supercharge content quality, personalisation and productivity. * Skill-building: Rolling out future-ready courses via the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies to upskill youth in animation, VFX and immersive storytelling. * Going global: Backing Indo-foreign co-productions and showcasing Indian stories to the world with tech muscle and cultural soul.
The CII council under Banerjee will act as a bridge between industry, academia and government—taking on thorny issues like fair monetisation, content ethics, data privacy and equitable tech access. Expect sharp focus on regulating generative AI without stifling innovation.
A filmmaker by training and former journalist at Aaj Tak, Banerjee brings over two decades of experience to the table. At SPNI, he has been the force behind bold content bets and digital pivots—balancing creative risk with fiscal discipline.
His new role is likely to give India’s M&E sector the push it needs to move from scale to stature on the global stage.
MUMBAI – Sidhartha Kishore Das has joined Rachana Television Pvt Ltd as general manager, after a 14-year stint at Odisha Television Limited (OTV). Das, who most recently served as senior general manager at OTV, will now spearhead revenue growth and strategy at the Hyderabad-based broadcaster.
At OTV, Das headed sales across the north and west regions, driving market share and expanding the client base. Earlier, he worked at Zee Entertainment Enterprises in New Delhi.
With nearly two decades in broadcast sales and management, Das is expected to bring his negotiation prowess, presentation skills and sharp market analysis to Rachana Television’s top table.
MUMBAI: From press powerhouses to digital disruptors Telugu media veterans take the hyperlocal highway. In a strategic move to cement its dominance in the Telugu-speaking heartland, Way2news, India’s leading vernacular hyperlocal news platform has appointed three seasoned professionals to lead business operations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Collectively bringing over 90 years of experience from marquee media brands like Eenadu, Sakshi Media, Andhra Jyothi, and Vartha, the new sales leaders will spearhead advertising growth, strengthen client relationships, and scale regional revenues.
Meet the new power trio:
. Bhatlapenumarthy Ranganath, with 37 years of experience, most recently served as deputy general manager at Sakshi Media. He joins Way2news as head of sales for Key and Enterprise Accounts in Andhra Pradesh, where he will focus on large-scale revenue partnerships.
. Ajjarapu Bhanu Venkatesh, a 30-year veteran of Eenadu, now takes charge as head of sales for the Urban SMB Market in Hyderabad. His deep understanding of urban media behaviour and administration makes him ideal for driving advertiser value in the state capital.
. Adapa Venkateswara Rao, who spent 32 years with Eenadu, assumes the role of head of sales for Andhra Pradesh’s SMB Market. Known for his expertise in promotional and government advertising, Rao brings unmatched regional know-how.
The appointments come as Way2news continues to expand across the South, delivering real-time news coverage across 1,292 mandals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The platform’s mobile-first model and scalable ad tech make it a compelling proposition for advertisers aiming to reach deep into vernacular markets.
“These appointments mark a big leap in our ambition to lead the regional digital news economy,” said Way2news founder & CEO Raju Vanapala. “The collective experience of these leaders will deepen our advertiser relationships and accelerate monetisation across our strongest markets.”
Ranganath noted the shift towards digital-first strategies among enterprise clients: “Way2news combines editorial credibility with innovation. I look forward to driving impactful campaigns tailored to Andhra Pradesh’s fast-evolving market.”
Venkatesh added, “The rise of hyperlocal vernacular consumption has transformed urban marketing. Our goal will be to harness Way2news’ scale and mobile reach to help SMB advertisers thrive.”
Rao echoed the sentiment, “Advertisers today want more than eyeballs, they want relevance and reach. Way2news delivers both, and I’m thrilled to lead the sales charge for SMBs in Andhra Pradesh.”
With a growing user base and renewed leadership, Way2news is not just reporting local stories, it’s rewriting the playbook for digital news monetisation in regional India.
MUMBAI – Building on the resounding success of the debut season, Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), SJ Uplift Kabaddi has announced the induction of a new franchise, Kanpur Warriors, for UPKL Season 2. The team owned and operated by BA Sports Club LLP, and led by entrepreneur Bhumika Vora, marks a major push to bring kabaddi into the cultural spotlight of one of Uttar Pradesh’s most passionate cities.
Conceptualized, owned, and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi, UPKL continues to expand into kabaddi-strong belts across the state. With Kanpur’s long-standing kabaddi heritage, vibrant youth circuits, and growing appetite for competitive sport, Kanpur Warriors’ addition marks a strategic milestone in the league’s mission to deepen inclusivity and unearth local heroes.
Talking about the announcement, Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi, said, “UPKL was always envisioned as a launchpad for grassroots athletes, transforming kabaddi from a gully sport into a structured professional ecosystem. Following the extraordinary success of Season 1, welcoming new cities like Kanpur is not just growth; it is our evolution. Kanpur’s inclusion strengthens our vision to build a tiered ladder for athletes: from local leagues to UPKL and eventually national and global stages.”
This milestone builds on the momentum of UPKL’s standout inaugural season, which reached over 30 million TV viewers as per BARC India and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Kanpur Warriors owner Bhumika Vora said, “Kanpur is a city full of fire, heritage, and underrepresented talent, and with Kanpur Warriors, we now have a platform to showcase, build, and grow. Through UPKL, we aim to break stereotypes, back our youth, and place kabaddi at the center of Kanpur’s sporting identity. The name ‘Warriors’ reflects not just athletic grit, but the spirit of our people. We are building a platform where kabaddi is a sport of choice, not just an alternative.”
MUMBAI: A century in sight, and India’s got a blueprint to boot. As the nation marches towards its 100th year of independence, Business Today Multiverse is setting the stage for a future-forward conversation. The BT India@100 Summit, to be held on August 8, 2025 in New Delhi, will convene some of India’s sharpest minds from business, policy, and governance under the theme ‘India@2047: Blueprint for a Developed Nation’.
Headlined by union minister Nitin Gadkari, who will deliver the keynote on India’s long-term growth roadmap, the summit aims to decode what it will take for the country to join the ranks of high-income, innovation-led economies.
The speaker line-up reads like a policy powerhouse: Arvind Panagariya, Arunish Chawla, NK Singh, and Montek Singh Ahluwalia, among others, will explore everything from economic resilience and institutional reforms to AI, urbanisation, trade, and sustainability.
But the star of the summit? Business Today’s 100 Ideas for India@100, a curated, deeply researched list of actionable reforms across 10 sectors. Think GST 2.0, land and labour reforms, clean air, safe cities for women, digital infrastructure, and future-ready education. These ideas stem from collaborations with experts like Manish Sabharwal (Teamlease) and Rajesh Shukla (Price), and inputs from think tanks like ICRIER, CSIS, ASER, and former policymakers Anil Swarup and Subhash Chandra Garg.
With just 22 years to go until 2047, the summit isn’t just another talking shop, it’s a call to action. Sessions will challenge government, industry, and civil society to co-create India’s future. As one speaker put it: “It’s not just about growth, it’s about transformation.”
And as the country eyes a 10 trillion dollars economy, Business Today is aiming to shape the national dialogue on how to get there with ambition, equity, and accountability.
Because the journey to 2047 won’t be built on headlines, it’ll be built on hard choices, bold moves, and ideas that stick.
MUMBAI – Konami Digital Entertainment, B.V (KONAMI) announced a new eFootball campaign for its Indian audience, running from August to October 2025 and culminating in a special Meet & Greet event in Mumbai this December. The high-energy initiative celebrates India’s Independence Day and Diwali, featuring tournaments, exclusive content drops, and rewards, alongside appearances from top Indian sports and cultural icons.
The campaign will include two major tournaments – The Independence Day Cup and The Diwali Cup – offering fans the chance to engage with a stellar lineup including cricket star KL Rahul, football icon Sunil Chhetri, content creator Focused Indian, rising cricket talent Nitish Kumar Reddy, and actor Ahan Shetty.
In a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration, Konami has also partnered with renowned visual artist and illustrator Santanu Hazarika for an Independence Day surprise for all the eFootball fans.
Speaking on the development, Konami’s eFootball general producer Junichi Taya said, “India continues to be one of the most exciting gaming communities for us globally, and this campaign is our way of celebrating and voicing that energy — through festivals, football, and fandom. Our commitment to our Indian community is paramount to us. Through a host of partnerships, we are leveraging some of the biggest names in Indian sport and culture with activations aimed at celebrating “INDIA’’. As the industry continues to grow in India, we are seeking to lead the way forward through eFootball.”
MUMBAI: TV’s gone lean-back, not laid back and Zee5 is making sure your living room feels like a blockbuster. In a move that turbocharges its Connected TV game, Zee5 has launched five new genre-specific FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channels on LG Channels, the built-in, free streaming platform available on all LG Smart TVs.
The new channels Z Dil Se, Z Horror Nights, Z Comedy Nation, Z Cine Classic, and Z South Flix are aimed at viewers who want high-quality, no-strings-attached entertainment, ranging from nostalgic Hindi films and supernatural spooks to dubbed South blockbusters and feel-good family comedies. And the best part? They’re completely free, with no subscriptions, sign-ins, or downloads needed.
Drawing from Zee5’s massive library of content spanning over 30 years of legacy IP, these channels are curated into snackable, always-on programming blocks tailored for India’s growing lean-back audience. With 5 genre-rich streams ready to go, all you need is a remote and a couch.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal explained, “Our FAST channel expansion to LG devices, backed by LG’s presence in Indian households, ensures seamless and free access to genre-led, high-quality content. It’s about more than just distribution, it’s about elevating the Connected TV experience for both viewers and advertisers.”
LG Electronics India director of media entertainment solution Brian Jung added, “Zee5’s new FAST channels on LG make premium, culturally relevant, family-first content available without barriers. No paywalls, no passwords just pure entertainment.”
Available instantly on LG Channels via the home screen of LG Smart TVs, these new additions represent a major stride in Zee5’s Connected TV ambitions, targeting India’s 20 million plus Smart TV households. For advertisers, the move opens doors to a highly engaged, screen-led demographic in a premium ad-supported format.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic Govinda, spooky thrillers, or South Indian action dubbed in Hindi, Zee5’s FAST channels have a channel just for you no fees, just feels.
MUMBAI: Anjana Om Kashyap has officially been handed the editorial reins of Aaj Tak HD, in addition to her successful run on digital-first channel Aaj Tak 2 – a move that cements her reputation as one of India’s most dynamic news leaders.
This expanded mandate comes on the back of Anjana’s stellar track record. Her audacious Helicopter Shot coverage carved a new benchmark in election journalism – 100 destinations in 10 days – blending relentless ground reporting with trademark energy. And now both Anjana & Anjana 2.0 are doing the same at 9 PM with Black & White.
As one of the most recognisable faces in Indian news, Anjana now stands poised to turn HD into high definition not just in pixels, but in ambition. For viewers, it promises a sharper, faster, and bolder brand of journalism. For the newsroom, it’s another helicopter shot straight out of Anjana’s playbook.
