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  • Morgan Freeman returns with new season of History’s Greatest Escapes

    Morgan Freeman returns with new season of History’s Greatest Escapes

    Mumbai: HistoryTV18 is set to launch the second season of the gripping series History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman, where the Academy award-winning actor brings to life real-life stories of daring survival, prison breaks, and unyielding defiance. The new season premieres on 26 October, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 PM.  

    This season, Freeman immerses viewers in some of history’s most daring escapes, from the unimaginable horrors of WWII death camps to modern-day high-stakes prison breakouts. Through a blend of powerful storytelling, stunning recreations, and Freeman’s iconic voice, each episode highlights the human drive to survive against overwhelming odds, turning dramatic escapes into unforgettable tales.  

    Audiences will witness extraordinary stories of escape that go beyond traditional jailbreaks. From a Holocaust escape where Jewish prisoners engineered a life-saving mass breakout to a German-American pilot who outwitted his captors during the Vietnam War, these tales showcase the courage, ingenuity, and resilience of individuals who defied their fate.  

    The season dives deeper than just the mechanics of escape, exploring the motivations, emotional stakes, and the unyielding human spirit behind each daring attempt. Freeman’s narration adds depth to stories that often seem stranger than fiction, such as a man determined to reunite with his unborn child or the audacious prison break by a lifelong escape artist at San Quentin.  

    With stories ranging from historical breakouts like the escape from Devil’s Island to recent escapes like the Orange County jail break, the series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Freeman’s masterful storytelling transforms these real-life dramas into unforgettable narratives that resonate with viewers, asking the timeless question: ‘What would you risk to break free?’

     

  • Subhash Ghai chronicles his legacy in “Karma’s Child”

    Subhash Ghai chronicles his legacy in “Karma’s Child”

    Mumbai: Subhash Ghai, renowned as Indian cinema’s ultimate showman, invites readers to experience his cinematic brilliance with the release of “Karma’s Child: The Story of Indian Cinema’s Ultimate Showman,” co-authored with Suveen Sinha and published by HarperCollins. The memoir captures the iconic director’s remarkable journey, from shaping Bollywood’s landscape with his blockbuster films to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers through his institute, Whistling Woods International.  

    Ghai’s career is marked by his mastery in crafting films that blend grandeur, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable music, transforming Bollywood from the late 1970s to the 1990s. Out of the fifteen films he directed during this era, eleven—including iconic hits like Kalicharan, Vidhaata, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Saudagar, Khal Nayak, and Taal—became massive blockbusters, solidifying his legacy in Hindi cinema.  

    The memoir also chronicles Ghai’s pioneering spirit, from revitalising theatres during the peak of video piracy to launching film music on audio CDs, and expanding the reach of Hindi films to global markets. His ability to direct multi-starrer films and introduce new talent who rose to stardom reflects his visionary eye for innovation in cinema.  

    Now, as the founder of Whistling Woods International, Ghai’s influence extends beyond filmmaking. His institute stands as a beacon of film and creative arts education, shaping storytellers and visionaries for the future.  

    Reflecting on his memoir, Ghai shares, “Countless stars are born in our film industry and just as many fade away. What you hold in your hands is the story of how a young man came from nowhere, faced the challenges before him, and carved his own path. This book is the story of the Hindi film industry as it unfolded before my eyes from the 1960s till today.”  

     

  • Pickleball World Rankings names National Pickleball League Australia as official 2025 Oceania partner

    Pickleball World Rankings names National Pickleball League Australia as official 2025 Oceania partner

    New Delhi: Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) and  National Pickleball League (NPL) have confirmed a partnership that establishes NPL as the exclusive and official tournament and league provider for the Oceania region in 2025. Through this partnership, NPL’s leagues and tournaments will now be part of the PWR structure, allowing NPL players to earn points towards their PWR ranking and assist in qualifying for the PWR World Series.

    PWR is home to the newly created Pickleball World Rankings, along with the PWR World Tour and PWR World Series. As a unified global ranking system, PWR offers a clear path for pickleball players to earn ranking points by competing in regional events. Players accumulate points through the PWR World Tour and can qualify for the PWR World Series.

    NPL runs the Professional Teams League (NPL ProTour) and a professional tournament circuit.

    As PWR’s exclusive partner in Oceania, only NPL events—both league and tournaments—will award PWR ranking points in the region. This collaboration aims to unify regional bodies under one global structure, supporting the long-term growth and governance of pickleball.

    The exact point structure for NPL Australia tournaments will be announced later in 2024, but all events will fall under PWR’s established categories: PWR50, PWR100, PWR200, PWR400, PWR700, PWR1000, and PWR2000.

    PWR is a partnership between The Times Group, the news and entertainment leader in India and Pickleball League Asia Private Limited.  PWR, the PWR World Series, and the PWR World Tour were launched in Dubai in July’2024, with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced as the host region for the first PWR World Series.

    PWR had also recently announced PWR DUPR Indian Tour & League, a grand pickleball tour and league for India. The former World number one tennis player Andre Agassi will visit India in January 2025 to officially flag off the PWR DUPR Indian Tour & League.

    PWR DUPR India Masters, a PWR700 event on the PWR World Tour, with an impressive roster of 750 players—both professionals and amateurs, is being held in New Delhi from 24th to 27th October 2024. This event is a key milestone for pickleball, boosting its presence on both the Indian and global sports landscapes.

    NPL CEO Ron Shell said: “We are thrilled to partner with PWR for 2025 and support their significant investment in the global pickleball ecosystem. PWR’s vision for the sport is incredibly exciting, providing our players with the opportunity to be part of a global movement while still enjoying regional competition. The introduction of a unified, international ranking pathway is exactly what has been missing. We look forward to delivering top-tier Oceania leagues and tournaments in 2025, helping players progress in their professional pickleball careers.”

    The Times Group managing director Vineet Jain said: “The vision of PWR is to unify the global pickleball community and drive the growth of pickleball in global markets. The partnership with NPL is a step in that direction and we are excited to partner with them”

    PWR CEO Pranav Kohli added: “Australia is a key market for the growth of PWR in the Oceania region. We’re excited to collaborate with Ron, David, and the entire NPL Australia team. This partnership is a major step in PWR’s global expansion.”

  • Media mogul Sumner Redstone passes away at 97

    Media mogul Sumner Redstone passes away at 97

    Mumbai: Sumner Redstone, the influential US media mogul who owned CBS and Viacom, passed away at the age of 97, as confirmed by his family on Tuesday. Redstone had been a central figure in the entertainment industry for decades, serving as chairman of the board of directors for both CBS and Viacom until stepping down in 2016 due to declining health. His resignation followed internal family disputes over the companies’ control, with his family maintaining a majority stake.

    In late 2019, CBS and Viacom were merged into one entity, managing some of the most well-known television networks and film studios in the world, including CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Showtime, and Paramount Pictures. This consolidation placed the company in the same league as other major U.S. media corporations such as Disney, Time Warner, and 21st Century Fox.

    Born Sumner Murray Rothstein in Boston in 1923, Redstone changed his surname in 1940 to Redstone. He graduated from Harvard University and served in U.S. military intelligence during World War II. In 1954, he joined his father’s business, which he later transformed into National Amusements, one of the largest cinema operators in the United States.

    Redstone survived a near-fatal fire in 1979 and went on to play a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He fought fiercely to gain control of Paramount Pictures and later took over Viacom, which owned MTV and CBS. Viacom and CBS merged in 2000 but split again in 2006.

    Redstone’s remarkable career left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and his legacy continues through the companies he built and reshaped.Sumner Redstone

  • Zee Entertainment appoints Vikram Lad as business head of Hamara Parivar

    Zee Entertainment appoints Vikram Lad as business head of Hamara Parivar

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment has announced the appointment of Vikram Lad as the new business head of its channel, Hamara Parivar. In this strategic role, Lad will lead various initiatives, including business development efforts aimed at enhancing the channel’s performance.

    Lad’s responsibilities will encompass shaping the content strategy, engaging with audience feedback, and managing the channel’s profit and loss (P&L). Additionally, he will focus on strategic marketing and building partnerships to drive growth.

    Bringing a rich background in the media industry, Vikram Lad co-founded Kintree, a social application designed for family tree building, where he served as COO. In this position, he was instrumental in developing the company’s strategic vision and overseeing operations, including managing investor relations and expanding the app’s reach across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the MENA region.

    Before his tenure at Kintree, Lad held significant positions in various media organizations. He was Chief of Business Development at Chingari, a short video platform, in 2019. Earlier, he served as the Business Head for Zee Entertainment in Thailand from 2017 to 2019. His extensive career also includes roles at prominent brands such as Star Sports, Hotstar, Rediff.com, DNA, RBNL and Bharti Airtel.

  • Disney Star and Viacom18 merger: Major leadership shakeup unfolds

    Disney Star and Viacom18 merger: Major leadership shakeup unfolds

    Mumbai: The entertainment landscape is buzzing with news of a seismic shift as Disney Star, country manager and president, K. Madhavan steps down after a remarkable 15-year tenure. This pivotal change comes in the wake of the impending merger between Disney Star and Viacom18, signalling a new era for the companies involved. The industry watches closely as this merger reshapes leadership dynamics and strategic directions.

    Madhavan’s departure is not just a personal milestone; it marks a significant transition for Disney Star, which has been a powerhouse in the Indian media sector. His leadership has been instrumental in steering the company through various challenges, including changing viewer preferences and fierce competition in the streaming space.

    Disney+ Hotstar head, Sajith Sivanandan, another key player at Disney Star, also announced his exit, further emphasising the magnitude of this restructuring. Both executives have played crucial roles in defining the company’s vision and operational strategies. Their resignations raise questions about the future leadership structure as the merger progresses.

  • Nike extends partnership with NBA, WNBA & NBA G League through 2037

    Nike extends partnership with NBA, WNBA & NBA G League through 2037

    Mumbai: Nike, the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) have announced a 12-year extension of their global partnership, solidifying Nike as the exclusive on-court uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League.

    Nike will extend its rights for 12 more seasons to design and manufacture uniforms, on-court apparel, and fan apparel for these leagues, reinforcing its commitment to developing basketball for the next generation.

    “Nike has always been more than a league sponsor — we’re a strategic partner with an unwavering commitment to growing the game, alongside the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League,” said Nike president and CEO Elliott Hill. “Our collective power, global reach and genuine love for the game will only continue to create new pathways and opportunities for players and fans.”

    The global extension includes new content initiatives, a commitment to grassroots basketball, and a joint membership program offering benefits to fans through unique products, content, and experiences. As the biggest champion of the women’s game, Nike is also increasing its investment in the WNBA.

    “Nike is inextricably linked to basketball and has helped fuel the growth and innovation around our sport for decades,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “With an added focus on youth basketball, our expanded partnership will create even more opportunities for aspiring players to learn and compete at all levels and for fans of all ages to engage with the NBA and WNBA.”

    “Since our league’s inception, Nike has committed to a shared vision for girls’ and women’s basketball,” said WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Our continued partnership is an opportunity to fortify avenues for development and enhance touchpoints across our dynamic fanbase while globally showcasing the WNBA.”

    Nike and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have also extended their group license agreement, making Nike an official partner of the NBPA.

    “We’re excited to renew our partnership with Nike and continue to showcase our players’ efforts on and off the court,” said NBPA executive director Andre Iguodala. “This partnership highlights the reach, influence, and impact of our members, driving basketball fandom and inspiring millions of people around the world.”

    The renewal follows the eight-year partnership established in 2015, which made Nike the official on-court outfitter starting with the 2017-18 NBA season. Nike has been an NBA partner since 1992, a marketing partner of the WNBA since its inception in 1997, and a marketing partner of the NBA G League since the 2017-18 season.

    Together, the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, and Nike will continue to expand basketball for the next generation by:

    ●    Introducing programs and resources to make best-in-class youth basketball accessible and scalable, prioritising broad access to age-appropriate coaching and training for youth of all backgrounds through the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA.

    ●    Creating programming designed to improve access and the playing experience for girls of all levels, including through the Jr. WNBA and Basketball Without Borders (BWB).

    ●    Collaborating to enhance development opportunities for players, coaches, and programs across Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL).

    Nike will also grow its presence at marquee league events, including NBA Global Games, NBA All-Star, AT&T WNBA All-Star, the NBA Draft Combine, the WNBA Draft presented by State Farm, NBA 2K Summer League, and the NBA G League Fall Invitational.    

  • News18 India to host Diamond States Summit edition five on 23 October

    News18 India to host Diamond States Summit edition five on 23 October

    Mumbai: News18 India will host the fifth edition of its Diamond States Summit (DSS) in Uttarakhand on 23 October, following the successful completion of earlier editions in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. This event continues to serve as a unique platform for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic discussions, bringing together key leaders and policymakers.

    The Uttarakhand edition of the Diamond States Summit will focus on conducting insightful discussions on issues critical to the state such as economic development, governance, law and order, and cultural preservation. The platform will bring together some of Uttarakhand’s most influential political figures and policymakers, allowing them to engage in meaningful dialogue and share their vision for the state’s future.

    Expected attendees at the summit include Uttarakhand’s chief minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with key ministers including, minister of finance, urban development, parliamentary affairs, census, and housing, Prem Chand Aggarwal; minister of agriculture and rural development, Ganesh Joshi; minister of women empowerment and child development, Rekha Arya; minister of animal husbandry, fisheries, skill development & employment, Saurabh Bahuguna; national general secretary, Mahila Morcha, BJP, Deepti Rawat Bhardwaj; and national spokesperson, BJP, Neha Joshi. They will offer perspectives on policies shaping Uttarakhand’s future.

    Watch Diamond States Summit Uttarakhand on News18 India on 23 October from 11 am onwards.

  • FanCode secures rights to revamped Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes

    FanCode secures rights to revamped Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes

    Mumbai: FanCode, a sports destination, will be the streaming the upcoming Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes. Cricket’s most exciting format is set to return after a seven-year hiatus and will see top teams battle it out in Hong Kong from 1 November to 3 November at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.

    The Super Sixes has been a marquee event in the global cricket calendar from 1992 to 2017, with likes of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Shane Warne, Sanath Jayasuriya, Glen Maxwell amongst those who have featured in it in the past.

    This year will see 12 teams competing and they have been divided in four groups of 3 each. India and Pakistan have been placed in Group C, with the UAE. South Africa, New Zealand and Hong Kong make up Group A; Australia, England and Nepal will be in Group B while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Oman will be in Group D. The top two teams from each group will compete in the quarterfinals. A total of 29 matches will take place over three days.

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco said, “Hong Kong Super Sixes has always been a fan favorite, showcasing some of cricket’s biggest names. After seven years, its return is highly anticipated, and with FanCode’s broad reach across mobile, web, and TV, we’re thrilled to bring this exciting format to millions of fans in India.”

    Cricket Hong Kong chairperson Burji Shroff, said “We are thrilled to have FanCode as the exclusive streaming partner for the Hong Kong Sixes. Partnering with like-minded brands is key to achieving our vision of making the Hong Kong Sixes a global sporting property, and FanCode’s expertise in delivering exceptional streaming and fan experiences sets them apart.”

    Squads announced so far

    India: Robin Uthappa, Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Stuart Binny, Shreevats Goswami, Bharat Chipli, Shahbaz Nadeem.

    Pakistan: Faheem Ashraf (c), Muhammad Akhlaq, Asif Ali, Danish Aziz, Hussain Talat, Aamer Yamin, Shahab Khan

    South Africa: JJ Smuts (c), Matthew Boast, Evan Jones, Luthando Midiri, Don Radebe, Jacques Snyman, Aubrey Swanepoel

    Hong Kong: Nizakat Khan (c), Zeeshan Ali, Imran Arif, Ehsan Khan, Jason Lui, Sahal Malvernkar, Benny Singh Paras
    Australia: Dan Christian (c), Alex Ross, Andrew Fekete, Fawad Ahmed, Jack Wood, James Pattinson, Sam Heazlett
    New Zealand: Todd Astle, Harmeet Singh, Henry Mcintyre, Raunaq Kapur, Sam Cassidy, Siddesh Dixit, Xavier Bell

    Select playing conditions and format

    Team consists of seven players with six to be nominated to take the field.
    Each innings will consist of six overs, and one bowler can bowl a maximum of 2 overs but not consecutively. Four members can bowl one over each. The wicketkeeper will not be bowling.

    A batter must retire ‘not out’ on reaching a personal score of 50 runs but may not retire before reaching 50 runs. The batter may complete all runs possible off the stroke that takes him to 50 and the full score shall count. If one of the last pair of batter is out, any retired ‘not out’ batter may resume his innings.

    If more than one batter retires then they must return in the order in which they retired. Any batter having not returned in order will be automatically ‘retired out’.
    A penalty of 4 runs shall be awarded by the umpire if an incoming batter does not cross with the outgoing batter on the field of play.

    If five wickets fall (not including batter retiring not out under Rule 6) before 6 overs are completed, the last remaining batter shall bat on with the 5th out batter acting only as a runner. The last remaining batter must always take strike. He shall be declared out if his partner is declared out (run out or obstructing the field). The innings shall be completed at the fall of the sixth wicket.

  • Sony SAB stars share their festive plans for Dhanteras 2024

    Sony SAB stars share their festive plans for Dhanteras 2024

    Mumbai: As Dhanteras approaches, signalling the start of Diwali celebrations, Sony SAB’s leading actors reveal their preparations for this auspicious occasion. Traditionally marked by the purchase of new items during the favourable muhurat, Dhanteras is a time for spiritual victory and prosperity. Here’s how these beloved stars plan to celebrate this year:

    Prachi Bansal, who portrays Sita in Shrimad Ramayan, shares, “On Dhanteras, my mom usually takes care of everything that needs to be bought. But since I’ve been living alone for some time now, I make sure to do the pooja. Whenever I have a break from shooting, I try to buy something for my mom and dad. I have never really bought anything for myself, and even this year, if I find the time, I would definitely like to buy new utensils and gold for my mom.”

    Garima Parihar, who plays Deepti in Pushpa Impossible, states, “Every Dhanteras, we usually welcome prosperity by buying gold, but this year, I’ve decided to start my Diwali celebrations with something different and exciting—a new car! It’s a fresh beginning for the festive season, and I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing ride ahead, both literally and figuratively. Here’s to embracing new traditions and looking forward to all the joy and celebrations Diwali brings!”

    Mansi Sharma, who stars as Shilpa Khanna in Badall Pe Paon Hai, notes, “On this Dhanteras, I believe it’s important to buy a silver plate for the pooja, as it brings purity and good luck. Silver has a special place in our traditions, and using it in the rituals is believed to invite blessings. This year, I’m excited to add something unique to my collection, something special that will not only be part of the celebrations but also remind me of the joy and positivity of this festive season.”

    Shefali Rana, who plays Poonam Khanna in Badall Pe Paon Hai, emphasises, “Dhanteras marks the beginning of festivities as we welcome prosperity and happiness into our homes. The preparations, like creating vibrant rangolis to adorn the entrance, lighting diyas that bring warmth and light, and decorating the home with colourful torans, are filled with excitement and anticipation. We also indulge in purchasing new clothes and jewellery, especially precious gold, which is believed to attract good fortune. Every small act, from cleaning the house to arranging for the pooja, carries a deep sense of joy and positivity, setting the tone for the festive season ahead.”