Category: TV Channels

ABP News puts truth on trial with new show Special Task from August 2

MUMBAI: Truth takes the witness stand every Saturday night, starting 2 August. ABP News is turning up the heat on investigative journalism with the launch of Special Task, a hard-hitting weekly show that promises to shine an unflinching spotlight on India’s hidden truths. Airing every Saturday at 8 PM, the show is hosted by veteran journalist Jagwinder Patial and kicks off its debut with a compelling three-part series titled Operation Beta.

Special Task takes viewers deep into the country’s underbelly exposing systemic cracks, unheard citizen struggles, and overlooked tragedies. With each one-hour episode, the series will serve raw, on-the-ground narratives that challenge comfort zones and demand accountability.

Jagwinder Patial, a name synonymous with fearless reporting, brings over 27 years of field experience to the show. From conflict zones to calamity-hit areas, his work has consistently championed public interest. Patial has been recognised with the Ram Nath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism and the Balraj Sahni National Award, both testaments to his credibility and impact.

The debut series, Operation Beta, promises to be no less than a journalistic raid delving into neglected communities and revealing institutional blind spots. True to its name, Special Task sets out not just to report, but to hold up a mirror to those in power and ask the questions no one else will.

The show is positioned as more than just a programme, it’s a public mission. ABP News has built its editorial reputation on challenging the status quo, and Special Task reinforces that stance by marrying rigorous fieldwork with purpose-driven storytelling.

Whether you’re a news junkie or a casual viewer, this is one assignment you won’t want to skip.

Catch the first episode of Special Task on ABP News at 8 PM on August 2, 2025.

August 1, 2025
Ekta Lakhi takes the reins as general manager at TV Today

MUMBAI: Ekta Lakhi, a seasoned pro in the cut-throat world of advertisement sales, has bagged a plum new gig: general manager at TV Today. With a CV that reads like a who’s who of the entertainment industry, Lakhi is clearly no stranger to the small screen, having demonstrated a rather impressive knack for getting brands to cough up the dosh.

Armed with a Bachelor of Management Studies, with a keen focus on marketing, Ms. Lakhi isn’t just about the chat; she’s got the academic chops to back it up.

August 1, 2025
CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward. Season 3 puts spotlight on ‘Broken Rung’ in India’s gender equity journey

MUMBAI: CNBC-TV18 successfully hosted the Bengaluru edition of HSBC presents Future. Female. Forward. Season 3, co-presented by Cognizant India, to a packed house of policymakers, industry leaders, and DEI advocates. Following its impactful national launch in Mumbai, the Bengaluru chapter zeroed in on a critical, and often under discussed barrier to achieving gender parity: the ‘broken rung’ that can hold women back from progressing into leadership roles.

Opening the evening, CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan, delivered a compelling call to action that set the tone for the discussions ahead. “We created CNBC-TV18 Future. Female. Forward. —to build a space where women in full flow could speak, challenge, and lead. Today, women founders still receive only 2.3 per cent of total capital, globally under three per cent, and in India, just six per cent in H1 2025. That’s not a pipeline problem; that’s a design flaw. From AI to public infrastructure, this city sits at the edge of innovation, yet the blueprint remains exclusionary. Equity must be the earliest principle, not a late-stage correction. And that’s the conversation we’re committed to pushing forward—with facts, with courage, and with community.”

The evening began with HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave reflecting on Embedding Equity: The HSBC India Inclusion Playbook. He emphasized the need for strong institutional frameworks and measurable outcomes to build truly inclusive cultures.

He said, “Over the last three years, we’ve started a conversation—one that challenges us to rethink how we approach inclusion, not as a multi-decadal aspiration, but as a series of deliberate, incremental actions. Each season, each dialogue, and each story reminds us that looking away is not an option and while the journey is complex and nuanced, what matters is that we are moving in the right direction. At HSBC, we take pride in playing a small but meaningful role in fostering these conversations that bring us closer to a future where equity is not just an ideal, but a reality.”

Taking the stage next, Shobana Kamineni, executive chairperson of Apollo HealthCo, delivered a compelling fireside chat titled Prescription for Disruption: The Kamineni Code.

She shared: “Women aren’t short on ideas, intelligence, or ambition, but they’re funded like they are. Globally, women-led businesses raised just $108 billion last year, and India accounted for a mere ₹25 crore. You can’t talk about scale without real capital. If we want more women in leadership, we need to back them not just with applause, but with board seats, and belief in their ability to lead mainstream, high-impact ventures, not just niche ones.”

The evening also featured a case‑led session by Pooja Sharma Goyal, founding CEO of The Udaiti Foundation, titled Leading with Purpose, Building with Equity. Drawing on lived experience, she outlined practical frameworks that turn inclusive‑growth theory into action.

A high-impact panel discussion titled Purpose, Parity & Performance brought together an esteemed lineup of leaders, including Bhawna Agarwal (SVP & MD, HPE India), Rajesh Varrier (President – global operations and chairman & managing director, Cognizant India), Jaya Jagadish (country head & SVP, AMD India), Meena Ganesh (co-founder & chairperson, Portea; Trustee, Bahaar Foundation), and Sunita Naik (SVP & country lead – India, State Street Investment Management).

During the panel discussion, Rajesh Varrier, president – global operations and chairman & managing director, Cognizant India, offered a large-enterprise perspective on building inclusive workforce strategies.“Inclusion isn’t just about hiring; it’s about building systems and structural interventions that support a woman’s entire career journey. That’s why we created Shakti —a unified framework of programs and policies designed to empower women from college to corporate leadership, enabling them to realise their full potential. Also, we know that progress is most powerful when supported by allies—those who advocate, amplify, and help open doors,” he noted.

From a global capital lens, Sunita Naik, senior managing director & India lead of State Street Investment Management, illustrated how inclusion is being hardwired into investment decisions and organizational culture, moving beyond token gestures to measurable accountability. Sunita said, “At State Street Investment Management, we didn’t just advocate for inclusion; we built it into our leadership. Our CEO is an Asian-American woman, our operating group is majority women, and our board is 50 per cent women. This isn’t about eliminating men; it’s about proving that diverse teams outperform. Real change happens when women lead at every level, not just entry level. From the iconic Fearless Girl to our own boardroom, we’re showing that inclusion drives performance, not just perception.”

The evening saw the signature “FFF ICONS” segment where a remarkable group of individuals whose contributions span sport, science, social change, and national service were honoured. Among the honorees were Shreyasi Joshi and Swarali Joshi – Skater Sisters; Alina Alam – Founder & CEO, Mitti Café; Sonal Holland – Founder & Director, SoHo Wines; Savithri H. S – Former Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy and Lt Commander Dilna K – Indian Navy; India’s first all-women mine rescue unit, SMART-191, Singareni Mahila Active Rescue Team; Sandhya Puchalapalli – Founder & President, Aarti for Girls; Roshni Devi – National-Level Weightlifter; and Meena Ganesh – Co-founder & Chairperson, Portea, and Trustee, Bahaar Foundation.

Lt commander Dilna K, a commissioned officer in the Indian Navy, spoke about her life journey navigating a male-dominated force with resilience and clarity. Reflecting on her partnership with fellow officer Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy, she shared: “Roopa and I trained together, went through life and death situations, and spent more time at sea than on land. You get to know everything about the other person; there’s no space to be enemies. When I wasn’t okay, she was there to take over, and when she wasn’t, I stepped in. That teamwork was the real success of this journey.”

The evening closed with a clear message: fixing the broken rung isn’t a side issue, it’s central to building stronger institutions. From rethinking how promotions work to ensuring fairness in performance evaluations, the conversations throughout this pivotal event called on organizations to act with intent, not just awareness. Parity, the room agreed, must be designed into the system, not added as an afterthought.

August 1, 2025
CNBC-TV18 books full profit in business news with 90 per cent share

MUMBAI: When it comes to business news, CNBC-TV18 isn’t just reporting the market, it is the market. The channel has pulled in a staggering 89.8 per cent market share in the English Business News segment, according to the latest BARC India data (Week 26’25–29’25 | TG: 22–40 Male | Mega Cities | All Day). That means nearly 9 out of every 10 viewers tuned into English business news are watching CNBC-TV18 leaving its competitors fighting over scraps.

It’s a commanding lead in a genre the channel has owned for 25 years. From the dot-com bubble to the post-COVID recovery, CNBC-TV18 has kept its audience ahead of the curve, and the latest data reaffirms that legacy of dominance.

What’s fuelling this near-monopoly? It’s a steady mix of cutting-edge reportage, market-moving insights, and flagship shows like Bazaar Open Exchange, Bazaar Morning Call, Closing Bell, and India Business Hour. These programmes have become essential viewing for India’s business decision-makers whether they’re behind a Bloomberg terminal or a kirana counter eyeing the Sensex.

Anchored by a seasoned team of journalists and trusted by a who’s who of CEOs, policymakers, and retail investors, CNBC-TV18 is more than a channel, it’s where India’s business day begins and ends. Its influence stretches beyond viewership, shaping investment strategies, boardroom decisions, and the national business narrative.

Even as rivals scramble to differentiate themselves, CNBC-TV18 continues to expand its lead, showing week-on-week growth and innovation. The channel’s commitment to sharp analysis, uncluttered storytelling, and forward-looking coverage has made it the de facto nerve centre for business content in the country.

As India navigates an increasingly volatile economic landscape, CNBC-TV18 remains the one constant distilling complex numbers into actionable insight, with nearly 90 per cent of the business news audience voting with their remotes.

If business news were a stock, CNBC-TV18 would be the bluest of blue chips.

August 1, 2025
News18 India leaves rivals behind with top TRPs and a 17 per cent lead

MUMBAI: The ratings are in, and News18 India has clearly won the prime-time war no breaking news ticker needed. According to the latest BARC data (Week 29, 2025), the channel has cemented its top spot in the Hindi news genre, outpacing Aaj Tak by a wide 17 per cent margin in Average Minute Audience (AMA). News18 India recorded a market share of 13.9 per cent with 75,225 AMA’000s, while Aaj Tak trailed with 11.9 per cent and 64,332 AMA’000s. (Source: BARC | Metric: Avg. Weekly AMA’000s | TG: NCCS All 15+ | Period: Wk 29’25, 24 Hrs, All Days | Market: HSM).

These figures reaffirm News18 India’s reign as the most-watched Hindi news channel in the country, a title it has held through a blend of editorial depth, impactful anchors, and an expansive national footprint.

Driving this dominance is a high-octane line-up of anchors including Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra. The channel’s programming, especially around major news events, is frequently backed by real-time field reports from its wide network of correspondents, keeping the pulse of the nation at its fingertips.

But it’s not just bodies in the field the backbone is strong in tech and storytelling. With an editorial engine bolstered by cutting-edge presentation and a viewer-first curation strategy, News18 India continues to innovate how news is consumed.

The channel forms the flagship of the News18 Network, India’s largest news network, which boasts 14 regional channels, reaches 26 states, and broadcasts in 15 languages, offering a footprint that few can rival.

In a fiercely competitive news market, News18 India’s latest numbers show that it’s not just breaking news, it’s breaking away from the pack.

July 31, 2025
CNN-News18 remains undisputed leader of English News Genre

MUMBAI: According to the latest data from the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), CNN-News18 continues to dominate the English news genre, maintaining a strong lead of 179 per cent ahead of Times Now and 79 per cent ahead of NDTV.

As per the latest data, CNN-News18 has outperformed its competitors NDTV 24×7 and Times Now with a market share of 41 per cent. The market share of NDTV 24×7 stood at 22.9 per cent, while Times Now stayed at just 14.7 per cent. (Source: BARC India | MKT: India | TG: 2+ | Period: AVG Wk 29’25 |Market share%)

With a consistent lead over its competitors, CNN-News18 has remained the undisputed leader of the English news genre, thanks to its sharp editorial focus, credible journalism, and unmatched viewer trust.

CNN-News18 has always been the voice of the people, bringing major public issues to the forefront. Adding to its commitment is the latest initiative, #SaveOurCities, because We The People deserve better. CNN-News18’s #SaveOurCities campaign asks the tough questions: Flooded roads, traffic chaos, potholes, piles of garbage, drainage failures, crumbling infrastructure—same problems, every monsoon.

Speaking about CNN News18’s No.1 position and its latest initiative, Zakka Jacob, Managing Editor of CNN News18, says, “CNN-News18 has been No.1 for the last three years now. There is no competition anywhere close to us, even in the latest BARC data. The gap between the No.1 and No.2 players is wide, and I believe this is a strong affirmation of our journalism. We put citizens’ concerns first and bring their issues and concerns to the forefront. For example, our latest initiative, #SaveOurCities, focuses on the monsoon season in Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, where urban infrastructure is completely failing with overflowing drains and flooded roads. This is the story of urban India, and urban India is tuning in to CNN-News18 to watch stories like these.”
“We are very happy with our journalism, the kind of story we do, and we are delighted that our viewers are accepting this. The numbers reflected in the BARC ratings, where we continue to hold the No.1 spot, are proof of that,” he added.

Led by award-winning journalists like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar and Shivani Gupta, the channel has maintained its number one position in the English news genre since the resumption of BARC ratings in March 2022. In order to maintain CNN-News18’s position far ahead of its competitors, the News18 network has made substantial investments in technology and editorial resources.

July 31, 2025
Zee TV brings big relief to the middle class this monsoon

MUMBAI: The Indian middle-class family runs on the unshakeable values of bachat, budget, ration, EMIs, and month-end jugaad. Every rupee matters; whether it’s choosing a sim recharge over a snack or holding back on a purchase to save for the future. In this world, ₹2 may seem trivial to some, but for a middle-class person, it holds real weight.

Zee TV, through its renewed brand philosophy Aapka Apna Zee TV, resonates deeply with these lived experiences. And through its recently launched fiction show Tumm Se Tumm Tak, it brought to life a character like Anu — a girl rooted in practicality, self-respect, and middle-class sensibilities. In a moment that struck a chord with viewers, Anu argued with a rickshaw driver over ₹2 change, firmly saying: “Agar ek crore mein do rupaye kam ho gaye, toh woh ek crore nahi hota.” This moment stayed with Aryavardhan, the male lead, and changed his outlook — leading him to launch a product with a ₹2 discount on mobile recharge, which ultimately transformed his telecommunication business.

An extension to this thought, Zee TV’s latest initiative brings a heartfelt gesture to the streets of Mumbai, Delhi, and Lucknow, distributing raincoats for just ₹2 to women and daily-wage earners who brave the rains every day. For many, especially women, walking around in drenched clothes can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing. More than a distribution drive, this is about empathy, making a necessity accessible while preserving dignity and a sense of ownership. That ₹2 isn’t just symbolic; it’s a powerful nod to the reality that ₹2 bhi bohot badi cheez hoti hai.

Adding authenticity to the campaign, actor Niharika Chouksey, who plays Anu in Tumm Se Tumm Tak, joined the initiative in Mumbai. Her character and her iconic line mirrors the philosophy behind this entire drive.

Zee TV chief channel officer, Mangesh Kulkarni said, “At Zee TV, we believe entertainment is only one part of our connection with the audience. The real bond is built on shared experiences, emotions, and mutual care. With our brand philosophy ‘Aapka Apna Zee TV’, we wanted to step into the lives of our viewers in a more tangible way. The ₹2 raincoat drive is a heartfelt gesture that brings our care for the audience to life. With this, we’re not just telling stories; we’re living our values.”

Niharika Chouksey, aka Anu from Tumm Se Tumm Tak, shared: “I am honoured to be a part of this initiative by Zee TV. As Anu, and even in real life, I’ve seen how small things can make a big difference. For many women working through the rains, a simple raincoat isn’t just protection; it’s a layer of comfort and dignity. And when it comes at just ₹2, it becomes a powerful reminder that even the smallest amount can make a big difference — because ₹2 bhi bohot badi cheez hoti hai.”

July 31, 2025
Ajit Varghese exits JioStar less than a year into top revenue role

MUMBAI: Ajit Varghese has quit as head of revenue, entertainment and international at JioStar, the Reliance–Disney joint venture created in November 2024. His departure, confirmed via an internal memo, comes under a year after he was brought in to drive monetisation across television, digital and overseas businesses.

Mahesh Shetty, currently head of revenue for the 90 plus channels and JioHotstar for large client universe which acounts for more than 80 per cent of the platform’s income will take charge of the entertainment revenue mandate. A Viacom18 alumnus, Shetty has more than 20 years’ experience in media sales, including a stint as head of network sales.

Varghese, a veteran with over three decades in advertising and media, joined Disney Star in January 2023 to head network sales before moving to JioStar. He earlier led monetisation at ShareChat and Moj, and spent over a decade at WPP, where he rose to global president of Wavemaker.

He was recently awarded with an Indian Telly Award for his performance as head of revenue.
Industry watchers are now keenly awaiting Varghese’s next move, given his track record of steering businesses through transformation across agencies, broadcasters and digital platforms.

July 31, 2025
Zee TV UK’s watch party for “ChhoriyyanChali Gaon” delivers laughter, nostalgia, and rave reviews

MUMBAI: Zee TV UK hosted an exclusive Watch Party in Central London, offering a first look at its latest reality show ChhoriyyanChali Gaon (Beauties Goes to Village). The invite-only event welcomed over 35 guests from media, entertainment, and business, and delivered an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt connection.

This event marks a first-of-its-kind initiative in the UK by any Indian television channel — a curated preview held a full week before the show’s official launch, underscoring Z’s commitment to innovation and audience engagement. The gesture was not just bold — it was precocious, setting the tone for a new era of immersive content experiences.

Guests were treated to a preview of the show’s first four contestants, whose journey from city life to village challenges sparked surprise, admiration, and plenty of laughter. From fetching water to cooking on mud stoves, the women’s experiences will resonate deeply with the audience, many of whom shared their own village memories during the evening and got emotional.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. president – International Business, Amit Goenka stated, “Z has always stood at the forefront of innovation, and with ‘ChhoriyyanChali Gaon’, we are proud to pioneer a format that blends entertainment with cultural authenticity. This is not just a show — it’s a movement that reconnects our global audiences with the soul of India. Hosting a preview event in the UK, ahead of the official launch, is a bold step that reflects our commitment to creating immersive, meaningful experiences. We are proud to be the first Indian broadcaster to do so, and we believe this marks the beginning of a new chapter in culturally rooted storytelling.”

Hosted by Parul Goel, Territory Head of Zee Entertainment UK Ltd, the event featured gourmet starters and light drinks, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. A special video message from the deputy CEO and chief financial officer of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, India, Mukund Galgali, added gravitas, highlighting Z’s commitment to bold, culturally rich storytelling.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees expressed that audiences are craving something new — a break from the repetitive reality formats that lack innovation or cultural depth. ChhoriyyanChali Gaon was hailed as a refreshing concept that reconnects Indians abroad with their roots, offering both entertainment and emotional resonance.

Attendees praised the show’s concept for reconnecting Indians abroad with their roots and expressed excitement for upcoming episodes. “Only Z could come up with something so real, so entertaining, and so close to home,” was a common sentiment. Guests left with smiles, stories, and genuine excitement for the episodes to come.

The evening concluded with warm wishes for the show’s success and appreciation for Z’s innovative programming. ChhoriyyanChali Gaon is poised to become a cultural bridge — one that entertains while celebrating the essence of Indian village life. The show is launching on 3 August at 9pm.

July 30, 2025

CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India celebrate India’s champions on the most coveted SME Awards platform

MUMBAI: CNBC-TV18, in partnership with HSBC India, successfully concluded Season 2 of the HSBC Presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards, a celebration of the resilience, innovation, and ambition powering India’s small and medium enterprises. Held on July 25, 2025, at the iconic Taj Mahal, New Delhi, the ceremony marked the grand culmination of a six-month journey recognising exceptional businesses that are not only navigating challenges but also actively shaping the future of the Indian economy.

The evening opened with a welcome note from Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, who reiterated the network’s longstanding commitment to spotlighting India’s real economy. “It is a privilege to open Season 2 of the HSBC Presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards, a platform dedicated to celebrating the true engines of India’s economic momentum. Small and medium enterprises are not just businesses; they are drivers of employment, innovation, and resilience. Over the last few years, SMEs have navigated challenges with determination—from pandemic disruptions to global supply chain shifts, and have continued to grow, adapt, and lead. At CNBC-TV18, we believe it is crucial to tell their stories, spotlight their success, and ensure they get the recognition they truly deserve. Today is about honouring that spirit—the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship that builds from the ground up and aspires for global scale. These awards are a celebration of that journey, and we’re proud to champion the changemakers shaping tomorrow’s India.”

The keynote address was delivered by the Guest of Honour, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister for Communications and Development of NorthEasternRegion, Government of India. Addressing an audience of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and jury members, he highlighted the importance of empowering SMEs through policy, credit, and infrastructure. “India’s true transformation is being written not in the towering glass buildings of metros alone, but in the silent, steady rise of entrepreneurs across every lane and landscape of this country. From small towns to remote villages, from hand-built workshops to digital storefronts, they are turning ideas into enterprises and ambition into impact. These are not just SMEs; they are the soul of India’s economy. What they lack in scale, they make up for in spirit. With innovation as their toolkit, resilience in their bones, and purpose lighting their path, they are reimagining what’s possible. What was once seen as local is now proudly global. And what was once called small is now leading the charge into India’s century. This is not the future; it is already underway. Today, entrepreneurs from even the most remote corners of India can brand, process, and sell their products in global markets, thanks to the power of digital infrastructure. A shining example of this is our UPI ecosystem, which has witnessed a staggering 2.16 trillion transactions annually, amounting to nearly $3 trillion. Remarkably, 46 per cent of the world’s digital transactions now originate from Bharat. This is not just digital progress, it’s digital leadership,” he remarked.

Guest of Honour, Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State in the ministry ofMSME; & Ministry of Labour and Employment, GoI highlighted the government’s continued focus on SMEs. “India’s SMEs are not only engines of economic growth but also vehicles of social transformation. Whether it’s rural employment, women-led ventures, or value-driven exports, SMEs are ensuring inclusive development. Platforms like the SME Champion Awards play a vital role in recognising these silent contributors and inspiring others,” she said.She further added, “MSMEs have always been at the heart of India’s development—from Mahatma Gandhi’s call to support small and cottage industries during the freedom struggle, to today’s rural entrepreneurs driving change on the ground. Today, 2.6 million women and 85 per cent SC/ST entrepreneurs are registered on the MSME portal—clear proof that even in rural India, people are stepping forward to build their own businesses and shape their own futures. As we welcome a new year, the next generation will take the lead—and many will rise from India’s MSME sector. With Indian Government support through subsidies, tech upgrades, and export incentives, MSMEs are scaling up to meet global demands. This is no longer a growing sector—it’s a transforming force. By 2047, India’s rise as a global powerhouse will be driven not just by big business, but by millions of small enterprises building boldly and inclusively.”

The awards recognized outstanding enterprises across sectors such as manufacturing, exports, sustainability, digital transformation, and community engagement. Key highlights included the Special Jury Awards for SME Entrepreneur of the Year and SME Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, which acknowledged individuals for their resilience and innovation. Other award categories included Excellence in Tech Export Promotion, Goods Export Promotion, Community Engagement, and Sustainability Practices, which also featured a Special Jury Mention.

Awards were presented by Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia,Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India; Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State in the ministry of MSME; & Ministry of Labour and Employment, GoIand Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary of Indiaalong with Ajay Sharma, Head – Banking, HSBC India. Jury members who attended the event and participated in the final evaluation process included Dinesh Kumar Khara,Former Chairperson, State Bank of India;Subhash Chandra Garg,Former Finance & Economic Affairs Secretary of India;B Thiagarajan, Managing Director, Blue Star Ltd; Shashank Srivastava,Member, Executive Committee, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd;Subhrakant Panda,Managing Director, Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd. and Former President, FICCI; Chandrakant Salunkhe, Founder & President, SME Chamber of India and Start-up Council of India and Manish Singhal, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM.

A compelling fireside chat with Rajesh Kumar Singh,Defence Secretary of India, offered a strategic perspective on the role of SMEs in India’s defencesector,“Self-reliance in defense is not a destination, it is a layered process that demands trust in our own industrial base, commitment to indigenous innovation, and the courage to invest in long-term capability. From MSMEs supplying critical sub-systems to private players stepping into complex production roles, every link in the supply chain matters. We cannot afford to rely solely on imports when the next conflict may demand speed, autonomy, and resilience. The real strength of a nation lies not just in the firepower it possesses, but in its ability to design, develop, and deliver that power from within”, he remarked.

Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India, closed the evening with a strong message of support for India’s SME sector, “At HSBC, our role in the SME Champions Awards isn’t just about recognition—it’s about responsibility. Everyone talks about Viksit Bharat, but it won’t happen on slogans alone. Someone has to roll up their sleeves and do the work. Entrepreneurs need global access, and that’s where we come in,we understand international buyers, their quality expectations, payment cycles, and reliability metrics. Through partnerships like this one with CNBC-TV18, we aim to bridge the gap and help Indian SMEs become key players in global supply chains. Honestly, running a multibillion-dollar company might just be easier than managing a ₹20 crore one, so this is our way of saying, well done, we see you, and we salute you.”

The night concluded with a soul-stirring performance by Rajasthani folk sensation Mame Khan, leaving the audience with a sense of pride and inspiration. The HSBC Presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards Season 2 is more than just a celebration of business excellence; it is a reflection of India’s entrepreneurial ambition, a spotlight on those who turn adversity into advantage, and a reminder that the next chapter of India’s growth story will be written by its SMEs.

Winners of SME Champion Awards-

S.No	Category	Segment	Winners
1	Excellence in Community Engagement	Small Enterprises	WeVOIS Labs Private Limited
2	Excellence in Digital Transformation	Small Enterprises	Jayam Solutions Private Limited
3	Excellence in Global Expansion	Small Enterprises	Innoplexus Consulting Services Private Limited
4	Excellence in Goods Export Promotion	Small Enterprises	Axio Biosolutions Private Limited
5	Excellence in Sustainability Practices	Small Enterprises	AgriDigi Tech (OPC) Private Limited
6	Excellence in Tech Export Promotion	Small Enterprises	Elogix Software Private Limited
7	Manufacturing SME of the Year – Industrial Excellence	Small Enterprises	Kalyani Cast-Tech Limited
8	Manufacturing SME of the Year – Agro& Food	Small Enterprises	Shubhshree Biofuels Energy Limited
9	Manufacturing SME of the Year – Health & Pharma	Small Enterprises	Axio Biosolutions Private Limited

July 30, 2025