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  • Bihar’s big Baithak stirs poll pot with politics, policy and plenty of punch

    Bihar’s big Baithak stirs poll pot with politics, policy and plenty of punch

    MUMBAI: When Bihar talks, the nation listens and this time, it’s over a Baithak. Bihar Tak, the digital-first news platform from the India Today group, set Patna buzzing today with its flagship event ‘Bihar Tak Baithak’, a no-holds-barred adda of power, policy and politics.

    With Assembly elections looming later this year, the stage was stacked with heavy hitters and fresh voices alike. From JDU’s executive national president Sanjay Jha to BJP’s Nitin Nabin, Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishor to RLM supremo Upendra Kushwaha, the Baithak read like Bihar’s who’s who of political strategy. Cabinet ministers Jeevesh Mishra, Ashok Choudhary, and Santosh Manjhi joined the conversation, alongside development commissioner S. Siddharth, VIP chief Mukesh Sahani, MP Shambhavi Choudhary, and former union minister Shahnawaz Hussain.

    What unfolded was a marathon of candid interviews, debates and panel discussions on governance, development and the state’s election agenda straight talk for a state hungry for answers. “Bihar Tak Baithak reflects our commitment to amplifying voices from the heart of Bihar,” said TAK Channels Milind managing editor Khandekar. “As the state heads towards a pivotal election, the need for transparent, meaningful conversations is greater than ever.”

    The event, watched by an audience both in Patna and online, offered a digital bridge between policy and people, with every exchange streamed on the Bihar Tak Youtube channel. With more than a dozen leaders, ministers and influencers in the hot seat, this Baithak wasn’t just small talk, it was Bihar talking to itself and to India.
     

  • Ad volumes tune up as TV, radio and print steal the show in H1 2025

    Ad volumes tune up as TV, radio and print steal the show in H1 2025

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, action, India’s advertising pie in 2025 is anything but half-baked. The first half of the year has seen TV, radio, and print rise with renewed swagger, even as digital took a cautious breather, according to a trends report by Excellent Publicity in partnership with TAM Adex and RCS India.

    Television strutted confidently, clocking a 27 per cent surge in ad volumes and a 64 per cent jump in spends over 2023. Unsurprisingly, Star India ruled the charts, while Jio Hotstar topped brand visibility. Together, Sports and GECs claimed 84 per cent of ad time, proving that prime time still makes advertisers shine. Entertainment, e-commerce, and social media alone accounted for 25.6 per cent of volumes.

    Radio kept its local beat alive, growing 10 per cent in revenues over 2023. Real estate and cars dominated the airwaves, with Maruti Suzuki India the top advertiser and Jeena Sikho the loudest brand. The real showstopper? Commercial vehicles, which roared with a 24x spike in ad spends, underscoring radio’s rural and tier-2 pull.

    Print, once counted out, flipped back into relevance with 26 per cent growth YoY. Cars led the page with 8.9 per cent of spends, while Retail Departmental Stores made a debut in the top 10. Allen Career Institute continued to hold the spotlight, and two-wheelers raced ahead with a 31 per cent surge in spends, showing print’s enduring power in suburban and semi-urban India.

    Digital, meanwhile, had a paradoxical season. Though overall spends dipped 8 per cent YoY, the platform saw its highest number of advertisers in three years. Online shopping led the charge with 11.2 per cent of total spends, Amazon India as the top advertiser and Amazon the most visible brand. Quirky shifts included washing powders and liquids exploding by 21x and perfumes/deodorants by 6x, while programmatic accounted for 88.3 per cent of spends, cementing automation’s dominance.

    As Excellent Publicity co-founder Vaishal Dalal put it: “TV still captures attention, radio keeps it local, print earns back trust, and digital is sharper than ever. The winners are those who embrace each medium’s strengths while staying innovative.”

    India’s ad world, it seems, is learning to juggle tradition with tech – and in 2025, every medium is fighting for its close-up.

  • Pickleball goes under the hammer as GSP sets stage for Season 2 auction

    Pickleball goes under the hammer as GSP sets stage for Season 2 auction

    MUMBAI: The paddles are ready, and so is the gavel. Global Sports Pickleball (GSP) is set to host India’s first-ever live pickleball auction on 7 September 2025 in Mumbai, marking a defining moment for the fast-rising racquet sport. Season 2 of the Pro & Challenger League will see ten franchises bidding for five players each across both categories, making it the biggest player pool ever assembled for an Indian pickleball auction. For fans at home and abroad, the action will stream live on GSP’s official Youtube channel, turning the auction itself into a spectator sport.

    This milestone comes as GSP continues to build a full-fledged ecosystem for pickleball. Over the past two years, the organisation has gone beyond tournaments developing courts, retailing gear, and running grassroots clinics in India and Dubai. Its league calendar already includes flagship events like the Indian Open and the Grand Slam, both designed to put Indian pickleball on the global sporting map.

    GSP chief architect of pickleball growth Hemal Jain explained: “From grassroots clinics to national academies, our vision has been to craft a robust foundation for pickleball in India. This auction for our 2nd season is more than a sporting event, it’s a pivotal step in our shared journey to place pickleball on the world stage.”

    Hindi filmmaker and GSP co-founder Shashank Khaitan added: “Pickleball is no longer the hidden star of the racquet sports world, it’s ready for its moment. With this auction and Season 2 of the League, we’re not just creating teams; we’re creating benchmarks. And a platform where dreams can come true.”

    With ten teams, two categories, and a first-of-its-kind live auction, Season 2 of the Pro & Challenger League promises to be a turning point one where India doesn’t just play pickleball but takes it mainstream.

  • Siraj bowls into Skechers squad with 23 wickets and new shoe deal

    Siraj bowls into Skechers squad with 23 wickets and new shoe deal

    MUMBAI: Mohammed Siraj isn’t just making batsmen dance now he’s stepping into Skechers too. The fiery Hyderabad-born pacer, fresh off a dream run in the India–England Test series, has been signed by the Comfort Technology Company as its newest cricketing ambassador. Siraj, who helped India square the five-match series 2–2 with 23 wickets including a decisive five-for in the final Oval Test will now lace up in Skechers’ performance-driven cricket shoes for Gujarat Titans and the national side. His new partnership sees him join fellow stars Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan, and Yastika Bhatia in the brand’s cricket roster.

    “For me, comfort and focus are everything when I’m on the field. Skechers gives me that confidence,” Siraj said, adding that the brand’s attention to detail mirrors the intensity he brings to every spell. Skechers CEO of South Asia Rahul Vira praised Siraj’s “relentless spirit and raw talent,” calling his Test heroics against England the perfect example of the brand’s ethos of resilience and performance.

    The Skechers Cricket line features the full-spike Elite with 11 metal spikes for maximum power, and the 7-spike Blade for agility gear tailored for bowlers who thrive on traction and control. With the cricket range available online and at select stores, fans can also catch behind-the-scenes content via @skechersperformanceindia.

    From topping the ICC ODI bowling charts in 2023 to scripting a dramatic comeback this summer, Siraj’s rise has been meteoric. And now, as he trades in one set of spikes for another, his journey from the gullies of Hyderabad to Skechers’ global stage is one that looks set to run on comfort, power, and plenty of pace.

  • Flash AI clicks with shoppers bringing smart buys to 100 plus countries

    Flash AI clicks with shoppers bringing smart buys to 100 plus countries

    MUMBAI: Shopping just got a supercharged upgrade. Flash.co has unveiled Flash AI, a first-of-its-kind AI Shopping Assistant designed to make buying easier, smarter and cheaper for over 1 billion ecommerce shoppers worldwide. Launched across 100 plus countries, the tool promises to cut through the online clutter and help users make faster, better-informed decisions.

    The Bengaluru-headquartered startup, founded by ex-Flipkart SVP Ranjith Boyanapalli and backed by Blume Ventures, Global Founders Capital and Peer Capital, introduces a clever twist simply add flash.co/ before any product URL, and Flash AI instantly generates an AI-enhanced product page. Shoppers are served an AI summary compiled from sources like Youtube, Reddit and expert blogs, while real-time price comparisons across multiple online stores ensure no one overpays.

    “With Flash AI, we aim to craft a commerce intelligence layer that helps shoppers make better, faster decisions,” said Flash.co founder & CEO Ranjith Boyanapalli. “Built on insights from over 2 billion anonymised data points, Flash AI will lead the global shift into AI-driven commerce, setting a new standard for the industry.”

    The launch comes at a time when global ecommerce is set to cross 7 trillion dollars, with 30 million plus stores and tens of billions of SKUs vying for attention. With 78 per cent of shoppers admitting to feeling overwhelmed by too many choices, Flash AI’s pitch is timely: clear, authentic insights and the best price in seconds.

    Beyond discovery and comparison, the platform also helps shoppers track orders, refunds, warranties and spending. Available via the Flash website, WhatsApp and mobile app, Flash AI is betting that when it comes to ecommerce, intelligence pays literally.

  • Mafatlal spins a new yarn with Vishesh Verma as comms head

    Mafatlal spins a new yarn with Vishesh Verma as comms head

    MUMBAI: Words are the new power suits, and Arvind Mafatlal Group has just found its tailor-in-chief. The century-old conglomerate, known for weaving enduring business legacies, has appointed Vishesh Verma as group head for corporate communications, effective immediately.

    Armed with more than 20 years of experience across media, marketing, and communications, Verma has stitched together award-winning campaigns for marquee brands. His career includes senior mandates at Viacom18 and Warner Media, where he led strategies that didn’t just look good on paper but translated into sharper brand presence and stronger consumer engagement.

    Now tasked with overseeing the Group’s communications across internal, external, and digital platforms, Verma’s mandate is clear: craft cohesive storytelling, reinforce stakeholder trust, and keep the Mafatlal brand humming across diverse markets. With a reputation for marrying creativity with data-driven precision, he’s expected to ensure that every Mafatlal message not only resonates but also delivers results proof that in today’s boardrooms, a strong narrative is as valuable as a strong balance sheet.

  • Zee hits a high note with 18.2 percent share and 855m viewers tuned in

    Zee hits a high note with 18.2 percent share and 855m viewers tuned in

    MUMBAI: Zee has struck gold on the small screen and the numbers prove it. The content powerhouse has hit a four-year high in the linear TV landscape, clocking an 18.2 per cent market share and reaching 855 million viewers across 99 per cent of Indian TV households. From metros to remote hamlets, the network has entrenched itself as a fixture in family living rooms.

    The broadcaster’s strategy of weaving culturally rooted storytelling with mass-appeal blockbusters has paid off handsomely. Eight of its channels now reign supreme in their genres from Zee TV’s 15 per cent share in Hindi GECs (its best in three years) to Zee Cinema’s chart-topping premiere of Pushpa 2, the biggest Hindi film debut of FY26. Lifestyle too had its moment, with Zee Zest continuing a three-year winning streak.

    Regional dominance has been equally emphatic. Zee Kannada scored an all-time high 44 per cent share thanks to new launches like Karna, while Zee Tamil surged with Ayali and evergreen favourites like Karthigai Deepam. Zee Telugu notched a staggering 18.1 TVR with Sankranthiki Vasthunam, the biggest Telugu TV premiere in two years. Zee Sarthak maintained its Odia GEC crown for five consecutive years, Zee Talkies led Marathi movies with a 54 per cent category share, and Zee Bangla reclaimed leadership in West Bengal.

    “Eight of our channels leading the pack shows the power of stories crafted with cultural depth but tuned to modern appetites,” said Zee chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur. Zee EVP of network research and planning Rituparna Dasgupta added: “Reaching 855 million people and 99 per cent TV households isn’t just scale, it’s trust. An 18.2 per cent network share cements Zee as a family member in Indian homes.”

    With 50 domestic channels across 11 languages and two new launches, Zee Power (Kannada) and Zee Bangla Sonar, the broadcaster continues to fine-tune its role as both entertainer and cultural mirror, one that India, clearly, can’t switch off.

  • Sportz Interactive scores Blair Richardson to lead UK and Europe drive

    Sportz Interactive scores Blair Richardson to lead UK and Europe drive

    MUMBAI : When it comes to winning fans, Sportz Interactive isn’t just playing the game, it’s rewriting the rulebook. The sports tech powerhouse has roped in Blair Richardson as director of business development to lead its charge across the UK and Europe, two of the world’s most competitive sporting markets. Based in London, Richardson will be the playmaker shaping SI’s next big innings in fan engagement and digital transformation.

    Richardson’s career spans over two decades of sports, entertainment, and tech innovation. He cut his teeth in business development before a six-year stint at Reuters as commercial director for sport & entertainment, where he drove global content partnerships with Rolex, Nike, Adidas, Puma, FIFA, Sky Sports, the Barclays Premier League, and Beats by Dre. From pioneering rights clearance strategies to expanding into North America and Asia, he built a reputation for fusing commercial acumen with creativity.

    His entrepreneurial streak saw him co-found Chatsuite, an AI chatbot platform that built fan engagement products for FC Barcelona, BBC, Eurosport, Xbox, WWF, and Getty Images. Later roles at Monterosa, Hex Digital, and Rehab Agency cemented his profile as a digital innovator, delivering campaigns for Nike, NBA, Google, ITV, Meta, Warner Bros, and Formula 1. Speaking on his move, Richardson said: “Sportz Interactive has already proven itself as a global leader in digital transformation for sports organisations, and I’m excited to bring my background in sports content, AI innovation, and fan engagement to this next chapter.”

    SI SVP for international leagues & federations Raghav Mehta added: “His unique blend of sports and entertainment expertise, combined with a proven track record of driving innovation through partnerships with some of the world’s biggest brands, makes him the perfect leader to guide our growth in Europe and the UK.”

    With a client roster already boasting the International Olympic Committee, NBA, UEFA, Disney, Google, and Formula 1, SI’s European expansion isn’t just about new turf, it’s about redefining how sport meets storytelling in a digital-first world.

  • Chhaava conquers TV with 39.2m viewers after Rs 800 crore box office run

    Chhaava conquers TV with 39.2m viewers after Rs 800 crore box office run

    MUMBAI: From storming cinemas to ruling living rooms, Chhaava has proved unstoppable. After notching up a staggering Rs 800 crore at the box office, Vicky Kaushal’s historical epic has broken fresh ground on television, with its World TV Premiere on Star Gold on 17 August pulling in a massive 39.2 million viewers across India the biggest non-franchise TV debut of 2025.

    Timed around Independence Day, the event was more than just a premiere, it was a cultural celebration. For the first time, Chhaava was simulcast in both Hindi and Marathi, bringing the saga of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to audiences in the language of its land. Star Gold doubled down on the spectacle with a special roundtable featuring Vicky Kaushal, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh and director Laxman Utekar, along with deleted scenes that gave fans extra reasons to cheer.

    The cast and creators couldn’t hide their excitement at the film’s record-breaking second act. “I’m overwhelmed by the love Chhaava continues to receive,” said Vicky Kaushal, calling it “truly special” that the story reached every home. Director Laxman Utekar hailed the response as proof that “audiences are eager for powerful, rooted stories,” while producer Dinesh Vijan credited the Maddock–Star Gold partnership for helping the epic connect with millions more.

    The emotional high was shared across the board. “This record-breaking premiere proves that hard work and a compelling story will always find its audience,” said Vineet Kumar Singh, while Divya Dutta called the film’s reception “a testament to the power of a good story.” With Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, and a stellar ensemble rounding out the cast, Chhaava has cemented its status as one of 2025’s defining blockbusters, a spectacle that’s as at home on TV screens as it was in theatres.

  • Neha Ahuja takes charge as director of growth for Japac at Spotify

    Neha Ahuja takes charge as director of growth for Japac at Spotify

    MUMBAI: Spotify has named Neha Ahuja director, growth for Japac, tasking her with boosting the music-streaming giant’s user base across Japan, Korea, Australia and Southeast Asia.

    Ahuja, a marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience across FMCG, telecom and media, has been with Spotify since 2019. She previously served as head of marketing for India, where she helped launch the service and guided it to market leadership within four years. She also played a key role in building local organisational capability and driving cultural relevance for the brand among India’s youth.

    Before Spotify, Ahuja held senior marketing roles at Vodafone and Procter & Gamble, spanning brand strategy, partnerships and consumer marketing. She also sits on the board of Women in Tech India, part of a global movement promoting diversity in Stem.

    In her new role, she will oversee strategy, marketing, product-market fit and payments, using data, experimentation and cultural insights to drive both free and premium growth.

    “Not every career move is upward—some are outward,” she said. “This one is about building across borders with fresh curiosity and intent.”