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  • India News makes Dish-tinct move, returns to DD Free Dish on Channel 0073

    India News makes Dish-tinct move, returns to DD Free Dish on Channel 0073

    MUMBAI: Breaking news just found a new address Channel No. 0073. India News, Itv Network’s flagship Hindi news channel, is back on DD Free Dish, renewing its promise of fearless, fact-driven journalism for every Indian household, from metro hubs to remote hamlets. DD Free Dish, the country’s largest free DTH platform, already beams into 49 million homes making India News’ renewed slot a move of scale and substance. Securing one of only two vacant MPEG-2 slots in Prasar Bharati’s 90th e-auction, the channel has cemented its place in an increasingly crowded media landscape, giving advertisers a rare opportunity to tap into one of India’s widest free-to-air audiences.

    For India News, the return isn’t just about numbers, it’s about purpose. “Strengthening our nationwide reach through DD Free Dish allows us to take fearless, accurate journalism to millions more,” said India News managing editor for input Rakesh Singh. “In an era where reliable information is more important than ever, this expansion ensures citizens can make decisions based on facts.”

    Echoing the sentiment Itv Foundation chairperson Aishwarya Pandit Sharma added: “This renewed inclusion is a strategic step in our commitment to democratising access to quality journalism. It brings our content to every corner of the country while offering advertisers a trusted and credible platform.”

    Renowned for its investigative reporting, hard-hitting analysis, and no-nonsense coverage, India News has long stood out in the Hindi news space. With this move, it doubles down on its mission: to empower citizens with reliable, unbiased, high-impact journalism, one household at a time.
     

  • Madison logs into digital future with Vivek Das as chief digital officer

    Madison logs into digital future with Vivek Das as chief digital officer

    MUMBAI: When the digital world calls, Madison Media answers with a double click and its newest hire is set to hit refresh on the agency’s future. Madison Media, part of Madison World, has roped in Vivek Das as chief digital officer, a role in which he will report to Ajit Varghese, partner and group CEO, Madison Media and OOH. With more than 20 years of experience spanning entrepreneurship, integrated media, and digital transformation, Das is no stranger to reshaping how brands connect with audiences.

    Most recently, he was on the India leadership team at Essencemedia.com, where he helmed Google India and Southeast Asia WPP’s second-largest account globally. His résumé also features leadership stints at Mindshare and VML (formerly Wunderman), besides a CEO turn at Foxymoron. Beyond the boardroom, he mentors LGBTQIA+ professionals and startup founders, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and new-age entrepreneurship.

    Welcoming him aboard, Varghese noted, “Vivek joins us at a pivotal time… At Madison, we are building an AI-first planning framework and embedding digital-first thinking into everything we do. His rich experience makes him the perfect leader to accelerate this journey.”

    Das added his own perspective: “I am thrilled to join Madison at a time of great opportunity and change… In the era of platforms, LLMs, and Artificial Intelligence, I look forward to strengthening Madison’s leadership in new media and enhancing the value we bring to clients and the industry.”

    For Madison, this appointment isn’t just about filling a role, it’s about future-proofing its position in a market where AI, creativity, and consumer-first strategies are rewriting the playbook

  • Shemaroo rolls out first hindi movie channel ‘Shemaroo Josh’

    Shemaroo rolls out first hindi movie channel ‘Shemaroo Josh’

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, Josh! Bollywood buffs, get ready for a full-throttle film fest on your TV. Shemaroo Entertainment, the six-decade-old powerhouse of Indian entertainment, has launched Shemaroo Josh: its first dedicated Hindi movie channel.

    Formerly known as Chumbak TV, the channel has now morphed into a high-energy movie destination, promising back-to-back blockbusters across action, drama, romance, comedy and everything in between. Available on DD free dish, all major DTH platforms, and cable networks, Shemaroo Josh is set to beam the big screen straight into living rooms across India.

    The line-up is a cinephile’s dream: PK, Animal, Kantara, KGF, Bahubali, Waltair Veerayya, 12th Fail, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and many more, ensuring that every evening can feel like a Friday release.

    “Shemaroo has been an integral part of India’s cinematic journey,” said Shemaroo Entertainment, CEO, Hiren Gada. “With Shemaroo Josh, we bring renewed energy and a sharper focus on what excites the masses, strengthening our commitment to keep India entertained every single day.”

    Echoing this, Shemaroo entertainment, COO – broadcasting business, Sandeep Gupta added, “In a world of endless choices, the joy of watching a blockbuster with family on TV remains unmatched. Shemaroo Josh is our tribute to that timeless habit, turning every film into an event.”

    With a splashy line-up, massy storytelling, and a name that screams energy, Shemaroo Josh looks set to add serious power to India’s most loved TV genre. After all, in a nation where cinema is a religion, there’s always room for one more screen idol. This time, in the form of a channel.

  • RED FM & Bengaluru police helm road safety with Ganesha

    RED FM & Bengaluru police helm road safety with Ganesha

    MUMBAI: Lord Ganesha may have been blessed with a second head, but Bengaluru’s riders won’t be as lucky. That’s the message 93.5 Red FM and the Bengaluru Traffic Police hammered home this Ganesh Chaturthi with their cheeky yet sobering campaign, ‘Second chance nahi milega’.

    Running from 18–29 August, the initiative took a mythological twist on road safety, reminding riders that while Ganesha was revived after his beheading, mortals don’t get divine do-overs. The only shield between life and tragedy? A helmet.

    And Red FM made sure that message wasn’t just lip service. Rjs hit the city’s busiest junctions such as Indiranagar, Silk Board, MG Road, Rajajinagar, Koramangala, and more, alongside the traffic police, stopping bare-headed bikers in their tracks. Instead of just a fine or lecture, riders got a free, ISI-marked helmet and a much-needed reality check.

    The campaign went beyond the roads, too. On-air banter, live bytes, and social media snippets carried commuters’ stories and witty safety reminders to thousands more, weaving road sense into festive celebrations.

    “Through ‘Second Chance Nahi Milega’, we transformed festive celebration into civic action,” said Red FM, general manager – Karnataka, Suresh Ganesan. “By linking mythology with modern road safety, we gave people a reason they could never forget.”

    Bengaluru’s traffic police were just as upbeat. “A helmet is not for the fear of law, it is for your own safety,” stressed joint commissioner of police, traffic, Karthik Reddy. “We are happy Red FM took up this initiative and gave free helmets to riders.”

     

  • BGMS levels up with Rs 1.5 crore prize and biggest format shake-up yet

    BGMS levels up with Rs 1.5 crore prize and biggest format shake-up yet

    MUMBAI: Drop in, squad up, and watch the leaderboard go wild Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) is back with a bang. Nodwin Gaming’s flagship tournament, co-powered by Oneplus and Android, returns for Season 4 from 18 August to 14 September, with matches airing live daily on Star Sports Khel and JioStar between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. With a prize pool of Rs 1.5 crore and a bold new dual-tier structure, this year’s edition promises to be the most inclusive yet.

    For the first time, viewers will get a multi-cam broadcast, one main stream, a dedicated map cam, plus four top-team cams that spotlight key players. From next week, player cams will zoom in on rising stars, giving fans an intimate look at gameplay. On the competition front, 24 pro teams will slug it out in the BGMS Masters Series, while another 24 squads including four all-women line-ups battle in the Challenger Series. The top four Challenger squads will advance to the playoffs, joining the lower-ranked Masters teams in a fight to secure one of 16 coveted semifinal slots.

    “BGMS has always been more than a tournament; it’s a cultural phenomenon… From grassroots to greatness, from campus halls to national TV. This is BGMS like you’ve never seen before,” said Nodwin Gaming co-founder & MD, Akshat Rathee welcoming partners OnePlus, Android, TVS and Bisleri onboard.  

    Adding to the thrill are returning mechanics like the Powerplay (double finish points in the first zone), Impact Player (weekend finish points doubled for one chosen star), and the Bounty System (10 bonus points for eliminating the daily target team from 21 August to 7 September). These features, paired with back-to-back LAN events running from noon to 8:00 PM, ensure fans get wall-to-wall action both on ground and on screen.

    “BGMS continues to break new ground in Indian esports, and we at JioStar are proud to bring this cultural movement to screens across the country,” added JioStar head of audience engagement and viewership and monetization initiatives Siddharth Sharma. “The expanded format, diverse participation and high-quality gameplay are exactly the kind of dynamic, youth-driven content we aim to champion.”  

    Season 3 of BGMS pulled in 145.5 million views across platforms, making it India’s most-watched esports tournament. With Season 4 airing on both television and JioStar for the first time, and inclusivity at its heart, BGMS is no longer just an esports league, it’s a cultural festival where campus hopefuls, pro gamers, and even all-women squads share the same battleground.

  • TPL serves up Season 7 in Ahmedabad with global stars and local passion

    TPL serves up Season 7 in Ahmedabad with global stars and local passion

    MUMBAI: Game, set, Ahmedabad, India’s only professional tennis league is ready to smash new ground. The Tennis Premier League (TPL), under the aegis of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), will stage its 7th season from 9–14 December at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium, marking its first-ever move outside Maharashtra.

    In hitting this milestone, TPL becomes only the fourth Indian sporting league to enter a 7th season, joining the ranks of IPL, Pro Kabaddi, and ISL. The eight-franchise tournament has heavyweight backers, from Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, and Mahesh Bhupathi to Rakul Preet Singh and Sonali Bendre. On court, fans can expect fireworks as international players ranked between 30 and 50 in the ATP rub shoulders with India’s finest, including two-time Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna.

    What sets TPL apart is its trademark 25-point format quick, high-octane matches designed to keep crowds hooked. Over 400 tournaments across 20 plus cities in a single year and its Race to Gold Scholarships have made TPL a genuine grassroots-to-glory pipeline. Gujarat has already felt its impact, with age-group tournaments and scholarships energising the local tennis scene.

    “This will be a real shot in the arm for tennis in Gujarat,” said Gujarat state Tennis Association secretary Shrimal Bhatt highlighting the historic arrival of top-ranked ATP stars. For co-founders Kunal Thakkur and Mrunal Jain, the shift to Ahmedabad is about scale and spirit bringing world-class tennis to a city fast emerging as a sporting capital.

    With 250 plus matches played across seasons, international stars, and the promise of electrifying rallies, Season 7 is primed to be TPL’s most exciting chapter yet. Ahmedabad, brace yourself, tennis fever is about to hit full throttle.

  • Love at first sight unseen in Zee5 rom-com Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan

    Love at first sight unseen in Zee5 rom-com Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan

    MUMBAI: Who says love needs eyes to see? Sometimes, it only takes a train ride, a song, and a spark to light up a story. That’s the heart of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, a tender rom-com inspired by Ruskin Bond’s The Eyes Have It, premiering on Zee5 on 5th September.

    Produced by Mini Films and directed by Santosh Singh, the film follows Jahaan (Vikrant Massey), a blind musician with a gift for melody, and Saba (Shanaya Kapoor, in her debut), an aspiring actress with fire in her heart. Their chance meeting on a train sets off a connection not bound by sight but built on shared dreams, witty banter, and moments that toe the line between humour and heartache. Adding depth to the journey is Zain Khan Durrani in a supporting role.

    The soundtrack, composed by Vishal Mishra and featuring vocals by Jubin Nautiyal, Asees Kaur, and Mishra himself, adds another emotional layer to this story of love beyond appearances. Zee5’s Kaveri Das calls it a “refreshingly unconventional rom-com that speaks to both heart and humour.”

    For Massey, playing Jahaan was “an enriching experience that revealed strength in vulnerability,” while Shanaya Kapoor describes her role as “the perfect story to begin my journey with.” Their chemistry promises both light-hearted fun and stirring emotion.

    With its playful warmth and soulful undercurrents, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan invites audiences to “dil se dekho” see with the heart. On 5th September, when it streams exclusively on Zee5, viewers might just find themselves falling for a love story that proves sometimes the most powerful connections are the ones you don’t see coming.

  • TukTuki takes a vertical leap with micro-drama app for India

    TukTuki takes a vertical leap with micro-drama app for India

    MUMBAI: Move over reels, there’s a new drama queen in town and she goes by the name TukTuki. Officially launched today, TukTuki is one of India’s first vertical-only micro-drama apps, serving up tightly packed 1–3 minute episodes that together build into an hour-long film. Designed for mobile-first audiences, it’s storytelling reimagined for shrinking attention spans.

    With India’s short-form video boom showing no signs of slowing, TukTuki taps directly into the trend by blending bite-sized consumption with big-hearted tales. Each show is crafted for vertical viewing, making dramas as scrollable as memes but with the emotional punch of traditional storytelling. Founder Anshita Kulshrestha summed it up best: “TukTuki is a celebration of India’s cultural diversity and storytelling spirit.”

    At launch, the app debuts original dramas in Hindi, with rollouts planned in Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati and more languages. The focus is hyperlocal, family-friendly, and refreshingly clean, a deliberate counter to cluttered feeds. Future updates promise new genres from sports to mythology. Crucially, TukTuki lowers entry barriers for smaller towns by allowing streaming without mandatory logins, making drama accessible even for first-time app users.

    With micro-dramas stitched into snackable episodes, TukTuki might just turn the mundane metro ride or chai break into a cinematic binge. It’s a pocket-sized stage, but the ambition is all heart.

    Would you like me to also craft an alternate headline with a wordplay on “bite-sized drama”, to lean more on the snackable-entertainment angle?

  • Lauritz Knudsen flips the switch with cricket stars for nonstop India

    Lauritz Knudsen flips the switch with cricket stars for nonstop India

    MUMBAI: When the lights stay on and the game never stops, you know someone’s powering the innings behind the scenes. Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation, a leader in India’s electrical and automation space, has rolled out its latest campaign Powering a Non-Stop India with the star power of Mumbai Indians’ trio, captain Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.

    As the Principal Partner of Mumbai Indians, the brand isn’t just about logo placement on jerseys. The campaign spotlights how Lauritz Knudsen keeps India moving from hospitals running 24/7 and factories working round the clock, to homes that never miss a beat. The film runs seamlessly through these everyday scenarios, reflecting the company’s promise of reliability and resilience.

    Backed by creative muscle from Saatchi & Saatchi India, the campaign goes beyond advertising bravado. “Empowering bold and future-ready operations is at the heart of what we do,” said Schneider Electric vice president of marketing for Greater India Rajat Abbi emphasising Lauritz Knudsen’s role in driving a relentless India forward. Saatchi’s Chief Creative Officer Rohit Malkani added, “When you have three cricketing giants and a brand that never stops, the film itself had to move nonstop.”

    With India’s love for cricket as its amplifier and a message rooted in everyday resilience, the campaign blends entertainment with utility. Live across multiple platforms, it plugs Lauritz Knudsen’s story straight into households, reminding viewers that while the stars may play on the field, it’s reliable power that keeps the country’s innings going.

    Would you like me to also suggest a crisper alternate headline option without the cricket pun, in case you want to emphasise the “non-stop India” theme more strongly?

  • Tax Benefits of ULIP Plans vs. Term Life Insurance: 2025 Update

    Tax Benefits of ULIP Plans vs. Term Life Insurance: 2025 Update

    In India, the world of finance is always changing, especially when you look at life insurance and ways to save on taxes. ULIP plans and term life insurance are popular for those wanting to protect their family and get the most out of tax breaks. If you’re planning to in invest in 2025, it’s good to know the tax differences between these options.

    What are ULIP plans

    ULIP stands for Unit Linked Insurance Plan. These plans mix investment and insurance together. A portion of what you pay goes to life insurance, and what’s left is invested in stocks, bonds, or a mix of both. How well those investments do decides how much your ULIP is worth later on. That’s why ULIPs can be a good pick if you want both insurance and a chance to earn some money from the market.

    What is term life insurance

    Term life insurance is a simple kind of insurance. It gives you risk protection for a set time. If you pass away during this time, your beneficiary gets a payment. It doesn’t have any investment or maturity payouts. People like it because it gives you a lot of coverage for a low price.

    Key tax benefits of ULIP plans and term life insurance

    Tax deductions under Section 80C

    Both ULIP plans and term life insurance premiums qualify for deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. You can claim a maximum deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per financial year.

    ULIP plans: Premiums paid for self, spouse, or children are eligible.  
    Term life insurance: Premiums paid for self, spouse, or children also qualify.

    The premium should not exceed 10% of the sum assured, else the deduction will be restricted. This rule is applicable for policies purchased after 1 April 2012.

    Maturity and death benefits under Section 10(10D)

    Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act offers exemptions on maturity proceeds for both ULIP plans and term life insurance, under specific conditions.

    For ULIPs: The maturity benefit, including bonus and top-up premiums, is exempt from tax if the premium amount does not exceed 10% of the actual sum assured. For policies issued after 1 February 2021, if the aggregate premium paid in any year for ULIP policies exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh, the maturity proceeds will be taxable as capital gains.

    For term life insurance: Since these policies do not have any maturity benefit, the provision is relevant for the death benefit, which is always tax-free for the nominee.

    Death benefit exemptions

    In both products, the death benefit paid to the nominee is fully exempt from tax in the hands of the recipient, regardless of the premium amount paid.

    Taxation of surrender value

    ULIPs: If surrendered before completing five years, the surrender value is taxable as per your income tax slab. After five years, surrender value and gains are tax-free unless the annual premium exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh for policies issued after 1 February 2021.

    Term life insurance: As there is no surrender or maturity value, this aspect is not applicable.

    Recent changes and 2025 updates

    High value ULIPs and taxability

    The Union Budget, 2021 introduced a rule that greatly impacts ULIP plans. If the annual premium paid on ULIP policies issued on or after 1 February 2021 exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh, the maturity amount will no longer remain entirely tax-free. Gains above this limit are taxed as capital gains under Section 112A, which currently stands at 10% without indexation benefits for amounts over Rs. 1 lakh. In 2025, this rule remains unchanged. It is crucial for high net-worth individuals to evaluate the implications before purchasing multiple ULIP policies to maximise tax-free returns.

    2025 updates for Section 80C

    Section 80C is still the main way to get tax deductions on premiums you pay for ULIP plans and term life insurance. But, the total limit for each person is still Rs. 1.5 lakh. This includes all the investments that qualify, not just insurance premiums. New options like the National Pension System give you extra chances to save on taxes under Section 80CCD(1B).

    Comparing tax benefits of ULIP plans and term life insurance

    ULIP plans and term life insurance both provide tax benefits, but the nature and scope of these benefits vary. While both allow deductions under Section 80C, ULIPs offer additional advantages like tax-free maturity under certain conditions. However, ULIPs also involve complexities such as potential capital gains tax and taxable surrender value if exited early. The table below summarises the key differences:

    Practical examples for Indian policyholders

    Let us consider two investors, Rahul and Priya.

    Rahul buys a term life insurance policy with a sum assured of Rs. 1 crore and pays a premium of Rs. 12,000 per year. He claims this amount under Section 80C, and his nominee will receive a Rs. 1 crore death benefit, completely tax-free under Section 10(10D).

    Priya invests Rs. 2 lakh annually in a ULIP plan. She claims the premium under Section 80C. Upon maturity, since the aggregate annual premium does not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh, her maturity proceeds will be tax-exempt under Section 10(10D).

    If Priya’s annual premium was Rs. 3 lakh, only the death benefit component would be tax-free. The maturity proceeds would be taxable as capital gains.

    Important considerations for choosing between ULIP plans and term life insurance

    Assess your financial goals

    ULIP plans suit those seeking long-term wealth creation with life cover. The market-linked nature presents both opportunity for growth and exposure to risk. Term life insurance remains best for those wanting to protect their family with a large sum assured and low cost.

    Evaluate premium limits

    To maintain tax exemption on maturity, ULIP investors should restrict annual premiums to Rs. 2.5 lakh across all policies purchased post-February 2021. Term life insurance premiums tend to be much lower for high coverage.

    Investment flexibility

    ULIP plans offer switching benefits between funds, catering to investors with changing risk profiles. This flexibility is not available with term life insurance.

    Conclusion

    For Indian investors in 2025, both ULIP plans and term life insurance are still key parts of a tax-smart financial plan. Term life insurance is simple, cheap, and covers a lot of risk, so it’s great if you just want protection. ULIP plans give you both life cover and a chance to grow your money with the market, plus good tax breaks if you follow the premium rules. Recent tax changes mean it’s really important to pick the right kind of policy and premium amounts.

    If you understand the tax perks, rules around Sections 80C and 10(10D), and how high-value ULIPs are taxed now, you can invest wisely. Always think about what insurance you need and how much you can save on taxes, and make sure your family’s financial safety comes first, not just quick gains. If you’re not sure what works best for you, talk to a financial advisor.