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  • Engines will roar as Indian Racing Festival 2025 revs up to flag off in Coimbatore

    Engines will roar as Indian Racing Festival 2025 revs up to flag off in Coimbatore

    COIMBATORE:  The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) – the country’s most ambitious motorsport showcase – tears off the starting grid this weekend at the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore, promising a heady mix of raw pace, engineering finesse and fierce competition. Across 16–17 August, fans will witness three of India’s top championships sharing one high-octane stage: the franchise-led Indian Racing League (IRL), the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC) and the FLGB4 class from the 28th JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship.

    The 2025 festival stretches over five race weekends across established circuits and select street tracks, pulling Indian motorsport closer to the global mainstream. It is as much a celebration of driving talent as it is of the deep bench of mechanics, engineers, data analysts and strategists who turn precision into performance.

    This year’s IRL grid – a six-franchise, mixed-gender format – was set through the league’s first-ever official drivers’ draft in Mumbai. The process delivered a potent mix: international veterans, rising Indian stars and female racers competing on equal terms. Teams such as Speed Demons Delhi, Hyderabad Black Birds and Chennai Turbo Riders will campaign Wolf Thunder GB08 prototypes powered by Aprilia RSV4 1.0-litre engines producing 201 HP, capable of touching 290 km/h.

    F4IC, the FIA-recognised feeder series, offers a rare chance for domestic drivers to earn FIA Super Licence points without leaving the country. Competitors will pilot the latest Mygale Formula 4 Generation 2 chassis fitted with Alpine engines prepared by Oreca – a platform designed to sharpen racecraft while meeting the highest global safety standards.

    Anchoring the grassroots end is FLGB4, India’s longest-running national racing category. Powered by 1300cc Suzuki Swift engines and now in its 28th year, it has been the proving ground for names like Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok and the Maini brothers. The 21-driver grid features multi-team rivalries, from Sarosh Hataria’s Team Ahura Racing to Armaan Ebrahim’s MSport.

    “Coimbatore has always been a key pillar of Indian motorsport – from grassroots karting to professional racing,” said Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd chairman and managing director Akhilesh Reddy. “The competitive bar is higher than ever, but what excites me most is the depth of the ecosystem – from race engineers to pit crews – ensuring racing that is fast, precise, safe and world-class.”

    The festival will be broadcast live on Star Sports Select 2 and JioHotstar, with Round 2 heading to the Madras international circuit from 22–24 August, followed by further rounds in October and November.

    With FIA points on the table, a mixed-gender franchise league and a national championship under one banner, IRF 2025 is not just starting its engines – it is accelerating India’s push into the global motorsport slipstream.

  • Triller powers Pro Panja League’s global muscle

    Triller powers Pro Panja League’s global muscle

    GWALIOR:  The Pro Panja League has clinched a heavyweight deal with Triller, the global sports streaming platform with more than 65 million users, to beam India’s premier arm-wrestling contest to audiences across the world.

    Co-founded by actor-director Parvinn Dabass and Preeti Jhangiani, the league is staging Season 2 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre for Disability Sports in Gwalior. Kiraak Hyderabad have seized an early lead, with Jaipur Veers, Mumbai Muscle, Rohtak Rowdies, MP Hathodas and Sher-E-Ludhiana in hot pursuit.

    Triller, best known for its combat sports coverage in boxing and MMA, is betting on the sport’s mix of brute force, technical skill and theatrical showdowns to hook global viewers. “This is just the beginning,” said Dabass, hailing the tie-up as a launchpad for arm-wrestling’s international breakthrough.

    The tournament’s commercial muscle is growing too. Nikon India, Red FM, Care Hospitals, Sharma Service Security Agency Gwalior, Sports India Show, Sports Room, Sony Sports Network, Doordarshan, Fancode, Swen, Mera Hoardings and SSEN are onboard as partners, while Royal Enfield Bullet rides in as mobility partner.

    With Triller’s reach and India’s top talent at the table, Pro Panja is aiming to lock grips with the world’s biggest sports spectacles.

  • iTV Network shuffles its pack with two chief executive appointments

    iTV Network shuffles its pack with two chief executive appointments

    NEW DELHI: India’s iTV Network has announced a significant management reshuffle that sees two of its executives elevated to chief executive roles, effective 13 August 13. The appointments signal the network’s determination to capitalise on India’s booming digital media market whilst reinforcing its traditional broadcasting strengths.

    Akshansh Yadav has been appointed chief executive of digital operations, taking charge of what the network describes as its “most dynamic digital properties.” Yadav, who brings over a decade of experience from heavyweight media organisations including ABP News, Zee News and the India Today group, will oversee an eclectic portfolio spanning NewsX, India News, The Daily Guardian, The Sunday Guardian and Inkhabar.

    His credentials extend beyond traditional media. A computer science engineering graduate from Rajasthan Technical University with an MBA from MICA and a machine learning qualification from Harvard University, Yadav has also cut his teeth in fintech and direct-to-consumer sectors at Canara HSBC Insurance, Insurance Dekho and CarDekho. This blend of media savvy and tech expertise positions him well for iTV’s digital ambitions.

    Meanwhile, Rishabh Gulati becomes chief executive of NewsX, NewsX World, NXT and—rather unexpectedly—the Indian Arena Polo League. A journalist with more than two decades in electronic media, Gulati has been instrumental in building NewsX’s credibility and will now oversee the network’s push into international markets through NewsX World, whilst nurturing NXT as what the company calls a “trendsetter focused on future affairs.”

    The polo league addition reflects iTV’s appetite for diversification beyond news into premium sports content—a strategy that mirrors other Indian media conglomerates seeking new revenue streams.

    “High-quality content is at the core of our work at iTV Network,” said iTV Foundation  chairperson Aishwarya Pandit Sharma. The restructuring, she explained, would enable “swifter decision-making and better cross-platform collaboration” whilst better equipping the network to tackle “the challenges of the rapidly changing media environment.”

    The appointments come at a pivotal moment for Indian media. Traditional broadcasters face mounting pressure from streaming platforms and digital-first news operations, whilst advertisers increasingly shift budgets towards digital channels. India’s digital advertising market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 20 per cent, making the battle for digital dominance increasingly fierce.

    For iTV Network, owned by entrepreneur Kartikeya Sharma, these leadership changes represent a bet that specialised management can unlock growth across its diverse properties. The network’s portfolio spans serious news through The Daily Guardian to entertainment-focused content, requiring different strategies and audience approaches.

    The challenge for both executives will be maintaining editorial credibility whilst driving commercial growth in an increasingly crowded and competitive market. With regional players expanding nationally and global platforms localising content, iTV’s success will depend on how effectively it can leverage its established brand whilst innovating for digital-native audiences.

  • Senior TV journalist Marya Shakil exits NDTV

    Senior TV journalist Marya Shakil exits NDTV

    MUMBAI: Senior news anchor and executive editor (National Affairs) Marya Shakil has bid adieu to NDTV. The network confirmed the development exclusively.

    Known for her powerful presentation, commanding voice, and distinctive anchoring style, Shakil had joined NDTV 24×7 in August 2023 as Executive Editor (National Affairs). At the time, the move was seen as a significant new chapter in her illustrious journalism career.

    Before her NDTV stint, Shakil spent nearly 18 years with CNN-News18, where she served as Senior Political Editor and Special Bureau Chief. Starting her career with the channel in 2005, she covered some of the country’s biggest political events from the frontlines and conducted exclusive interviews with several top political leaders.

    Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism. Her show NewsEpicentre has also bagged multiple honours . In 2016, she was awarded the Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship.

    Originally from Bihar, Shakil holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication from Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi.

  • Bigg Boss Malayalam 7 smashes records with highest-ever ratings

    Bigg Boss Malayalam 7 smashes records with highest-ever ratings

    MUMBAI: Bigg Boss Malayalam season 7, fronted by veteran actor Mohanlal, has stormed into the record books with its highest ratings yet. BARC data (15+U, week 31, HD+SD) shows the mega launch episode pulling in a blistering 15.3 TVR, while regular episodes clocked an impressive 11.4 TVR — the best performance in the franchise’s Malayalam run.

    Under its punchy new tagline Ezhinte Pani, the show has shaken up the Bigg Boss format with sharper gameplay, higher stakes and a more immersive viewer experience. 

    Contestants face brutal challenges, clever manoeuvres and emotionally charged showdowns — a cocktail that has viewers glued to their screens.

    Aired on Asianet at 9.30pm weekdays and 9.00pm weekends, the series is also streaming 24×7 on JioHotstar. Season 7, it seems, has the competition playing catch-up.

  • Wion marks Independence Day with global showcase of India’s spirit

    Wion marks Independence Day with global showcase of India’s spirit

    MUMBAI: International news channel Wion will mark India’s seventy ninth  Independence Day with a day-long line-up capturing the country’s past, present and global ambitions, broadcasting to audiences in 190 countries.

    Coverage begins at 7:00am with the Red Fort flag hoisting and prime minister’s address, followed at 10:30am by India’s Women-Powered Forces, profiling women officers and military wives whose service and resilience have strengthened the armed forces. At 11:30am, Tech at 79 charts the nation’s rise from independence to innovation powerhouse, covering Isro milestones, indigenous defence technology and Indian-origin tech leaders abroad.

    Climate Tracker at 12:30pm spotlights the International Solar Alliance and India’s renewable-energy leadership. Afternoon programming includes Best Speeches (1:30pm), revisiting prime ministerial Independence Day addresses from 2014 to 2024; Wion Wings (2:30pm), a tour of engineering marvels, wildlife reserves and museums; and E-Club – I-Day Special (3:30pm), exploring cinema’s role in shaping national consciousness. 

    The women-in-defence feature repeats at 4:30pm, while the #HarGharTiranga campaign airs in select bulletins.

    “Independence Day is a declaration of the future we are determined to build,” said Wion managing editor Rabin Sharma. “This line-up is our tribute to the living spirit of the nation — when courage fuels innovation and unity guides our path, India’s possibilities are limitless.”

    Wion says the programming underscores its mission to tell impactful stories with a global perspective, reflecting both the country’s diversity and its ambitions on the world stage.

  • ITC Sangeet Research Academy’s ‘Desh Ek Raag 2’ blends Hindustani classical and dance in Independence Day tribute

    ITC Sangeet Research Academy’s ‘Desh Ek Raag 2’ blends Hindustani classical and dance in Independence Day tribute

    MUMBAI: ITC Ltd, through the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITCSRA), has unveiled Desh Ek Raag 2—a sweeping musical salute to India’s cultural heritage ahead of the nation’s seventy ninth  Independence Day. Anchored in Raag Desh and enriched by elements of Vande Mataram, the performance combines Hindustani classical music with Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathak, performed by celebrated dance gurus and their disciples. 

    The project, directed musically by ITCSRA guru Abir Hossain, features leading names including Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, Pandit Partha Chatterjee, Vidushi Subhra Guha, Pandit Uday Bhawalkar and tabla maestro Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. Western instrumentation by the band Prithibi adds a contemporary texture. 

    “Desh Raag is the unifying thread weaving our country’s beauty, diversity and traditions,” said Chakrabarty. Hossain noted that this year’s edition brought together a new mix of scholars, faculty and veteran artistes to reflect both tradition and fresh creative energy. 

    The performance, recorded at ITCSRA’s Kolkata studio and filmed by Chandrasish Ray, is an expansion of 2024’s Desh Ek Raag, which drew over a million views. Chairman Sanjiv Puri called it “a tribute to our beloved nation” and a reminder of the academy’s role in preserving the Guru-Shishya parampara.  

    Founded in 1977, ITCSRA has trained generations of Hindustani classical musicians in the tradition of residential, immersive learning. With over 40 scholars in Kolkata and Pune, the academy blends cross-gharana exposure with rigorous discipline—ensuring the music and its values endure. 

  • Live Times launches Point Blank, Deepak Chaurasia’s no-holds-barred interview series

    Live Times launches Point Blank, Deepak Chaurasia’s no-holds-barred interview series

    MUMBAI: Live Times, India’s first global multicast news hub, has unveiled Point Blank, a hard-hitting interview series fronted by veteran journalist Deepak Chaurasia. The weekly programme promises unscripted, straight-to-the-point exchanges with newsmakers—dispensing with rehearsed answers and demanding clear, accountable responses.

    “In an era of predictable talking points, Point Blank is built to challenge every claim and cut through the noise,” said Live Times news director Deepak Chaurasia.  Founder Dilip Singh added that the show reflects the channel’s belief that “truth belongs to the people” and must be freed from spin and hidden agendas.

    Recent episodes have already delivered political candour. Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnudeo Sai outlined a tough new anti-conversion law, claiming it would preserve social harmony and declaring the “backbone of Naxalism” broken. Union minister Chirag Paswan spoke openly about his ‘Bihar First, Bihari First’ vision, admitting past missteps and offering a rare, personal glimpse beyond his public image.

    With its blend of fearless questioning, rigorous fact-checking and zero tolerance for evasion, Point Blank aims to be one of Live Times’ defining programmes. The channel says it will continue to hold the powerful to account and ensure public discourse is driven by facts, not rhetoric.

    Point Blank airs exclusively on Live Times across DD Free Dish (100), Tata Play (539), Airtel Digital TV (385), Dish TV (665), Sikka Cable (519) and Jio TV (3069), and streams via Tata Play Mobile, Airtel Xstream, Dish TV Watcho, DD Waves and www.livetimes.news.

  • Zee Media launches Pinewz, the citizen-led hyperlocal news app

    Zee Media launches Pinewz, the citizen-led hyperlocal news app

    MUMBAI: In a break from the top-down model of legacy newsrooms, Zee Media Corp has rolled out Pinewz, billed as India’s first hyperlocal, citizen-led news app. Timed with the seventy ninth Independence Day, the platform invites Indians to be both reporter and editor—capturing life as it happens in mohallas, markets, campuses and street corners.

    Rooted in the credo You are the reporter. You are the editor, Pinewz lets news flow from the ground up, not the other way round. Stories are geo-tagged to users’ Pin codes, offering highly localised feeds and a sharper barometer of public sentiment.

    To keep speed from killing accuracy, each report runs through an AI engine with blockchain-backed verification and editorial checks. “Pinewz is not just an app. It’s a movement that unites the digital citizen and the grassroots reporter,” said Pinewz chief business officer & director Priyadarshan Garg.

    The model, already tested in a pilot across several cities, has yielded stories on neglected infrastructure, civic hazards and emergencies—some triggering action before official response. Users can see their verified reports rise from neighbourhood news to state and national coverage.

    Zee Media says this is journalism “of the people, by the people, for the people” in the most literal sense. The only agenda: real issues, real voices, and real change.

  • Vodafone bets big on AI with veteran’s promotion to digital HR chief

    Vodafone bets big on AI with veteran’s promotion to digital HR chief

    LONDON: Vodafone has elevated Purwa Rathor to global senior human resources product manager for digital and artificial intelligence, promoting a 17-year company veteran as the telecoms giant accelerates its push into AI-powered workplace solutions.

    Rathor, who joined Vodafone in 2008, will spearhead the rollout of AI-driven HR technologies including Microsoft Copilot and experimental “agentic AI” assistants designed to handle everything from interview scheduling to maternity queries. The promotion marks Vodafone’s latest attempt to harness artificial intelligence for competitive advantage in an industry grappling with mounting cost pressures.

    Her track record suggests the appointment is more than corporate window-dressing. As global candidate experience manager, Rathor delivered a 50 per cent reduction in cost-per-hire and time-per-hire, while boosting application rates by 80 per cent across 28 countries. She also improved diversity hiring by 34 per cent and lifted candidate satisfaction scores by 58 points.

    The promotion comes as traditional telecoms operators face intensifying competition from digital-native rivals and pressure to slash operational costs. Vodafone’s bet on AI-powered HR automation reflects broader industry efforts to extract efficiency gains from back-office functions.

    Rathor’s career spans from financial services training roles at ICICI Prudential and India Infoline to nearly two decades architecting Vodafone’s talent acquisition systems. Her experience navigating complex regulatory environments—including negotiations with German and Spanish works councils—may prove crucial as AI deployment raises fresh concerns about worker surveillance and algorithmic bias.

    Whether Vodafone’s AI ambitions translate into sustainable cost savings or merely create new technological dependencies remains an open question. For now, the company appears willing to gamble on internal promotion over external expertise as it races to digitise its workforce operations.