ITV

Blog

  • Way2news ropes in Telugu media veterans to lead AP, Telangana sales

    Way2news ropes in Telugu media veterans to lead AP, Telangana sales

    MUMBAI: From press powerhouses to digital disruptors Telugu media veterans take the hyperlocal highway. In a strategic move to cement its dominance in the Telugu-speaking heartland, Way2news, India’s leading vernacular hyperlocal news platform has appointed three seasoned professionals to lead business operations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Collectively bringing over 90 years of experience from marquee media brands like Eenadu, Sakshi Media, Andhra Jyothi, and Vartha, the new sales leaders will spearhead advertising growth, strengthen client relationships, and scale regional revenues.

    Meet the new power trio:

    . Bhatlapenumarthy Ranganath, with 37 years of experience, most recently served as deputy general manager at Sakshi Media. He joins Way2news as head of sales for Key and Enterprise Accounts in Andhra Pradesh, where he will focus on large-scale revenue partnerships.

    . Ajjarapu Bhanu Venkatesh, a 30-year veteran of Eenadu, now takes charge as head of sales for the Urban SMB Market in Hyderabad. His deep understanding of urban media behaviour and administration makes him ideal for driving advertiser value in the state capital.

    .  Adapa Venkateswara Rao, who spent 32 years with Eenadu, assumes the role of head of sales for Andhra Pradesh’s SMB Market. Known for his expertise in promotional and government advertising, Rao brings unmatched regional know-how.

    The appointments come as Way2news continues to expand across the South, delivering real-time news coverage across 1,292 mandals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The platform’s mobile-first model and scalable ad tech make it a compelling proposition for advertisers aiming to reach deep into vernacular markets.

    “These appointments mark a big leap in our ambition to lead the regional digital news economy,” said Way2news founder & CEO Raju Vanapala. “The collective experience of these leaders will deepen our advertiser relationships and accelerate monetisation across our strongest markets.”

    Ranganath noted the shift towards digital-first strategies among enterprise clients: “Way2news combines editorial credibility with innovation. I look forward to driving impactful campaigns tailored to Andhra Pradesh’s fast-evolving market.”

    Venkatesh added, “The rise of hyperlocal vernacular consumption has transformed urban marketing. Our goal will be to harness Way2news’ scale and mobile reach to help SMB advertisers thrive.”

    Rao echoed the sentiment, “Advertisers today want more than eyeballs, they want relevance and reach. Way2news delivers both, and I’m thrilled to lead the sales charge for SMBs in Andhra Pradesh.”

    With a growing user base and renewed leadership, Way2news is not just reporting local stories, it’s rewriting the playbook for digital news monetisation in regional India.
     

  • Costa Coffee promotes Ekta Upadhyay

    Costa Coffee promotes Ekta Upadhyay

    MUMBAI: Ekta Upadhyay has been promoted to assistant general manager and head of marketing at Devyani International, where she will oversee Costa Coffee, the company’s airports business, and New York Fries operations. The appointment marks an expansion of her remit beyond the 300-plus Costa Coffee stores she previously managed.

    Upadhyay, who has spent over 14 years in brand marketing across sectors including fast-moving consumer goods, automobiles and e-commerce, will now focus on scaling the airports vertical and growing the New York Fries quick-service restaurant brand. Her promotion comes as Devyani International, one of India’s largest restaurant operators, seeks to diversify its portfolio beyond its core pizza and coffee offerings.

    Before joining Costa Coffee in 2023,  Upadhyay held senior marketing positions at Apollo Tyres, where she managed communications across the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions, and at fashion e-tailer Koovs.com, where she led brand strategy for the London Stock Exchange-listed company.

    Her career began at media agencies VivaKi and Mindshare, where she handled major accounts including PepsiCo and Yum Restaurants, developing expertise in traditional and digital media buying.

    The appointment signals Devyani International’s ambition to strengthen its marketing capabilities as it expands beyond its traditional restaurant formats into higher-margin airport locations and new quick-service concepts.

  • Techugo and Handloom Mark launch digital campaign

    Techugo and Handloom Mark launch digital campaign

    MUMBAI: In celebration of the 11th National Handloom Day, Techugo, collaborated with the Textile Committee of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to introduce a digital-first campaign that puts India’s handloom legacy in the limelight. The drive, aimed at promoting the theme “Asli Pehchaan, Handloom Mark,” is all about advocating the Handloom Mark to be recognized as the authentic sign of credibility of Indian handloom products, a mark that represents quality, tradition, and trust.

    With the vision to create mass awareness on the value of purchasing authentic handlooms, Techugo developed and created three short web films that emotionally resonate with audiences across various age groups. The films demonstrate the ways in which handloom products, when authenticated by the Handloom Mark, are not only clothes but also cultural heritage passed down through generations.

    The first ad film, “Trending Bhi, Real Bhi,” is a snapshot of a moment between two young friends, one looking at the other’s trendy kurta only to discover it is not only trendy but also real handloom, certified by the Handloom Mark. The second tale, “Maa Ki Nazar,” is a mother-daughter moment when a mother cares so much to make sure her daughter’s first saree experience is nothing less than flawless, courtesy of the Handloom Mark’s trust. The third, “Purane Zamane Ki Baat,” depicts an aged couple recalling the originality of old days, as they experience the same feeling in a collection of handloom pillow covers that are genuine, original, and stamped with trust.

    Techugo senior marketing manager. Arushi Kukreja said, “This campaign is more than a celebration of Indian textiles, as it is a salute to the hands that weave our heritage. The Handloom Mark stands as a badge of honour for artisans and a symbol of trust for consumers. Through this digital initiative, we aimed to create not just visibility but a deep emotional connection across generations. We are truly thrilled to have played a vital role in bringing this vision to life and supporting the Textile Committee’s remarkable initiative to preserve and promote India’s rich handloom legacy.

    Through targeting the campaign for young adults, middle-aged homemakers, and the elderly, the message is very clear, as authentic handloom has a place in the lives of every generation. From kurtas and sarees to pillow covers, each product bearing the Handloom Mark signifies a tradition of craftsmanship and cultural pride. The campaign is streamed on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with a reach of over one million digital impressions.

    For Techugo, this project is the strength of purpose-led storytelling combined with digital innovation. Though upcoming collaborations with the Textile Committee are being discussed, this campaign is an important step in protecting and spreading the pride of Indian handloom through technology.

    Embed:

  • Airtel Q1 profit jumps to Rs 5,948 crore, adds 1.5 crore new users

    Airtel Q1 profit jumps to Rs 5,948 crore, adds 1.5 crore new users

    MUMBAI: Talk about a strong connection Bharti Airtel has come in loud and clear this quarter. The telco rang in a consolidated net profit of Rs 5,948 crore for Q1 FY26, marking a solid 104 per cent year-on-year jump from Rs 2,925 crore in Q1 FY25. The growth came on the back of higher subscriber additions, a healthy operating margin, and steady performance across its India and Africa businesses.

    Revenue from operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, stood at Rs 49,463 crore, rising 28.5 per cent year-on-year and 3.3 per cent sequentially. Consolidated EBITDA came in at Rs 28,167 crore, up 41.2 per cent YoY, with the EBITDA margin remaining strong at 56.9 per cent.

    Calling all metrics here’s the lowdown:

    . EBIT stood at Rs 15,621 crore, a 67 per cent YoY rise, with margins improving to 31.6 per cent.

    . Profit before tax increased 98.6 per cent YoY to Rs 10,504 crore.

    . India mobile services revenue clocked in at Rs 27,396 crore in Q1 FY26 versus Rs 22,527 crore last year.

    . Africa mobile services brought in Rs 12,083 crore, up from Rs 9,637 crore YoY.

    . Homes services (broadband) contributed Rs 1,718 crore, and

    .  Digital TV services fetched Rs 762 crore.

     . Airtel Business, its B2B arm, generated Rs 5,057 crore.

    Subscriber base rings in growth:
    The company added 1.5 crore customers during the quarter, taking its total global base to 60.5 crore subscribers, a 6.7 per cent YoY increase. Of these, India accounted for 43.6 crore users, up 6.6 per cent, and Africa stood at 16.9 crore, growing 9 per cent.

    Margins and metrics dial up too:

    . Operating margin: 31.1 per cent (vs 23.8 per cent YoY)

    .  Net profit margin: 15.0 per cent (vs 12.3 per cent YoY)

    . Debt-to-equity: Improved to 0.80 (from 1.21 YoY)

    .  Interest coverage ratio: Rose to 6.35x (from 4.74x)

    . Basic earnings per share: Rs 10.26 (vs Rs 7.21 YoY)

    . Net worth: Rs 11,79,009 million

    Segment-wise, Passive Infrastructure Services revenue surged to Rs 8,091 crore, reflecting growth from its Indus Towers investment, while Airtel Business remained resilient despite a slight sequential dip.

    Standalone net profit was Rs 3,765 crore in Q1, with revenue at Rs 29,249 crore. The company maintained a healthy standalone EBITDA of Rs 17,177 crore and net profit margins of 12.9 per cent.

    Airtel has not only tightened its financial grip but also expanded its user base proving it’s not just chasing signals, but setting benchmarks.
     

  • Seeking legal guidance: sources and solutions you can count on

    Seeking legal guidance: sources and solutions you can count on

    There are many life situations where you might have to seek legal guidance. Divorce, prenuptial agreements, estate planning, business formation, contract disputes, personal injuries, and criminal charges are just some of the instances where obtaining appropriate legal advice is necessary or even mandatory.  

    However, if you’ve never found yourself in any of these situations, you might not know where to turn to for help. Should you go straight to a lawyer or do legal research on your own? The type and level of assistance you require largely depends on the nature of the issue you’re experiencing and the degree of legal literacy you possess. For example, if you’re facing criminal charges or you’re involved in a complicated lawsuit, hiring an attorney to advise and represent you in court is the smartest thing to do. But if you’re merely seeking general information or you’re dealing with a simple legal procedure, then you might not need legal representation, and a quick search online can provide you with all the info you require.

    Whatever the case might be, it’s good to know your options, so if you’ve ever met with a situation that has legal implications and you’re not sure what to do about it, you’ll know where to look for support. So, let’s have a look at the possibilities. Some of them are free or low-cost, while for others you’ll have to pay quite a hefty sum, with fees varying from case to case.

    Citizens Advice

    If you want to benefit from free legal advice on a wide variety of issues, Citizens Advice is a good place to start. This is an independent network of charities dedicated to providing free and confidential legal advice to those who need it. The purpose of the organisation is to equip everyone with knowledge of their legal rights and responsibilities, so they can navigate the legal landscape more easily and confidently.

    If you have questions regarding benefits, financial management, consumer rights, work-related issues, housing, or family matters, Citizens Advice can answer your queries and offer the support you require. The service is available in over 3,400 community locations, so you can go to one of their branches and talk to an advisor in person. However, if you can’t travel, they also provide advice online or over the phone.

    Law centres

    Similar to Citizens Advice, law centres are charities where solicitors and other legal professionals provide free advice and even representation in certain cases. Their services are mostly aimed at helping individuals or groups with limited financial means or who are vulnerable and socially disadvantaged.

    Law centres specialise in various legal matters, such as housing, employment, welfare benefits, immigration and asylum, discrimination, family law, debt, community care, education, and mental health. Through their work, law centres aim to make access to legal advice and justice available to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation.

    Solicitors

    Solicitors are obviously the best people to go to for legal advice, given their specialised knowledge and expertise in different areas of the law. Therefore, if you’re planning to go to a solicitor for guidance and assistance, you first need to determine under which category of the law your issue falls and then search for a professional with the necessary specialisation.

    People are often reluctant to work with a solicitor because their fees can be quite restrictive. If you worry you won’t be able to cover these fees, look for solicitors that work on a no win no fee basis, so you can benefit from assistance free of charge. These types of services are available in most countries. In the UK, for example, legal professionals at https://www.legalexpert.co.uk/ can provide free legal advice on claiming compensation for damages caused by road traffic accidents, work accidents, data breaches, medical negligence, and other such issues.  

    Legal aid

    Legal aid is a government-funded program administered by the Legal Aid Agency in England and Wales that helps people who cannot afford to pay for legal advice, representation in court or tribunal, or family mediation to cover the costs for these services.

    To get legal aid, individuals generally have to show that their financial situation doesn’t allow them to cover the costs for legal advice and that their case falls within the scope of legally aided services. In some situations, applicants may also have to demonstrate that their case has a good probability of success. Legal aid is usually available for certain types of cases, such as criminal cases, family law matters (including domestic violence and child protection), immigration cases, and some welfare benefit appeals.

    Online resources

    The online space has made access to legal advice and resources easier than ever before. There are plenty of websites that provide accurate and reliable information on all sorts of topics and can put you in contact with legal aid providers. Many of these sites also allow individuals to ask legal questions online.

    However, you need to be careful which sites you get your information from. Not all online sources are created equal, and some may provide inaccurate, outdated, or even misleading information, which can confuse you and even cause you to make the wrong decisions.  To make sure you’re not ill-advised, you should prioritise official government websites, reputable legal organisations, and those maintained by established law firms.Be wary of sites that promise quick legal solutions for a fee, especially if they don’t offer clear information about their sources or qualifications.

    Pro bono services

    Pro bono legal services are provided free of charge to individuals or organisations that lack the financial means to pay for them. This involves lawyers or law firms offering their expertise to help those in need, such as low-income individuals, non-profits, or those involved in public interest cases.

    Usually, lawyers or law firms engage in pro bono work voluntarily, though some jurisdictions may encourage or require a certain amount of pro bono service annually. You can find pro bono lawyers through law clinics or by contacting organisations directly.    
     

  • Britannia posts Rs 520 crore profit in Q1 on higher revenue and margins

    Britannia posts Rs 520 crore profit in Q1 on higher revenue and margins

    MUMBAI: Biscuit boss Britannia sinks its teeth into a strong Q1, notching up a crisp Rs 520 crore in net profit, driven by higher volumes, improved margins, and a well-baked portfolio mix. Britannia Industries Limited reported a sweet start to FY26, with consolidated net profit rising to Rs 520.13 crore in the quarter ended 30 June 2025. That’s up from Rs 504.88 crore in the same quarter last year. Total consolidated revenue from operations for Q1 stood at Rs 4,622.22 crore, a healthy increase from Rs 4,250.29 crore a year ago.

    The biscuit major’s consolidated total income rose to Rs 4,679.23 crore, aided by other income of Rs 57.01 crore. Britannia’s operational costs climbed too, but were kept under check with total expenses at Rs 3,973.36 crore, up from Rs 3,599.51 crore in Q1 FY25.

    Among the key expense heads, raw material costs stood at Rs 2,550.87 crore, while employee benefits rose to Rs 241.86 crore (up from Rs 201.95 crore YoY), and other expenses totalled Rs 864.21 crore.

    Profit before tax for the quarter came in at Rs 701.02 crore, with tax expenses pegged at Rs 180.89 crore, leading to the final net profit figure of Rs 520.13 crore. The company’s earnings per share (basic and diluted) stood at Rs 21.62, compared to Rs 20.99 in the same quarter last year.

    On the standalone front, Britannia clocked revenue from operations of Rs 4,452.74 crore, up from Rs 4,094.44 crore in Q1 FY25. Standalone profit before tax came in at Rs 674.20 crore, while net profit stood at Rs 498.27 crore compared to Rs 502.08 crore last year. Standalone EPS (basic and diluted) stood at Rs 20.69.

    The biscuit bellwether also reported total comprehensive income of Rs 521.10 crore (consolidated) and Rs 498.27 crore (standalone) for the quarter. The company’s paid-up equity share capital remained unchanged at Rs 24.09 crore.

    Britannia, which has been navigating a volatile input cost environment, has leaned on price optimisation and product mix to drive growth. With Q1 numbers setting the tone, it appears the brand is baking more than just biscuits, it’s cooking up consistent profitability.

    Summary of Key Financials (Consolidated Q1 FY26):

    ●  Revenue from operations: Rs 4,622.22 crore

    ●  Total income: Rs 4,679.23 crore

    ●  Profit before tax: Rs 701.02 crore

    ●  Net profit: Rs 520.13 crore

    ●  EPS (Basic & Diluted): Rs 21.62

    ●  Total comprehensive income: Rs 521.10 crore

    The earnings confirm that Britannia is staying crunchy even in a competitive and inflation-prone FMCG market.

  • Kanpur Warriors joins Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League as newest franchise

    Kanpur Warriors joins Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League as newest franchise

    MUMBAI – Building on the resounding success of the debut season, Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), SJ Uplift Kabaddi has announced the induction of a new franchise, Kanpur Warriors, for UPKL Season 2. The team owned and operated by BA Sports Club LLP, and led by entrepreneur Bhumika Vora, marks a major push to bring kabaddi into the cultural spotlight of one of Uttar Pradesh’s most passionate cities.

    Conceptualized, owned, and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi, UPKL continues to expand into kabaddi-strong belts across the state. With Kanpur’s long-standing kabaddi heritage, vibrant youth circuits, and growing appetite for competitive sport, Kanpur Warriors’ addition marks a strategic milestone in the league’s mission to deepen inclusivity and unearth local heroes.

    Talking about the announcement, Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi, said, “UPKL was always envisioned as a launchpad for grassroots athletes, transforming kabaddi from a gully sport into a structured professional ecosystem. Following the extraordinary success of  Season 1, welcoming new cities like Kanpur is not just growth; it is our evolution. Kanpur’s inclusion strengthens our vision to build a tiered ladder for athletes: from local leagues to UPKL and eventually national and global stages.”

    This milestone builds on the momentum of UPKL’s standout inaugural season, which reached over 30 million TV viewers as per BARC India and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    Kanpur Warriors owner Bhumika Vora said, “Kanpur is a city full of fire, heritage, and underrepresented talent, and with Kanpur Warriors, we now have a platform to showcase, build, and grow. Through UPKL, we aim to break stereotypes, back our youth, and place kabaddi at the center of Kanpur’s sporting identity. The name ‘Warriors’ reflects not just athletic grit, but the spirit of our people. We are building a platform where kabaddi is a sport of choice, not just an alternative.”

  • The Sleep Co flashes Rs 100 crore marketing purse

    The Sleep Co flashes Rs 100 crore marketing purse

    MUMBAI: The Sleep Co, India’s leading comfort-tech brand, has secured Rs 480 crores in Series D funding from ChrysCapital and 360 ONE Asset, two of the country’s most established private equity firms. The fresh capital will fuel aggressive expansion, manufacturing scale-up and a Rs 100-crore brand-building blitz as the company races to own India’s premium sleep market.

    The Mumbai-based firm has hit a Rs 700-crore annual revenue run rate and notched 60 per cent year-on-year growth in FY25, having recently opened its 150th exclusive outlet. Since its last funding round, monthly revenues have doubled and headcount has swelled from 650 to over 1,500 employees—testament to surging demand for its patented SmartGrid technology.

    Founded by husband-and-wife duo Priyanka Salot and Harshil Salot, The Sleep Co has morphed from a direct-to-consumer startup into an omnichannel juggernaut. Its offline stores now generate 70 per cent of total revenue through a “research online, purchase offline” strategy that blends digital discovery with immersive retail experiences.

    The company’s 150th store doubles as a “Sleep Lab”, featuring pressure and heat mapping tests that pit SmartGrid products against traditional memory foam. Celebrity endorser Anil Kapoor fronts campaigns like “RIP Memory Foam” that position the brand as a lifestyle choice rather than a functional purchase.

    The new funding will bankroll expanded manufacturing capacity, deeper penetration in metro and tier-1 cities, entry into adjacent comfort categories, and heavy R&D investment. The company aims to extend SmartGrid technology—originally developed for mattresses—across chairs, recliners, cushions and sofas.

    “This fundraise powers the next phase of our journey to lead the comfort-tech revolution in India,” said co-founders Priyanka Salot and Harshil Salot. “We’re scaling faster, opening more stores, expanding capacity and doubling down on innovation to transform how India sits and sleeps.”

    ChrysCapital  director & consumer sector lead Rajiv Batra said the investment represents “a compelling opportunity to participate in India’s broader premiumisation wave” as consumers gravitate towards science-led, design-first products.

    360 One Asset senior fund manager Chetan Naik called The Sleep Co “a category-defining brand” that’s “redefining comfort-tech through patented material innovation and omnichannel excellence.”

    The company has previously raised Rs 13.4 crore in pre-Series A, Rs 177 crore in Series B from Premji Invest and Fireside Ventures, and Rs 184 crore in Series C funding. Avendus Capital advised on the latest transaction.
    With strong fundamentals and a growing offline footprint, The Sleep Co is positioning itself to ride India’s wellness boom—transforming sleep from a low-involvement purchase into a premium lifestyle decision.

  • Lloyd D’souza returns to Lava International as chief business officer

    Lloyd D’souza returns to Lava International as chief business officer

    MUMBAI: Lloyd D’souza has rejoined Lava International Ltd  as chief business officer for enterprise business, marking his return to the Indian smartphone manufacturer after a five-year absence.

    The appointment comes as D’souza brings a wealth of government and public sector experience to Lava’s enterprise division. His remit will focus on advancing business across government, corporate customers and public sector undertaking verticals from the company’s Noida headquarters.

    D’souza previously served as head of enterprise business at Lava between March 2018 and October 2020, where he oversaw enterprise sales, international operations, government sales and electronics manufacturing services. His departure coincided with a broader reshuffling in India’s competitive smartphone market.

    Since leaving Lava, D’souza spent over three years as director at Laqshanya Solutions Pvt Ltd, where he specialised in identifying government and public sector clients, coordinating customer relations and managing tender processes. He also held a senior vice president role at Square Panda Inc between October 2020 and February 2022.

    The executive’s career spans over two decades in business development and experiential marketing. He spent 13 years as director of Maverick Marketing, a full-spectrum experiential marketing agency, before transitioning to the mobile technology sector with Karbonn Mobiles in 2015 as executive director.

    At Karbonn, D’souza managed e-commerce, international sales and institutional sales operations during the height of India’s smartphone boom. His expertise in government affairs, crisis management and competitive tendering has made him a sought-after figure in India’s technology sector.

    Lava International, founded in 2009, has been working to reclaim market share in India’s increasingly crowded smartphone market, dominated by Chinese brands and global players. The company’s focus on government and enterprise customers represents a strategic pivot towards higher-margin business segments.

    D’souza’s return signals Lava’s renewed push into enterprise and government markets, sectors where his established relationships and tender management expertise could prove valuable for the homegrown brand.

  • India@100 plans its big leap at BT summit with bold vision for 2047

    India@100 plans its big leap at BT summit with bold vision for 2047

     MUMBAI: A century in sight, and India’s got a blueprint to boot. As the nation marches towards its 100th year of independence, Business Today Multiverse is setting the stage for a future-forward conversation. The BT India@100 Summit, to be held on August 8, 2025 in New Delhi, will convene some of India’s sharpest minds from business, policy, and governance under the theme ‘India@2047: Blueprint for a Developed Nation’.

    Headlined by union minister Nitin Gadkari, who will deliver the keynote on India’s long-term growth roadmap, the summit aims to decode what it will take for the country to join the ranks of high-income, innovation-led economies.

    The speaker line-up reads like a policy powerhouse: Arvind Panagariya, Arunish Chawla, NK Singh, and Montek Singh Ahluwalia, among others, will explore everything from economic resilience and institutional reforms to AI, urbanisation, trade, and sustainability.

    But the star of the summit? Business Today’s 100 Ideas for India@100, a curated, deeply researched list of actionable reforms across 10 sectors. Think GST 2.0, land and labour reforms, clean air, safe cities for women, digital infrastructure, and future-ready education. These ideas stem from collaborations with experts like Manish Sabharwal (Teamlease) and Rajesh Shukla (Price), and inputs from think tanks like ICRIER, CSIS, ASER, and former policymakers Anil Swarup and Subhash Chandra Garg.

    With just 22 years to go until 2047, the summit isn’t just another talking shop, it’s a call to action. Sessions will challenge government, industry, and civil society to co-create India’s future. As one speaker put it: “It’s not just about growth, it’s about transformation.”

    And as the country eyes a 10 trillion dollars economy, Business Today is aiming to shape the national dialogue on how to get there with ambition, equity, and accountability.

    Because the journey to 2047 won’t be built on headlines, it’ll be built on hard choices, bold moves, and ideas that stick.