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  • Indian aces call the shots at WSOP 2025

    Indian aces call the shots at WSOP 2025

    MUMBAI: India’s high rollers and card sharks just raised the stakes on the global stage. At the 56th annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) – held at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas – Indian players went all in, pulling off one of their best runs yet. From final tables to gold bracelets, Team India’s performance wasn’t just impressive, it was a royal flush.

    This year’s WSOP shattered records with 100 live tournaments, drawing thousands of players from across the globe. Amidst the buzz and billion-dollar pots, Indian players made their presence known, notching up seven final tables and even a bracelet win.

    Leading the pack was seasoned pro and former WSOP champ Aditya Agarwal, who clinched India’s only bracelet of the season in the WSOP Online NLHE Championship. Not far behind, Laksh Pal Singh cashed in on eight events and reached the final table in the Poker Hall of Fame Bounty. A familiar face in the Indian poker scene, Laksh is also a game ambassador for PokerBaazi.

    Ankit Ahuja, ranked India’s Global Poker Index (GPI) Player of the Year—twice over—grabbed seven cashes, including a final table in the $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship. Zarvan Tumboli battled it out across six events, placing 119th in the prestigious Main Event and shining in Omaha. He took reps at PokerBaazi, flying the flag for Maharashtra and the National Poker Championship.

    Former bracelet winner Aditya Sushant added four cashes to his name, including a deep run in the PokerNews Deepstack Championship. Meanwhile, Santhosh Suvarna – already a two-time WSOP bracelet winner – made three strong finishes, including a 16th-place run in the High Roller and a title win at the Wynn Classic.

    And it didn’t stop there. WSOP vets like Nipun Java, Abhinav Iyer, and Kartik Ved returned to form, joined by crowd favourites like Kunal Patni, Nishant Sharma, Shrey Maheshwary, Tarun Goyal, Bhargav Kakani, Gaurav Sood, and many more. Whether representing PokerBaazi or gunning for solo glory, the Indian contingent didn’t just ante up—they dominated.

    Even beyond the WSOP tables, Indians were busy stacking chips across Vegas. Breakout star Gunisha Sinha, the dentist-turned-poker pro from Delhi, stole the spotlight with a cracking win at the Resorts World Las Vegas 2025 Summer Series in the $360 NLHE – PLON Ladies tournament. Gunisha, now the latest PokerBaazi game ambassador, also clinched a title in The Circuit: Season 3, proving that when it comes to poker, she’s no novice.

    Closing out the series in style, Florida’s Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi took home the WSOP Main Event crown, his eighth career bracelet and a cool $10 million payday. That win also earned him a coveted seat in the Poker Hall of Fame.

    India’s performance at WSOP 2025 isn’t just a blip, it’s a bold declaration: the country is no longer an outsider in global poker. These players aren’t here to watch—they’re here to win.

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  • Bachchan’s god-mode cameo lands on your screen as Fakt Purusho Maate premieres on Jojo

    Bachchan’s god-mode cameo lands on your screen as Fakt Purusho Maate premieres on Jojo

    MUMBAI: What do you get when a dead grandfather, divine powers, and a modern love story walk into a Gujarati household? Fakt Purusho Maate—a high-spirited, genre-blending blockbuster that’s ready to stream its madness on Jojo from 25 July.

    Fresh off a box office run that mixed laughter with generational chaos, the Jay Bodas and Parth Trivedi-directed film takes a wild swing at patriarchy, family feuds, and ghostly guidance. The plot follows Purshottam (Darshan Jariwala), an old-school family man who returns from the afterlife during the 16-day Shraadh period—with a divine mission to sabotage his grandson’s romance with an independent woman.

    Esha Kansara added, “Radhika is a very special character to me. She’s calm, clear, and knows how to stand up for herself without being harsh. I think a lot of young women will relate to her. This film talks about equality and family in such a warm and light-hearted way. It doesn’t preach—it just shows you a different way of thinking. I’m really happy it’s streaming on Jojo now because I feel it will connect with so many people. It’s the kind of story that starts a conversation at home without feeling heavy. And those are the stories that stay with you.”

    Jojo founder & CEO Dhruvin Shah said, “At Jojo, our vision has always been to bring stories that truly resonate with audiences and spark meaningful conversations. Fakt Purusho Maate is one of our most significant releases to date, not just because of its star cast or box office success, but because of the way it blends sharp entertainment with a powerful social message. It reflects the kind of storytelling we believe in—engaging, thought-provoking, culturally rooted, and universally relatable. We are proud to be the platform that brings such meaningful narratives to life and helps them connect with viewers across generations.”  

    The film also stars Mitra Gadhvi and Aarti Vyas Patel, with Kedar-Bhargav’s music giving it a pulse that swings between nostalgia and now.

    So whether you’re tuning in for some Big B magic, family banter, or just to settle the pati-vs-patraani debate, Fakt Purusho Maate is here to charm your screens—and maybe shake up a few drawing-room discussions along the way.

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  • The Life Insurance Plan Every Responsible Parent Should Know About

    The Life Insurance Plan Every Responsible Parent Should Know About

    Parents have the responsibility of ensuring long-term financial security for their family, even in their absence. While parents strive to provide comfort, stability, and opportunities for their children, life’s unpredictability makes financial preparedness essential. Among various life insurance options, term insurance stands out as a simple, cost-effective solution that offers substantial protection. It ensures your loved ones are financially supported to meet expenses such as education, daily living costs, and future goals. This article explores why term insurance is an important financial step every responsible parent should take.

    What is Term Insurance?

    Term insurance is a type of life insurance plan that provides financial coverage for a specific period or term. In the event of the policyholder’s untimely death during the policy term, a fixed amount known as the sum assured is paid to the nominee. If the policyholder survives the term, there is typically no payout, unless the plan includes a return of premium feature.This type of plan is simple, affordable, and highly effective in offering protection to your family when they need it the most.

    Why Should Parents Consider Term Insurance?

    When it comes to choosing the right life insurance, term insurance stands out as a practical and effective option for parents. Its affordability, high coverage, and focused protection make it especially suitable for safeguarding your family’s financial future. Here are key reasons why term insurance should be a priority for every parent:

    • Cost-Effective Coverage: Among all life insurance plans, term insurance provides a high sum assured at an affordable premium. This makes it suitable for young or middle-income parents looking for maximum protection without straining their budget.

    • Pure Protection: Term plans focus only on life cover, unlike market linked plans that combine insurance with savings or investment. This keeps term plans simple, transparent, and easier to understand.

    • Financial Support for Children: In the unfortunate event of the policyholder’s demise, the lump sum payout can help the surviving family cover essential expenses like school fees, higher education costs, and day-to-day living, ensuring continuity in their standard of life.

    • Debt Protection: Term insurance ensures that any outstanding financial obligations, such as a home loan or personal loan, do not fall on your family. The payout can be used to clear debts, reducing financial stress on your dependents.

    • Peace of Mind: Knowing that your family will have a financial safety net offers emotional security. It allows you to focus on your responsibilities today, without worrying about future uncertainties.

    Key Features of Term Insurance Plans

    Before choosing a term insurance policy, it’s important to understand its key features:

    1.  Sum Assured  
    This is the amount your family will receive in case of your death during the policy term. Choose a sum thatcovers your family’s living expenses, children’s education, and any existing liabilities.

    2.  Policy Term  
    This refers to the duration of the insurance coverage. It should preferably cover the years until your children become financially independent or until your planned retirement.

    3.  Premium Payment Term  
    You can choose to pay premiums regularly (monthly, quarterly, yearly) or as a one-time payment. Regular payments are most common and manageable for salaried individuals.

    4.  Riders and Add-ons  
    Term insurance plans can be enhanced with riders such as:

    a.    Accidental death benefit  
    b.    Critical illness cover  
    c.    Waiver of premium on disability

    These riders provide additional protection at a nominal cost.

    5.  Claim Settlement Ratio  
    Always choose an insurer with a high claim settlement ratio, as it reflects the company’s reliability in paying out claims.

    How Much Term Insurance Coverage Do You Need?

    A suitable coverage amount depends on several factors, including:

    •  Your current income  
    •  Monthly household expenses  
    •  Existing loans and liabilities  
    •  Future financial goals (like children’s education or marriage)  
    •  Inflation

    As a general guideline, the sum assured should be enough to cover your family’s financial needs for several years in your absence. A simple way to calculate this is by estimating your annual income and multiplying it by the number of years your dependents will need support.

    When Should Parents Buy Term Insurance?

    The right time to buy the best term insurance plan is as early as possible. Younger individuals pay lower premiums and can get coverage for a longerduration. Buying early helps you get the plan at a lower cost and without health-related exclusions that may apply if your health changes later.

    Even if you are a new parent or planning to start a family, buying term insurance in advance is a smart financial decision. It provides peace of mind knowing your family is protected from the very beginning.

    Conclusion

    Every parent planto give their children a secure and comfortable life. But responsible parenting also means preparing for the unexpected. A term insurance plan is one of the practical tools for ensuring that your family remains financially stable in your absence. It protects your children’s future, covers essential expenses, and helps your family manage debt or emergencies. Termplans from trusted insurers like Tata AIA offer high cover at affordable cost, making them a smart and easy choice for every parent.Taking this step today shows you care about your family and want to secure their future.

    Disclaimer: The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional or legal advice. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is not responsible for any decisions made based on the information.  
     

  • Sun TV makes UK cricket power play with £100.5m Superchargers buy

    Sun TV makes UK cricket power play with £100.5m Superchargers buy

    LONDON: Sun TV Network has struck a six to the boundary with a bold £100.5 million acquisition of Northern Superchargers, a prominent franchise in the UK’s The Hundred cricket league. The all-cash deal, approved by Sun TV’s board on 18 July, makes the broadcaster the sole owner of the Leeds-based team and further cements its global sporting ambitions.

    The move sees Sun TV add a third franchise to its growing sports roster, which already includes Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in South Africa’s SA20. With cricket’s commercial appeal soaring across continents, the company is betting big on the format’s future in the UK.

    Northern Superchargers, incorporated in 2019 and based in London, clocked a turnover of £1.89 million in FY24 and will become a wholly owned subsidiary once the transaction is completed, expected by the end of 2025. The acquisition is routed through India’s automatic route for overseas investment, with the final remittance pegged to prevailing exchange rates.

    Sun TV said the deal aligns with its strategy of tapping global cricket leagues with strong broadcast and sponsorship potential. “The Hundred has shown strong traction with younger audiences and we see significant upside in long-term value creation,” said the broadcaster in its filing.

    This acquisition marks a rare Indian media foray into English cricket—an arena traditionally dominated by homegrown stakeholders and legacy institutions. With this move, Sun TV is not just buying into a team, but into a format and fanbase with serious commercial legs.

    The game, it seems, is well and truly on.

  • Smirnoff Lemon Pop cracks open a fresh beat for Gen Z with ‘We Do We’

    Smirnoff Lemon Pop cracks open a fresh beat for Gen Z with ‘We Do We’

    MUMBAI: Smirnoff Lemon Pop Non-Alcoholic is bringing back the pop to pop culture. In its latest high-decibel drop, the brand has rolled out ‘We Do We’, a genre-smashing music campaign that turns the fizz of its cans into full-blown fire beats, tapping into Gen Z’s collaborative DNA.

    Helmed by Sez on the Beat (Sajeel Kapoor)—the maestro of India’s indie soundscape—the campaign kicks off with a beat built using Smirnoff Lemon Pop cans. Then, three genre-bending artists add their own spin to the mix, layering identity, rhythm and roots into a unified banger.

    Shai, the silky-voiced “Is It Love?” singer, brings her Indo-Brit energy to the mic. Agsy, Gen Z’s rap rebel, drops bars in Hindi, Punjabi and Haryanvi like no one’s watching. Nikhil aka Tabla Guy turns tradition into tremors with his signature East-meets-West tabla-and-techno fusion. The full campaign is now live on Instagram at @smirnofflemonpop.

    Conceptualised and executed by Kommune, this campaign isn’t just catchy-it’s cultural commentary in 4/4 time. As identity, rhythm, and rebellion blend into a single sonic boom, one thing’s clear: We Do We isn’t background noise—it’s the Gen Z soundtrack.

  • Jasbir Singh zooms up the ranks at Zee News as chief manager

    Jasbir Singh zooms up the ranks at Zee News as chief manager

    MUMBAI: Jasbir Singh has stepped into a new avatar at Zee Media Corporation Ltd, now donning the hat of chief manager at Zee News. A familiar face in the corridors since 2017—when he joined as senior manager—Singh’s elevation marks a steady rise fuelled by grit, grind, and serious sales chops.

    Before his Zee innings, Singh racked up impressive mileage across India’s top media houses—stints at India Today as deputy manager – corporate sales, Jagran Prakashan, and Infomedia18 (Network18) as senior executive saw him build a well-rounded armoury in corporate sales and business strategy.

    An MBA in marketing and sales from the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology – SMU, Singh blends street-smart execution with boardroom savvy. As the media landscape grows fiercer and faster, Zee News now has a seasoned player steering the charge from the frontlines.
     

  • SES seals Intelsat takeover, creating satellite giant with 120-bird fleet

    SES seals Intelsat takeover, creating satellite giant with 120-bird fleet

    LUXEMBOURG:  Satellite heavyweight SES has wrapped up its acquisition of Intelsat, creating a turbocharged space communications firm with a 120-strong satellite arsenal spanning geostationary (Geo), medium Earth orbit (Meo), and strategic access to low Earth orbit (Leo) assets. The announcement was made on 17 July 2025. 

    The deal instantly boosts SES’s clout in high-growth verticals, with around 60 per cent of revenues now flowing from aviation, maritime, government, and media clients. The expanded fleet includes roughly 90 Geo and nearly 30 Meo satellites, with the new entity operating across a rich spectrum of bands including C, Ku, Ka, military Ka, X, and UHF—enabling tailored, premium-grade connectivity solutions globally.

    “Today, we’re not just merging two companies — we’re creating a stronger company, built for the future. I want to extend a warm welcome to all new employees, customers, and partners,” said SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh. “In this new chapter, we are bringing together a powerful mix of talented people, network infrastructure, spectrum, innovation, and global relationships that will allow us to deliver next-generation connectivity and space-enabled services in smarter and quicker ways.”

    The financials are just as skyward. The merged outfit expects pro forma revenue of €3.7 billion growing at a low- to mid-single digit CAGR between 2024 and 2028. Adjusted EBITDA is pegged at €1.8 billion with mid-single digit growth including synergies, while adjusted free cash flow is set to top €1 billion by 2027–2028 (pre-IRIS2).

    A hefty €8 billion contract backlog provides strong revenue visibility, while cost synergies—valued at a net present value of €2.4 billion—are expected to deliver an annual run rate of €370 million, with 70 per cent realised within three years. Savings will come from merged fleets, streamlined ops, and smarter procurement.
    SES, which remains headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on both the Paris and Luxembourg bourses ), will maintain a key base in McLean, Virginia. The firm has set its sights firmly on emerging frontiers including IoT, direct-to-device comms, space situational awareness, quantum key distribution, and inter-satellite data relays. Annual capex (excluding IRIS2) is expected to average €600–650 million through 2028.

    SES has also signalled intent to raise its base dividend once it achieves sub-3x net leverage, expected within 12–18 months.

    Legal and financial advisors on the transaction read like a who’s who: SES leaned on Guggenheim Securities, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, and legal bigwigs from Gibson Dunn to Hogan Lovells. Intelsat was advised by PJT Partners, with legal counsel from Skadden, Wiley Rein, and Elvinger Hoss Prussen.

    The move solidifies SES’s place among the top tier of global satellite operators—now armed with more firepower, deeper pockets, and sharper intent to lead the new space race.

  • Asha Sharma tunes into Network18 as regional sales head – branded solutions & IP

    Asha Sharma tunes into Network18 as regional sales head – branded solutions & IP

    MUMBAI: After over a decade of making brands sing at Big FM, Asha Sharma has changed frequencies. She’s now joined Network18 Media & Investments Ltd as regional sales head – branded solutions & IP. And from the looks of it, she’s ready to turn up the volume on content-driven partnerships and high-impact intellectual properties.

    With 15 years under her belt as senior business partner – sales (group head) at Reliance Broadcast Network, Sharma is no stranger to the pitch-and-powerplay of India’s media circuit. Her résumé reads like a masterclass in national-level key account management, corporate sales, and business development, with a particular flair for building teams that don’t just meet targets, they rewrite them.

    Known for her results-first mindset and a knack for unlocking brand value through innovative storytelling, Sharma now brings her radio-honed instincts to the fast-paced TV and digital ecosystem at Network18. As branded content becomes the battleground for audience attention, expect Sharma to lead with insight, intensity, and IPs that leave a mark.

  • Eveready lights up the dark with India’s first hybrid torch

    Eveready lights up the dark with India’s first hybrid torch

    MUMBAI: Eveready Industries, the household name in batteries and torches, has just sparked up the flashlight game. The company has rolled out India’s first hybrid torch, a slick, dual-powered device that runs on both a rechargeable battery and AA cells. Whether you’re stuck in a blackout or off-grid in the wild, Eveready’s new innovation ensures you’re never out of light.

    The rugged-yet-lightweight hybrid torch packs a 1W super-bright front LED, a 1W side light, and a fast-charging USB Type-C port that juices it up in 2.5 hours. But the real kicker? When the juice runs dry, it seamlessly flips to battery-operated mode with 3 AA batteries. That’s right—this light won’t ghost you when you need it most.

    Speaking on the launch, Eveready Industries India Ltd CEO Anirban Banerjee said, “Innovation is at the helm of all undertakings at Eveready. Over the years, this ideology has paved the way for us to consistently introduce unique and pioneering products that empower consumers. The latest offering from the house of Eveready reflects the brand’s legacy of innovation and trust, giving consumers uninterrupted lighting with modern convenience. Our Hybrid Torch, a new-age innovative solution, promises quality, convenience, and reliability to users while ensuring that they never run out of power. Going forward, Eveready will remain committed to delivering smarter, practical, and dependable solutions for consumers across Indian households.”

    For a pop-culture punch, Eveready has teamed up with the upcoming supernatural thriller Nikita Roy, starring Sonakshi Sinha. The actress, who plays a woman grappling with literal and metaphorical darkness, features in the brand campaign to spotlight the torch’s 2-in-1 power feature. The torch, like Sonakshi’s character, is all about facing the dark head-on with resilience, and a good backup plan.

    This marks Eveready’s second big flashlight drop in two years. Last year, the brand launched the Siren Torch, a rechargeable safety light with a 100-decibel alarm meant to protect women on the go. Both launches reinforce the company’s shift towards smart, design-forward, utility-first products.

    “Our association with Sonakshi Sinha’s film Nikita Roy is more than just a product integration. It symbolizes resilience and the will to keep going, even in the darkest of times,” Banerjee added.

    The hybrid torch is priced at Rs 399, comes in bold red and green, and is now available across major retail outlets and e-commerce platforms. Designed for travel, trekking, power cuts, or late-night fridge raids, this one’s got your back when the lights go out.
     

  • Deepali Naair steps down as group CMO at CKA Birla Group after power-packed run

    Deepali Naair steps down as group CMO at CKA Birla Group after power-packed run

    MUMBAI: Marketing heavyweight Deepali Naair has called time on her high-voltage tenure as group chief marketing officer at the CKA Birla group, wrapping up a transformative 2.5-year stint marked by bold rebranding moves, big-league M&As, and boardroom-to-ground level action across a sprawling portfolio of businesses.

    Naair, a veteran of IBM, IIFL, Mahindra Holidays and L&T Insurance, exits after helming marquee projects like the launch of BirlaNu, renaming of Trust Hospitals, and the pivotal transition from CK Birla Group to the sharper, sleeker ‘CKA’ moniker. Her remit spanned industrial giants—from NBC Bearings to GMMCO, Orient Electric to Avtec—and included stints leading marketing strategy for Birlasoft, Neosym, and the group’s hospitals and fertility ventures.

    “It felt like being at a private equity firm with a front-row view,” Naair said in a LinkedIn post, recalling her tenure that also saw her coordinate four mergers and acquisitions, launch a new school, and even host the president of India.

    Colleagues describe her as a formidable mix of brand savant and business tactician—one who brings both EQ and IQ to the table. Known for her cross-industry versatility, Naair has toggled between digital transformation, brand identity overhauls, and sales pipeline acceleration with equal flair.

    The exit marks the close of yet another chapter in a career that spans three decades and top-drawer roles at Tata Motors, BPL Mobile, Marico, HSBC Asset Management, and Mahindra group, where she was also on the diversity council. From launching Mediker’s “school adda” campaigns to reshaping demand patterns at Mahindra resorts via analytics, Naair has consistently played in the big leagues.

    With no announcement yet on her next move, speculation is already swirling about what challenge she’ll take on next. If history is anything to go by, it’ll be bold, brand-first, and anything but boring.