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  • Prasar Bharati inks handball broadcast deal to boost sport’s reach

    Prasar Bharati inks handball broadcast deal to boost sport’s reach

    NEW DELHI: India’s public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with the Handball Association of India (HAI) to produce and beam all national and international handball events.
    The matches will be telecast on DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other Prasar Bharati platforms in a bid to expand the sport’s footprint and nurture emerging talent.

    The agreement was formally exchanged between Prasar Bharati chief executive officer Gaurav Dwivedi and HAI executive director Anandeshwar Pande. Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal was also present at the signing.

    The move marks a major push to take the underdog sport mainstream and give Indian handball players a national stage.

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  • Lola revs up with Superman as Warner Bros joins the race for fans

    Lola revs up with Superman as Warner Bros joins the race for fans

    MUMBAI: Faster than a speeding bullet and slicker than a pit stop Superman just joined Formula E. In a thrilling fusion of comic book cool and racetrack grit, Lola Cars has joined forces with Warner Bros. Discovery in a strategic partnership that brings superheroes to the circuit. And they’re not easing into it, a Superman-themed race car will blaze onto the track for the Berlin E-Prix this weekend.

    The Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E team’s T001 car, driven by Zane Maloney and Lucas di Grassi, will sport an electrifying blue, red and yellow livery, complete with the iconic Superman shield. Even the drivers will suit up literally in race gear inspired by Clark Kent’s legendary alter ego.

    Timed with the 11 July theatrical release of DC Studios’ Superman, the stunt marks the start of a long-term collaboration between Lola and Warner Bros. Discovery, who will co-create content around Lola’s motorsport ventures and bring sponsor stories to life across platforms.

    But this isn’t just about eye-catching liveries. The partnership also includes integrated sponsorship opportunities, with WBD joining hands to help monetise and maximise exposure through enhanced media packages.

    “This is more than a one-off activation,” said Lola Cars chief commercial officer Keith Smout. “It’s a new model for sports-marketing synergy where the track meets the theatre, and content fuels the connection.”

    WBD, GVP global sales Patrick Maitrot added, “By pairing the power of Superman with the speed of Formula E, we’re engaging fans in a whole new way using our unrivalled IP and Lola’s racing prowess to tell stories that leap off the screen and onto the track.”

    The Superman livery will light up both rounds of the Berlin E-Prix at Tempelhof Airport. For Formula E fans, it’s a visual treat; for Superman fans, a fast-track teaser; and for both brands, a bold play in content-fuelled fandom.

    Superman, directed by James Gunn and produced by Peter Safran, is DC Studios’ first feature film and will hit cinemas in the UK and Ireland on 11 July  2025. Meanwhile, Formula E action continues to stream across TNT Sports, Eurosport, discovery+ and HBO Max, with WBD holding exclusive coverage rights across Europe.

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  • Haier levels up with G-League to play big in India’s gaming arena

    Haier levels up with G-League to play big in India’s gaming arena

    MUMBAI: From refrigerators to frag grenades Haier is no longer just cooling your kitchen, it’s heating up India’s gaming scene. Haier Appliances India has hit the start button on its first e-sports IP with the launch of the Haier G-League, bringing the brand into the heart of India’s fast-growing gaming universe. Backed by its cutting-edge QD Mini LED TV range, the G-League is not just a tournament, it’s a bold move to connect with the joystick-wielding, meme-sharing Gen Z and millennial crowd.

    Set to kick off on 4th July 2025 with the finals on 20th July, the tournament has already pulled in 2,048 teams and over 8,000 players, all vying for a grand prize of Rs 1 million. The battle unfolds in Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), streamed live on Haier India’s official Youtube channel, turning every play into primetime entertainment.

    While Haier has previously dipped into sport-o-tainment as a digital streaming partner for the Indian T20 League and title sponsor of Match Centre Live for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the G-League is its first homegrown leap into India’s e-sports cosmos.

    At the heart of the G-League is Haier’s QD Mini LED TV series crafted for those who crave cinematic visuals and low-latency gameplay. This isn’t just a viewing device; it’s a front-row ticket to the future of gaming, with specs that could make even a console blush.

    “The G-League is more than a campaign, it’s a cultural commitment,” said Haier Appliances India president NS Satish. “We’re not just creating content, we’re entering conversations. Gaming is where Gen Z lives, and we want to meet them there with relevance, innovation and authenticity.”

    With a platform that champions skill, speed, and streaming appeal, Haier is now not just in living rooms, it’s in the digital arenas where the next generation battles it out.

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  • Brands join the First Copy wave on Amazon MX Player

    Brands join the First Copy wave on Amazon MX Player

    MUMBAI: When a show strikes the right chord, it doesn’t just stay on screens, it creates a cultural movement. And that’s what First Copy on Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service has done. With its sharp, nostalgic tone and a title that practically writes its own punchlines, First Copy has sparked a trend no one saw coming. From FMCG to fashion and fintech, brands across sectors are joining in with a bold twist on their messaging, ‘Sirf ek original hai. Baaki sab first copy hai.’

    The phrase, now synonymous with the series, has become a campaign theme adopted by everyone from Bikaji, Pulse, and Sunfeast, to Aashirvaad, Lee, Tata Soulful, Vadilal, each one tipping their hat to their own originality while nodding to the series that’s made “first copy” a part of everyday conversation. From crunchy snacks to digital wallets, dairy products to denim, the show’s influence is cutting across categories. Whether it’s “Iske deewanepan ka koi match nahi! Pulse hi hai asli OG, baaki sab toh bas #FirstCopy!” or “Bikaji bhujia mein hai ORIGINAL BIKANERI JADOO! Baaki sab? #FirstCopy,” or “Sirf Sunfeast Dark Fantasy hai #HarDilKiFantasy, baaki sab #FirstCopy hai,” each activation cleverly inserts itself into the world of First Copy.

    Each brand is celebrating their product’s authenticity, while cheekily nodding to the show’s core theme that in a world full of duplicates, there’s only one worth watching. As the campaign continues to grow, First Copy has sparked conversations with multiple brands wanting to be a part of it. And in the age of scrolls, shares, and smart marketing, that’s the real original win. 

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  • FIFA Club World Cup live at PVR Inox

    FIFA Club World Cup live at PVR Inox

    MUMBAI: PVR Inox is set to deliver one of the most anticipated global sporting events of the year to Indian audiences with its upcoming in-cinema screening of the FIFA Club World Cup Final 2025, in an exclusive partnership with DAZN, the official global broadcaster of the tournament.

    The thrilling finale is scheduled to go live at 12:30 AM IST on July 14, 2025, and will be screened across select PVR INOX cinemas in key cities, subject to state-level permissions currently being initiated. The event promises a high-voltage football experience like no other—bringing the global fever of the Club World Cup into the heart of India’s cinemas.

    Taking the live viewing experience several notches higher, the FIFA Club World Cup Final will feature an extravagant halftime show produced by Global Citizen, starring global music sensations Doja Cat, J Balvin, and Tems. The combination of electrifying sport and power-packed performances will turn cinemas into cultural arenas, uniting football fans and music lovers alike.

    “The FIFA Club World Cup Final 2025 is a powerful addition to our growing portfolio of alternate content offerings at PVR INOX. As cinemas evolve into multi-purpose entertainment venues, we are committed to curating experiences that go beyond movies, bringing live sports, music, and cultural events to the big screen. Events like these redefine what it means to go to the movies and allow us to build deeper, more dynamic engagement with our audiences. We’re proud to partner with DAZN to make this global moment accessible to fans across India in an immersive, community-driven format” said PVR Inox Ltd chief business planning and strategy officer, Kamal Gianchandani.

    With its cutting-edge projection systems, Dolby surround sound, ultra-wide screens, and plush recliner seating, PVR Inox will offer fans an immersive and energetic stadium-style atmosphere—without leaving the city.

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  • Urban Jungle launches two new luggage accessories on Amazon Prime Day

    Urban Jungle launches two new luggage accessories on Amazon Prime Day

    MUMBAI: Urban Jungle is set to disrupt the everyday luggage and accessory segment with the launch of two new products, ‘The Hold All’ and ‘The Fling’, exclusively timed with Amazon Prime Day 2025.

    Designed for the new-age traveller, The Hold All is a revolutionary top-open hard-case luggage that reimagines packing convenience. Its top opening saves space in compact hotel rooms, and its single deep compartment makes it spacious and easy to pack. Paired with features like an in-built expansion system, dedicated laptop compartment, and spill-proof pouches, it ensures effortless packing for the modern traveller. Available in bold colourways like Blue, Green, Yellow, and Orange, The Hold All is priced from Rs 6,499, offering premium utility at an accessible price point.

    Complementing it is The Fling, a first-of-its-kind hard-case sling bag crafted for city commuters and fashion-forward consumers. Lightweight yet rugged, the crossbody sling features an adjustable strap and a vibrant palette of nine colour options, including Lilac, Mint Green, and Red, making it as much a statement as it is a functional essential. The Fling starts at just ₹1,999, making high-style portability more accessible than ever.

    “This launch marks a pivotal moment in Urban Jungle’s journey as we expand into modular accessories that blend fashion with performance,” said Urban Jungle founder & brand lead, Tanisha Jatia. “With The Hold All and The Fling, we’re redefining travel as a seamless everyday experience- smart, compact, and unapologetically bold.”

    Both products will be available exclusively on Amazon during Prime Day 2025, with limited-time launch offers and influencer-curated drops designed to elevate visibility and consumer excitement.

  • Techno Gamerz leads Delhi AI Legends to victory at #PlayGalaxy Cup

    Techno Gamerz leads Delhi AI Legends to victory at #PlayGalaxy Cup

    MUMBAI: The stage was set for one of the most anticipated creator-led esports tournaments of the year with the #PlayGalaxy Cup Z Fold Edition, a high-octane Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) tournament that brought together 48 top gamers of the country.

    A total of four intense matches were played, and after a thrilling showdown, Team Delhi AI Legends, led by Techno Gamerz, emerged victorious to claim the championship trophy with a whooping cash prize of Rs 2,40,000.

    Hosted by Samsung, the tournament featured 12 powerhouse teams, each led by a Hero Gamer including top stars like Techno Gamerz, Mythpat, Desi Gamers, SlayyPoint, and GamerFleet. With 4 players per team, they battled it out in high-stakes BGMI matches packed with strategy, synergy, and skill.

    Sharing his excitement, Samsung India VP, head of product marketing, Aditya Babbar said, “We wanted to create a platform where India’s top gamers could showcase their skills while celebrating innovation in mobile gaming. This tournament reflected the spirit and thriving community of esports gaming.” He further added, “Here creators and players alike get a new dimension of immersion, multitasking, and more control, transforming every match into a cinematic, high-performance experience”.

    With over five million+ engagement across platforms and 100M+ reach, the #PlayGalaxy Cup Z Fold Edition was one of the largest creator-driven esports showcases in India. From high-stakes zone battles to surprise clutch wins, the BGMI tournament delivered moments that will be remembered for seasons to come.

    Managed by Opraahfx, Ujjwal Chaurasia aka Techno Gamerz, is India’s biggest individual gaming YouTuber with a massive 46.7 million subscribers. After leading his team to victory, he shared his excitement saying, “This was more than just a tournament. It felt like a celebration of the gaming community we’ve all helped build over the years. Leading a team and competing alongside such incredible gamers, was next level.”

    As per the 2025 India Mobile Gaming Insights Report by Sensor Tower, India saw 8.45 billion mobile game downloads in FY 2024-25, making it one of world’s largest mobile gaming markets. While the gaming scene has been growing steadily, India has now firmly made its mark on the global gaming stage and events like these are pumping excitement and support to the rising gaming ecosystem.

    The tournament showcased the perfect teaming of how technology and gaming go hand in hand to support the Indian gaming space. Innovative technology breaking limits and offering high octane gaming performance.

    From creators with massive YouTube followings to celebrated BGMI esports pros, the roster represented the true stars of India’s gaming universe.

  • ITC Aashirvaad launches ‘Boga Atta’

    ITC Aashirvaad launches ‘Boga Atta’

    MUMBAI: ITC Aashirvaad brings a uniquely crafted Aashirvaad Boga Atta for its discerning consumers in Assam. A premium fine white atta especially designed to meet the region’s culinary needs.

    Continuing in its endeavor to provide quality products to the Assamese consumer, Aashirvaad has launched Boga Atta as the current products available in the Assam market are mostly sold in loose format, lacking hygiene and consistency leading to inferior consumer experience.

    For the homemakers of Assam, cooking is more than a routine, it’s an expression of love. Whether it’s the joy of serving soft luchis at breakfast or Rotis for dinner, mothers in Assam constantly strive to bring delicious and wholesome meals to the table.  

    Aashirvaad Boga Atta crafted with superior quality wheat and made using an advanced milling process, offers the perfect balance of taste, and hygiene. Its fine white texture makes it ideal for preparing a wide range of local favourites, from fluffy luchis and Rotis to other traditional Assamese dishes like pithas, ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience in every bite.

    ITC Ltd COO – Staples and Adjacencies, Foods Division, Anuj Rustagi said, “With the launch of Aashirvaad Boga Atta, we are bringing Assamese families an atta that matches regional specifications of taste and quality. This launch is a testament to Aashirvaad’s commitment to regional relevance and our mission to bring uncompromising quality to every Indian kitchen. With Aashirvaad Boga Atta, mothers no longer have to choose between taste, hygiene, and health — they can have it all. Because when it comes to feeding the family, every meal should be a celebration of care.”

  • Fry and Mighty HyFun celebrates India’s global potato power play

    Fry and Mighty HyFun celebrates India’s global potato power play

    MUMBAI: As the world bites into French Fries Day, India is frying high and it’s not just about the spuds. Frozen fries are having a global moment, and India’s making sure it has a seat and a plate at the table. Leading the charge is Hyfun Foods, which on this French Fries Day celebrates not just the golden crisp, but a golden opportunity: turning India into a global hub for potato innovation.

    In FY 2023–24, India exported over 135,877 tonnes of frozen French fries worth Rs 1,478.73 crore, with Hyfun contributing the lion’s share to this crispy crusade. From straight cut to crinkle to peri-peri fries, HyFun now serves up potato perfection in over 40 countries.

    But beyond the global stats and sizzling exports lies a quiet revolution back home in Gujarat’s potato fields.

    What began as a modest contract-farming initiative with 200 farmers has now grown into Hyfarm, an agri-arm that supports over 7,000 smallholders across 35,000 plus acres in North Gujarat. And by 2028, HyFun aims to empower 30,000 plus farmers, focusing on climate-smart practices and stable income models.

    “At HyFun, growth has never been just about numbers. It’s about empowering farmers, advancing agriculture with science and technology, and creating a profitable and sustainable future,” said Hyfun Foods managing director & group CEO Haresh Karamchandani.

    Home to one of Asia’s largest potato processing plants, HyFun’s Gujarat facility can process over 1,000 tonnes of potatoes daily, blending agritech precision with palate-pleasing versatility from hash browns to coated fries.

    This French Fries Day, Hyfun isn’t just celebrating a snack, it’s celebrating India’s place on the global plate, powered by its farmers, technology, and taste buds.

    Because when it comes to putting India on the global food map these fries are just the beginning.

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  • Zee rolls out R.I.S.E to woo marketers and scale brand game

    Zee rolls out R.I.S.E to woo marketers and scale brand game

    MUMBAI: With a new promise – “We’ll earn your media business by growing your real business” – Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has fired up its latest marketing juggernaut: R.I.S.E, shorthand for Results | Integration | Strategy | Engagement. The showstopper initiative kicked off with a glitzy launch in Mumbai on Friday and now hits the road to Delhi (18 July), Bengaluru (23 July), Chennai (25 July), and Kolkata (28 July).

    Touted as a results-first, omnichannel flex, R.I.S.E is Zee’s bid to shake up brand building in a cluttered market. The media behemoth pulled out all the stops at the inaugural edition, showcasing its full-stack advertising muscle — from 41 broadcast channels and ZEE5 to its YouTube sprawl, regional IPs, influencer network, and social play. In short, if a screen can light up, Zee wants your brand on it.

    This isn’t just another sizzle reel. Zee is betting big on tech-powered storytelling that marries data, AI, and content to deliver campaigns that actually move the needle. “It’s time media stops being a vanity metric,” quipped one insider. “We’re here to build real business outcomes.”

    Speaking on the launch, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. chief growth officee Ashish Sehgal said: “ZEE is the only platform that offers a full-funnel ecosystem, spanning from awareness to action and from mass to hyperlocal reach, with a philosophy that we are here to sell “Growth”. We have brought all our platforms together – broadcast, OTT, Digital video, Influencers, Music, Ground- so that every rupee spent is scalable & smart.”

    R.I.S.E has been imagined as a convergence zone for marketers, founders, VCs, and retail players. Panels deep-dived into brand-building in turbulent times, using integrated media to scale regional footprints, and how to link venture capital with the next-gen D2C wave.

    As the caravan rolls on to India’s top metros, the message is loud and clear: storytelling is sexy, but conversions are king.