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  • Game of pawns just got powered up as chess makes its esports move

    Game of pawns just got powered up as chess makes its esports move

     MUMBAI: The queens are charged, the knights are digital, and India’s chessboard is now esports-ready. In a game-changing move for Indian chess, Nodwin Gaming has announced a strategic partnership with Chess.com and Chessbase India, marking a historic convergence of esports, content, and competitive chess. Together, the trio will co-create original IPs, power pro-level broadcasts, and elevate India’s growing chess ecosystem into a global force.

    From school tournaments to creator streams, chess has undergone a stunning revival. Once the preserve of silent halls and grandmasters, it’s now the fourth most-watched sport in India trailing only cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI. This new-age boom has been fuelled by the digital-first youth, and the stats are as sharp as a Sicilian Defence, 7.6 billion games played globally on Chess.com in 2024, 200 million plus registered users, including over 9 million monthly active players from India, 550,000 plus new Indian sign-ups every month, 925 million organic views, with viewership up 640 per cent year-on-year

    The tipping point? The Gukesh vs Ding Liren World Championship final, streamed in India exclusively by this trio, which racked up 24 million views and a peak concurrency of 200,000.

    “Chess has now become more than a game, it’s content, culture, and community,” said Nodwin Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee. “With this partnership, we’re building a future-ready ecosystem to take Indian chess from heritage to hype.”

    And it’s not just the numbers. The chess revolution is reshaping Indian cities and screens alike, Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai rank among the world’s top chess-viewing zones. 80.9 per cent of Indian chess viewership is on smartphones. Core audience? Ages 18–34, a Gen Z and millennial-driven wave of tactical fandom

    Chessbase India CEO Sagar Shah sees this as more than a business arrangement, “This is a vision to take Indian chess from grassroots to global. With NODWIN and Chess.com, we now have the firepower to truly scale it.”

    Chess.com India, country director Avadh Shah added, “The excitement around chess is at an all-time high, and this collaboration ensures India plays a defining role in shaping its future.”

    That future arrives fast. At the Esports World Cup 2025, chess will debut with a 1.5 million dollars prize pool. Representing India will be S8ul’s Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram the country’s first-ever esports team to compete in global chess.

    From mobile-first blitz battles to stadium-sized finals, chess is no longer just about black-and-white strategy, it’s a full-spectrum spectacle. And with Nodwin Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India now playing as one, India might just checkmate the world.

  • You may not know Bharat Connect, but you trust it with your bills

    You may not know Bharat Connect, but you trust it with your bills

    Mumbai — NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL), the bill payments arm of the National Payments Corporation of India, has rolled out a sharply observed campaign for its flagship platform, Bharat Connect. The line? ‘Aap Humein Jaante Nahi, Par Maante Hain’ — a nod to how millions use the system daily without ever knowing its name.

    Conceptualised by DDB Mudra Group, the campaign focuses on the platform’s omnipresence in everyday digital transactions — from electricity bills and EMIs to insurance and credit card dues — while operating quietly in the background. Bharat Connect is the digital workhorse running through bank apps, fintech interfaces, websites and even assisted channels, powering both recurring and one-time payments with minimal fuss.

    Featuring familiar faces such as Puneet Issar, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Sharib Hashmi, Chandan Roy and Gopal Datt, the films unfold through everyday scenarios — slice-of-life moments where the real star is seamless, secure and trustworthy digital infrastructure.

    The campaign, which goes live across eleven Indian languages, will hit television, digital, print, radio and out-of-home touchpoints in a full-bodied media blitz. It’s as much about emotional connection as it is about tech prowess.

    Speaking about this campaign, NBBL MD & CEO Noopur Chaturvedi said, “Bharat Connect stands as a trusted and inclusive digital infrastructure for bill payments that touches the lives of millions every single day. With this campaign, we aim to make our purpose visible and assure every Indian of ease, safety, and reliability when managing their essential payments. Through relatable instances in this campaign, we aim to reaffirm Bharat Connect’s role in enabling India’s digital future.”

    “The insight driving this campaign stemmed from a simple truth: while Bharat Connect powers millions of daily bill payments, its name remains unfamiliar to most. This gap between utility and awareness became the foundation of our narrative — highlighting how a trusted service can be deeply embedded in people’s lives, yet remain invisible,” said DDB Mudra Group Group creative directors Gagandeep Bindra & Rahul Arcot.

    With this move, NBBL hopes to bring Bharat Connect out of the shadows and into public consciousness — not by rebranding, but by reminding users that trust is often built silently, swipe by swipe.

  • Kingfisher kicks off with Messi’s men in India

    Kingfisher kicks off with Messi’s men in India

    Mumbai: Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water has signed on as the regional sponsor of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in India, marking a major score for the United Breweries-owned brand as it looks to deepen ties with India’s most football-mad regions.

    The partnership, officially unveiled at Buenos Aires’ iconic River Plate Stadium, saw Mohit Raina, category head at Kingfisher, join Leandro Petersen, AFA’s chief commercial and marketing officer, to seal the deal.

    With the tie-up, Kingfisher aims to dribble deeper into India’s football heartlands — from West Bengal and Kerala to Goa and the Northeast — with campaigns that blend sport, celebration and its signature message of togetherness.

    The collaboration includes grassroots football initiatives, immersive fan experiences, and a digital blitz to rally support across platforms. But the real kicker? The Argentine national team — reigning world champions — is expected to play a high-voltage international friendly in Kerala come October 2025. With Messi and co likely to light up the pitch, the event is already generating massive buzz.

    For Kingfisher, it’s not just about hydration — it’s about being where the passion flows.

    AFA chief commercial & marketing officer Leandro Petersen, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration “We are excited to welcome Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water as a Regional Sponsor in India. This partnership not only enhances our presence in one of the world’s most vibrant football markets but also aligns perfectly with our vision to connect with fans globally through meaningful and engaging collaborations.”

    United Breweries Ltd CMO Vikram Bahl shared his perspective on the partnership, “Partnering with the Argentine Football Association marks a proud milestone for Kingfisher Premium Packaged Drinking Water.  Football has a remarkable ability to unite communities and inspire fans. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring that energy to life through meaningful experiences and memorable campaigns that celebrate the game and reflect the vibrant spirit of our brand.”

    For Kingfisher, it’s not just about hydration — it’s about being where the passion flows.

  • Cannes Lions: Amazon boss Andy Jassy to receive media person of the year award this evening

    Cannes Lions: Amazon boss Andy Jassy to receive media person of the year award this evening

    CANNES: Amazon president & CEO Andy Jassy –  who was announced as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Media Person of the Year Award on 16 June – will take to the stage at the Debussy Theatre today  in the Palais des Festivals  in Cannes, for a fireside chat, before being presented with the accolade  during the awards show later this evening.

    The 2025 media person of the year award recognises an individual who has made a significant impact on the creative communications industry and who stands as an influential figure within the global media landscape.

    The media person of the year award is given to those who not only excel within the media industry but also drive innovation, creativity and a forward-thinking vision that shapes the future of media. Andy Jassy’s leadership at Amazon has been instrumental in transforming the company into one of the most influential and innovative media platforms in the world.

    Lions chair Philip Thomas at the time of making the announcement had said: “Historically, each year, Cannes Lions has honoured outstanding leaders who have reshaped the media industry. This year, we are proud to recognise Andy Jassy and the entire Amazon organisation. Not only is Amazon the largest media platform globally, but it has also set new standards for scale, creativity, and influence, effectively creating a new model for media. Andy’s visionary leadership continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in media, and we are excited to honour him for his extraordinary contributions.”

    Past recipients include notable figures such as Salar Kamangar of YouTube, Jack Dorsey of Twitter, Eric Schmidt of Google, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, and Steve Ballmer of Microsoft.

  • AIDCF elects new leadership: GTPL’s Anirudhsinh Jadeja takes the helm

    AIDCF elects new leadership: GTPL’s Anirudhsinh Jadeja takes the helm

    MUMBAI: The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), the apex lobby for digital cable operators in India, has named a new leadership team — with GTPL Hathway boss Anirudhsinh Jadeja stepping in as president, replacing outgoing DEN Networks chief executive S.N. Sharma.

    Joining Jadeja at the top are Sankaranarayana, vice chairman of Asianet Satellite Communications, as vice president, and Sanjay Goyal, group CFO at Fastway Transmissions, as treasurer.

    The outgoing Sharma said it was a “privilege” to lead the federation during a transformative phase. “I’m proud of the strides we’ve made in voicing the sector’s concerns with clarity and conviction,” he noted, while wishing the new team “continued success.”

    AIDCF secretary general Manoj Chhangani echoed the sentiment, calling Jadeja and his colleagues a “dynamic and experienced team” poised to strengthen the Federation’s role as the industry’s collective voice.

    A first-generation entrepreneur, Jadeja has over three decades of experience and is credited with building India’s largest multi-system operator. Sankaranarayana, an IIT-IIM alumnus, has steered Asianet since 2006, bringing a blend of engineering prowess and business strategy to the table. Goyal, meanwhile, has worn multiple hats across Jio, Siti Networks and Vishal Retail, and is known for his sharp financial acumen and transformation playbook.

    With this new lineup, AIDCF appears ready to recalibrate its priorities and reassert its relevance in an increasingly streaming-dominated media landscape.

  • Sony’s India reboot: fresh faces, big bucks and a bold digital bet

    Sony’s India reboot: fresh faces, big bucks and a bold digital bet

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is doubling down on India, rebooting its strategy under new leadership and betting big on digital, cricket and content to reclaim lost ground in the subcontinent’s fast-evolving media landscape.

    Speaking at SPE’s annual presentation, chief executive Ravi Ahuja described India as a “tremendous opportunity” amid the country’s strong economic and population growth. The rejig came more than a year after the collapse of Sony’s much-hyped merger with Zee Entertainment.

    At the heart of the reshuffle is Gaurav Banerjee, former Star India top content boss, now managing director and chief executive of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)— Culver Max Entertainment.

    Banerjee’s mandate: fix the fiction, fire up streaming, and sharpen Sony’s distribution game.

    SPNI, which runs 27 TV channels and the SonyLiv platform, reported Rs 839 crore in profit on Rs 6,510 crore revenue in FY24. The company is now funnelling fresh investments into digital, particularly SonyLiv, as part of a broader growth revival.

    “We are rebuilding and reorienting our growth strategy, including investment in digital and our Sony LIV streaming platform,” said Ahuja. “We recently secured exclusive media rights for all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments from 2024 to 2031, which we anticipate will boost viewership and enhance Sony LIV.”

    The sticker price:  $170 million. It also shelled out $200–250 million for the England and Wales Cricket Board rights, sub-licensing the digital India tour rights to JioHotstar but retaining TV control. But there’s a wrinkle: the upcoming Asia Cup in September may be under threat due to rising India–Pakistan tensions post the Pahalgam terror strike.

    Meanwhile, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is in revamp mode. The channel, battling ratings pressure in fiction, is reloading its primetime slate with a rebooted Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, mythologicals like Prithviraj Chauhan and Shirdi Wale Sai Baba, and the upcoming thriller Aami Dakini. Tentpoles like Kaun Banega Crorepati, Shark Tank India and Indian Idol continue to anchor the lineup. SET also remains a YouTube juggernaut, with 184 million subscribers—ranking fourth globally.

    Globally, SPE posted sales of $9.9 billion and operating income of $774 million despite the Hollywood strike denting series output and SPNI dragging on profits.

    Sony may have dropped its  Zee alliance, but with a rejigged team, fresh IP, and digital firepower, its India innings appears to be just getting into super scoring mode. With both Ahuja and Banerjee  fresh at the crease and gradually getting their shots right, SET might well hit it out of the park this time.

  • Kantar study: CTV revolution gains ground as 23 per cent Indians ditch linear TV

    Kantar study: CTV revolution gains ground as 23 per cent Indians ditch linear TV

    MUMBAI: India’s media landscape is turning the page, and the headline is clear: Connected TV (CTV) is booming, and one in four Indians is now digital-only. That’s the key takeaway from Kantar’s Media Compass 2025, which maps the country’s evolving media consumption habits across linear TV, print, and digital.

    With a whopping 87,000-strong sample and quarterly tracking, Kantar’s new offering aims to replace outdated guesswork with data-driven firepower. And the early signs are disruptive: 35 million Indians have jumped on the CTV bandwagon, and 23 per cent of the population now accesses the internet without watching a second of linear TV.

    While linear TV still claims 58 per cent monthly reach, the shifts are seismic. CTV, once a metro darling, is now reaching deep into rural India. And digital-only audiences are mushrooming among young, male, and lower-income demographics—dispelling old myths and throwing up new marketing equations.

    Media preferences split starkly by age: 55 per cent of Indians aged 15–34 favour OTT and social platforms, while 44 per cent of those above 45 remain loyal to the TV set. Notably, 75 per cent of digital-only and linear TV viewers reside in rural areas, demolishing the notion of urban dominance.

    CTV remains a premium medium, with its incremental growth concentrated in NCCS A households, while digital is democratising access in lower-income groups.

     Kantar director – specialist businesses, insights division (south Asia) Puneet Avasthi said: “In today’s fragmented and fast-evolving media landscape, brands are under pressure to make every media rupee count. Yet, most decisions are still being made using outdated or incomplete data, leading to suboptimal media planning and missed connections with consumers. Media Compass 2025 aims to correct this and equip advertisers with timely, in-depth insights across platforms- enabling smarter media planning, stronger audience engagement and sharper targeting for maximum impact.”

    The message to marketers? India’s media map is redrawn. The compass has shifted. Time to follow the data.

  • Confiance bags Specta PR account to shape surface-level storytelling into national design buzz

    Confiance bags Specta PR account to shape surface-level storytelling into national design buzz

    MUMBAI: Confiance Communications has secured the public relations mandate for Jaipur-based luxury quartz brand, Specta Quartz Surfaces. The partnership aims to reimagine home aesthetics with a focus on design consciousness, sustainability, and cultural relevance.

    As Indian homeowners lean towards personalised, sustainable interiors, Specta and Confiance have set their sights on transforming the quartz slab maker into a lifestyle brand with cultural depth and national appeal. The timing aligns with an inflection point in Indian design sensibilities, where statement surfaces and ethical design matter more than ever.

    Confiance will roll out a long-term communications blueprint that blends high-impact storytelling with media visibility, innovation showcases, and thought leadership. The aim: to strengthen Specta’s voice among architects, designers, and homeowners who think beyond the usual stone and polish.

    “Specta is building a distinctive voice in the surfaces category—rooted in Indian culture yet global in aesthetic sensibilities, material innovation, and sustainability. Our goal is to unlock deeper brand meaning and elevate Specta into national conversations around conscious luxury”, said Confiance Communications founder & chief strategist Bushra Ismail.

    Specta Quartz Surfaces communications and sustainability head Akshat Jain said, “At Specta, we’ve always believed that surfaces do more than finish a space—they define its soul—and we approach our aesthetics with the same mindset. As we enter our next phase of growth and expansion, our focus is to lead the conversation around design-forward, design-conscious living. Partnering with Confiance gives us the strategic power to translate that vision into a narrative which can inspire homeowners, architects and designers to think beyond utility and embrace surfaces as expressions of identity and culture”.

    In the months ahead, Confiance will steer Specta through a slate of initiatives — from seasonal cultural storytelling to pop-culture campaigns, and commentary that shapes how Indians perceive surfaces as symbols of value. The agency will also help sharpen Specta’s sustainability and ‘Make in India’ storylines, spotlighting its low-waste production, non-toxic materials, and social impact credentials.

    With this mandate, Confiance adds another feather to its portfolio, proving once again that some of the most powerful design stories start at surface level.

  • Rules X ropes in sports tech maven Laila Mintas to turbocharge Europe cricket league’s vision

    Rules X ropes in sports tech maven Laila Mintas to turbocharge Europe cricket league’s vision

    DUBLIN:  Irish sports innovation outfit Rules X, operating partner of the upcoming European T20 Premier League (ETPL), has brought on board sports tech powerhouse Laila Mintas, signalling a bold push to redefine cricket’s future through technology, fan engagement, and strategic disruption.

    From leading Fifa’s anti-match-fixing initiatives and launching Concacaf’s first Sports Integrity Unit, to scaling Sportradar US to over 85 per cent market share and selling Bet.Works for $125 million, Mintas has worn many hats over her 20 years in the global sports betting and the iGaming space.  A Berlin-trained lawyer with a PhD that triggered reforms in Germany’s betting laws, she has also served as CEO of PlayUp USA and PlayEngine, where she oversaw product innovation, AI deployment, and investor relations. Her deep expertise across sports integrity, AI-led fan experience, and regulatory reform positions her as a key catalyst in Rules X’s mission to shape ETPL into a high-octane, tech-forward cricket league for the modern fan.

    She currently sits as non-executive director at UK-based SIS Ltd and leads her consultancy, Dr Mintas Consulting. A multi-award-winning leader, she’s been named one of the most influential figures in sports betting by SBJ, Business Insider, and Global Gaming Business.

    “Cricket is experiencing phenomenal global growth, and the European T20 Premier League, under Rules X, represents a monumental opportunity to transform the fan experience through cutting-edge innovation, technology and strategic partnerships,” exclaimed Mintas. “I am incredibly thrilled to join the Board at this pivotal moment, contributing to a league that truly embraces the future of sports.”

    ETPL Co-owner Priyanka Kaul echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are making conscious efforts to create a differentiated product with the ETPL—one that’s sustainable, exciting, and drives the sport forward. Welcoming a seasoned global leader like  Mintas to our board reinforces our commitment to excellence and innovation. Her global perspective and track record in sports innovation will be invaluable as we shape the future of cricket in Europe and beyond.” 

    The ETPL — featuring both men’s and women’s leagues — is set to bowl its first over in 2026, with matches across iconic European venues. Backed by Rules X, the league aims to be more than just another tournament — a fusion of entertainment, tech and cricketing excellence. 

    The league is being pitched as  Europe’s next big cricket export — and with Mintas on board, it’s stepping up to bat with serious firepower.

  • Honasa ropes in Yatish Bhargava as chief business officer to boost growth playbook

    Honasa ropes in Yatish Bhargava as chief business officer to boost growth playbook

    MUMBAI: Not every day does a personal care unicorn rope in an FMCG heavyweight to sharpen its business game—but when it does, the move smells as sweet as a bottle of onion hair oil going viral on Instagram.

    Honasa Consumer Limited, the parent company behind Mamaearth, The Derma Co., and Aqualogica, announced on 17 June 2025 the appointment of Yatish Bhargava as its new chief business officer (CBO). The decision signals a strategic gear shift for the fast-growing brand, as it seeks to scale both breadth and depth across general trade, modern trade, and online marketplaces.

    Bhargava steps into the role as a seasoned operator with over 17 years of experience. He brings P&L expertise and leadership acumen honed at some of India’s most influential consumer companies, including Flipkart and Hindustan Unilever. At Flipkart, he played a central role in category transformation and go-to-market strategies. At HUL, he led high-performing sales and growth teams across multiple verticals.

    His appointment takes effect immediately, with a full-time term. Honasa stated that Bhargava will be a designated senior management personnel (SMP) under SEBI compliance.

    In its regulatory filing with the NSE and BSE, Honasa underscored its intent to reinforce business scale, growth strategies, and sustainable momentum through Bhargava’s expertise. “Yatish has led category transformation, built scalable go-to-market strategies and driven sustained growth across diverse consumer businesses”, the company noted in its official statement.

    An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, Bhargava will be tasked with building on Honasa’s already expansive omnichannel approach while navigating the highly competitive D2C landscape.

    The announcement comes at a time when Honasa is increasingly eyeing market leadership across beauty and wellness categories, both online and offline. With Bhargava’s appointment, the company appears ready to play offence with stronger execution muscle and retail agility.

    The disclosure has been made available on Honasa’s official website.