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  • Thunderplus, Bijliride team up to power India’s EV charging network

    Thunderplus, Bijliride team up to power India’s EV charging network

    MUMBAI: If chai breaks could charge your scooter, India’s EV story just got its perfect plug. Thunderplus, the country’s fastest-growing EV charging network, has teamed up with Bijliride, a SaaS-powered electric two-wheeler rental platform, to supercharge urban mobility with a partnership that’s equal parts speed, sustainability, and smarts.

    The alliance aims to zap away India’s biggest EV worries, range anxiety and charging delays by integrating battery-swapping and fast-charging services across all 250 plus Thunderplus hubs. Think of it as the digital-age pit stop for everyone from gig workers on the go to students zipping through city traffic.

    Under this collaboration, every Thunderplus hub will now feature BijliRide battery-swapping machines, allowing users to swap batteries in seconds instead of waiting for hours. For those who’d rather top up than swap out, there’s the new “Thunder Tej” 12 kW LEVDC fast charger, which powers two- and three-wheelers to 80 per cent in just 10 minutes, the time it takes to sip a cutting chai.

    “At Thunderplus, we believe in collaboration over competition,” said Thunderplus CEO Rajeev YSR. “Our hubs will now evolve into multi-activity economic centres, offering not just fast charging but battery swapping and community access points for EV users.”

    Hyderabad where Bijliride first plugged in continues to lead India’s electric mobility charge. The city’s vibrant mix of professionals, gig workers, and students makes it the perfect launchpad for Bijliride’s hub-and-spoke STAR expansion model.

    “Our goal is simple make sustainable mobility as easy and convenient as ordering a cab,” said Bijliride CEO and co-founder Shivam Sisodiya. “By combining ThunderPlus’s infrastructure with our rental ecosystem, we’re creating connected pickup and drop-off points with charging, swapping, and service support all under one roof.”

    The result? A city where no EV user is more than a few minutes from power. Whether it’s a delivery rider racing against time or a commuter heading to college, the partnership ensures smooth, stress-free rides without the dreaded battery panic.

    Thunderplus and Bijliride also see this as the start of a nationwide circuit. After powering Hyderabad, Bijliride plans to roll out its STAR model in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, expanding its 24/7 operational hubs and integrating charging, swapping, and rentals across India’s major metros.

    For now, the first 24/7 flagship hub in Madhapur, Hyderabad sets the template, a connected, data-driven, user-first experience that redefines what “refuelling” means in an electric age.

    “Together, we’re building not just charging stations but a smarter, cleaner, and more connected ecosystem,” added Rajeev. “The goal is simple: to make EV ownership as convenient as it is responsible.”

    With Thunderplus providing the volts and Bijliride bringing the wheels, India’s EV future looks set to move faster, cleaner, and one chai break at a time.

     

  • Appu’s aura goes digital with launch of Puneeth Rajkumar Star Fandom app

    Appu’s aura goes digital with launch of Puneeth Rajkumar Star Fandom app

    MUMBAI: The Power Star has found a new stage, the digital kind. The late Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar’s infectious energy and enduring charisma now live on through pixels and code, as Star Fandom LLP unveils the Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Star Fandom App, a first-of-its-kind platform blending emotion, technology, and fandom.

    Conceptualised by Dr. Samartha Raghava Nagabhushanam, founder chairman of Star Fandom, in collaboration with Smt. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, the app was launched in the presence of deputy chief minister D. K. Shivakumar. The platform uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emotion mapping to let fans experience what technology rarely delivers connection with heart.

    “Star Fandom was envisioned to bring fans closer to the emotions and values their stars ignite within them,” said Dr. Nagabhushanam. “Puneeth Rajkumar’s aura continues to be the heartbeat of this initiative. With the app, we’ve harnessed AI to make that connection dynamic and personal.”

    The app is designed to unite over 70 million fans across the globe, serving as a digital meeting point for Kannadigas and cinema lovers. It reimagines fandom not as a one-way adoration but as a living, evolving relationship between fans and the legacy they love.

    Smt. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar described it as “a space to celebrate Puneeth, learn from his values, and keep his energy alive every day.”

    And there’s plenty within the app to keep the spirit of Appu alive:

    ● Podcasts – For the first time, Smt. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar opens up about her journey with Puneeth and the legacy of the Rajkumar family. Hosted by Anushree, the series features friends, colleagues, and collaborators sharing unseen memories and heartfelt anecdotes.

    ● Chota Appu – A playful, inspiring corner for children filled with stories and rhymes inspired by Appu, nurturing creativity and kindness.

    ● Puneeth-Inspired Fitness – Guided workouts modelled on the Power Star’s discipline and positivity, letting fans train like their hero.

    ● Quizzes & Puzzles – Fun challenges celebrating Puneeth’s cinematic milestones and Sandalwood culture.

    ● Sandalwood Pulse – A news hub tracking everything from new releases to behind-the-scenes stories across Kannada cinema.

    ● Connect to Connect – A collaborative digital space bringing together fans, artists, and technicians to co-create and share ideas.

    ● Daily Vibes – Wallpapers, stickers, and personalised content that keep the Power Star’s infectious positivity glowing on every device.

    But this isn’t just a nostalgia app, it’s a tech-forward tribute that learns and evolves. With AI and emotion mapping, each interaction shapes a personalised journey, making the experience as unique as every fan’s connection to Puneeth.

    For Star Fandom LLP, founded to bridge the gap between celebrities and their audiences, the app is just the first step. “We see Star Fandom as a blueprint for a new digital era of engagement,” Dr. Nagabhushanam added. “An era where emotion, innovation, and community come together to create living, lasting connections that transcend generations.”

    Now available globally on Android and iOS, the Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Star Fandom App ensures that the Power Star’s light doesn’t just shine on screen, it glows in every fan’s palm.

     

  • Tejas powers up Powertel’s network speed

    Tejas powers up Powertel’s network speed

    MUMBAI: Powertel, the telecom arm of Power Grid Corporation of India, has tapped Tejas Networks to supercharge its pan-India DWDM network with a lightning-fast 400Gb per second upgrade. The project marks another major milestone for the Bengaluru-based tech player, which will design, supply, install, and integrate a next-generation SDN-based DWDM system across new and existing sites.

    Tejas will roll out its flagship multi-terabit TJ1600 DWDM/OTN platform, capable of delivering up to a staggering 1.2Tb per second per wavelength while supporting the cutting-edge alien wavelength technology, a feature that allows seamless data transmission over third-party systems.

    Tejas Networks chief operating officer and executive director Arnob Roy said, “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Powertel to expand their backbone capacity and meet the surging demand for high-speed connectivity from data centres, telcos, government and enterprises. Our alien wavelength solution provides a cost-efficient way to scale bandwidth while ensuring diversity and speed to market.”

    A part of the Tata Group, Tejas Networks designs and manufactures high-performance networking products for telecom, defence, utilities, and government clients in over 75 countries. With this upgrade, Powertel’s network is set to handle India’s growing data surge with more power, precision and, quite literally, a better connection.

     

  • HDFC Securities busts fraudsters with flair

    HDFC Securities busts fraudsters with flair

    MUMBAI: HDFC Securities has launched Kya Aap Taiyyar Ho?, a nationwide fraud awareness drive that brings Bollywood storytelling to the world of financial security. The campaign, part of the company’s Knowyourmoney initiative, uses humour, drama, and realism to show how easily scams can slip into everyday life, and how awareness can be the ultimate defence.

    Directed by award-winning filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal and Chhichhore fame, the campaign stars Manoj Pahwa, Bhuvan Arora, and Sapna Sand as part of a quirky ‘Fraudster Family’ that hilariously exposes modern investment scams. Through engaging short films, the series demystifies online trickery and emotional manipulation that have cost countless families their savings.

    “When you see people lose their hard-earned money, you realise awareness isn’t optional, it’s essential,” said Tiwari. “This campaign empowers every investor to stay informed and protect what they’ve built.”

    With a mission to make financial literacy entertaining and accessible, HDFC Securities has turned Knowyourmoney into one of India’s largest hybrid awareness programmes, reaching over 1.1 crore people weekly through videos, podcasts, community sessions, and gamified learning in 13 languages.

    HDFC Securities EVP & CMO Puneeth Bekal noted, “Fraud has evolved in scale and sophistication, and the only sustainable defence is awareness. Kya Aap Taiyyar Ho? gives people the tools to make informed decisions and safeguard their money.”

    The campaign’s creative offshoots, from a comic strip series called Bear and Bull to interactive games like Investment Heist and a forthcoming Fraudster’s Dossier, make money matters feel less intimidating and more engaging. It even celebrates citizens who have successfully spotted and stopped scams, proving that financial vigilance can be learned.

    By combining cinema, community, and conversation, HDFC Securities isn’t just teaching people how to protect their money, it’s turning awareness into a movement. After all, when it comes to scams, prevention is the smartest investment of all.

     

  • Wrap2Earn takes brands on a ‘bus-ted’ new ride

    Wrap2Earn takes brands on a ‘bus-ted’ new ride

    MUMBAI: Talk about a move in the right direction! Wrap2Earn is hitting the advertising fast lane with its latest partnership with Uber Shuttle, Uber’s intracity bus service for corporate commuters. The Mumbai-based transit advertising firm now holds exclusive rights to manage both exterior and in-vehicle branding across Uber Shuttle’s fleet of over 1,000 buses zipping through more than 50 curated routes in two of India’s busiest metros.

    With over a million monthly bookings, Uber Shuttle has become the preferred ride for professionals who value comfort, reliability and consistency. And that’s precisely the audience brands are keen to catch on the move. From the outside wraps that dominate cityscapes to in-bus displays targeting over 50,000 monthly riders, the collaboration promises high visibility, measurable reach and cost-effective impact.

    Uber Shuttle India Head Amit Deshpande said, “Uber Shuttle has quickly emerged as the preferred daily choice for working professionals. With this partnership, it becomes a canvas for brands to engage with professionals through smart advertising.”

    The partnership also arrives at a time when static outdoor ads are losing traction. For the price of a single hoarding, brands can instead wrap up to 20 shuttle buses, each covering hundreds of kilometres daily and connecting with millions of urban commuters.

    Wrap2Earn founder and CEO Elmer Dsilva added, “Uber Shuttle represents one of India’s most loved and trusted shared mobility networks. Our partnership makes it possible for advertisers to connect with a highly relevant audience through media that is both effective and measurable.”

    With routes spanning major residential and business hubs, this alliance ensures brands aren’t just seen, they’re remembered. After all, in the race for attention, it seems the wheels of creativity are firmly in motion.

     

  • Top 5 Natural Stone Tiles for Stylish Staircases

    Top 5 Natural Stone Tiles for Stylish Staircases

    A staircase can be more than just a connection between floors. It can become the highlight of your home when designed with the right tiles. Among the many materials available, natural stone tiles stand out for their elegance, durability, and timeless beauty. They bring an organic texture and character that instantly elevates any space. 

    hether your staircase is inside your home or outdoors, stone tiles can add both charm and strength to every step. 
    If you’re planning a staircase renovation, this guide will help you explore the top 5 natural stone tiles that combine style, safety, and long-lasting performance.

    1. Lazio Ash – Subtle and Modern

    For those who prefer understated elegance, Lazio Ash is an excellent choice. Its soft cream tones and gentle texture create a calm, modern look that pairs beautifully with both light and dark interiors. The muted finish makes it perfect for stairs tiles in minimalist or contemporary homes.

    Apart from its refined aesthetic, this tile offers a smooth yet scratch-resistant surface, ideal for high-traffic areas. When combined with neutral wall colours, Lazio Ash can make your staircase look spacious and sophisticated. It’s also easy to maintain, which makes it a smart pick for daily use.

    2. Pulpis Tan – Warm and Earthy

    If you want to bring warmth and depth to your interiors, Pulpis Tan offers that perfect balance. Its earthy brown tones and subtle veining patterns bring a natural warmth that complements wooden furniture and neutral decor. It’s ideal for homeowners who want their staircase to feel grounded yet stylish.

    The matte texture ensures a firm grip and retains the charm even with frequent use. Whether for indoor or outdoor stairs, Pulpis Tan captures the essence of natural stone and gives your staircase a timeless personality.

    3. Copper Roots – Bold and Textured

    When it comes to adding a touch of drama and character, Copper Roots is a showstopper. With its copper-brown surface and natural texture, this stone tile creates a bold focal point that works well in both rustic and industrial-style homes. It captures the raw beauty of nature while maintaining a refined appeal.

    These natural stone tiles are especially well-suited for staircases that receive ample sunlight, as the surface reflects light beautifully, highlighting its detailed patterns. The texture makes it functional as well as fashionable, ensuring your staircase remains safe without compromising on looks.

    4. Calcario Grey – Refined and Minimalist

    If your taste leans towards modern minimalism, Calcario Grey can add that refined touch to your staircase. The light-grey base and subtle stone patterns make it ideal for open spaces and contemporary interiors. The clean lines and natural finish of these stairs tiles provide a sophisticated yet soothing visual balance.

    Calcario Grey works particularly well with metallic railing finishes or glass balustrades, giving your stairs a modern architectural look. It’s a great option for both residential and commercial spaces where style and durability must go hand in hand.

    5. Timber Hazel – Natural and Versatile

    Blending the warmth of wood with the strength of stone, Timber Hazel offers the best of both worlds. Its wood-grain texture gives staircases a soft, welcoming look, while its natural stone properties provide resilience and long life. These tiles are perfect for homeowners who want a natural, warm appearance without compromising durability.

    Timber Hazel pairs beautifully with neutral wall tones or contrasting black railings. The texture provides good traction underfoot, making it a safe choice for families with kids or elderly members. It’s an ideal way to bring the earthy charm of nature into a modern home.

    How to Choose the Right Natural Stone Tiles for Stairs

    Selecting the perfect natural stone tiles for your staircase depends on three main factors: style, safety, and maintenance. Here’s how to make the right choice:

    ●    Style Match: Choose tones that complement your walls and flooring. Warm shades like tan or brown create a cosy atmosphere, while grey tones add sophistication.

    ●    Texture and Grip: Always pick tiles with a matte or textured finish to reduce slipping risks. Avoid glossy surfaces for steps; instead, use them for risers or under-stair walls.

    ●    Ease of Maintenance: Natural stone requires simple upkeep. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with mild detergent can preserve its beauty for years.

    ●    Durability: Look for tiles with high density and resistance to wear. Full-body or vitrified finishes ensure long-lasting performance, even with heavy use.

    ●    Lighting Compatibility: Stone tiles react beautifully to both natural and artificial lighting. Softer lighting can enhance their natural patterns, making the staircase visually appealing throughout the day.

     Design Tips to Elevate Your Staircase 

    Once you’ve chosen your preferred tiles, a few small design touches can transform your staircase into a true statement piece:  
    ●    Use contrasting risers to break monotony and add depth.

    ●    Pair darker stone steps with lighter walls for a dramatic effect.

    ●    Add warm lighting under stair treads to highlight the stone texture.

    ●    Extend the same tile pattern to the landing area for visual continuity.

    ●    Incorporate metal or glass railings for a modern contrast against natural textures.  
    These combinations allow your staircase to stand out as an integral part of your home’s design rather than just a passageway. 

    Conclusion 

    A staircase designed with natural stone tiles is more than a functional structure; it’s an artistic statement that combines durability, elegance, and craftsmanship. Whether you prefer the calm of Lazio Ash, the warmth of Pulpis Tan, or the bold textures of Copper Roots, every tile tells a story of style and substance.  
     

  • Kia India promotes digital chief to top marketing role

    Kia India promotes digital chief to top marketing role

    Mumbai: Vijay Kumar has climbed to the top of Kia India’s marketing ladder, taking on the role of general manager and head of marketing and public relations in September after spending seven years transforming the Korean carmaker from an unknown entity into one of India’s most recognised automotive brands.

    When Kumar joined in June 2018, Kia was a blank slate in India. His mandate was straightforward: make the brand register. Mission accomplished. Through launches of the Seltos, Sonet, Carnival, Carens, Syros, and electric models EV6 and EV9, Kia has muscled its way into India’s cutthroat car market, earning consumer trust and—Kumar’s preferred metric—love.

    Kumar’s ascent from digital marketing responsibilities to the corner office puts him in charge of brand strategy, above-the-line and below-the-line campaigns, digital operations, public relations, media planning and buying, and consumer insights. His earlier digital work earned Kia global recognition, including best digital marketing campaign honours from headquarters in 2019 for the Seltos launch, beating out 70 subsidiaries worldwide. 

    Under his watch, Kia cracked India’s top three digital automotive brands by online engagement.

    Now overseeing media strategy across Kia’s internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios, Kumar reports to Shakti Upadhyay, whom he credits as mentor and guide. His stated ambition: cement Kia as India’s most loved automotive brand and a thought leader, built on creativity and emotional connections with buyers.

    Before Kia, Kumar spent over two years at Cheil Worldwide handling Samsung’s flagship mobile and television products, and nearly three years at Interactive Avenues managing digital media for brands including Reckitt and ITC. At Kia, he’s overseen performance marketing across 450-plus dealer outlets and racked up 22 marketing awards between 2019 and 2025.

    Seven years in, Kumar reckons the hard part—building recognition—is done. What comes next is keeping India’s fickle car buyers smitten. In a market where loyalty is fleeting and competition ferocious, that might prove the tougher assignment.

  • Godrej’s creative chief walks out after role mismatch

    Godrej’s creative chief walks out after role mismatch

    MUMBAI: Swati Bhattacharya is leaving Godrej Consumer Products, effective January 1st 2026, barely months into her tenure as head of Lightbox Creative Lab. The reason? Blunt and unvarnished: the role “did not leverage her strengths and objectives.”

    The Mumbai-based consumer goods company disclosed the resignation to stock exchanges on October 24th, offering corporate platitudes about appreciating her contribution. But Bhattacharya’s departure signals a rare public admission of a mismatch between executive expectations and reality—a failure that typically gets buried in boardroom euphemisms.

    As senior management personnel at one of India’s largest consumer products firms, Bhattacharya helmed the company’s creative laboratory, presumably tasked with injecting innovation into a portfolio spanning soaps, hair colour and household insecticides. That the experiment fizzled speaks volumes.

    Godrej Consumer Products, listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange, now faces the task of finding someone whose strengths actually align with what Lightbox demands. The company’s shares closed at their previous levels; investors, it seems, are unfazed by the creative exodus.

    In corporate India, where resignations are usually dressed up in diplomatic language about “pursuing other opportunities”, Bhattacharya’s candour is almost refreshing. Almost.

  • “The first choice for those in sports is Sportel Monaco” – Sportel Monaco’s Loris Moneni

    “The first choice for those in sports is Sportel Monaco” – Sportel Monaco’s Loris Moneni

    Loris Moneni is content as punch. It is the last day of the 35th edition of Sportel Monaco and as the executive director of the sports media rights and technology confab, he has reason to be pleased. There has been a strong turnout of buyers, exhibitors, sports leaders, and government and federation representatives. Thousands of meetings between the various participants have laid the groundwork for deals running into hundreds of millions of euros, possibly even billions. The veteran of Monaco Mediax has spent nearly two decades at the event management firm, doing it all—from director of marketing communications at the TV festival to executive director of the Sportel Awards, finally rising to become executive director of Sportel Monaco.
    Indiantelevision.com sat down with Moneni in Monaco to discuss the highlights of Sportel Monaco and what lies ahead in the coming months and for the 2026 edition. Excerpts from the conversation:

    On the highlights of Sportel Monaco 2025
    From the organising side, it was the new layout. We put in place a new entrance and new layout just to make it feel different. The participants have been coming for many years with the old layout. For some of them, we have new spaces to use in this building. So it was interesting for us to propose something new. We noticed everyone had very busy days with lots of people coming together at the same time. Lots of meetings, lots of good conversation—it was really an interesting atmosphere with good energy.

    On the major trends discussed at the conference
    We had new big topics. We had a sharp focus on private equity and how they are viewing investment in sports tech and sports initiatives. This was a big masterclass panel in the conference programme. I think it was really interesting for everyone, and it was also new for us to welcome this kind of conference. It’s also important for us to have new buyers coming. That was the case this year, with new companies attending Sportel for the first time. We also had a good mix of buyers and sellers.

    On the number of exhibitors, attendees and buyers
    We had 2,000 participants coming from 70 different countries around the world. So it’s really important. We have 150 to 160 new companies attending this year compared to last year. At least 30 to 40 per cent of the attendees were buyers, which is good for the sellers of sports media rights.

    On Sportel’s leaning towards Europe and plans to make it truly global
    That’s not totally true. It’s not totally European; it’s becoming more global. We have the big professional leagues coming from the US—the NBA, the NFL, the NHL. The ATP, the WTA—they are all here. The World Cup hockey from Canada is here for the first time. They are exhibiting this year to promote their tentpole events. The ICC attended, despite not having a stand. So we have good representation from all over the world and from this continent.

    On the presence from Asia
    Annually, we have been having the same presence. I mean, we have new companies, which is good for us, but we are more or less about 10 per cent. We have about 60 per cent from Europe, then about 20 per cent from the Americas, and the remainder from other nations. We are encouraged by the presence from Asia—that’s why we are going to Singapore next March with Sportel Asia.

    On the presence from the technology side
    We have lots of people now talking about one of the other big topics—AI. So many players coming and talking about that. You probably see some of them exhibiting. We have lots of people coming from the AI side, and this is one of the most used technologies now in content production for sport.

    On the absence of blockchain companies this year
    You’re right, we don’t have many actors and players in blockchain this year at Sportel. There were discussions. I can’t really explain why, but it’s a fact.

    On the feedback for Sportel Singapore from European and American clients
    We have got very good response from our clients, who have expressed their sincere interest to go to Singapore—much more than the last time we did an Asian outing in Bali. Even though it’s just the beginning of the commercialisation of Sportel in Singapore, it’s pretty encouraging. We will have this larger presence from Asia, and the goal for us is to bring Europe and the US to the Asian market.

    On the percentage of renewals from existing clients for 2026
    We’ll give you more information in the coming months because they have until the end of this year to confirm their location. But usually the renewals are pretty good. We have more or less 60 to 70 per cent of people that renew every year.

    On what he sees developing in the sports, media rights and sports tech business in the coming year
    We can see now that we have new collaborations that didn’t exist in the past, and maybe some unusual collaborations happening in the world of sports broadcasting, media rights and technology. It’s nice because we see more and more competitors and companies popping up. Also, more and more sports events are taking place, and we can see new opportunities cropping up.

    On speculation about Sportel coming to India and whether it can be scaled up like the one in Monaco
    I can’t answer this question in the affirmative. But it is definitely a location, a place that we look forward to being present in—probably next year we can make it to India. Why India? Because it’s quite an underdeveloped sports market, and it’s a really huge market, as is the entire south Asian region. So it’s really interesting for us to be present there. I believe that there’s real interest to have Sportel there because it is a one-sport nation—cricket. The traditional sports that we have in Europe are not very popular in India; they have niche audiences.
    But I know that Indians are watching football, especially the Premier League. Hence, it would do well for the other big leagues in Europe to go there and promote themselves, to build their audiences and make their media rights valuable.
    We are not looking for the scale of Monaco in India. The format of Sportel abroad is different from the one in Monaco. In Monaco, you have 2,000 participants. When we go to Miami or Singapore, it’s more like 500 to 700 attendees and we don’t have a big exhibition; you don’t have as many stands. We have only 20 to 25 exhibitors, whereas in Monaco we have 75 to 80 exhibitors.

    On the rationale behind the pitching competitions and the start-up exhibition area
    It’s important for us to have these kinds of small companies or start-ups. They are looking forward to the big players seeing their products or services or the improvements they have made. The big players need them also, to get exposed to their innovations and new technology, as they are always looking to offer audiences at home and in stadia something new. So it’s really important for us to have this mix of traditional players that have been coming to Sportel for maybe 30 years, and the tyros which are just entering the market. With this mix, we have the entire sports and sports tech community together in one location.

    On the perception that large-format global exhibitions and confabs are on their way down, with exhibitors and attendees preferring to communicate digitally post-covid
    That may be true as a generalisation in turbulent times with mergers and acquisitions ballooning, companies going bust and tight cost controls being resorted to. However, it is not true in our case. The strength of Sportel is the “executives” and the “quality of people” coming to the event. More or less half of the attendees here are decision-makers. So they travel and have been doing so for many years. The current economic and geopolitical turmoil has not stopped them.
    If they have to choose one event in the sports and media rights business, all of them would choose Sportel Monaco. Of course, our attendee numbers dwindled just after covid, but it was the same for everybody. But what’s also true is that we bounced back quickly and we have had 2,000 participants from 2022, and the figures are the same in 2025. Our strength is that everyone involved in the sports ecosystem wants to be at Sportel Monaco.

    On the outlook for Sportel 2026
    We have lots of goals for next year. The first is to maintain our renewal targets of existing exhibitors for 2026. The second one is to attract newer exhibitors and companies to come and attend and exhibit. We already have many new big players and other newer companies who have expressed their intent to be present at Sportel Monaco 2026. We have to now convert those. Other goals that are a priority at this time would be to keep this kind of atmosphere and good energy that I was seeing at the beginning of this year’s Sportel. We know that the discussions between participants this year have been serious and they have made announcements. They were here to discuss business, strike deals and build relationships. After speaking to attendees, they have made it quite clear to me that the objectives they had set have been met. So it has been a successful Sportel 2025, and we would like 2026 to be the same, if not better.

  • “Trump is our main ally”: Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado to Times Now

    “Trump is our main ally”: Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado to Times Now

    MUMBAI: Democracy, defiance, and a dash of diplomacy. In a rare and emotional global exclusive, Times Now has become the only Indian news channel to interview Venezuela’s 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado and the face of her nation’s democratic resistance.

    Speaking to Times Now and Times Now Navbharat group editor-in-chief Navika Kumar, Machado appeared via a secure link from hiding, where she has lived in isolation for over 15 months amid president Nicolás Maduro’s crackdown on dissent.

    In her most candid conversation yet, Machado called India “a great democracy and an example for the world”, expressing hope that a liberated Venezuela would deepen ties with New Delhi.

    “India has been an example for many generations,” she said. “I hope I can host prime minister Modi in a free Venezuela very soon.”

    The Nobel laureate also made headlines for describing US president Donald Trump as “our main ally in the fight for democracy”, crediting his administration’s hard-line stance against the Maduro regime. She defended America’s targeted strikes on narco-terror networks in Venezuelan waters as a necessary response to “the criminal socialist structures that have devastated our nation.”

    Breaking down at one point, Machado spoke of the human cost of repression and said, “I’ve been in absolute isolation for almost 15 months. Thousands have disappeared. Children and women have been abused, tortured, even killed. But Venezuela’s spirit is unbroken: Maduro’s time is over.”

    Citing Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, she reflected on the power of peaceful resistance. “Being peaceful is not weakness. Gandhi showed humanity that freedom demands strength.”

    Her remarks come amid global debates over the future of democracy and place India squarely in her vision of hope.