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  • India at the Chaupal as News18 sets the stage for big voices and bold views

    India at the Chaupal as News18 sets the stage for big voices and bold views

    MUMBAI: The nation’s most powerful voices are pulling up a seat at the table or rather, the Chaupal. News18 India, the country’s No. 1 Hindi news channel, is gearing up to host its flagship summit Chaupal 2025 – Ab Bharat Ki Baari on October 16, 2025, in New Delhi.

    For years, News18 India Chaupal has been where India’s ideas meet India’s icons, a melting pot of politics, policy, and perspective. This year, the conversation turns to self-reliance and global ambition, as India continues to make waves across sectors, from infrastructure to innovation.

    The lineup reads like the guest list for democracy’s most high-profile brainstorming session. On the dais: Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jayant Chaudhary, and Smriti Irani. Adding to the mix are Tenjem Imna Along from Nagaland, K. Kavitha, Imran Masood, and Mukhtar Naqvi ensuring every corner of Bharat has a voice in the dialogue.

    But Chaupal isn’t just about politics. It’s a culture of conversation and the guest list proves it. Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, actor Bobby Deol, South African High Commissioner Dr. Anil Sooklal, German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann, French ambassador Thierry Mathou, and artistes like Suzanne Bernert, pianist Andreas König, Odissi dancer Sharon Lowen, and filmmaker Rafael Stemplewski will bring their unique global and cultural perspectives to the mix.

    “News18 India Chaupal serves as a premier platform for impactful dialogue and national discourse,” said Network18 Group chief strategy officer, Puneet Singhvi. “It brings together the country’s top voices to strengthen governance, democracy, and nation-building.”

    Adding to that Network18 (Broadcast) and MD, A+E Networks | TV18 CEO Avinash Kaul said, “Staying true to its legacy of fearless journalism, Chaupal unites voices that shape India’s narrative. It continues to evolve as one of India’s most distinguished thought leadership forums.”

    Since its inception, Chaupal has been more than a summit, it’s become a symbol of meaningful exchange. The 2025 edition promises high-decibel debates, insightful exchanges, and the kind of unscripted moments that remind viewers why democracy thrives on dialogue.

    So, whether you’re a policy wonk, a culture buff, or just someone who loves a good debate, mark your calendars. News18 India Chaupal 2025 goes live on 16 October, from 11 am onwards bringing India’s biggest names under one roof to ask, answer, and argue what’s next for Bharat.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery sparks dhamakedar Diwali for kids

    Warner Bros. Discovery sparks dhamakedar Diwali for kids

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, the magic of heroes lights up your screens! Warner Bros. Discovery is set to dazzle children across India with a festive lineup of specials, marathons, and new episodes on Pogo, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Kids throughout October.

    Pogo kicks off the celebrations with India ke superhero ka superutsav from 18 to 24 October, featuring fresh episodes and telefeatures of Chhota Bheem, Little Singham, Jay Jagannath, and Mighty Little Bheem. Young viewers can follow epic adventures like Nakshatra Warrior (Part 1–3), airing Sundays at 1 pm from 12 to 26 October, where Bheem and Little Singham unite to thwart Kaal and Kirmada. Late-night excitement continues with Chhota Bheem vs Bhakshak: Quest for Kala Aina (Part 1–3) at 11:30 pm, as Bheem races against time to save his friends.

    Cartoon Network blends superhero action and Halloween fun this month. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies premieres on 19 October at 11:30 am, followed by daily specials from 20 to 24 October at 9:30 am. Fans can also catch Beast Boy: Lone Wolf on 25–26 October at 11:30 AM and enjoy Halloween day specials with spooky episodes on 31 October from 3:30 PM.

    Meanwhile, Discovery Kids introduces new episodes of Titoo from 20 October, airing Monday to Friday at 1 pm, following the mischievous eight-year-old whose good intentions often lead to hilarious chaos.

    With superheroes, laughter, and magical adventures, Warner Bros. Discovery ensures this Diwali is filled with unforgettable entertainment for young viewers across India.

  • Sweet Truth serves nostalgia with festive desserts

    Sweet Truth serves nostalgia with festive desserts

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, Sweet Truth is sprinkling a little nostalgia on your plate! Rebel Foods’ indulgent dessert brand has launched its festive campaign, Back To Sweetness, celebrating the magic of togetherness with a delightful fusion of traditional Indian flavours and modern dessert craftsmanship.

    The limited-edition collection brings classic sweets to life in a distinctly Sweet Truth style. Highlights include the rasmalai cake (Rs 649), gulab jamun cheesecake (Rs 219), rasmalai jar (Rs 169), baklava (Rs 249), and mishti doi cheesecake (Rs 199). For gifting, the brand has introduced the Sweet Truth celebration gift box (Rs 699) and a charming Sweet Truth gift bag (Rs 29), perfect for sharing festive joy.

    “Back To Sweetness celebrates Diwali by reconnecting with our roots while offering something refreshingly new. By fusing Indian flavours with Western dessert styles, Sweet Truth helps people relive cherished memories and make new ones with every bite,” said Sweet Truth brand manager Aruj Garg.

    Available at over 370 locations nationwide, the collection is designed to make Diwali celebrations indulgent, nostalgic, and joyfully sweet.

  • Samarpan Health spotlights leadership driving excellence in mental health

    Samarpan Health spotlights leadership driving excellence in mental health

    MUMBAI: Samarpan Health, one of India’s leading mental health and rehabilitation organisations, is putting the spotlight on its core leadership and psychiatry teams, reinforcing its commitment to ethical, internationally benchmarked care.

    At the helm are chief operating officer Martin Peters, and chief clinical officer Obi Unaka both practising clinicians with decades of experience in mental health and addiction care across the UK, Asia, and the Middle East. They are joined by senior clinical psychologist Nikita Bhati and eminent psychiatrists Anu Kant Mittal and Priyanka Mahajan, forming a powerhouse team driving clinical excellence.

    Martin Peters brings over 30 years of experience in mental health, specialising in relapse prevention, crisis management, and transitional care, while overseeing Samarpan’s operations. Obi Unaka, with more than 25 years in psychotherapy, leads clinical strategy and supervises treatment programs, focusing on trauma, personality disorders, and substance use.

    Clinical psychologist Nikita Bhati adds depth with her expertise in trauma, dissociative disorders, and complex psychological cases, mentoring young psychologists and shaping therapeutic strategies. Complementing her are Anu Kant Mittal, with three decades of experience and leadership in psychiatric ethics and interventions, and Priyanka Mahajan, an adult psychiatrist specialising in personality disorders, ocd, and complex mood conditions, bringing both international and domestic expertise.

    “Dr Anukant and Dr Nikita bring immense experience and credibility, strengthening our multi-disciplinary team,” said Martin Peters. Obi Unaka added, “Their expertise and compassion will greatly benefit those we serve.”

    Together, Samarpan Health’s leadership and psychiatry teams, with over 90 years of combined global experience, are steering the organisation’s vision of transformative, client-centred mental health and addiction care, blending strategic foresight, therapeutic depth, and ethical integrity.

     

  • Cup of laughs as Rosepod bowls out new cricket comedy podcast

    Cup of laughs as Rosepod bowls out new cricket comedy podcast

    MUMBAI: Cricket, comedy, and a whole lot of Cups, that’s the winning pitch Rosepod is banking on. The podcasting arm of Rose Audio Visuals, the studio behind some of India’s most original screen content, has just dropped Two Boys One Cup, a riotous new cricket podcast hosted by comedians Sorabh Pant and Aakash Mehta.

    The duo both diehard cricket buffs and full-time funny men, take listeners on a rollercoaster ride through the sport’s most unforgettable tournaments, from the glorious to the downright bizarre. With unfiltered banter and wicked humour, they dissect legendary matches, outrageous moments, and larger-than-life personalities that have shaped cricket’s storybook over decades.

    The debut episode, now streaming across major audio platforms (and on Rosepod’s Youtube channel), kicks things off with a nostalgia-fuelled look at India vs Pakistan’s Asia Cup clashes from the drama of 1984 to the fireworks of 2025. Expect Pant and Mehta to do what commentators don’t crack jokes about Dhoni’s calm chaos, Hardik Pandya’s blonde experiments, and Virat Kohli’s death stare, while also celebrating the passion and unpredictability that define Indo-Pak encounters.

    “With ‘Two Boys One Cup’, we wanted to create a space that blends cricket passion with pure comedy,” said Rose Audio Visuals COO Mitesh Patel. “It’s nostalgic, irreverent, and deeply relatable, everything Indian cricket fans love. With Sorabh and Aakash’s banter, it’s impossible not to laugh while you relive some of the sport’s most iconic moments.”

    Sorabh Pant summed it up in true comic spirit: “It’s basically two grown men arguing over Cups and occasionally agreeing on cricket. From legends to hairstyles, we’re covering it all.”

    Adding to that, Aakash Mehta quipped, “We’ve all had those debates about ‘that one match’ or ‘that one player’. This show is our tribute to those endless cricket convos only with more jokes, less shouting, and way better sound.”

    With its sharp wit, nostalgia-laced insights, and irreverent energy, Two Boys One Cup is less about stats and more about stories the kind that every cricket fan (and even the cricket-agnostic) can laugh along to. So whether you’re reliving Tendulkar’s sixes or just here for the jokes, this Cup promises to overflow with laughs.

    Stream the first episode of ‘Two Boys One Cup’ now on Rosepod’s Youtube channel or your favourite audio platform because every Cup deserves a laugh.

  • ET NOW lights up Diwali with mega market specials

    ET NOW lights up Diwali with mega market specials

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, ET NOW is making markets sparkle! India’s leading English business news channel has launched its Mega Diwali programming special, “Samvat 2082: Save, Invest, Prosper”, bringing investors closer to the festive action while decoding the country’s economic pulse.

    Presented by SBI Bank and co-powered by SBI Life Insurance and Polycab, the week-long coverage runs until 20 October and culminates in the Grand Muhurat Trading special on 21 October. With GST rate cuts and policy reforms shaping the economic backdrop, ET NOW aims to empower viewers with insights into investment strategies, consumption trends, and market opportunities.

    Highlights include Investment Gurus, featuring experts like Ramesh Damani, Rajeev Thakkar, Atul Suri, and others, who decode their outlooks for Samvat 2082. Consumption Pulse explores festive spending across automobiles, FMCG, retail, jewellery, and real estate, with insights from industry leaders including Harsh Mariwala and Santosh Iyer.

    Live interaction formats like deal or no deal answer viewers’ stock queries, while Fund’tastic Managers presents strategies from top mutual fund leaders such as Radhika Gupta and Prashant Jain. Commodity trends are tracked in Commodity Central, and investment opportunities are identified in Cracker Stocks, ranging from “Safe sparklers” to “High-risk rockets.”

    Primetime specials include ET NOW Realty Reckoner on 15 October, deep-diving into real estate across metros and emerging cities, and The Ultimate Snakes & Ladders on 17 October, reflecting India’s market highs and lows. The grand finale on 21 October features Muhurat Trading, with market stalwarts Vijay Kedia, Nilesh Shah, and Sunil Singhania leading live coverage and sharing wealth insights.

    With this festive line-up, ET NOW is combining expert analysis, interactive shows, and cultural relevance to help viewers navigate Samvat 2082 with confidence, ensuring Diwali celebrations are as bright financially as they are culturally.
     

  • Vinod Cookware cooks up festive magic on Rasoi

    Vinod Cookware cooks up festive magic on Rasoi

    MUMBAI: Stirring up the pot this festive season! Vinod Intelligent Cookware is turning up the heat on regional engagement by partnering as co-powered sponsor of Rasoi, Colors Gujarati’s long-running cooking show. The collaboration kicked off on 1 October 2025 and will span 158 episodes, running through the festive season.

    The integration brings Vinod’s flagship range: pressure cookers, kadhais, frypans, tawas, and steamers, front and centre. From logo placements and anchor mentions to in-content integration and strategic product placements, the brand ensures viewers get a full helping of visibility throughout the campaign.

    Rasoi, a cultural mainstay for over 20 years with more than 6,600 episodes and 20,000 recipes aired, is hosted by Dhvani Trivedi, Harsh Bhatariya, Riya Makwana, and Rudra Tumdi. The show blends authentic vegetarian recipes with modern, healthier twists, making it an ideal platform for Vinod Cookware to connect with Gujarati households during the festive season.

    Vinod Cookware India managing director Sunil Agarwal said, “Partnering with a culturally trusted show like Rasoi allows us to showcase our product innovations while engaging deeply with regional households. It reflects our strategy of blending tradition with modern cooking solutions, ensuring healthier and more enjoyable meals.”

    Network Advertising president-media Priya Jacob added, “This partnership is about more than presence; it is about connecting with families through a show they trust, creating meaningful brand engagement and reinforcing Vinod Cookware’s authentic identity.”

    The move adds to Vinod Cookware’s impressive portfolio of partnerships, which includes Masterchef India, Kaun Banega Crorepati, and regional collaborations with Zee Marathi and Amrita Television. Its ongoing digital campaigns have also garnered over 170 million views, demonstrating the brand’s strength across platforms.

    Founded in 1962 by Rajeram Agarwal, Vinod Intelligent Cookware is a leading manufacturer of premium stainless-steel cookware, with 400 plus products and a global presence since 1990. Known for hygienic pressure cookers and innovative solutions, the brand continues to blend tradition with modern technology to cater to evolving Indian kitchens.

     

  • Cocoon Hospital raises a #Pinkshield to fight breast cancer with early action

    Cocoon Hospital raises a #Pinkshield to fight breast cancer with early action

    MUMBAI: When it comes to breast cancer, prevention is the ultimate armour and Cocoon Hospital is turning awareness into action. The healthcare provider recently launched the #Pinkshield Campaign, a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting the life-saving importance of early detection and regular screening, while sparking open conversations around breast health in India.

    Breast Cancer Awareness Month provided the perfect backdrop for the campaign, which seeks to empower women to put their health first. “Every day, women dedicate themselves to their families, their work, and their communities. In prioritising others, their own health often comes last. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, through the #PinkShield movement, I appeal to every woman to put herself first,” said RJ Corp Healthcare Business director Devyani Jaipuria.

    #PinkShield emphasises that regular screenings, early detection, and honest dialogue with healthcare providers are not just preventive measures, they are acts of care and courage. “When women take care of themselves, they strengthen their families and inspire the world around them. Let us come together to build our #PinkShield. Aware, Empowered and Unstoppable,” Devyani added.

    The campaign encourages women to regularly perform self-examinations to identify early warning signs and to undergo screenings such as mammograms or breast ultrasounds as advised by their doctors. It is designed to reach women across age groups, particularly those who often neglect preventive check-ups, combining educational workshops, social media outreach, expert talks, and community interactions.

    By creating a space for honest conversations about breast health, #PinkShield aims to break the silence and stigma that frequently surround breast cancer in India. Cocoon Hospital’s initiative underscores that awareness, knowledge, and timely action can dramatically increase survival rates, transforming health care from reactive to proactive.

    As part of this month-long drive, the campaign is not only providing information but also fostering a community that stands united under the banner of the #PinkShield. From workshops in local communities to digital engagements reaching thousands online, the campaign is redefining what it means to be informed and empowered in the fight against breast cancer.

    In a country where millions of women continue to overlook regular screenings, #PinkShield acts as both a call-to-action and a shield, a reminder that early detection saves lives, and that every woman deserves to prioritise her health, her courage, and her future.

    With Cocoon Hospital leading the charge, October is not just a month of awareness; it is a rallying cry for action, knowledge, and empowerment, one #PinkShield at a time.

  • Indobevs names Vikas Kumar co-founder to lead growth

    Indobevs names Vikas Kumar co-founder to lead growth

    MUMBAI: Indobevs, one of India’s fastest-growing alco-bev companies, has elevated Vikas Kumar to co-founder, signalling a bold step in its expansion drive. In his new role, Kumar will steer operational strategy, boost manufacturing muscle, and tighten supply chains to support Indobevs’ ambitious growth plans.

    Kumar, who joined Indobevs seven years ago, has been the architect of the company’s operational backbone. He built robust manufacturing systems, streamlined supply chains, and implemented scalable processes that have helped the company grow nearly 40 per cent year-on-year.

    With more than 20 years of experience across Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, United Biscuits and SC Johnson, Kumar brings expertise in supply chain management, plant engineering, project execution and process optimisation.

    “Indobevs has always stood out for bold ideas and quality focus,” Kumar said. “As co-founder, I aim to make our operations resilient, agile and future-ready, ensuring we scale responsibly while delivering exceptional value to customers.”

    Co-founder Geetika Mahandru added, “Vikas’ vision and operational insight have been key to our growth. Under his leadership, we are well-positioned to expand into new markets and continue offering premium, consumer-focused experiences.”

    Indobevs is expanding both domestically and internationally, with greenfield facilities under construction in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. New launches include the liqueur Bonga Bonga and multiple whisky variants, all under Kumar’s operational oversight.

    Founded in 2007, Indobevs has built a diverse portfolio that includes Brocode, Big Bro, Bro Red, Brose, Bonga Bonga Mystery Liqueur, Enso Japanese Whisky, Eden Blended Malt Whisky, Wingman Blended Malt Whisky, God’s Own Cognac and Tom & Mew Gin. The company continues to push bold flavours and contemporary drinking experiences.

  • Pepperfry sparks early festive comfort this Diwali

    Pepperfry sparks early festive comfort this Diwali

    MUMBAI: Light up your living room before the lights go up! Pepperfry, India’s leading e-commerce furniture and home décor brand, is making this Diwali extra cosy with its latest campaign, This Diwali, Bring Home the Comfort You Felt. 

    The campaign invites customers to experience the comfort and style of Pepperfry’s furniture in-store, allowing families to bring home sofas, recliners, and dining sets immediately instead of waiting for deliveries. The idea is to kickstart the festive season with joy, warmth, and stress-free celebrations. 

    “Diwali is about laughter, lights, and the warmth of home. With this campaign, we want families to feel our furniture first-hand and enjoy the festival from the very start,” said Pepperfry lead, brand marketing Archana K.

    The quirky ad films capture familiar home scenes that quickly reveal the magic of Pepperfry stores. From luxurious recliners to stylish dining tables, every product blends comfort with design, letting customers celebrate in style without delay. 
    Shoppers can also enjoy Diwali dhamaka offers, including up to 70 per cent off on furniture and décor, 25 per cent cashback, free express shipping, and store-exclusive deals like a 3-seater sofa at the price of a 2-seater. 
     
    With this campaign, Pepperfry combines playful storytelling and immersive experiences, ensuring the joy of Diwali begins in its stores and continues seamlessly in homes across India.