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  • Spicejet lights up the skies with special diwali flights to Ayodhya

    Spicejet lights up the skies with special diwali flights to Ayodhya

    MUMBAI: Talk about taking Diwali celebrations to new heights! Spicejet is all set to spread festive cheer by launching special daily non-stop flights to Ayodhya, just in time for the festival of lights.

    Starting 8 October 2025, the airline will connect the holy city with Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, making it easier than ever for devotees and travellers to visit the newly built Lord Ram temple and soak in Ayodhya’s spiritual glow.

    The flights will roll out in phases, ensuring smooth travel for those keen to celebrate Diwali in the most divine destination of all. Spicejet is also exploring services from Mumbai, further expanding access during the busy festive and winter season.

    “There could be no better occasion than Diwali to visit Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram,” said Spicejet chief business officer Debojo Maharshi. “Our new daily flights from key metros will ensure affordable and convenient travel, allowing passengers to celebrate the festival in its truest spirit.”

    With this move, Spicejet continues to strengthen its domestic network and reaffirm its commitment to making travel not just accessible, but also auspiciously affordable.

    So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to plan that spiritual getaway, consider this your boarding call from the gods themselves. 
     

  • Pantaloons stitches a new style story with Samantha Ruth Prabhu

    Pantaloons stitches a new style story with Samantha Ruth Prabhu

    MUMBAI: Pantaloons just got its perfect fit and it’s none other than Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The fashion icon and actor has joined as the brand’s first-ever ambassador, marking a stylish new chapter in Pantaloons’ journey towards trend-forward, self-expressive fashion. To celebrate the partnership, the brand has unveiled its festive campaign, ‘Spark Your Imagination’, which urges modern India to dream, create and flaunt their unique style. The campaign captures Pantaloons’ mission to move fashion beyond fabric making it about play, personality, and fearless creativity.

    “Spark Your Imagination is more than a festive campaign, it’s the start of a new chapter for Pantaloons,” said Pantaloons and Ownd! CEO Sangeeta Tanwani. “Samantha embodies exactly what fashion stands for today confidence, versatility, and experimentation.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Samantha Ruth Prabhu said, “Fashion to me is self-expression, and Pantaloons aligns perfectly with that belief. The campaign celebrates confidence and creativity values I deeply connect with.”

    Known for her bold fashion choices and effortless glamour, Samantha mirrors Pantaloons’ ethos of being chic yet comfortable, a style muse for the modern Indian shopper who isn’t afraid to stand out.

    The festive film for ‘Spark Your Imagination’ is a visual feast from shimmering lanterns to blooming flowers, it paints a world where every corner sparks a new idea for self-expression. Conceptualised by Teresa Sebastian and Dimple Parmar of Talented, the campaign celebrates individuality: “Style is one size fits one. Every piece of clothing is a spark, waiting to be made your own,” they said.

    Rolling out across television, digital, social media, and in-store experiences, the campaign brings Pantaloons’ new proposition to life that fashion isn’t just about what you wear, but what you create.

    Because this festive season, Pantaloons isn’t just setting trends, it’s sparking imaginations.

  • Rudy fires poll shot on Live Times’ Point Blank

    Rudy fires poll shot on Live Times’ Point Blank

    MUMBAI: It was no political tea break on Point Blank, it was all straight talk. Senior BJP leader and former union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy declared that the people of Bihar have already made up their minds in favour of the NDA, as he joined journalist Deepak Chaurasia for an exclusive interview on Live Times’ flagship prime-time show Point Blank.

    Confident and composed, Rudy claimed the alliance was poised for a comfortable victory in the upcoming state polls, adding that “the mood on the ground is clear and consistent.”

    Live Times founder Dilip Singh, said the episode aims to bring a “fresh and factual perspective” to the political narrative ahead of the Bihar elections. “Point Blank isn’t about sensationalism; it’s about hearing the truth directly from the source,” he noted.

    Viewers can catch the full interview on 5 October at 8 PM exclusively on Live Times, India’s first global multicast news hub, available on DD Free Dish (100), Tata Play (539), Airtel Digital TV (385), Dish TV (665), Sikka Cable (519), and Jio TV (359).

    The show can also be streamed live on the Live Times website and social platforms including Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    Because when it comes to Bihar’s ballot buzz, Live Times promises exactly what it stands for: complete truth, whatever it takes.

  • From Film Sets to Fortune 500: Why Celebrities Trust Acharya Lavbhushan with Life’s Biggest Decisions

    From Film Sets to Fortune 500: Why Celebrities Trust Acharya Lavbhushan with Life’s Biggest Decisions

    From the glamour of Bollywood film sets to the high-pressure boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, one name has quietly shaped some of the most important decisions – Acharya (Dr.) Lavbhushan. With over a decade of expertise in astrology, vastu, and numerology, he has emerged as the trusted advisor to India’s most influential celebrities and corporate leaders. Known for blending timeless wisdom with modern insights, Acharya Lavbhushan has become a guiding force for those navigating life’s biggest crossroads – be it choosing a blockbuster role, planning a global business expansion, or seeking harmony in personal relationships.

    The Bridge Between Stardom and Strategy

    When it comes to decision-making, celebrities and business leaders often face high-stakes scenarios. Actors worry about the timing of new releases, while corporate leaders weigh expansions, partnerships, or investments. In both worlds, trust in guidance is paramount, and that is where Acharya Lavbhushan comes in.

    “I believe astrology is not just about predictions but about empowering people to make informed choices. Whether it is an actor choosing a script or a CEO planning a global launch, clarity and timing are everything,” says Acharya Lavbhushan.

    His unique ability to interpret planetary alignments with practical insights bridges the worlds of glamour and global enterprise.

    Why Celebrities Turn to Him

    On the film sets of Mumbai, Acharya Lavbhushan is often a quiet but vital presence. Many actors and filmmakers consult him on:

    ●    Choosing scripts and projects that align with their astrological cycles.

    ●    Selecting release dates for films to maximise audience reception.

    ●    Managing relationships in an industry known for intense personal and professional challenges.

    ●    Maintaining mental well-being in the high-pressure world of stardom.

    Celebrities describe him as a confidant who listens without judgment and guides with both compassion and precision. His ability to simplify astrological insights makes him approachable even for those new to these sciences.

    Why Business Leaders Value His Guidance

    Away from the spotlight, Acharya Lavbhushan has built an equally strong reputation in the corporate sector. 

    Fortune 500 leaders, entrepreneurs, and start-up founders seek his advice for:

    ●    Business expansions and mergers where timing can define success.

    ●    Office vastu corrections to create work environments that encourage productivity.

    ●    Numerology consultations to optimise brand names, partnerships, or product launches.

    ●    Personal balance to help leaders handle the stress of global responsibilities.

    His ability to apply age-old wisdom to modern business challenges has made him a strategic partner for decision-makers.

    Over a Decade of Trusted Practice

    With over 10 years of experience, Acharya Lavbhushan is not just an astrologer but a thought leader in the field. His expertise spans astrology, vastu, and numerology – a rare combination that allows him to offer complete, multi-dimensional guidance.

    “Astrology is like a compass; it doesn’t dictate your journey but helps you steer in the right direction,” he explains. “When people trust me with their decisions, I consider it both an honour and a responsibility.”

    This philosophy has earned him lasting relationships with clients who return to him year after year for counsel.

    Recognition and Public Influence

    Beyond private consultations, Acharya Lavbhushan has made significant contributions through public platforms. 

    His media presence, guest appearances, and thought-leadership articles have positioned him as an authoritative yet approachable voice in his field. His online and offline courses continue to inspire students who aspire to learn astrology, vastu, and numerology with depth and authenticity.

    His reputation as one of the most reliable astrologers in India has grown not because of glamour, but because of the genuine impact his guidance creates in people’s lives.

    A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modernity

    What makes Acharya Lavbhushan stand out is his blend of traditional knowledge with a modern context. He interprets astrological charts not in rigid terms but with a perspective that fits today’s realities. For instance, a film star may be advised on emotional compatibility during co-productions, while a corporate leader may be guided on the timing of IPO launches.

    This adaptability has made his advice not only relevant but actionable in today’s ever-changing environment.

    “Every individual carries unique energy. My role is not to change destiny but to help people align with it in a way that enhances their growth and happiness,” says Acharya Lavbhushan.

    Transformative Impact on Clients

    The impact of Acharya Lavbhushan’s work is evident across sectors:

    ●    In Entertainment: Actors credit him with helping them pick the right roles and release timings, often leading to career breakthroughs.

    ●    In Business: Entrepreneurs value his insights for guiding investments, expansions, and strategic alliances.

    ●    In Personal Lives: Individuals from all walks of life turn to him for clarity on relationships, finances, and emotional well-being.

    His guidance is described as “transformative” because it goes beyond prediction to foster growth, confidence, and balance.

    Conclusion

    From guiding film stars on career-defining choices to helping corporate giants make high-stakes decisions, Acharya (Dr.) Lavbhushan has proven why he is one of India’s most trusted astrologers. His rare combination of authenticity, wisdom, and modern interpretation continues to draw people from the entertainment world and the corporate boardroom alike.

    In a world where uncertainty is constant, Acharya Lavbhushan remains a steady, guiding presence – a trusted confidant for those navigating life’s biggest crossroads.

     

  • Lodha hires a design-minded property boss

    Lodha hires a design-minded property boss

    MUMBAI: Lodha group has hired Anubhav Gupta as chief executive of its retail business. The appointment, which took effect in September, brings a property veteran with an unusual pedigree: Gupta is as comfortable talking sustainability metrics as he is flogging luxury flats.

    Gupta spent a decade at Godrej Properties, where he rose to run the Vikhroli project, the company’s flagship mixed-use development in Mumbai. At his peak, he was responsible for just under half of Godrej Properties’ profit after tax—a hefty chunk for one executive to carry. He also wore multiple hats as chief sustainability officer and founder of the company’s in-house design studio, which churned out award-winning products across 170m square feet of real estate in 12 cities.

    Before Lodha, Gupta spent 16 months as chief operating officer at DLF, heading the property giant’s ultra-luxury business. His earlier career reads like a global tour: he taught urban design at MIT and the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, worked as an urban planner for the Chicago Transit Authority, and held senior roles at architectural practices RTKL and RMJM in London and Hong Kong.

    Gupta is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and was named among Asia’s 40 leading designers under 40 by Perspective Global. His work at Godrej earned plaudits for blending design thinking with agile innovation, a buzzword-heavy approach that nonetheless delivered results.

    At Lodha, his brief is to oversee the developer’s retail operations—a natural extension for a man who built his reputation on mixed-use projects. Whether he can replicate his Godrej success in a new setting remains to be seen. But Lodha is clearly betting that a design-savvy executive with a track record in profitability is worth the gamble.

  • Max Fashion promotes insider as CEO

    Max Fashion promotes insider as CEO

    MUMBAI: Retail empires are not built by the faint-hearted. Sumit Chandna, freshly installed as chief executive of Max Fashion, knows this better than most. The 25-year veteran, promoted from deputy chief executive at Lifestyle International, has spent a career extracting profits from India’s cutthroat retail trenches.

    His record is formidable. At every stop—Shoppers Stop, Hypercity, Aditya Birla Retail, Bata India and Landmark Group—Chandna has delivered the same brutal formula: fatter margins, leaner costs, higher sales. It is a skill honed across hypermarkets, department stores and specialist retail, from high fashion to groceries.

    A graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Delhi, Chandna earned his stripes at Shoppers Stop, where he launched India’s first designer co-brand, Kasba, with Raghavendra Rathore. At Hypercity, he built merchandising systems from scratch and delivered results 70 per cent above plan with margins six percentage points higher than target. During an 11-year stint at Aditya Birla Retail, he rose to chief merchandising officer, pushing promotional sales from eight per cent to 23 per cent in four months and launching profitable private-label lines.

    Three years at Bata India saw him juggle retail operations and merchandising before Landmark Group poached him in 2022 to run Max as deputy chief executive. Now he has the corner office.

    Chandna is also a certified executive coach who has recruited talent from top business schools across India and Asia, lectured at management campuses and attended leadership programmes at Harvard and IMD in Lausanne. He won the Aditya Birla Group chairman’s award for exceptional contribution—no small feat in a conglomerate that size.

    His mandate at Max is simple: keep the juggernaut rolling. In announcing his promotion, Chandna promised to lead the brand into its “next phase of growth, innovation, and impact”. Strip away the corporate speak, and it means the same thing it always has: sell more, spend less, make more.

  • Cricket’s ruling body wants women to hack the future of sports technology

    Cricket’s ruling body wants women to hack the future of sports technology

    DUBAI: Cricket’s mandarins have never been mistaken for tech visionaries. But the International Cricket Council is taking a punt on innovation with Beyond Boundaries, a worldwide hackathon that demands every competing team include at least one woman—and promises cold, hard cash to the best all-female squad.

    The challenge, powered by Ignyte, a Dubai-based start-up accelerator, runs through 2025–2026 and invites students, start-ups and scale-ups to reimagine sport in the age of artificial intelligence. Though anchored in cricket, the hackathon welcomes ideas spanning any sport. The grand finale arrives in January 2026, when the most promising teams will pitch their wares on an international stage.

    Winners will pocket prize money, gain access to mentors and industry heavyweights, and—crucially—get pilot opportunities with the ICC and its partners to test their solutions in real sporting arenas. That is no small carrot for ambitious founders looking to crack a multi-billion-dollar industry.

    The competition zeroes in on three areas. First, boosting visibility and engagement for women’s sports through digital platforms and AI-driven fan models. Second, crafting next-generation experiences for younger audiences with interactive, personalised tech. Third, improving athlete health, performance and inclusivity using wearables, machine learning and smart analytics.

    Applications close on 19 December 2025. The ICC’s bet is simple: get more women into sports tech, and everyone wins. In a sector long dominated by blokes, that would count as boundary-breaking indeed.

  • What TRAI’s digital audio rollout recommendations mean for the radio folks?

    What TRAI’s digital audio rollout recommendations mean for the radio folks?

    NEW DELHI: India’s telecom regulator has thrown struggling FM broadcasters a lifeline, recommending a graduated payment structure for digital radio spectrum that defers most costs for a decade while the receiver ecosystem develops.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) proposes auctioning two digital frequencies in each of 13 major cities—including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru—at reserve prices ranging from Rs 20.52 crore to Rs 194.08 crore. Crucially, successful bidders choosing instalment payments would pay nothing for digital spectrum components during the first five years, when device adoption will be negligible.

    The phased approach reflects harsh commercial realities. Private FM radio advertising revenues have flatlined at Rs 1,819 crore in 2024-25, barely recovering to 2015-16 levels despite more operational channels. The sector faces mounting competition from music streaming platforms and shifting listener habits.

    “The business model of radio broadcasters is primarily driven by advertising revenues, which is closely linked to listener reach,” TRAI notes in recommendations released on 3 October 2025. “Without affordable receivers, broadcasters may have little incentive to adopt digital radio.”

    Under the staggered payment plan, analogue spectrum costs would be recovered in equal instalments over 15 years. But digital spectrum fees—representing one-third of total valuation—would be waived entirely for five years, then recovered at one-third rates from years six to ten, and two-thirds rates from years 11 to 15. All payments would protect net present value using State Bank of India’s marginal cost of lending rate, currently 8.75 per cent.

    The delay acknowledges brutal adoption timelines. TRAI estimates two years for service rollout, three more for widespread device availability, and another five to reach break-even—consuming two-thirds of the 15-year authorisation period before meaningful returns materialise.

    Digital radio allows multiple channels on single frequencies through simulcast transmission—one analogue channel plus three digital channels and one data channel per frequency. But the technology requires new receivers. Mobile handset manufacturers have shown little interest in integration, despite government advisories. Vehicle infotainment systems may take 15 years to reach full penetration given replacement cycles.

    The regulator stops short of mandating a specific technology, recommending government choose between HD Radio and Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) after consulting industry. “Selection of technology among the two technologies suitable in VHF Band-II for deployment in India…may be done in consultation with the industry, including radio broadcasters and radio receiver manufacturers,” TRAI states.

    Both technologies are recognised by the International Telecommunication Union. HD Radio, used in North America, requires 400 kHz bandwidth. DRM needs just 300 kHz and is open-source, avoiding royalty fees. The authority warns against allowing multiple standards, citing interoperability nightmares and market fragmentation.

    Existing FM broadcasters could voluntarily migrate to simulcast by paying the difference between auction prices and their proportionate remaining licence fees. A six-month window would follow auctions for migration decisions.

    The recommendations tackle infrastructure bottlenecks head-on. Common transmission infrastructure in existing cities cannot accommodate new digital channels. TRAI proposes either broadcaster consortiums or assignment to Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd  should create new facilities within three months. Mandatory co-location with government infrastructure would be scrapped.

    Prasar Bharati, the public broadcaster, should offer land, tower and transmission infrastructure at concessional rates whilst recovering operational expenses, TRAI adds.

    Annual authorisation fees would be set at four per cent of adjusted gross revenue for most cities, dropping to two per cent for three years in northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir and island territories. The regulator proposes a new category of radio broadcasting infrastructure providers authorised to build and lease facilities commercially.

    Controversially, TRAI recommends allowing terrestrial radio streaming without user controls like download or playback. This extends reach globally whilst the authority dismisses potential copyright concerns as beyond its remit, noting broadcasters “shall be subject to Copyright Act, 1957.”

    The measured rollout—just two frequencies per city initially—contrasts sharply with July 2025’s disastrous auction, where only 63 of 730 channels found buyers across 234 cities. That debacle underscores sector weakness and justifies cautious expansion.

    Whether broadcasters bite remains uncertain. The staggered payment plan reduces upfront barriers, but fundamental economics remain challenging. Streaming platforms offer unlimited choice and user control. Digital radio offers better audio quality and emergency alert capabilities, but competes for ears in an increasingly crowded audio landscape.

    TRAI’s recommendations now await government action. Implementation timelines are unclear, but the regulator urges swift technology selection before financial bidding begins. The decade-long journey to digital radio viability starts with that choice.

  • TRAI dials up the future with digital radio tune for 13 Indian cities

    TRAI dials up the future with digital radio tune for 13 Indian cities

    MUMBAI: Static is out, digital is in. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has turned up the volume on the country’s radio landscape with fresh recommendations to kick-start digital radio broadcasting in India’s biggest markets.

    The policy blueprint covers four A+ cities Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai and nine A cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and Jaipur. Reserve prices have been set for spectrum auctions, ranging from a hefty Rs 194.08 crore for Mumbai to Rs 20.52 crore for Kanpur.

    So what’s the buzz? Under TRAI’s plan, new broadcasters will launch in simulcast mode, meaning one frequency can now beam one analogue, three digital and one data channel. Existing FM players will be allowed to migrate voluntarily within six months of auctions, by paying a migration fee linked to auction prices and their earlier entry fees.

    The regulator is also pushing for a single digital radio technology standard for India, with the government tasked to finalise it either through consultations or embedding it into the spectrum auction process.

    Broadcasters opting in must get their simulcast services on air within two years, with licences lasting 15 years. A sunset date for analogue FM will come later, depending on digital adoption.

    The money matters are equally detailed: an annual authorisation fee of 4 per cent of Adjusted Gross Revenue for most cities, dropping to 2 per cent for the first three years in border, hilly and island territories. Flexible payment instalments, spread across 15 years, mirror telecom spectrum auctions protecting the government’s Net Present Value (NPV) while easing upfront pressure on broadcasters.

    In a move sure to please commuters and audiophiles, TRAI has urged the government to push manufacturers to ensure digital receivers are built into mobile phones and car infotainment systems. Meanwhile, Prasar Bharati may be asked to share its towers and infrastructure with private players at concessional rates.

    From opening auctions for two new spot frequencies per city to freeing broadcasters to choose their own genres, the roadmap aims to democratise India’s airwaves while adding sparkle to an industry often accused of playing the same old tune.

    For listeners, it means better sound quality, more choice and even value-added services riding on those data channels. For broadcasters, it’s a new stage to perform on and this time, the spotlight is firmly digital.

  • Sony sets the Adedge to put small brands on India’s biggest TV stage

    Sony sets the Adedge to put small brands on India’s biggest TV stage

    MUMBAI: Who says prime-time dreams are only for big spenders? Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is handing small and mid-sized businesses the remote control to the country’s most-watched shows. In partnership with Accenture, the network has launched Sony Adedge Centre of Excellence (CoE), a new-age advertising platform designed to lower the barriers of price and scale for growth-hungry Indian brands.

    From Kaun Banega Crorepati and Indian Idol to CID and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Adedge lets SMBs step into TV’s most coveted slots, but with the agility, measurability, and flexibility of digital campaigns. The idea? To democratise advertising so India’s smaller players can rub shoulders with the big guns.

    AdEdge combines SPNI’s storytelling heft with Accenture’s AI-driven targeting, analytics, and media strategy expertise, helping brands design campaigns that are both mass-reaching and outcome-driven. Think of it as giving emerging advertisers the muscle of TV and the brains of data, all without breaking the bank.

    “We’re not just opening the doors of TV to SMBs, we’re reimagining how growing brands can leverage India’s most powerful media assets at the right scale, with the right tools, and at the right price,” said SPNI MD & CEO Gaurav Banerjee calling SMBs the next big frontier for Indian advertising.

    Accenture’s Berjesh Chawla echoed the sentiment: “By placing the power of data-driven advertising into the hands of SMBs, we are unlocking full-funnel, cross-platform opportunities that are accessible, flexible, and profitable for emerging businesses.”

    With a consultative model, flexible buying options, and post-campaign measurement baked in, Adedge is setting the stage for smaller advertisers to shine big. After all, in a country where cricket scores, reality show drama, and family sitcoms rule living rooms, it’s only fair that SMBs now get a piece of the spotlight.