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  • Breakfast’s back on the pitch with Season 9 serve

    Breakfast’s back on the pitch with Season 9 serve

    MUMBAI: The toast of cricket talk shows is back, and it’s serving fresh stories with a side of wit. Oaktree Sports has announced the return of Breakfast with Champions for its much-awaited ninth season, hosted by the ever-charming Gaurav Kapur.

    Presented by Pop UPI and styled by Peter England, the new season premieres this October exclusively on Youtube, promising more laughter, locker-room confessions and heart behind the hustle.

    From Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya to Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Gavaskar, the show has already dished out some of the sport’s most unguarded conversations. This season, it’s going beyond the boundary, with cricketing stars joined by champions from other arenas, starting with Abhishek Sharma.

    “Every season of Breakfast with Champions has grown in scale and soul,” said Oaktree Sports founder Gaurav Kapur. “What began as casual chats has become a celebration of the human side of sport.”

    Pop UPI founder Bhargav Errangi added, “Just like our Popcoins reward loyalty, Breakfast with Champions rewards its audience with authenticity. It’s all about consistency and excellence, just like champions themselves.”

    Adding polish to the table, Peter England steps in as wardrobe partner with its sleek Gentlemen’s league collection, while brand strategy firm Next Narrative ensures the storytelling remains top-tier.

    With a power-packed guest list, sharp humour and plenty of heart, Breakfast with Champions – Season 9 is all set to remind fans why mornings with Gaurav Kapur are the most entertaining meal in sport.

  • Kia India announces new CSO and CBO

    Kia India announces new CSO and CBO

    MUMBAI: Kia India, the premium automobile manufacturer, has announced a major leadership reshuffle with the appointment of Sunhack Park as chief sales officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as chief business officer.

    In his new role, Park will spearhead Kia India’s sales strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and market expansion. With over 28 years of global automotive experience, he has previously held senior positions at Kia headquarters in South Korea, as well as in the Middle East & Africa and India.

    As chief business officer, Cho will lead business strategy, production planning, export logistics, and strategic partnerships, driving operational excellence across divisions. Cho brings with him more than 32 years of leadership experience across Australia, the UK, and Europe.

    Expressing his excitement, Park said in a statement, “I am privileged to take on the role of chief sales officer. This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand in a dynamic market. My focus will be on driving sales growth, optimising efficiency, and strengthening our dealer network.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Cho added, “I am honoured to assume the role of chief business officer. Kia India has made remarkable progress, and my goal is to develop strategies that sustain growth and operational excellence.”

    With these leadership changes, Kia India reaffirms its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth in the Indian automotive market.

  • Veteran journalist, Padma Bhushan awardee TJS George passes away

    Veteran journalist, Padma Bhushan awardee TJS George passes away

    MUMBAI: TJS George, veteran journalist, author and columnist known for his incisive writing and uncompromising editorial independence, passed away on Friday (October 3, 2025) due to age-related complications. He was 97.

    A Padma Bhushan awardee, George was among the most respected figures in Indian English journalism, known for his sharp political analysis and fearless commentary.

    Born on May 7, 1928, in Kerala, George was the fourth child of Thayil Thomas Jacob, a magistrate, and Chachiamma Jacob. He graduated with honours in English Literature from Madras Christian College before beginning his journalistic career in the 1950s with The Free Press Journal in Mumbai.

    Over the decades, he held senior editorial roles at The Searchlight, The Free Press Journal and the Far Eastern Economic Review, and later became the founding editor of Asiaweek in Hong Kong. In India, he served as editorial adviser to The New Indian Express, where his widely read weekly column, Point of View, ran for 25 years until June 2022.

    George was known for his unwavering stand against corruption, social injustice, and communal intolerance. His columns often questioned power and highlighted issues of public concern with clarity and conviction.

    An accomplished author, George wrote several biographies and political works, including Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore, The Life and Times of Nargis, Krishna Menon: A Biography, and The Dismantling of India: In 35 Portraits:  a collection of essays on politicians, artists, activists, and public figures.

    In recognition of his contributions to journalism and literature, he received several awards including the Padma Bhushan (2011), Rajyotsava Award (2007), Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Award (2024), and Kesari Media Award (2017), among others.

    Through a career spanning more than seven decades, TJS George remained a steadfast voice of reason and integrity in Indian journalism: a writer who never hesitated to speak truth to power. His legacy continues to inspire generations of journalists and readers alike.

  • Bengaluru roundtable by Indiantelevision.com & mfilterit concludes on a high note

    Bengaluru roundtable by Indiantelevision.com & mfilterit concludes on a high note

    BENGALURU: The Bengaluru edition of Indiantelevision.com Group and mfilterit’s closed-door roundtable proved to be a power-packed and highly successful gathering of India’s app economy leaders. Themed “Build winning app acquisition & engagement strategy using AI & analytics”, the event on 12 September brought together an exclusive panel of senior voices from well-established brands. With candid conversations, practical insights, and real-world case studies, the session set a new benchmark for dialogue around the future of app marketing in India.

    Indiantelevision.com Group chief business officer Soumitra Sahu said, “At Indiantelevision.com, we see ourselves as enablers of meaningful conversations that move the industry forward. The Bengaluru roundtable was a reflection of that, bringing together diverse voices from India’s thriving app economy to candidly address both opportunities and blind spots. What stood out was the willingness of leaders to go beyond surface metrics like installs and really dig into questions of quality, transparency, and long-term engagement.”

    “By partnering with mFilterIt, we wanted to create a forum that doesn’t just spotlight challenges but also equips marketers with actionable insights to build sustainable, growth-focused strategies. Judging by the energy in the room and the quality of ideas exchanged, this event was a resounding success and a step toward shaping a stronger digital ecosystem for all,” Sahu added.

    The forum underscored how the conversation in today’s attention-deficit era has shifted: installs alone no longer define success. Instead, cleaner traffic, genuine engagement, and sustainable ROI are the new imperatives. Moderated by  WPP Medi national head – performance marketing Satheesh Kumar, the powerhouse panel included industry moguls from Phonepe’s Indus Appstore, Ajio, Rapido, Pocket FM, Jar, redbus, Payrupik, Stable Money, My Growth Club, and mfilterit.

    Durgesh Rathore of mFilterIt highlighted the session’s depth and practical value, noting that discussions around KPIs, media mix, and the challenges posed by SRNs and third-party channels made the forum highly engaging. He emphasised that despite reliance on standard validation metrics, brands still face gaps due to opaque models, underscoring the need for robust checks and AI-driven solutions.

    Rathore also valued the opportunity to exchange insights with industry veterans. “Presenting in front of a focused group of industry peers was a proud moment. The insightful exchanges with veterans like Pawandeep Singh and Utkarsh Garg provided diverse perspectives and a deeper understanding of the evolving digital ecosystem,” he noted.

    Reflecting on the value of the discussion, Phonepe Indus Appstore VP product Rohit Utmani said, “The discussion was an insightful, high-quality exchange. The most valuable aspect was the focus on real-world examples and best practices from the panelists’ companies.”

    “It was refreshing to learn from their practical experiences on scaling, rather than relying on a traditional market research approach. It was also great to hear the positive reception to Indus Appstore and the enthusiasm that developers in the ecosystem have about exploring our platform as a new way to acquire users,” he added.

    For moderator Satheesh Kumar, the event exceeded expectations. 
    “My expectation was to have a candid, insightful discussion around the opportunities and challenges in the app ecosystem, particularly on growth, fraud prevention, and attribution. The session absolutely lived up to that, with panelists openly sharing their practical experiences and perspectives.”

    “What I enjoyed most was the diversity of viewpoints, each panelist brought a unique lens from their respective industries, which made the discussion rich and well-rounded. It even went to the extent where the panelists started building on each other’s points of view, turning the session into a super engaging conversation rather than a typical Q&A. What made it truly insightful was that the dialogue wasn’t limited to just app marketing, it naturally expanded into broader aspects of marketing, product, and business strategy,” Kumar added.

    From highlighting fraud patterns like CTIT anomalies, invalid OS versions, and click hijacking, to stressing the importance of independent AI-powered validation, the session offered a roadmap for marketers to move beyond vanity installs toward growth-focused, transparent, and efficient strategies.

    For Indiantelevision.com Group, co-hosting the roundtable augmented its role as a trusted knowledge partner for the industry, while for mFilterIt, it further demonstrated its leadership in shaping cleaner, more accountable digital ecosystems.

  • Flair Pens launches ‘The Right Move’ campaign for eco-friendly pencil

    Flair Pens launches ‘The Right Move’ campaign for eco-friendly pencil

    MUMBAI: Flair Pens has rolled out its latest sustainability-led initiative, ‘The Right Move’, a campaign that positions the Move 2mm mechanical pencil as an eco-conscious alternative to traditional wooden pencils. Conceptualised by Schbang, the emotionally charged film uses a child’s perspective to highlight the unseen environmental cost of classroom stationery.

    At the heart of the campaign is a simple yet powerful metaphor: the act of sharpening a pencil visually transforms into trees being cut down, reminding viewers of the link between everyday stationery choices and deforestation. By framing this through a child’s innocent lens, the narrative drives home the importance of making conscious decisions early on.

    Unlike traditional wooden pencils, the Move 2mm mechanical pencil is refillable and not made of wood, while still retaining a familiar wooden feel. This innovation reduces waste, ensures longevity, and allows students to enjoy the same writing experience without compromising on sustainability.

    The campaign is designed to resonate with students, parents, and educators, positioning Flair not just as a stationery manufacturer but as an empathetic innovator addressing both environmental and user needs.

    “The 2mm pencil is truly an innovation for a cause. To launch such a product, we wanted to drive the importance of this innovation directly to its users, the children, and inspire them to make the right change,” said Schbang creative lead Vaibhav Das.  

    Through ‘The Right Move,’ Flair underscores its mission to make sustainable choices accessible and impactful, proving that environmental responsibility can begin with something as simple as a pencil. 
     

  • Zara turns 50 in style with star-studded collab

    Zara turns 50 in style with star-studded collab

    MUMBAI: Fifty and fabulous! Zara is marking its golden anniversary not with a cake but with couture. To celebrate turning 50, the Spanish high-street giant has enlisted 50 of the world’s most renowned creatives, from Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss to Annie Leibovitz, Pedro Almodóvar and Norman Foster, to design one-of-a-kind pieces that will hit stores on 6 October.

    The capsule spans jackets, bags, sleeping bags, chairs and even a pet carrier, each reflecting the signature spirit of its creator. Photographer David Bailey reimagines the aviator jacket, Pat Mcgrath puts her artistry into a makeup bag, Marc Newson crafts a set of sleek glasses, while Steven Meisel designs a collector’s pet carrier.

    “It is an honour that these artists have chosen to mark our birthday with us,” said Inditex non-executive chair Marta Ortega Pérez. “They share the same passions Zara has had since the beginning: quality of craft and the joy of design.”

    The project isn’t just about fashion fantasy. All proceeds will go to Women’s Earth Alliance, with Zara also donating 20,000 euros to 50 charities selected by the collaborators.

    Paris Fashion Week is playing host to the celebrations with a pop-up at 40 Avenue Georges V from 2–5 October, curated by Sarah Andelman. Visitors can view the entire collection, attend talks with designers such as Marc Newson, and soak in the atmosphere, soundtracked by Michel Gaubert and fuelled by We Are Ona’s café.

    Zara, founded in 1975 by Amancio Ortega in A Coruña, has grown from a single Spanish store into a global cultural force. Half a century later, its anniversary is doubling as a masterclass in the art of collaboration.

  • Indri crowned ‘Best World Whisky’ at Las Vegas with record 99.1 score

    Indri crowned ‘Best World Whisky’ at Las Vegas with record 99.1 score

    MUMBAI: India’s homegrown single malt Indri has once again made history on the world stage. The Indri-Trini Diwali Collector’s Edition 2025: Marsala Cask Finish has been named ‘Best World Whisky’ at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards 2025, with an extraordinary 99.1 points out of 100, one of the highest scores ever achieved by an Indian whiskey. 

    This marks Indri’s second big win at the competition, after first bagging the top honour in 2023. The victory reaffirms Indri’s reputation as a global benchmark for single malts, while placing India firmly on the world whiskey map. 

    Crafted by Piccadily Distilleries in Indri, Haryana, the award-winning edition is made from six-row Indian barley and finished in Marsala wine casks. Bottled at cask strength (60 per cent ABV), it is celebrated for its rich profile, stewed apricots, cherries, plums, and nutty spice on the nose; red berries, chocolate, nutmeg, and walnuts on the palate; with a long, lingering fruity-oak finish. 

    The recognition follows Indri’s phenomenal commercial success. In 2024, the brand became the fastest-growing and largest-selling single malt, outselling global heavyweights such as Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, The Singleton, and Laphroaig (IWSR data). 

    *“Indri has been rewriting the story of Indian single malts, breaking stereotypes and setting new standards globally,” said Piccadily Distilleries head of marketing Shalini Sharma. “This near-perfect score is not just a win for Indri, but a proud moment for India.” 

    The Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards, judged through blind tastings by expert distillers, buyers, bartenders, educators, and media, evaluates entries on appearance, aroma, palate, balance, and finish. 

    With the 2025 collector’s edition set to launch in India before Diwali, anticipation is at an all-time high. Indri’s limited-edition Diwali releases have fast become some of the most awaited whiskey launches worldwide. 

    For Piccadily Agro Industries Limited, Indri’s success underscores its commitment to premiumisation and innovation. The company, also known for Camikara premium rum and a wide portfolio of malt spirits, has rapidly emerged as a serious force in the global spirits industry. 

    Indri’s win is more than an award, it is a signal to the world that Indian single malts are not just competing, but leading, at the highest level.

  • Netflix battles boredom with Kurukshetra, Mahabharata comes alive in animation

    Netflix battles boredom with Kurukshetra, Mahabharata comes alive in animation

    MUMBAI: Forget history class, Netflix is taking viewers straight to the battlefield. The streaming giant, in collaboration with the GNCT of Delhi, hosted a special screening of Kurukshetra, its first animated mythology series, at the Delhi Secretariat Auditorium, blending epic storytelling with anime flair.

    The event saw dignitaries including Kapil Mishra minister for art, culture & language, and Niharika Rai, IAS, managing director & CEO, Delhi Tourism, gracing the premiere. A fireside chat with series writer-director Ujaan Ganguly and Hitech Animation CEO Ashish Thapar offered insights into bringing India’s epic war to life for a modern audience.

    Comprising 18 episodes, Kurukshetra revisits the Mahabharata through the eyes of 18 warriors over 18 fateful days, mixing poetry, anime, and music. With the legendary Gulzar lending his lyrical genius, the series balances reverence for the original epic while presenting it in a format that resonates with both younger and older audiences. The series launches on October 10, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.

    Shri Kapil Mishra praised the initiative, saying, “The history of the Mahabharata is an integral part of Delhi’s heritage, and Kurukshetra brings this to life in a way that is accessible to millions of future generations… I urge the creative community to continue sharing India’s real history hidden stories, tales of brave women, and examples of courage and sacrifice.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Niharika Rai added, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to showcasing India’s cultural richness. Kurukshetra makes this timeless epic accessible to younger generations while honouring its legacy. Preserving our epics in modern formats is vital, and Delhi Tourism is proud to partner with Netflix for this screening.”

    Netflix director of global affairs for India Mahima Kaul, highlighted the global reach: “Kurukshetra resonates with those who grew up with the Mahabharata and wish to share it with younger audiences in a fresh format. Available in multiple Indian and international languages, subtitled in 34 more, and inclusive with Hindi audio description, this epic can now be experienced by audiences everywhere.”

    With Kurukshetra, Netflix cements its role as a storyteller rooted in India’s culture, bringing the country’s rich tapestry of narratives to screens worldwide, one warrior at a time.

  • Zee 24 Taas launches ‘Fakt Ladh Mhana’ to protect education of flood-hit kids

    Zee 24 Taas launches ‘Fakt Ladh Mhana’ to protect education of flood-hit kids

    MUMBAI: When the floods washed away crops, Zee 24 Taas stepped in to save futures. Maharashtra’s most trusted news channel has launched a powerful campaign, Fakt Ladh Mhana, to ensure that children of flood-affected farmers in Marathwada don’t lose their right to education.

    The recent floods devastated the region, destroying acres of soybean and cotton crops and crippling families’ ability to pay for rent, mess, or tuition fees. For hundreds of students studying in cities like Pune and Mumbai, the tragedy threatened to cut short their education and with it, their dreams of lifting their families out of poverty.

    Recognising the gap, Zee 24 Taas created a transparent, direct-aid model: the campaign shares the personal journeys of over 400 identified students, broadcasting their stories in prime time along with their bank and Google Pay details live on air. This allows viewers to contribute directly, ensuring every rupee reaches the student without delay.

    The impact was immediate. Within just three hours of their stories airing, students Mahesh Jadhav (Nanded) and Mahesh Mate (Beed) received nearly Rs 50,000 each from generous viewers. The funds covered their urgent rent, food, and education expenses, with both pledging to help fellow students if donations exceeded their needs.

    “Education is the strongest weapon of empowerment,” said Zee 24 Taas editor Kamlesh Sutar. “Through Fakt Ladh Mhana, we are not only reporting hardships but creating solutions by connecting citizens directly with students.”*

    Echoing the vision, ZMCL CEO Karan Abhishek Singh added, “Our role as media goes beyond reporting. With this campaign, journalism becomes a bridge of hope, mobilising communities for real change.”

    By spotlighting two to three fresh cases daily, Fakt Ladh Mhana is designed as a sustained movement, a rallying cry to citizens across Maharashtra to stand up for education.

    Because when young minds are safeguarded today, a resilient tomorrow is built for all.
     

  • Pink Power Run paints Hyderabad in hope and health

    Pink Power Run paints Hyderabad in hope and health

    MUMBAI: Hyderabad turned a rosy shade of resolve as the Pink Power Run 2025 swept through People’s Plaza, where thousands laced up not just for fitness but for the fight against breast cancer.

    From Hindi cinema charm to global glamour, the line-up sparkled. Former Mr India and health ambassador Darasing Khurana hosted with gusto, joined by Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata Chuangsri, tennis ace Leander Paes and philanthropist Sudha Reddy. Together, they lent star power to a life-saving cause.

    This year’s theme, stride and shine, captured the spirit perfectly. Families, fitness buffs and first-timers alike took to the track, sending a united message that early detection saves lives.

    Khurana, long active in health advocacy, told the cheering crowd, “Every step we take today is a stride towards saving lives.” For him, the run was a natural extension of his work as an ambassador for Datri, India’s blood stem cell registry.

    Chuangsri, accompanied by Miss World chairperson Julia Morley, praised the run as “a shining example of how community action can drive meaningful change,” highlighting her Beauty with a purpose mission on women’s health.

    Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among Indian women. Experts stress that awareness and screenings dramatically improve survival rates, and Pink Power Run 2025 made that message impossible to miss.

    In the end, it was more than a race. It was a rallying cry, a community statement, and proof that when people stride together, they shine brighter.