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  • Assembly Global appoints Vivekanand Kini as regional director APAC

    Assembly Global appoints Vivekanand Kini as regional director APAC

    MUMBAI: From Yahoo to Hungama, from HP to Akzonobel and now, the Assembly hall. Vivekanand Kini has joined Assembly Global as regional director for client experience, a move that marks the next chapter in a 15-year-plus career spent shaping digital journeys for some of the world’s biggest brands.

    Kini, who steps into the role this September, brings 18 years of experience across digital marketing, e-commerce, and client strategy, including 8 plus years in leadership positions. Most recently, he was regional head of digital & e-commerce at Akzonobel (2022–2025), where he spearheaded digital growth across Asia. Before that, he helmed HP’s digital marketing for over six years (2016–2022), leading campaigns and customer experience initiatives out of Gurgaon.

    His career foundation was laid at agencies and media firms: Havas Media (2013–2016) as associate director for media, Saatchi & Saatchi (2012–2013) as senior manager for client servicing, and Yahoo (2011) where he drove online media spends in retail. He began his digital journey at Hungama (2010–2011), managing brand solutions for marquee clients such as 7UP, Bacardi, LG, and Maruti Suzuki.

    At Assembly Global, Kini will be tasked with deepening client relationships, scaling regional strategies, and ensuring Assembly’s philosophy of Showup, Makechange, and Winwell translates into measurable client success. His portfolio of skills spans Adobe experience manager, marketing mix modelling, conversion optimisation, growth marketing, customer insight, and media trends expertise Assembly hopes will fortify its client-first positioning in Asia.

    Kini described the new role as a “perfect fit” for his passion for partnership and impact: “Mobility, technology and customer behaviour are evolving rapidly. This is an opportunity to reimagine client experience at scale, powered by both empathy and innovation.”

    For Assembly, a company known for its digital-first, culture-driven marketing approach, Kini’s appointment comes as it doubles down on APAC expansion and builds on its strong momentum with global clients.

    Looks like Assembly has found its newest building block and Kini is ready to cement lasting partnerships.

  • Sowing seeds of change: Zee 24 Taas honours farmers at Krushi Sanman 2025

    Sowing seeds of change: Zee 24 Taas honours farmers at Krushi Sanman 2025

    MUMBAI: Ploughing ahead with pride! Maharashtra’s most trusted Marathi news channel, Zee 24 Taas, turned the spotlight on the state’s unsung heroes at Krushi Sanman 2025, a celebration of farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and the resilience of rural India.

    More than just an award ceremony, the event blossomed into a powerful dialogue on the future of farming, spotlighting shrinking landholdings, rising input costs, and the mounting impact of climate change, while also celebrating trailblazing farmers who embraced innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship.

    Graced by agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne, cabinet minister Bharat Gogawale and union minister of state Murlidhar Mohol, the event reinforced the message that agriculture is not just the backbone of India’s economy but the heartbeat of rural transformation.

    “Krushi Sanman 2025 is a movement that celebrates resilience and ushers in change,” said Zee 24 Taas, editor, Kamlesh Sutar. “We want to shift the narrative of agriculture from hardship to opportunity and from survival to success.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Bharne spoke of his own roots in farming and assured the community of the government’s firm support: “Agriculture today is about courage, adaptability, and innovation. Events like Krushi Sanman strengthen our resolve to honour farmers and ensure rural prosperity.”

    Adding perspective, Zee media corporation limited, CEO, Karan Abhishek Singh, described the initiative as “a long-term ecosystem where knowledge, policy, and innovation converge for the benefit of farmers.”

    Viewers can catch the special telecast of Krushi Sanman 2025 exclusively on Zee 24 Taas on Saturday, 20th September at 2:30 pm, and Sunday, 21st September at 2:00 pm.

    By honouring excellence and igniting dialogue, Zee 24 Taas has ensured that Krushi Sanman 2025 is more than an event, it’s a milestone in making agriculture not only a source of livelihood, but also of lasting pride.

  • Bonga Bonga toasts triple win, putting Indian liqueurs on global map

    Bonga Bonga toasts triple win, putting Indian liqueurs on global map

    MUMBAI: Raise a glass! India’s first homegrown liqueur has gone global in style. ‘Bonga Bonga Mystery Liqueur’, the debut brand from Indobevs, has made history by becoming the first Indian liqueur to win accolades across three of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions in the same year.

    Launched in 2025, Bonga Bonga clinched silver at The Spirits Business Global Asian Masters, silver at the World Liqueur Awards, and bronze at the International Spirits Challenge. For a debutant label, that’s a hat-trick many established global players would envy.

    These aren’t just any awards. The International Spirits Challenge, now in its 30th year, attracts thousands of entries from more than 70 countries, judged by distillers, bartenders and design experts. The World Liqueur Awards benchmark the very best against Europe’s legacy names, while the Asian Spirits Masters strips branding away to judge on taste alone.

    “From day one, Bonga Bonga was imagined for the world,” said Indobevs, cmo,  Anupam Gurani. “We wanted something global, alive and true to Indobevs’ DNA of innovation. Winning across three of the industry’s most credible stages affirms that ambition and shows a readiness among drinkers to embrace brands that tell new stories.”

    What makes Bonga Bonga different is its secret blend of over 40 botanicals: rosemary, thyme, lavender, cinnamon, ginger, honey and more, crafted into a layered, sharp profile. Served at –10 degree celsius as a pure shot, it’s not designed as a mixer but as a ritual: crisp, bracing and unapologetically bold. Each bottle comes with an infuser that lets drinkers add dried herbs to invent personal flavours, turning every pour into a canvas for creativity. Even the bottle itself is designed to live on: reused, repurposed and reimagined long after the last drop.

    For Indobevs, best known for cult favourite Brocode, Bonga Bonga is a category-bender, refusing to fit neatly into the global spirits playbook. With futuristic design, playful irreverence and a focus on participation as much as taste, the brand positions itself as a “category of one.”

  • Paisabazaar banks on bonds & FDs with new wealth management foray

    Paisabazaar banks on bonds & FDs with new wealth management foray

    MUMBAI: Paisabazaar, one of India’s largest consumer credit marketplace, has taken a bold step into wealth management by launching fixed deposits (FDs) and corporate bonds on its platform.

    Best known as the go-to hub for free credit scores and loans, the fintech giant now wants to be the one-stop shop for all things money. “Our vision is to be a lifelong financial partner by offering a full suite of borrowing, saving and investment options,” said Paisabazaar, ceo, Santosh Agarwal.

    The move comes on the heels of PB Money, Paisabazaar’s personal finance management tool built on the account aggregator framework. With the latest launch, the platform promises retail investors a digital-first, transparent experience to compare, choose and book investment products, all from the comfort of their phones.

    FDs from players like Bajaj Finance, Suryoday Bank, Shivalik SF Bank, Slice SF Bank, Utkarsh SF Bank, Shriram Finance and South Indian Bank are now live on the app. Meanwhile, corporate bonds, powered by SEBI-regulated Grip Invest are being pitched as a high-yield alternative, with potential returns of up to 13.25 per cent, and investments starting as low as Rs 1,000.

    Investors can filter bonds by yield, credit rating and ticket size, and even access SEBI-registered analysts’ curated advice on theme-based portfolios. The aim: to make fixed income appealing again.

    Long term, Paisabazaar plans to balance its credit engine with savings and investment offerings, while targeting underserved and ‘new-to-credit’ segments. The company believes its data-led approach will deepen customer engagement and build a resilient, diversified model.
     

  • TV9 Festival strikes a high note with Shaan, Sachet–Parampara in Delhi

    TV9 Festival strikes a high note with Shaan, Sachet–Parampara in Delhi

    MUMBAI: When beats meet bhajans and pop collides with pujo, you know Delhi’s in for a spectacle. The third edition of the TV9 festival of India promises to be bigger, brighter and louder, bringing together music, culture, food and fashion in a five-day carnival at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from 28 September to 2 October 2025.

    TV9 Network, which has seen huge success with the past two editions, is upping the tempo this year with star-studded concerts, celebrity DJs, dazzling dandiya nights and Delhi’s tallest Durga Puja pandal. “With the grand success of the last two editions, we are raising the bar this year. The festival reflects the spirit of India: culture, tradition, festivity and modernity,” said TV9 Network, COO, K Vikram.

    Headlining the line-up are Bollywood favourites Sachet–Parampara and Shaan. The duo, known for chartbusters like Bekhayali, Maiyya Mainu and Raanjhan, will perform on opening night, 28 September, while Shaan, the golden voice behind classics such as Chand Sifarish and Woh Pehli Baar takes the stage on 1 October.

    But the music doesn’t stop there. Dandiya nights will keep the floor alive with a Bollywood-meets-Garba twist: DJ Sahil Gulati spins on 29 September, DJ D’ark on 30 September, and a top international DJ closes the celebrations on 2 October. Add to that day-long live acts ranging from folk and fusion to indie beats, and you’ve got a non-stop sonic feast.

    The festival, however, is not just about music. A sprawling lifestyle expo will showcase everything from handicrafts and home décor to fashion, beauty, tech and jewellery, alongside international stalls. Foodies can eat their way across the country with delicacies from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, while workshops, contests and art corners keep younger visitors entertained.

    At its spiritual heart lies the awe-inspiring Durga Puja celebrations, with rituals, décor and a towering pandal that promises to be a visual and devotional centrepiece.

    With something for everyone, whether you’re a shopaholic, a foodie, a culture buff or just chasing a great night out, the TV9 Festival of India is shaping up to be the capital’s biggest festive bash. Tickets for concerts and dandiya nights are available on Bookmyshow, while the lifestyle expo is free to attend daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

     

  • Game of cons Dreamhack x Comic Con 2025 powers up in Hyderabad

    Game of cons Dreamhack x Comic Con 2025 powers up in Hyderabad

    MUMBAI: Grab your capes, consoles and comic books Hyderabad is about to become the nerdiest city in India. Dreamhack India 2025 is teaming up with Hyderabad Comic Con for a three-day pop culture takeover from 31 October to 2 November, promising a mash-up of esports battles, cosplay showdowns, comic book launches and retro gaming nostalgia.

    The festival, celebrating Dreamhack’s sixth anniversary in India, lands at a time when fandom culture is booming. Last year, Comic Con Hyderabad drew over 40,000 fans, and organisers expect to top that number this year as gamers, cosplayers and comic collectors converge for what’s being billed as India’s ultimate geek carnival.

    The line-up is stacked: Pan Fest (BGMI) brings daily lobbies for fans to squad up, KO Fight Night revives arcade rivalries with Tekken 8, Super Smash Bros and Street Fighter VI, while Chess at Dreamhack adds cerebral fireworks with Rapid and Blitz formats. The iconic Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) zone returns, letting fans lug in their PCs, consoles or mobiles (or rent high-performance rigs on-site) to play non-stop across the weekend.

    And it’s not all about pixels and joysticks the Retro & Board Games Zone will tug at nostalgia with Contra, Pac-Man, Tetris and good old-fashioned Carrom and Ludo. Throw in comic launches, cosplay showcases, music gigs and shopping alleys, and the festival promises to be a sensory overload of fandom culture.

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee called it “a one-of-a-kind celebration where gaming meets pop culture,” while Comic Con India CEO Shefali Johnson said the partnership takes Hyderabad Comic Con’s magic “to the next level.”

    With tickets now live on District App and official websites, Hyderabad is gearing up for three days of caffeine, costumes and controllers proving once again that when it comes to fandom, the more, the merrier.

  • Visit Dubai’s new campaign says ‘Yeh Bhi Dubai Hai, Bro!’ with Bassi & Harsh Gujral

    Visit Dubai’s new campaign says ‘Yeh Bhi Dubai Hai, Bro!’ with Bassi & Harsh Gujral

    MUMBAI: Dubai is cracking jokes and breaking travel clichés. Visit Dubai has rolled out its latest campaign, ‘Yeh Bhi Dubai Hai, Bro!’, starring Indian stand-up favourites Anubhav Singh Bassi and Harsh Gujral. The campaign takes a playful spin on discovery, showing that just when you think you’ve seen it all, Dubai pulls another surprise.

    Targeted at India’s comedy-loving audience, the campaign follows the two comics as they swap punchlines for adventures. Bassi introduces Harsh to the serene mountain landscapes of Hatta, while Harsh straps Bassi in for a heart-thumping ride across the world’s longest urban zipline at Xline Dubai Marina. Along the way, they plunge into the world’s deepest pool at Deep Dive Dubai, play chess in a sunken city, admire vintage bikes, indulge at Asia Asia in Pier 7, take a yacht ride across the Marina, and unwind at Koko Bay.

    The campaign taps into India’s love for stand-up comedy, a genre that’s exploded in popularity over the past decade. Bassi and Harsh, household names for their relatable humour, bring a touch of authenticity and friendship to the narrative. Their banter feels less like a marketing film and more like a comedy sketch-turned-travel diary.

    Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, regional director of proximity markets, Bader Ali Habib, said the idea was to capture the blend of fun, spontaneity and discovery that resonates with Indian travellers. “Their journey shows Dubai is full of moments that spark excitement, from thrilling adventures to hidden gems, all wrapped up in the city’s unbeatable energy,” he added.

    For Bassi, the project was a reunion with a friend in one of his favourite cities. “Working on something that didn’t feel like typical marketing but more like two friends exploring and having fun was amazing,” he said. Harsh echoed the sentiment, laughing about Bassi’s reaction to the zipline and reflecting on Dubai’s ability to surprise him even after multiple visits.

    With its short flight time, seamless connectivity and ever-expanding list of experiences, from adventure sports to shopping, food, culture and iconic landmarks, Dubai continues to position itself as India’s go-to getaway. And as Bassi and Harsh prove, there’s always a new punchline waiting around the corner.

  • Delhi HC blocks 35 websites for pirating JioStar’s films and TV shows

    Delhi HC blocks 35 websites for pirating JioStar’s films and TV shows

    MUMBAI: Streaming pirates just hit a legal firewall. The Delhi High Court has barred 35 rogue websites from illegally streaming films, TV shows and web series owned by JioStar India Pvt. Ltd., handing the broadcaster a decisive win in its fight against online piracy.

    The order, delivered by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, came in response to JioStar’s plea alleging widespread copyright infringement of its premium content. Among the pirated titles were blockbusters like 12th Fail, Drishyam 2, Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, alongside hit shows such as Anupamaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Bigg Boss, and Legends of Hanuman.

    Citing provisions of the Copyright Act, 1957, the Court ruled that the defendants were prima facie infringing JioStar’s exclusive rights under Section 14(d). It granted an ex parte ad-interim injunction, noting that the “balance of convenience” favoured the plaintiff and unchecked piracy risked causing “irreparable harm.”

    The banned sites include familiar piracy hubs such as serialmaza.my, 5movierulz.cash, vegamovies-nl.quest, tamildhool.net, sungohd.com, biggbossott3.com and hdhub4u.fail.

    The Court went further, granting JioStar a dynamic injunction, a powerful tool that allows the company to block not only the current domains but also mirror sites, alphanumeric variants, and redirect links that pop up to dodge takedowns. The Registrar has been empowered to swiftly add such sites once evidence is presented.

    Key directions include:

    ●    Domain registrars to suspend and deactivate domains, while sharing registrant details such as IP addresses, payment records, and contact info within four weeks.

    ●    ISPs to block access to the listed websites within 48 hours.

    ●    DoT and Meity to ensure ISP compliance via official communications.

    The order leaned on precedent set in the UTV Software Communication Ltd. v. 1337x.to (2019) case, where rogue website criteria from brazen infringement to silence on takedown notices were codified.

    The ruling comes as JioHotstar, one of India’s largest OTT platforms with 100,000 plus hours of programming, faces relentless piracy threats. Industry watchers say piracy not only drains revenues but discourages investment in original content, making such judicial backing critical.

    Summons have been issued to the defendants, who must file written statements within 30 days. Replications, if any, follow in another 30 days. The matter returns to court for pleadings on September 18, 2025, and for further hearing on January 20, 2026.

    For now, at least, the pirates have been benched but the game of digital whack-a-mole is far from over.

  • Calling the shots TCS and Vodafone Idea dial up AI for customer delight

    Calling the shots TCS and Vodafone Idea dial up AI for customer delight

    MUMBAI: Hello, future calling! Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has struck a five year deal with Vodafone Idea (Vi) to rewire the telecom giant’s business support system (BSS) with an AI driven digital backbone designed for speed, smarts and seamless service.

    At the heart of this transformation are TCS’ flagship platforms Hobs and Twinx. While HOBS will serve as the agile, stable and integrated foundation for Vi’s customer touchpoints, TwinX will inject intelligence with AI/ML driven analytics and scenario simulations. Together, the duo aims to fast track product launches, personalise interactions and deliver resilient performance in an industry where milliseconds matter.

    For Vi, the stakes are high. The new platform promises to help the operator launch new products faster, adapt to evolving customer needs, and elevate service responsiveness. “With this partnership Vi is embarking on a transformative journey to redefine customer experience,” said Vodafone Idea Limited CTO Jagbir Singh adding that AI infused BSS will set a “new standard” in digital experiences.

    The partnership builds on a 15 year relationship between TCS and Vi, anchored in TCS’ 25 plus years of expertise in the communications, media and information services sector. Operating out of 105 delivery centres, TCS supports over one billion telecom subscribers across 45 countries, a scale that few IT majors can match.

    “By leveraging our advanced AI capabilities and flagship products, we are committed to transform customer engagement and operational efficiency for Vodafone Idea,” said TCS president & country head for India Business Ujjwal Mathur.

    Beyond customer delight, TCS has positioned the programme as part of its larger “Made in India, for India and ready for the world” vision, with sustainability, sovereignty and security woven in.

    As India’s telecom sector braces for the next digital leap, this tie up underscores how technology heavyweights and telcos are dialling up AI not just to connect millions, but to reimagine what a call, a click or a customer interaction should feel like.

  • Cartoons, capes and catchy tunes light up kids TV this September

    Cartoons, capes and catchy tunes light up kids TV this September

    MUMBAI: Holy binge-fest, Batman! September is shaping up to be a supercharged month on kids’ TV as Warner Bros. Discovery’s Cartoon Network, Pogo and Discovery Kids roll out a line-up brimming with caped crusaders, festival adventures and musical sing-alongs.

    Cartoon Network is flying high with Batman Day celebrations on 20–21 September. Mornings will kick off with Batwheels, where Batman, Robin and Batgirl zoom through Gotham with their sentient vehicles. Come evening, fans can tune in at 6:30 pm for Bat-centric specials of Teen Titans Go!, including Batman v Teen Titans: Dark Injustice, a prank war gone too far until Raven restores order.

    Over on Pogo, Sundays are reserved for epic heroics. From 14 to 28 September at 1 pm, Little Singham & Chhota Bheem: Olympus Ke Yoddha will pit the pint-sized superheroes against villains Kaal and Kirmada, armed with solar weapons powerful enough to threaten entire universes. With help from Little Krishna and a Golden Dragon hatchling, balance must be restored.

    As festivals approach, Pogo kicks off its Superheroes Ka Superutsav from 22 September to 3 October, spotlighting 10 villains across premieres. The highlight? Chhota Bheem VS Rangda: The Battle for Bali on 28 September, where Bheem and friends fight to save the island from slipping into darkness.

    For younger viewers (and parents who hum along), Discovery Kids keeps things tuneful with Cocomelon. Every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 am, Baby JJ and siblings turn ordinary moments into musical memories, from school days to family time.

    With superheroes, classic characters and cheerful tunes, the trio of kids’ channels promise week-after-week action, adventure and music to keep children (and quite possibly their parents) glued to the screen.