Tag: Delhi

  • Game of pawns just got powered up as chess makes its esports move

    Game of pawns just got powered up as chess makes its esports move

     MUMBAI: The queens are charged, the knights are digital, and India’s chessboard is now esports-ready. In a game-changing move for Indian chess, Nodwin Gaming has announced a strategic partnership with Chess.com and Chessbase India, marking a historic convergence of esports, content, and competitive chess. Together, the trio will co-create original IPs, power pro-level broadcasts, and elevate India’s growing chess ecosystem into a global force.

    From school tournaments to creator streams, chess has undergone a stunning revival. Once the preserve of silent halls and grandmasters, it’s now the fourth most-watched sport in India trailing only cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI. This new-age boom has been fuelled by the digital-first youth, and the stats are as sharp as a Sicilian Defence, 7.6 billion games played globally on Chess.com in 2024, 200 million plus registered users, including over 9 million monthly active players from India, 550,000 plus new Indian sign-ups every month, 925 million organic views, with viewership up 640 per cent year-on-year

    The tipping point? The Gukesh vs Ding Liren World Championship final, streamed in India exclusively by this trio, which racked up 24 million views and a peak concurrency of 200,000.

    “Chess has now become more than a game, it’s content, culture, and community,” said Nodwin Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee. “With this partnership, we’re building a future-ready ecosystem to take Indian chess from heritage to hype.”

    And it’s not just the numbers. The chess revolution is reshaping Indian cities and screens alike, Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai rank among the world’s top chess-viewing zones. 80.9 per cent of Indian chess viewership is on smartphones. Core audience? Ages 18–34, a Gen Z and millennial-driven wave of tactical fandom

    Chessbase India CEO Sagar Shah sees this as more than a business arrangement, “This is a vision to take Indian chess from grassroots to global. With NODWIN and Chess.com, we now have the firepower to truly scale it.”

    Chess.com India, country director Avadh Shah added, “The excitement around chess is at an all-time high, and this collaboration ensures India plays a defining role in shaping its future.”

    That future arrives fast. At the Esports World Cup 2025, chess will debut with a 1.5 million dollars prize pool. Representing India will be S8ul’s Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram the country’s first-ever esports team to compete in global chess.

    From mobile-first blitz battles to stadium-sized finals, chess is no longer just about black-and-white strategy, it’s a full-spectrum spectacle. And with Nodwin Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India now playing as one, India might just checkmate the world.

  • Pooja Sondhi gets HR handle at Adomantra to drive growth playbook

    Pooja Sondhi gets HR handle at Adomantra to drive growth playbook

    MUMBAI: She’s not just hiring, she’s here to rewire. In a strategic move to anchor its growth plans with a strong people backbone, Adomantra Digital India Pvt. Ltd has roped in Pooja Sondhi as its new chief human resources officer (CHRO). The appointment signals the company’s intent to double down on its talent-first philosophy while expanding operations across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

    Armed with over 20 years of HR experience, Pooja is no stranger to driving scale. A certified POSH trainer and two-time HR award winner “HR Professional of the Year” (HR+L&D Innovation Summit 2024) and one of the “50 HR Innovators” (World HRD Congress 2023) she’s known for her sharp people insights, strategic acumen, and change-making credentials. Her resume spans stints at Dainik Jagran, JCDecaux, Vcommission Media, and Aargus Global Logistics, giving her a ringside view into both legacy and new-age organisations.

    At Adomantra, she’ll steer HR across its growing business hubs, with a focus on building a high-performance, inclusive, and agile culture. As part of the company’s FY 2026 roadmap, Adomantra aims to onboard new hires and expand its business footprint placing Sondhi at the centre of this scale-up engine.

    “We are thrilled to have Pooja on board,” said Adomantra Digital India and Adotrip Group founder & CEO Vikas Katoch. “Her people-first mindset and strategic sharpness are exactly what we need as we grow across verticals. She brings both depth and direction to our HR vision.”

    Sondhi, for her part, is already rolling up her sleeves. “This is an exciting moment in Adomantra’s journey,” she said. “Together, we’ll build a workplace where growth and empathy go hand in hand because a great business starts with great people.”

    With her at the helm, Adomantra seems ready to not just chase targets, but to truly humanise hypergrowth, one hire, one culture shift, one strategy at a time.

  • Ad on the go gets a green glow as ETO and Cashurdrive team up

    Ad on the go gets a green glow as ETO and Cashurdrive team up

     MUMBAI: Billboards are so last decade now, your brand can ride shotgun on an e-rickshaw. ETO Motors, India’s largest electric vehicle fleet operator, has teamed up with transit advertising pioneer Cashurdrive to supercharge the future of green marketing. The duo has rolled out one of India’s largest sustainable advertising initiatives turning over 2,000 electric vehicles into roving, carbon-free ad canvases.

    This eye-catching, eco-conscious fleet includes 3-wheelers, 500-plus 4-wheelers and electric buses that will whizz through Hyderabad, Delhi, Kevadia, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Nagpur, and Bengaluru blending brand storytelling with street-smart climate action.

    “At ETO Motors, sustainability isn’t a buzzword, it’s a commitment,” said ETO Motors chief marketing officer Rajeev YSR. “We’re offering brands more than visibility, we’re offering visibility with values.”

    The move follows the success of a high-voltage pilot campaign at the Kumbh Mela, where an FMCG brand used ETO’s fleet to drive both awareness and impact. Building on that momentum, this initiative isn’t just innovative, it’s accountable.

    Clients can now access a real-time dashboard to monitor impressions, track kilometres driven, and even measure the environmental benefits of their campaigns. Advertising, meet analytics with a conscience.

    Cashurdrive, managing director Raghu Khanna calls it “a leap forward in green advertising.” He adds, “With ETO’s EVs and our expertise, brands get to go bold and green in the same breath.”

    As net-zero ambitions grow louder, this collaboration offers a timely marketing makeover: brand visibility that doesn’t cost the Earth literally. With mobility, measurability, and mission in sync, it’s advertising that hits the road running and leaves only impact, not emissions.

  • Stand-up guy goes the distance as Zakir Khan hits the road with 60-city tour

    Stand-up guy goes the distance as Zakir Khan hits the road with 60-city tour

    MUMBAI: Knock-knock… who’s there? 60 cities, 160,000 fans, and a punchline for the history books. In a mic-drop moment for Indian live entertainment, comedian Zakir Khan is hitting the road for the country’s largest-ever stand-up comedy tour and it’s no joke. Spearheaded by a powerhouse partnership between Only Much Louder (OML) and Bookmyshow’s TribeVibe Entertainment, the tour will criss-cross more than 60 cities and play to over 160,000 fans making it the biggest deal ever signed by an Indian comedian.

    Dubbed a “comedy caravan”, the mega tour is poised to redefine the scale and seriousness with which homegrown stand-up is staged. From Delhi to Dibrugarh, Bengaluru to Bareilly, Zakir’s signature brand of heart-tugging humour and rustic storytelling will now reach audiences far beyond metro hotspots. And the numbers tell a story too 60 plus cities, lakhs of fans, and a deal that’s set a new benchmark in Indian comedy.

    “This isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a statement,” said Zakir Khan, reflecting on the road ahead. “We’ve long hoped that Indian comedy would be treated like mainstream entertainment with scale, with respect, and with reach. This tour is proof that we’ve arrived.”

    The collaboration combines OML’s reputation for talent management with Bookmyshow’s data-backed audience intelligence and Tribevibe’s strong production footprint across India’s emerging markets. Together, they’re building a live comedy blueprint to rival the touring economies of the West.

    “This is about more than tickets and tours,” said Tribevibe CEO Shoven Shah. “It’s about rewriting how India consumes culture not just in big cities but across every corner of the country.”

    And it’s not just about one artist’s journey. As Rishabh Nahar, SVP at OML put it, “This is a blueprint for what’s possible. Artists building legacies. Audiences accessing quality entertainment regardless of location. Data and creativity working together. This is the future of Indian live entertainment.”

    With Khan at the helm, this isn’t just a road trip, it’s a movement on wheels. And as India’s laughter map gets redrawn city by city, one thing’s certain: this tour’s punchlines are poised to echo long after the curtains fall.

  • Kurta in a Hurry? Libas and Zepto Stitch Up 10-Minute Fashion Fix

    Kurta in a Hurry? Libas and Zepto Stitch Up 10-Minute Fashion Fix

    MUMBAI: Who needs a fairy godmother when your new kurta shows up in 10 minutes flat? In a move that fuses style with speed, Libas has become one of India’s first fashion brands to leap into the world of quick commerce by launching on Zepto. Now live across 50 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, Libas’ best-selling kurta sets, co-ords, and everyday chic essentials can reach your doorstep faster than your pani puri cravings.

    This snappy partnership marks a major milestone for the ultra-fast fashion brand and the 10-minute delivery app known for grocery speed. Together, they’ve turned wardrobe malfunctions and last-minute outfit panics into just another tap on your screen.

    “AtLibas, we’re constantly reimagining how fashion fits into the lives of modern Indian women. Our launch on Zepto is more than just fast delivery, it’s about empowering our customers with instant access to style,no matter the occasion. We’re excited to be among the first fashion brands in India to embrace quick commerce at this scale,” said Libas founder & CEO, Sidhant Keshwani.

    Zepto chief business officer Devendra Meel shared, “Our mission has always been to make lives easier, this time, we’re bringing that promise to your wardrobe. Fast fashion isn’t just a trend, it’s now a timeline and we are glad to have Libas trust Zepto to reach their customers.”

    To drive home the point, the brands have rolled out a cheeky brand film capturing the familiar chaos of last-minute wardrobe dilemmas. The message? Forgot about that puja invite? Suddenly have a sangeet to slay at? Don’t sweat it Libas and Zepto have your back. And your outfit.

    From planned looks to panic orders, this collab captures the pulse of today’s hyper-spontaneous generation. Because who says fashionably late is the only way to arrive?

     

  • Glance  Digital  exec Manish Gupta joins L&T Finance as digital transformation czar

    Glance Digital exec Manish Gupta joins L&T Finance as digital transformation czar

    MUMBAI: L&T Finance has roped in Manish Kumar Gupta as chief executive – urban unsecured assets, payments & digital partnerships as it gears up for a new phase of digital transformation. A fintech veteran, Manish has over 23 years of experience across top financial and technology giants.

    Manish’s impressive CV reads like a masterclass in leadership – from launching India’s first mobile-only digital bank, digibank by DBS, to driving innovation at TransUnion CIBIL as chief product officer, where he developed the latest CIBIL score. He has led digital and business transformations at heavyweight names including ICICI Bank, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, DBS Bank, and TransUnion CIBIL.

    His latest stint was at InMobi Group’s Glance Digital, where he served as senior vice president and general manager, scaling the business globally with AI-powered content and commerce solutions on smart devices.

    Said Manish on Linkedin:  “Last week I completed a wonderful and enriching chapter of my life with InMobi and Glance ! The emotions of leaving Glance were overwhelming! I will miss the culture, my team, my friends that have supported me for the last five plus  years! As I embark on a new journey, I will cherish every moment I spent at Glance!  Once an InMobian always an InMobian!

    With a robust track record in both traditional and digital-first financial ecosystems, Manish is known for turning ambitious ideas into business wins. A certified financial planner and CertICM holder, he is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and holds an MBA from ISB, Hyderabad.

    Having worked in India, Hong Kong, and Singapore, Manish’s global experience makes him a strategic addition to L&T Finance’s leadership team.

  • Brewing love and blooms as FNP and Starbucks toast to mums with meaning

    Brewing love and blooms as FNP and Starbucks toast to mums with meaning

    MUMBAI: There’s no Wi-Fi strong enough to match a mother’s connection and this Mother’s Day, FNP and Tata Starbucks are making sure that love gets a cosy seat at your coffee table. From 9–11 May, select Starbucks outlets in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru will become mini sanctuaries of sentiment, where every coffee ordered comes with a little something extra, a delicate dried flower bouquet and a heartfelt keepsake, courtesy of India’s favourite gifting brand, FNP.

    It’s not about the grandeur, it’s about that quiet “you matter” between sips. Whether it’s a mum-and-me catch-up or a solo breather for the woman who wears a hundred hats, the initiative wraps affection in fragrance and warmth, turning a caffeine fix into a celebration of care.

    FNP chief marketing officer Avi Kumar said, “At FNP, we’ve always believed that the simplest gestures carry the deepest meaning. This collaboration with Starbucks is our way of honouring those everyday expressions of love that mothers gift us, often without a word. A flower, a warm coffee, a shared smile – sometimes that’s all it takes to say what matters most. As India’s most loved gifting brand, we’re delighted to make those moments even more personal and memorable.”

    Tata Starbucks head of product and marketing Mitali Maheshwari said, “This year, for Mother’s Day at TATA Starbucks, we wanted every mom to feel even more special with something that could be remembered, and taken home. Our partnership with FNP brings that intention to life through simple, thoughtful tokens of love and appreciation. Just like our stores are built for connection over a cup of coffee, this collaboration is a quiet celebration of the little things that make the mother-child bond so meaningful.”

    In a world that rarely pauses, FNP and Starbucks are inviting customers to do just that: slow down, sip, and share a quiet moment of gratitude with the woman who made it all possible.

  • Dr. Mona Dahiya: The Best IVF Doctor in Delhi

    Dr. Mona Dahiya: The Best IVF Doctor in Delhi

    Infertility is a deeply emotional and challenging journey for 15% of Married Couples in India. With the right medical expertise, your hope of becoming parents can turn into reality. At the forefront of this fertility transformation and care is one of India’s Top Fertility Doctor, Dr. Mona Dahiya. Dr Mona Dahiya is widely regarded as the best IVF doctor in Delhi whose groundbreaking work in reproductive medicine has helped over 25,000 couples achieve their dream of parenthood. Her IVF centre in Delhi is a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and compassionate care. Dr Mona’s High IVF success rates is redefining infertility treatment in Delhi.  

    Why Dr. Mona Dahiya is the Best IVF Doctor in Delhi? 

    When it comes to infertility treatment in Delhi, Dr. Mona Dahiya stands out as a winner for her Top medical qualifications, vast international experience, and High IVF success rates. Her IVF clinic in Delhi is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art fertility treatments so that patients receive the most advanced care at affordable cost.  

    Key Reasons Patients Choose Dr. Mona Dahiya:

    . High IVF Success Rates: Dr. Mona Dahiya’s Fertility clinic boasts one of the highest IVF success rates in Delhi. Her IVF success rates of 90% Plus is due to her personalized treatment plans and advanced reproductive techniques. 

    . Comprehensive Fertility Solutions: From IVF, IUI, ICSI, egg freezing, Embryo Freezing, male infertility treatment to Surrogacy she offers a full spectrum of fertility services. 

    . Affordable IVF Treatment in Delhi: Dr Mona understands the financial concerns of patients. She has been providing affordable IVF cost in Delhi that fits the Budget of every individual.

    . Compassionate Fertility Care:  Dr Mona believes that Infertility is not just a medical issue but an emotional one. Her Trained team is prompt that every patient receives personalized attention with emotional support, and clear guidance throughout their Fertility Journey. 

    . Advanced Fertility Technologies: Dr Mona Dahiya is a pioneer in latest innovations in assisted reproductive technology (ART). You can expect the best possible outcomes in fertility treatment.

    ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITIONS  

    Dr. Mona Dahiya’s reputation as the top IVF doctor in Delhi is built on her 25 years of experience and continuous learning. Dr. Mona Dahiya’s excellence in Fertility Treatment has been lauded with numerous awards for the Best Fertility Doctor in India. She has also been honoured with Healthcare Excellence Awards. She is a sought-after IVF speaker at global conferences. She is a World-famous IVF Doctor and an evangelist for patient-centric fertility care. 

    . 100+ | International & National Research Publications.

    . 50+ | Prestigious Global Awards.

    Dr Mona Dahiya specializes in: 

    . IVF Treatment: Customized protocols for higher success rates. 

    . IUI Treatment: Advanced techniques for male and female infertility. 

    . Egg Freezing & Embryo Freezing: Empowering women with future family planning options. 

    . PCOS & Endometriosis Management: Expert care for complex fertility issues. 

    . Male Infertility Solutions: Cutting-edge treatments for sperm-related challenges and ICSI IVF.

    Patient Testimonials: Real Stories of Hope

    Many couples who had lost hope have found success under Dr. Dahiya’s care. Here is what some of them say:   
    “After years of failed treatments, Dr. Mona Dahiya gave us our miracle baby. Her expertise and kindness made all the difference.” – Priya & Rohit  

    “The best fertility clinic in Delhi! Transparent pricing, advanced treatments, and a supportive team.” – Ananya & Raj  

    Affordable IVF Treatment in Delhi Without Compromising Quality 

    One of the biggest concerns for couples is the IVF cost in Delhi. Dr. Mona Dahiya’s Fertility clinic ensures that world-class fertility care remains affordable and transparent. She offers IVF starting at 1,00,000 Rupees with flexible payment options and no hidden charges.  

    Visit the Best Fertility Clinic in Delhi  

    If you are searching for the best infertility treatment in Delhi, look no further than Dr. Mona Dahiya’s clinic. With a track record of success, cutting-edge technology, and a compassionate approach, she is the trusted choice for couples on their parenthood journey.  

    Book Your Online IVF Consultation Today

     Address: 2 & 3 Floor, Plot, 8, Ring Rd, above Visual Aids Centre, Nirmal Puri, Nirmal Colony, Block 2, Lajpat Nagar 4, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi.

    Contact: +91 9267982924

    Website: www.drmonadahiya.com

    About Dr. Mona Dahiya

    Dr. Mona Dahiya is a leading Fertility specialist in Delhi, renowned for her expertise in IVF and reproductive medicine across India. With a patient-first approach, she has helped over 25,000 couples overcome infertility challenges and build happy families.

    . Indian Fertility Society (IFS): Dr Mona Dahiya is a Proud Member of the Indian Fertility Society which is a Big Endorsement to her commitment to ethical and advanced fertility treatment. 

    . Medical Council of India (MCI): Dr Mona is one of the only few IVF Doctors in India recognized by the Medical Council of India for her immense contributions to the field of infertility treatment. 

    . IVF Fellowship from Singapore General Hospital: Dr Mona Dahiya has received Specialized training in advanced IVF techniques and reproductive medicine.

    Dr Mona Dahiya is one of the Best IVF Doctor in India with Praiseworthy Medical Qualifications.

    . MBBS (Gold Medallist) | Obstetrics & Gynaecology I Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi University.

    . MD (Gold Medallist) | Obstetrics & Gynaecology | Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University.

    . Senior Residency | Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University.

    . DNB | Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

    . Diplomate of National Board.

    . IVF Super Specialization | Singapore General Hospital.

  • Indonesian coffee unicorn hopes to brew up a storm in India

    Indonesian coffee unicorn hopes to brew up a storm in India

    MUMBAI: The aroma of Indonesian coffee has wafted into India’s bustling café scene as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing coffee chain, Kopi Kenangan, has  planted its flag at Pacific Mall in Delhi’s Tagore Garden. Valued at over $1 billion—making it the region’s first food and beverage unicorn—the brand is brewing ambitious plans for the world’s most populous nation.

    “India’s vast young population and growing appreciation for diverse coffee experiences make it an ideal market for Kenangan Coffee. We are committed to delivering high-quality coffee that resonates with local preferences, creating memorable moments for every customer,” says  Kenangan Brands co-founder & CEO Edward Tirtanata, backed by heavyweight investors including Peak XV Partners and Meta co-founder Eduardo Saverin’s B Capital.

    The coffee upstart is positioning itself as a challenger to pricier global giants like Starbucks and Tim Hortons. With espresso shots starting at a modest Rs 99 and larger servings below Rs 150—roughly Rs 80-100 cheaper than premium competitors—Kopi Kenangan is clearly betting its beans on price-conscious customers.

    The company’s secret ingredient? Gula Aren, an Indonesian palm sugar with a lower glycemic index than refined alternatives, aimed at health-conscious Indians who still fancy a sweet fix. This nutritious twist might just be the sugar rush needed to stand out in India’s increasingly frothy café marketplace.

    With plans to open 10+ stores by end-2025 and intentions to pour up to Rs 40 crore into sourcing and expansion over the next two years, the brand isn’t just dipping its toe in the market—it’s diving in headfirst.
    “Our mission is to blend Indonesian craftsmanship with local flavours,” says vice president and general manager for India Sanjay Mohta, as the company prepares to tap local coffee producers to complement its Indonesian offerings.

    India’s café culture is still percolating compared to mature markets, but with consumption estimated at over one million 60-kilogram bags between 2023-2024, there’s plenty of room to grow. While established chains like Café Coffee Day have seen their market share drip away due to financial troubles, newcomers including Third Wave Coffee and Blue Tokai have been gaining steam.

    For now, the Indonesian outfit is targeting students and young professionals in their first jobs—Gen Zers and millennials looking for an affordable caffeine kick. After Delhi, the brand plans to expand to Mumbai and Bengaluru, hoping its wallet-friendly prices and locally-sourced ingredients will help it brew up a loyal following.
    In a market where even fast-food giants like McDonald’s are trying to espresso themselves, Kopi Kenangan will need more than just cheap prices to avoid becoming another has-bean. But if it can capture India’s increasingly caffeinated hearts, this Indonesian import might just become everyone’s cup of tea—or rather, coffee.

     

  • Uber hits a six with free fan shuttles to Arun Jaitley Stadium

    Uber hits a six with free fan shuttles to Arun Jaitley Stadium

    MUMBAI: In a move that’s set to bowl fans over, Uber has launched a free Uber Shuttle Fan Bus service for Delhi NCR cricket lovers heading to the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Just in time for the peak of the cricket season, this initiative promises to hit the sweet spot between convenience and cricket mania.

    From April 16, five specially curated Uber Shuttle routes will ferry cricket fans from across Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram straight to the stadium gates on match days i.e. 16, 27, 29 April  and 11 May. The service is Uber’s way of blending love for the game with seamless city travel.

    Speaking on the initiative, Uber Shuttle head of strategy Snehashish Nag said, “We’re turning up the game day experience with Uber Shuttle – fast, reliable, and with zero stress. Booking’s a breeze, rides are smooth, and getting to the match is effortless with drop-offs right in front of the stadium. In Delhi, this is the ride fans can count on. It’s our way of moving smarter while also helping decongest roads on match days.”

    To add to the cricketing spirit, the Uber app is also getting into match mode with vehicle icons sporting cricket-themed avatars for the duration of the tournament. Because, why should jerseys have all the fun?

    The Uber Shuttle programme aims to complement public transport, making travel safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Whether it’s airports, offices, or now stadiums, Uber is betting big on plug-and-play city mobility. And if you’re planning to ride in, here’s how to book your match-day magic:

    1.    Open the Uber app and enter Arun Jaitley Stadium as your pick-up or drop-off

    2.    Tap the Shuttle icon

    3.    Pick your preferred time and hit Confirm Shuttle

    4.    Reserve your seat early and carry valid match tickets

    With a drop that’s closer than the front row and a ride that’s easier than parking hassles, Uber’s cricket shuttle is turning transport into a team player. So, match-day plans? Sorted.