ITV

Tag: impact

  • Eight years of GST: India’s landmark tax reform turns a corner

    Eight years of GST: India’s landmark tax reform turns a corner

    MUMBAI: Eight years after its midnight launch, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) stands as a defining milestone in India’s economic reform journey. Introduced by the Modi 1.0 government on 1 July 2017, GST replaced 17 indirect taxes and 13 cesses, creating a unified tax system aimed at transforming revenue collection and compliance mechanisms.

    From its inception, GST has aimed to simplify the tax landscape and improve compliance—especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently reiterated this in a social media post, calling GST a “powerful engine” of economic growth and an exemplar of cooperative federalism, where states act as equal partners in market integration.

    GST revenues have seen consistent growth—from Rs 7.19 lakh crore in 2017–18 to Rs 22.08 lakh crore in 2024–25. Registrations have more than doubled, rising from 60 lakh to 1.51 crore active taxpayers. The government credits this to technology-led compliance features such as e-invoicing, auto-populated returns, AI-driven analytics, and e-way bills, which together have helped reduce fraud and encourage voluntary adherence.

    The media and marketing industry has also undergone a structural shift under GST. Earlier fragmented under multiple state-level service taxes, the sector now operates under a more uniform 18 per cent GST slab, enabling centralised billing and improving cash flow predictability for agencies and broadcasters. For the television industry, in particular, GST eliminated disparities between content producers and distributors across states, streamlining operations and reducing cascading taxes. However, smaller agencies have flagged concerns about delayed input credit refunds and compliance costs, prompting calls for more sector-specific easing.

    Leaders across industry reflected on GST’s journey. Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, called it “India awakening as a common market for the first time.” Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of Paytm, termed GST “the dawn of a new India.” Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson of Biocon, described it as “transformational,” while also calling for further simplification.

    Despite progress, key issues remain. Over two lakh disputes are pending due to the delayed establishment of GST appellate tribunals. The presence of multiple tax slabs and inverted duty structures—particularly in textiles and fertilisers—continues to create inconsistencies. Petroleum products and real estate remain outside GST’s ambit, limiting its scope as a truly comprehensive indirect tax.

    Tax experts from PwC India advocate for rationalising the rate structure to three tiers and gradually bringing petroleum products under GST to remove economic distortions. The GST Council has indicated that such reforms are under active consideration. Plans to operationalise 31 appellate tribunals by December aim to address the litigation backlog.
     

  • AiVanta inaugurates IMPACT to revolutionise business communication

    AiVanta inaugurates IMPACT to revolutionise business communication

    MUMBAI: Can communication tools really keep up with today’s fast-paced industries? AiVanta thinks so.

    At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in Delhi, the AI powerhouse unveiled AiVanta IMPACT (Intelligent Media Platform for AI-driven Communication and Targeting), an innovative platform designed to deliver hyper-personalised AI video solutions across diverse sectors.

    From simplifying complex data to delivering hyper-targeted messaging, AiVanta IMPACT promises to bridge the gap between precision and scalability in communication. Whether you’re a manufacturing giant, a healthcare provider, or a financial leader, this platform offers tailor-made tools to engage audiences like never before.

    Imagine a world where AI-generated videos are crafted for specific audiences, multilingual smart bots provide real-time customer support, and interactive training modules that speak your language (literally). With AiVanta IMPACT, the days of one-size-fits-all communication are over.

    Commenting on this innovation, AiVanta co-founder & CEO Karan Ahuja said, “Traditional communication methods often lack the speed, personalisation, and scalability needed in today’s dynamic business environment. AiVanta IMPACT bridges this gap, providing businesses with AI-driven tools that are intuitive, adaptable, and IMPACTful. Our goal is to make communication not only efficient but also deeply meaningful, empowering organisations to achieve greater success.”

    Already trusted by ICICI Bank, Bajaj Allianz, Tata Mutual Funds, Ajax Engineering, and Aster Healthcare, AiVanta continues to prove its expertise in customised AI solutions. Now, with AiVanta IMPACT, the company is extending its capabilities to industries including Mobility, Automotive, Manufacturing, and Energy.

    Why stop there? AiVanta also showcased ‘ConcreteAI 2.0 Smart Bots’, developed for Ajax Engineering. Featuring natural voice interactions, multi-avatar support, and bilingual capabilities in Hindi and English, these bots streamline industrial workflows while keeping the user experience front and centre.

    From virtual product tours to compliance communication, AiVanta IMPACT is an all-in-one platform for businesses looking to simplify operations and boost engagement. Whether you’re facing operational bottlenecks or aiming to captivate your audience, this AI solution has the tools to make it happen.

    As industries evolve, the demand for dynamic and adaptable communication tools has never been higher. Will you embrace the future or stick with outdated methods? AiVanta’s AI-driven platform aims to redefine how businesses connect, communicate, and grow.

  • News18 Lokmat impact on the roads of Maharashtra

    News18 Lokmat impact on the roads of Maharashtra

    Mumbai: News18 Network has always been at forefront of highlighting key issues that echo the voice of the common man and engage all the necessary stakeholders to encourage development and progress.

    Continuing this commitment to spearheading issues of the common man and bringing it to the notice of the policymakers News18 Lokmat kick-started special campaign ‘Tassibaddal Kshamasv’ (spotlight on bad roads of state).

    The campaign is a three-four week-long campaign, which echoes the voice of Maharashtrians by showing the spotlight on the bad roads of the state.

    During every monsoon, the roads of the state suffer the maximum damage which includes state highways and roads in the cities and that has been always ignored by authorities.

    The echoes of this campaign forced the government to take necessary actions and resulted in roads getting repaired at state highways and in the cities of Maharashtra. The campaign has been applauded by the common Maharashtrians who felt their voices were heard in the corridors of government.

  • Sony & Impact to produce maiden wrestling show in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and IMPACT Wrestling will, for the first time in professional wrestling history, produce the North American-based wrestling promotion show in the bustling city of Mumbai. Episodes of the highly engaging sport which are usually shot in the Northern Subcontinent of America and distributed across the globe will now shoot a segment amidst the welcoming Indian audience.

    The four-special action packed episodes with remarkable programming will be shot in a span of 2 days and telecast to an international audience. This would be the first opportunity for IMPACT Wrestling fans in India to engage with their favorite stars in India. The episodes will be shot in the famous entertainment hub of Film City on 30th and 31st May, 2017.

    For decades, wrestling has bound Indian audience close together. This will be another chance for fans to come together and witness some of the well-known international wrestling Superstars. The craze among viewers in the audience is bound to reach another level when the especially-built wrestling arena will welcome some of the biggest names in Impact Wrestling such as Mahabali Shera and Sonjay Dutt. Fans will also see Alberto El Patron, Bobby Lashley, James Storm, Ethan Carter III, Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Low Ki, IMPACT Knockout Allie and many more.

    Sony Pictures Networks India president – sports and distribution Rajesh Kaul said: “The partnership of the sports cluster of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and IMPACT Wresting to produce localized content in India is a landmark step from the Indian perspective as the episodes will be distributed internationally. It has always been our endeavor not only to showcase some of the best international content but also bring prime international properties like IMPACT Wrestling closer to the Indian fans.

    Ed Nordholm, President, IMPACT Wrestling, Nashville, TN: “We are excited to make history as we embark on a tour of India, marking the first time an international professional wrestling organization has staged television tapings in this massive market. The reception in India has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re thrilled with the tremendous local support from Sony Pictures Networks India. Our hope is that this will be the first of many tours in India, a passionate market that has supported the IMPACT Wrestling brand for many years.”

    Jeff Jarrett, Chief Creative Officer, IMPACT Wrestling, Nashville, TN: “I’m thrilled to be going back to India to produce new episodes of our flagship show IMPACT Wrestling that will incorporate the Sony SIX branding. These historic episodes will lead into our blockbuster 15th anniversary Slammiversary event July 2 on pay-per-view, so our fanbase in India can expect to see all our biggest stars in action.

    SPN’s proposition is to ensure the visit of IMPACT Wrestling talent engage and entertain their fans in India and across the globe. To capture the attention, the broadcaster is encouraging the stars of IMPACT Wrestling to share their videos with fans while travelling to India. The stars of IMPACT Wrestling will also be experiencing local food and cultural activities. Select Indian fans will get a chance to mingle with some of their favorite wrestling Superstars. Other than the four IMPACT episodes from Mumbai, there will be specific India-centric storylines featured in each show.

    Fans can tune in to Impact Wrestling on Fridays at 9:00 pm only on Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD.

  • BBC World News’ editorial reshuffle

    BBC World News’ editorial reshuffle

    MUMBAI: BBC World News today announced two major changes. While Yalda Hakim joins as the new face of its news programme Impact, BBC World News lead anchor Jon Sopel will be moving stateside as he becomes BBC North America editor.

     

    Hakim had joined the international news channel in January 2013 as the lead reporter on the Our World current affairs strand. Her reports from conflict zones such as Yemen, Iraq and Afghanistan have earned headlines around the world.

     

    She is known to have gained unprecedented access to Afghanistan’s Bagram jail just before 65 detainees controversially walked free and last October landed a scoop interview with President Hamid Karzai. She has interviewed survivors of the garment factory collapse in Bangladesh and investigated people-trafficking and torture in Yemen as well as America’s use of drones in the region.

     

    Born in Afghanistan, Hakim is an Australian. Among the many languages, she speaks Dari, Hindi and is learning Mandarin. And while looking forward to her new role, she is also keen to retain her ‘boots on the ground’ reputation. Hakim said, “I really believe the best way to tell a story is by being there and hearing from people first hand. I love being out in the field and I want to bring the Impact viewers with me. It’s a chance to show them more of the tales from behind the headlines. Plus I get to work with an absolutely fantastic team and help reinforce BBC World News’ position as the leader in global breaking news.”

     

    She added, “The timing of the show means we’ll be connecting with Asia and I am very excited to be given this opportunity to create an identity for Impact which excites this switched-on and news hungry audience. My background and experience mean I have a huge passion for stories coming out of this region and I am really looking forward to sharing this with our viewers around the globe.”

     

    Praising Hakim’s reporting, BBC World News head of news James Stephenson said, “I am delighted that Yalda has agreed to become the main presenter of Impact. She has made an enormous contribution to the channel since she joined last year with her investigative reporting from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and elsewhere. She will continue to combine that work in the field with her new role.”

     

    Meanwhile, BBC World News lead anchor Jon Sopel will be moving stateside as he becomes the BBC’s North American editor. While he will be stepping down as presenter of Global, viewers will still be able to see Sopel when he reports on America’s big stories for both the BBC domestic and international output.

     

    Thanking Sopel for his contribution to the channel Stephenson acknowledged the importance of the US market to BBC World News.

     

    He said, “Jon is an outstanding presenter and has played a major role in raising the profile of World News with his sharp journalism, tireless pursuit of big news-making interviews and evident sense of humour. He will be a big loss to Global, which he has presented since its launch. However, I am pleased that with World News now expanding rapidly in the US, Jon will continue to play an important part in the future success of the channel in a vitally important part of the world.”

     

    While looking forward to his new role Sopel said he was sad indeed to leave Global. He commented, “It is a huge honour to take on the role of North America editor. What is decided in Washington affects the whole world, and it will be a great challenge to report on the workings of the White House and Congress – and of course following the next presidential election. But it’s about bringing the whole of the US alive to our audience and I will relish travelling widely in this fascinating, complex and beautiful country. This was the only opportunity that could have pulled me away from presenting on BBC World News, of which I have nothing but fond memories.”

     

    World Service Group English controller Richard Porter said, “I’d like to thank Jon for playing such an important part in the re-launch of BBC World News from our new studios, and I’m delighted that he will continue his association with us in his new role in Washington. He and Yalda have been at the forefront of the changes which have been welcomed by viewers around the world. Yalda will be taking on a more prominent role as the main anchor of Impact, but she will still find time to continue her outstanding work as a film-maker and investigative journalist.”

  • Now BBC trains its lens on Indian elections

    Now BBC trains its lens on Indian elections

    MUMBAI: Not only political parties but news channels of every hue are gearing up for what is being billed as the mother of all general elections witnessed by this country.

     

    The latest to hit the 2014 election trail is BBC World News, a broadcasting network that needs no prior introduction. For the first time, BBC will be broadcasting live from India with three of its best-known anchors flown into the country to present their shows from the subcontinent – Jon Sopel with Global, Mishal Hussain with Impact, and Babita Sharma with Newsday.

     

    A week of special programming will lead into the main programming starting on the first day of polling on 7 April. This will continue for a week with the three anchors, along with special editions of India Business Report and Talking Business with Linda Yueh. Thereafter, it will rely on the expertise and knowledge of BBC teams in Delhi and Mumbai and the BBC Hindi service.

     

    Alongside the television programming, an Indian version of the bbc.com mobile site will be created for users to land directly on the India page upon clicking the main url. The online content will be trilingual, with predominantly English content along with some in Hindi and Tamil. Among others, the shows will explore angles such as what the election means for India’s neighbours like Pakistan and China and what it means for the rupee.

     

    “India is a massive market. The mobile penetration here is close to 200 million users. Our mobile traffic is up by 350 per cent in three years and there are profound changes going on here. The new India mobile edition will provide a tailored experience, including top India news stories along with global news headlines, video, business, sport and the best from our features content,” says BBC Global News CEO Jim Egan. “It’s a very big editorial undertaking for us. We haven’t taken the channel on the road like this. Topics that interest world audiences such as politics, economy, defence and culture, will be covered. We won’t do it superficially or trivially but bearing in mind that a majority of our viewers are outside India, we won’t do in-depth analysis like local channels.”

     

    BBC correspondent-anchor Sopel is excited to be covering elections live in India. “Election in India is important because India is important. We have a polling day and you have a polling month! That’s because your total electorate is 840 million and the UK just has 48 million,” he says.

     

    While adding a local flavour to its programming, the global broadcaster will ensure it serves BBC values such as impartiality, fairness and balance. “No other international channel has the network of specialist language correspondents that we have,” says Sopel.

     

    On the cards is a marketing campaign in major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai to let audiences know about BBC’s election coverage both on- and off- air. As of now though, BBC is busy figuring out whether to place the satellite dish in Mumbai or the national capital, depending on costs and feasibility.

  • Facebook introduces an easier way to create ads and measure their impact

    Facebook introduces an easier way to create ads and measure their impact

    NEW DELHI: Facebook has redesigned its ad buying and reporting tools based on responses from businesses.

    The ad buying process will start with a simple question – what’s your advertising objective? – and the Facebook tools will recommend an appropriate ad based on that objective, and then help determine how the ads performed against the objective.

    The updates, which we call objective-based ad buying and reporting, are part of ongoing efforts to make advertising on Facebook as simple as possible. In June, Facebook announced efforts to streamline Facebook ad types and provide consistency across formats. In July, ad products were streamlined, removing online offers, sponsored results and question ads. In August and September, it became possible for marketers to upload one image size that would work for all types of ads on Facebook, and the social site started offering a preview of how they would appear across Facebook.

     

    Feedback received from businesses was that when creating an ad, they did not want to choose an ad unit – they wanted to meet an objective. Facebook then spoke with marketers of all types and sizes to uncover the objectives that matter most to them. They are: Clicks to Website, Website, Conversions, Page Post Engagement, Page Likes, App Installs, App Engagement, In-store Offer claims, Event Responses.

    In turn, these objectives have become the new starting point for buying ads on Facebook. Based on the objective a business chooses, Facebook will recommend an appropriate ad-type (i.e., a Page post link ad to drive clicks to a website).

  • Will the new scripted dramas make an impact?

    Will the new scripted dramas make an impact?

    After two years, finally, some light ahead on the narrative television sightscreen? Hindi entertainment certainly needs it. 24 April will witness the launch of five new scripted dramas across the GEC channels, with three other prime time shows subsequently lining up for launch during this April-May phase.

     

    The K-shows continue to have a clamp on share of audience, but on share of mind, it has been the reality and gameshow genres that have held sway since 2004
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    One would really hope that some of these offerings hit bulls eye since it’s been a while since scripted drama got front row mindspace on Hindi entertainment television. It was way back then, in September 2003 to be precise, that narrative entertainment made headlines and IMPACT when Star Plus’ Kahiin To Hoga and Sony Entertainment’s Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin debuted almost simultaneously on the small screen.

     

    What of Balaji’s K-serials, one might ask? True, the K-shows (let’s not forget Kahiin To Hoga is one as well but it is different) continue to have a clamp on share of audience, but if one were to look at a share of mind + audience combo, it has been the reality and gameshow genres that have held sway since 2004.

     

    If end-2004 and beginning 2005 belonged to SET’s Indian Idol, the second half of 2005 belonged to Star Plus’ KBC2 and Star One’s Nache Baliye and The Great Indian Laughter Challenge (TGILC), with Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge also making a year-end splash.

     

    Barely have the viewers gathered their collective breaths on these shows, we’re already into Star One’s TGILC 2, Sony’s Fear Factor India and Zee’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Ek Main Aur Ek Tu.

     

    It is pertinent to note that even Star, which has had by far the most success on its narrative offerings, would have reported a rather flat year had it not been for the success that KBC2, TGILC and Nache Baliye provided.

     

    Now coming back to the narrative tale, it has happened abroad, with scripted drama making a grand comeback thanks in particular to extremely strong and successful worldwide successes such as Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and Lost.

     

    Star, which has had by far the most success on its narrative offerings, would have reported a rather flat year had it not been for the success that ‘KBC2’, ‘TGILC’ and ‘Nache Baliye’ provided
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    In India meanwhile, it is refreshing therefore, to know that in the middle of all this format overdose, Zee TV has been able to build a scripted success in Saath Phere – Saloni ka Safar (not your regular saas-bahu weepy) that rode beyond the spike provided by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge. That is critical if such efforts are to get acceptance. Because while mind share is fine, the brutal truth is that the moolah is in audience share.

     

    To quote Star Entertainment India CEO Sameer Nair: “Going by the theory, ‘People watch programmes and not channels,’ you require really strong magnetic programming to be successful. TV programmes and channels are going to further focus on the differentiation.”

     

    More power to the drama is what we say. And since so much of television in India gets its cues from cinema, here’s hoping that the box office success of offerings as different and diverse as Rang De Basanti, Malaamal Weekly and Being Cyrus is reflected on the small screen as well with the new shows that are set to debut. And those which follow.