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  • Does Cricket Give New Zealand and India a Diplomatic Tool to Improve Bilateral Relations?

    Does Cricket Give New Zealand and India a Diplomatic Tool to Improve Bilateral Relations?

    Cricket is already recognised as one of the biggest sports in India and New Zealand, so it’s hard to believe it’s still growing. However, that is exactly what’s happening right now, and both countries have a lot to gain.

    Just two years ago, the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup set new benchmarks, amassing 422 billion viewing minutes on the Disney Star Network in India alone, representing a 54% increase from the 2011 World Cup and a 9% rise from 2019. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the recent 2024/25 series between the Black Caps and England attracted a huge viewership, with full houses reported across venues like Christchurch’s Hagley Oval and Wellington’s Basin Reserve.

    In the sports betting world, betting on cricket has increased dramatically, with recent reports claiming that cricket is now one of the most bet-on sports in the country. Whether they’re in the stands or the online casino NZ, cricket lovers are engaging more with the sport every day, and India is right there with them.

    As cricket continues to grow, so does the connection between these two nations. Over the last decade, the Black Caps have played the Indian cricket team many times, and although this is a fierce rivalry that generates intense competition and passion on the field, it has also offered a chance to improve bilateral relations.

    The Relationship Between New Zealand and India

    In 2025, New Zealand and India are expected to have a strong economic relationship, with trade between the two nations growing steadily. India is New Zealand’s fifth-largest trading partner and an important market for agricultural exports, dairy products, and wine. In turn, New Zealand exports a broad range of goods to India, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.

    Over the last few years, both countries have been in discussions to establish a comprehensive free trade agreement, which is expected to boost investment and economic cooperation even further and allow for better market access, especially in sectors such as AI technology and education.  
    Outside of trade, India and New Zealand have also been strengthening their strategic partnership, with both countries working to improve their defence cooperation with discussions on joint training programs and expertise exchanges. In short, both countries are interlinked, and any diplomatic tool to nurture and improve the relationship will be incredibly important for securing a healthy, successful future.

    Cricket: More Than Just a Sport

    Cricket appears to be one of those tools. This sport has become one of the strongest cultural and diplomatic ties between India and New Zealand, with both countries regularly playing in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.

    India has a larger cricket market, but New Zealand has earned respect for its skill, sportsmanship, and competitiveness on the field. The regular exchange of players, tours, and events has helped build a strong bond over the last few decades.

    It has also helped boost tourism. Whether it’s the Cricket World Cup or the regular series match-ups between the two teams, more and more New Zealand and Indian tourists have been visiting each other’s countries, working to drive both economies. In fact, Indian tourists visiting New Zealand will often extendtheir stay beyond the season to explore and spend time throughout more of the country, and vice versa – and, once again, improve the respect and appreciation they have for one another.

    Cricket has proven to be more than just a game between bat and ball for India and New Zealand. Instead, it has become a powerful catalyst for cultural, economic, and diplomatic collaboration. As the sport continues to captivate millions of fans in both nations, it’s likely to continue serving as a vital tool for shaping their shared future.

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  • AI+ marks the spot Madhav Sheth drops first look of India-first phone

    AI+ marks the spot Madhav Sheth drops first look of India-first phone

     MUMBAI: Looks like India’s smartphone game is about to get a homegrown glow-up. Madhav Sheth, one of India’s most recognisable tech disruptors, has just dropped the official logo for AI+, the upcoming device from his new venture, Nxtquantum Shift Technologies. It’s not just a sleek reveal, it’s a statement of intent.

    With a philosophy rooted in India-first innovation, AI+ aims to redefine how we think about smartphones not just as devices, but as intelligent, secure and purposeful extensions of our lives.

    “For us, AI+ is more than a product; it’s a mindset,” said Nxtquantum Shift Technologies founder & CEO Madhav Sheth. “It reflects our belief that India can not only participate in the global tech ecosystem but lead it, with design and purpose that reflect how people truly live and connect.”

    While the phone and its OS are still under wraps, the logo hints at Sheth’s signature blend of ambition and intuition: futuristic but grounded, sharp but human. And perhaps most importantly built entirely in India.

    The upcoming smartphone will be available on Flipkart, with the e-commerce giant’s reach and customer insights expected to play a key role in AI+’s nationwide rollout. With this partnership, the product promises to meet users right where they are on a platform they already trust, delivering tech they didn’t know they needed.

    The full product reveal is slated for the coming months, but if the logo is anything to go by, AI+ is not just another launch, it’s a quiet disruption, set to make a loud impact.

  • Swipe right on Bharat Lumikai unlocks the new face of digital play

    Swipe right on Bharat Lumikai unlocks the new face of digital play

    MUMBAI: India’s gaming and interactive media scene just got a reality check and it’s not coming from the usual suspects in metros. In a swipe-worthy new consumer report titled “From Swipes to Stories”, Lumikai, the country’s first interactive media VC, has laid bare the habits, preferences, and quirks of India’s 12.5 billion dollars new media economy and it’s more Bharat than hindi flims.

    Unveiled at WAVES 2025, the report dives deep into how mobile-first, non-metro audiences are rewriting the digital playbook. A few standout facts? 44 per cent of gamers in India are now women, up from 41 per cent last year, and a whopping 66 per cent of all players come from non-metros. The rise of this culturally rooted, tier-2+ gaming community marks a seismic shift in India’s entertainment map.

    South India emerges as the undisputed champion of screen time, with users spending 1.6x more on interactive platforms than the national average. And while Instagram and OTTs top the leaderboard everywhere, dating apps sneak into the North’s top three, proving Delhi really does love its drama with a dash of romance.

    Gaming itself now gulps 13 hours a week up 30 per cent from FY23 and smartphones are the arena of choice for 99 per cent of players. Consoles and PCs remain niche, and players cite data costs, ads, and hardware limitations as the top killjoys.

    The motivations behind the joystick? Relaxation (75 per cent), social connection (51 per cent), and self-expression (45 per cent) making gaming India’s emotional escape hatch, right alongside music and movies. While only 32 per cent splurge on in-game goodies immediately, 56 per cent convert to paid users within a week, lured by perks like ad-free play and performance upgrades.

    Commenting on the report launch Lumikai founder and managing partner Salone Sehgal said, “One of the report’s most defining conclusions is the evolution of the Indian user from player to creator. Interactivity has emerged as the core currency of engagement, and platforms that enable connection, competition, and expression will lead this next chapter. It is deeply meaningful to have presented the report at WAVES 2025, a global stage that reflects our shared vision for India as a global powerhouse in new media and gaming. It is evident how India is building its own interactive entertainment paradigm where UPI-powered microtransactions meet mobile-first storytelling. With improved access and infrastructure, India’s interactive media market touched 12.5 Bn dollars in FY24, driven by vernacular content, microtransactions, and social gaming experiences that resonate with Bharat’s cultural fabric.”

    Doubling down on interactivity as the way forward Lumikai vice president Aditya Deshpande said, “The report delineates how the opportunity to build lasting value in India’s interactive media ecosystem lies in building sustainable, culturally resonant models. These are ecosystems where monetization aligns with user psychology, discovery is inherently social, and localization drives depth of engagement. For developers, this means designing experiences that optimize for low-data usage and micro-transactional access. For investors, it means backing models that prioritize long-term retention over viral spikes. And for policymakers, the signal is clear: gaming is no longer peripheral. Interactivity is the language, and systems of play are the engines driving this economy forward.”

    Based on insights from nearly 3,000 mobile users, this isn’t just a data dump, it’s a pulse check on a nation clicking, tapping, and swiping its way into a homegrown media future. From small-town streamers to microtransaction mavens, India’s new media user is lean-forward, socially wired, and anything but passive.

  • Yum Brands adds flavour to tech with Manish Jain at the India GCC helm

    Yum Brands adds flavour to tech with Manish Jain at the India GCC helm

    MUMBAI: A tech topping on a global pizza, Yum! Brands is stirring the pot in India with a spicy leadership update. The parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill has appointed Manish Jain to lead its digital and technology (D&T) India Global Capability Centre (GCC).

    Jain will take charge of Yum!’s India-based digital operations and shared services, bringing to the table over two decades of experience spanning the US, Malaysia and India. He will report directly to James Watts, chief people officer, Yum! digital & technology.

    Yum!’s D&T India GCC is a crucial cog in the company’s global engine, tasked with building tech solutions and supporting services across all Yum! brands. Jain’s appointment marks a strategic step forward in reinforcing India’s position as a digital powerhouse for the global quick-service restaurant (QSR) giant.

    “I am honored to take on this role and excited to help build the India Global Capability Centre in support of Yum! Brands’ strategy for good growth and its goal to be an employer of choice in the region,” Manish Jain said.

    Before joining Yum!, Jain served as service director for the Asia-Pacific region and India country head at Getronics International, overseeing customer success and shared services. He was also the founding director of BT Group’s Global Business Services unit in India, where he spent over 10 years scaling operations from the ground up.

    With Jain at the helm, Yum! Brands aims to not just scale digitally but serve up innovation with a side of world-class culture. His appointment is expected to bolster the GCC’s ambitions in tech development and shared services, reinforcing India’s growing influence in global operations.

  • Streaming’s next blockbuster AI regional content and interactive boom

    Streaming’s next blockbuster AI regional content and interactive boom

    MUMBAI: India’s digital entertainment landscape is witnessing a blockbuster transformation, with over 500 million viewers tuning into over-the-top (OTT) platforms, making it one of the largest streaming audiences in the world. At Content India 2025 Allied Global Marketing MD, APAC Jamie Crick presented a deep dive into India’s surging OTT market, revealing a sector in overdrive. As data prices drop and internet speeds surge, India’s appetite for on-demand content is growing faster than a viral meme.

    The numbers tell a compelling story. In 2023, India recorded 96 million paid OTT subscriptions, driving a 10 per cent rise in revenue to Rs 9,900 crore (1.2 billion dollars). Meanwhile, advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) proved to be a major money-spinner, contributing Rs 6,800 crore (850 million dollars), a staggering 40 per cent increase from the previous year. Clearly, whether audiences are paying for subscriptions or watching ads in exchange for free content, the demand for digital entertainment is skyrocketing.

    With over 80 streaming platforms vying for attention, the content buffet is expanding rapidly. While Hindi continues to dominate, regional content is emerging as the true scene-stealer, now accounting for 50 per cent of total OTT consumption. As more platforms invest in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, and Malayalam productions, the industry is witnessing a significant democratisation of content, bringing hyper-local stories to the national mainstream. Projections indicate that over 60 per cent of future content investments will go towards non-Hindi programming, underlining the massive shift in viewer preferences.

    Technology is playing a lead role in shaping the industry’s future. With AI-driven hyper-personalisation, viewers now spend less time searching and more time watching, thanks to smart recommendations tailored to their interests. Interactive content and live streaming, from gaming to sports to reality-based formats are becoming mainstream, turning passive viewing into an immersive experience. The rise of short-form content is further redefining audience engagement, especially among younger viewers who prefer snackable entertainment over traditional long-form storytelling.

    Interestingly, affordability isn’t deterring audiences. With 62 per cent of Indian households now paying for digital entertainment, the willingness to invest in quality content is evident. The emergence of new monetisation models, including microtransactions, premium ad tiers, and brand collaborations, signals a shift in how platforms generate revenue while keeping content accessible.

    As international giants battle homegrown platforms, the race for eyeballs is heating up. With 5G rollout accelerating, smartphone penetration soaring, and AI making content discovery seamless, the OTT revolution in India is far from reaching its season finale, it’s just getting started.

  • Ochre Spirits stirs up the market with saffron-infused vodka launch in Goa

    Ochre Spirits stirs up the market with saffron-infused vodka launch in Goa

    MUMBAI: Vodka lovers in India are about to get a golden touch to their drinks as Ochre Spirits unveils its latest innovation Ochre Saffron Vodka. Priced at Rs 1,450 for 750ml, the new variant blends the finest Kashmiri saffron with zesty citrus, delivering a smooth yet vibrant drinking experience. The launch in Goa marks another bold step for the brand, which has already won over consumers with its Nutty Berry Rum and Peach & Cherry Vodka.

    “Nutty Berry Rum and Peach & Cherry Vodka proved that consumers want innovative, smooth, and well-balanced spirits. With Saffron Vodka, we’re taking luxury to the next level infusing the world’s finest Kashmiri saffron with a bright citrus lift to create a vodka that is both indulgent and refreshing.The launch of Ochre Saffron Vodka marks the brand’s continued momentum in the premium spirits space and soon in May 2025, Ochre Spirits are going to unveil the new variant which is a bold and tropical infusion of raw mango, crafted to deliver a smooth yet tangy drinking experience, perfect for Indian palates, Ochre Mango Citron Rum, said Ochre Spirits founder John Royerr.

    With the Asia-Pacific flavoured vodka market expected to grow at a rapid pace, particularly in India, China, and Japan, Ochre Spirits is capitalising on evolving consumer preferences for premium, small-batch craft spirits. The company has set an ambitious goal of becoming an Rs 100 crore brand within the next four years.

    The sensory experience of Ochre Saffron Vodka is as indulgent as its ingredients. The crystal-clear liquid carries a delicate golden sheen, highlighting the saffron infusion. The aroma combines exotic saffron with fresh citrus and subtle floral notes, while the palate delivers a velvety texture with a warm saffron embrace balanced by a crisp citrus lift. The finish is smooth, refined, and laced with lingering spice. It’s designed to be sipped neat, enjoyed on the rocks, or blended into sophisticated cocktails.

    Building on its momentum, Ochre Spirits has already teased its next release Ochre Mango Citron Rum, a tropical raw mango-infused creation set to launch in May 2025.

    With India’s spirits industry evolving rapidly, driven by millennials and Gen Z seeking bolder and more authentic flavours, Ochre Spirits is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. By championing artisanal craftsmanship and innovative flavour profiles, the brand is redefining India’s craft spirits landscape, one sip at a time.

  • India gears up for Esports Conclave 2025 to shape gaming future

    India gears up for Esports Conclave 2025 to shape gaming future

    MUMBAI: India is levelling up in the esports arena, with the Esports Conclave 2025 set to take centre stage on 1 April in New Delhi. Organised by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) in partnership with Krafton India and supported by Invest India as the knowledge partner, the conclave is poised to redefine the future of competitive gaming in the country.

    Bringing together senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and esports professionals, the event will tackle crucial topics like international tournament readiness, investment opportunities, job creation, and esports infrastructure development. The discussions will also contribute to an Esports framework recommendation for the government, charting a course for esports regulation and industry recognition.

    With the theme “Forging the Path to Global Leadership”, the conclave will explore ways to integrate esports into Aatmanirbhar Bharat, positioning India as a powerhouse in the global gaming ecosystem.

    The need for a structured regulatory framework has become more pressing as esports gains momentum. With its inclusion in major sporting events like the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, the industry is no longer just a niche digital phenomenon, it’s a legitimate competitive sport with global stakes.

    PEFI secretary Piyush Jain said, “The upcoming Esports Conclave 2025 will mark a historic milestone in establishing India as a global powerhouse in the world of esports. Esports has evolved into a dynamic and competitive sporting industry with immense potential of growth. This conclave will serve as a catalyst, bringing together industry leaders, gamers, and policymakers to shape the future of esports in India. It will facilitate crucial discussions on policy frameworks, infrastructure, and opportunities for Indian talent on the global stage. PEFI is dedicated to making India a frontrunner in this digital sports revolution and is fully prepared to embrace this new era of competitive gaming.”

    Krafton India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn said, “Esports is the future of competitive entertainment. With its official recognition in premier sporting events such as the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, Indian athletes now have the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stages. At Krafton India, we are committed to fostering a structured, sustainable, and internationally competitive esports ecosystem that empowers players and drives industry growth. Esports Conclave 2025 is a defining moment in this journey, bringing together policymakers, industry pioneers, and esports professionals to shape a long-term vision for India’s Esports industry.”

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee said, “With esports now finding a place in major international sporting events, India has a real shot at becoming a global contender. Esports Conclave 2025 is an important step in that direction – it’s where the right conversations can happen between the industry, government, and other key players. Whether it’s building grassroots programs, improving tournament ecosystems, or integrating esports into initiatives like Khelo India, this platform gives us a chance to align on what the future should look like. The goal is simple: create the structure and support needed for Indian esports talent to thrive on the world stage.”

    The Indian gaming industry is projected to hit 7.5 billion dollars by FY28, growing at a staggering CAGR of 20 per cent. As one of the fastest-growing esports markets in the world, India is not just playing the game, it’s setting new rules.

    By bringing together visionaries from policy and industry, Esports Conclave 2025 is more than just a conference; it’s a game-changing moment for India’s digital economy. With strategic vision, investment, and collaboration, India is gearing up to not only participate in the global esports arena but to dominate it.

  • Splash alert as Aqua Imagicaa makes a wave in Indore with grand opening

    Splash alert as Aqua Imagicaa makes a wave in Indore with grand opening

    MUMBAI: Indore is about to get a whole lot wetter and wilder! Aqua Imagicaa Water Park has officially opened its doors in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, bringing world-class water attractions to the region. Nestled just 20 minutes from Indore and Ujjain, this sprawling 18-acre aqua wonderland promises to be the ultimate summer escape for thrill-seekers and families alike.

    The launch marks a major milestone for Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited, reinforcing its position as a leading player in India’s leisure and entertainment landscape. Following the roaring success of Aqua Imagicaa Surat, which debuted in March 2023, the brand is making a splash in central India, expanding its portfolio to eight parks nationwide.

    Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited managing director Jai Malpani shared, “We are excited to expand Aqua Imagicaa’s presence with our second park in Indore making it the biggest water park in Madhya Pradesh and the 5 th water park in our portfiolio. This expansion increases our park count to 8 parks and brings us closer to our consumers and meets the increasing demand fior quality water parks in India. As we continue to add one new park each year, Aqua Imagicaa Indore marks another step in fiulfiilling our promise to bring new, unique entertainment destinations across the country. This aligns with the company’s vision to provide top-tier entertainment experiences to dififierent catchments across India, fiurther solidifiying the company’s position as a leader in the country’s growing leisure and entertainment landscape”.

    With 20 exhilarating rides, Aqua Imagicaa Indore is set to be Madhya Pradesh’s largest water park. From adrenaline-pumping slides to relaxing wave pools, the park caters to every kind of visitor, whether they crave heart-racing thrills or a laid-back aquatic retreat.

  • GoSats turns digital gold into a daily SIP making micro-investing shine

    GoSats turns digital gold into a daily SIP making micro-investing shine

    Investing in gold just got a digital glow-up! GoSats, India’s leading asset-based rewards platform, has unveiled an innovative Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) that makes investing in 24-carat digital gold as easy as a tap on your smartphone. Designed to simplify gold investments, this SIP allows users to invest as little as Rs 10 per day, offering seamless liquidity and hassle-free transactions.

    With over 2 crore Indians already investing in digital gold, GoSats aims to remove entry barriers, boost accessibility, and create a smarter, more engaging investment ecosystem. As an added golden touch, one lucky user who starts their SIP during the launch period will win 1 gram of digital gold, with the winner announced on 2 April.

    The SIP launch follows GoSats’ recent debut of GoSats AI, India’s first AI-driven shopping companion that helps users find the best online deals and maximise their rewards in digital gold and sats. By integrating AI-powered passive investing with digital gold SIPs, GoSats is revolutionising wealth-building for a new generation of investors.

    “Indians have always trusted gold, and digital gold has now emerged as the preferred investment option for millennials and Gen Z,” said GoSats co-founder & CEO Mohammed Roshan Aslam. “Our SIP simplifies investments with low volatility, instant liquidity, and transparency, making micro-investing more attractive than ever. Coupled with GoSats AI, we’re creating a powerful ecosystem where users not only earn rewards but also passively invest for the future.”

    With Gen Z increasingly favouring digital gold for its affordability, flexibility, and steady returns, GoSats’ SIP eliminates common hurdles like hidden charges and liquidity constraints. The combination of SIP and GoSats AI transforms everyday spending into a smart investment journey, making digital gold as rewarding as it is secure.

    As alternative finance gains momentum in India, GoSats is turning everyday transactions into wealth-building opportunities, one digital gold sip at a time. Now that’s a golden deal!

  • Billion Electric charges ahead with Sanjeev Kulkarni as CEO

    Billion Electric charges ahead with Sanjeev Kulkarni as CEO

    MUMBAI: Billion Electric Mobility (BillionE), India’s pioneering E-Mobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS) platform, has put its growth plans into high gear by appointing Sanjeev Kulkarni as chief executive officer. A seasoned industry leader with over 32 years in automotive and manufacturing, Kulkarni steps up from his role as chief operating officer to spearhead the company’s ambitious expansion in commercial EV solutions.

    With a stellar track record at Bosch Limited in India and Germany, as well as Kalyani Group Pune, Kulkarni has driven large-scale projects, strengthened OEM partnerships, and accelerated revenue growth. As CEO, his focus will be on scaling BillionE’s electric truck and airport tarmac EV bus business, enhancing industry collaborations, and boosting India’s clean mobility transition.

    Welcoming Sanjeev to his new role, Billion Electric Mobility founder & chief platform architect Kartikey Hariyani & co-founder Musfara Wajid said, “It has been more than 5-years we have known Sanjeev working on various strategic initiatives within the e-mobility space in India / abroad.  Since 2023, Sanjeev has been part of our leadership team and over the last 2-years, Billion Electric Mobility has seen the foundation laid for the e-MaaS business with his, strategic foresightand extensive industry experience. His proven ability to scale operations, drive innovation, and foster collaborations will be critical as we expand our E-MaaS business. With Sanjeev at the helm, I’m confident we will scale faster, deepen partnerships, and create a stronger foundation for India’s EV transition.”  

    Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Billion Electric Mobility CEO Sanjeev Kulkarni said, “The EV industry is at an exciting juncture, and Billion Electric is well-positioned to accelerate India’s transition to sustainable mobility. Our focus will be on scaling our E-MaaS business with various corporate customers with our range of Electric Trucks for inter-city transport, , maximizing operational efficiency, and strengthening collaborations with OEMs and fleet operators. I look forward to working with our talented team to develop robust solutions that power India’s EV future.”

    Quoting on the development, Billion Electric Mobility lead advisor Piroshaw Sarkari (Phil) added, “BillionE is a platform that drives a concept of energy on wheels, in a way different from traditional transporter and therefore Sanjeevs experience is found very relevant to lead this platform!”

    As BillionE continues to drive India’s EV transition through its Energy Transition Network, Kulkarni’s leadership marks a pivotal step in its journey. With a strengthened leadership team, including newly appointed lead advisor Pirojshaw Sarkari (Phil), the company is set to electrify the commercial transport sector and push the boundaries of sustainable mobility.