ITV

Tag: Uttar Pradesh

  • From UP with love: Live Times XChange fires up India’s engines of growth

    From UP with love: Live Times XChange fires up India’s engines of growth

    MUMBAI: The debut edition of Live Times XChange, a flagship forum from India’s first global multicast news hub Live Times, landed in Lucknow with the energy of a start-up and the weight of a summit. With top ministers, rival netas, and sharp-shooting bureaucrats in attendance, the conclave turned into a masterclass on how India’s rise begins at the state level.

    At the centre of it all was Uttar Pradesh, positioned as India’s breakout growth story and a live case study on how good governance, strong policy, and people-first programmes can turn potential into performance.
    “This is not just the land of possibilities anymore. UP is now a model of success,” thundered chief minister Yogi Adityanath, outlining his vision to make the state a $1 trillion economy by 2029. With Rs 40 lakh crore in investment proposals, expressways zipping across districts, and the Mahakumbh pulling in 66 crore visitors, UP, he said, is no longer waiting its turn — it’s leading the charge.

    Former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, playing both the critic and the statesman, praised the event for backing “constructive journalism” and urged unity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. He also took a dig at delayed projects and reminded the audience of metro lines and roadways launched during his tenure.

    Adding further heft were deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, alongside Baby Rani Maurya (women’s welfare), Asim Arun (social justice), and Ajay Rai, president of the UP congress. Baby Rani Maurya, with 95 lakh SHGs under her belt, said women were no longer waiting for empowerment — they were earning it.

    Live Times founder Dilip Kumar Singh called the event a “defining moment for India’s future”, noting that “when states thrive, the nation soars”. He positioned XChange as a bridge between policymakers and citizens, built on the bedrock of facts, not frills.

    The conclave didn’t just talk policy — it sparked purpose. With sessions covering caste inclusion, women’s safety, local industry and jobs, XChange set the tone for what public discourse should sound like in a new Bharat: tough, topical, and totally democratic.

    Next stop? More states, more voices, and more action. Because when growth is a team sport, XChange is where the players meet.

  • Ladhani group’s SLMG Beverages pops open Rs 11,000 crore fizzy investment plan for Coca-Cola

    Ladhani group’s SLMG Beverages pops open Rs 11,000 crore fizzy investment plan for Coca-Cola

    MUMBAI: SLMG Beverages – Coca-Cola’s largest Indian bottler  – is brewing up a storm with ambitious expansion plans that would make even the most hardened business tycoons gasp for breath.

    Ladhani Group, the fizz-fuelled empire behind SLMG Beverages, announced yesterday a whopping Rs 11,000 crore investment strategy over the next five years, with the lion’s share – Rs 8,000 crore – earmarked for expanding its bottling dominance across Uttar Pradesh and newly-conquered Bihar.

    “We’re looking at doubling our revenue to Rs 20,000 crore,” said  joint managing director Paritosh Ladhani,  whose ambition seems as effervescent as the products his company bottles at a mind-boggling rate of 40 million per day.

    Already among Coca-Cola’s top 15 global bottlers, SLMG has set its sights on cracking the elite top 10 by 2030. The company recently stormed into Bihar after snatching up territorial rights from Coca-Cola’s own bottling arm HCCBL, a move described by industry insiders as “gaining prime real estate in India’s beverage battleground.”

    The Lucknow-based firm is currently constructing a Rs 1,200 crore plant in Bihar’s Buxar district, with another Rs 1,500 crore facility in the pipeline. Meanwhile, its existing plants near Lucknow, Amethi, Bareilly and Ayodhya will receive substantial upgrades.

    Not content with dominating just one sector, the group plans to splash Rs 3,000 crore into its hospitality business, doubling its hotel room portfolio faster than you can say “ice and a slice.”

    “Our per capita consumption is still quite low and we are aspiring to catch up,” noted Vivek Ladhani, executive director, in a masterclass of understatement – considering Indians currently drink roughly one-eighth the cola Americans consume annually.

    The company’s aggressive expansion comes just as year ago-appointed CEO Costin Mandrea settles into his role. The European veteran brings 25 years of beverage industry expertise and a bold mission: “We are building the first Indian world-class bottler, a bottler that is made in India and able to sit at the same table with bottlers from Latin America, Europe and Asia.”

    With its newly expanded territory now covering a staggering 360 million potential consumers across UP, Uttarakhand and Bihar, SLMG appears poised to ride India’s fizzy drinks boom, which is expected to bubble up at a refreshing 7.29 percent annually through 2028.

    When asked about a potential IPO, Ladhani remained coy: “Definitely, we have a plan.” But for now, the company seems content to shake up the market through explosive growth rather than share offerings, backed by what executives described as “sufficient internal accruals” to fund their effervescent ambitions.

  • Den Networks disputes Rs 38 crore GST orders, plans legal appeal

    Den Networks disputes Rs 38 crore GST orders, plans legal appeal

    MUMBAI: Den Networks Limited has found itself in the middle of a tax showdown, with authorities in Lucknow and Kochi slapping it with two Goods and Services Tax (GST) penalties totalling nearly Rs 38 crore. The company, however, has strongly refuted the allegations, calling the orders erroneous and confirming plans to file appeals against them.

    Dismissing both allegations, Den Networks has reiterated that these tax demands do not impact its day-to-day operations, and that the financial exposure is limited to the penalty amounts. The company remains confident of a favourable outcome in the appeals process. With a legal battle looming, the GST dispute is far from settled Den Networks is preparing to make its case, challenging the tax authorities’ interpretation in an attempt to reverse the penalties and clear its name.

    The first order, issued by the CGST and Central Excise Commissionerate, Lucknow, on 31 January 2025, imposed a penalty of Rs 4.75 crore under Section 74 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and the Uttar Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Tax authorities claimed that Den Networks had wrongfully adjusted deferred revenue for FY 2017-18, allegedly leading to lower GST payments. The company insists this assessment is incorrect.

    The second order, passed by the CGST Kochi Commissionerate on 3 February 2025, demanded a staggering Rs 33.25 crore in differential tax, along with an equal penalty amount under Section 122(2)(b) read with Section 74(9) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, and corresponding Sections of the Kerala State Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, for the period from July 2017 to March 2022. The dispute centres on how GST should be applied—tax authorities argue it should be charged on the total amount collected by local cable operators (LCOs) from subscribers, rather than on the revenue received by Den Networks from LCOs. The company maintains that it has calculated and discharged GST correctly as per regulatory norms.

  • CM Yogi Adityanath showcases Uttar Pradesh’s growth and Mahakumbh legacy

    CM Yogi Adityanath showcases Uttar Pradesh’s growth and Mahakumbh legacy

    MUMBAI: The Mahakumbh 2025 is not just a religious gathering; it is a grand celebration of unity, tradition, and progress. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, in an exclusive interview with Ndtv editor-in-chief Sanjay Pugalia during the Mahakumbh Samvaad, eloquently shared how the state has emerged as India’s growth engine, with Mahakumbh reflecting a perfect blend of cultural heritage and sustainable development.

    Speaking from Lucknow, Adityanath’s words carried a mix of pride and purpose. He declared, “Uttar Pradesh has become the growth engine for India.” From empowering the youth through seven lakh government jobs to enhancing Mahakumbh’s grandeur with modern infrastructure, the chief minister painted a picture of a state transforming its legacy into a progressive powerhouse.

    The ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, which began on 13 January and runs until 26 February, has already drawn over 12 crore devotees from across the country to the sacred ‘Triveni Sangam’. Reflecting on the lessons from Ardha Kumbh 2019, Adityanath detailed his government’s meticulous preparations, “We reviewed hygiene, river cleanliness, and infrastructure gaps and worked systematically to improve them. This year, we built 14 underpasses, expanded the civil terminal, and added 5,000 acres of parking to the 10,000-acre mela area.”

    Adityanath highlighted the event’s inclusivity, noting, “This is a Maha Parv. On January 14, nearly six crore devotees took a dip in the Sangam. There was no discrimination, and even critics of Sanatana Dharma came to witness the event.”

    The Ndtv program also hosted prominent figures like Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who shared the spiritual essence of the Mahakumbh, “Spirituality is an integral part of life. Consciousness is eternal, and with peace and patience, we can transcend stress and embrace life fully.”

    The chief minister applauded Ndtv’s comprehensive coverage, stating, “The media has worked positively to bring this message of inclusivity and spirituality to the world.” Pugalia reflected on the event’s scale, calling it, “an unprecedented spectacle of grandeur, meticulously planned and executed.”

    The Mahakumbh Samvaad demonstrated how the Mahakumbh has become a symbol of unity, tradition, and development under Adityanath’s leadership. With initiatives like clean rivers, expanded facilities, and a focus on inclusivity, the event has set new benchmarks for organising large-scale spiritual gatherings.

    The Mahakumbh 2025 not only connects people through spirituality but also redefines Uttar Pradesh’s role on the national stage. As Yogi Adityanath aptly said, “Pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a movement.” Wait… wrong quote. But hey, the essence is the same—it’s not just an event; it’s a legacy.

  • Himalaya Wellness reaches out to thousands of teenagers through pimple campaign

    Himalaya Wellness reaches out to thousands of teenagers through pimple campaign

    MUMBAI:  Zits are popups on a teenager’s face which get him or her  all riled up. Riled up enough to lose sleep and shed a river of tears. 

    To address the knowledge gap about pimples, wellness firm Himalaya Wellness  organised its impactful My First Pimple campaign and even successfully wrapped it up. 

     It reached thousands of young girls in over 125 schools across west Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The initiative aimed to empower adolescents with knowledge and confidence to navigate puberty-related skin changes, particularly pimples.

    The campaign educated participants on the hormonal shifts that cause pimples, emphasising that they are a natural part of growing up. Interactive sessions led by local skincare influencers offered insights into managing skin health, including practical tips and emotional support.

    Himalaya Wellness marketing director – beauty & personal care  Ragini Hariharan  stated, “Pimples are a common experience that shouldn’t undermine a young person’s confidence. With My First Pimple, we normalised these changes and equipped girls with the knowledge to embrace healthy skincare habits.”

  • Airtel expands network in UP West, Uttarakhand for better connectivity

    Airtel expands network in UP West, Uttarakhand for better connectivity

    Mumbai: Bharti Airtel has turbocharged its network in Uttar Pradesh (West) and Uttarakhand, providing customers with superior voice and data connectivity across all 40 districts. The company announced on 18 October 2024, that it has successfully deployed additional spectrum acquired in July 2024, enhancing its 5G and 4G network capacities.

    The deployment of 5MHz on the 2100 band will significantly improve data speeds and indoor coverage for customers in urban and rural areas. Residents in cities such as Agra, Aligarh, Meerut, Bareilly, Moradabad, and Dehradun can now enjoy faster browsing speeds and improved call connectivity. Airtel’s enhanced services will also benefit those traveling along highways and rail routes, providing broader coverage and meeting the growing demand for connectivity in rural regions.

    Bharti Airtel, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, CEO, Sovan Mukharjee stated, “Airtel’s commitment to superior network performance is unwavering. With the integration of this new spectrum, customers across the state can now enjoy enhanced call connectivity, faster data speeds, and an overall improved experience.”

    Airtel secured 97 MHz of spectrum during the recent auction, solidifying its position as a leader in India’s telecommunications landscape. This deployment allows the company to expand its sub-GHz spectrum, consolidating fragmented spectrum blocks into a continuous spectrum, and positioning itself to meet growing data demands with its 5G and 4G services.

  • Zee UPUK reaches 34 mn individuals, becomes the most viewed channel

    Zee UPUK reaches 34 mn individuals, becomes the most viewed channel

    Mumbai: Zee Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand (Zee UPUK) has surpassed all competitors in the region. Currently, it reaches to 34 million individuals and it is the most viewed channel in the state for 31 weeks , according to the latest BARC data released recently. 

    The data stated that Zee UPUK tops the list with a market share of 55 per cent, overtaking its competitor ABP Ganga, which has a 10 per cent market share. The data also shows competitors-News State & News 18, have seen a fall in viewership with just 17 per cent and 10 per cent market share, respectively.

    Zee UPUK covers a wide range of topics, including politics, crime, the city, and entertainment. Some of the popular flagship shows of the channels that have helped the channel gain its dominance across time bands are UP Maange Uttar, Jan Man, Khabar Garda Hai, 4 Ki Chausar, and Jagte Raho.

    Since Zee UPUK garners millions of viewers, it has also become the top choice for advertising and marketing.

    In the past 13 weeks, the BARC report established that the channel also leads in ATS with a reach of 15 million individuals per month in the region. The channel has cemented its leadership in both urban and rural market strata in all time bands too.

    Commenting on this big win, Zee Media’s chief business officer Abhay Ojha said, “We are ecstatic to be the No. 1 channel in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and I am thankful for the trust our audiences have shown in us. We have focused on catering to all the needs of our viewers and are committed to becoming the one-stop-most-trusted regional Hindi news channel. The BARC ratings are testimony to this, which fuels our ambitions, and we hope to continue with the same momentum.”

  • News Nation begins on-ground activity to increase brand engagement

    News Nation begins on-ground activity to increase brand engagement

    Mumbai: News network News Nation has started its on-ground activity in the state of Uttar Pradesh to increase brand engagement and reach out to smaller towns and hinterlands. 

    The on-ground activity, which will be executed across key locations covering all of Uttar Pradesh in the next 30 days, will also touch upon various big cities in the state. It aims to reach out to the masses of urban and rural areas of the state. To further strengthen this activity, it has been given an on-air hook for viewers to participate in the on-air contest and win exciting prizes daily and there is a weekly bumper prize as well. 

    “This is our first on-ground activity since the pandemic struck and we are quite excited about it,” commented News Nation Network MD Sanjay Kulshrestha. “Uttar Pradesh is one of the critical markets in terms of business potential and viewership. News Nation is well recognized and respected in the state. However, we felt that there is still ample opportunity to further increase our penetration in the state especially in deeper pockets of tier 3 & 4 towns and upcoming hamlets, hence this on-ground activity has started”.

    News Nation Network director and editor-in-chief Manoj Gairola said that this activity will be executed with a 360-degree approach, supported by various departments like distribution, editorial, sales, strategy, and marketing. “We are hopeful that this initiative will bring the brand closer to the viewers. Our viewers will observe several such actives in different states shortly,” he further added.  
     

  • News State Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand marks its 8-years journey in news industry

    News State Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand marks its 8-years journey in news industry

    Mumbai: News State Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand, a leader in the regional news channel marks its eight-year journey in the Hindi news genre. With its state of the art of delivering news that is direct, non-opinionated and impactful, the news channel has been the prime choice of the viewers. 

    A news channel that has unceasingly achieved the top position for five years in a row has been catering to millions of populations covering a total of 88 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

    From the day of its inception in 2014, News State Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand has constantly conceptualised expanding its presence in the regional news channel market. It was five years back that the news channel secured the top position in the regional channel in the news genre and since then the channel has retained its position.

    Regional news channel News StateUttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand has not only kept its viewers enthralled through its daily shows but has also received great support from them throughout. “Our viewers and advertisers have been the pillars to our walls in keeping us upright in the news genre. The brand has been at the forefront consistently by delivering incisive and accurate news daily,” said the company spokesperson.

    News State Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand has always been a stellar news channel broadcasting the unparalleled quality of news. With more than 550 clients and 1300 plus brands trusting the channel from the last eight years, News State Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand news channel has been a top-notch performer in its belt. The regional channel conjointly with its advertisers has been curating compelling content that matches the tastes and preferences of a varied palette of viewers.

    “Milestones are key moments in the life of a brand. We are happy to have reached the milestone of serving our viewers with daily news through our regional news channel,” stated the president of sales and marketing Abhay Ojha. “We are excited to celebrate the eighth anniversary of our news channel News State Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand. In a rapidly evolving marketplace, our channel has been serving its viewers with first-hand and truthful news. We have also been the titleholder of No 1 regional news channel for the past five years. It is a moment to thank all our advertisers and viewers who have always put their trust and faith in our channel.”

  • India Ahead consolidates youth connect starting with poll-bound Uttar Pradesh

    India Ahead consolidates youth connect starting with poll-bound Uttar Pradesh

    Mumbai: Further cementing its position as the preferred news platform among young viewers, India Ahead has launched one of the biggest youth-focused programme – “Voice of Youth.” Presented by Avita, “Voice of Youth” will be aired every Sunday at 6 p.m only on India Ahead and popular bite-sized short videos will be used to increase engagement across social media platforms.

    Keeping in mind the sizeable first-time voters and huge young demography, “Voice of Youth” in its first phase is traveling to five prominent universities in Uttar Pradesh for insightful discussions with young thought leaders.

    “GenZ and Millennials are armed with self-belief and confidence. ‘Voice of Youth’ on India Ahead is a platform where the youth can express their opinion freely on a wide range of topics,” said India Ahead News Group COO Amitabh Bhatnagar.

    “India Ahead has been consistently highlighting issues of Young Indians with our mega-coverage of NEET controversy and subsequent reports on state board and other competitive entrance exams. Voice of Youth on India Ahead is the next step towards increasing our engagement with our young viewers.,” stated editor-in-chief Bhupendra Chaubey. “While everyone claims to be talking on behalf of youth, we want to focus on knowing the real issues, aspirations, fears and challenges of the youth beyond what is projected in popular media.”

    Nexstgo Company Ltd regional business director for South Asia and MEA Seema Bhatnagar also talked about their association with the activity. “This thoughtful initiative by India Ahead will help Avita to connect with the country’s youth-centric population at a more personal level. At AVITA, we believe in the power of young minds and through this campaign, we aim to help the leaders of tomorrow to hold insightful discussions in the society,” Bhatnagar said.