10, Oct 2025
Emotions, Egos, and a Mega Fall: Arbaz’s Game Turns the Tower Upside Down
MUMBAI, India, October 10, 2025: As the finale inches closer, the Tower of Rise and Fall is boiling with tension, shifting loyalties, and explosive confrontations. In today’s episode, the Mega Fall twist was introduced, a power-packed round where Ultimate Ruler Arbaz had to choose between two Rulers at a time, deciding who would rise and who would fall to the basement.
The first face-off was between Arjun and Bali, setting the tone for a fiery episode. Before the decision, workers were allowed to share their opinions and that’s when the situation quickly spiraled into chaos.
Aditya and Bali locked horns yet again, reviving their long-standing feud. Aditya remarked, “Bali mere liye ek emotional manchild hai jo apne emotions ko handle nahi kar sakta hai.” An agitated Bali fired back, “Itni ego kis baat ki hai? Har banda jhoote ki nok par hai, kisi se baat karne ki tameez nahi hai khudko aur dusron ko badtameez bolega.” Aditya hit back, “Kaun badtameez hai sabne dekh liya hai, ladkiyon ke saath badtameezi, Nayandeep ke saath badtameezi, bahumat mein badtameezi.” Bali retorted, “Apna mukhota hat gaya hai na, asliyat bahar aa rahi hai.” To which Aditya replied sharply, “Band kar aur bata kaha badtameezi kari hai!”
Amid the heated exchange, Akriti stepped in with her sharp observation about yesterday’s task. “Mujhe lagta hai jo runner tha uska role bahut bada tha. Bali se bohot badi galti hui. Aap ek insaan ko baar baar weak bolte ho aur phir usko hi task ke liye choose karte ho, mujhe yahan bohot bada doglapan dikhta hai.” Bali responded curtly, “Doglapan nahi, usko insaniyat kehte hai.”
Akriti didn’t hold back either, “In dono ka target rehta hai apne se weak logon ko poke karte rehna. Ye dono sabse bade insecure ladke hain. At least Nayandeep jaisa hai, vaisa behave karta hai. Ye dono mard hoke bhi harkate karte hain.” Aarush snapped, “Matlab tum weak ho?” Aarush smirked, “Iss se comeback nahi hoga, bhokne se comeback nahi hota.” And Bali concluded with a jab, “Flop picture ki flop heroine. Tu sabse badi janani hai is mamle mein.”
After the chaos, it was time for Arbaz’s big decision. Between Arjun and Bali, he chose to save Arjun, acknowledging his stronger gameplay, sending Arjun safely into finale week, while Bali fell to the basement.
The next pairing brought another emotional moment, Dhanashree and Manisha. Arbaaz once again had to make a tough call, ultimately choosing Dhanashree to continue her journey and earn her Ticket to Finale, while Manisha suffered a shocking fall.
With the Mega Fall twist shaking up the dynamics, the Tower now stands divided. Every decision is rewriting the game, and as the finale looms, one thing is clear, there’s no room left for mistakes.
In the game of Rise and Fall this week, the house is split between Workers and Rulers, with Aarush Bhola, Bali, Manisha Rani, Aditya Narayan, Kiku Sharda, Akriti Negi and Nayandeep Rakshiit hustling as Workers, while Arjun Bijlani, Dhanashree Verma and Arbaz Patel, hold the throne as Rulers. Watch daily new episodes of Rise and Fall for free, on Amazon MX Player at 12 PM and on Sony Entertainment Television at 10:30 PM.
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- By Neel Achary
10, Oct 2025
Forum South BLR Fest 2025 Unveils World’s Largest 40ft Gramophone
Bengaluru, October 10th, 2025: The city’s most anticipated festive celebration, Forum South BLR Fest, returns for its 3rd edition with the exciting theme “Back to the Future.” The highlight of this year’s celebration is the unveiling of the world’s largest 40ft walk-through gramophone.
From its towering horn to intricate design motifs, the installation reimagines the gramophone as an immersive retro-futuristic wonderland—where nostalgia blends seamlessly with imagination.
Built over 15 days by a team of 20 skilled artisans, the installation required 3,500 man-hours of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The gramophone celebrates the cultural revolutions of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, evoking memories of mixtapes, family gatherings, and timeless conversations that music inspired across generations.
“Forum South Bengaluru has always been at the forefront of curating immersive experiences. With the world’s largest 40 ft gramophone, we are celebrating both the nostalgia of the past and the imagination of the future, making this year’s fest truly unforgettable.” Muhammad Ali, CEO, Forum Malls, Prestige Group.
Featured Experiences & Events:
Immersive Gramophone Journey: Step inside the 40 ft structure and relive an era of nostalgia, a bridge between the past and the present generation.
Interactive Retro-Futuristic Décor: Neon lights, UFO-inspired elements, and larger-than-life installations spark wonder and imagination.
- Usha Uthup Live Concert (October 19, 2025): Experience the legendary singer live in concert, bringing timeless music to the fest. BookMyShow
- Festive Shopping & Brand Experiences: Explore curated shopping and brand showcases while soaking in the festive ambiance.
Forum South BLR Fest 2025 promises a one-of-a-kind celebration, blending nostalgia with innovation. With its mix of music, art, shopping, and live performances, the fest builds on its legacy of creativity— from last year’s Navrathan installation to this year’s record-breaking gramophone.
Ticketing & Event Details:
- Date: 8th October 2025 onwards
- Address: Forum South Bengaluru, Kanakapura Road, Banashankari, JP Nagar
- Price: Tickets to witness the decor of the immersive Gramophone experience start at ₹199/-
10, Oct 2025
Cosmo First Secures ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification
New Delhi, 10 October 2025: Cosmo First Limited, a leading manufacturer in specialty films for packaging, labelling, lamination, synthetic paper, masterbatches and industrial applications, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification. This certification demonstrates Cosmo First strong commitment towards information security, effective risk management, and ongoing improvement in line with global standards across its corporate office and manufacturing plants in India.
The scope of certification covers the manufacturing of PP/PET/PET-G films, rigid packaging, speciality chemicals, window films, and paint protection films. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 provides a structured framework for identifying potential threats, implementing safeguards, and continuously enhancing information security. The standard emphasises proactive risk management and the use of threat intelligence, ensuring that organisations remain resilient against evolving risks and can manage them effectively.
Mr Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO of Cosmo First, highlighted the importance of information security in the digital era: “In today’s digital landscape, information security is paramount to our business operations and customer trust. This certification reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of information security and future-ready enterprise, committed to protecting our IPs and providing security and trust to our customers. It also gives us the confidence to seek new markets as we continue to expand our global footprint as well.”
Earlier this year, Cosmo Specialty Chemicals, the 100% subsidiary of Cosmo First and Cosmo Sunshield, a business of Cosmo First involved in Window Films also achieved the ISO 9001:2015 certification for their Quality Management Systems. This recognised the company’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in the design, development, manufacturing, and delivery of Adhesives, Coatings, Masterbatch, Window Film products at its MIDC Area facility in Waluj, Aurangabad.
These certifications and recognitions demonstrate Cosmo First’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding sensitive information assets and upholding quality operational and management practices across its diversified business operations. The company continues to set new benchmarks in the industry through its pursuit of excellence.
10, Oct 2025
SUD Life launches SUD Life NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Fund
India,10th October 2025: SUD Life Insurance has announced the launch of the SUD Life NIFTY Alpha 50 Index Fund, a new fund offering that tracks the NIFTY Alpha 50 Index, a smart beta benchmark designed to identify India’s most consistent outperforming stocks. The New Fund Offer (NFO) is open from October 6 to October 24, 2025.
The index comprises the top 50 stocks from India’s largest and most liquid companies, selected based on their alpha, which measures each stock’s ability to outperform the broader market after adjusting for risk. Each stock’s weight in the index is determined by its alpha score, creating a performance-oriented portfolio rooted in quantitative analysis.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Prashant Sharma, Chief Investment Officer at SUD Life, said – “This fund is about giving investors access to a more thoughtful way of investing in equities. Instead of simply tracking market size, it focuses on the performance of the companies that have shown an ability to deliver better returns over time. The idea is simple, to stay systematic, to stay invested, and to let data drive decisions. With the added benefit of 0% GST on ULIP charges, policyholders can now enjoy both efficiency and potential upside”
The index is rebalanced quarterly, ensuring agility in response to evolving market dynamics. The fund targets consistent Alpha with a sector agnostic approach helping balance risk and capture opportunities across the economic spectrum.
With its mid-cap bias and focus on high-alpha constituents, the fund is suited for policyholders seeking to participate in India’s growth story through a smarter, data-led approach to equity investing.
The fund will be available with SUD Life’s unit-linked insurance products like SUD Life Wealth Builder Plan, SUD Life e-Wealth Royale, and SUD Life Star TULIP Plan.
Additionally, with the recent GST exemption on ULIP charges (0% GST), policyholders can now get greater cost efficiency and improved net returns along with a life insurance cover, making this an opportune time to grow wealth through market-linked life insurance solutions.
This launch reflects SUD Life’s continued focus on offering policyholders smarter, research-backed ways to grow their wealth while staying protected through life cover with market-linked life insurance plans.
10, Oct 2025
CMRI Hospital hosts Walkathon to Celebrate Patients’ Experience Week
Kolkata, October 10, 2025: The Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI), a unit of CK Birla Hospitals, hosted a special Walkathon to commemorate Patients’ Experience Week 2025. The event celebrated the extraordinary bond between patients, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff — a bond that goes beyond treatment to embody compassion, trust, and hope.
The Walkathon was led by Mr. Sombrata Roy, Unit Head, CK Birla Hospitals – CMRI, Kolkata, and attended by several dignitaries from the Government of West Bengal. The initiative aimed to bring together the extended CMRI family , from caregivers and healthcare professionals to those who once battled critical illnesses and emerged stronger.
Adding a deeply emotional touch to the event, many former patients who had once faced life-threatening conditions and lost all hope of survival joined the Walkathon, walking hand-in-hand with their doctors and caregivers. Their presence stood as a powerful symbol of human resilience, medical excellence, and the enduring spirit of healing that CMRI stands for.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sombrata Roy, Unit Head, CK Birla Hospitals CMRI, Kolkata, says, “Patients’ Experience Week is a tribute to the extraordinary journey of healing that unites patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams. This Walkathon is our way of celebrating that bond one that extends beyond hospital walls. Seeing our former patients, some of whom fought the most critical battles of their lives, walking beside their doctors today is the greatest testament to the power of hope, trust, and compassionate care.”
The event, flagged off from the CMRI campus early in the morning, witnessed enthusiastic participation from hundreds of people , including recovered patients, healthcare professionals, and well-wishers — all walking together to celebrate life and the healing journey. The Walkathon reaffirmed CMRI’s commitment to clinical excellence with empathy, where every recovery is not just a medical success but a human story of courage and care.
10, Oct 2025
Rajeev Juneja Appointed President of PHDCCI; Anil Gupta, Sanjay Singhania Join Leadership Team
New Delhi, October 10, 2025: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) announced the appointment of its new leadership team. Shri Rajeev Juneja has assumed charge as the President of PHDCCI, succeeding Shri Hemant Jain, who now serves as the Immediate Former President. Shri Anil Gupta has taken over as the Senior Vice President, while Sanjay Singhania has been appointed as the Vice President of the Chamber.
Shri Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI, and Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Mankind Pharma Ltd., brings to the position his extensive experience in steering one of India’s leading pharmaceutical enterprises. Sharing his vision for the Chamber, he said, “It is a privilege to lead PHDCCI at this important juncture. My focus will be on building stronger industry linkages, promoting innovation, and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 through collaborative growth and self-reliance.”
Shri Anil Gupta, Senior Vice President, PHDCCI, and Chairman & Managing Director, KEI Industries Ltd., added, “I am delighted to be part of this leadership team and look forward to working closely with Shri Juneja and our members to drive impactful initiatives for industry and society.”
Shri Sanjay Singhania, Vice President, PHDCCI, and Managing Director & CEO, Epack Prefab Technologies Limited congratulated Mr. Rajeev Juneja for taking over as the President. He said that he has been the biggest beneficiary of being the member of this esteemed Chamber. The journey of our organisation is testimony of trust, transparency and tolerance, and we assure for taking the baton PHDCCI to newer heights with the same zeal, said Mr. Singhania.
Reflecting on his tenure, Shri Hemant Jain, Immediate Former President and Managing Director of KLJ Group of Companies, said, “Serving as President of PHDCCI has been a deeply fulfilling experience and I am confident that the Chamber will continue to expand its impact under the new leadership.”
Welcoming the new team, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, stated, “We are privileged to have such accomplished leaders at the helm. Their combined vision, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence will help PHDCCI further strengthen its role as a catalyst for national growth and global competitiveness.”
10, Oct 2025
Survey Finds Rising Student Mental Distress in Karnataka & Telangana Schools
India, October 10, 2025 – GM5 Australia based psychological wellness platform, that has been collaborating on projects in India for the past three years, has released a report highlighting a growing mental health crisis among school students in Karnataka and Telangana through its technology-enabled screening platform.
The GM5 School Survey covered 11 schools in total, engaging 2,464 students across Telangana and 2,536 students across Karnataka to assess the state of psychological well-being among adolescents. The report highlights an alarming surge in psychological distress among government and private school students aged 10-18, results mirror international data contributing to a silent epidemic that is largely overlooked.
Brendan Fahey, Founder and Chairman, GM5 said, “So far, approximately 5000+ individual students across India have already sought guidance and emotional counselling through the GM5 B2B platform. Our aim through the GM5 survey is to bring visibility to these silent struggles, the insight from this study reaffirms our belief that proactive, data-driven approaches are vital to nurturing emotionally resilient students and communities.”
Alarming Insights from Karnataka and Telangana Schools
According to the GM5 survey in Karnataka and Telangana, nearly 24% of school students aged 10–18 show signs of psychological distress, with 6–10% falling in the high or critical range that requires immediate support. The report is based on responses from over 5,000 students across government and independent schools in the two states. More than 60% reported sleep difficulties, such as trouble falling asleep or waking not well rested, while over 70% faced challenges with focus and concentration in class. Around 40% of students expressed concerns about disappointing important people in their lives like parents and teachers and less than 75% of students feel isolated and disconnected from support networks, placing them at high risk of long-term emotional and academic challenges. The most dominant and recurring stressors were the crippling fear of letting parents down, coupled with the widespread inability to sleep or concentrate.
“These results highlight that students are open to seeking help however introverted students or those concerned about stigma feel more comfortable turning to digital platforms and mental health applications for guidance and support. There is a need for a structured cohort-based psycho-education programs in schools, as well as technology-driven mental health solutions. With confidential screening, schools can identify issues early and provide the support students need.” said Dr. Lisa Fahey OAM, Founder & CEO, GM5.
The survey findings point to the importance of regular well-being checks in schools, underscoring the critical value of early screening, better collaboration between students, teachers, and parents, and targeted support for common challenges like sleep, focus, and stress management among youth.
10, Oct 2025
Imperial and Science Gallery Bengaluru unite to accelerate UK-India innovation
-Imperial College London has partnered with Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) – a cutting-edge hub for innovation, research and public engagement
10th October 2025: A partnership between Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) and Imperial will drive the exchange of talent and knowledge between the UK and India, with the development of new facilities, a joint fellowship programme, and public engagement activities.
The announcement was made as Imperial’s President Professor Hugh Brady joins a UK delegation led by the British Prime Minister, who is making his first official visit to India, alongside Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at Science Gallery Bengaluru. Through this new partnership, the two organisations plan to co-develop cutting-edge open research facilities on-site at SGB, boost UK-India and global talent exchange through a joint Fellowship, and explore public engagement, research and education collaborations based on shared expertise and facilities. By joining forces, the two organisations will train the innovators of the future and cultivate the next generation of talent.
The new partnership between SGB and Imperial sees a commitment to grow the international impact of the Science Gallery’s Public Lab Complex and co-develop a new portfolio of initiatives spanning innovation and discovery challenges, science and technology fellowships, and public engagement.
Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial, said: “This exciting partnership is a launchpad for UK-India innovation and scientific collaboration. Imperial’s innovation and incubation expertise will create a unique lab and convening space with Science Gallery Bengaluru where cutting-edge solutions to global issues will be discovered, designed and delivered. “
“Our participation in the Prime Minister’s first India visit signals the role Imperial plays in strengthening UK-India partnerships, following the launch of our Imperial Global India hub earlier this year. By joining forces across continents, we are deepening research and innovation collaboration between the two countries, and building bridges that will empower the next generation of scientists, thinkers, leaders and changemakers.”
Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at Science Gallery Bengaluru said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Imperial College London to co-develop our Public Lab Complex. This is an important step in creating shared spaces where inquiry, creativity, and learning thrive across borders. We are excited about what we can build together.”
”Together we want to drive locally rooted and globally relevant innovation through community-engaged science that encourages researchers to draw in diverse perspectives and influences to shape and inspire their ideas. This will equip the next generation of innovators and scientific leaders to translate their research into real-world impactful applications and bring us closer to solving shared global challenges.”
The Public Lab Complex is partially and generously supported at present by Tata Trusts, TTK Prestige, and the Samagata Foundation. Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and a SGB Board Member, said: “As a founding patron of Science Gallery Bengaluru, I’m heartened by this partnership with Imperial College London. “It brings together shared values of curiosity, creativity, and public engagement in science. Bengaluru has always been a city that embraces new ideas, and this collaboration will further empower young people to explore, question, and co-create solutions for our collective future.”
Shared Imperial and SGB future ambitions
This commitment was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President (Strategic Engagement) at Imperial and Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at the Science Gallery Bengaluru.
Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President (Strategic Engagement) of Imperial said: “We are especially pleased to strengthen our relationship with Science Gallery Bengaluru following the official launch of Imperial Global India that convened hundreds of researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and alumni in this beautiful and fitting scientific exhibition space in May 2025.” “Imperial Global India represents our commitment to co-creating partnerships within India’s dynamic science and technology ecosystem. It is the latest addition to our international network that spans San Francisco, Singapore and Accra. With this initiative in Bengaluru, we are moving forward in our ambition to co-develop programmes that foster impactful two-way exchanges of ideas, talent and innovation between the UK and India.”
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Science is international by definition. We can aim higher and go further when we work together. This is especially true for the UK and India, where deep links in areas like life sciences are bolstered by our deepening trade relationship, and our unique historical and cultural bonds – all of which are being highlighted by the Prime Minister’s landmark trade mission to India, this week.”
“Imperial deepening its ties with Bengaluru will enable its international community of students, researchers and innovators to work with their India-based counterparts, on efforts that could drive growth, unlock investment, and deliver breakthroughs from health to energy, and beyond. It also boosts a formidable global network the University is building, across the world.”
Imperial’s reputation for cutting edge convergence science research, combined with Science Gallery Bengaluru’s dynamic public engagement expertise and platforms, will power programmes and spaces where early-career researchers and emerging innovators can experiment, collaborate, and connect across boundaries.
Proposed joint initiatives being explored include:
Diversifying and expanding the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Public Lab Complex with five existing areas: the Nature Lab, the Materials Lab, the Food Lab, the New Media Lab, and the Theory Lab. Activities will be supported through accompanying research spaces already constructed within Science Gallery Bengaluru such as a dark room, tissue culture room, and microscopy.
Co-developing programmes that create a bridge between the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Public Lab Complex and the WestTech London innovation ecosystem and Imperial Schools of Convergence Science.
A reciprocal Fellowship and Apprenticeship programme where a cohort of talented individuals from India, the UK and across the world, from different disciplines, will work on creative approaches to develop open-ended experiments and problem solving that expand the horizons of science and technology.
Co-creating an annual programme of public and community engagement events that align with Science Gallery Bengaluru’s ‘Late Labs’ and ‘Science with Society’ initiatives.
Connecting London and Bengaluru ecosystems
This knowledge bridge between the WestTech London innovation ecosystem, which currently houses 1,000 frontier innovation businesses who turned over £9 billion in 2023, and Bengaluru, home to over 400 industrial R&D units, will give fellows the opportunity to develop their skills in two of the world’s most vibrant environments for innovators, including the Advanced Hackspace (pictured).
9, Oct 2025
Child Care Aware of Missouri Welcomes Community Leaders to Board of Directors
Three new board members bring expertise in law, workforce development and nonprofit leadership.
(St. Louis, Mo., October 9, 2025) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) recently announced the appointment of Ruth Binger, Sarah Kirschner, and Megan Price to its board of directors. Board members are eligible to serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.
Ruth Binger is President and Principal Attorney at Danna McKitrick, P.C., a mid-sized law firm, where she has served as a partner for 30 years. As a private practice attorney, she brings deep expertise in legal strategy, business management, and organizational leadership. Binger has been a board member of the Associated Industries of Missouri (AIM) for 23 years and facilitates multiple peer advisory boards for independent business owners.
Sarah Kirschner recently served as Executive Director of Central Reform Congregation. She brings knowledge of the nonprofit sector and of CCAMO when she previously served as a board member and Board Chair in 2009. Additional prior experience includes leadership positions as Vice President of Human Resources and Vice President of Operations at technology startups, where she oversaw management training, compensation strategy, and recruiting. Kirschner also contributes her time to the community as secretary for MERS/Goodwill and as a board member for the National Council of Jewish Women.
Megan Price is Executive Director of the Missouri Works Initiative, a nonprofit sponsored and supported by the Missouri AFL-CIO. She leads five Apprenticeship Ready Programs that have successfully placed more than 400 individuals into sustainable careers in the skilled trades through Registered Apprenticeships. Price previously served as Chief of Staff in the Missouri State Senate.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ruth, Sarah, and Megan to our board,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri. “Each of them brings a wealth of talent and experience that will strengthen our mission to ensure all Missouri families have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality child care.”
Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.
9, Oct 2025
ET Brand Equity Brings Marketing Summit to Chennai, Highlights Southern Ad Market Potential
ET Brand Equity Takes Its Flagship Marketing Summit to Chennai, Spotlights India’s INR 50,000 Crore Southern Ad Market
Hyderabad, 09 October 2025- The Economic Times Brand Equity will launch Brand World Summit – South on December 5, 2025, in Chennai, marking the first regional chapter of its marquee marketing conclave. The inaugural summit brings together India’s leading Chief Marketing Officers, media planners, and brand custodians to address a strategic gap: how to unlock South India’s Rs 50,000 crore advertising market, which operates on fundamentally different consumer behaviours and media consumption patterns than the rest of the country.
The expansion recognizes South India as a market contributing an estimated Rs 50,000 crore to India’s total advertising expenditure of Rs 1,64,137 crore. Despite representing nearly one-third of the national advertising market, the region’s unique consumption patterns have remained underserved by industry platforms.
“Over seven successful editions of Brand World Summit, we have witnessed marketing evolve by leaps and bounds. However, having a ringside view of the industry also revealed distinct differences in media planning and buying in South India,” said Amit Kumar Gupta, Business Head, Economic Times B2B Vertical. “The propensity to pay in the southern market is high and television and cinema consumption behaviours are different, making a dedicated focus crucial.”
Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam television channels command approximately 30% of India’s TV advertising spend, with Tamil and Telugu genres registering annual growth of 9 to 12% compared to slower national Hindi programming. South India also leads in Connected TV penetration, with over 50 million CTV households nationally and significant concentration in Southern cities, making it the fastest-growing market for CTV monetization.
The regional content boom reinforces this trend. Nearly 48% of all OTT content produced in 2024 was in regional languages, with Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam productions seeing viewership across India and globally. Films like RRR, Pushpa, and Baahubali have demonstrated South Indian content’s ability to dominate international streaming charts.
Cultural intelligence has become critical. South Indian festivals including Onam, Pongal, Ugadi, and Kannada Rajyotsava drive advertising spikes comparable to Diwali, yet many national brands lack frameworks to capitalize on these opportunities. FMCG, automotive, real estate, BFSI, and telecom brands are shifting budgets to regional media buys as one-size-fits-all campaigns underperform.
The economic profile adds depth. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana contribute disproportionately to India’s IT and startup ecosystem, creating affluent, digitally native audiences. Over 25% of India’s SME digital advertisers operate from South India. Surprisingly, while print struggles nationally, Tamil and Kannada dailies remain stable or growing, underscoring dual strength in traditional and digital media.
