19, Jun 2025
JioStar takes TATA IPL 2025 to a Billion Viewers
Chandigarh, June 19, 2025: JioStar, the official broadcast and streaming partner for TATA IPL 2025, shattered multiple records and delivered a landmark event, reaching an unprecedented one billion viewers across TV and digital. The highly anticipated 18th edition, which witnessed the spirited rise of ‘Generation Bold’ alongside the iconic ‘Generation Gold,’ recorded the highest-ever cumulative watch-time of over 840 billion minutes.
JioHotstar, the league’s digital home, set new benchmarks with over 23.1 billion views and 384.6 billion minutes of watch-time, reflecting a 29% year-on-year surge in digital viewing. This momentum was driven by a sharp rise in Connected TV (CTV) consumption, which alone grew by 49%, underscoring the growth of large-screen digital viewing in India, in parallel with the existing penetration of linear large-screens.
On linear television, the league set a new benchmark for live broadcast viewership, with Star Sports powering 456 billion minutes of watch-time and recording the highest average TVR (rating) across the viewing universe and key demographics on the network.
The TATA IPL 2025 Final amassed an unprecedented 31.7 billion minutes of watch-time across JioStar’s platforms (Star Sports and JioHotstar), making it the most-watched match in the history of T20 Cricket. Across linear and digital platforms, the final set new benchmarks in the history of T20 Cricket. On TV, powered by Star Sports, it registered the highest ever reach for a T20 match at 169 million viewers and watch-time at 15 billion minutes. On JioHotstar, the match rewrote digital history, emerging as the biggest T20 match ever with 892 million video views, 55 million peak concurrency, and 16.74 billion minutes of watch-time.
This season will be remembered as one of the most iconic in the league’s history, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifting the trophy among the many firsts which included Virat Kohli finally clinching an IPL title and 14-year old Vaibhav Suryavanshi becoming the youngest centurion at this level. It will also be remembered for firsts in viewing experiences offered on JioStar’s platforms including MaxView 2.0 – the native mobile experience now enriched with intuitive “swipe” navigation for clips, dedicated FAST channels serving key fan tribes, voice-based video search and VOD content in 12 Indian languages.
Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports and Live Experiences, JioStar, said, “The incredible viewership numbers are reinforcement of our belief in the commitment to serve fans and the potential for growth of even a scaled property like the TATA IPL.”
“We had a two-pronged approach this season. We wanted to widen the consideration for the tournament experience, by focusing on key viewer cohorts which had a light-touch relationship with IPL while also offering a deep, navigable consumer journey to grow engagement with committed fans. From non-viewers and fringe viewers co-viewing the IPL to deeply immersed fanatics, JioStar offered customized offerings for a wide spectrum of distinct cohorts defined by age, consumption profile and region. From the invite and proposition to the broadcast, we were committed to delivering hyper-personalized experiences that are inclusive, intuitive, interactive, and immersive. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the fans, whose passion and love for the game inspires us. We would also thank BCCI and our partners, whose support is critical in our endeavor to constantly raise the bar on industry-defining experiences we offer on our platforms,” he added.
The season also opened strong, with the first weekend (three matches) clocking 49.56 billion minutes of watch-time across platforms, which is an all-time IPL record.
TATA IPL 2025 raked in record viewership and engagement despite suspension of the league mid-season, reaffirming the core thought behind the season – ‘Yahaan Sab Possible Hai’.
JioStar delivered an unmatched presentation of the world’s biggest T20 league, with over 25 feeds in 12 languages across TV and digital. The coverage came alive through 170+ experts, including former TATA IPL champions, Indian and international cricket legends, and some of the most trusted voices in the game. Live match action was further enriched by a compelling line-up of content building into Season 18, featuring interviews with league icons, team owners, commentators, and former mentors.
The presentation was made more inclusive and immersive and engaging for fans with options and experiences such as 4K with Dolby Atmos audio, VR 360 Live, Live Audio Descriptive, Indian Sign Language, and a Multi-Cam feed among other features. Engagement for core fans was bolstered via enhanced interactivity features such as popular free-to-play contest, Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan.
With another benchmark season of the TATA IPL successfully completed, JioStar will now bring India’s tour of England to fans as Shubman Gill’s ‘generation bold’ prepares to take on Ben Stokes’ ‘ruthless Bazball’, live on JioHotstar from June 20.
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- By Neel Achary
19, Jun 2025
Bajaj Markets Joins ONDC network; Brings 16 million+ Traffic to the network
Mumbai/Pune, June 19, 2025: Bajaj Markets, one of India’s largest digital marketplaces for financial products and services, and a part of Bajaj Finserv Ltd., today announced its integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), making the network accessible to its customers on Bajaj Markets App and Web.
This integration makes Bajaj Markets a buyer network participant on ONDC Network. Customers on Bajaj Markets App and Web can now seamlessly shop for electronics and appliances on ONDC Network, in addition to financial products and services on the Bajaj Markets platform.
Ashish Panchal, Managing Director and CEO, Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited, said, “With 90+ partners and 140+ financial products and services available on our platform, Bajaj Markets continues to witness steady growth in app and website traffic. This integration connects consumers of Bajaj Markets with sellers on the ONDC network. It allows our 16 million+ traffic to access ONDC’s decentralized network, offering a wide selection of premium electronics and appliances, along with flexible financing options. This integration marks a significant step in leveraging India’s Digital Public Infrastructure to accelerate digital commerce and transform customer experience.”
Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO and COO, ONDC, said, “Bajaj Markets joining the ONDC Network marks a significant step in redefining how financial services and commerce intersect. As a front-runner in the financial sector, Bajaj Markets is poised to unlock new opportunities by combining deep credit expertise with seamless digital commerce – empowering consumers to make smarter purchases, access flexible financing, and build stronger financial journeys. This integration reflects the transformative potential of open networks in enabling businesses to engage, learn, and co-create value.”
Bajaj Markets started with an aim to bring consumers of financial services and providers on a single platform, making it not only convenient for customers to compare, choose and buy, but also transact digitally. It has today grown to become one of India’s largest digital platforms for financial products and services from leading banks and NBFCs.
The integration with ONDC Network enables Bajaj Markets to seamlessly offer over 1.5 lakh SKUs of premium electronics and appliances at comparable prices.
19, Jun 2025
SEBI Reforms Boost Flexibility and Attractiveness of REITs and InvITs
By-Mr. Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE
“SEBI’s latest announcements will provide the impetus needed to make REITs and InvITs more attractive, transparent, and operationally efficient. A relaxation of the earlier provision, making it mandatory to onward distribute 100% inflows from SPV to Holdco, will allow more operational flexibility and improved cash flow management for REITs and InvITs, potentially optimising distributions and making the structures more attractive to sponsors and managers. Additionally, SEBI has aligned the timeline for submitting various reports with the schedule for financial results. This streamlines compliance and reduces redundant delays for REITs and InvITs. These amendments will make REITs and InvITs more accessible, trusted, and future ready. We anticipate a surge of domestic and global capital into the sector, which is essential for funding India’s vast real estate and infrastructure development needs.”
19, Jun 2025
World Kidney Cancer Day: Early Detection Vital as Kidney Disease Rises Globally
“On World Kidney Cancer Day, we recognize the growing challenge of kidney disease worldwide. Studies suggest that by 2040, chronic kidney disease could become the fifth leading cause of years of life lost. Too often, those at high risk—such as people with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or a family history hesitate to get screened due to lack of access and awareness. Early warning signs like fatigue, swelling, muscle cramps, or changes in urination should never be ignored, as they can signal kidney cancer or chronic disease, which may progress to kidney failure.Treatments for advanced kidney disease, including surgeries and transplants, remain unaffordable for many. That’s why early detection is so vital. With advances in AI-powered diagnostics, we can now spot risks sooner and improve outcomes.”
19, Jun 2025
Over 1 Million Branded Videos Monthly, Yet Artists Lose Rs 900 Crore in Royalties Every Year
By-Gaurav Dagaonkar, Co-Founder & CEO, Hoopr
As we observe World Music Day, it is vital to acknowledge that music in today’s world is not simply a form of expression; it acts as a business driver, culture connector, and strategic marketing asset. In India’s rapidly expanding digital landscape, over 1 million branded content pieces are produced every month by more than 80,000 brands and 550,000 creators. Music in any form is an essential part of all of this content and adds emotional depth and recall. Campaigns employing well-integrated and licensed music see 25–35% higher engagement, improved platform performance, and increased ROI.
But the industry still faces serious challenges. An estimated 87% of branded content uses music without proper licensing, largely because of ignorance, a fragmented ownership structure, and long licensing processes. This leads to staggering annual losses of ₹8,000-10,000 crore, almost ₹3,600 crore from unpaid licensing fees and ₹900 crore in royalties lost to artists. The risk of take downs, strikes and penalties of up to ₹5 crore for using unlicensed music is significant for brands and creators. In some cases, even influencer-led campaigns have resulted in legal action, with brands held accountable for copyright misuse.
At Hoopr, we’re building a tech-first solution to this problem. Our platform provides instant licensing for Bollywood, regional, and independent music – delivering turnarounds from weeks to minutes and enabling licensing of music rights for all creators. With Hoopr Smash, we’re enabling access to over 18,500 tracks, including culturally rich music from across India, tailored for high-frequency digital content.
India is one of the largest music-consuming countries globally, yet less than 1% of users pay for music subscriptions. Streaming platforms deliver payments to content creators as low as ₹0.01 per stream – which makes sync licensing a vital revenue stream for artists and labels. At Hoopr we are enabling legal, instant and affordable licensing, helping to protect brands as well and establishing a fair ecosystem that shares the benefits of our enabling rights and content owners and creators.
As the industry moves from mass media communication to platform storytelling, music is no longer just one jingle for all. It’s about having an adaptive soundtrack to reach smaller niche audiences. Music must be included from the beginning in the campaign strategy—not as a last-minute inclusion—but as a creative foundation. That is the future that we believe in— a compliant, scalable, inclusive music economy, that honors rights, inspires performance, and provides predictable sources of income and support to creators at all levels.”
19, Jun 2025
Prime Video launches a one-of-its-kind WhatsApp experience that lets fans become a Phulera-vaasi
Phulera’s election fever is coming to your phone — literally! As Panchayat Season 4 premieres on June 24, Prime Video today launched a never-seen-before WhatsApp activation where you become part of the drama — a one-of-a-kind interactive journey where fans don’t just watch the elections unfold — they play a pivotal role in shaping them.
Fans are dropped straight into Phulera’s political battleground — not as bystanders, but as their chosen party’s Election Guru. And, just like the show’s four leads who meet for their night-outs, all it takes is a “hi”. Users are invited to pick a side and guide their candidate to victory. Through a series of interactive prompts, they’ll co-create campaign posters, star in party anthems, shape manifesto promises — and decide the fate of Phulera, one chat at a time.
Expect meme wars led by the mischievously clever Banrakas and his sharper, quick-witted partner Kranti Devi, rally cries from Pradhanji, and quirky puzzles and reminders from the strong and composed Prahlad. Vikas brings in comic chaos with quizzes and filters, while Manju Devi welcomes you with equal parts sarcasm and warmth. The game pulls viewers right into Phulera’s election madness, where every chat feels like a fresh campaign twist. The race is on, and the drama has never been more delicious.
Pick your side — Team Manju Devi or Team Kranti — and help your party rise to power through a series of mini-games, slogan drops, poster wars, and more. The village is watching, and every tap counts. Launched with cast-led vertical videos that stay true to the show’s raw, rooted vibe, the campaign is already drawing fans into the thick of the action.
19, Jun 2025
NTPC Hands Over Five Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses to Leh Administration
Boosting its decarbonization efforts, NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated power utility, handed over 05 Hydrogen fuel cell buses to SIDCO (Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation, a wholly owned corporation of Leh Administration) for operation and use on 18th June 2025.
This initiative marks India’s first commercial deployment of hydrogen fuel buses and sets a global benchmark for green mobility by operating at the highest altitude in the world.
Last November, NTPC launched world’s first hydrogen fueling station and first-of-its kind Green Hydrogen Mobility Station in Leh. The station at an altitude of 11,562 ft is co-located with dedicated Solar plant of 1.7 MW for providing renewable power for its entire operational requirements.
The hydrogen fuel is dispensed at 350 bar (India’s first high pressure hydrogen dispensation system) in 05 fuel cell buses, designed for operation in sub-zero temperature in rarefied atmosphere, typical to such altitude locations. The hydrogen mobility project shall mitigate the carbon emissions of approx. 350 MT/year and contribute 230 MT/year of pure oxygen into the atmosphere equivalent to 13000 tree plantations.
The buses were handed over in the esteemed presence of Shri Bhupesh Chowdhry, IAS, MD (SIDCO) & Secretary Transport, Shri K K Hota, GM & CEO (NUGEL) and other senior officials from NTPC and Leh Administration. Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT of Ladakh congratulated NTPC for setting up Nation’s First Hydrogen Mobility Project at Leh.
The Chief Secretary, UT of Ladakh appreciated the innovative technology and efforts of NTPC and requested to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen applications for achieving Carbon Neutral Ladakh. He also advised to document the precious learnings and findings from the project for insights in execution of similar projects in Ladakh.
NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing one-fourth of the India’s power requirements and has an installed capacity of over 81 GW, with an additional capacity of 29.5 GW under construction, including 9.6 GW of renewable energy capacity. The company is committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation. The company is committed to adopting the best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.
19, Jun 2025
Increase Industry and manufacturing contribution to GDP our top priority: Hemant Sharma
Bhubaneswar: The 2nd Edition of the Odisha Manufacturing Conclave 2025, organized by the ASSOCHAM Odisha State Council, successfully commenced today at a city hotel. This year’s conclave, themed “AI-Driven Manufacturing: Innovation, Efficiency, and Sustainable Growth,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, technology pioneers, and academia to discuss Odisha’s roadmap for becoming a future-ready manufacturing hub.
Additional Chief Secretary, Industry, Govt of Odisha, Shri Hemant Sharma highlighted that Manufacturing currently contributes 36% to Odisha’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while the combined contribution of industry and manufacturing stands at 53%. He emphasized that there is significant potential to further enhance this share, and this remains a top priority for the state government. “Our policies have been strategically designed to drive this growth, and we are witnessing a rapid inflow of investments. Many investment proposals have not only been received but have also been successfully grounded,” he said.
Reflecting on Odisha’s industrial transformation over the past few decades, Sharma noted the role of technological advancements in optimizing resource use. “For instance, the land required for establishing aluminium plants with double the production capacity has now been reduced to almost half, thanks to improved technology,” he explained. He further added that the state government is actively supporting industries with a steady supply of skilled manpower and comprehensive infrastructure to help them flourish.
Shri Hemant Sharma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & MSME Dept, Govt of Odisha unveiled ASSOCHAM study paper in partnership with Primus Partners
The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Mr. Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Development Council, ASSOCHAM, who lauded the Government’s visionary approach and called for stronger collaboration between the government, industry, and academia to enable smart and sustainable manufacturing in Odisha.
“AI is no longer an emerging trend; it is now a defining catalyst of modern manufacturing. Odisha must now transition from being resource-rich to becoming data-rich and digitally intelligent,” said Mr. Mohanty.
The conclave also witnessed the release of the ASSOCHAM-Primus Knowledge Report, providing critical insights on AI adoption and manufacturing best practices.
Mr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and North East India remarked, “India and the UK share a rich history of industrialisation and innovation. We now stand at the cusp of a new era, shaped by digital transformation, green technologies, resilient supply chains and the rising importance of critical minerals. With Odisha aspiring to become a major manufacturing hub, it naturally aligns as a strategic partner for the UK. Together, we can drive industrial innovation while upholding the principles of sustainability. Today, the UK is at the forefront of smart factory automation, advanced industrial engineering, and sustainable supply chain practices all underpinned by the latest advances in AI”.
Two key plenary sessions held. On Enabling a Competitive Manufacturing Ecosystem – Policy & Tech Integration session, Eminent speakers discussed how Odisha can leverage policy frameworks and cutting-edge technologies to build a future-ready manufacturing sector. Similarly, AI for Sustainable Manufacturing – Innovations & Best Practices session,
Industry experts explored how artificial intelligence can foster sustainable growth and unlock new opportunities across sectors. The conclave concluded with a strong call for collaborative action to make Odisha a national leader in AI-powered, sustainable, and intelligent manufacturing.
The event was attended by senior officials, industry stalwarts, technology leaders, international representatives. Ms Perminder Jeet Kaur, Senior Director – East & Northeast, ASSOCHAM proposed vote of thanks.
Other dignitaries spoke at the event were Shri D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy, IAS, Director of Industries, Odisha, Shri. Sashi Sekhar Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Manufacturing Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr. Prabodh Mohanty, Chairman, Odisha State Mining & Steel Council, ASSOCHAM, Mr Prashant Hota, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Odisha CSR & Sustainability Council & Mr. Bharat Dureja, Senior Adviser, Primus Partners India.
19, Jun 2025
Zigly Expands Footprint with Two New Experience Centres in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, June 19, 2025: Zigly, India’s first tech-enabled omni-channel pet care brand has announced its entry in Gujarat market with the grand unveiling of two new stores in the capital city – Ahmedabad. These mark Zigly’s 33rd and 34th stores nationwide, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering specialized, holistic pet care to pet parents across India.
Located at Ground Floor, Shop No. 5, Shilp Epitome, Sindhu Bhavan Road, and Showroom No. 6, Iconic Shyamal, Shyamal Crossroad, the new Zigly Experience Centres in Ahmedabad are designed to offer a comprehensive and elevated experience for pets and their parents. These stores feature state-of-the-art veterinary facilities, a dedicated grooming spa, and a curated selection of premium pet products creating a one-stop destination for all pet care needs.
Zigly’s new Experience Centres in Ahmedabad offer a comprehensive range of specialised veterinary care services designed to meet the diverse needs of pets. Both centres are equipped with a full-service OPD for routine check-ups and consultations, as well as a dedicated IPD to provide continuous monitoring and care for pets requiring hospitalisation. They feature in-house veterinary consultations, diagnostic & pathology services and vaccination facilities to ensure preventive care. Furthermore, these two centres also provide a fully functional operating theatre for advanced surgical procedures, all managed by a team of highly trained veterinary professionals and supported by cutting-edge medical infrastructure.
Speaking on the brand’s foray into this new market, Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First, said, “The launch of not one, but two Zigly Experience Centres in Ahmedabad marks a significant milestone in our mission to redefine pet care across India. As we expand our footprint in Gujarat, we’re proud to introduce our holistic and trusted pet care ecosystem to one of the fastest-growing cities for pet lovers. We look forward to serving Ahmedabad’s vibrant pet parent community with the best in pet wellness, grooming, and retail.”
The launch of Zigly’s two new stores in Ahmedabad marks another step forward in its mission to revolutionize pet care, enabling pet parents to give their furry companions the very best in love, wellness, and quality experiences.
19, Jun 2025
Apcolite All Protek Sets New Gold Standard with Lotus Effect Tech
Asian Paints’ Apcolite All Protek redefines the Gold Standard in Interior Paints with Breakthrough ‘Lotus Effect Technology’
Hyderabad, June 19, 2025: In homes that are constantly alive with activity, the demand for interiors that blend elegance with endurance has never been greater. As Indian lifestyles evolve, so do the expectations from the spaces we live in, and no one understands this better than Asian Paints. With decades of experience shaping the aspirations of Indian homes, the country’s foremost name in paints and décor now unveils its latest breakthrough, Apcolite All Protek powered by Lotus Effect Technology. This cutting-edge premium interior emulsion represents a bold leap in innovation, offering superior stain repellency, flame retardance, and refined aesthetics — all engineered for modern living.
For over eight decades, Asian Paints has consistently set the benchmark for the industry — not just in colour, but in technology, aesthetics, and performance. From pioneering integration of Graphene for lamination protection in Ultima Protek, to introducing Teflon-based stain resistance in Royale, the brand has led with a series of category-first innovations that have redefined what paint can do. Apcolite All Protek, powered by the advanced Lotus Effect Technology, is the latest chapter in this legacy of breakthroughs — reaffirming Asian Paints’ position as the definitive gold standard in paints and coatings.
Inspired by the natural self-cleaning properties of the lotus leaf, Lotus Effect Technology forms a protective shield that repels common household stains before they can even settle. From coffee to sauces and crayons, this next-gen formulation ensures walls stay pristine with minimal effort making it the ideal solution for contemporary Indian homes that are active and full of life. The paint also comes with flame-retardant properties, a refreshing fragrance, and is available in both Matt and Shyne finishes. With a 6-year performance warranty, it represents the highest standards of durability and care.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints Ltd. said, “At Asian Paints, we spend a lot of time understanding how homes are evolving, and our innovations reflect what today’s consumers truly need from their spaces. Today’s households are dynamic—full of celebrations, children, pets and everyday activities that leave their mark. With Apcolite All Protek and its Lotus Effect Technology, we’ve created a solution that responds to this reality. It takes the stress out of keeping walls clean with best-in-class stain repellency. It’s a step towards smarter, more seamless living, where homes reflect elegance and endure daily wear with ease.”
The launch is accompanied by a new ad film starring Virat Kohli, the brand’s ambassador, who brings the product’s promise to life with charm and energy. Conceptualized by McCann Worldgroup, the ad takes viewers into a playful yet relatable setting, where Kohli’s beautifully done-up home is put to the test by a mischievous child armed with juice, milkshakes and more. In every instance, Apcolite All Protek rises to the challenge effortlessly repelling every stain. The film captures the product’s power in a light-hearted narrative that resonates with modern families navigating playful, unpredictable moments with style.
Mr. Prasoon Joshi – Chief Creative Officer & CEO McCann Worldgroup India, and Chairman McCann Worldgroup APAC said “Innovation and performance define Asian Paints, and Apcolite All Protek exemplifies that spirit. With its revolutionary ‘Lotus Effect Technology,’ it prevents stains before they even stick, which is a true shift in the stain ‘removal’ category. Bringing this innovative feature to life visually needed a fresh approach, and with Virat Kohli leading the charge, this campaign delivers both charm and impact.”
With this launch, Asian Paints redefines expectations in the super-premium interior paint category yet again demonstrating that when it comes to paints and décor, the brand is not just participating in the industry but shaping its future.
