Category Archives: News

This Mother’s Day, Let Love Take Center Stage at The Square, Novotel Pune

This Mother’s Day, step away from the ordinary and into a world where love is plated with care, memories are made around the table, and every detail whispers, “Thank you, Mom.”

The Square at Novotel Pune invites you to celebrate the heart of your family with a lavish brunch experience designed to delight, indulge, and honour the irreplaceable bond between a mother and her loved ones.

From elegant entrees and live gourmet stations to decadent desserts and effervescent pours, every moment is crafted with warmth and grace — just like she’s always done for you.

SCHOTT Pharma and Serum Institute of India welcome new partner to Joint Venture in India; TPG makes strategic investment in SCHOTT Poonawalla

Mumbai, May 6, 2025 – SCHOTT Pharma, a pioneer in drug containment and delivery solutions, announced today that TPG, a leading global alternative asset management firm, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 35% stake in its joint venture SCHOTT Poonawalla from Serum Institute of India (SII). SCHOTT Poonawalla is a joint venture of SCHOTT Pharma and SII, part of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group and a global leader in vaccine manufacturing, dedicated to providing affordable vaccines worldwide. TPG Growth, TPG’s middle market and growth equity platform, is funding the investment, along with Novo Holdings as a co-investor. Following the transaction, SII will retain a minority stake in the company.

With deep healthcare investing experience and local expertise in India, having TPG join the partnership alongside SCHOTT Pharma and Serum Institute of India represents a significant milestone in SCHOTT Poonawalla’s growth, equipping the company with additional resources and strategic insight to support its long-term global ambitions.

SCHOTT Poonawalla designs advanced drug containment and delivery solutions for pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers. The company’s portfolio features a large range of products including cartridges for auto-injector pens, prefillable syringes for a wide variety of biologics, vials, ampoules, as well as regulatory services for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs).

“We are excited to partner with SCHOTT Pharma and Serum Institute of India and build upon SCHOTT Poonawalla’s market leadership position as India’s largest injectables-focused drug containment solutions company,” said Bhushan Bopardikar, Business Unit Partner at TPG Growth. “On the back of a world-class manufacturing infrastructure in India, SCHOTT Poonawalla has developed an industry leading reputation by offering a comprehensive product portfolio of the highest quality for over two decades. We look forward to partnering with the senior leadership team as they continue to innovate and improve the quality and standards of pharmaceutical drug containment solutions.”

“Partnering with TPG marks an important step for us,” said Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India. “Their experience in healthcare investing and global network make them a strong partner as we scale and explore new opportunities. Our collaboration with SCHOTT Pharma will continue, ensuring supply chain resilience and advancing innovation in vaccine packaging and delivery.”

“India continues to be one of the most dynamic and strategically important manufacturing hubs for SCHOTT Pharma. Welcoming TPG to the partnership marks an exciting step forward in our collaboration. SCHOTT Pharma’s innovation capabilities and pure-play focus on injectables will be complemented by TPG’s local market expertise, relationships, and experience from its strong presence in the Indian healthcare sector. As we continue to expand our local production capacities and leading role in the Indian market, we are confident that this step will further enhance our global footprint and deliver exceptional value to our customers,” said Andreas Reisse, CEO at SCHOTT Pharma.

“Now more than ever, our pharmaceutical customers are relying on us to supply next-generation cutting-edge drug delivery solutions, as they continue to innovate, expand operations and supply complex drugs,” said Ashok Saxena, Managing Director, SCHOTT Poonawalla. “We are excited to welcome TPG onboard as an investor, and are confident that their proven track record of successfully driving healthcare businesses in the Indian market will greatly benefit SCHOTT Poonawalla.”

Zee Telugu News showcases Valor at ‘Police Real Heroes Awards 2025’ recognising Telangana’s Bravehearts

In a resounding tribute to valor, dedication, and service to society, Zee Telugu News successfully hosted the Police Real Heroes Awards 2025 at the Telangana Police Command Control Centre, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad on 5th May 2025. The grand felicitation ceremony was organized to honour exceptional members of the Telangana Police Force, whose relentless commitment has played a vital role in ensuring law and order, protecting citizens, and delivering justice across the state.

Gracing the event as Chief Guest, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy congratulated the award-winning officers, crediting the entire 95,000-strong force for making Telangana one of India’s safest and most prosperous states. He hailed the Telangana Police as the true guardians of modern society, protecting over 4 crore citizens with dedication and discipline. He compared their service to that of soldiers safeguarding the nation’s borders, calling it a powerful symbol of national duty and pride. Highlighting that peace and order are the foundation of progress, he said Telangana’s safety has made it a magnet for global investments.

Civil Supplies and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Director General of Police Dr. Jitender, and senior police officials were also present, reinforcing the force’s critical role in building a progressive Telangana. DGP Dr. Jitender proudly highlighted that Telangana Police ranks No. 1 in the India Justice Report, underscoring their commitment to transparency, efficiency, and people-first policing.

A deeply moving highlight of this on-ground celebration was the recognition of Telangana’s real heroes in uniform — brave police personnel who have made remarkable contributions in safeguarding society through dedication, integrity, and courage. From tackling cybercrime and drug trafficking to ensuring smooth traffic management, enforcing law and order, countering terrorism, and building trust through community engagement, these officers represent the highest ideals of public service.

Among the honored were KVM Prasad (ACP, Cyberabad Security Bureau), M. Narsing Rao (DSP, Telangana ICCC), and Taviti Ravi Kumar (CI, Maheshwaram Zone), whose leadership in critical zones has strengthened internal security. V. Upender Rao (SI, Ramagundam Task Force) and J. Praveen (SI, CCS Bhadrachalam) were applauded for their on-ground vigilance. Recognized for their investigative expertise were Head Constables G. Vishnu Vardhan Giri (CCS Nalgonda) and CH Srinivas (SPF Telangana). The dedicated trio of Marri Venkata Reddy, Veeraswamy, and Pradeep Reddy from Madhapur Police Station also received honors. Contributions from the digital front were marked by accolades to Head Constables Y. Ram Reddy and D. Ramesh Babu from the IT Cell. Constables Tallapalli Mahender (Yusufguda), P. Shankar Vikram Kumar (ARPC, IT Cell Nalgonda), B. Shravan Kumar (Panjagutta Traffic), and M. Naresh Kumar (Sathupalli), as well as Home Guard Minister Eshwarayya (Maheshwaram), were celebrated for their tireless ground-level efforts. The list of honorees also included distinguished officers such as G. Gopinath (CI, Bhainsa), S. Srikanth (SI, Sarangapur, Nirmal District), Hari Prasad (ACP, Panjagutta Traffic), and Billa Koteshwara Rao (CI), each of whom exemplified bravery, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare.

The awardees received medals and citations from dignitaries amid emotional standing ovations, as Zee Telugu News showcased their inspiring stories through a powerful documentary. Their courageous work — from frontline policing to tech-led surveillance — stood as a testament to their unwavering service. The evening was further enriched by patriotic performances, including a soulful tribute by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winner Dasari Meghana Naidu and a graceful Kuchipudi dance by young prodigies Shubhagiri and Shanvi Kothari, blending tradition with national pride.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Umesh Sharaf, State Director – AP & Telangana, Zee Telugu News, said, “The frontline heroes of a safer Telangana need to be honoured. Their selfless service, especially in today’s complex law and order environment, needs to be spotlighted, celebrated, and remembered.”

​Mr. Bharat, Editor of Zee Telugu News, reaffirmed the channel’s unwavering commitment to nation-building through principled journalism. “In an era where sensationalism often overshadows substance, our mission is clear: to spotlight those who uphold the law and protect our communities with unwavering dedication. The ‘Police Real Heroes Awards’ are not merely accolades; they are a testament to our belief in truth-driven reporting and civic responsibility. By honoring these exemplary officers, we aim to inspire a culture of respect and admiration for those who serve with integrity,” he highlighted.

He further emphasized, “Young Indians need authentic role models — individuals who embody courage, discipline, and selfless service. Through these awards, we are not just recognizing outstanding police personnel; we are presenting the youth with tangible examples of valor and commitment, fostering a legacy of values that will guide future generations.”

The ‘Police Real Heroes Awards 2025’ is part of Zee Telugu News’ larger commitment to recognize unsung heroes and build a media ecosystem rooted in public interest, civic values, and social impact. The channel plans to continue this initiative annually, fostering greater public-police trust and awareness.

BKLKP, Chembur Gym, GSC emerge champs

Brihanmumbai Kreeda Lalit Kala Pratishthan (BKLKP) outplayed CCI A 2-0 to win the Motiram Cup Elite Group title in the Motiram Ullal and Kanji Cup Inter-Club Badminton Championships, organised by GMBA, hosted by Willingdon SC and promoted by Badminton Gurukul, here, on Sunday.

Arjun Singh and Sushrut Karmarkar won the opening doubles to give BKLKP the lead. Nigel D’Sa playing the singles for CCI, could not produce the form that had seen him bail his team out on previous occasions. Pitted against Soham Pathak, Nigel lost 18-21, 14-21 and ended CCI’s hopes.

Gargi Degvekar was once again the star player for Chembur Gymkhana, featuring on the winning side in two matches to defeat Khar Gym 2-0. After partnering Tanvi Gharpure in the opening doubles to defeat Kairavi Thakore and Manya Avlani 21-11, 21-7, Gargi went on to win the singles in trying conditions and seal the title, defeating Manya Avlani, who retired after losing the close opening game 20-22.

Goregaon SC lifted the Kanji Cup for juniors, defeating Chembur Gymkhana 3-1.

Results (All Finals):

Brief Score

MOTIRAM CUP ELITE GROUP

BKLKP – MEN’S TEAM beat CCI A 2-0

Arjun Singh/Sushrut Karmakar bt Jawaduddhin Shaikh/Siddhesh Aroskar 21-14, 21-18; Soham Phatak bt Nigel D’Sa 21-18, 21-14

MOTIRAM CUP PLATE GROUP FINAL

NSCI A beat Thakur Sports Club – M 2-0

Siddharth Naudal/Sunnet Kabra bt Chandan Kashyap/Karthik Laxman 21-19, 21-9; Siddharth Naudal bt Shivaan Mishra 21-14, 18-21, 21-11

ULLAL CUP FINAL

The Chembur Gymkhana – W beat Khar Gymkhana 2-0

Gargi Degvekar/Tanvi Gharpure bt Kairavi Thakore/Manya Avlani 21-11, 21-7; Gargi Degvekar bt Manya Avlani 22-20, Ret.

KANJI CUP FINAL

Goregaon Sports Club – J beat The Chembur Gymkhana – J 3-1

Tiann Castellino bt Anishka Karthik 21-15, 21-7; Sharvil Tembulkar bt Vikrant Negi 21-17, 21-10; Dhun Sanghvi/Ketaki Thite lost to Tanvi Gharpure/Trisha Darveshi 10-21 13-21; Sanidhya Agarwal/Satya Chouhan bt Anmol Sharma/Aryan Pednekar 21-13, 21-10

Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award Unveils 10 Finalists for 2025

Bangalore, May 05, 2025: The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has today announced its Top 10 finalists for 2025, one of whom will go on to win the grand prize of USD 250,000. The finalists for the fourth edition of the awards were selected from a pool of 100,000+ registrations received from 199 countries worldwide. These finalists were selected following a rigorous evaluation process, led by esteemed expert jury and grand jury panels. The entire process was independently moderated by the appointed “Process Advisors” Ernst & Young LLP.

The top 10 finalists for 2025 includes: Catherine Maree Holliday (Switzerland), Edith Namba (Papua New Guinea), Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho (UAE), Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre (Hong Kong SAR), Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga (USA), Khadija Mohamed Juma (Kenya), Maheswari Jaganathan (Malaysia), Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti (Ghana), Dr. Sukhpal Kaur (India), Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya (India).

Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said “The Top 10 finalists have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion in their work – selected from over 100,000 registrations that were received for the 4th edition of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. These nurses are not just healthcare providers, but true leaders, pushing boundaries and making a profound impact in their communities. Their exceptional contributions deserve to be recognized, and through this award, we celebrate their passion and commitment to improving lives across the globe.”

Founder of India’s Largest Coca-Cola Bottler SLMG Beverages, Shri S. N. Ladhani Passes Away at 85, Leaves Behind a Legacy of Inspiration

New Delhi, May 5, 2025:
With deep sorrow and utmost respect, we inform you that Shri S. N. Ladhani passed away on May 2, 2025, at 12:34 a.m. at his residence in Bareilly. He was 85 years old. A successful industrialist, kind-hearted social worker, and a spiritually grounded person, Shri Ladhani always upheld hard work, honesty, and service throughout his life. His journey will remain a source of inspiration for us all.

 Shri S. N. Ladhani ji founded SLMG Beverages, which now operates major bottling plants across Ayodhya, Amethi, Agra, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh—with a new plant underway in Buxar, Bihar—making it Coca-Cola India’s largest bottling partner.

 The Shraddhanjali Sabha held in Bareilly on May 4 witnessed the presence of several distinguished individuals who came in person to offer their respects. Among them were senior BJP leader Shri Shahnawaz Hussain, Chairman of the Oberoi Group Shri Arjun Oberoi, and Bareilly MLA Dr. Arun Kumar, along with many others from across the region and country.

 In addition, heartfelt tributes and prayers have been extended by several eminent personalities who conveyed their deep admiration and sorrow, including Bollywood actor Shri Suniel Shetty, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak, Uttarakhand MLA and former Cabinet Minister Shri Madan Kaushik, Shri Navneet Sahgal (Chairman, Prasar Bharati), B.K. Mruthyunjaya (Additional Secretary General, Brahma Kumaris), Dr. Pankaj Sahni (CEO, Medanta Hospital), Shri Avnish Awasthi (Advisor to the Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh), Shri Subodh Uniyal (Minister, Uttarakhand Government), Padma Bhushan awardee Smt. Deepa Malik, and the District Basketball Association, Haridwar.

 Shri Ladhani was born on March 7, 1940, in Gulam Ghot village of Sakkhar district in Sindh, in undivided India. During the Partition, he migrated with his family to Faizabad (now Ayodhya), which marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life—a journey that would be shaped by relentless effort, vision, and deep-rooted values.

 He began his career in 1957 in Katihar, Bihar, and soon ventured into business with his brothers. Initially involved in construction work across Bihar and West Bengal, he later entered the cold storage business in Ayodhya during the 1980s. His dedication and experience began to show results. Around this time, he partnered with the Parle Group to enter the soft drink industry—a major turning point in his life. In its very first year, the beverage business saw an astonishing growth of 800–900%, showcasing his sharp business acumen and foresight.

 In 1992, when Coca-Cola re-entered the Indian market, the first bottle was produced under his supervision at the Agra plant. Under his visionary leadership, the business grew into SLMG Beverages, now running seven major plants across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar. His efforts not only directly employed over 10,000 people but also indirectly supported the livelihoods of lakhs more.

 His ventures weren’t limited to beverages. He also contributed to the hotel, shopping mall, animal feed, and renewable energy sectors. He developed key properties in Bareilly and Haridwar and collaborated with the Oberoi Group for a hotel in Rishikesh. His commitment to sustainability was evident in the nearly 75 MW of clean energy generated through solar and wind power.

 As a devoted family man, he nurtured his loved ones with affection, humility, and peace, always putting their well-being first. He was not just a successful entrepreneur but also a true human being whose values will continue to inspire future generations.

 May the soul of Shri S. N. Ladhani Ji rest in peace. His life will remain a lasting legacy of vision, service, and inspiration.

DishTV Watcho democratises OTT content space

Hyderabad, May 05, 2025 – Dish TV India Ltd., one of India’s leading content distribution companies and the First Direct to Home operator of India, has always been the front runner in launching innovative products. With the increased adoption of digital consumption, Dish TV undertook the journey of creating – creator’s economy, a complete eco-system for the professional Content Creators and Consumers. The First Step in this direction was conducting the First Ever – CONTENT INDIA, 2025 SUMMIT in April 2025. And, following up on the same, Dish TV has now revolutionised the OTT Space by launching a groundbreaking exclusive digital content segment – “FLIQS” in its WATCHO APP . The segment was officially unveiled at WAVES 2025. This step of Dish TV is a major innovation that aims to democratize content distribution and provide monetization opportunities to all the Content Creators in India as well as Content Creators globally, for them to exploit their content in India.

Watcho FLIQS aims to give freedom to professional content creators to showcase their content to millions of viewers and monetize without losing control over their content. It is like every professional content creator having its own OTT app.

It is a strategic innovation tailored for both consumers and content creators. It offers exclusive, original, award-winning, and premium digital content available in an array of regional and international languages—from films and web series to short-format content—all in a single, curated environment within the DishTV Watcho app. The Content will be available to the Customer at rates starting from Rs. 9 per content title as well as a large volume of free and snackable content.

This addition marks a significant milestone in DishTV Watcho’s evolution, positioning it as a comprehensive digital entertainment destination. It also expands its footprint in the digital content ecosystem, evolving from a content aggregator to a comprehensive entertainment platform offering curated and immersive experiences and going forward the library will be enhanced with the addition of more international titles, regional titles, marquee English content dubbed in Hindi, classic movies etc. currently not available on any other platform

With its seamless user interface, AI-powered recommendation engine, and multi-screen interactions, FLIQS offers audiences a hyper-personalized entertainment experience.

Mr. Manoj Dobhal, CEO and Executive Director, Dish TV India Ltd., said, “With FLIQS, we are taking a big and bold leap towards redefining what an OTT service can be. This isn’t just another content launch—it’s a statement of intent. FLIQS represents a new generation of curated, exclusive digital storytelling that aligns with the evolving consumer demand for distinct, high-value content. While the industry has seen a proliferation of platforms, very few offer something truly differentiated. FLIQS fills that gap by bringing untold stories, original productions, and exclusive titles into a highly personalized, affordable ecosystem.

He further added, “FLIQS supports India’s growing community of independent storytellers by providing a premium platform to showcase their work, reach wider audiences, and unlock monetization opportunities—strengthening Dish TV’s commitment to digital-first creative entrepreneurship. This marks a significant step forward, not just for Dish TV, but for the Indian OTT landscape as a whole.”

Mr. V.K. Gupta, CTO and Business Head, Watcho, said, “FLIQS is our solution to evolving consumer demands for uniqueness, exclusivity, and control over their entertainment. It’s not just an add-on, but a transformational layer within Watcho, offering a smarter, more relevant experience. With FLIQS, Watcho strengthens its position in the OTT market, marking the start of a larger content evolution.”

As the digital content economy continues to mature, FLIQS reaffirms Dish TV’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and differentiated consumer value, contributing meaningfully to India’s broader digital transformation in the media and entertainment space.

Dancing Dragons Crowned Champions of Mumbai Ultimate League Season 5 in a nail-biting Finale

Mumbai, May 5, 2025: The world of Ultimate Frisbee took centre stage in Mumbai on Sunday, May 4, as the Refex Mumbai Ultimate League (MUL) Season 5 concluded with a gripping finale at Wings Arena, Bandra. Organised by Off-Season Ultimate (OSU), the league witnessed four weekends of intense competition, culminating in Dancing Dragons securing their second consecutive championship title after a dramatic 15–12 win over Desi Hawks.

Launched on April 13, MUL Season 5 brought together six teams in one of Mumbai’s most dynamic and fast-growing sporting leagues. With over 30 matches played across four action-packed weekends, the league has become a showcase for India’s rising Ultimate talent and a hub for community engagement through sport.

In the final match between Dancing Dragons and Desi Hawks, the Hawks drew their first blood at an early point, but the Dragons swiftly responded with two consecutive points. What followed was a thrilling back-and-forth exchange marked by sharp offensive plays, tight defence, and lead changes that kept the crowd on edge. Dancing Dragons pulled ahead in the match’s latter stages, building a three-point cushion. Yet, the Desi Hawks refused to back down, mounting a fierce comeback in the final five minutes to close the gap. With the score at 14–11 and regulation time expired, the match went into extra time, as a minimum of 15 points was required to secure a victory. Rahul Bariya (Kali) stepped up to deliver the decisive point, sealing a 15–12 victory and securing Dancing Dragons their second consecutive MUL title.

Earlier in the first qualifier, Dancing Dragons edged out Desi Hawks 11–9, securing a direct entry to the final. Simultaneously on Field 2, Bumbai Bantais overcame Reborn Fire in a closely contested Eliminator, winning 9–8 to stay alive in the title race and secure their place in Qualifier 2.

Later, Desi Hawks bounced back in Qualifier 2, narrowly defeating Bumbai Bantais 9–8 to earn a second shot at the trophy with Dragons in the final. Over on Field 2, The Afterburners wrapped up their campaign finishing fifth with an 11–9 victory over Bombay Rhinos in the 5th–6th place classification match.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

•  Scorer: Male: Meet Solanki (Dancing Dragons, 40), Female: Inika (Afterburners, 17)
• Assists: Male: Altaf (Dancing Dragons, 58), Female: Dimple (Dancing Dragons) and
• Ritika (Desi Hawks) (11 each)
• Most Spirited Player: Male: Sunil (Bumbai Bantais), Female: Drashti (Desi Hawks)
• Most Spirited Team: Desi Hawks

Diya at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Presents a Regal Awadhi Feast

Gurugram, 5 May 2025 – Experience the royalty of Nawabi kitchens with the convergence of heritage, flavour, and luxury; The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences welcomes epicureans to an Awadhi feast curated by Chef Athar Ali at Diya, the hotel’s intimate Indian dining sanctuary. From May 9th to 18th, 2025, this bespoke feast praises the regal Nawabi legacy of Lucknow, breathing new life into time-honoured recipes. The festival takes guests through the corridors of history, showcasing the splendor of Awadhi cuisine within Diya’s contemporary aesthetic.

 The menu serves a stunning array of aromatic kebabs prepared with attention to detail, slow-simmered curries that represent the stories of royal kitchens, and fragrant biryanis layered with complexity.

 Available for both lunch and dinner, guests may indulge in either thoughtfully composed set menus or select individual treasures from the à la carte selection. Diya’s vibrant ambience exudes an aura of exclusivity that befits the celebrated royal traditions. As evening sets in, gentle Indian instrumental music enhances the dining experience.

 The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences is bringing the classic flavours of Lucknow to Delhi NCR, staying true to its promise of luxurious hospitality. With every experience, it continues to delight through thoughtful innovation and a deep commitment to authenticity.

BARC Data reveals Live Times sets new benchmark in News Engagement, Beats NDTV and DD News in ATS

Over a transformational two-week stretch that could mark a turning point in the news telecast ecosystem, BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) data for Week 15 and Week 16 reveals that India’s First Global Multicast News Hub – Live Times has overtaken NDTV and DD News in Average Time Spent (ATS) per viewer — a metric increasingly seen as the gold standard of audience trust and news engagement. The findings, backed by BARC’s transparent and industry-accepted measurement system, reflect a subtle but important shift in viewer priorities. It’s no longer just about reach or breaking headlines — it’s about the trust of the audience on fact-based news.

BARC Ratings: Letting the Numbers Speak

BARC’s robust ratings data often spotlight overall impressions or market share, this time, ATS (Average Time Spent) has taken centre stage. In a crowded media space, where fleeting attention spans dominate, the data reveals something remarkable — viewers are spending more time on Live Times than on legacy brands like NDTV and DD News.

Inside the Newsroom: Why the Shift Matters

The latest BARC data serves as a powerful affirmation of Live Times’ editorial direction — one that prioritizes factual, balanced, and people-centric journalism. Rather than succumbing to sensationalism, Live Times has focused on building a seamless, multicast newsroom that offers the same reliable news experience and this commitment is paying off, as evidenced by Live Times’ impressive Average Time Spent (ATS) of 00:09:29, leading both DD News (00:09:02) and NDTV India (00:07:35) in Week 15 and Average Time Spent (ATS) of 00:09:44, leading both DD News (00:09:17) and NDTV India (00:07:45) in Week 16. These numbers represent not only increased viewership but also a deeper, more engaged audience that values quality journalism over superficial headlines.

Mr. Dilip Kumar Singh, Founder Live Times highlighted, “This milestone belongs to the newsroom,” said a senior editorial producer. “In an age of noise, we’ve chosen clarity and report news that matters. In an age of speed, we’ve chosen accuracy. The data proves that viewers value that.”

The BARC ratings highlight a broader moment of introspection for Indian media. Citizens are simply becoming more selective, more conscious, and more discerning. This presents a tremendous opportunity for newsrooms across the country: to return to the fundamentals of journalism, to invest in credibility, and to create content that informs rather than overwhelms.

The channel’s meteoric rise is driven by a strategic departure from convention. Live Times was built on a foundation of truth-first storytelling, and it shows in every news telecast.

· Fact-based Journalism: Every piece of news is meticulously verified before it goes on air. Speed never comes at the cost of accuracy.

· Civil, Insightful Debates: The channel has replaced noise with nuance, offering a stage for reasoned discussion rather than televised shouting matches.

· Voices from the Ground: From grassroots activists to specially abled achievers, Live Times has made it a priority to highlight the real India — often ignored by mainstream narratives.

“What BARC’s data reveals is not just a passing trend, but a profound transformation in how the audience engages with news. As Average Time Spent increases for fact-first journalism, it is a clear indication that the audience is no longer willing to settle for superficial reporting. This is the moment for the entire industry to rethink its approach to news,” added Mr. Dilip Kumar Singh.