Javed Farooqui

The All India Digital Cable Federation withdrew its petition challenging the Centre's Television Ratings Policy. This action followed a Kerala High Court interim order upholding the government's decision. The policy excludes landing-page viewership from television audience measurement. This withdrawal clears the path for the resumption of television ratings. However, BARC awaits registration under the new policy framework.

Hyrox anticipates India becoming a top three market within five years. The fitness race company expects significant growth driven by young populations. Global revenue is projected to reach €300 million in 2026. India currently contributes €4-5 million annually to Hyrox's revenue. Investment will focus on scaling events and strengthening gym partnerships.

Story TV is expanding into South India with original microdramas. The platform will produce over one thousand South Indian microdramas by March 2027. This significant investment aims to fuel growth in mobile entertainment. Story TV is collaborating with local creative talent for new content. Initial southern content has already garnered over 250 million views.

Brand sponsorships now drive eighty percent of Kaun Banega Crorepati advertising sales. Advertisers seek customized integrations on popular entertainment properties. Sony Pictures Networks India has secured over twenty sponsors for the upcoming season. New sponsors include technology and clean energy companies. Cross-platform campaigns are also seeing growing demand from advertisers.

AI productivity platform Fireflies.ai and its founder-CEO Krish Ramineni have joined Rotterdam Dockers as founding investors ahead of the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL). Ramineni joins an ownership group that includes Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen, John Abraham and Madhukar Shree.

E-commerce and streaming platforms are merging to boost customer loyalty and transactions. Flipkart and Netflix launched India's first e-commerce and streaming platform partnership. Eligible Flipkart Plus members receive a Netflix Mobile Plan after qualifying purchases. This initiative rewards loyal shoppers and increases platform engagement. This trend signals a shift towards engagement-led ecosystems in India.

Zee Entertainment's promoter fundraise faces regulatory hurdles after Sebi's market ban. The company and its top executives are prohibited from securities dealings for a year. This order casts doubt on the proposed ₹3,144-crore warrant issue to promoters. Legal experts suggest the warrant subscription may be delayed without interim relief. The regulator also imposed penalties for unauthorized land pledges by promoter entities.

India is central to the next phase of growth for Netflix, global co-CEO Ted Sarandos said, in the backdrop of moderating subscriber additions in mature Western markets.

The Centre accepted nine of twelve recommendations to curb fake news. Replies to three contentious issues, including defining fake news, were deferred. Measures accepted cover regulatory frameworks and media self-regulation. The government noted PIB Fact Check Unit's ongoing verification of misinformation. The committee sought updates on proposed amendments and media literacy initiatives.

PVR INOX plans to add one thousand screens over five years. The company is focusing on smaller cities and affordable multiplex formats. This expansion utilizes asset-light models with developer funding for projects. Single-screen cinemas are declining, creating opportunities for multiplex growth. PVR INOX aims to reach underserved markets with wider audience choices.