11th December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, continued to break new viewership records for the fourth season of its popular reality show – Playground. The latest season drove 32 million views, which solidified the franchise’s standing as India’s leading gaming reality show. Playground S4 brought together a group of popular contestants, with intense battles over two months, with Elvish Yadav’s BT Android team emerging as the finale winner.

From its debut episode, Playground S4 kept audiences hooked with unique gaming challenges and fierce battles between contestants. The diverse panel of mentors including Elvish Yadav, Uorfi Javed, Munawar Faruqui, Mythpat, and Mortal further elevated the energy in this season. Playground S4 was sponsored by some of the biggest brands in India, such as Hero MotoCorp, Tecno, Zupee, and MAAC, who recognised the massive appeal and engagement of the show.

Reflecting on this season’s success, Karan Bedi, Director and Head at Amazon MX Player, said, “At Amazon MX Player, we are always attempting to entertain our audiences with exciting and unique concepts. Playground has been incredibly successful since its debut. We are humbled by the love received from our viewers across India and the success that our sponsor brands have seen with the latest season. We look forward to bringing yet another exciting season in the future!”

Elvish Yadav, the winning mentor for a second consecutive year, said, “It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m so proud that my team came out on top. To repeat history and take home the title once again is an incredible feeling. Playground S4 has truly set a new standard and I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved. The competition was intense, but we gave it our all, every single week. It’s amazing to see how far the show has come and the impact it’s had on the audience across India.”

“We are thrilled with the success of Playground Season 4. The show has not only captivated audiences but has also set new benchmarks in the gaming entertainment space. Our partnership with Amazon MX Player has enabled us to set new benchmarks in engagement, storytelling, and entertainment. We are grateful for the support of our partners and viewers, and we look forward to bringing even more exciting seasons of Playground in the future,” said Mayank Yadav, CEO of Rusk Media.

“Playground has redefined how gaming and entertainment converge, cementing its place as a trailblazing IP in the Indian digital ecosystem. Season 4, with over 32 million unique views over 45 days, has showcased the power of content made for the youth. It has been an incredible journey, showcasing how gaming can be a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and storytelling. This season has been a shining example of our vision of ‘timeshare of mindshare,’ showcasing NODWIN Gaming’s commitment to creating curated experiences for the youth globally. With our partners, Playground will continue to engage on what’s cool and showcase epic content,” said Akshat Rathee, CEO of NODWIN Gaming.

Presented by Hero MotoCorp and co-powered by Tecno Mobile and Zupee, the Official Gaming partner, Playground S4 is proudly brought to you in association with Haier, ITC Bingo, MAAC, Urban Needs, Zello, and Hell Energy. All episodes are available to stream for free on Amazon MX Player. Watch it on the MX Player app on your mobile or TV, on Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xtreme.

11th December 2024  Delhi, India As part of the “The Art of European Pork” campaign, Belgian Meat Office recently organized an exclusive series of chef demonstrations across India, with events held in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. These demonstrations celebrated the excellence of Belgian pork and provided Indian professional chefs with valuable insights into its quality and versatility.

Steven De Wilde Deputy Head of the Mission addressing the audience

Exclusive Belgian Pork Recipes & Interactive Experience

Each demonstration began with a networking session, creating a platform for chefs to exchange ideas and insights. Chef William Marchetti, a specialist in charcuterie, and boucherie, conducted live cooking demonstrations showcasing the versatility of Belgian pork through a selection of recipes tailored for Indian chefs. The demonstrations offered a comprehensive presentation, providing insightful information on the key attributes of Belgian pork: quality, safety, producers’ know-how, and exceptional services that define it.

Attendees were invited to taste and experience the premium quality, tender texture, and exquisite flavor of Belgian pork, gaining firsthand knowledge about its unique characteristics.

The demonstration was held on Monday, 11th November, at the prestigious Embassy of Belgium, adding a layer of elegance and diplomatic importance to the occasion.

On Tuesday, November 12th, the Mumbai demo took place at the iconic Four Seasons Hotel, a venue renowned for its luxury and world-class culinary standards. Guests took part in the informative demo session and were later invited to AER Bar, one of the city’s most iconic rooftop venues, for canapés and networking. The series concluded on Thursday, November 14th, at The Leela Palace, a symbol of refined hospitality and culinary excellence.

Chefs during Belgian Pork Culinary Training

The workshop series provided Indian chefs with the chance to gain valuable insights into Belgian pork and discover new ways to utilize this exclusive meat in their cooking. Through the exchange of tips and techniques, Belgian Meat Office aims to encourage chefs to incorporate Belgian pork into their culinary creations.

11th December 2024   Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Universal Sompo announced its collaboration with Child Rights and You (CRY) to foster educational opportunities for children in marginalized communities in Andhra Pradesh. The partnership comes on the eve of inauguration of Universal Sompo’s new corporate office in Mumbai. The initiative aims to address barriers to education and equip students with the tools needed to pursue professional courses and brighter futures. This program will directly benefit 114 students and 82 families, empowering communities by facilitating access to professional courses and better career opportunities.

The collaboration will initiate an educational project aimed at establishing Remedial Tuition Centres specifically for 10th and 12th-grade students. The project aims to prepare students for their board examinations over a three-month period (Jan to March 2025), ensuring that all enrolled 10th and 12th graders successfully appear for these critical assessments. The initiative seeks to improve learning outcomes, particularly in challenging subjects like Mathematics and Science, guide students toward professional and science-based education streams. Additionally, the initiative includes career counselling to assist students in making informed decisions about pursuing science and mathematics streams in intermediate education, as well as engineering or medical courses in tertiary education.

Sharad Mathur, MD & CEO, Universal Sompo, remarked, “Our collaboration with CRY represents our commitment to empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and through this initiative we aim to help children achieve academic excellence and unlock their potential for a brighter future. As the appointed insurer for the state of Andhra Pradesh, Universal Sompo continues to contribute to regional development, aligning its efforts with its mission to create meaningful social impact.”

Kreeanne Rabadi, Regional Director, CRY – West states, “We are honoured to be associated with Universal Sompo in our mission to empower children through education. For four decades now, CRY has been instrumental in changing lives of lakhs of children across the country. We hope this collaboration empowers more young children in a positive way.”

11th December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Mumbai has experienced and is applauding the laugh-out-loud humour of “Defending the Caveman,” the longest-running solo play in Broadway history, as it arrived in India for the first time! A comedic exploration of relationships, differences between men and women, and modern-day misunderstandings, this international sensation promises to leave audiences in splits with its unique blend of humour, insight, and heart. The show premiered on the 24th of November 2024 at the Veda Kunba Theatre and has more shows on the 15th and 28th of December at the same venue.

Once the Theater Mogul team decided that Mumbai was their next stop, the hunt for the caveman began. After multiple auditions, Vishesh Arora made the final cut. “We have long envisioned bringing this production to the Indian market, and after years of staging Defending The Caveman around the world, we are thrilled to finally present this show in India for the very first time!” says, Oskar Eiriksson, CEO & Executive producer for Theater Mogul.

“We have adapted the play to suit the Indian sensibilities, that’s why we were very clear that we will have an Indian Director and an Indian actor,” said Jiten Bhagat, the show’s Associate Producer in India. “This play resonates with audiences because it’s rooted in universal experiences. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, you’ll find yourself laughing and nodding along.” Heeba Shah who is not new to monologues was roped in to direct the performance.

Bhawana Somaaya, a renowned theatre and film critic shared, “It is about the battle of sexes. Deep, meaningful, sensitive, funny. Directed by the talented Heeba Shah and brilliantly performed by Vishesh Arora. Watch it with your better half, it is the best gift you can give him/ her.”

Actors Sid Makkar and Varun Narayan who managed to watch the show last weekend highly recommend the play as they found it hilarious and insightful.

“Watch the play for two hours of loud laughs and some interesting food for thought,” said Neha Shende, a regular theatre critic and viewer.

Performances scheduled across multiple weekends will allow audiences in Mumbai to enjoy the show that has already captivated audiences in over 45 countries and 30 languages. Created by Rob Becker, “Defending the Caveman” takes a light-hearted look at the age-old “battle of the sexes” through the eyes of a modern caveman who hilariously dissects the misunderstandings and connections between men and women.

3 reasons why you should not miss the show:

• Insightful Comedy: The play dives deep into the funny, often misunderstood dynamics of relationships, tackling themes that are relatable to audiences of all ages and cultures.
• Global Phenomenon: “Defending the Caveman” is the longest-running solo play in Broadway history, having played in theatres worldwide, from Las Vegas to Cape Town and now, for the first time, Mumbai.
• Multiple Weekend Shows: Mumbai theatregoers will have several chances to catch the show, allowing flexibility for those interested in a memorable night of comedy and entertainment.

Need we say more? Tickets are available on Book My Show. Don’t miss the chance to experience the humour and insight of “Defending the Caveman” – a show that speaks to everyone and brings us closer, one laugh at a time. The play will be staged on Sunday, the 15th and Saturday, the 28th of December at Veda Kunba with more shows at the same venue in January. Follow us on Instagram for upcoming show dates and to know more about the play.

Defending the Caveman
A Theater Mogul Presentation
Genre – Comedy, Drama
Language – English
Age suitability – 18yrs +
Duration – 2hrs
Where – Veda Kunba Theatre, Mumbai
When – Sunday, 15th Dec | Saturday, 28th Dec (More Shows in January)
Timing – 6 pm
Tickets – BookMyShow
Instagram – TheaterMogulIndia
Director – Heeba Shah
Actor – Vishesh Arora
Synopsis – Defending the Caveman is a hilariously insightful one-man comedy play centred around the ways men and women relate. After a swift exit from a house party, our actor sees a vision and gets visited by a Caveman. He tells us stories about his own marriage and compares the ways we interact with our significant other with the way things used to be back in prehistoric times when men and women were hunters and gatherers. The show is a laugh-a-minute comedy but also an honest depiction of love and living with a partner. Couples are commonly seen strolling out into the night holding hands and a lot of affectionate nudging occurs during the show when couples recognize themselves in the stories told by the Caveman.

Pune, India, 11th December 2024 – SuperGaming is proud to announce the winners of the IIT Homegrown Qualifiers, showcasing India’s emerging esports talent.

The winning teams are:

· Team Rogue – ₹6 Lakhs

· DGE – ₹3 Lakhs

· Moggers – ₹1.5 Lakhs

Sankalp ‘Frosty’ Kore was named the MVP of the tournament with an impressive 43 Kills, taking home a cash prize of ₹1 Lakh for his exceptional performance.

These top teams have secured their spots in the IIT LAN finale, where they will compete for a massive ₹2 Crore prize pool.

In a related highlight, the recent playtest in the Philippines saw Kalidiman Esports emerge victorious, earning their place in the LAN finale and adding an international flair to the competition.

The next segment of the tournament is the IIT Nationals Qualifiers, where players will represent their respective states. Registrations for IIT Nationals Qualifiers (State Open Circuit) are now open. This stage features a prize pool of ₹10,00,000, with the top two teams advancing to the IIT LAN Finale.

Through its ‘Clutch India Movement’ SuperGaming continues to elevate the Indian gaming ecosystem by nurturing homegrown talent. This initiative aims to empower homegrown players to compete and excel whilst driving India’s rise in the thriving global gaming industry.

India, 11th December 2024 – FinEdge, a leading digital wealth creation and goal-based investing platform, proudly announces that its proprietary investing platform, Dreams Into Action (DiA), has been conferred with Champion of the Year Award for Innovation in Investing by Franklin Templeton. This recognition demonstrates FinEdge’s commitment to enabling investors through innovative and purpose-driven solutions.

While presenting the award, Mr. Avinash Satwalekar, President of Franklin Templeton Asset Management, applauded FinEdge for its innovative platform, stating, “This recognition is a direct result of FinEdge’s persistent effort in developing a hyper-focused, customizable solution which is called ‘Dreams Into Action’. Their work not only sets them apart but also sets a very high benchmark for innovation in the investing space. I am very proud to say they have done an exceptional job”

Harsh Gahlaut, Founder and CEO of FinEdge, expressed his excitement in receiving the honour, saying “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from Franklin Templeton. FinEdge believes that the future of investment is at the convergence of human insight and technical innovation. Dreams Into Action is intended to enable both investors and investment managers to make better, more collaborative decisions. This award recognizes our entire team’s hard work and commitment to providing value and improving the investing experience for our users.”

Dreams Into Action is a first-of-its-kind bionic investing platform that combines the power of human expertise with cutting-edge technology. It enables a generation of better investors by democratizing wealth creation and making long-term investing accessible, purposeful, and personalized. DiA is built on a foundation of rational expectations, hyper-customization, collaboration, and joint decision-making, fostering a seamless partnership between investors and investment experts. The platform integrates five core ingredients that drive investing success:

· People: DiA brings investment experts and investors together through a strong conversation-led investment process. The platform encourages customization, collaboration, and co-ownership of goals, allowing investment managers to deliver personalized solutions while ensuring client interests are protected.

· Personalization: DiA tailors every aspect of the investment journey, from understanding cash flows and financial ratios to analysing individual behaviour and attitudes toward risk and reward. Its ability to hyper-customize ensures that every investment aligns perfectly with each client’s unique needs and goals.

· Purpose: DiA focuses on purposeful investing by identifying and prioritizing financial goals, aligning investment solutions, and educating clients on critical concepts like inflation, time value of money, compounding, and diversification. This approach helps investors cut through information clutter and stay focused on their long-term objectives.

· Process: Perseverance is a cornerstone of successful investing, and DiA emphasizes regular conversations, scenario analyses, and goal-oriented benchmarks. By addressing behavioural challenges and building discipline, the platform helps clients manage volatility and stay committed to their investment plans.

· Products: DiA aligns the right financial products with individual goals and risk profiles, deploying tools like SIPs, STPs, step-up investments, and time-led realignment strategies.

The Champion of the Year Award by Franklin Templeton recognises individuals and organisations that are driving transformative change in the investment landscape. FinEdge’s Dreams Into Action stood out for its ability to seamlessly integrate technology and human expertise, fostering better decision-making, improved financial outcomes, and enhanced client experiences.

Gurgaon, 11th December 2024: WhatsApp today kicked off WhatsApp Bharat Yatra, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at providing on-ground, in-person training to small businesses across India. The mobile bus tour is designed to help small businesses fully leverage the capabilities of WhatsApp, enhancing their digital skills and business growth potential.

Starting with Delhi-NCR, the bus will visit some of the region’s most popular and busy markets such as Laxmi Nagar, Rajouri Garden, and Nehru Place, Malviya Nagar, Amar Colony, and Safdarjung Enclave. The journey will also cover key hubs in Gurgaon and Noida, including Sapphire Mall and Atta Market.

Following its tour in Delhi-NCR, the WhatsApp-branded bus will travel across India, reaching cities like Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, Indore, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nashik, and Mysore. Through this initiative, small and medium businesses (SMBs) will benefit from interactive demos, hands-on personalized training – to get support creating their Business Profile, setting up a catalog and creating an ad that clicks to start a WhatsApp chat – and expert guidance on leveraging the WhatsApp Business app’s key features to establish their WhatsApp presence, better connect with their customers, close sales and grow their business. enhance their operations.

Ravi Garg, Director, Business Messaging, Meta in India said, “Small businesses are the backbone of India’s economy, and with the right digital tools, they have the power to supercharge the country’s digital transformation. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra is our commitment to helping these businesses unlock their full potential by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to digitally connect with their customers, grow and succeed. By meeting businesses where they are—both physically and digitally—we aim to create a meaningful, long-lasting impact across India’s entrepreneurial landscape.”

Recently, WhatsApp introduced some new updates for small businesses, including Meta Verified, which helps businesses build credibility with customers. Additionally, businesses can now send customized messages to their customers, such as appointment reminders, birthday greetings, or even updates on a holiday sale, all in a faster and more efficient way.

For small businesses, WhatsApp has also started testing Meta AI, making it easier for them to activate AI directly from the WhatsApp Business app and engage with their customers more efficiently. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra will provide in-person training across various tools and features on the WhatsApp Business app, helping businesses make the most of these updates. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra will help businesses provide in- person training across various tools and features on the WhatsApp Business app. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra will help businesses provide in- person training across various tools and features on the WhatsApp Business app.

WhatsApp Bharat Yatra is the latest in a series of transformative initiatives by the brand aimed at empowering small businesses in India. With programs such as WhatsApp Se Wyapaar with CAIT to upskill 10 million traders, Digishaastra, powered by WhatsApp was launched by India SME Forum, Meta’s strategic partnership with ONDC, WhatsApp continues to champion digital transformation, ensuring India’s small businesses are at the forefront of the nation’s growing digital economy.

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Mumbai, 11th December 2024: Sony LIV’s entrepreneurial reality show Shark Tank India is all set to return for its highly anticipated 4th season, and this time, it brings a fresh face to its panel of Sharks—Viraj Bahl, Founder and Managing Director of Veeba (VRB Consumer Products). As the leader of one of India’s fastest-growing FMCG brands, Viraj’s experience in business growth and innovation makes him an exciting new addition to the show.

Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Shark Tank India 4, Viraj said, “It is an honor to join the esteemed panel of Shark Tank India 4 on Sony LIV. This platform represents the very essence of innovation and entrepreneurship, showcasing the bold ideas shaping India’s future. As the founder of a leading consumer food brand, I understand the intricacies of building a business in this space, and I am eager to offer my insights and guidance to entrepreneurs with a clear vision and a commitment to solving genuine consumer needs. I look forward to identifying businesses that are not only innovative but also scalable, and to helping them navigate the challenges of growth and market expansion. I am excited to contribute to this remarkable initiative and collaborate with the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Viraj will join a star-studded panel of Sharks, including Anupam Mittal – Founder and CEO, People Group Shaadi.com, ⁠Aman Gupta – Co-Founder and CMO, boAt Lifestyle, Namita Thapar – Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Ritesh Agarwal – Founder and Group CEO, OYO, Peyush Bansal – Co-Founder and CEO, Lenskart, ⁠Vineeta Singh – Co-Founder and CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics, Azhar Iqubal – Co-Founder and Chairman, Inshorts, Varun Dua, (Founder and CEO, ACKO) and Kunal Bahl – Co-Founder, Snapdeal and Titan Capital.

In every family, there’s always one person whose warmth and love hold everything together, making the home a special place. In Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, that person is none other than Abha Parmar, who plays the beloved character of Dadi. Recently, Ashish Dixit, who portrays Kartik in the show, expressed his admiration for Abha Parmar, calling her the backbone of the entire cast and crew and highlighting how she has fostered a family-like bond off-screen.

Sharing his heartfelt thoughts about his on-screen Dadi, Ashish said, “Our Dadi on the show, Aabha Ma’am, is not just the head of the family on-screen but also off-screen. She’s the one who has brought our entire team together like a real family. She is such a warm and loving person, and we all respect her deeply. Every day, we have lunch together in her room, just like a family would. If there’s ever a small disagreement between any of us, she steps in like a true elder, patiently explaining things and ensuring both sides apologize and make up. It’s beautiful how she creates harmony on set, just as she does in her character on the show.”

The Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya actor further added, “She truly is the backbone of our team, the thread that binds us all together. Her positive energy and wisdom inspire everyone to give their best, and her presence makes the set feel like home. Whether it’s guiding us with her experience or sharing a laugh during breaks, she’s a constant source of warmth and guidance. We’re so lucky to have her as part of the team. She holds a special place in all our hearts, both as a colleague and as a family member in this journey.”

Abha Parmar plays the role of Dadi to Kartik (Ashish Dixit), the head of the family, in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya. Airing on Sun Neo at 7 PM, the show is an emotional family drama revolving around Vaishnavi (Brinda Dahal), an orphan who considers Chhathi Maiyya her mother and holds a deep reverence for her.

Chandigarh, 11th December 2024: Spinny, India’s leading used car platform, is celebrating the third anniversary of its enduring partnership with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Built on shared values and mutual trust, this collaboration has redefined the way we view cars—not just as vehicles, but as keepers of cherished memories. To mark this milestone, Spinny has launched the ‘Sweet December’ campaign, offering three lucky customers the chance to win a free Spinny car each, during the month.

In addition to the chance to win their dream car for free through a lucky draw process, Spinny is offering three lucky customers an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the Master Blaster himself in the next Spinny shoot.

Reflecting on the milestone, Sachin Tendulkar shared, “For me, cars have always been more than just a way to get around—they carry stories, memories, and emotions. Our cars reflect us and, at times, even complement our personalities. Together, we’ve celebrated the deep connections people have with their cars. It’s never just a car—that’s something Spinny and I truly understand. That’s why my partnership with Spinny feels so special.”

Niraj Singh, CEO and Founder of Spinny, added, “The partnership with Sachin is incredibly humbling. It inspires us to continually strive for excellence, grounded in values of trust, transparency, and integrity. This December, we’re making this milestone truly memorable by giving our customers the chance to win their dream car and meet the Master Blaster himself. At Spinny, we’ve always believed that it’s never just a car—it’s a part of life’s most special journeys. That’s why we always go far to make it special for every buyer. This campaign is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our community and creating even more unforgettable moments.”

Over the years, Spinny and Sachin Tendulkar have shared heartfelt stories that highlight the emotional bond people share with their cars. From Sachin’s personal story of his beloved “Bayers Blue 800” to selling his ‘Sundae’ to the special road trip with Yuvraj and Kumble, this partnership serves as a reminder that cars are more than just machines—they’re part of our most cherished memories.

Spinny has redefined India’s car buying and selling experience by offering certified pre-owned vehicles, seamless transactions, and exceptional customer service. The ‘Sweet December’ campaign is another step in strengthening Spinny’s mission to make car ownership meaningful and memorable. Running across digital platforms, the campaign invites people to celebrate their car journeys with Spinny as their trusted partner every step of the way.