Top Trending Advertising/Media News & Highlights

Why the fundamental fault lines in the business won't be resolved by the Omnicom–IPG merger

Why the fundamental fault lines in the business won't be resolved by the Omnicom–IPG merger

The Omnicom–IPG merger is now more than just a balance-sheet event as India's advertising sector faces one of its largest structural changes in decades. In a sector already struggling with AI disruption, customer distrust, and shifting talent economics, it is a stress test for scale, relevance, and trust.Veteran executives Ashish Bhasin, Anita Nayyar, Shubho Sengupta, and Kunal Lalani provide starkly different interpretations of what consolidation actually means, including whether it signals the emergence of a three-player oligopoly, a long-overdue efficiency reset, or a defensive reaction to an industry that has already moved on.One thing unites their opinions: size by itself is no longer a guarantee of advantage. The next stage of competition will be characterised by speed, specialisation, and credibility rather than scale as holding corporations compete to handle conflicts, merge cultures, and reassure clients. In 2026, artists, agencies, and advertisers will focus more on who still matters than on who is the biggest."This era of consolidation in advertising and media did not begin recently—it has been unfolding over the past decade," notes Ashish Bhasin, founder of The Bhasin Consulting Group and former CEO APAC, Dentsu. He reminds us that media owners and broadcasters have travelled the same route as agencies, with mergers like Star and CNBC indicating what was to come. Given that "the top four or five holding companies now account for nearly 80–85% of the market share," as noted by Bhasin, the merger of Omnicom and IPG seems like the next obvious step. The level of competition has changed. "A very formidable competitor emerges for WPP," which has long maintained the top spot in India, as a result of the merger. "Going forward, WPP, Omnicom, and Publicis are likely to become the three largest holding companies in India," according to Bhasin, who envisions a market dominated by three titans. Scale will continue to be important, especially in the media, driving rivalry and making "further consolidation inevitable."However, Bhasin takes pains to avoid portraying this as everyone else's demise. He acknowledges that "the overarching trend clearly points towards consolidation," but adds that "India remains a large and fast-growing market, so there is space for multiple players to coexist."  

Published 31 Dec 2025 11:11 PM

Network18 defies industry slowdown; Rahul Joshi charts bold growth path for 2026

Network18 defies industry slowdown; Rahul Joshi charts bold growth path for 2026

In a year when the majority of advertising-driven media firms struggled with diminishing earnings, dwindling viewership, and industry consolidation, Network18 has reported growth in all of its major businesses while increasing its emphasis on relevance, subscription, creative collaborations, and digital-first expansion.Rahul Joshi, Managing Director & Group Editor-in-Chief at Network18, stated in an internal year-end message to staff members that the organization had "beaten the odds" in a difficult year for classic news formats by emphasizing unique content, ecosystem thinking, and non-traditional revenue streams. The group established Creator18 to bolster its creator economy strategy, providing a platform for a variety of digital artists while also utilizing their audiences to increase relevance and income share. Additionally, the business emphasized a fresh emphasis on high-quality tools, research, and insights across its major brands, Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18, as opposed to chasing "click-baity" traffic.Joshi emphasized the quick expansion of Moneycontrol's lending platform, the success of MC Pro, which has over a million users, and the early popularity of SuperPro, which targets high-value traders and investors and increases average revenue per user. He reaffirmed that the company's next growth phase will be defined by non-news content, digital tools, and product innovation. Stronger advertiser access, even from emerging markets, is made possible by the regional news cluster's ongoing multilingual expansion, which is bolstered by a robust national sales network and improved digital outreach. According to Joshi, the firm is still "de-risked" in comparison to its traditional ad-dependent counterparts because subscriber income is growing, transactions are scaling, and events and IPs are bolstering heritage monetization.He acknowledged the structural changes in media consumption, particularly among Gen Z, and pointed out that speedier, platform-native storytelling is becoming more relevant than conventional news formats. With a greater emphasis on CTV and social media, he emphasized that Network18's brands will lead with subtlety, intelligence, and digital-first execution, driven by platforms like Firstpost, Kadak, News18 India, and CNN-News18. Joshi declared 2026 to be a "mission mode" year to foster youthful leadership, experiment vigorously, and keep reinventing the future of Indian news media as he celebrated his ten years with the organization. "We made 2025 count in a year that was really difficult for many. He used Roald Dahl to encourage teams to maintain their faith in "magic" in the face of change, saying, "Let's make 2026 rock."  

Published 30 Dec 2025 10:03 PM

On December 26, 2025, India will have early access to Now You See Me, Now You Don't.

On December 26, 2025, India will have early access to Now You See Me, Now You Don't.

The widely watched heist-adventure show With an early access release set for December 26, 2025, NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON'T will make its digital premiere in India, offering viewers looking for a premium watching experience a rental fee of INR 499. The movie will be accessible on several key digital platforms, like as Google/YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon, giving viewers a variety of ways to enjoy the magical series. The film NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON'T, which was directed by Ruben Fleischer, brings back the Four Horsemen along with a new generation of illusionists. It offers an exhilarating mix of mind-bending twists, shocks, and expansive magic sequences that have never been seen on screen before. With bold illusions and intense storytelling, the movie raises the stakes while maintaining the franchise's trademark blend of spectacle and tension.Along with an ensemble cast that includes Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson, and Jesse Eisenberg, the movie maintains the adventurous tone of the trilogy while adding new characters and audacious new heists. The Now You See Me franchise, which is well-known for its chic graphics and deft storytelling, has amassed a sizable worldwide following thanks to its distinctive blend of magic and criminality.  

Published 23 Dec 2025 11:00 PM

How an Indian Gen Z leader is reinventing design education

How an Indian Gen Z leader is reinventing design education

Director of the JD Institute of Fashion Technology Rinesh Dalal talks with Adgully about his experience reinventing design education through innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Dalal, who joined the education sector at the age of 18, offers a unique combination of strategic thought and artistic vision to his leadership position. He considers creating experiential learning ecosystems outside of classrooms, from fostering creative communities and supporting emerging talent to extending the JD tradition into digital-first platforms like JDOnline and JD Podcast. Dalal also discusses how technology, narrative, and purpose will continue to influence design education in India.I was never ready to start working at such a young age, much less establish my own business. I had intended to continue my education in film in London, but because my family is very business-oriented, I decided to use that money to start my own company. In retrospect, I can see how much I have developed both myself and inside the company. I joined JD Institute four years ago, and it has been two and a half years since I assumed full leadership. I have acquired extensive practical experience throughout this period, which enables me to firmly continue this tradition. As a member of the same generation as today's youngsters, I am aware of their goals, mindset, and the help they require at various phases of their development.JDOnline was developed to close the accessibility gap by enabling anybody, anywhere, to receive top-notch design education without being constrained by traditional classroom settings. JD Podcast helps students grasp the real-world dynamics of the creative industry by providing them with authentic talks, thoughts, and experiences from artists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. This helps close the industry awareness gap.  

Published 21 Dec 2025 09:53 PM

Advertising/Media

Advertising/Media

Advertising and Media are the essential verticals in any country and both goes parallely while deciding any strategy for promotions. Advertising has been segregrated between Online & Offline advertising which has further wings under them whereas the Media is also categorize in Offline which is Traditional Media like TV, Newspaper, Magazine and its Online Media form which is through digital platforms like Websites, Social Media, Video Channels and others.

Zee-Sony merger: NCLT issues notice to Sony to file reply in three weeks

Zee-Sony merger: NCLT issues notice to Sony to file reply in three weeks

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Tuesday accepted a petition by a Zee Entertainment shareholder seeking the merger of its Indian entity with Sony, which was called off last week despite regulatory approvals.The Mumbai-bench of NCLT issued a notice on a petition moved by Mad Men Film Ventures, a shareholder of Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL), directing Sony Pictures Network India, now known as Culver Max, to file a reply within three weeks.Mad Men Film Ventures on Tuesday filed the petition requesting both ZEEL and Sony to implement the merger as it was approved by the NCLT in August 2023.The tribunal did not agree to the arguments made by the counsel stating that the approval by NCLT was conditional and depended on various conditions, which may be fulfilled or waived off in writing. Last week, the Sony Group Corp called off the merger with ZEEL following a stalemate over who will lead the merged entity.NCLT has kept the next date of hearing on this matter on March 12.The deal stipulated that the merger was to be completed before December 21, 2023, including regulatory and other approvals with a grace period of one month to complete the transaction.This merger could have otherwise created a $ 10 billion media enterprise in the country. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), on Tuesday, accepted a petition filed by a shareholder of Zee Entertainment seeking the merger of Zee Entertainment's Indian entity with Sony, a move that had been called off last week despite obtaining regulatory approvals.The NCLT Mumbai bench issued a notice regarding a petition filed by Mad Men Film Ventures, a shareholder of Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) directing Sony Pictures Network India, currently known as Culver Max, to submit a reply within a three-week timeframe.On Tuesday, Mad Men Film Ventures submitted a petition urging both Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) and Sony to execute the approved merger, which was sanctioned by the NCLT in August 2023.    

NTPC Q3 results: Profit up 7% at Rs 5,208 cr, income falls to Rs 43,574 cr

NTPC Q3 results: Profit up 7% at Rs 5,208 cr, income falls to Rs 43,574 cr

State-owned power giant NTPC on Monday reported over 7 per cent rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 5,208.87 crore for the December 2023 quarter, aided by energy sales through trading. Its net profit stood at Rs 4,854.36 crore in the year-ago period, a BSE filing said. The total income fell to Rs 43,574.65 crore in the quarter from Rs 44,989.21 crore in the same period a year ago.The company's expenses rose to Rs 38,782.22 crore from Rs 37,007.51 a year ago. "Revenue from operations for the quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2023 include Rs 2,117.12 crore and Rs 7,012.90 crore, respectively (Previous quarter and nine months Rs 1,984.92 crore and Rs 6,039.14 crore, respectively) on account of sale of energy through trading," the filing said. The Board of Directors of the company has also approved a second interim dividend of 2.25 per share (face value of Rs 10 each) for the financial year 2023-24 in their meeting held on January 29, 2024. The date of payment/dispatch of the dividend shall be February 22, 2024. The Board had declared the first interim dividend of 2.25 per share (face value of Rs 10 each) for the financial year 2023-24 in their meeting held on October 28, 2023, which was paid in November 2023.The average tariff of the company was Rs 4.57 per unit during April-December this fiscal compared to Rs 4.96 per unit a year ago.The gross electricity generation of NTPC increased to 89.467 billion units (BU) during the third quarter against 78.646 BU in the year-ago period. Coal output increased to 8.09 MMT in the quarter from 5.35 MMT a year ago. Its production also increased during April-December this fiscal to 19.92 MMT from 13.75 MMT.Plant load factor or capacity utilisation of coal-based thermal power plants improved to 75.95 per cent in the quarter from 68.85 per cent a year ago.Domestic coal supply improved to 60.23 MMT in the October-December quarter over 52.45 MMT in the same period last fiscal.Gas consumption improved to 2.26 MMSCMD from 1.13 MMSCMD.  Imported coal supply stood at 2.15 MMT in the quarter against 1.57 MMT a year ago.NTPC Group's installed power generation capacity stood at 73,874 MW as of December 31, 2023.  

NDTV posts Q3 loss as advertising woes persist

NDTV posts Q3 loss as advertising woes persist

New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV), part of the billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Group, reported a third-quarter loss on Tuesday, as businesses cut back on advertising spending.Companies diverted advertising spends to the cricket world cup during the quarter, hurting broadcasters that were unaffiliated with the tournament. Advertising is the biggest source of revenue for a broadcaster.NDTV's consolidated net loss stood at 95.5 million rupees ($1.2 million) in the three months to Dec. 31 against a profit of 25.9 million rupees a year earlier. Weak advertising spends have been hurting the news network, which posted its fifth straight revenue drop in the December quarter.Revenue fell 7% to 979.5 million rupees, while expenses climbed one-fourth on a nearly 35% jump in production expenses and cost of services.Another competitor Zee Entertainment, embroiled in conflicts related to its failed merger with Sony's India unit and licensing rights with Disney, will report next month.Rival TV18 Broadcast had posted a quarterly loss earlier this month.NDTV had posted a profit in the September quarter, and profit had last risen in June 2022.The Adani Group had taken control of the news network from its founders in December 2022.    

The state governor has appointed Sanjay Shukla (IAS: 1995: MP) as PS.

The state governor has appointed Sanjay Shukla (IAS: 1995: MP) as PS.

The Madhya Pradesh government reorganized its administrative structure, assigning new assignments to eighteen IAS officers and giving thirteen others more responsibility in different departments.On Sunday, the Madhya Pradesh government reorganized its administrative team, giving 18 IAS officers new assignments and giving 13 other officers greater duties in a variety of departments.This is a list of the officers that have been given new duties. The announcement states that Manu Srivastava, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) for Technical Education, will take over as the ACS of the Energy Department. Sanjay Shukla, the Public Health Engineering Department's current Principal Secretary (PS), has been assigned to the governor of the state. Sukhbir Singh, the incoming PS of Food Processing and Horticulture, will be replaced as Principal Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD) by DP Ahuja, the outgoing PS to the Governor.The Jail Department's Principal Secretary is now Manish Rastogi. The Tribal Affairs Department's Principal Secretary is now E Ramesh Kumar. In addition, he now holds the additional responsibility of Commissioner of the Department of Religious Trusts and Endowments and the Department of Tribal Affairs. The commissioner of higher education will be Nishant Varwade. Dr. Ramrao Bhosle is now the Commissioner of the Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, having previously served as the Commissioner of the Women and Child Development Department.Sophia Farooqui Wali, a commissioner of the Khadi Village Industries Board, has been appointed to the position of commissioner for the Department of Women and Child Development.Manish Singh, the former commissioner of public relations, has been appointed to the position of Registrar at the Madhya Pradesh State Consumer Redressal Disputes Commission. The Water and Land Management Institute's (Walmi) new director is Tarun Rathi. Saurabh Kumar Suman has been appointed as the Department of Backward Class and Minority Welfare's Director/Commissioner. The position of Managing Director at the Handicrafts Handloom Development Corporation and the Madhya Pradesh Khadi Village Industries Board has been filled by Mohit Bundas. The position of managing director at Women Finance and Development Corporation has been awarded to Nidhi Nivedita.The department of minority welfare and backward classes has appointed Kumar Purushottam as deputy secretary. The department responsible for Free Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes now has Neeraj Vashishtha as its director. Deputy Secretary of the Forest Department Kishore Kanyal, the collector who was fired for verbally abusing the driver in Shulajalpur, has been promoted.  

The Energy Department has appointed Manu Srivastava (IAS: 1991: MP) as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS).

The Energy Department has appointed Manu Srivastava (IAS: 1991: MP) as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS).

New Delhi: The recently established government of Madhya Pradesh started the transfer of eighteen Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in a significant bureaucratic reorganization. Manu Srivastava, who is well-known for his contributions to the energy industry, has been promoted to Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of Power and Renewable Energy, one of the major changes. Prior to his noteworthy involvement in the field of renewable energy, Manu Srivastava was instrumental in guaranteeing his state's uninterrupted electricity supply. His previous work in the Indian government entailed managing natural gas affairs, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his administrative knowledge.Manu Srivastava, who holds an IIT-Delhi degree in Electrical Engineering, adds thirty years of expertise to his new role, including an impressive fifteen years in the energy industry. Notably, he oversaw the ground-breaking 750 MW Rewa Project, which broke grid parity and won the President's Award from the World Bank Group. This project was a turning point in India's solar energy history.The only other project in India that serves an institutional clientele is the Rewa Project, which provides electricity to Delhi Metro. The project's case study has received recognition on a global scale and is being taught at Singapore Management University and Harvard University courses.Apart from his accomplishments in large-scale solar projects, Manu Srivastava has been instrumental in putting solar rooftop initiatives into action with the lowest prices in the nation. He is currently working with NITI Aayog to bring solar rooftop projects to healthcare facilities around the country without receiving funding from the government or beneficiaries.Prior to his noteworthy involvement in the field of renewable energy, Manu Srivastava was instrumental in guaranteeing his state's uninterrupted electricity supply. His previous work in the Indian government entailed managing natural gas affairs, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his administrative knowledge.  

Its vital to explore, travel, and engage with the wide world of food firsthand.Chef Kunal Kapur

Its vital to explore, travel, and engage with the wide world of food firsthand.Chef Kunal Kapur

Despite being made fun of for spending time with street sellers, chef Kunal Kapur claims he wanted to learn from those who prepare meals on a regular basis.One of the first things you notice about chef Kunal Kapur, a die-hard foodie and Delhi guy at heart, is his brilliant smile. In addition to being a judge on MasterChef India, the judge has a large social media following and works as a restaurant, author, digital artist, and culinary aficionado.This January, we celebrated National Oatmeal Month. The chef shared with us some of his favorite memories and explained how he travels the world to constantly reinvent himself.I don't think the curriculum was bad; I think it was just constrained. There isn't a single book that can include all of culinary knowledge. I think it's vital to get out there, explore, and discover the wide variety of foods available to us.Chef and restaurateur Kunal Kapur, a celebrity from Delhi, is well-known in the culinary world. His role as judge and co-host of the well-liked TV program MasterChef India is well known. He was also asked to judge with Gordon Ramsey in the MasterChef America semifinal. In a more recent development, the Indian Ministry acknowledged him for providing German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with satvik food in Bangalore.During the lockdown brought on by the pandemic, cooking has really taken off. A ton of individuals have been sharing videos and images of the food they have prepared online. Do you think the pattern will hold even after everything has ended? There won't be as many people cooking in the kitchen when everyone gets back to work, but the great thing about cooking is that if you enjoy it, you'll probably want to attempt it again—at least on special occasions or days off.In addition, I observe a trend where chefs who were laid off due to the lockdown are using social media to instruct and cook. The coolest trend right now is having celebrity chefs share their recipes, tips, and techniques with the public.Which meal brings back memories of your early years? My childhood home was situated close to two halwai stores. I therefore associate barfi, lassi, pakore bhature chole, and samosa with chutney with happy childhood memories. Additionally, I always look forward to my mother's food. Which food has influenced you the most? I've learned a lot over the process of visiting new places, getting to know new people, researching regional cuisine, and sampling it. Almost every month, I visit a different location in India, mostly for research on the subtleties of the local food. Indian ethnic cuisine, in my opinion, is still confined to Indian homes. Thus, my quest for understanding  

In the What The Hell Navya season 2 teaser, Jaya Bachchan declares that romance is out after marriage, while Navya Nanda and Shweta Bachchan reveal shocking information.

In the What The Hell Navya season 2 teaser, Jaya Bachchan declares that romance is out after marriage, while Navya Nanda and Shweta Bachchan reveal shocking information.

On February 1, Navya Naveli Nanda's podcast "What The Hell Navya," which stars mom Shweta Bachchan and grandma Jaya Bachchan, will return for a second season. This time, Navya's YouTube channel will have a video format in addition to their raw chats. The trio is prepared to reveal some information after the teaser was made public today. This season, there's an additional special guest.The Facebook page shared the preview and stated, "On VIDEO, three of our favorite girls are back! This time, our talks really come to life, giving you an up-close look at candid discussions, a ton of laughs, and obviously a lot of "What The Hell's"! A VODCAST for the NEW SEASON of #WhatTheHellNavya! weekly live streams on @NavyaNanda's YouTube channel starting on February 1st.Additionally, Jaya spoke candidly about romance after marriage, stating, "Romance out of the window." Once married, it will no longer be. Navya remarked, "You are sounding like the man in this room," after Shweta declared that she was aware of everything that went on in her house.According to Jaya Bachchan, "physical attraction" plays a crucial role in relationships. Furthermore, she stated that she has no issues if Navya Naveli Nanda decides to have a "child without a marriage."According to seasoned actor Jaya Bachchan, "physical attraction" is crucial to a relationship's longevity. In an interview with her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda for her podcast, What The Hell Navya, Jaya added that "we couldn't experiment" in "our times." Jaya described the physical component as "very very important" and stated that "love, fresh air, and adjustment" are necessary for a relationship to continue. She added that Navya Naveli Nanda's having a "child without a marriage" doesn't bother her."It will seem strange coming from me, but physical attractiveness and compatibility are also very important," Jaya remarked. We were not allowed to experiment in our day, but the current generation is, and for good reason. Since a durable relationship is also a result of that. It won't survive long if there isn't a physical relationship. I feel that you cannot survive on love, fresh air, and adjustment. It's crucial, really crucial.""Sometimes it's unfortunate, but a lot of the younger generation—of course, we never could, we couldn't even consider it—but even after me, Shweta's and Navya's generations are a different story. They would feel bad about going through it, and I believe that's just wrong. It's alright, and you proceed covertly. The seasoned actor continued, "You can be nice about it if you had a physical relationship and you feel that my relationship hasn't worked out despite that."Jaya also discussed the guidance she gives the next generation. "I'm looking at it very clinically," the woman stated. Given the absence of that feeling, the romance of today...You ought to wed your closest friend, in my opinion. Having a close friend is important. You should talk to them and decide that you'd like to have a child together because you're wonderful and let's get married since that's what society says. It actually doesn't bother me if you have a child without getting married either."Jaya spoke with Navya and her daughter Shweta Bachchan about her opinions. She is the eldest child of Jaya and her actor spouse Amitabh Bachchan. Following their 1973 marriage, they had two children: actor Abhishek Bachchan (1976) and actress Shweta (1974). The next film directed by Karan Johar is Rocky aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, in which Jaya will star. Shabana Azmi, Dharmendra, Alia Bhatt, and Ranveer Singh are also featured in the movie. In 2023, the movie will be released.  

Bigg Boss 17 champion Munawar Faruqui says he experienced mental breakdowns in the house and grieved every night.

Bigg Boss 17 champion Munawar Faruqui says he experienced mental breakdowns in the house and grieved every night. "This trophy has cost me a lot."

Munawar Faruqui, the winner of Bigg Boss 17, revealed in an exclusive interview that he has a lot of things to address now that the show is done and that being in the house had a toll on him.Last night, Bigg Boss 17 came to an end with the announcement of Munawar Faruqui as the winner. Along with a brand-new automobile, the stand-up comic also brought home prize money of Rs 50 lakhs. Salman Khan declared Munawar the Bigg Boss 17 winner after she defeated Abhishek Kumar. The outcome has thrilled supporters, but the festivities at Munawar's Mumbai residence, Dongri, have exceeded expectations.Munawar talked to Indiaxpress.com shortly after he was named the Bigg Boss winner. He discussed his journey, how his personal life was dragged on the show, the drama involving Ayesha Khan, and whether or not he hopes to settle down now.Munawar Faruqui, the winner of Bigg Boss 17, has reacted to allegations that the winner of this season was "fixed." The stand-up comedian was asked how he felt about people labeling him a "fixed winner" during an interview with ETimes. He stated that those who are accusing him of being the "fixed winner" ought to watch the entire season in order to learn just how much "scrutiny" he endured. He added that, before to Bigg Boss 17, he would have wished to alter people's "perceptions" of him, but that, at this point, he is aware that he "cannot change their opinion."Munawar Faruqui responded, "Yaar fixed winner ko itna sab go through karna pade toh it can't be a fixed winner (If one has to go through so much scrutiny as a supposed fixed winner, then it can't truly be a fixed winner)," when asked about the Bigg Boss 17 winner being fixed. Everything would have been placed on a plate for me if I had been the fixed winner. The entire season serves as evidence that I have put in a lot of hard work and have nothing to show for it. Those who call me a fixed winner should just wait and watch the entire season to see that it wasn't rigged, is my response to them.""Having said that, people can experience that feeling because, when you have a large following and participate in reality shows, many things are at risk and you may lose some things," he continued. You put up your best effort if you want to win. I believe that I won due of people's affection, but I am unable to influence the minds of those who call me the fixed winner. Mujhe lagta hai ki pyaar hai logon ka. Perhaps I would have wanted to alter people's perceptions before joining Bigg Boss, but I now feel like I can't affect everyone."Munawar Faruqui's victory on Bigg Boss Actor Abhishek Kumar, the first runner-up, has been trending on X (previously known as Twitter) ever since Munawar Faruqui's Bigg Boss victory. Some Bigg Boss watchers believe Abhishek deserved the trophy more than Munawar did. Reports, however, indicate that Munawar may have won the prize by a significant margin in the vote. On Bigg Boss 17, actors Mannara Chopra and Ankita Lokhande placed third and fourth, respectively. Another YouTuber in the top five was Arun Mahashetty.Munawar received the Bigg Boss 17 trophy, a brand-new, fancy car, and a substantial cash award of ₹50 lakh as part of her victory. It's interesting to note that Munawar won a reality show twice, having previously won Lock Upp season 1 in 2022. After actor-host Salman Khan announced Munawar as the winner of the Bigg Boss 17 grand finale on Sunday, Abhishek offered her a firm embrace. After the victor was declared, Abhishek was also spotted hugging Salman and placing his hands on his feet. "Excellent performance, Abhishek," Salman complimented the actor.  

Asian refiners anticipate a boost in demand for jet fuel in 2024 from travel to China and Southeast Asia.

Asian refiners anticipate a boost in demand for jet fuel in 2024 from travel to China and Southeast Asia.

Asian refiners are betting that air travel from China and Southeast Asia will continue to rebound in 2024, with supply movements being led by output from a wave of new Middle East capacity, according to dealers and analysts. In the third quarter of 2023, the number of domestic flights in China exceeded that of 2019; nevertheless, the increase in foreign traffic has been slower to occur but is still increasing.Demand levels will also be determined by a wobbly post-pandemic rebound in southeast Asia, where traffic hasn't yet returned to 2019 levels owing in part to poor flows from China. According to data from consultancy FGE, the total demand for jet fuel in Asia is expected to increase by 20% yearly in the first half, reaching 2.36 million barrels per day (bpd).Average jet fuel/kerosene margins, or "cracks," are expected to contract in Asia by 2024, with rising oil prices possibly as a result of tensions in the Middle East. Shenglan Niu of Rystad predicts cracks to average $16.70 per barrel, while Priti Choudhary of Wood Mackenzie predicts $20.60. The estimated 2023 margins for LSEG were $24.60 per barrel. Observe the following variables in 2024:China's Comeback The third quarter saw a sluggish but steady recovery in China's foreign air travel following the lifting of pandemic restrictions, thanks in part to more flights on longer-haul routes to destinations like Australia and the US. Shenglan Niu, senior oil analyst at Rystad Energy, projects that in the first half of 2024, China would account for half of the growth in jet fuel consumption in Asia year over year, or about 263,000 barrels per day. According to Jefferies analysts, China's foreign flight numbers are expected to reach at least 71% of 2019 levels for the first quarter. According to FGE experts, that percentage will probably increase from an average of 50% to as high as 85% by year's end.shaky southeast According to flight data from OAG, however, capacity for both domestic and international flights in Southeast Asia still trails behind 2019 levels, despite a 34% increase in international seat capacity in January. International tourism has been particularly sluggish to return to Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, while the demand for business travel has been reduced by the growing use of videoconferencing, according to FGE experts. As a result, the demand for jet fuel in Asia is expected to reach 2019 levels only in the fourth quarter. "Since the beginning of 2023, foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand have remained stable at 65-70% of 2019 levels due to a gradual resurgence of Chinese tourists," according to FGE. Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore are expected to lead the region's expansion; Singapore alone accounts for around 46,200 bpd of the region's annual first-half demand rise. ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES DEPEND ON REGRADE, MID-EST According to Wood Mackenzie's Choudhary, global jet fuel supply is predicted to roughly match the growth in demand for 500,000 barrels per day in 2024, outpacing that of diesel and gasoline. This will encourage refiners in Asia and the Middle East to shift yields towards jet fuel. Regrade spreads, or the premiums on gasoil paper swaps compared to jet fuel, reached five-year highs in November of last year, which forced sellers to give jet fuel production priority. Refineries in Bahrain, Duqm, and Al Zour are expected to increase their output, which will contribute to an incremental increase in supplies, according to Choudhary. Kpler data indicated that Al Zour can generate up to 106,000 bpd of jet fuel or kerosene at full capacity. In 2023, about 46,000 barrels per day of fuel were exported. The Duqm of Oman  

Snowfall boosts Kashmirs tourism, drawing crowds to Gulmarg and Sonamarg

Snowfall boosts Kashmirs tourism, drawing crowds to Gulmarg and Sonamarg

Snowfall in Kashmir makes visitors and tourism industry participants in Gulmarg and Sonamarg happy.Snowfall in Kashmir has lifted spirits in the travel and tourism sector, igniting happiness among travelers and locals associated with the travel industry.The lack of a big snowfall over the past few months has damaged the sector, with many would-be tourists canceling their plans and tour companies receiving little to no inquiries.The lack of snowfall has resulted in a decrease in the number of tourists visiting the valley, which is unusual given the popularity of destinations like Gulmarg. This has concerned the region's tourism stakeholders.But the snowfall at Chilla-i-Kalan's fag-end, a 40-day severe winter period when the likelihood of snowfall is highest and most often, has cheered both travelers and tourism industry participants.At the resorts of Sonamarg and Gulmarg, hundreds of visitors—including kids—have been taking advantage of the snowfall."After looking at the weather, we decided to postpone our trip, even though we had tickets for January 23. On January 25, we arrived, and we were fortunate to witness the snowfall. Sonamarg was the first place where we saw snowfall, then Gulmarg followed suit. Aninda and Deotima, a tourist couple from Kolkata, exclaimed, "We are so happy to be here," at Gulmarg.They claimed that after snowfall, Kashmir truly appears to be a paradise. After the snowfall, Maharashtra visitor Mohammad Imran claimed he went back to the Gulmarg resort."Two days ago, the earth appeared empty and there was nothing." By God's goodness, snow has fallen, and we are happy to be here. We returned from Srinagar when we heard there was snowfall in Gulmarg," he remarked.Aryan, a teenage traveler from Bangalore who traveled to Kashmir with his sister and parents, described the experience as wonderful. "It feels wonderful. He remarked, taking in the snowfall, "It looks like heaven."At Sonamarg, Ankit Makane, one of a group of fifteen tourists from Mumbai, relished playing in the snow. It actually does feel like heaven. Kashmir is incredibly gorgeous, and the locals are truly remarkable. We had a great time," he remarked.Not only have the tourists been cheered up, but the snowfall has also made the local tourism industry happy. We are grateful for the snowfall. In addition to increasing tourism, it is essential for survival, thus we are extremely glad about it, according to Parvaiz Ahmad, a local Gulmarg tourism service provider. Another stakeholder, Abdul Rashid, stated that although the recent two months' protracted dry period had impacted the earnings of private service providers, the snowfall has been a godsend. "There hasn't been much work over the last two months. Snowfall has brought in more visitors, and snow-related events have begun, according to Rashid.When there was no snowfall at well-known tourist destinations like Sonamarg and Gulmarg, visitors would flock to locations like Sinthan Top, which connects the Anantnag region with Kishtwar and is blanketed in snow for the majority of the year. Authorities have, in the meantime, cautioned visitors and residents going to Sonamarg and Gulmarg. Due to the slick conditions following snowfall, they have stated that only 4X4 vehicles and those equipped with anti-skid chains would be permitted to proceed towards Gulmarg and Sonamarg.The Meteorological Department has predicted that there will likely be light to moderate rain or snow in various areas of the Union Territory during the next two days, with the likelihood of heavy snowfall in a few higher reaches, including the districts of Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag.  

With a 208 crore global profit in just 4 days, Hrithik Roshans

With a 208 crore global profit in just 4 days, Hrithik Roshans "Fighter" became the first blockbuster of 2024.

Dance Deewane, which is produced by Dreams Volt Media and features Rajdhani Besan as a special partner, will debut on February 3, 2024, and air exclusively on COLORS on Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 p.m.Greatness in the vibrant world of dance is ignited by an explosive deewangi for dancing, not only by moves. Following the incredible season of "BIGG BOSS," COLORS honors the love of dance by relaunching its in-house series, "Dance Deewane," on February 3, 2024, every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 p.m. In keeping with its motto of "Ab har age ko milega stage," this season successfully captured a variety of dance forms in previous seasons and distinguished itself for its inclusion. This year, new talent from three generations is invited to compete for the coveted title of the ultimate Dance Deewane.Bollywood's adored Anna, Suniel Shetty, makes his debut on the judges' panel, introducing a fresh and exciting element and giving the show a new dimension. This season, the incomparable Madhuri Dixit Nene graciously reclaims her seat on the judge's throne. As the nation's favorite laughing queen, Bharti Singh, assumes the position of the captivating hostess for this dancing spectacle, the stage is sure to be even more colorful.This legendary dance floor, which operates under the motto "Apke Parivaar Se Hamare Parivaar Tak," is about to make history by forming India's first dance family, united by their shared passion for the art form. In addition to offering criticism, the judges of this dance festival will form "dance families" based more on skill than blood relations. Offering a unique chance for artists from all three generations, this version will unite grandparents, animated uncles and aunts, animated kids, loving parents, and energetic nieces and nephews on a huge platform. This large, happy Indian family is made up of participants of all ages who are connected by their dancing prowess rather than blood. Eliminating restrictions based on age and genre, the largest dance competition tests the competitors"Dance Deewane Special Partner Rajdhani Besan," which is produced by Dreams Vault Media, will debut on February 3, 2024, and air on COLORS every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 p.m."At COLORS, we are continuously striving to raise the bar of entertainment for our audiences with an array of diverse offerings spanning fiction and non-fiction shows," states Alok Jain, President, COLORS Hindi and Regional, Viacom18. We intend to carry on the winning streak after BIGG BOSS' enormous popularity by reviving Dance Deewane, our in-house dance reality show. COLORS' motto has always been to provide family-friendly entertainment, and Dance Deewane continues this tradition by showcasing India's talent for all age groups. We are honored to have the renowned Madhuri Dixit Nene return to the event as a judge. Suniel Shetty, an actress with a wide range of talents, is a nice surprise addition to the judges panel. This dynamic pair combines a special blend of skill, enthusiasm, and"Going back to the judge's chair for Dance Deewane feels like revisiting a treasured tradition," remarks Madhuri Dixit Nene. Dancers from all eras and walks of life converge on this magnificent stage to honor the art of dance, creating a melting pot of inclusivity. I've taught a lot of dancers over the years, but this is the first time I'll be a part of families that are bound together by an unfettered love of dancing. I am excited and eager to collaborate as a co-judge this season with Suniel Shetty, who is renowned for bringing a special blend of wit and comedy to the stage."Suniel Shetty declares, "I am incredibly honored to be a judge on Dance Deewane for the first time, working with the show's seasoned judge and dancing queen, Madhuri Dixit Nene. Madhuri and I are confident that the deewangi of this season will surpass everyone's expectations. Seeing each dancer's inspirational journey come to life on stage will be thrilling. I want to honor not only the skill of the choreography but also the love, imagination, and soul that go into each unique performance in this colorful dance realm. I want to inspire dancers of all ages to challenge themselves, have faith in their artistic abilities, and continue to grow as a profession. Dance's deewangi is very different from other forms of art.On "Dance Deewane," featuring Special Partner Rajdhani Besan, watch dancers from three generations tear up the dance floor. The show premieres on February 3rd, Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 p.m. exclusively on COLORS.  

In just 4 days, the Hrithik Roshan-starring film

In just 4 days, the Hrithik Roshan-starring film "Fighter" amassed a 208 crore global gross, making it the first blockbuster of 2024.

With jaw-dropping action sequences, intense cinematography, and a strong sense of national pride, the movie has garnered excellent reviews and tremendous good word-of-mouth.From the moment Siddharth Anand's Fighter hit theaters, it began to dominate people's hearts. With jaw-dropping action sequences, intense cinematography, and a strong sense of national pride, the movie has garnered excellent reviews and tremendous good word-of-mouth. Due to this, the movie had a successful opening weekend, earning 24.60 Cr. on a weekday. But this was only the start of the movie, which went on to have a very successful weekend and is currently standing at 123.60 Cr. in just 4 days. The movie rose to the top at the box office globally, grossing over 208 crores.The fighter that made 24.60 Cr. when it was first released on Thursday saw increase on the second day, earning 41.20 Cr. on Republic Day Friday, and then making 27.60 Cr. on Saturday, Day 3. With a very positive public reception, the movie made 30.20 Cr. on Sunday, its fourth day of release. The movie has made nearly $7 million in its foreign distribution, excluding the Middle East.In Australia and New Zealand, Fighter has been Hrithik's biggest hit to date, surpassing WAR's lifetime collection. Furthermore, the movie is expected to surpass WAR's lifetime soon and become Hrithik Roshan's biggest opening in North America."Fighter," which is helmed by Siddharth Anand and distributed by Viacom18 Studios in collaboration with Marflix Pictures, is a superb example of cinematic mastery. With its flawless fusion of patriotic zeal and heart-pounding action, this picture promises an unmatched cinematic experience. Fighter is currently showing in theaters.  

Karmma Calling review Enjoyably trashy, with a White Lotus flavor, is Raveena Tandons Revenge version.

Karmma Calling review Enjoyably trashy, with a White Lotus flavor, is Raveena Tandons Revenge version.

Karmma Calling review: Enjoyably trashy, with a White Lotus flavor, is Raveena Tandon's Revenge version.Everyone in Alibag, that little haven of power and money just off Mumbai, is in shock when a strange young woman named Karmma parachutes in. Who is Karmma? From where does she originate? How on earth did she get to purchase the big beach property next to the wealthiest family in the world, the Kothari family?Many hornets in many nests are well and truly astir, and as the elegant, sophisticated Karmma (Namrata Sheth) begins to unpack her wares, we know that something twitchy is about to happen. She takes on resident diva Indrani Kothari (Raveena Tandon), who ruled Bollywood in the 1990s and is now the undisputed empress of her exclusive little patch, and she also catches the eye of the attractive Kothari scion Ahaan (Varun Sood).The show Revenge, adapted by Raveena Tandon, is lighthearted, trashy, and reminiscent of White Lotus. Everyone in the deeply fragrant, tightly knit community of Alibag, that little desert spring of honor and abundance just off of Mumbai, is in disbelief when a mysterious young woman walks in. Who is Karmma?  

Trailer for Avatar: The Last Airbender: In this live-action remake, Aang is prepared to defend the world

Trailer for Avatar: The Last Airbender: In this live-action remake, Aang is prepared to defend the world

The live-action trailer for Avatar: The Last Airbender, a Nickelodeon cartoon series, has been released by Netflix. There are eight episodes in the much awaited series.The trailer for Netflix's live-action version of the adored Nickelodeon animation series Avatar: The Last Airbender has been published. There are eight episodes in the much awaited series.The main character of the trailer is Gordon Cormier's avatar Aang, who must become proficient in all four elements—earth, fire, water, and air—in order to stop the Fire Nation from destroying the planet. Aang's buddies Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley) are instrumental in assisting him in discovering his abilities and setting out on a mission to rescue the planet.The first full-length trailer for Netflix's live-action take on the well-liked animation series Avatar: The Last Airbender was released recently. The first season of the show, which is scheduled to start on February 22, consists of eight episodes that air on the same day.Eight exciting, magical, hour-long episodes of Netflix's newest live-action adaptation are based on the adored animation series on Nickelodeon. The basic idea of the story is on Aang, a young avatar, and his quest to become an expert in the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air.  

In a few hours, Ranbir Kapoors Animal will be available on THIS OTT platform.

In a few hours, Ranbir Kapoors Animal will be available on THIS OTT platform.

Animal became a member of the Rs 100, 200, and 300 crore club a few days after its release. In this case, a large number of people—including moviegoers who had seen the film in theaters—were also anticipating its OTT release.Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, shattered box office records. Soon after its premiere, the movie began to redefine the industry standards. Since its premiere, Kapoor's movie has been mired in controversy. The movie's content was previously deemed offensive. At the same time, the movie ran some legal issues with its OTT release. But as of right now, Animal's OTT release's closed doors have all opened. And now the movie will appear on our mobile devices.Animal shattered box office records. Shortly after its premiere, the movie joined the exclusive group of films worth Rs 100, 200, and 300 crore. In this case, a large number of people—including moviegoers who had seen the film in theaters—were also anticipating its OTT release. On January 25, the producers of Animal notified the admirers of Ranbir Kapoor that the movie's OTT release was official. When is Animal going to be launched, and where? Netflix, an over-the-top platform, has purchased the streaming rights to Animal. The platform announced the movie's OTT release on Thursday. Republic Day, which falls on January 26, 2024, will coincide with the Netflix release of Animal. The movie will be available for streaming in Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.Will there be streaming for the uncut version? The fans will be disappointed by Animal's OTT release, for those who are unaware. The film's scenes that the Censor Board removed are not allowed to be seen, according to the Delhi High Court. The cinematic animal sequences will only be available for streaming on over-the-top platforms.In addition to Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, the movie also features significant performances from Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Trupti Dimri, Saurabh Sachdev, Prem Chopra, and Suresh Oberoi. Sandeep Reddy Vanga is the director of Animal.  

Manoj Bajpayee rules off the idea that Farzi and The Family Man might combine in the same universe I doubt Raj and DK would want to mix it up.

Manoj Bajpayee rules off the idea that Farzi and The Family Man might combine in the same universe I doubt Raj and DK would want to mix it up.

Manoj Bajpayee rules off the idea that Farzi and The Family Man might combine in the same universe: "I doubt Raj and DK would want to mix it up."Famous directors Raj and DK, who gained recognition for their Prime Video smash The Family Man, also helmed the well-liked thriller series Farzi, which starred Vijay Sethupathi and Shahid Kapoor. Soon after Farzi's premiere, viewers began drawing parallels between the worlds of the two shows. Manoj Bajpayee, who plays the lead in The Family Man, addressed rumors that the two worlds would combine in a recent interview."I don't think this will happen," Manoj stated in a Lallantop interview. We currently have four seasons of Family Man to finish. Before we can think of anything, we must fulfill that pledge. However, Family Man is a pretty large universe in and of itself, so I don't think these universes will join. Raj, DK, and Amazon wouldn't want to combine it with anything else, in my opinion.The filmmakers Raj & DK are aware of what the OTT audience wants. They produced "Farzi" and "The Family Man," which went on to shatter records in the OTT industry. Each of these shows has its own fan base. Following the premiere of "Farzi," some viewers compared the two shows on social media. They discussed the possibility of a future merger. Manoj Bajpayee ended this conjecture and disclosed the wider reality in a recent interview.Actor Manoj Bajpayee responded to the idea of "The Family Man" and "Farzi" coming together in a statement to Lallantop. "I don't think this will happen," the actor stated. We currently have four seasons of Family Man to finish. Before we can think of anything, we must fulfill that pledge. However, Family Man is a pretty large universe in and of itself, so I don't think these universes will join. Raj, DK, and Amazon wouldn't want to combine it with anything else, in my opinion.Fans with keen eyes have noticed parallels between the two programs. These conjectures were stoked by these Easter eggs. The author of "The Family Man" addressed these rumors in a previous interview. Suparn S. Varma asked the audience to enjoy the presentation but did not divulge much. Suparn stated, "Let fans of both shows have fun till Season 3 comes out," in an interview with Indian Express. That's the enjoyable part. This is the lovely bond that develops between viewers who adore a program and its characters. The third season of "The Family Man" is currently not in production. Four seasons are anticipated for the program.  

Exam dates for the Class 10 and 12 boards in Maharashtra are revised for 2024.

Exam dates for the Class 10 and 12 boards in Maharashtra are revised for 2024.

Maharashtra Board Exams 2024: The Maharashtra Board will no longer permit candidates to read questions ten minutes prior to the exam's start time.The Maharashtra Class 10 and 12 board 2024 exam dates have been changed by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE). The additional ten minutes to read the question will no longer be granted by the Maharashtra board.Prior to this, students preparing for the board exams for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Class 10 and Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) Class 12 were given ten minutes to peruse their question papers. At the conclusion of the exam, students will now have an additional ten minutes to finish the question paper. Starting at 11 a.m., the morning shift will now conclude at 2:10 p.m., and the evening shift will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.When it was found that question papers had been leaked at that time in the past, it was decided to eliminate the 10-minute reading interval.  

Experts say Indian students need to focus on developing their soft skills.

Experts say Indian students need to focus on developing their soft skills.

Experts advise Indian students who want to develop their soft skills to engage in extracurricular activities. Participate in voluntary work, collaborate on projects with classmates from other backgrounds, or join a group.In order to study abroad and gain admission to some of the best universities in the world, more than 13,24,954 Indian students apply. Experts claim that although Indian students are widely accepted and frequently praised for their superior technical abilities, they fall short in the soft skills department.Indianexpress.com has often noted in interviews with experts that when Indian students go overseas to seek higher education, the experts advise them to focus on their soft skills. Several specialists agree on the following:A student's capacity to present well, express their ideas properly, and collaborate with others is ensured by their soft skills. By concentrating on gaining these abilities and other aspects of preparedness, kids can be sure they have all the knowledge necessary to succeed in school, the workplace, and life in general.  

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