Sony Pictures sharpens India focus amid M&E shake-up

Synopsis
Sony Pictures Entertainment is increasing its investment in the Indian media and entertainment sector, driven by economic and population growth. Following a failed merger with Zee Entertainment, SPNI is focusing on strengthening content production, digital platforms like SonyLIV, and distribution partnerships under new leadership. Recent investments include cricket rights and a revamp of Sony Entertainment Television's programming to boost viewership.

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NDTV

41 minutes ago

• NDTV

India Kick-Starts Process To Build 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Jet

New Delhi: India has kick-started the process to implement an ambitious project to develop a fifth generation stealth fighter jet to boost its air power. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an entity that operates under the defence ministry, has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for developing prototypes of the aircraft. Under the project, the government plans to build five prototypes of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). India has been working on the ambitious AMCA project to develop the medium weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to bolster its air power capability. AMCA along with the Tejas light combat aircraft are planned to be the mainstays of the Indian Air Force. The ADA said the aim of the EOI is to shortlist Indian companies (owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens) who are technically capable of building the AMCA prototypes. In an official note, it said the applicant may be a single company, joint venture or a consortium of companies. It said reputed Indian companies having experience in the aerospace and defence sector with capability to absorb the design of AMCA will be shortlisted for the project. The shortlisted entity must possess the capability of setting up a manufacturing facility for series production of the aircraft, it said. The duration of the contract for development, prototyping, flight test and certification of AMCA shall not exceed eight years from the effective date of contract, the ADA said.

The Hindu

41 minutes ago

• The Hindu

Data Shows India Struggles Most When the Ball Swings Less in England: A Stats Feature

A new era for Indian Test cricket begins on June 20, when the side starts its five-match series against England in Leeds. For a new-look Indian batting order, now without the experience of the recently retired Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, English conditions will present a stern examination. Newly appointed captain Shubman Gill and his fellow batters will have their techniques tested by the moving ball in England's swing-friendly environment. Swing has long been a defining feature of Test cricket in England. This is enabled by the country's near-perpetual overcast skies, the generally lush and unabrasive outfields, and the firm nature of its pitches. These factors combine to ensure that swing persists throughout a Test match and is more pronounced on average than in any other SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) country. Notably, swing in England tends to remain consistent regardless of ball age. The red cherry continues to move more in the air across innings than it typically does elsewhere in the SENA group. This phenomenon is further amplified by the use of the Dukes ball. Its pronounced seam and greater durability allow for more sustained and pronounced movement in the air. Conversely, reverse swing is relatively rare in England. The milder weather and softer outfields reduce the chances of the ball scuffing up enough to reverse appreciably. For Indian batters, who have grown up playing in conditions far less conducive to swing, the English question has long been a perplexing one. India's top-order batters have averaged just 30.31 in England across 121 Tests since 1932 — their second-lowest return in any country, ahead of only South Africa (28.88). While Indian batting began to improve in England in the 1970s and peaked in the 2000s, the trend has reversed in recent times. Since 2010, India has played 23 Tests in England — across four bilateral series and two World Test Championship finals. In these matches, its top-order average has slumped to 28.69 — only four teams have fared worse in that span. It is also India's third-lowest average in any country during this period. Interestingly, India's struggles are more pronounced when the ball swings less. Since 2010, Indian top-seven batters in England average just 25.23 when the ball swings under 0.75° — only West Indies has done worse. India's averages remain subpar even in higher swing brackets (0.75–1.50° and 1.50–2.25°). Virat Kohli summed up the challenge of batting in England during the 2021 series: 'You can never say in England that now you are set. You have to put your ego in your pocket. You need good decision-making because conditions in England are the toughest in the world, in my opinion.' Kohli's own journey in England was marked by extremes. In 2014, he averaged just 13.40 across five Tests. Four years later, he bounced back with a superb 593-run series, including two centuries and three fifties. That turnaround, Kohli said, came from understanding that batting in England demands sustained focus: 'The conditions are not like in other places where, once you reach 30 or 40, you can start picking balls to hit. In England, you have to bat the way you did for your first 30 runs and repeat the same template for as long as possible. This discipline and patience are essential. If you're not patient in England, you can get out at any time — regardless of your experience or the number of runs you have.' While this advice is sound in theory, executing it is far from easy — especially for a largely inexperienced Indian line-up in 2025. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Washington Sundar are all yet to play a Test in England. One small consolation for the visitor is the absence of England's legendary swing duo — James Anderson and Stuart Broad. The pair has taken a combined 169 wickets against India at home, at an average of just 23.41. Even so, for Gill and company, this series promises to be as tough a baptism as Test cricket gets. Related Topics India vs England

Time of India

an hour ago

• Time of India

Premiumisation drives growth for alcobev companies

Bengaluru: India's alcoholic beverage sector continued to outpace broader consumer categories, driven by strong demand for premium brands, margin stability, and state-level policy reforms, according to new industry and company disclosures. Data from Motilal Oswal shows alcobev companies under coverage posted aggregate revenue growth of 12% year-on-year in the January-March quarter (Q4 FY25), with net profit rising 53%. Premium segment volumes led the momentum, with United Breweries recording 24% growth in its prestige & above (P&A) segment, Radico Khaitan at 17%, and United Spirits at 9%. P&A is an industry term commonly used in India's alcobev sector to refer to premium and higher-priced product portfolios. "The shift towards premiumisation is what is driving the Indian alcohol industry today. While companies historically relied heavily on mass-market brands, most players are now focusing on building premium and luxury brands to improve margins," Anant Iyer, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), told TOI. In the last five years, several Indian companies started investing in their own malt distilleries instead of fully depending on Scotch imports, aiding premiumisation, Iyer added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo R adico Khaitan, which reported 16.8% growth in P&A volumes during the quarter, attributed the trend to evolving consumer preferences and rising affluence. "We expect to continue to deliver 15% plus P&A volume growth for FY26," Amar Sinha, chief operating officer at Radico Khaitan, told TOI. Raw material costs, which pressured margins earlier, have largely stabilised, aiding profitability across the sector. "With raw material prices showing some signs of stabilisation, we remain cautiously optimistic that margin trends will continue to see improvement in the 2025-26 financial year," Sinha added. Iyer pointed to state-level pricing controls as a persistent challenge for the industry. "Excise authorities across most states still control pricing. Unlike essential commodities, alcohol pricing is heavily regulated, limiting the industry's ability to price products freely even as input costs rise," he said. Recent policy changes in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have eased some regulatory barriers, improving market access and predictability, according to companies. "The states have been adopting progressive policies aimed at promoting stability and predictability in the regulatory environment, which is likely to encourage ease of doing business," Sinha said. India's luxury whisky segment is also seeing increasing global acceptance. "Indian single malts and luxury whiskies are now selling at price points equal to or even higher than imported Scotch in several markets," Iyer said, noting brands such as Amrut, Rampur, Indri, Gianchand, Doab, and Crazy Cock that are priced between Rs 4,000 and Rs 20,000 a bottle. "Today, brands like Rampur and Indri are selling at $55 to $80 per bottle overseas, often higher than Scotch or Irish Single Malts, which sell at $40 to $50 in the US. " As India negotiates free trade agreements with the UK, EU, US, and others, domestic players have raised concerns about the potential influx of cheaper imports. "Cheap imports could seriously hurt domestic producers of spirits and wines if not handled carefully. We have consistently urged the government to impose a minimum import price to ensure a level playing field," Iyer added. While certain discretionary segments face weaker demand trends, the alcobev sector has remained relatively resilient. "Consumers are showing a growing preference for artisanal, small-batch craft spirits, reflecting a rising appreciation for authenticity, quality, and craftsmanship. Authenticity and storytelling are becoming strong purchase drivers," Sinha said.