Author: Sreelatha M

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Technology

Dream11 reinvents app as interactive sports platform

Dream11, India’s popular fantasy sports platform, has officially exited real-money gaming and relaunched itself as a sports entertainment platform. The move comes after new legislation banned online cash-based fantasy contests, which previously generated almost all of Dream11’s revenue and profits.

The revamped app is now positioned as a “second-screen” experience for sports fans. Users can follow live matches, join creators for watch-alongs, react in real time, and interact with fellow fans. Dream11 aims to make sports viewing social and engaging, rather than just a solo activity.

An initial group of around 25 creators will host livestreams, providing match commentary, analysis, and fan interactions. These creators will break down key moments, share insights, and encourage conversations among viewers. Over time, the platform plans to expand this creator network.

A new “Moments” feature highlights key events from games, fan comments, and match stats, giving users quick access to the most exciting parts of a match. Additionally, the platform introduces “DreamBucks,” a virtual rewards system. Fans can earn DreamBucks by participating in streams and using app features, which can then be redeemed for perks like shoutouts or pinned messages.

While Dream11 has stopped paid fantasy contests, it continues to offer free-to-play fantasy games. Revenue will now come from advertisements, sponsorships, and fan engagement rather than cash contests.

The shift reflects a broader trend in sports-tech, moving from pure gaming to social, creator-driven entertainment. For users, it means a richer experience: watching matches, engaging with creators, and interacting with other fans in real time. For Dream11, the transformation provides a way to retain its massive user base of over 250 million while complying with new regulations.

Dream11’s pivot shows how online sports platforms in India are adapting to changing laws and user expectations. By combining live match coverage, creator-led content, and social features, the platform aims to become a community hub for sports enthusiasts, offering more than just fantasy gaming, it’s now a space for fans to connect, discuss, and enjoy sports together.

Also Read: SEBI bans Avadhut Sathe, seizes ₹546 crore illegally

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Corporate

Park Hospital’s chain launches ₹920 cr IPO on Dec 10

Park Medi World, the operator of the well-known Park Hospital chain in North India, is all set to enter the stock market with a ₹920 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO) opening on 10 December 2025. The shares have been priced in a band of ₹154 to ₹162 per share, and the subscription window will close on 12 December 2025.

The IPO is structured as a combination of a fresh issue worth ₹770 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of ₹150 crore by the company’s promoters. Investors can apply for a minimum of 92 shares, with further applications in multiples of 92 shares. If the listing goes ahead as planned, Park Medi World is expected to debut on the stock exchanges on 17 December 2025, giving it an estimated valuation of around ₹7,000 crore.

The company plans to use the proceeds from the IPO for multiple strategic purposes. About ₹380 crore will be directed towards repaying existing borrowings, which were reported at ₹624.3 crore as of October 2025. Around ₹60.5 crore will be invested in developing a new hospital under Park Medicity in the NCR region and expanding an existing facility managed by its subsidiary, Blue Heavens. Another ₹27.4 crore will be used to purchase medical equipment across its hospitals, while the remaining funds will support general corporate purposes and potential future acquisitions.

Park Medi World operates 13 multi-specialty, NABH-accredited hospitals across North India, including Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan, with a combined capacity of approximately 3,000 beds. The chain has earned a reputation for quality healthcare services, particularly in multi-specialty and critical care areas.

With this IPO, the company aims to strengthen its balance sheet, reduce debt, and expand its infrastructure, positioning itself for future growth in the region’s healthcare sector. For investors, this offering provides an opportunity to be part of one of North India’s largest private hospital networks at a crucial phase of expansion.

Also Read: RBI lowers repo rate to 5.25% for economic growth

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Corporate

BAT trims ITC Hotels stake in major block deal

British American Tobacco (BAT) has carried out a significant stake sale in ITC Hotels, offloading around 187.5 million shares through a large block deal. The transaction raised close to ₹3,820 crore, valuing the shares at a floor price of ₹205.60 each.

With this sale, BAT’s shareholding in ITC Hotels drops sharply, from about 15.3% to nearly 6.3%. The sale was executed through an accelerated book-build process and attracted strong market interest, allowing BAT to complete the divestment quickly.

The stake sale forms part of BAT’s ongoing financial strategy. The company has stated that its direct investment in ITC Hotels is not strategically essential, especially after the hotel arm was separated from the parent company ITC Limited and listed as an independent entity earlier this year. BAT received its holding in ITC Hotels as part of that demerger.

The proceeds from the block deal will be used to reduce debt and help the company reach its targeted leverage ratio by 2026. BAT has been actively restructuring its balance sheet and has indicated that lowering borrowings is a priority.

The news created some pressure on ITC Hotels’ stock, which briefly dipped as the market absorbed the large supply of shares. Analysts, however, expect the overhang to ease now that a major stakeholder has completed its planned sale. Many also point to the company’s strong expansion pipeline and favourable hospitality sector trends as support for future performance.

The latest divestment also gives ITC Hotels more room to move forward with its long-term plans under a more diversified shareholding structure, while BAT streamlines its global portfolio and focuses on strengthening its core business.

Also Read: Dream11 reinvents app as interactive sports platform

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Corporate

Adani’s Dighi port to export 2 lakh cars annually with Motherson

Dighi Port, part of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), is set to handle 200,000 cars annually following a strategic partnership with Motherson. The collaboration, through Motherson’s joint venture Samvardhana Motherson Hamakyorex Engineered Logistics Limited (SAMRX), will establish a dedicated RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) terminal at the port in Maharashtra.

The new facility will serve as a key automobile exports hub for the Mumbai-Pune auto belt, supporting India’s “Make in India” initiative by enabling smooth import and export of vehicles to global markets.

Mr. Ashwani Gupta, CEO of APSEZ, said the partnership aims to redefine automotive logistics in India. “Combining APSEZ’s infrastructure with Motherson’s expertise creates a seamless and resilient network for vehicle movement, accelerating trade and enhancing supply chain efficiency,” he added.

Mr. Laksh Vaaman Sehgal, Vice Chairman of Motherson Group, emphasized that the terminal will reduce logistics costs for OEMs while strengthening India’s automotive supply chain.

The RoRo terminal will feature end-to-end vehicle logistics, including single-window operations, AI-driven yard optimization for real-time vehicle tracking, and fast OEM evacuation via NH-66. The port will also support electric vehicle exports with EV-ready infrastructure and provide integrated dashboards for live tracking of cargo volumes.

Dighi Port, strategically located on India’s west coast, is already equipped to handle various cargo types with excellent road connectivity and direct berthing facilities. Its expansion into RoRo operations aligns with APSEZ’s vision of building future-ready logistics hubs.

Also Read: Reliance starts Jio IPO process targeting record valuation

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Technology

Apple Watch in India with hypertension alert

Apple has introduced its new Hypertension Notifications feature for Apple Watch users in India, adding a major health upgrade to the device’s existing tracking capabilities. The feature, now approved for use in the country, analyses long-term cardiovascular patterns to detect signs of possible high blood pressure.

According to Apple, the smartwatch does not measure blood pressure directly like a traditional cuff. Instead, it studies how blood vessels respond to heartbeats and uses 30 days of background data to identify patterns linked to hypertension. If the watch detects consistent signs of elevated blood pressure over this period, it sends a notification advising the user to get a proper medical check-up.

Apple says the feature aims to help users catch early warning signs of hypertension, a condition that often has no symptoms and affects millions of people in India. The notification is not a diagnosis but a prompt to verify readings using a certified blood-pressure monitor and consult a doctor if needed.

The feature is available on supported Apple Watch models running the latest software. Apple also says the feature is designed for users 22 years and older, who are not pregnant and not already diagnosed with hypertension.

The rollout adds to Apple’s broader push into preventive health technology, following earlier features such as ECG, irregular heart rhythm alerts, and blood-oxygen monitoring. By introducing hypertension alerts in India, Apple aims to increase awareness and support early intervention for one of the country’s most common lifestyle diseases.

Also Read: Apple launches film celebrating students with disabilities

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Corporate

Reliance starts Jio IPO process targeting record valuation

The Jio IPO process has officially begun, with Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) starting the formal steps to list its digital and telecom subsidiary, Jio Platforms. This marks a major move toward what could become India’s largest-ever initial public offering. According to people familiar with the matter, the company has started work on the draft prospectus and initiated early discussions with investment banks to shape the structure of the public issue.

The banks involved in these discussions have reportedly proposed a valuation of up to $170 billion for Jio Platforms. If achieved, this valuation would place Jio among India’s most valuable listed companies on debut. It would also make the offering one of the biggest IPOs ever attempted in the country.

Sources indicate that Reliance is expected to formally appoint bankers once India’s updated IPO regulations come into effect. The new rules are expected to allow companies to reduce the minimum dilution requirement, which means Jio may be able to raise significant funds without selling a large stake. At the projected valuation, even a small dilution could help the company raise around $4–4.5 billion.

The timeline for the listing  Jio IPO aligns with earlier announcements made by Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani, who had indicated that Jio would be taken public by the first half of 2026. The current activity suggests the company is moving steadily toward meeting that target.

Jio Platforms, launched commercially in 2016, has grown rapidly to become India’s largest telecom operator with more than 500 million subscribers. Over the years, it has expanded beyond telecom into digital services, broadband, enterprise solutions, and technology platforms. The company has also attracted major global investors in earlier funding rounds, strengthening its position as a digital giant.

If the IPO proceeds as planned, it would surpass previous fundraising records and mark a defining moment for India’s capital markets. It is expected to attract strong interest from domestic and global investors, given Jio’s scale, growth potential, and central role in India’s digital ecosystem.

With the prospectus now in preparation, the Jio IPO is set to become one of the most closely watched market events in the coming year.

Also Read: Andhra allots 480 acres for Adani–Google AI data centre

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Corporate

Andhra allots 480 acres for Adani–Google AI data centre

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the allotment of 480 acres of land to Adani Infra (India) Pvt. Ltd. for setting up a major AI and cloud data-centre project linked to Google. The land parcels are spread across Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts and will be used to build a 1-gigawatt (1 GW) data-centre campus, one of the largest of its kind in India.

The project will be developed by Raiden Infotech India Pvt. Ltd., a company associated with Google. It plans to create a high-capacity data-centre ecosystem capable of supporting advanced AI computing, global cloud services and large-scale digital applications. The facility will be built to the same international standards followed by Google’s global data-centre network, ensuring world-class reliability and performance.

According to official estimates, the overall investment connected to the project is expected to be around ₹87,500 crore over multiple phases. The State government is also offering incentives worth roughly ₹22,000 crore, spread over several years, to support the development of the high-energy, high-capacity data-centre cluster.

Once completed, the 1 GW data centre will require enormous power resources. Officials noted that its full-capacity electricity consumption could be equivalent to nearly half of Mumbai’s annual energy use, highlighting the scale and complexity of the infrastructure planned. This will also require significant upgrades to local power supply systems, connectivity, and green-energy options.

The government said the project will be a major boost to Andhra Pradesh’s position as an emerging technology and digital-services hub. Visakhapatnam, already being developed as the Executive Capital of the State, is expected to benefit from related infrastructure development, job creation and new opportunities for technology companies.

Senior officials believe the project will attract further investments in AI, cloud computing, semiconductor research and advanced data-storage solutions. The presence of a global-standard data centre is also expected to support start-ups, research institutions and digital-first companies looking to build products in India.

With this land allotment, Andhra Pradesh hopes to establish Visakhapatnam as one of the leading centres for AI-driven digital infrastructure in the country, strengthening its long-term economic and technology goals.

Also Read: Chennai’s Dr Anjana to lead IDF global fitness drive

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Leaders

Chennai’s Dr Anjana to lead IDF global fitness drive

Dr R. M. Anjana, Managing Director of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and President of Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), has been appointed Chair of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Working Group on Physical Activity. She will lead the global IDF ‘ACTIVE’ Initiative, promoting exercise across all age groups to prevent diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.

Dr. Anjana is a leading diabetologist and researcher with a Ph.D. from Madras University, and medical degrees including MBBS and MD. She has fellowships from the American College of Physicians, Royal College of Physicians, and American College of Endocrinology.

She has contributed to major studies, including the ICMR‑INDIAB national diabetes survey, and has led research on lifestyle interventions, mobile health, and community programs. She has published over 250 research papers and received awards such as the ICMR Shakuntala Amir Chand Prize and the Research Excellence Recognition Award.

The IDF initiative aims to turn research into practical programs, such as fitness activities in schools, workplaces, and communities, digital tools for tracking physical activity, and recognition for “fitness ambassadors.” Dr. Anjana will also focus on global collaboration with regional balance and gender diversity.

Speaking on her appointment, Dr. Anjana called physical inactivity a global health crisis and stressed the need for practical, action-oriented strategies to increase physical activity worldwide.

Also Read: Japan’s JFE Steel, JSW Steel form ₹15,750 cr Bhushan Power JV

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Corporate

Japan’s JFE Steel, JSW Steel form ₹15,750 cr Bhushan Power JV

Japanese steel major JFE Steel is investing ₹15,750 crore to acquire a 50% stake in a new joint venture with JSW Steel, focused on running the Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd. (BPSL) business. The deal marks a significant step for both companies in strengthening India’s steel sector while unlocking growth potential for JSW.

Under the agreement, BPSL’s integrated steel plant in Odisha, along with its associated iron‑ore mine, will be transferred to the JV through a “slump sale.” The total valuation of these assets is estimated at around ₹24,483 crore, with JFE’s investment planned in two tranches.

JSW Steel acquired BPSL in 2021 when the company was distressed. Since then, the plant’s crude steel capacity has expanded from 2.75 million tonnes per year to 4.5 million tonnes, supporting roughly 25,000 jobs. With the new JV, the aim is to further increase production to 10 million tonnes per year by 2030, combining JSW’s operational expertise with JFE’s technical strengths in steelmaking.

For JSW, the partnership is also strategically important. The cash inflow and the transfer of debt will help de-leverage its balance sheet, providing financial flexibility for future growth while sharing risk with a global partner. Analysts view the move as a smart way to unlock value and strengthen JSW’s position in the market.

The collaboration builds on a long-standing alliance between JSW and JFE that began in 2009. As India’s steel demand grows, the partnership positions both companies to capitalize on opportunities while ensuring the BPSL plant achieves its full potential.

In the coming months, attention will be on the completion of the asset transfer and the gradual ramp-up of production at BPSL. The JV is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of steel manufacturing in India, balancing expansion with financial prudence and long-term strategic growth.

Also Read: Cipla, Stempeutics unveil first stem‑cell therapy for knees

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Technology

Apple launches film celebrating students with disabilities

Apple has unveiled a new short film, I’m Not Remarkable. It highlights how built-in accessibility features help students with disabilities take part fully in campus life. The film does not portray students as extraordinary or inspirational just because of their disabilities. Instead, it focuses on their everyday experiences. Students attend lectures, join group activities, socialize with friends, and enjoy college events. The film shows how technology can remove barriers and support independence.

The film is directed by Kim Gehrig, acclaimed for her Emmy-winning 2022 accessibility short, The Greatest. Gehrig transforms ordinary campus moments into a vibrant musical, featuring Deaf and disabled students performing a celebratory number, composed by Tim Minchin. This approach reframes accessibility not as a special accommodation, but as an integral part of inclusive design.

Apple highlights its range of accessibility tools, including VoiceOver, Magnifier, Braille Access, AssistiveTouch for iPad and Apple Watch, Live Captions, Sound & Name Recognition, and the Accessibility Reader. Each feature is designed to empower students with varying abilities, enabling them to learn, connect, and participate independently in daily campus life.

Through I’m Not Remarkable, Apple reinforces the importance of accessibility in technology and education. The company’s message is that inclusive design is not optional or auxiliary but it is essential for creating equal opportunities. By presenting students with disabilities as everyday college-goers rather than subjects of pity or inspiration, Apple demonstrates the real-world impact of accessible technology, emphasizing empowerment, independence, and confidence.

The film also reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, showcasing how accessibility features can enhance experiences not only for students with disabilities but for broader society as well. I’m Not Remarkable is available across Apple’s platforms, offering an inspiring perspective on how thoughtful design and technology can make education and social life fully accessible to all.

Also Read: NTT to spend ₹2,400 crore in Bengaluru data‑centre campus