iWorld
JioStar can now block illegal cricket streams as they appear
DELHI: JioStar India has secured a potent weapon in its battle against digital pirates. The Delhi high court has granted the broadcaster sweeping powers to block illegal streaming websites on the fly, with no fresh court orders needed, as cricket fever grips the subcontinent.
The ex-parte injunction covers two marquee tournaments: the ICC Under-19 men’s cricket World Cup, running from 15th January to 6th February 2026, and the ICC men’s T20 cricket World Cup, scheduled from 7th February to 8th March 2026. JioStar holds exclusive broadcast and digital streaming rights for both competitions under a media rights agreement with the International Cricket Council, which it monetises through its television channels and OTT platform, JioHotstar.
The court recognised the whack-a-mole nature of modern piracy. Rogue websites pop up through mirrors and redirect domains faster than authorities can shut them down. Any delay in blocking, the judges observed, would inflict irreparable harm, drain revenues and dilute JioStar’s exclusive rights.
Domain name registrars, internet service providers, the department of telecommunications and the ministry of electronics and information technology must now block identified rogue websites immediately upon JioStar’s say-so. The dynamic enforcement mechanism means newly discovered infringing sites can be throttled forthwith during the tournaments, with no need to queue up before a judge each time.
The ruling underscores a hardening judicial stance. Injunctions in piracy cases must be effective, dynamic and technology-responsive, especially where content is generated and infringed in real time. For JioStar, it is game on. For the pirates, the net is closing fast.
e-commerce
Samsung Galaxy S26 series now available for instant delivery on Instamart
AI powered flagship phones start at Rs 87,999 with launch offers up to Rs 9,000.
MUMBAI: In the age of quick commerce, even flagship smartphones are learning to arrive at your doorstep at lightning speed. Instamart has partnered with Samsung to make the newly launched Galaxy S26 series available for instant purchase on the quick commerce platform, expanding the category beyond groceries and daily essentials into premium consumer electronics.
The Galaxy S26 lineup, which includes the S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26, is now available across several major Indian cities including Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Pune, among others.
The flagship series introduces several new features, led by what Samsung describes as the world’s first built in Privacy Display on a smartphone, available exclusively on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The display is designed to enhance privacy while unlocking a new class of screen experiences.
The devices also integrate agentic artificial intelligence designed to quietly manage routine tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on more meaningful interactions with their device.
Positioned as a major step forward in AI powered smartphones, the Galaxy S26 Ultra also introduces enhancements in areas such as nightography photography and Photo Assist tools, aimed at improving low light imaging and AI driven creative editing.
Through the partnership, Instamart is extending its quick commerce proposition to high value electronics, allowing customers to order the Galaxy S26 series and receive it almost instantly once sales go live.
The Galaxy S26 series will be available starting at Rs 87,999. As part of the launch offers on Instamart, customers can avail an instant discount of up to Rs 9,000 using an HDFC Bank credit card. Buyers can also opt for No Cost EMI options for up to 9 months.
The move reflects the growing overlap between quick commerce and consumer electronics, as platforms race to deliver not just groceries but also premium technology products with the same promise of speed and convenience.
