Brands
Transhuman Collective, TransSpace join hands for immersive virtual concert to support Covid2019 warriors
NEW DELHI: The ongoing Covid2019 crisis has stressed the world economy, healthcare facilities, and human movement across the globe. One of the worst-hit countries, India, has been dealing with several challenges of its own to keep the public spirits up as it treats a growing number of patients daily. The frontline workers at this time have been the most dedicated despite being at the highest risk of getting infections. They are demanding massive respect and support from all over the country.
And now, to contribute their own bit towards the safety of these medical health workers, Transhuman Collective, along with few friends from the alternative music and arts community, is organising a vibrant virtual music festival called UNRATED, with the aim to raise Rs 1 million in order to provide PPE Kits to them. The show will deliver a live cinematic and immersive experience using augmented reality, 3D projection, sound-reactive lights, etc in real-time. They have collaborated with GiveIndia for the virtual charity show. TransSpace is helping with the technical aspects of the show.
Transhuman Collective co-founder Soham Sarcar told Indiantelevision.com, “As we believe each and everyone needs to do their bit, we at Transhuman Collective along with our group of friends from the alternative music and arts community have come together to host UNRATED. The event is open to all across the globe in a hope of raising Rs 1 million to provide PPE kits for our medical health workers. Our ambition is to get this message out loud and far.”
TransSpace co-founder Sidhraj Shah added, “Covid2019 is probably one such pandemic where we’ve seen calamities on multiple fronts and scale, almost feels like living in a Stephen King meets Zombieland movie. I am personally inspired by the unity and spirit of some of the companies and the common public. Many of them have come together to face this adversity with positive hope. It is essential to stand strong and win against the battle of Covid2019. Almost all major brands not only from the tech service but also across sectors have provided large donations in the form of cash and kind to support our farmers, migrants, poverty-stricken etc. We, with our event UNRATED look forward to achieving our Mission Million.”
The event is not being organised with the aim to monetise is and is free for all viewers across the globe. However, the organisers are urging the viewers to donate to their Mission Million cause.
Shah quipped, “Our aim is not to monetise, but to encourage our audience to donate any amount they wish towards Mission Million which is directly managed by GiveIndia to purchase and provide PPE Kits to our Covid2019 warriors. We are fortunate enough to have the support of our artists’ friends and artist management agencies who were quite prompt in agreeing to collaborate with us for the event – UNRATED I Mission Million.”
The immersive event is going to be a technical extravaganza with Realtime 3D technology, sound-reactive lights, augmented reality, holographic, projection mapping et al, being used to create a magnificent experience for the viewers.
Sarcar believes that the virtual events business is only going to pick up from here and is excited to host this exciting event, that too for a good cause. He said, “Covid2019 has accelerated technological growth at possibly 10x across most walks of life. We are observing that the school kids are now having their lectures online. Similarly, for the event industry to function in this nationwide lockdown, it becomes crucial for us to adopt technologies and opt for virtual events. This is the only option left where we could survive in the prevailing circumstances. I personally believe this is the best method to adopt for the years to come.”
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Brands
Jubilant Foodworks to end Dunkin’ franchise in India
Pizza chain operator will not renew agreement when it expires at end of 2026.
MUMBAI: When the doughnuts stop turning and the coffee goes cold, even a global giant like Dunkin’ can find the Indian market a tough brew to crack. Jubilant Foodworks has decided not to renew its franchise agreement with Dunkin’ when the pact expires on 31 December 2026, according to a Reuters report. The operator, best known for running Domino’s outlets in India, said it would evaluate options for its existing Dunkin’ stores, including a potential sale or transfer of franchise rights, in consultation with the US-based brand.
The decision follows years of underperformance in a market where local tastes and intense competition have made it difficult for international coffee-and-doughnut formats to gain traction. Jubilant, which has increasingly focused on its core pizza business and newer bets like Popeyes, indicated that the exit would not materially affect its financial or operational position.
Dunkin’ accounted for just 0.61 per cent of Jubilant’s revenue in the fiscal year ending 2025 and recorded a loss of approximately Rs 191 million, according to a regulatory filing. The company operated 27 outlets as of December 2025, having shuttered seven stores over the preceding year.
The retreat comes even as Jubilant’s broader business shows signs of momentum. The company reported a 65 per cent rise in quarterly profit for the October to December period, reaching Rs 70.9 crore, up from Rs 42.91 crore a year earlier.
For Jubilant, the exit reflects a sharpening strategic focus. For Dunkin’, it marks another setback in a market that has proven resistant to imported café concepts without significant localisation.
In the cut-throat world of Indian quick-service restaurants, sometimes the sweetest deals are the ones you quietly walk away from leaving more room for the brands that truly rise to the occasion.
