Factual
Baseline Ventures sends legal notice to Discovery Communications
Mumbai: Baseline Ventures has filed a legal notice to Discovery Communications India for fulfilling a pending payment owed to it by the Volleyball Federation of India.
Discovery Communications is set to enter a contract with the Volleyball Federation of India for the purpose of telecasting the recently announced Volleyball League on their Eurosports channels.
According to a ruling dated 21 November 2020, an arbitral tribunal presided by retired justice K Kannan had directed the Volleyball Federation of India to pay a sum of Rs four crore with 12 per cent per annum in interest and a sum of Rs five lakh as costs to Baseline Ventures.
In the legal notice, Baseline Ventures, IP owner of Prime Volleyball League, noted that the volleyball body failed to comply with the payment, resulting in the sports marketing and promotion company filing an execution petition before the Madras high court for a sum of Rs 4,53,86,509, along with future interest. The legal notice also mentioned that the revised payment has also not been paid.
“Baseline is owed over Rs six crore by this body as decided by the courts. On hearing that Discovery Sport wants to broadcast this, we have made them a party to this sum as they are signing a contract with the same body. Discovery needs to be aware of the legal history of this agreement and the dues still owed to us,” said Prime Volleyball League CEO Joy Bhattacharjya.
At the same time, the secretary-general of the Volleyball Federation of India Mohd Akram Khan also wrote to Discovery Communications India, noting that the inception of the Volleyball League set to be broadcasted on the channel by the name of EuroSports, was created by a small unrecognised faction of Volleyball Federation of India. The notice also added that the same faction had conducted a parallel election in the federation and was not approved by any constitutional authority and the status of the election is being decided by the Supreme Court.
The ministry of youth affairs and sports have not renewed the recognition of the Volleyball Federation of India for the term 2020-24 and there are no office bearers of VFI in the records of the ministry, stated the legal notice. “The so-called ‘VFI’ is not recognized by the ministry of youth affairs and sport since 2020,” Bhattacharjya added.
“We challenge this so-called VFI to provide evidence that FIVB, the world volleyball body, is actually supporting this event as claimed. If they cannot provide the same, they are cheating players and the public.” he further said.
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
