eNews
Big FM hits the airwaves as official radio partner for Hockey India League 2024-25
Mumbai: It’s a sound decision. The Hockey India League (HIL) has got into bed with Big FM for the 2024-25 season as the official radio partner. This partnership seeks to connect hockey with millions of fans and amplify the message of #IndiaKaGame throughout the nation.
A press release states that the HIL kicks off on 28 December 2024, featuring an exciting lineup of eight men’s teams and four women’s teams competing in Rourkela and Ranchi. Notably, this season also marks the debut of the Women’s Hockey India League, reinforcing Hockey India’s commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of women in sports.
BIG FM COO Sunil Kumaran highlighted that hockey holds a special place in the hearts of millions. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to spreading awareness about the sport’s legacy and significance. Together, we aim to shine a spotlight on hockey’s incredible journey and inspire a deeper appreciation for the sport across the country,” he said.
HIL governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey said, “Radio has a unique ability to connect with people in the remotest corners of the country, making it the perfect medium to promote hockey. With BIG FM’s engaging content and nationwide reach, we aim to make hockey a household conversation. This partnership will spark excitement across India and bring more fans closer to IndiaKaGame. Together, we’re confident of taking the Hockey India League to new heights of popularity.”
HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh added, “BIG FM’s captivating narrative style and broad reach make it an ideal partner to grow hockey’s fanbase. Through this association, we aim to unite the country in support of IndiaKaGame and inspire millions to cheer for our national sport.”
With Big FM listeners can stay tuned to every match and cheer for their favourite teams and players.
? Exciting News! Doordarshan Sports is the official national broadcaster of the Hockey India League, starting 28th Dec 2024! ?
Together, let’s make India ka Game – Hockey a celebration in every home. ??@ddsportschannel #HockeyIndiaLeague #BiggerBetterBolder #IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/u3d6oDJRZD
— Hockey India League (@HockeyIndiaLeag) November 30, 2024
All information about the Hockey India League can also be found on the newly launched website: https://hockeyindialeague.com/
eNews
PNB partners Kiwi to launch credit-enabled UPI for users
Targets 180 million customers; RuPay card offers 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent cashback
MUMBAI: Swipe, tap, or scan credit is quietly slipping into the rhythm of everyday payments, and Punjab National Bank wants in on the action. The state-run lender has partnered with Kiwi to roll out credit-enabled UPI payments for its 180 million customers, marking a significant push to blend traditional banking with India’s fast-evolving digital payments ecosystem.
At the centre of the collaboration is the launch of the PNB Kiwi Credit Card on the RuPay network. The card is designed with a digital-first approach, offering fully online onboarding and seamless integration with UPI, allowing users to transact via scan-and-pay while accessing credit.
The offering also brings in a rewards layer, with cashback ranging from 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent on online transactions, positioning the product as both a convenience play and a spending incentive.
The move comes as UPI continues to dominate India’s digital payments landscape, increasingly blurring the lines between debit-led transactions and credit access. For PNB, which operates over 10,000 branches around 60 per cent in semi-urban and rural areas, the partnership signals a targeted effort to extend formal credit to segments that have traditionally remained underserved.
The collaboration also reflects a broader industry shift, where banks and fintech platforms are converging to embed credit directly into payment flows, reducing friction while expanding access.
With RuPay credit cards gaining traction and UPI evolving beyond peer-to-peer transfers, the PNB–Kiwi tie-up positions both players at the intersection of scale, accessibility, and the next phase of digital finance in India.
