Factual
MSO Pacenet to tie up for India’s first domestic payment brand
MUMBAI: The implementation of the conditional access system (CAS) has definitely ushered in an era of new business opportunities for the trade constituents.
A multi-system operator (MSO) Broadband Pacenet India (BPI) is forging an alliance with a consortium of 12 international promoters who are in the process of launching a smart card based payment mode for cable consumers and others who wish to avail of the service.
BPI promoters – well known personalities in the cable business – Jagjit Singh Kohli (chairman of BPI and director of ETC Networks) and S Ravindran (BPI CEO) – informed indiantelevision.com about this latest development while speaking at a seminar on CAS held in Mumbai.
BPI officials said that the promoters have decided to brand India’s first domestic indigenous payment gateway as “Zero”. Zero will be available to all those cable subscribers who invest in a set top box (STB). The launch of Zero will coincide with the launch of CAS services and its implementation across metros. The service will be offered and publicised through a network of cable operators.
According to BPI officials, the promoters of Zero have obtained the requisite Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clearances and The State Bank of India will be the participating bank. While speaking to indiantelevision.com, BPI CEO Ravindran says: “Zero will be positioned as India’s first multi-application card that will provide consumers with access to a wide array of financial options.”
According to information available, Zero will have the potential to threaten global players such as Visa, MasterCard and AMEX. BPI official Nayan adds: “Zero will offer much more than the traditional companies such as VISA, Mastercard and Amex at no extra costs. The services include financial applications, loyalty programmes, debit card services, credit card services, e-purse facilities, access card facilities and entitlement card facilities. More importantly, merchant establishments won’t be charged extra transactions costs.” At present, global players such as Visa and Amex charge anything between 2.5 to four per cent.
Zero is also slated to be an interoperable card and users won’t have to pay anything extra if they conduct transactions in banks who have an agreement with member banks. The promoters plan to increase the network to 63 cities in the country.
BPI’s Ravindran says that Zero will offer an added revenue stream to cable operators in the post-CAS scenario. “Even if consumers take time to adopt STBs, services such as Zero will empower cable operators to earn more during the interim period.”
Looks as if MSOs are using every trick in the trade to make the CAS regime attractive to the constituents.
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.
