iWorld
National Feather Award: NxtDigital’s NxtHub bags ‘Best Innovative Project of the Year’
Mumbai: The prestigious National Feather Award for the ‘Best Innovative Project of the Year’ was awarded to NxtDigital Ltd (NDL) for its innovative and future-ready digital NxtHub project at a function here. The NxtHub is a one-stop digital solution – delivering digital TV, broadband, OTT and Wi-Fi.
The NxtHub concept was designed and rolled out by NxtDigital Ltd, the media vertical of the global Hinduja Group and India’s premier integrated digital platforms company, with a presence in digital cable, satellite (Hits), broadband, Wi-Fi, content and OTT distribution and teleshopping. NDL has a presence in more than 4,500 pin codes, covering over 1,500 cities and towns.
The NxtHubs are owned and operated by NDL and equipped with the latest technology comprising an ADDS or Advanced Digital Distribution System – with the capability to deliver over 650 Digital TV services received via satellite to Last Mile Owners (LMOs) and their end subscribers. NxtHub’s avant-garde technology, with the plug-and-play model eliminates the need for LMOs to invest in headend and related technology, whilst being able to give their customers, the width and depth of digital services. Expanding the current offering that includes digital video, broadband, OTT and Wi-Fi; these NxtHubs are future-ready to offer a slew of additional digital services to a wider geography.
NDL has set up over 90 NxtHubs and is in the process of rolling out more, strengthening its footprint across the country to ensure affordable digital services to all, in line with the government’s vision of a ‘Digital India.’
“NDL has always been at the forefront of innovation, using technology to boost digitisation of our networks and endeavoring to deliver the best to our customers,” stated NDL COO NK Rouse. “Our focus continues to be on strengthening the overall ecosystem by harnessing the convergence of technologies, delivered through a national network of NxtHubs.”
The NxtHub project is spearheaded by Manoj Agarwal, who is the commercial director at NDL. “This prestigious award reflects our vision and mission of a complete digital transformation. Digital TV, OTT, Wi-Fi and broadband are the start of expanding our digital highway of services that have been developed by NxtDigital,” stated Agarwal.
iWorld
JioHotstar enters micro-drama space with 100 shows under Tadka banner
Short-form push targets 300M users as content meets commerce in new format
MUMBAI: JioStar has made a bold play in India’s fast-growing micro-drama space, rolling out over 100 short-form shows under its new Tadka banner on JioHotstar, timed with the massive viewership surge of the Indian Premier League 2026.
The scale of the launch signals clear intent. Rather than testing the waters, the company has dived in headfirst, releasing a wide slate of content on day one. Each show is designed for quick consumption, with episodes running 60 to 90 seconds in a vertical format tailored for mobile-first audiences.
The move comes as India’s micro-drama market, currently valued at around $300 million, is projected to grow tenfold to over $3 billion by 2030. Globally, the format has already proven its mettle, with China’s micro-drama sector recording explosive growth in recent years.
What sets this rollout apart is its built-in monetisation strategy. The shows are free to watch and ad-supported, with brand integrations woven directly into storylines from the outset. It reflects a broader shift where content and commerce are increasingly intertwined, rather than operating in silos.
The timing is equally strategic. With more than 300 million users already tuning in for IPL action, JioHotstar is effectively turning cricket’s biggest stage into a discovery engine for its new format.
The company is not entering an empty arena. Early movers like Kuku TV, MX Player and platforms backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises have already laid the groundwork, building audiences and validating demand for snackable storytelling.
Now, with scale, distribution and advertiser interest aligning, the big players are stepping in. For JioStar, Tadka may well serve as a proving ground for the next evolution of digital entertainment, where every minute counts and every second sells.
If the bet pays off, India’s next big content wave might just arrive in under 90 seconds.
