MUMBAI: Times Now has introduced several initiatives to capture the spirit of the 29th Olympiad. One of these is to launch a focused show hosted by Charu Sharma on the 2008 Olympics - ‘GoldFest‘. Expressing his enthusiasm, Charu Sharma said, "The Olympics is the mecca of all sport, and as a sports buff I couldn‘t have asked for anything more. Times Now‘s initiative for comprehensive coverage of the Olympics ensures that Beijing Games receive the attention and prominence they deserve. Along with that, the analysis by our experts help in giving an all-round perspective."

The show reflects the nailbiting excitement that surrounds the sporting event with reports from the venue,analysis by guests like former athletics star Ashwani Nachappa and world renowned shooter Morad Ali Khan, interviews with the Indian contingents, Olympics trivia, moments of the day and lots more. The show also offers the viewers a chance to exhibit their enthusiasm by participating in various quizzes and contest related to the current and past Olympiad Games. ‘Goldfest‘ kicks off on August 7 and will be aired every night at 10:30 pm till the end of the Olympics, August 24.

Speaking on the unique initiative to provide comprehensive coverage of the Olympics, Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief, Times Now said, "As a channel, we have always given precedence to an event that impacts our audiences, irrespective of whether it is being held in India or elsewhere. The 2008 Olympics is a benchmark in history and with a prominent Indian presence at the games this year, Times Now viewers have an opportunity to catch all the action from Beijing."

Times Now will also host an Olympics special in its comprehensive sports show ‘The Game‘ with Boria Majumdar and incorporate regular updates on the Olympics as a part of their daily news bulletins to keep the viewers constantly updated about the latest happenings. Commenting on his involvement with Times Now, Boria Majumdar said, "Olympics is the biggest spectacle in the world and I am really excited that it is taking place in Asia after such a long time. I truly appreciate Times Now‘s initiative for giving attention to a significant global event in a country that has focused entirely on cricket."

MUMBAI: This week Salaam Zindagi brings you four beautiful love stories of couples who crossed the boundaries of religion and caste to be with each other. For Russian-born Natalia and Ajay, geographical limits were not an issue when they thought of being together. Different religions and cultures have helped them, and other such couples, imbibe the best of both worlds. They respect each other and their religion is to make the world a happier place to live in.

Watch Naghma Sehar as she discusses the important issues about mixed marriages with Nafisa Ali and her husband Col. R. S. Sodhi this Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 6:00 pm and its repeat telecast on August 11, 2008 at 2:30 pm (Part I), and August 12, 2008 at 2:30 pm (Part II), only on NDTV India.

MUMBAI: Sujata is baffled to meet Veeresh‘s mother after so many years? even more shocked is the harrowing fact that she has just 20 days to live, as per the predictions! While she is trying to cope with the prediction about her death she receives a phone call to say that her son Sam is in danger. Sam in the meantime is trying to hide in his bid to escape from the clutches of the drug peddler and finally meets with an accident and is unconscious. Sujata in her anxiety to fulfill her mother-in-law‘s dying wish & see her husband‘s success she pressurizes Veeresh to have the launch of Sara Creations immediately.

Sara Creations, Veeresh‘s most prestigious brand, is being launched amidst great fanfare with the industry‘s who‘s who attending it. This is the day Veeresh has dreamt about, the day when he will make it to the league as of one of India‘s finest entrepreneurs. The stage is set for the launch? in walks in Veeresh‘s business tycoon father & mother (Sujata invites them) to be a part of his eventful day. What transpires there was something both Sujata & Veeresh least expected. An angry Veeresh blames Sujata for messing up his future and his new launch.

Why was Veeresh blaming Sujata for the series of incidents at the launch? All she wanted was to see her husband‘s success. A completely dejected Veeresh breaks down before his partner Menka, who uses the opportunity knowing fully well that he is vulnerable. A distraught Sujata goes to meet Veeresh only to find her husband Veeresh in bed with Menka!

Stay tuned to Sujata from Monday-Thursday at 10.00 p.m. only on Sony Entertainment Television.

MUMBAI: From a culinary journey with a monsoon flavour in Kerala to a holistic high in an old palace in Gwalior... join NDTV Good Times as they whet your senses like never before. From a family holiday in Goa to a Royal Reservation in Rajasthan? let the monsoons take over this August ... let the Good Times begin!

In this first episode, join Salma as she explores Kerala, God‘s own country. and enter the world of tranquility, serenity and natural beauty at this exotic destination. Be transported to a paradise where land, sea and sky come together in a union of elements. Experience an unforgettable journey along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala.

Watch out for the much awaited ‘Rain‘ with Salma Merchant, starting August 8, 2008, Friday at 10.00 pm and a repeat telecast on August 10, 2008, Sunday at 9.30 pm only on NDTV Good Times.

MUMBAI: In response to the growing interest in the Indian market, CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, and partner Network18, strengthen collaboration through the creation of "The India Business Report", a branded segment specifically on India, aired on CNBC‘s Worldwide Exchange.

The launch of the ‘The India Business Report‘, on Worldwide Exchange, today, will provide Indian businesses & advertisers one seamless offering to reach out to corporate decision makers, institutional & retail investors and high net worth individuals in over 100 countries across the world on all CNBC platforms. Similarly, global clients with an interest in the Indian market will be provided with effective tailor made integrated marketing solutions offered by CNBC.

During the segment, CNBC-TV18‘s and CNBC Awaaz reporters will provide LIVE reporting of the biggest breaking business, financial and economic news and information from India. India is taking center stage in the global economic order, and reports from credible and experienced CNBC - Network 18 journalists, live from India, will add a powerful dimension to the Worldwide Exchange. This segment will be aired globally anytime between 4.40 pm SIN / HK, 10.40 am CET (9.40 am in the UK) and 4.40 am EST in the US.

"We have gained enormously through our partnership with CNBC in the past few years, as we have progressed to making CNBC-TV18 and CNBC AWAAZ India‘s benchmark business brands. Today, both channels lead from the front in the business news & information space with a loyal diversified viewership base and a strong editorial legacy " said Sai Kumar, Group COO,Network18. "We see immense benefits by scaling up our engagement - from the perspectives of both the viewers and advertisers. A lot of Indian companies are looking at capital raising abroad, tapping International consumer & trade markets & investors. The CNBC franchise will be an ideal partner in these efforts, in terms of providing opportunities as well as building awareness levels among audiences that matter. "

Anil Uniyal, COO, Network18 Media & TV18 Media Operations observed "Apart from the content synergies, there are compelling brand building opportunities that will be available to partners through the combined scale & scope of the CNBC franchise. From customized sales packages to unique content sponsorship options for both inbound and outbound clients, from on air properties to on ground initiatives involving multiple formats, the canvas of offerings will be comprehensive and as addressable to client objectives as possible. Vishal Srivasatava, from our senior sales leadership team will be managing this effort for us. We believe that through his expertise and along with a strong dedicated team, we will add tremendous value to clients and partners".

"India is clearly one of the world‘s growth engines, and we believe its time to reflect this economic transformation by building on our strong and successful partnership with Network18," said Jeremy Pink, President and Managing Director, CNBC Asia Pacific. "The addition of the "The India Business Report" on Worldwide Exchange, expands the breadth and depth of our global business and financial news coverage, providing CNBC‘s global audiences, enhanced access into one of the strongest emerging economies in the world, and therefore, a more thorough and complete picture of the global economy."

CNBC and Network18 plan to have a gradual but sustained build up through content and advertising initiatives, which will create value to the Indian market accessing a global audience, as well as to International investors and companies accessing the Indian market.

MUMBAI: Vodafone Essar has partnered with Sony BMG to offer its customers an exclusive Vodafone Music Sale.

Vodafone customers can purchase albums of their favourite artists such as Jagjit Singh, AR Rehman, Strings, Kenny G, Pink Floyd and hosts of other artists at the rate of just Rs 89 onwards.

The Vodafone Music sale will take place between 8-10 August at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hall, Bandra (W) between 11am to 8 pm.

Vodafone subscribers have an option to choose from over 8000 international titles and 2500 film, pop and classical titles, as well as several movie titles.

Vodafone Essar Mumbai CEO Naveen Chopra said "We have always aimed to bring maximum value to our customers. The tie-up with Sony BMG is another step towards offering our customers a wide range of music collections to choose from at extremely affordable rates"