
Mukund Acharya joins Sony Pictures Networks India as chief technology officer
(SPNI) has appointed
Mukund Acharya
as its new
Chief Technology Officer
(CTO), effective today.
He joins SPNI from Disney+
Hotstar
(now JioHostar), where he was Head of Engineering.
In his new role, Acharya will lead the company's consolidated technology portfolio, which includes the
Enterprise Technology Group
(ETG), LIV Technology, and Broadcast Operations and Network Engineering (B.O.N.E.).
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Invest today with in Shriram's ULIP
Shriram Life Insurance
Undo
He will drive SPNI's
digital transformation
agenda, champion innovation, and ensure strategic alignment between business goals and technology initiatives across the company's linear and digital platforms.
Bringing over 29 years of experience in leading technology teams and executing large-scale transformations, Acharya offers deep expertise in platform engineering, scalability, and product innovation.
Live Events
During his tenure at JioStar, the merged entity formed after the merger of Star India and Viacom18, he oversaw critical projects, including the integration of the
JioCinema
and Hotstar apps, and the seamless delivery of major events such as the ICC World Cups in 2023, 2024, and 2025. His previous roles include senior technology leadership positions at Yahoo, InMobi, and other global organisations.
Acharya will report to Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director and CEO of SPNI, and will also collaborate closely with the leadership team at Sony LIV to support the next phase of the platform's evolution and growth.
Commenting on the appointment, Banerjee said, 'Mukund's proven leadership in technology-led transformation makes him an invaluable addition to our team. As we expand our digital and
broadcast capabilities
, his role will be critical in aligning our technology roadmap with our vision for growth and innovation.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
How saying yes to overwork can hinder success: 5 lessons professionals need to learn
Modern workplaces run on an unspoken currency: Employees' willingness to say 'yes.' Yes to staying late, yes to filling in for colleagues, yes to tasks far removed from one's actual role. For decades, this readiness has been celebrated as ambition, commitment, even loyalty. But a new report exposes the darker side of this culture: workers are paying a heavy price for carrying burdens that extend well beyond their job descriptions. LiveCareer's Hidden Costs and Rewards of Extra Work Report (December 2024), based on a survey of 1,160 US employees, lays bare a paradox that defines today's labour force. On the surface, saying 'yes' can open doors, sharpen skills, promotions beckon, and paychecks fatten. But beneath that thin layer of reward lies a corrosive truth: Overwork is pushing nearly all employees toward burnout, leaving them stretched, fatigued, and disillusioned. The findings challenge one of the most enduring myths of modern careers, that extra work is always the highway to success. Instead, the survey paints a portrait of a workforce trapped in a cycle of pressure, compliance, and exhaustion, where the costs often outweigh the gains. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo A culture of overextension The numbers from the report paint a sobering picture. 77% of employees take on responsibilities outside their role at least weekly, with more than a third facing such requests daily. Only 3% say they are never asked to do more. The concept of 'extra' work, once seen as occasional, has become structurally embedded in workplace operations. This isn't about 'going the extra mile,' it's about a workplace survival strategy that relies on stretching human capacity until boundaries blur. Burnout: The hidden epidemic The toll is undeniable. A staggering 93% of employees report burnout as a direct consequence of accepting extra work. Nearly 60% say they frequently feel drained because they cannot say no. Burnout has become less of a red flag and more of a badge employees are forced to wear, a silent marker of endurance in an unforgiving environment. The normalization of this fatigue raises a critical question: When exhaustion becomes the default, is the system itself broken? Why saying 'no' rarely happen Despite the consequences, most employees still comply. 56% admit they feel pressured into saying yes, while 27% cite direct managerial influence. Recognition (24%), the desire to be seen as a team player (23%), and career ambitions (18%) also drive compliance. Only 11% set boundaries and refuse additional work. This imbalance underscores a workplace psychology where declining requests is equated with jeopardizing one's future. In a precarious labour market, self-preservation often means self-sacrifice. Where the work comes from What makes this overextension even more insidious is its source. It isn't limited to one layer of authority: 23% of requests come from direct managers, 22% from senior leaders, 22% from coworkers, 21% from other team managers, and even 13% from HR. The expectation to do more is everywhere, woven into every layer of hierarchy. The tasks themselves are telling, administrative duties, event planning, overtime, mentoring, or covering for absent colleagues. These aren't career-advancing stretch projects; they're organizational gaps papered over by human labor. The rewards that keep people hooked Yet, the story isn't entirely bleak. One in three employees credits extra work with skill development, financial rewards, or closer colleague relationships. About 31% even report career advancement opportunities. In fact, 90% of respondents feel fairly compensated for their additional contributions, and more than half believe their efforts are critical to business survival. But the benefits are uneven. Older workers (41+) are far more likely to see fairness and advancement opportunities than their younger counterparts, who often perceive the trade-off as thankless. A question of sustainability The dual reality is stark: Extra work brings rewards, but also crippling burnout. When nearly every employee admits to being overburdened, the problem ceases to be individual; it is systemic. The culture of relentless 'yes' may keep businesses afloat in the short term, but it breeds long-term instability, eroding mental health, engagement, and retention. Redrawing the boundaries What LiveCareer's report uncovers is more than statistics; it is a mirror held up to modern workplaces. Saying 'yes' has become a default response, not out of enthusiasm, but compulsion. Companies may celebrate it as commitment, but in truth, it reflects a structure built on overreliance and exhaustion. The task ahead is twofold: Employees must find the courage to draw boundaries, and employers must confront their dependence on burnout economics. Until then, the corporate culture of 'yes' will remain less about opportunity and more about erosion of energy, balance, and dignity at work. Lessons professionals need to learn In today's hyper-competitive workplace, many professionals believe that saying yes to every task is the surest way to climb the ladder. Yet, the reality is often the opposite. Overcommitment drains energy, blurs focus, and creates a cycle where effort outweighs achievement. True success lies not in endless hustle, but in mastering balance and discernment. Boundaries safeguard growth Agreeing to every request leaves little room for strategic work. Setting boundaries allows professionals to channel time and energy into projects that drive meaningful results. Productivity isn't about hours logged Staying late may look impressive, but output matters more than optics. Professionals who focus on efficiency often deliver stronger results than those stuck in the cycle of overwork. Burnout destroys long-term potential Short-term wins earned through exhaustion come at the cost of health, creativity, and sustainability. Protecting well-being ensures careers last and flourish. Selective commitments build credibility Saying yes to everything dilutes quality. By prioritizing key responsibilities, professionals establish a reputation for reliability and excellence. Rest is a competitive advantage Recovery sharpens judgment, strengthens resilience, and boosts leadership potential. In a world that glorifies busyness, choosing rest can set professionals apart. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
US tariffs impact on jobs: Nearly 3 lakh workers at risk in textiles and gems; Here's what experts say
The steep tariffs imposed on Indian exports to the US have triggered sharp debate among staffing specialists, with some flagging the risk of immediate job losses and others suggesting that India's domestic demand and trade diversification could soften the blow. 'The recent imposition of additional US tariffs is expected to have a direct and substantial impact on India's employment landscape. This will especially impact those industries relying heavily on the US market for business continuity and growth,' Genius HRTech founder, chairman and managing director R P Yadav told PTI. Yadav identified textiles, auto components, agriculture, and gems and jewellery as the most vulnerable sectors, warning that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will absorb the heaviest shock. He estimated that 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 jobs are at immediate risk, with textiles alone—being labour-intensive—potentially losing as many as 1,00,000 positions if the tariff regime remains in force for over six months. He further cautioned that gems and jewellery hubs in Surat and SEEPZ, Mumbai, could also face widespread job losses due to shrinking demand and rising costs in the US market. However, not all experts foresee an employment crisis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo TeamLease Services Senior Vice President Balasubramanian Anantha Narayanan argued that India's reliance on domestic consumption makes its job market less vulnerable than China's. 'At this point in time, we aren't seeing any signs of a slowdown or loss of jobs. This also by extension means that our jobs are largely in service of domestic demand too, with the exception of some sectors like ITeS among others. Our exports to the USA are USD 87 billion, which is roughly about 2.2 per cent of our overall GDP. Largely pharma, electronics etc. won't be affected for now, which will further limit the export exposure to industries such as textiles, gems and jewellery among others,' he said, quoted PTI. He also noted that the tariffs are yet to take effect, leaving space for possible negotiations. 'On the other side, we've also had several positives by way of the recently closed FTA with the UK and other countries. Even if these US tariffs do come about, we'll definitely figure out a way of redirecting or diversifying our trade to other markets. Therefore, at this point in time, we aren't seeing any signs of a slowdown or loss of jobs. It's an evolving situation and we'll get to know more in due course of time,' Narayanan said. According to him, the broader drag on employment stems from global consumption slowdown, tariff uncertainties, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. CIEL HR MD and CEO Aditya Mishra said the tariff scenario is unsettling exporters in sectors deeply tied to the American market—including electronics, textiles, gems and jewellery, auto components, leather, footwear, shrimp and engineering goods. 'Even industries outside the direct tariff ambit, like pharmaceuticals, are feeling the ripple effect through costlier upstream chemicals and materials,' Mishra said. He added that uncertainty could persist through the third quarter of this financial year as negotiations unfold. While Mishra does not expect widespread layoffs, he noted that companies are already adopting cost-control measures—cutting discretionary spends, streamlining production, freezing hiring, and putting pressure on temporary and contractual roles. 'The immediate pressure will be on temporary and contract roles, particularly shop-floor workers, artisans, sales and logistics staff, and some mid-level managers in export-led units. This will have a cascading effect on thousands of MSMEs in the supply chain, which collectively account for a large share of employment,' he warned. Mishra also pointed to potential spillover risks for IT and global capability centres (GCCs). 'The IT sector is already experiencing slow spending and hiring, and this additional uncertainty could delay its recovery further. GCCs are likely to take a cautious approach to hiring and investments until there is greater clarity on trade negotiations and market stability. If the tariff situation persists, India's market share in the US could shrink, leading to longer-term repercussions for exporters and the industries that depend on them,' he said. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Who is CP Radhakrishnan? From Tiruppur roots to NDA's Vice Presidential nominee; all you need to know
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has named Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the post of Vice President of India. Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave India its own currency With over four decades in politics and public life, Radhakrishnan brings a long and varied career spanning grassroots activism , parliamentary work, gubernatorial responsibilities, and leadership within the BJP. Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo His public life began early—he started as an RSS Swayamsevak and became a State Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974. Rise in politics and Lok Sabha journey In 1996, he was appointed Secretary of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, before entering national politics as an elected MP from Coimbatore in 1998. He was re-elected in 1999. Live Events During his parliamentary tenure, Radhakrishnan served as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Textiles, and was also a member of the Parliamentary Committee for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the Consultative Committee for Finance. He was part of the Special Parliamentary Committee probing the Stock Exchange Scam. In 2004, he addressed the UN General Assembly as part of India's Parliamentary Delegation and was also a member of the first Indian Parliamentary delegation to Taiwan. State leadership and mass campaigns Between 2004 and 2007, Radhakrishnan was the President of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, where he undertook a 19,000 km 'Ratha Yatra' lasting 93 days. The campaign raised demands for linking India's rivers, eradicating terrorism, implementing a uniform civil code, removing untouchability, and combating narcotic drugs. He also led two more Padayatras for various causes. In 2016, he became Chairman of the Coir Board, Kochi, where under his leadership, India's coir exports touched an all-time high of Rs 2,532 crore. From 2020 to 2022, he was All-India in charge of BJP for Kerala. On February 18, 2023, he was appointed Governor of Jharkhand. Within four months of assuming office, he travelled across all 24 districts of the state, engaging with citizens and officials. He also briefly discharged additional responsibilities as Governor of Telangana and Lt. Governor of Puducherry. On July 31, 2024, he was sworn in as the Governor of Maharashtra. Personal life and interests Radhakrishnan is also known as a sports enthusiast—a college champion in table tennis and a long-distance runner, with interests in cricket and volleyball. A widely travelled leader, he has visited countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, including the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Egypt, UAE, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Japan. As the NDA's Vice Presidential nominee, CP Radhakrishnan 's candidacy highlights his blend of grassroots connect, parliamentary experience, and gubernatorial service, positioning him as a seasoned figure in Indian politics.