the National Independent Venue Association
has released a statement following the U.S
House of Representatives’ passage of the TICKET Act earlier today..
The speculative ticketing ban in the TICKET Act is an important step toward restoring trust in the ticketing market
and promoters fought tirelessly over the last two years to secure this critical protection
Any national ticketing law must truly ban speculative tickets without exception
Unfortunately the inclusion of a "concierge service" carveout
would undermine the speculative ticket ban
Concierge services should not be a loophole for companies like Vivid Seats to claim they are offering a service while selling “tickets” they don't possess to unsuspecting fans
States across the country have proven that strong
loophole-free ticketing consumer protections work
and Congress should build on that momentum
The White House Executive Order on Combating Unfair Practices in the Live Entertainment Market also made clear that deceptive practices must be fixed
We urge Congress to amend language to make certain that “concierge services” do not empower multi-billion dollar resale platforms over consumers
we support strengthening the law with enhanced penalties and enforcement authority for state attorneys general to deter bad actors and help ensure the law is being followed
Illegal bot use runs rampant in the ticketing industry because the FTC has only brought one enforcement action since the use of bots was banned in 2016
We hope Congress does not miss the opportunity to ensure these laws are actually enforced in the future.
We look forward to working with the Senate to ensure that fans
and artists are prioritized in the final version of the TICKET Act."
Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)
Music Connection magazine is a monthly music trade publication catering to musicians
Music Connection exists to serve artists and music people
to offer connections to the unconnected and to provide exclusive information that can help our readers take their music to the next level
Update: Thanks to all the Motor1 readers who reached out to inform us that Ladas were indeed sold for a spell in Canada
The Lada Niva you see here isn't far removed from the OG version that launched way back in 1977
It's officially the oldest "new" car still on sale
where the starting price is a whopping $19,600
This little new-old 4x4 has a host of upgrades for the Sport trim
with the biggest being a considerable bump in power
There's a 1.6-liter 16-valve four-cylinder under the hood now
replacing the old 1.7-liter mill and pumping 122 horsepower in the process
But considering the old engine kicked out 83 hp
It still needs nearly 12 seconds to reach 60 mph
That's not all you get on the Sport. Power goes through an upgraded five-speed manual transmission, though Lada's parent company AutoVAZ doesn't specify exactly what's different. Our Motor1 colleagues in Spain inform us the suspension and brakes are also enhanced
the Niva Sport has a new front bumper with slim driving lights mounted to it
You'll find 17-inch wheels at all four corners
which look a tad cartoonish on the small Niva
It uses a full-time 4x4 system with a transfer case if you need to crawl along the trail
The Niva Sport borrows snazzy upgrades from the Niva Legend
Sport-specific items include special trim on the seats and a sporty steering wheel
So that begs the question: Would you pay $19,600 for a simple off-roading Lada with a sporty makeover
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Live performance doesn’t happen by accident
It’s built night after night by the venues and promoters who take risks on emerging artists
the bookers who hustle to make a show happen
It’s the festival organizers navigating endless logistics
the agents fighting to get a band their shot
and the local teams making sure fans have a place to gather
These are the people and places that fuel the live entertainment ecosystem
every venue—big or small—is a part of something greater
the story the world hears about the live sector is incomplete
They see billion-dollar revenue reports from major promoters and assume the entire industry is thriving
and festivals that serve as launching pads for new artists—the independent operators who cultivate talent
and make local scenes vibrant—are still fighting to survive
Pollstar has delivered crucial data on large-scale venues and tours
helping shape industry decisions at the highest level. The State of Live builds on that foundation
and music festivals—those that shape careers and keep live music alive—are seen
What we don’t have—until now—is the hard data that quantifies what the independent live sector means to the music business
How many artists rely on these stages to break through
How many jobs are sustained by clubs and mid-size venues
What is the economic impact of independent music festivals on local communities
and this survey and project will give them to us
Headlines focus on mega-tours grossing billions
while the reality for thousands of independent venues
the 500-cap venues that take a chance on them before the world knows their name
These venues are where careers begin and where the live music industry truly thrives
But without real data to show their impact
these vital spaces risk being left out of the conversation when it comes to industry priorities
and festivals keep their revenue in the local scene or in the region—paying artists
This study will give us the numbers to prove what we already know: that live music
and performance isn’t just a passion—it’s an economic force that must be recognized
chances are you already know how hard it is to run a venue
increased competition—it has never been easy
The data collected in The State of Live will shape how policymakers
and even artists themselves understand the live music industry
It will provide leverage in securing funding
and making sure independent stages don’t get overlooked
NIVA has retained TEConomy Partners to conduct this research with the highest level of confidentiality
No individual survey data will ever be shared with NIVA
Only TEConomy researchers will have access to raw data
and the final report will present aggregate findings only—ensuring no single venue
all survey data collected will be deleted.
If we want independent live music to have a seat at the table when policies
we need the numbers to back up what we already know: that these stages
We can’t afford to let someone else tell our story. We must tell it ourselves. Take the survey by March 5th.
Global law firm White & Case LLP has advised the book running lead managers on the initial public offering (IPO) of Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (Niva Bupa)
"The White & Case team successfully advised on another significant Indian market IPO in 2024," said White & Case partner Rahul Guptan
"We continue to advise on transactions that showcase the strength of the Indian economy and unlock value through public market exits for private equity firms and Indian companies that are part of global conglomerates."
The Niva Bupa IPO opened for public subscription on November 7
2024 and received a strong response from investors
Morgan Stanley India Company Private Limited
HDFC Bank Limited and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited acted as book running lead managers
Niva Bupa is one of India's largest and fastest growing standalone retail health insurers
It is a joint venture between Bupa Group and Fettle Tone and is the only health insurance company in India that is majority controlled by a foreign global healthcare group
The White & Case team which advised on the transaction was led by partners Rahul Guptan
John Cunningham and Sonica Tolani (all London) and included partners Kaya Proudian (Singapore)
David Johansen (both New York) and Sami Al-Louzi (Dubai)
local partner James Hsiao (Hong Kong) and associates Stephanie Zhao
Edward Lee (Sydney) and Daniel Park (New York)
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome
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The Lada Niva has been chugging along since 1977
like the automotive equivalent of a ’70s band still doing reunion tours
it keeps resurfacing whenever AvtoVAZ decides to tweak it just enough to call it “new.” This time
a “sportier” trim with a stronger engine and a few athletic aspirations
By “sportier,” we mean it might finish a 0-60 sprint before your coffee gets cold
let’s give credit where it’s due
The big news here is the Niva Sport’s new longitudinally mounted 16-valve four-cylinder engine
pumping out 122 hp (91 kW / 124 PS) and 151 Nm (111 lb-ft) of torque
these numbers won’t exactly set the Nürburgring on fire
but they’re a substantial leap forward compared to the asthmatic 82 hp (61 kW / 83 PS) and 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) squeezed out by the standard 1.7-liter petrol engine powering the rest of the Niva lineup
More: Lada Iskra Sedan Debuts In Russia Based On Renault Bones
The newfound power is paired with an upgraded five-speed manual transmission featuring a reinforced fifth gear
Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a permanent 4WD system
Lada has thrown in “sporty suspension and brake settings,” which allegedly give the Niva Sport a leg up in driving dynamics over its more humble siblings
calling a Niva “sporty” is a bit of a reach—okay
a massive reach—but these adjustments might at least make it slightly less of a wrestling match to maneuver on anything that isn’t a straight line or a dirt path
The exterior features a red Sport emblem on the plastic grille
Lada didn’t opt for the body-colored bumpers found on the Urban and Black trims
nor the more aggressive grille and headlight housing of the Bronto
which would have complemented the design here
the Niva Sport features red accents on the seats that contrast with the black upholstery
This theme extends to the red stitching on the steering wheel
it appears the Niva Sport is equipped with air conditioning
The carmaker says the sportier addition to the lineup is inspired by rally Nivas
including one that recently won the transcontinental Silk Way Rally Marathon 2024
Although the launch of the Niva Sport was delayed several times over the past few years
the company has now officially confirmed the start of production
More: Russia To Make Its Own EVs, Allocates Almost $1 Billion To Develop New Platform
NEW: The Effects of the US Foreign Aid Freeze on Freedom House
After stealing Belarus’s 2020 presidential election
Alyaksandr Lukashenka forced many independent media organizations into exile
Belarus’s oldest newspaper and a protector of the country’s unique language and culture.
Vice President of Communications (Interim)
Dozens of media workers have been jailed and hundreds more forced into exile
In July 2021, Lukashenka’s henchmen raided Nasha Niva’s offices, permanently blocked the organization’s website
two of whom were sentenced to two and a half years in prison
Those who escaped imprisonment left for Vilnius
separated from their audience by both physical and digital borders
“Our audience loves Belarusian identity and culture
That has been the primary difference between us and other media,” Rouda says
“We’re trying to keep that unique identity alive by writing in the Belarusian language.”
Nasha Niva has served as a protector of Belarusian language and culture since its founding in 1906
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991
the paper reasserted itself as a driver of the Belarusian zeitgeist
Nasha Niva’s website became the world’s most visited Belarusian-language resource
For much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
the Belarusian language was banned or suppressed in favor of Russian
he established Russian as a state language—part of his ploy to curry favor with Russia and
Speaking and publishing in Belarusian became a political statement
“Our main mission is to spread the Belarusian language as widely as possible,” Rouda says
Even though the language is spoken in only a fraction of homes in Belarus
people still read and understand things in that language
Blocking Nasha Niva’s website should have imperiled its mission
but one doesn’t survive the reigns of czars
Belarusians are more desperate for truthful reporting than ever
and many use virtual private networks (VPNs) to evade the block
“Traffic to our website has recovered to essentially what it was before the blockage
We cannot say exactly what percentage of that audience is from Belarus
Nasha Niva has also greatly expanded its footprint on social media, which remains largely uncensored in Belarus. Doing so required evolving and expanding its content strategy to include short-form video and splashy graphics, but the effort paid off. Nasha Niva’s YouTube channels have tens of thousands of subscribers
and more than 80 percent of their views come from Belarus
Nasha Niva has accumulated over 34,000 followers and millions of views
“TikTok is super popular in Belarus,” Rouda says
People choose what they want to watch on YouTube—but on TikTok
The police can’t intervene because it was the platform that served the audience our content
And if someone is watching content like ours
the algorithms will show them more of the same.”
Nasha Niva has accomplished a rare feat—using social media not only to reach a larger audience
but also to inject truth into the realm of disinformation
Belarus is one of the least free countries on earth
ruled by a ruthless thug who largely owes his station to an even more ruthless thug. That Nasha Niva exists despite Lukashenka’s tyranny is remarkable
That it publishes so prolifically is miraculous
That it overcame a website blackout by evolving into a diversified digital media organization
feeding old and new audiences a steady diet of truth-to-power
Nasha Niva has won many battles against Lukashenka
we were heroes to people inside the country,” Rouda says
we had a strong connection with our audience
and everyone understood the importance of our job
Lukashenka has tried to make people believe that we are the real threat—not him
He’s convincing people that the media is putting them at risk
that it will be bad for them if we write about them. And I have to say
Rouda and her team know that their work, though more difficult, has never been more essential. Nasha Niva is not alone. Several Belarusian media organizations are also operating tirelessly from exile—Zerkalo, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Belarus Service, Pozirk, Euroradio
these organizations will do their part to establish the fundamental freedoms that Belarusians deserve
Nasha Niva has prepared for that day by improving access to funding
and securing adequate office space—luxuries it was denied in Minsk
It has kept its Belarusian audience intact and deeply informed
exhausted by years of propaganda and desperate for truth
will again recognize Belarusian journalists for what they are: heroes
“We don’t know what will happen,” Rouda says
and then it will be time to make something happen
Freedom in the World has been widely used by policymakers
Donate today to help us ensure the future of this vital resource.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has launched State of Live
the first ever independent survey and economic study of the U.S
festivals and touring artists are struggling under the weight of increased corporate competition and rising costs
But while good data exists in the UK and Australia
only empirical evidence has backed truth that anyone involved music in the U.S
knows – it’s harder than ever to turn even a tiny profit in live music
This groundbreaking NIVA State of Live initiative is designed to capture the economic contributions and operational challenges of independent venues
All of these entities regardless of their size, tax-status, or location are urged to take part in the State of Live survey now through February 18
can those in independent live music understand the real challenges and opportunities and promote this essential cultural and economic sector to government officials
“The State of Live study will quantify the economic and cultural value of these spaces
ensuring they get the recognition and support they need and deserve.”
The collected data will inform a national report and 50 state-by-state reports
2025 during NIVA’s annual conference
Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, founder of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor
With the internet and digital technologies driving rapid change within the music industry
articles about new releases and who has been hired and fired are no longer enough
Our up to the minute industry news alongside insightful commentary helps our readers sift through the rumors and developments to find the information they need to keep their businesses moving forward
Hypebot is read daily by more than 30,000 music industry professionals including executives and senior staff of music related tech firms
every major label group and most indies as well as many managers
artists and members of the live music community:
Contact us for the latesst stats, ad rates and sponosorship opportunites. We also offer combined rates with MusicThinkTank.Testimony “I swear by Hypebot every morning over breakfast.” Derek Sivers Founder
“Hypebot is the most focused music business centric resource we have.” Celia Hirschman One Little Indian
The London Standard has appointed Niva Yadav as an editorial apprentice to focus on local London news
Niva previously served as junior reporter at DatacenterDynamics
Get ready to belly up to the bar in Polka City
Registration for the National Independent Venue Association’s NIVA’25 in Milwaukee is now open
takes place June 22-25 across Milwaukee’s array of historic and modern venues
This year’s highlights include: a special tribute to notable tour agent Frank Riley and High Road Touring
Summerfest 2025 access for conference attendees and speakers from Meta
and talent within our community,” said Andre Perry
NIVA Board President and Executive Director of the University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium in a release
“We gather under one roof to share our best ideas
Milwaukee’s selection as the host city underscores its rich history of live entertainment including NIVA ‘25’s featured members Cactus Club
the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and new member Summerfest
NIVA ‘25 is scheduled during the first two weekends of Summerfest
a city staple and artist must play since it was founded in 1968
The outdoor event takes place at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater and the BMO Pavilion at Henry Maier Festival Park and in 2024 welcomed 556K visitors
NIVA ’25 attendees will have access to tours of the permanent festival grounds as well as complimentary admission
NIVA is currently undertaking a State of Live Survey
the first national economic research study of the independent live entertainment sector and is seeking participation from both for-profit and non-profit entities including independent venues
18 and the collected data will inform a national report and 50 state-by-state reports
which are scheduled for release on June 23 during NIVA ’25
performing arts centers and festivals who complete the State of Live Survey
will receive an added 20 percent off badge registration
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) will host an important Small Stages
Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists panel and two official parties at this year’s SXSW to amplify the essential role of the live independent entertainment industry
If you care about music you have to care about independent live venues
On March 13 at 10AM the panel Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists will explore the challenges independent stages face and their essential role in nurturing new artists and fostering vibrant communities
Moderated by NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker
NIVA Board President and Executive Director of Hancher Auditorium & Office of Performing Arts and Engagement at the University of Iowa; Fabrice Sergent
Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Bandsintown
The discussion will spotlight how Live Independent
a national program designed to support and sustain independent venues
elevates cultural havens and ensures a thriving future for live music
Panelists will explore how these spaces drive artistic innovation and community engagement while addressing the collaborative efforts needed to preserve them
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the evolving live music landscape and actionable strategies to safeguard these essential spaces
Add Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists to your SXSW itinerary now
NIVA will also host a full day of music with two SXSW official music showcases on March 12. The day will start with a robust lineup of live music across two stages at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul third annual SoCo Stomp with the NIVA Day Party from 12:00 p.m
Live music continues into the night with NIVA’s Live List Official Showcase at Antone’s from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., a special event celebrating The Live List
NIVA’s annual selection of emerging artists identified by independent venue professionals as must-watch talent
and Workshop Agency, NIVA’s Live List official showcase at SXSW will feature a lineup of must-see emerging talent:
Curated in partnership with Paste Magazine, The Blacklist
the Live List catalyzes artists to build sustainable careers and is a definitive source for fans to discover up-and-coming acts
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The National Independent Venue Association is undertaking the first national economic research study of the independent live entertainment sector and is asking independent venues
and festivals across the United States to participate in its “State of Live” survey
Open through Feb. 18, the survey seeks participation from both for-profit and non-profit entities within the independent live entertainment community
“Independent stages are the heartbeats of our communities
and memories are created,” NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker said in a statement
Independent venues have sounded warning bells about their post-pandemic challenges including rising costs
NIVA says “The State of Live” study will address these issues by “quantifying the sector’s contributions to local and national economies,” by examining jobs created
tax revenue generated and knock-on effects in the broader economy
The study seeks to also quantify headwinds faced by independent operators
the data can be used by stakeholders to advocate for support
State-by-state and regional summaries will also be available with the final report
More than 9,000 tickets for Oasis’s North American tour are available on Stubhub and Vivid Seats
There’s only one problem: tickets for those shows aren’t on sale yet
The National Independent Venue Association says it’s yet another reason the U.S
Senate should move forward with the Fans First Act
would ban the selling of speculative tickets
In a letter to Sens
NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker said conservative estimates found 4,534 speculative tickets for sale on StubHub for three Oasis U.S
“We are sharing examples of speculative and fake tickets from the Oasis shows with Congress because these are among the highest-profile sales that get the public’s and Congress’ attention,” Parker wrote
“The scourge of fake tickets for these shows and so many other lower profile shows deceives consumers and may even lead them to buy flights
and more that they can’t recover if they don’t receive the ticket they have purchased or if the ticket they receive does not work
“The prices for these fake tickets are likely exceedingly higher than the face value of the tickets
We can’t determine the exact markup on the fake tickets given that there are no tickets available for the public to buy
These price gouged tickets will leave fans with less money to spend on other shows and less money for the food
and merchandise that generate critical revenue for the local communities where these shows happen.”
NIVA is asking Cantwell and Cruz to call a commerce committee hearing on predatory ticket practices
upon Congress’s return from recess in November
It also urges lawmakers to advance the Fans First Act as part of a comprehensive year-end legislative package to reform ticketing practices.
While the House of Representatives passed the TICKET Act in May, NIVA and the Fix the Tix coalition are advocating for the similar
but stronger Fans First Act to be advanced during the lame-duck session
In addition to a wholesale ban on speculative tickets
Fans First requires all-in pricing from the beginning of the ticket sale price
disclosure if the ticket is being resold and full refunds for canceled events
which has been criticized as difficult to enforce; the FTC has only brought a single prosecution under the bot-fighting bill in seven years
It also bars ticket resellers from using any intellectual property — beyond just the name — of artists
venues or primary ticketing sites to sell tickets; this sort of digital flimflam has proven persistent
fooling even the professionally incredulous
It would also fund a study on the ticketing industry from the Government Accountability Office
I thought at first some of this may be due to web browser automatic translation issues
this is Lada’s English language version of their site
while language issues could still certainly be a factor
it’s not just bad machine translation
I should also mention that, while I’m not exactly a huge fan of Russia as a country at this precise moment in history, I do have a lot of fondness for the Lada Niva, flaws and all. Actually, maybe especially because of the flaws. I find these really appealing little practical and rugged off-roaders, and when I drove one back in 2015
I fell in love with the miserable shitbox:
“But all that is just the fundamental essence of this car
Lada has managed to make something that’s both shoddy and rugged
I don’t really fully understand how this is even possible
since you’d think those two qualities would cancel each other out
you could pretty well tear it apart with your bare hands and it can somehow conquer any horrible road condition or rough terrain you can throw at it
I got to drive this Niva for about two days
to back roads so icy they were better suited to Zamboni travel
backroads that were really only roads in that they were places on the ground you could try to drive
The Niva managed to do everything in pretty much the same coarse
It’s confusing and ridiculous and practical and fantastic and I’d totally drive one.”
Lada has half-assedly attempted to update the Niva and make it appealing to modern people who aren’t masochistic loons like myself
and I think the result of that are these strange-seeming things I found on the website
I think a lot of the weirdness comes from some misguided attempt to make the Niva seem
For the “BLACK” edition (which for some reason uses the English word) the motto here is “the severity of the lines in each letter?” What the hell does that even mean
Also… “capacious?” That mostly just means
“roomy.” Is that the “very essence” of the Niva (well
the old-style one is now “Niva Legend.”)
“B” doesn’t have severe lines
Sticking with the concepts of black and some strange idea of toughness
apparently a black headline “creates a strict style.” Strict
I’m just happy when they don’t sag
I love this: they finally gave the Niva power windows a few years back but somehow they still couldn’t be bothered to make a new inner door panel that doesn’t still have the old window crank hole
I know they had power windows for at least five years now
You’d think that’d be enough time to get someone to mold some new plastic
calling wheels “disks” is fine
but “decorating a true conquerer of the environment” is some absolutely hilarious copywriting
it’s nice to see that the trunk has a “convenient hinged door” which is definitely convenient
but the Corvette didn’t have one of those until 1982
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the “rotating handles” part of an HVAC system touted as a big feature
and I’m really not sure what a “dampers” heater is
It’s not any sort of suspension damper
It also has the unfortunate association with “damp” which makes me thing the method used to get heated seats in a Niva is hot water from the radiator is pumped into the seat cushions and oozes out through strategically-placed holes
Google News
MSN News
Apple News+
Working on LandRover Defenders taught me the difference between rugged and reliable
reliable means you don’t have to fix it at all
This causes a lot of confusion for people who own a broken Defender
JLR have recognised this as a problem and so have made the new Defender less rugged
Find tour dates and live music events for all your favorite bands and artists in your city
AUSTIN (CelebrityAccess) – The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) will host the industry-focused SXSW panel Small Stages
Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists and two official SXSW parties to amplify the essential role of indie venues and the live independent entertainment industry
Taking place on March 13 from 10 am to 11 am at the Austin Convention Center
NIVA’s SXSW panel will explore the challenges independent stages face and their essential role in nurturing new artists and fostering vibrant communities
Moderated by NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker
the panel will feature industry experts Andre Perry
NIVA Board President and Executive Director of Hancher Auditorium & Office of Performing Arts and Engagement at the University of Iowa; Fabrice Sergent
Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Bandsintown; and Kiely Mosiman
The discussion will spotlight how Live Independent
NIVA will host a full day of music with two SXSW official music showcases on March 12
The day will start with a robust lineup of live music across two stages at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul third annual SoCo Stomp with the NIVA Day Party from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Live music continues into the night with NIVA’s Live List Official Showcase at Antone’s from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am
NIVA’s annual selection of emerging artists identified by independent venue professionals as must-watch talent
The Live List spotlights rising artists who have built their careers at independent venues nationwide
NIVA’s Live List official showcase at SXSW will feature a lineup of must-see emerging talent:
Curated in partnership with Paste Magazine
New Artist Signings
detailed information on over 50,000 Entertainers
as well as hundreds of thousands of records for venues
National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) members now have access to up to 50% off sound equipment and lighting
backline and more from 1200 major music gear manufacturers
Last year the trade group launched the NIVA Savings discount program
it saved members an average of 10-35% on categories such as food
• New York prosecutors uncovered a $600,000 Taylor Swift ticket fraud scheme that exploited a vulnerability in StubHub‘s systems
One of those charged was an employee at Sutherland Global Services
a customer service vendor for StubHub who used their access to redirect tickets and resell them for a profit
• Senior live music industry figures have joined forces to launch a new non-profit focused on representing the interests of grassroots music venues (GMVs) in Australia
The Australian Music Venue Foundation‘s (AMVF) founding board members are Harley Evans (Moshtix & AFA)
Howard Adams (Australian Live Music Business Council)
Tamara Boakes (Jive Bar Owner/Operator & ILVA) and Mardi Caught (The Annex)
The group is inspired by the ground breaking work of the UK’s Music Venue Trust (MVT)
• U.S. live music industry stocks continued their multi-day downward spiral. Details here
• VAI Resort announced a collaboration with TAIT to bring cutting-edge infrastructure to the VAI Amphitheater
This venue is now open for artist bookings and has been designed with the performer in mind
When it comes to choosing a time of year to travel with a camper van or motorhome
spring and summer are probably the preferred times of year for most people
if the recreational vehicle in question is ready..
Why stop enjoying with the arrival of cold
you need a camper or motorhome that is well maintained and can cope with harsh winter conditions
That's why there's nothing better than a real off-roader when it comes to preparing a camper or motorhome
The problem is that, with the Suzuki Jimny on its way out
SUVs that can be bought cheaply are in short supply in our market
Look for a 4x4 to serve as a base on the second-hand market..
That is also the problem with this camper preparation
which was priced at around €18,000 (approx
£15,000): the company's activity in Europe has ceased
should it return or should you come across any second-hand examples
we must tell you that this camper exploits the Niva's qualities to the full
using its timeless 84 PS petrol engine and an all-wheel drive system with a reduction gearbox
despite its small dimensions (4.76 metres long and 2.85 metres wheelbase)
offers reasonable comfort as a "home on wheels"
a 60-litre refrigerator and various cupboards and storage spaces
there is also a bathroom with toilet and shower
complemented by a five-litre boiler and the corresponding tanks for clean water (70 litres) and grey water (40 litres)
Toyota-Powered Lada Niva Is Super Capable V8 Dune Crawler
Lada Niva Monster Is Russia's Answer To The Ford Bronco Raptor
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It is one of the cheapest off-road vehicles you can buy
and it is certainly also the oldest on the market
The Lada Niva is a Russian off-roader that was born in the 1970s of the last millennium and was also sold in Europe for many years
the veteran is getting a new sports version
The brand's website states that it has turned to the Lada motorsport department to improve the performance and dynamics of the model with the help of the experience gained by the brand in competition
The first work will be carried out on the engine. Until now, the Niva had to make do with a naturally aspirated petrol engine with a displacement of 1.7 litres and 83 PS in conjunction with a five-speed manual gearbox
there is talk of a 16V engine with an output of 122 PS and a maximum torque of 151 Nm at 5,000 rpm
with the improvements also affecting the reduction gear
because the changes also affect important aspects of the vehicle dynamics
There are also new racing accents in the interior
such as sports seats and a steering wheel with 12 o'clock markings
we are sure that it will remain an affordable and interesting model
All-terrain camper van at a good price - the best Lada Niva
This follows the Indian Government's proposal to raise the FDI limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%
UK-based healthcare company Bupa is reportedly considering increasing its stake in Niva Bupa Health Insurance in the future
Bupa Singapore Holdings currently holds a 55.98% stake in Niva Bupa Health Insurance
Niva Bupa Health Insurance MD and CEO Krishnan Ramachandran was quoted by the Business Standard as saying: “They (Bupa) are a long-term shareholder; clearly they are very excited about the India opportunity
they will think about increasing their stake
the company is working towards a target below 100%
We will aim to achieve a combined ratio of 95–96% in the next five years
Operating leverage and economies of scale will aid in achieving this.”
data and analytics will help reduce the combined ratio to 95–96% in five years
A ratio below 100% indicates underwriting profit
while above 100% means higher claims than premiums received.
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard
Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis
He added: “The company is also expecting an overall compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% in the next five years
supported by a healthy mix of retail and group products
“On the back of higher than the category growth rate
Niva Bupa’s retail health market share has increased from 9% to 9.6%
We have a healthy mix of retail and group products
I will look at it as and when the opportunity opens up,”
The company was listed on the Indian exchanges in November 2024.
In the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 (October–December)
the company reported a 189% increase in profit to Rs132m ($1.51m)
This follows the India Government’s proposal to raise the FDI limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%
which was also announced in the budget session earlier this month
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With winter well underway and snow covering most mountain roads
there are many motorists who would like to move beyond four-wheel-drive SUVs and get their hands on a pure off-roader that is unstoppable in the countryside and on slippery surfaces
today we are going to talk about the most modern Niva with some SUV features
which is priced very cheaply in its home country
after consulting Lada's online configurator in its home market
we discovered that the Lada Niva Travel has a starting price of 1,314,000 roubles
which currently equates to around £9,700 at the current exchange rate
the Niva Travel offers a choice of a total of four body colours and no less than five trim levels: Classic'24
Turning to the dynamic aspect, with a length of just 4.09 metres and a wheelbase of no more than 2.45 metres, the new Lada Niva performs well in rough terrain and does not shy away from bridge crossings
there is no lack of all-wheel drive or gearbox in this regard
because it is powered by the usual 1.7-litre
which does not have power as its main strength
At the moment it is not easy to find a Lada Niva Travel in Europe and even less so in the UK. After Renault's farewell to the Russian brand
sales of the new Lada in the Old Continent practically stopped
and there is no longer an official importer in the UK either since 1997
The Lada Niva Travel in its natural Russian environment
The few Lada Niva Travels available on the market can mainly be found in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
but with a base price of €24,100 (£17,800)
This makes it unattractive to buy a car presented in 2020 that cannot compare with European
American and Asian production in terms of technology and safety
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Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) will release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results after market hours on Thursday
• The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has opened registration for its NIVA ‘25 conference presented by Eventbrite June 22-25
Early bird registration is available here. All independent venues, promoters, performing arts centers and festivals who complete the State of Live Survey will receive an additional 20% off badge registration
This gathering of the nation’s independent live concert
and festival industry will feature dynamic programming
• NITO (National Independent Talent Organization) members now have exclusive access to pre-negotiated terms and conditions for all non-festival contracts with both AEG and Live Nation
• James Aloisio has launched the new independent management company
and 200 Stab Wounds and has offices in New York and Winston-Salem
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Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company's shares were listed at INR 78.14 per piece on the National Stock Exchange today at a premium of 5.59 per cent to the IPO price of INR 74 a piece
the shares are now being traded at INR 74.01
The NSE also shows that Niva Bupa has accrued a total of INR 13,551.05 crore worth of market capitalization
with 35.98 per cent of deliverables recorded
The health insurance company is a joint venture between the Bupa Group and Fettle Tone LLP
and offers coverage and access to healthcare services across India
received total bids of 31,13,62,800 equity shares against 17,28,57,143 shares on offer
resulting in the shares being oversubscribed by 1.80 times
the company has also mobilized a sum of INR 990 crore from anchor investors
The subscription was driven by Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) with subscriptions of 2.73 times
subscriptions by Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) at 2.06 times
and Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs) by 0.68 times
annualizing FY25 earnings to the post-IPO fully diluted equity base
the asking price results in a negative price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio
the issue appears to be aggressively priced," said Bajaj Broking in its IPO note for Niva Bupa
Niva Bupa intends to use the net proceeds from the IPO to boost its capital base and strengthen solvency levels as well as general corporate expenses
and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors are the book-running lead managers (BRLMs) for the IPO
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The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and leading live music discovery platform Bandsintown have partnered to launch Live Independent
This ongoing initiative is designed to bring more attention to America’s independent venues
and festivals and to underscore their importance in music discovery and artist development
“These independent venues are so important because without them
You wouldn’t have these artists because we all had to start somewhere,” said Tarriona “Tank” Ball from Tank and the Bangas
And these places are integral to the building of an actual artist
We have no future Prince or those people that really rock the stadium
you have to rock your local clubs first.”
In addition to an ongoing marketing campaign
Live Independent certification offers benefits to stages
“Bandsintown’s ethos is independent at the core
serving artists since day 1 of their journey” says Bandsintown co-founder and managing partner Fabrice Sergent
“Independent venues shed light on those artists early in their career and we’re proud to work alongside NIVA to help them find the audience they deserve.”
“This certification is a testament to the power of independent stages as sanctuaries for human connection
In an era dominated by publicly-traded live entertainment conglomerates
these venues and festivals are the final strongholds of authenticity
where the heart of live performance beats strongest,” said Stephen Parker
“When fans and artists choose independent stages
they’re investing in the soul of their community
Live Independent is our collective promise—to the artists
and to the communities that cherish these spaces—that the spirit of independent venues will not only endure but will continue to flourish.”
we unpack the Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company IPO and how it could be a bet on India’s healthcare future
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Some of the greatest investors have always had a thing for insurance companies
Just look at Warren Buffett with GEICO or Rakesh Jhunjhunwala with Star Health.1 The steady flow of premiums
the promise of protection and the opportunity to invest in an essential but often overlooked industry make insurance alluring
Take a closer look at health insurance in India
and you’ll see why Jhunjhunwala’s bet made sense
growing at an impressive 20% CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) between FY18 and FY24
with one of India’s biggest standalone health insurers — Niva Bupa Health Insurance
stealing the spotlight as its ongoing IPO wraps up on Monday
here’s a TL;DR of how health insurance works
the insurer promises to cover your medical costs
the reality is all about a delicate balance between ensuring that enough people are paying premiums while covering claims for those who need it
and the key is maintaining that balance while turning a profit
Niva Bupa is one of India’s biggest and fastest-growing health insurers
it’s protecting over 14 million lives and holds a 17% market share
What’s even more impressive is that its revenue has surged from ₹1,884 crores in FY22 to ₹4,118 crores in FY24
flipping the switch to profitability during this time
But Niva Bupa wants to be more than just an insurer
It’s branching out with services like diagnostics
digital consultations and even doorstep medicine delivery
all with the goal of building a full-fledged healthcare ecosystem
expanding and staying ahead in the insurance business doesn’t come cheap
which brings us to why Niva Bupa is knocking on the public’s door for more funds
the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) requires insurance companies to keep a solvency ratio of at least 1.5 (or 150%)
Think of it like a safety net which ensures that the company has enough cash to cover its liabilities and policyholder claims in case of emergencies
Niva Bupa’s solvency ratio was 2.6 as of March 2024
the company is raising more funds through this IPO
₹800 crores from the fresh issuance will go towards strengthening its capital and boosting its solvency levels
It shows that the company is on track to become a strong and reliable insurer
And with only around 30% of Indians having any form of health insurance
Niva Bupa sees a massive growth potential.2 Going public will help it put money where its mouth is — into more customer acquisition
But is that enough for you to take the plunge
we’ll have to take a closer look at Niva Bupa’s IPO valuations
Niva Bupa’s price-to-book value (P/B) ratio sits at 6.1x
giving the company a post-IPO valuation of around ₹13,500 crores.3 And while some investors might wince at the thought of such a high price compared to its bigger players
others might see it as a premium worth paying
if you compare Niva Bupa to one of its competitors
Star Health holds a larger market share of about 30% in the retail health insurance space and has a consistent track record of profitability
while Niva Bupa holds around 17% of the market
diagnostics and digital health services we spoke of earlier
But here’s something you need to know about valuations
insurance companies can be tricky to value
you need to keep an eye on three main factors — the money coming in (cash flows)
the money invested and whether the company has enough savings to pay for claims
And profitability means that the premiums collected should exceed what they pay out in claims over time
All this requires a lot of estimates and forward projections
which experts called Actuaries specialize in
its earnings are a bit of a rollercoaster — profitable in FY24 but dipping into losses in Q1FY25
This kind of volatility might make conservative investors nervous
But it could also look enticing to those banking on long-term growth in the health insurance space
if we look at Gross Written Premium (GWP) — basically
the total cash collected from policy sales saw rapid growth
retail health GWP specifically from health insurance sold to individuals grew by 33.4%
which in insurance is often measured by something called the Combined Ratio
This ratio is calculated by adding up the percentage of net premiums used to pay claims (claim settlement ratio) and the expenses of running the business (expense ratio)
Insurers ideally like to keep this below 100%
And a lower ratio means they’re managing costs well
which is a key factor for long-term profitability
This trend might make it look like it’s getting better at managing expenses over time
But don’t get excited just yet because when you break these up
Niva Bupa’s claim settlement ratio was just 91% in FY24
That’s much lower than the industry average of 96%
And with a smaller hospital and agency network than competitors like ICICI Lombard
it might have to offer lower prices and higher commissions
which has led to an average expense ratio of nearly 43% from FY22 to FY24 — one of the highest or let’s just say one of the worst in the industry
And that’s likely part of the reason it needs more capital to maintain its solvency as it grows
to sum it up — the Niva Bupa IPO isn’t exactly an easy call
If you’re considering passing on it but still want a piece of the insurance pie
you might want to look at companies which hold strong stakes in reputable insurance firms
if you’re bullish on the health insurance sector
The company’s growth potential and unique integrated offerings make it worth a closer look for the long term
two big factors count when it comes to health insurers — credibility and reasonable valuations
And it’s the valuation side that has some market experts raising an eyebrow over Niva Bupa’s IPO
this offer is clearly a bet on a high-potential sector and on Niva Bupa’s vision to go beyond insurance and reshape health management
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Bandsintown’s Fabrice Sergent joins the NIVA Advisory Board expanding on the collaboration that launched the innovative Live Independent certification and marketing initiative earlier this year
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has named Fabrice Sergent
Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Bandsintown
Sargent joins a distinguished roster of Advisory Board members
including artists like Christian McBride and Dave Grohl
Sergent’s expertise in live music marketing and passion for artists advocacy makes him an important resource helping to drive NIVA’s vision and goals forward
“I am honored to join the NIVA Advisory Board
where the ethos of Bandsintown aligns seamlessly with NIVA’s mission to fight for the vital contribution to culture of independent venues and artists,” said Fabrice Sergent
“Both organizations share a deep commitment to nurturing the live music ecosystem and fostering innovation in the industry.”
“Fabrice Sergent has been a champion for independent venues and artists since founding Bandsintown,” said Stephen Parker
and experience in live entertainment will be critical as we search for more resources and create more opportunities to help independent stages succeed in the competitive and ever-evolving live industry.”
has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)
This collaboration highlights Bandsintown’s ongoing commitment to supporting independent venues and artists
and fan engagement will be invaluable as NIVA continues its mission to advocate for independent venues and promoters
a leading platform connecting music fans with live performances
has been a key supporter of the live music industry
has become a vital organization in ensuring the survival and growth of independent venues
Sergent’s involvement aims to foster innovation and strengthen the partnership between NIVA and Bandsintown to sustain the live music ecosystem
Metro Rail Conference
Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited has announced the appointment of Sridhar Srinivasan as an Independent Director on its Board
approved by the Board based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee
is for a period of five consecutive years and is subject to shareholder approval. Srinivasan brings over three decades of leadership experience in financial services
A Chartered Accountant and Delhi University alumnus
he has held key executive roles in a major global bank and is currently associated with a leading strategy consulting firm
advising top-tier organizations on management strategy
and digital transformation. Currently based in Mumbai
Srinivasan also serves as a non-executive board director and chairman for various corporations and startups in India and abroad
He is also active as an angel investor and mentor
particularly in the domains of innovation and social impact
An impressive structure has emerged at remarkable speed in Karlskrona
the NKT Tower 3 is the second tallest tower in Scandinavia
a 542 HC-L 12/24 Litronic and a 258 HC-L 10/18 Fibre
are a key part of this ambitious construction project
The tower which is built by Skanska will be an integral part of the world’s largest high-voltage submarine cable factory
which will supply wind turbines and solar parks with essential components
the NKT Tower 3 is a feat of engineering.Liebherr Tower Crane Center an.
The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA)
concluded its two-day regional forum held on April 29–30
“Empowering the Future Grid: Exploring the Application of Generative AI in GCC Power Systems,” which took place in Kuwait City
The event brought together a distinguished group of global technology leaders
and EPRI Gulf (Electric Power Research Institute)
India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer
sees early breakthrough in the research of next-generation zinc-based battery technologies
The research targets delivering higher energy efficiency
improved safety and longer operational life
The company is pioneering emerging zinc battery technology to support the ongoing clean energy transition.Zinc has emerged as a powerful alternative to lithium owing to its abundance
While the lithium market continues to face supply constraints and rising costs
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India’s Niva Bupa Health Insurance Co is investigating a potential data breach after an anonymous source claimed to have access to customer data
the insurer confirmed that a “threat actor” sent an email alleging possession of sensitive customer data
we continue to conduct investigations of the data leak and implement measures to mitigate the risk,” the company said
this would be the latest in a series of data breaches plaguing India’s insurance sector in recent months
India’s Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) had directed insurers in October 2024 to conduct IT audits and bolster cybersecurity measures
As concerns mount over data privacy and security in the financial sector
Niva Bupa’s ongoing probe will be closely watched
with potential regulatory scrutiny on the horizon
Bain Capital has requested permission from CCI to purchase a major portion of Manappuram Finance through a multi-layered deal worth Rs 4,385 crore
No competition concerns have been raised as there are no overlaps between the businesses of the two companies.