ITV

Category: eNews

  • Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airline receive regulatory approval for commercial joint venture

    Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airline receive regulatory approval for commercial joint venture

    Mumbai: Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) received the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore’s (CCCS) approval of their commercial joint venture agreement.

    With this approval, the airlines will be able to deepen their strategic partnership on a wider range of commercial activities that will bring greater benefits to both airlines, as well as Indonesia and Singapore. These potentially include operating joint revenue sharing flights between the two countries, coordinating flight schedules to offer travellers more options and seamless connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia and beyond, and exploring joint sales and marketing initiatives that provide greater value to both airlines’ customers.

    Since Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines signed an agreement to deepen their partnership in May 2023, the carriers have been working on initiatives including giving GarudaMiles and KrisFlyer members the option to earn and redeem miles on codeshare routes. They have also embarked on joint marketing initiatives to promote tourism activities.

    The airlines today codeshare on a wide range of flights, including between Singapore and Indonesian cities of Bali, Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya, as well as on long-haul routes between Singapore and Johannesburg, London (Heathrow), and Mumbai.

    Garuda Indonesia president and CEO Irfan Setiaputra said: “We are very pleased to receive this approval, as it marks significant progress towards our commitment to enhance service quality as well as broaden both Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines’ networks through a deepening partnership. The joint venture initiative that we are preparing today has been one of the strategies to ensure extensive value creation for our loyal customers. Having regulatory approval as the first step in a commercial agreement will provide more opportunity for developing well-executed strategic ideas.

    “Moreover, we hope that this joint venture agreement can provide seamless services for passengers with more flight schedule options and ease in earning and redeeming mileage. Also, this collaboration may deliver concrete action to contribute to boosting Indonesian tourism activities, which will support the post-pandemic economic recovery progress,” Setiaputra explained.

    Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: “The robust strategic partnership between Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines has enabled us to broaden our codeshare services over the last few years, offering our customers more choices on flights. With the CCCS’s approval, we are poised to deepen our collaboration across a wider scope of commercial activities. Along with the ongoing work to strengthen the links between our frequent flyer membership programmes, this will provide our customers with even more options and enhanced value. This partnership underscores both airlines’ commitment to improving connectivity between Indonesia and Singapore and beyond, boosting both business and leisure travel, and contributing to economic growth.”

  • The Future of Google Ads: Insights from Leading Agency Professionals

    The Future of Google Ads: Insights from Leading Agency Professionals

    Google Ads have become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes, aiming to reach their target audience effectively and efficiently. According to Analyzify, Over 60% of marketers now prioritize Google and Facebook Ads to drive business growth. As we move further into the digital age, the landscape of online advertising is continuously evolving.

    To stay ahead of the curve, businesses need to understand these changes and adapt accordingly just as Intent Farm, a Google Premier Partner did.

    In this comprehensive blog, We’ll delve into the future of Google Ads, drawing insights from leading agency professionals. We’ll also highlight the role of the best google ads agency in India in shaping these trends and driving successful campaigns.

    Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Google Ads

    As technology and consumer behaviour continues to evolve, several emerging trends are shaping the future of Google Ads. Insights from top Google Ads agency professionals indicate that the following trends will significantly impact the landscape in the coming years.

    1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming how Google Ads operate. AI and ML algorithms analyse vast amounts of data to optimise ad targeting, bidding, and creative elements automatically.

    Smart Bidding

    Smart Bidding is a set of automated bidding strategies that use machine learning to optimize for conversions or conversion value in each auction. Leading professionals from top Google Ads agencies in India emphasize that Smart Bidding will become more sophisticated, helping advertisers achieve better ROI with less manual intervention.

    Enhanced Ad Personalization

    AI and ML will enable more personalized ad experiences. By analyzing user behavior and preferences, these technologies can deliver highly relevant ads that resonate with individual users. This level of personalization is expected to drive higher engagement and conversion rates.

    2. Voice Search Optimization

    With the increasing popularity of voice-activated devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo, voice search is becoming a significant aspect of online behavior. Advertisers need to adapt their strategies to cater to voice search queries, which are often longer and more conversational.

    Adapting Keywords for Voice Search

    Keywords for voice search are typically more natural and question-based. For instance, instead of “best speaker under 2000,” users might say, “What is the best portable speaker to buy under 2000 Rs?” Top Google Ads agencies in India are already incorporating voice search optimization into their strategies to ensure their clients remain competitive.

    3. The Rise of Video Ads

    Video content continues to dominate the digital space, and Google Ads is no exception. YouTube, owned by Google, is the second largest search engine globally, making it a crucial platform for video advertising.

    YouTube Advertising

    YouTube ads offer a variety of formats, including skippable and non-skippable ads, bumper ads, and sponsored cards. Insights from leading agency professionals indicate that businesses will increasingly leverage YouTube advertising to capture audience attention more effectively.  
    Most people believe that YouTube ads are only for awareness but there are several successful case studies of brands using YouTube ads to drive performance and specific business outcomes.

    Interactive Video Ads

    Interactive video ads, which allow viewers to engage with the content through clickable elements, are gaining traction. These ads can enhance user experience and drive higher engagement and conversion rates.

    4. The Importance of Mobile Optimization

    With the majority of internet users accessing content via mobile devices, mobile optimization is more critical than ever. Google Ads must ensure that ads are mobile-friendly to reach this vast audience effectively.  
    Landing pages must be built as mobile first specially in consumer categories as 70-90% of the traffic comes from mobile devices but still most developers make websites / landing pages as desktop first and then adapted on mobile.

    5. Data Privacy and User Consent

    Data privacy concerns and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), are reshaping how businesses collect and use data. Advertisers must prioritize user consent and transparent data practices.

    First-Party Data Utilization

    With third-party cookies being phased out, the focus is shifting towards first-party data. Collecting data directly from customers through interactions on owned channels (like websites and apps) is becoming increasingly important. Leading Google Ads agencies are helping businesses build robust first-party data strategies to maintain effective targeting.

    Expert Insights: How Top Google Ads Agency in India Are Leading the Way

    Hitesh Lalwani, Founder and CEO at Intent Farm, recently in an interview said, “forces of AI when combined with strategic Digital Marketing, leave an imprint deeper in the hearts of our audiences. Google Ads are performing better, now more than ever, thanks to AI led optimisation. It has made targeting an audience more accurate and campaigns effective and result-driven. Along with this, Video and Mobile advertising are on the verge of a breakthrough while voice search brings new opportunities for advertisers. But what is at the core here? – Not to take a backseat while AI does all the work, and seek to strike the balance between what AI has to offer and what the target audience desires.” says Hitesh Lalwani  

    Top Google Ads agencies in India like Intent Farm are at the forefront of these trends, leveraging their expertise to drive successful campaigns for their clients. Here are some insights from leading professionals in the industry on the way forward:

    Data-Driven Strategies– Using sophisticated tools for data collection and analysis which helps in understanding customer behavior, preferences, and trends for better targeted and effective ad campaigns.

    Local Market Expertise – To make a digital imprint one needs a deep understanding of the nuances of the Indian market like regional languages, cultural nuances, and local consumer behavior.

    Leveraging Innovative Ad Formats – To experiment is to grow. Try out new ad formats from Google like responsive search ads, YouTube video ads, and different types of display ads are constantly under tryouts to identify best-performing blends.

    Embracing Automation and AI – AI  technologies help in enhancing ad targeting and bidding strategies, therefore, predicting which ads are more likely to convert and automate bidding processes to maximize ROI.

    Training and Development –  the fast-evolving digital marketing landscape requires continuous learning and staying updated with the latest Google Ads features, industry trends, and best practices.

  • Firstpost reaches five million YouTube subscribers

    Firstpost reaches five million YouTube subscribers

    Mumbai: Firstpost has reached five million subscribers on YouTube in just 16 months, marking a significant milestone for the platform. This achievement has firmly established Firstpost as the fastest-growing Indian news platform on YouTube.

    Firstpost’s video pivot in January 2023 has driven exceptional growth for the platform. Its extensive coverage of the Iran-Israel conflict, the Ukraine-Russia war, the US Presidential elections, and India’s growth story has established it as the country’s leading news platform for global news.

    Speaking on this milestone, Firstpost managing editor Palki Sharma said, “Firstpost’s stupendous growth is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our exceptional team and the unwavering support of our global audience. It’s heartening to see this commitment to substantive news in an otherwise cluttered and tough market. As we celebrate our milestones, I extend my deepest gratitude to every team member and every viewer who has been part of this incredible journey.”

    Firstpost’s diverse shows cater to a wide audience. The flagship show ‘Vantage’ provides a comprehensive view of major news events, encouraging viewers to analyse global occurrences from various angles. ‘Fast and Factual’ delivers quick, concise news updates from around the world, ensuring that viewers stay informed without investing a significant amount of time. ‘First Sports’, a groundbreaking sports show provides comprehensive coverage of sporting events, going beyond the scores, and highlighting the stories and personalities that shape the global sports landscape. ‘Between the Lines’ explores deeper aspects of news stories, revealing nuanced aspects often overlooked in mainstream reporting. ‘Flashback’ simplifies complex historical events, presenting them in an accessible and engaging manner.

    ‘Firstpost America’ covers global issues with a Washington perspective, offering in-depth analysis and ground reports. The recent addition, ‘Firstpost Africa’, showcases on-ground reports from the world’s second-largest continent, live from South Africa.

    https://www.youtube.com/@Firstpost

  • JioCinema hires three power-packed tech leaders

    JioCinema hires three power-packed tech leaders

    Mumbai: Even as user experience has been improving and attaining global standards on its  OTT platform, JioCinema, Viacom18 has taken steps to take it a notch higher by roping in three top techies on its tech team.

    Coming in as chief product officer & ad tech platform lead is Bharath Ram with rich experience at Flipkart (as product & engineering lead), Instagram (core product ad team in the US) and Amazon Prime Video (personalisation lead).

    The second tech lead to join is Vijay Sheshadri who has come in as chief technical advisor. Sheshadri’s core strengths lie in enterprise security, e-commerce, and large-scale distributed system with experience as an engineering fellow at Swiggy, at Amazon and at Symantec where he built several enterprise security solutions and cloud infrastructure services. Vijay was the lead architect for Symantec’s reputation-based security technology, which won the Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award in 2010.

    The third hire Shoury Bhardwaj has taken on the role of engineering leader for app experience, search, recommendations, data and app backend platforms.  He has 12 years of experience at Flipkart, where he worked on key areas such  e-commerce. In his most recent role, he led the product and engineering teams for new business initiatives.

    A company press release said these appointments aim to bolster tech expertise, agility, and market responsiveness, supporting the company’s swift expansion and commitment to providing exceptional digital experiences.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Bharath, Vijay and Shoury to the Viacom18 family. Their expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we embark on the next phase of our ambitious growth journey. These appointments reflect our commitment to building a world-class tech platform that can deliver the best of content and an unparalleled experience to our consumers,” a company spokesperson was quoted in the press release.

  • Rujuta Diwekar’s fool-proof guide on staying healthy this monsoon

    Rujuta Diwekar’s fool-proof guide on staying healthy this monsoon

    Mumbai: Are people around you “under the weather” lately? The damp and humid environment creates a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, leading to an increase in common illnesses like colds and flu.  However, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar in her audiobook, ‘Eating in The Age of Dieting’ on Audible, elaborates on how maintaining good health during the monsoon is easier than we think. Here are five foods that Rujuta recommends everyone must consume to optimise their health and immunity during this wonderful season!

    1.  Sip your way to health with spiced-up chai

    With monsoon comes the desire to sit by the window sipping a hot cup of chai. This is why Rujuta suggests three easy tips to make that hot cup of tea not only calming but also healthy for the body. She recommends the following:

    . Add ginger and tulsi for digestion and immunity

    . Add lemongrass to prevent bloating and congestion

    . Add black pepper or cinnamon to improve insulin sensitivity

    2. Supercharge your immunity with indigenous produce

    Sharing an insight on consuming locally grown vegetables, Rujuta shares, “The soil during the rains is not suitable for growing green leafy vegetables, and therefore we shift to creepers like dudhi (bottle gourd), pumpkin, karela (bitter gourd), gilka (ridge gourd) and root vegetables like sweet potato, suran (elephant foot yam) and konfal (purple yam). The exception to this rule is the wild and uncultivated greens that shoot up during the season – ambadi (roselle plant), shevla (dragon stalk yam), lingri (fiddlehead fern), to name a few…It’s very important for your gut bacterial diversity and acts as a booster shot for immunity.”

    3. Embrace nutrient-rich grains and millets

    When it comes to monsoons, Rujuta strongly recommends Nachini – “You can eat it as porridge, bhakhri or even a papad.” Additionally, she urges everyone to avoid multigrain breads, attas and biscuits and suggests seasonal substitutes for them. “The season also comes with festivals and special months like Shravan, where the focus shifts to eating smaller millets like Rajgira, Samo, Kuttu, Mandua, etc. Again, have them in traditional preps and in combination with dahi, makhan etc, to ensure optimum assimilation.”

    4. Power up with pulses (nature’s protein) during the wet season

    Rujuta Diwekar sheds light on a fascinating tradition: during monsoons, Indians historically substituted meat and fish with carefully dried and stored pulses from the summer months. These became a source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and even fibre during the season. “The best ones turn into usals, the next grains to dals, the one after that to vadis that can be cooked as sabzi and is often a mix of many pulses and papads. You must incorporate two important pulses in your meals this season: kulith (horsegram), and alsane (Goa beans), great for skin and hair.”

    5. Savour bhajiyas but with a healthy twist

    As the monsoon rains bring their earthy petrichor scent, cravings for comforting foods naturally arise. Talking about the season’s speciality, ‘deep-fried bhajiyas’, she advices, “Use filtered groundnut, mustard or coconut oils, and don’t reuse the oil for cooking afterwards. Without essential fats in the diet, vitamin D cannot be assimilated. Essential fats also help in regulating blood sugar. So apart from being tasty, deep-fried pakoras are healthy too, and for everyone, heart patients, obese and diabetics included, eat them without fear and with the confidence that you know when to stop eating.”

    Insufficient calorie intake during monsoons can weaken our immunity and make us prone to infections, fevers and other ailments. Contrary to popular belief, Rujuta says, “Your taste buds are not against your weight loss plans. They are simply against your plan to lose your immunity and to guard you against a possible crash of your immune system.”  For more expert advice, tune into ‘Eating in the Age of Dieting’ on Audible to optimise your health and well-being, not just during the monsoon, but throughout the year.

  • DNEG group raises $200M to boost innovation in visual entertainment tech

    DNEG group raises $200M to boost innovation in visual entertainment tech

    Mumbai: The DNEG Group (“the Group”), the London headquartered world leader in visual entertainment technology and services, announced today that United Al Saqer Group (“UASG”) will make a strategic investment of $200 million in the Group, at a total enterprise valuation over $2 billion.

    The DNEG Group has a consistent 25-year track record of innovating to lead in the visual effects (VFX) segment and strong profitable growth. Like all parts of the media & entertainment sector, the market in which The DNEG Group operates is undergoing a rapid evolution. The investment by UASG will accelerate The DNEG Group’s strategy of innovation and diversification to evolve from a pure visual effects services provider to a sector-agnostic content production and AI-powered technology partner, ensuring continued technology and creative leadership. In particular:

    The DNEG Group will fully activate its technology division, Brahma, which is developing the industry’s most comprehensive AI-powered, photo-real CGI creator, including Ziva, to which DNEG recently acquired the exclusive license from Unity. Brahma will democratize photo-real content creation in a wide range of applications and will be built on over 25 years of industry-leading proprietary data to create a product of unique quality.  

    The DNEG Group’s intellectual property (IP) and content creation arm, Prime Focus Studios, will be enabled to expand its investment in, and production of high-quality content, following its recent successful co-production of The Garfield Movie.

    The DNEG Group will open a new office and visual experience hub in Abu Dhabi, with plans to develop a world-class ecosystem in the Middle East for content production, storage, and distribution. This will support the creation of highly skilled jobs across the media and technology sectors, strengthening the region’s place as a creative powerhouse.

    DNEG Chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra will continue in his current role. He will be joined on the Group’s Board of Directors by Nabil Kobeissi and Edouard Zard from UASG, and by Prabhu Narasimhan from NaMa Capital, a leading investor in The DNEG Group, who will also become Executive Chairman of Brahma. Prabhu Narasimhan will take a leave of absence from NaMa Capital to oversee the launch and expansion of Brahma.

    The DNEG Group consists of:

    DNEG, which will continue providing its Academy Award® winning visual effects, animation, and associated creative services to Hollywood and global visual entertainment creators. DNEG is known for its work on numerous high-profile movies and animations, such as Dune, Oppenheimer, Interstellar, Tenet and Blade Runner 2049, as well as the Harry Potter, James Bond, Fast and Furious, Mission: Impossible and Marvel Cinematic Universe franchises.

    Brahma, which will be fully activated and will provide the industry’s leading AI-powered, photo-real CGI creator.

    Prime Focus Studios, will increase its content and IP investment and development across live-action, animation, and gaming. Prime Focus is currently co-producing several high-profile feature films, including Animal Friends, the Indian epic Ramayana, and The Angry Birds Movie 3.  

    Prime Focus Technologies, a leader in cloud-based software and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including the CLEAR AI content creation, content management and content marketing and distribution suite.  

    His excellency  Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development Al Zaabi, chairman Ahmed Jasim said, “The strategic investment by United Al Saqer Group in The DNEG Group is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global powerhouse for creativity, innovation, technology, and investment. This partnership not only accelerates technological advancements in the media and entertainment sectors but also underscores our commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for content creation. By establishing a new visual experience hub in Abu Dhabi, we are creating numerous job opportunities and enhancing our ecosystem that supports high-tech industries and creative excellence. This move reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s status as a prime destination for groundbreaking investments, visionary enterprises, and a thriving environment where creativity and technology converge.”

    UASG CEO  Nabil Kobeissi said, “We are thrilled to join forces with Namit, Prabhu, and the DNEG Group. Namit’s visionary approach to revolutionizing the media and entertainment industry through cutting-edge technology is unparalleled. This strategic partnership not only turbo-charges the development of Brahma, the Group’s ground-breaking AI-powered CGI creator but also, under Namit’s leadership, demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a global epicentre for content creation and distribution. By championing advanced AI technologies and expanding Prime Focus Studios, we are set to drive innovation and generate significant job opportunities across the UAE.”

    DNEG chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra said, “My career has been built on investing in and leading visual creativity with technology. Our partnership with UASG, the launch of Brahma, and the success of our content creation platform are all being fuelled by the power of our technology. We are redefining our business model as a leader in top-end solutions across the world, raising the bar in storytelling by using the latest technology and creative capabilities.

    “This investment will accelerate our plans to further drive The DNEG Group’s existing activities and enable the Group to expand its offering, both in terms of the services we provide and the markets we operate in. We are building on our success with the opening of a studio in Abu Dhabi, bringing content creation and technological capabilities to the region, positioning us as a leader there, and allowing us to leverage our global capabilities like no other.”

    Brahma executive chairman Prabhu Narasimhan said, “Our aim is to enable every storyteller to translate their imagination to screen faster, cheaper, and better, by equipping them with Brahma, which we are developing to be the most comprehensive AI-driven photo-real CGI creator. In the coming months, we will add to the leadership team of Brahma, fusing top technology and AI talent with visual effects creatives to make Brahma available to everyone with a story to tell.”

  • BIG FM returns with Season 2 of BIG Antakshari hosted by Annu Kapoor

    BIG FM returns with Season 2 of BIG Antakshari hosted by Annu Kapoor

    Mumbai: For Indians, Antakshari is not just a game but an emotion which transcends borders, cultures and languages bringing us all together. Fostering this belief, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, announced the return of its highly successful show, BIG Antakshari with Annu Kapoor presented by Bank of Baroda, one of the leading Public Sector Bank. Revamping the iconic musical game, this season features selected teams that have passed rigorous audition rounds held across major cities in India. This highly anticipated show will air across 52 stations of the BIG FM network on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 pm to 9 pm.

    BIG Antakshari Season 2 features three teams – Bank of Baroda Deewane, Bank of Baroda Parwaane and Bank of Baroda Mastaane – competing in an epic musical showdown each week, showcasing their passion for Bollywood music. The electrifying game comprises three rounds: the Akshar Round, the Dhun Round and the Visual Round. With BIG Antakshari Season 2, BIG FM aims to redefine the classic Antakshari experience by not only entertaining listeners but also engaging them in fun Bollywood trivia and encouraging participation with Mega Prizes.

    Host Annu Kapoor commented, “My long-standing association with BIG FM has allowed me to witness the evolution of audio content over the years. With growing anticipation and enthusiasm among listeners of all age groups, the second season of BIG Antakshari promises to be an unforgettable journey filled with fun and entertainment.”

    Adding to it, BIG FM COO Sunil Kumaran said, “BIG Antakshari continues to take BIG FM’s rich legacy of iconic shows forward. The show’s transition from television to radio marks a significant milestone in the audio industry, especially for us. With Annu Kapoor’s signature hosting style, coupled with his valuable insights, witty remarks and engaging banter, this season is poised to cement a special place in listeners’ hearts. Additionally, integrating anecdotes, games and trivia with the traditional game format makes this season relatable for audiences across ages. We’re beyond excited for BIG Antakshari season 2 and cannot wait to revel in the love from our listeners, once again.”

    Season 1 of BIG Antakshari, also presented by Bank of Baroda, was a resounding success. Continuing the association in Season 2, Bank of Baroda once again intends to connect with its loyal patrons through this innovative and interactive game show. With Madhur Sugar as a sweetness partner, BIG Antakshari Season 2 is powered by Torex Cough Syrup (A product by Torque Pharma).

    Revisit your favourite songs and check your Bollywood knowledge with BIG Antakshari Season 2 only on BIG FM!

  • NBA India’s “Nets for Change” wins Gold at Cannes Lions for photography

    NBA India’s “Nets for Change” wins Gold at Cannes Lions for photography

    Mumbai: Earlier this year, the NBA partnered with the Publicis Groupe, MEA (Dubai), in India to bring to life “Nets for Change”, an initiative to repurpose discarded underwater fishing nets at basketball courts in India.  Discarded underwater fishing nets pose a significant environmental threat, and through this initiative, the NBA and Publicis are giving these nets a new purpose, so that aspiring players have higher-quality courts where they can come together to play the game.  The pilot project was launched successfully in Mumbai at The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Colaba and in community courts in EuroSchool, Thane and Vikhroli, with plans to expand to other markets.

    As an extension of this campaign, the Publicis team created a series of posters to encourage more youth to play basketball.  Featuring street-style photography, these posters recreated some of the most iconic dunks by NBA stars, capturing them through the lens of everyday life in India.  Displayed across courts during the filming of the campaign, the posters invited young ballers to be India’s next ’23 in a billion’, ‘8 in a billion’, and ‘6 in a billion’, referencing the iconic jersey numbers of NBA superstars.  The posters featuring these iconic dunks were submitted to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity by Publicis Groupe Dubai, winning Gold for Photography and Silver as an Outdoor Campaign in Industry Craft.

    The NBA is committed to using the power of basketball to inspire fans and partners to minimize environmental impacts and help drive broader industry and societal progress.  The “Nets for Change” campaign video highlights the extent of the ecological damage caused by discarded fishing nets and how this initiative is helping combat it, one hoop at a time.

  • Discover Iceland’s magic with Wego: Top attractions and undiscovered treasures

    Discover Iceland’s magic with Wego: Top attractions and undiscovered treasures

    Residing in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is often called the Oasis of Peace, owing to its surreal landscapes. The island country is renowned for its panoramic views, massive mountains, and the elusive Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. The land is a plateau that is home to vast ice fields, live volcanoes, and naturally occurring hot springs.

    An excursion to Iceland is an experience of a lifetime and a shared dream of many travel enthusiasts. To make the journey of these travellers more scenic and memorable, here are the top locations and hidden gems in Iceland.

    Graenihryggur Ridge

    The Graenihruggur-Green Ridge offers some of the best views of the landscapes in Iceland and leads to unique formations in the Lamdnannalaugar area, near the Central Highlands of the country. The striking emerald green-coloured ridge resembles a natural jewel and is a sight to behold. The trek of this site goes through a remarkably pristine and picturesque area. It is highly recommended to embark on the trek to this beautiful ridge and discover the extravagant beauty of Iceland.

    Strútsfoss waterfall

    The Strútsfoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland and is located along the Strutsa River. The Strútsfoss waterfall is off the beaten path and away from the crowded tourist trails. The magnificent waterfall cascades to the red strata in two levels. The first is 30 meters high, whereas the second falls from 100 meters above sea level. The flowing water, with the beautiful surrounding area, makes this site a magical experience. The best time to visit this is between April and October.

    Reykjanes Peninsula Grindavik

    The Grindavik region encapsulates dramatic surroundings, lava fields adjacent to the coast, and the renowned Blue Lagoon, offering endless possibilities to visitors. Sites such as Eldovorp, Selatangar, Gunnuhver, and the Reykjanes lighthouse add to the extraordinary beauty of the village of Grindavik. The village encounters seismic activity on a daily basis, experiencing more than ten earthquakes per day. However, the earthquakes are minor and measure only three on a Richter scale. Apart from this, the village is home to a community of 3000 residents.

    Hrossaborg

    Hrossaborg is located in Mývatnsöræfi, near the edge of the Highlands desert in Iceland. The crater looks out of this world with its distorted circular shape. It was formed 10,000 years ago due to the explosion of hot magma with cold groundwater. It was once used as a pen for horses, hence its name, Hrossaborg, which translates to Horse Castle.

    Trollaskagi

    Trollaskagi peninsula is one of the most popular towns for snow activities. It has the tallest mountain range in Iceland, exceeding 1500 metres in height, and offers a number of activities, such as skiing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding. The 200 glaciers in the peninsular region and the snow mountain cap last through May. The ski hike here begins from the mountain and ends on a black beach near the ocean. During the summers, the place becomes a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, as it has stunning hiking trails, and tourists can drive on the cliff looking over the ocean below.

    A trip to Iceland is nothing short of visiting heaven itself. The breathtaking views, surreal landscapes, and the truly mesmerising Northern Lights make this place one of a kind. While there are many great popular locations to visit in the Island country, there are several hidden gems waiting to be explored. From majestic waterfalls and hot springs to hiking glaciers, Iceland offers endless opportunities for travellers to behold its natural beauty and connect to nature in the most surreal way possible.

    The article has been authored by Wego general manager, India Bernard Corraya.

  • Red FM’s South Side Story Season 6: coming soon this September!

    Red FM’s South Side Story Season 6: coming soon this September!

    Mumbai: 93.5 Red FM, a private radio and entertainment network announced the highly anticipated return of South Side Story. Set against the backdrop of Delhi, Season 6 of South Side Story will extend into a two-day extravaganza showcasing the essence and elements of Southern India’s artistic flair.

    South Side Story has become synonymous with celebrating the diverse heritage of South India, and Season 6 promises to be no exception. From pulsating rap beats to soul-stirring folk melodies, and rock anthems to infectious pop tunes, and a gala of fusion performances, attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of some of the most talented and sought-after artists, including Khatija Rehman and Band, Sean Roldan & Friends, Sithara Project Malabaricus, T.M Krishna, Agam The Band, Nithya Mammen, All Okay, Maalavika Sundar, Job Kurian, Arivu + The Ambasa Band and Thaikkudum Bridge.

    Red FM’s South Side Story is more than just a music festival – it’s a holistic cultural experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore authentic South Indian delicacies at the food joints and shop for treasures at the shopping stalls. From traditional handicrafts to contemporary fashion, there will be something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

    Speaking on the wins, “Red FM & Magic FM COO and director Nisha Narayanan said, “As a brand that is both national yet local (NAT-local), inclusive, and celebratory of local cultures and ethos, we are thrilled to announce the next season of South Side Story. This upcoming edition marks a significant milestone as we celebrate six years of transporting the flavours of South India to the North, primarily through music. Due to the overwhelming response we received year after year for this IP, we have extended the festival into a two-day celebration. We are head over heels for the incredible lineup of artists that we have curated; we are looking forward to revealing the artists soon.”

    Each day of the event will be themed to maintain excitement and ensure an unforgettable experience for attendees. From traditional festivities to contemporary expressions of art and culture, South Side Story Season 6 promises to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

    Book your tickets at  – https://southsidestory.in/flashback.php?utm_source=Trade+PR&utm_medium=B2B