Category: eNews

Meta expands third-party fact-checking program in India with Press Trust of India

Mumbai: Meta has expanded our third-party fact-checking program in India to include Press Trust of India (PTI), a dedicated fact-checking unit within the newswire’s editorial department. The partnership will enable PTI to identify, review and rate content as misinformation across Meta platforms.

To fight the spread of misinformation and provide people with more reliable information, Meta partners with independent third-party fact-checkers that are certified through the non-partisan International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) who identify, review and rate viral misinformation across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Globally, we’ve also built the largest independent fact-checking network of any platform, with nearly 100 partners around the world to review and rate viral misinformation in more than 60 languages.

With this partnership with PTI, we now have 12 fact-checking partners in India, making it the country with the most third-party fact-checking partners globally across Meta. Our Indian language coverage stands at 16 through our existing fact-checking partners to include Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Urdu, Punjabi, Assamese, Manipuri/ Meitei, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Kashmiri, Bhojpuri, Oriya and Nepali, besides English.

Each time a fact-checker rates a piece of content as false, altered or partly false, we reduce its distribution so that fewer people see it. We notify people who try to share the content – or who previously shared it – that the information was rated by a fact-checker, and we add a warning label that links to the fact-checker’s article with more information about the claim.

Since 2016, our fact-checking program has expanded to include nearly 100 organizations globally. The focus of the program is to address viral misinformation – particularly clear hoaxes that have no basis in fact. Fact-checking partners prioritise provably false claims that are timely, trending and consequential.

April 2, 2024
Wynk Studio acknowledged for enabling independent artists in India

Mumbai: In recognition of its outstanding contribution to the Indian independent music industry, the Indian Independent Record Labels Association (IIRA) has awarded Wynk Studio team for its efforts and significant contribution towards supporting and recognising the Indian independent music industry.

Wynk Studio has been organising workshops, sessions and across the country with an aim to engage with independent artists and onboard them on Wynk Studio. Wynk Music has also created a special playlist with the songs of these artists to drive their discovery and streams. This has led to an increase in the number of independent artists from across the region joining the platform and finding a wider audience for their music.

In addition to this, Wynk Studio had five of its independent women artists perform at the Hornbill Music Festival. These women artists got an opportunity to showcase their talent at the prestigious music platform where the festival audience enjoyed the popular hits of these artists. Wynk Studio artists who featured at the music festival are – Raveena Paul, Reena, Sugandha Garg, Himani Kapoor and Bawari Basanti.

Wynk Studio now has over 2000 artists. Wynk helps drive discoverability for their songs, enabling the artists to monetize their music and build thriving careers in the music industry. The Wynk Music app functions as a great enabler to offer these artists a creative outlet while solving monetisation and discovery issues for them.

Wynk Rewind 2023 placed artists like Aditya Rikhari in Hindi, Mali in English, Harsha Prawin in Telugu, AR Anandh in Tamil, Dheemusix in Kannada and Raj Burman in Bengali as some of the leading indie artists of the year who have been trending on the app.

In 2023, Wynk supported the distribution of independent singles such as “Love Token” from Manj Music and Anusha Dandekar, “Billo” from Vishal Dadlani and Nikhita Gandhi’s single “Pyaar mein Pagal”, along with helping independent producers build scale such as LGF Studios whose movie “Love All” starring Kay Kay Menon and Swastika Mukherjee was promoted on the platform.

Wynk continues to endeavor towards driving language and artists diversity on its music app and has been consistently adding independent artists and music from across languages to its platform. This year, 55 per cent of sign-ups on Wynk Studio have been from non-metro cities including smaller towns of the North-East highlighting how the platform has been a great enabler for independent artists from all over the country, especially tier 2 and tier 3 cities. This also enables Wynk to deepen its content library with diverse languages that these artists champion.

April 1, 2024
GALSNGEAR announces 2024 NAB Show activities

Mumbai: #GALSNGEAR, a movement to bring parity to women in media and entertainment, announced its lineup of activities at the 2024 NAB Show, 13-17 April, in Las Vegas. #GALSNGEAR will co-host a variety of networking and educational sessions to boost technical skills, opportunities, and fellowship for women in the industry. As always, the activities will focus on the four pillars of #GALSNGEAR’s “tequity” equation: tequity = visibility + access + upskilling x a community of support. New this year is the organization’s first in-the-cloud live production from the NAB Show floor.

“At GALSNGEAR, we aim to make sure tequity catches fire and spreads throughout the industry, and our efforts will be on full display at NAB Show,” said #GALSNGEAR founder Amy DeLouise. “We’re fortunate to have support from an ever-growing number of media companies and other allies, who are sharing their expertise and resources and sparking new conversations that advance equity in the industry.”

During the NAB Show this year, #GALSNGEAR will partner with Chyron to host its annual Student Production Intensive, gathering volunteer mentors skilled in camera work, lighting, graphics, switching, engineering, and live production to collaborate with students from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Together, they will produce three hours of live-streamed programming featuring insightful interviews with prominent women and innovators in the tech sphere. As they produce the show, called “Tequity Talk at NAB Show, powered by #GALSNGEAR and Chyron LIVE,” students will get to know the wide range of job opportunities in every industry vertical. At the same time, they’ll gain hands-on experience with Chyron’s new in-the-cloud Chyron LIVE software, cameras from Blackmagic Design, production equipment from LensRentals, cutting-edge communications systems from Riedel, storage solutions from Perifery, and remote collaborative editing software from Scenery.

“We’re excited to bring students into a diverse and supportive volunteer team comprising industry frontrunners and leading-edge technologies as we create a unique case study in live and remote production inside the NAB Show experience,” said #GALSNGEAR program director Danilda Martinez.

The #GALSNGEAR 2024 NAB Show schedule is as follows:

Sunday, April 14, 4 p.m. — Tech Talk: Spotlight on Virtual Production — #GALSNGEAR will present a Tech Talk in the Connect Zone Theater, followed by a Happy Hour in the Connect Zone Conversation Corner.

Monday, April 15, 11 a.m.-Noon and 3-4 p.m. – Tequity Talk at NAB Show, powered by #GALSNGEAR and Chyron LIVE at the Chyron booth, SL2238.

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Networking Party — #GALSNGEAR will host its annual, always-popular off-site networking party co-hosted with HPA Women in Post, SVGW, and the Emma Bowen Foundation.
Details and RSVP here.

Tuesday, April 16, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — The #GALSNGEAR CONNECT Women’s Leadership Summit in West Hall meeting rooms W208-209 will feature a keynote conversation with Samira Bakhtiar, general manager of media, entertainment, games, and sports at Amazon Web Services. There will be a deep-dive workshop on how to build one’s professional brand, and a panel of leaders will explore their career journeys in media and technology. Moderated by Nikki Bethel, president and CEO of Emma Bowen Foundation, panelists will include Kylee Peña, senior product marketing manager for professional editorial, Adobe; and Danielle Stocki, project manager, graphics production, Fox Sports.

Tuesday, April 16, Noon-1 p.m. — Lunchtime Panel — The #GALSNGEAR CONNECT Women’s Leadership Summit will conclude with a joint SVGW and #GALSNGEAR Lunch Panel on “The Future of Story: Tech Trends and Audience Engagement.” It will include innovators across sports and entertainment. Moderated by Andrea Berry, executive vice president of operations, Telemundo; panellists Michelle Munson, CEO, Eluvio; Barbara Lange, principal and CEO, Kibo121; and Patti Fallick, managing director, broadcast, USTA, will discuss the latest tools and strategies for audience engagement.

These NAB Show 2024 activities follow last year’s launch of the #GALSNGEAR Tequity Hub, a one-stop shop for women seeking connection. The Tequity Hub hosts monthly conversations on both technical and career topics, as well as upskilling resources, job postings, and beta-testing opportunities.

Sponsors for #GALSNGEAR events throughout the NAB Show are Amazon Web Services, Blackmagic Design, Dell Technologies, NVIDIA, Chyron, Adobe, Perifery, Digital Anarchy, and Flanders Scientific.

March 26, 2024
Moneycontrol maintains winning streak, surpasses competition across metrics

Mumbai: Moneycontrol has strengthened its position as a business news platform, once again beating its key competitor comprehensively across all digital metrics.

According to Comscore data for February 2024 (India ComScore MMX), Moneycontrol has the largest number of Unique Visitors (UVs), 28.46 million. Moneycontrol also maintained its massive lead in pages views (512 million) and time spent (667 million minutes).

In comparison, Moneycontrol’s nearest competitor managed to capture only 179 million page views in February. Its time spent also significantly lagged behind at just 189 million minutes.

Both PVs and time spent are crucial parameters for media planners and advertisers who always choose platforms with better stickiness. It also showcases the reader’s trust, who’s consuming a lot more content of Moneycontrol as compared to competitors.

In terms of breaking important business stories too, Moneycontrol has been leading the race. The business news platform has been the preferred choice of industry leaders from corporate India, the startup world and the stock markets.

“Moneycontrol’s continuing leadership in digital business news, across every single metric, is an outcome of our relentless focus on top-class journalism, said Moneycontrol managing editor Nalin Mehta. “We are deeply thankful to our readers for their vote of confidence in our work as we focus on redefining business news in India,” he added.

MC Pro, the paid subscription-based service of Moneycontrol, has also exceeded seven lakh paying subscribers.

March 26, 2024
Business Today Summit honours top banks at Gujarat’s GIFT City

Mumbai: The Business Today Banking & Economy Summit and BT Best Banks Awards, held at GIFT City in Gandhinagar on 22 March, celebrated India’s financial prowess. This year’s theme was “Indian Banking: Bigger. Bolder. Boundless,” and the event attracted a formidable assembly of industry titans, policymakers, and innovators, who discussed key trends and issues shaping the banking and financial sector.

At the event, the BT Best Banks Awards recognised and celebrated the leaders of the financial world, showcasing their resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Nitin Gadkari, union minister for road transport and highways and Bhupendra Patel, chief minister of Gujarat, were present at the event and unveiled a Special Issue of Business Today on India’s Best Banks.

This year, the Bank of the Year saw joint winners, with ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank clinching the title. Veteran banker Uday Kotak, founder & non-executive director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The list of winners in other categories included names such as HDFC Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, J P Morgan, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, Bajaj Finance, Mahindra Finance and Razorpay, among others.

At the summit, Union minister Gadkari highlighted the unprecedented opportunity presented by infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) bonds. He emphasised their potential to empower ordinary citizens to partake in the nation’s rapid infrastructure development while reaping substantial returns on their investments. “I don’t say this openly, but I have decided that I [will] now make roads with money collected from poor countrymen,” he said, adding that he often encouraged peons, police constables or labourers to invest in InvIT bonds. “I assure you of 8.05 per cent annual interest.”

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel credited the banking turnaround to PM Modi’s policies, while Dr Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission of India, batted for the privatisation of public sector banks once the General Elections are over. Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO of NSE, said that the regulatory framework of GIFT City, especially those related to the speed of execution, must be benchmarked to similar special zones in Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore or London, while Kalyanaraman Rajaraman, Chairperson of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), said a green finance ecosystem has been put in place at Gift City. Bestselling author Chetan Bhagat said that GIFT City, with proper reforms, can become a financial nerve centre just like Hong Kong, Dubai, or Singapore.

To decide on the winners of the awards, the 28th edition of the BT-KPMG Best Banks and NBFCs Survey identified those institutions that weathered all storms in 2022-23, innovated both in products and services, nurtured talent and leveraged the strengths of fintech or technology partners to prepare for the future. The survey employed a comprehensive blend of quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess the performance of banks, fintech companies, and large NBFCs, that were included from this edition.

While six of the awards are quantitative ones based on a rigorous evaluation of 35-plus business parameters of banks and NBFCs for FY23, the other 10 categories were decided by a high-profile jury headed by Anand Kumar Sinha, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India. The other members of the jury were Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE; Ranu Vohra, Co-founder & Executive Vice Chairman, Avendus; Pallav Mohapatra, MD & CEO, Arcil; N.S. Kannan, former ED, ICICI Bank; and Rajiv Kaul, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, CMS Info Systems. A total of 17 winners were picked.

Here’s the complete list of winners in the BT-KPMG Best Banks & NBFCs Survey 2022-23:

Jury Awards

Bank of the Year: HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank (Joint Winners)
Lifetime Achievement Award: Uday Kotak, Founder & Non-executive Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank
Best Bank in Innovation: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
Best Bank in Talent and Workforce: Kotak Mahindra Bank
Best Bank in Fintech Initiative: Federal Bank
Best NBFC in Innovation: Tata Capital
Best NBFC in Talent and Workforce: Mahindra Finance
Best Fintech in Payments: Razorpay
Best Fintech in Value-Added Services: Perfios Software Solutions
Best Fintech in Lending: Lendingkart
BT-KPMG Quantitative Awards
Best Large Indian Bank: HDFC Bank
Best Mid-sized Indian Bank: Bank of Maharashtra
Best Small Indian Bank: Karur Vysya Bank
Best Large Foreign Bank: J P Morgan
Best Small Finance Bank: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
Best Large NBFC: Bajaj Finance Ltd

March 26, 2024
BollywoodLife.com Awards 2024 set to dazzle on 27 March 2024

Mumbai: The stage is set, the spotlight is ready, and the excitement is palpable as IndiaDotcom Digital Pvt Ltd announced the much-awaited return of the BollywoodLife.com Awards for its fifth season. Scheduled to take place on 27 March 2024, this star-studded virtual event promises to be a night to remember, celebrating the best and brightest talents across Bollywood, television, OTT, and social media.

For four glorious seasons, the BollywoodLife.com Awards has been a beacon of excellence, honouring outstanding achievements and innovative contributions to the entertainment industry. From gripping performances to engaging content, the awards recognize the incredible talents that fuel the magic of entertainment.

The BollywoodLife.com Awards 2024 will begin at 5 pm onwards, featuring compelling panel discussions delving into pertinent topics like the relevance of reality TV shows and the pitfalls of box office obsession. These discussions promise to provide invaluable perspectives on the evolving entertainment landscape, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The Bollywood Awards encompass a wide array of prestigious categories, including Best Film, Actor, Actress, and Director, as well as recognition for Supporting Actors, Playback Singers, and Debut Performances. In the realm of television, accolades extend to Best Popular TV Diva and Dude, Best Social Media TV Couple, and honours for outstanding actors, actresses, and reality show stars. The Social Media Awards celebrate influential figures with titles such as Social Media King and Queen while acknowledging content creators, comedians, and lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and fitness bloggers. Additionally, the OTT Awards highlight excellence in Hindi cinema, web series, and youth-oriented programming, featuring categories like Best Film, Actor, and Actress, alongside recognition for breakthrough performances and supporting roles.

This year’s awards ceremony is poised to elevate the entertainment experience with a distinguished panel of jury members hailing from the Indian film and TV fraternity. Renowned figures such as Seema Pahwa, Ram Madhvani, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Palki Malhotra, and Anand Pandit bring their wealth of expertise and insights to ensure that the most deserving talents across various categories are recognized and celebrated.

One of the hallmarks of the BollywoodLife.com Awards is the active participation of fans, who play a pivotal role in the nomination and voting process. From veteran actors to emerging stars, every nominee receives the unwavering support of their fans as they compete for top honours.

A spokesperson from Bollywoodlife.com, one of the digital assets of IDPL, “The BollywoodLife.com Awards have firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the entertainment calendar, offering a platform that celebrates creativity, innovation, and excellence across diverse mediums. With its comprehensive categories and transparent nomination process, the awards ensure that deserving talents receive the recognition they deserve. What truly sets this platform apart is its focus on community engagement, inviting fans to be an integral part of the celebration through the voting process. Moreover, the addition of thought-provoking panel discussions elevates the awards beyond just a recognition ceremony, fostering a deeper understanding of the industry’s opportunities and challenges.”

Interestingly, it is also comprised of exclusive masterclasses led by industry experts, providing invaluable guidance and inspiration to aspiring talents looking to make their mark in the entertainment world.

The season five of the BollywoodLife.com Awards would not have been possible without its partners: OTT Partner – Watcho, PR Partner – Teamology, Special Partner – LIC Housing Finance and Dayanand Sagar University, Powered by – Paytm.

March 26, 2024
BIG FM returns with BIG BINGO Cricket Season 2 with Irfan Pathan

Mumbai: As cricket fever sweeps the nation with the arrival of T20 cricket series, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, brings back the second season of BIG BINGO Cricket! After the splendid success of the previous edition, this year, the campaign promises to elevate the excitement with cricket legend Irfan Pathan. With its unique blend of cricket and bingo, former cricketer Irfan Pathan will share real-time analysis of players’ performances, team strategies and overall match dynamics on radio. Whether one is a seasoned cricket fan or new to the game, BIG BINGO Cricket Season 2 offers an unparalleled opportunity for listeners to engage with the sport in an immersive manner!

Through this campaign, the radio network invites listeners to immerse themselves in the pulsating action of the T20 cricket while also having the opportunity to win incredible prizes with just a click of a button. Users can log onto www.bigfmbingo.com, where they can register and select their tickets for the day’s match. As the series progresses, they will earn points based on the performance of the players listed on their tickets. Adding on, competitors can spin the Spin-The-Wheel every 10 minutes during the match to earn bonus points. At the end of the series, the participant with the highest cumulative score will be crowned tournament champion and receive the megaprize!

Moreover, taking the victory a notch higher, selected lucky winners will get exciting prizes and a chance to meet the expert of Indian cricket, Irfan Pathan. Following a successful collaboration with Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, this year, the radio network has also partnered with Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore, enhancing the cricketing experience for fans and offering more opportunities to engage with their favorite teams and players.

Speaking on the campaign, BIG FM COO Sunil Kumaran added, “Cricket is celebrated like no other sport in our country and this cricketing season, we are thrilled to announce the second edition of BIG BINGO Cricket. Our goal is to connect fans with their favorite sport, enhancing their engagement with every match. With the addition of radio partnership with esteemed cricket teams, we anticipate an atmosphere filled with excitement, offering fans valuable insights from their favorite player Irfan Pathan himself.”

Giving an immersive experience to the listeners, Irfan Pathan will do a variety of on-air activities, including selective match pre & post-match analysis, sharing anecdotes from his World Cup days and quizzes to challenge listener’s cricketing expertise. Additionally, keen fans can look forward to a fantastic meet & greet and photo op session in Mumbai.

“Cricket is not just a game, it’s been my greatest teacher, shaping me into who I am. Regardless of winning or losing the match, India’s unwavering support has united the players into a skilled team today. I am excited to join hands with BIG FM. Their integral role in sharing this passion is commendable, they are ensuring that airwaves of cricket reach every corner of the nation. Through BIG BINGO Cricket, I look forward to connecting with cricket lovers once again,” said Irfan Pathan.

Furthermore, BIG FM RJs will also engage listeners in BIG BINGO Cricket on-air and via BIG FM’s Instagram page.

Join BIG FM on www.bigfmbingo.com and delve into the exhilarating world of cricket like never before.

March 23, 2024
Think outside the colour box this Holi and explore these unique activities

Mumbai: Looking to add a splash of excitement to your festivities this Holi? While the festival’s usual splashes of colour are undeniably thrilling, who says you can’t have a blast without them? Whether you’re opting for a colour-free celebration for safety reasons or simply want to enjoy the long weekend differently, we’ve curated a lineup of exciting activities to ensure you have a fantastic time. From immersing yourself in audio entertainment to planning your dream getaway and indulging in some delicious treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Educate, entertain and enrich yourself with audio content on Audible

If you’re looking for entertainment, downtime with self-care or some self-development, Audible has got you covered with its diverse range of audio content. Be it romance, thriller, horror, comedy or self-help, there’s something for everyone to tune in to. Check out star-studded audio series such as the four seasons of ‘Marvel’s Wastelanders’ in Hindi or dive into shows like ‘Desi Down Under,’ or ‘Little Things: Jab Dhruv Met Kavya,’ which will transport you to a different world. Well, not just this, you can take advantage of the day indoors to pamper yourself and get that skincare regime in place by listening to tips from experts like Vasudha Rai or Jaishree Sharad from their audiobooks too. Alternatively, seize the opportunity to finally dive into that audiobook that has been sitting in your content library for ages.

Tick some titles off your watchlist on Amazon Prime Video

In the era of endless streaming options, there’s no shortage of binge-worthy content to dive into, making it the ultimate way to unwind during the Holi festivities. Whether you’re a sucker for suspenseful thrillers, heartwarming dramas, or gut-busting comedies, the vast array of web series and films across platforms like Amazon Prime Video guarantee there’s something for every taste. Consider adding recent releases like ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ ‘Poacher’, ‘Indian Police Force’ and the upcoming release, ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan,’ to your Holi watchlist. So, grab your popcorn, pull the curtains, and get ready for a cinematic adventure right in the comfort of your own home!

Take that trip you’ve been dreaming of with Skyscanner!

Thinking of a quick getaway this weekend? Utilise the time off to plan an unforgettable trip with Skyscanner. For a relaxing getaway to a serene hill station or an adventurous international escapade, Skyscanner has got you covered. A recent survey by Skyscanner’s Travel in Focus Report 2023 revealed that 56% of Indians would squeeze in as many small trips as possible at the same price, rather than one big holiday. If you’re the same, then this weekend is for you. Plus, with a little bit of planning in advance, you can snag amazing deals and score big savings on your travel expenses. Whether you’re looking to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh or soak in the sun-kissed beaches of Thailand for a rejuvenating experience, there’s a destination out there calling your name.

Whip up some desserts for your folks!

What better way to celebrate Holi than by indulging in delicious homemade sweets? Channel your inner chef and whip up some mouthwatering treats for yourself and your family. From traditional Indian delicacies like ‘Thandai,’ ‘Dahi Bhalla,’ ‘Karanji,’ ‘Puranpoli’ to modern delights like ‘chocolate truffles’ and ‘fruit tarts,’ the options are endless. Not only is cooking a fun and rewarding activity, but it also allows you to bond with your loved ones over shared culinary experiences.

Pro tip: Remember to personalise your creations with colours, unique flavours and decorations to add a special touch to your Holi festivities! So, put on your chef’s hat, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to some delectable homemade dishes!

Swipe right on love and find your ideal match on Tinder!

Spice up your Holi celebrations by creating a fun profile on Tinder and setting up a festive date with someone special. Whether you’re seeking a casual hangout or a meaningful connection, Holi can be the perfect opportunity to meet new people and add some excitement to your love life. Swipe through profiles, make connections, and plan a date to celebrate the festival of colours together. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your perfect match amidst the vibrant hues of Holi!

March 22, 2024
Business Today Banking & Economy Summit and BT Best Banks Awards celebrates the theme, Indian Banking: Bigger. Bolder. Boundless

Mumbai: The prestigious annual Business Today Banking & Economy Summit and BT Best Banks Awards will be held in Gandhinagar’s GIFT City on Friday, 22 March 2024. The theme for the event this year is ‘Indian Banking: Bigger. Bolder. Boundless,’ and it will feature an impressive line-up of influential figures, thought leaders, and experts from the financial industry who will deliberate on pressing issues such as the state of the Indian economy, the modern financial lending landscape, and a blueprint for a global financial hotspot, among others.

Union minister for road transport & highways Nitin Gadkari is the chief guest at the event, while chief minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel is the guest of honour. Industry stalwarts such as HDFC Bank MD & CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan will also attend. The line-up for the summit includes names such as the 16th Finance Commission of India chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya; NSE MD & CEO – Ashishkumar Chauhan; J P Morgan senior country officer India and vice chairman Asia Pacific Kaustubh Kulkarni; Ujjivan Small Finance Bank MD & CEO Ittira Davis; The Karur Vysya Bank, MD & CEO – B. Ramesh Babu; Tata Capital digital head Shallu Kaushik; Lendingkart co-founder & CEO Harshvardhan Lunia; Perfios Software Solutions CEO Sabyasachi Goswami; Bank of Maharashtra ED Asheesh Pandey; KPMG in India, partner and head – financial services advisory – Sanjay Doshi; International Financial Services Centres Authority, chairperson Kalyanaraman Rajaraman GMDC, MD – Roopwant Singh; author, speaker, and influencer – Chetan Bhagat.

A special issue of Business Today on India’s Best Banks will be released at the event, followed by the highly anticipated presentation ceremony of the BT Best Banks Awards. The 28th edition of the BT-KPMG Best Banks and NBFCs Survey identified those institutions that weathered all storms in 2022-23, innovated both in products and services, nurtured talent and leveraged the strengths of fintech or technology partners to prepare for the future. There are 16 award categories across banking, NBFCs, and the fintech space. While six of them are quantitative awards based on a rigorous evaluation of the financial performance of banks and NBFCs for FY23, the other 10 categories were decided by a high-profile jury headed by Anand Kumar Sinha, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India. The other members of the jury were NSE, MD & CEO – Ashishkumar Chauhan; Avendus co-founder & executive vice chairman Ranu Vohra; Arcil MD & CEO Pallav Mohapatra; ICICI Bank former ED N.S. Kannan; and CMS Info Systems executive vice chairman & CEO Rajiv Kaul.

Amidst global economic challenges marked by high volatility in the financial markets, disruptions in supply chains, and inflationary pressures, the Indian economy stands resilient, albeit not immune. The Business Today Banking & Economy Summit aims to address the key trends and issues shaping the banking and financial sector, providing a platform for policymakers, regulators, industry executives, and innovators to exchange ideas and chart the course forward.

March 21, 2024
BBC Podcasts now available on Amazon Music Worldwide

Mumbai: BBC – creator, producer and distributor of distinct British content globally – today announced a new deal with Amazon Music that will make BBC podcasts available on the streaming service for the first time outside the UK.
Subscribers to Prime and Amazon Music Unlimited services can exclusively access a curated suite of over 50 of the BBC’s most popular podcasts ad-free, including notable BBC titles such as Americast, BBC Global News Podcast, Dua Lipa: At Your Service, The Global Story, Infinite Monkey Cage, Planet Premier League, and World of Secrets.
Additionally, the deal will also unlock ad-supported listening for the BBC’s complete catalogue from across BBC Studios, BBC Public Service, and the BBC World Service for Amazon Music users on the streaming services’ ad-supported free tier.

BBC Studios, SVP Audio, digital news & streaming Louise la Grange said, “Whether it’s a rundown of today’s headlines for the morning commute or a dose of true crime for a long road trip, we have something for everyone. Audio storytelling has long been our strength as a global content producer, and with this partnership, we are thrilled to bring our BBC podcasts to even wider audiences. We invite Amazon Music listeners to explore the BBC’s premium audio storytelling and discover their new favorite podcast with us.”

“Amazon Music is thrilled to offer our global listeners the full catalogue of BBC podcasts outside of the UK,” said Shea Simpson, Head of Podcast Business, Amazon Music. “BBC’s premium British programmes are a fan-favorite, and we’re excited to make 50 of their top titles available ad-free for Prime members and Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers.”
BBC Studios Asia SVP and general manager Phil Hardman said, “We have over 100 years of history of producing world-class audio content and BBC Podcasts reflects the range of storytelling that is synonymous with the BBC and our mission to inform, educate and entertain audiences. This expansion of BBC Podcasts to Amazon Music deepens our well established relationship in Asia that already brings the BBC News channel to audiences in Japan, the best of on demand British content with BBC Player on Amazon Prime Video in India, global co-productions like Good Omens to Amazon Prime Video audiences across Asia and original titles such as the recent critically acclaimed ‘Wedding.con’ produced by BBC Studios India Popular podcasts now available to Amazon Music listeners include:
Americast – The authoritative weekly US news and politics podcast, Americast investigates the social and cultural issues that define America today. Produced by BBC News.

BBC Global News Podcast – The day’s top news stories from the BBC. Delivered twice a day on weekdays, daily editions on the weekend. Produced by BBC World Service.

BBC Global Story – Hosted by Katya Adler, each episode focuses on one story and draws upon the BBC’s best global journalists with a fresh sound and a smart take on the biggest stories of our time. From Beijing to Boston, Baghdad to Bangalore, our unrivalled reach will take you beyond the headlines on a journey of understanding and exploration.

Produced by BBC World Service.
BBC World Service non-English language podcasts from selected language services such as BBC News Hindi, BBC News Urdu, BBC News Brasil and BBC News Arabic.

Business Daily – The daily drama of money and work from the BBC. Produced by BBC World Service.
Dua Lipa: At Your Service – Pop powerhouse Dua Lipa has candid, uplifting and insightful conversations with the people who inspire her most about topics like reinvention, sex and relationships, psychedelics, and more. Produced by Service95 and Persephonica for the BBC.

F1 Chequered Flag– Formula 1 interviews, reaction and reports. BBC Radio 5 Live presents a round-up of the race weekend. Produced by IMG Production for the BBC.
The Gatekeepers – Jamie Bartlett (Believe In Magic, The Missing Cryptoqueen) traces the story of how and why social media companies have become the new information gatekeepers, and what the decisions they make mean for all of us. Produced by BBC Audio Scotland for BBC Radio 4.
Good, Bad, Billionaire – Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng find out how the richest people on the planet made their billions, and then they judge them. Are they good, bad, or just another billionaire? Produced by BBC Audio for BBC Radio 5 Live.

History’s Secret Heroes – Helena Bonham Carter shines light on extraordinary stories from World War Two. Produced by BBC Studios Factual for BBC Radio 4.

In Our Time– Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world. Produced by BBC Radio 4.

Infinite Monkey Cage– Professor Brian Cox and Robert Ince host a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. Produced by BBC Studios Productions for BBC Radio 4.
Just One Thing with Michael Mosley – If time is tight, what’s the one thing that you should be doing to improve your health and wellbeing? Michael Mosley reveals surprisingly simple top tips that are scientifically proven to change your life. Produced by BBC Studios Factual for BBC Radio 4 Live.

Planet Premier League – Hosted by ex-Premier League and World Cup winner Cesc Fabregas, leading UK sports broadcaster Mark Chapman and former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, this brand-new flagship weekly soccer podcast leverages unrivalled access to the biggest names, experts, and insights from the most watched football league around the globe. Planet Premier League is made by IMG Media for the BBC.

Things Fell Apart with Jon Ronson – If you’ve ever yelled at someone on social media about, say, cancel culture or mask-wearing, then you are a soldier in the culture wars – those everyday battles for dominance between conflicting values. Acclaimed writer and broadcaster Jon Ronson reveals wholly unexpected but all too human stories about the culture wars that divide us so toxically today. Produced by BBC Audio for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Uncanny – From ghostly phantoms to UFOs, The Battersea Poltergeist’s Danny Robins investigates real-life stories of paranormal encounters. Produced by Bafflegab and Uncanny Media for BBC Radio 4.

World of Secrets – Major BBC global investigations and gripping storytelling. Produced by BBC World Service.
You’re Dead to Me– The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Greg Jenner brings together the best names in comedy and history to learn and laugh about the past. Produced by Muddy Knees Media for BBC Radio 4.

March 20, 2024