Category: eNews

  • ‘Where are the Elephants?’ – Prime Video creates intrigue around missing elephants

    ‘Where are the Elephants?’ – Prime Video creates intrigue around missing elephants

    Mumbai: Set amidst the lush forests of Kerala and the concrete jungle of Delhi, the Amazon Original series, Poacher is an eye-opening eco-thriller currently streaming on Prime Video. Masterfully crafted by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta, the series is based on true events and unearths the investigation into India’s largest ivory-poaching syndicate in 2015, serving as a poignant reminder of the plight of our majestic elephants.

    Over the weekend, social media buzzed with concern over the sudden disappearance of elephants from the logos of noted brands like The Times of India and the Flying Elephant restaurant at the Park Hyatt, Chennai. What followed was over 30  brands chiming in and joining the conversation, urging consumers to speak up for elephants before they disappear.

    In a bold and unified effort to ignite conversation and raise awareness about poaching, several brands, including Asian Paints, Make My Trip, Dabur, The Bombay Store, Spice Jet, Shaadi.com, Rapido, BoAt and many others, joined forces with Prime Video. Together, they resoundingly amplified the urgent message of Poacher, presenting a united front against the critical threat to these majestic beings.

    While Make My Trip spoke about responsible travelling and how our jungles are sacred and incomplete without elephants, Asian Paints went one step further by sharing an ivory shade card, stating that inspiration can come home in ways other than poaching. Education brand, Unacademy chimed in, sharing that the world and childhood without ‘e for elephant’ are incomplete. Dental brand Toothsi joined the conversation by sharing that elephants’ smiles are worth protecting, just like ours! Dabur Hajmola added that poaching is something the brand could never digest. While Rapido also took a quirky route to condemn poaching, by adding a drop location where one could find Elephants. While BoAt reminded its followers that haathi is our saathi.

    Loved and appreciated by audiences and critics worldwide, Poacher has earned acclaim across the globe for its authenticity and powerful performances. This thrilling crime series, based on true events, delivers a heart-wrenching and captivating narrative with Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles. Produced by QC Entertainment in association with Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions, Suitable Pictures, and Poor Man’s Productions, Poacher primarily unfolds in Malayalam, Hindi, and English. Poacher is streaming on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories in over 35 Indian and foreign languages.

    Elephants go missing from logos:

    The Times of India – Print edition

    The Park Hyatt, Chennai –

     

     

    The Bombay Store –

     

     

    A snapshot of the brands that joined in to support the cause:

    Video by Muthoot Finance-

     

     

    Make my trip –

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by MakeMyTrip (@makemytrip)

     

    Toothsi –

     

     

    Video by Abhibus –

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by AbhiBus (@abhibusindia)

     

    Aqualogica-

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Aqualogica (@aqualogica.in)

     

    Zepto –

     

     

    Shaadi.com –

     

     

    AsianPaints –

     

     

    Unacademy –

     

     

    boAt –

     

     

    Spice Jet –

     

     

    Rapido –

     

     

    Dabur Hajmola –

     

    And many more brands participated

  • Comscore data: Moneycontrol races ahead on key parameters

    Comscore data: Moneycontrol races ahead on key parameters

    Mumbai: As per the Comscore data released for January, Moneycontrol has remained the market leader with its total page views crossing 420 million and the time spent touching an all-time of 667 million minutes.

    Its nearest competitor, however, is struggling to catch up. It has managed to garner just 213 million page views in January. Whereas its time spent just remained at 223 million minutes.

    In terms of page views, the competitor is almost half the size of Moneycontrol and when it comes to Time spent, an important metric for content stickiness, it is just one-third the size of Moneycontrol. Both these parameters are paramount for media planners and advertisers who always choose platforms with better stickiness. It also showcases the reader’s trust, who’s consuming almost triple the amount of content of Moneycontrol as compared to the competitor.

    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.  

    MC Pro, the paid subscription-based service of Moneycontrol has touched almost seven lakh paying subscribers. Whereas ET Prime is lagging by a huge margin in this aspect too. 

  • Firstpost Defence Summit 2024: Ready to unveil the future roadmap of Indian aerospace and defence

    Firstpost Defence Summit 2024: Ready to unveil the future roadmap of Indian aerospace and defence

    Mumbai:  The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 is set to convene on 24 February 2024, in the heart of New Delhi, bringing world leaders, industry stalwarts, policymakers, experts, and senior diplomats together to chart the course for the future of Indian Aerospace and Defence sector.

    At the summit, participants from countries like the United States, Israel, Vietnam, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Ukraine and Japan, apart from India, will delve into the changing dynamics of the defence industry and explore strategies to propel India as a global leader in manufacturing, exports, and research and development (R&D) in this critical sector.

    In recent years, the Aerospace and Defence sector has witnessed significant transformations, driven by technological advancements, evolving geopolitical landscape, and changing security threats. Recognizing the need for proactive measures to adapt to these changes and seize emerging opportunities, Firstpost is hosting this first-of-its-kind summit that brings together stakeholders from across the globe to catalyse dialogue, foster partnerships, and shape policies that will shape the future of defence in India.

    The summit will also serve as a platform to showcase the best global business practices across various facets of the Aerospace and Defence sector, including Manufacturing, R&D, Academia, Startups, Technology, and Data Security. The event will feature discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions centred around three key sub-themes:

    1   Building ‘Capacities’ for Economically Strategic Aerospace and Defence

     Promoting Comprehensive R&D Ecosystem for the Defence sector

    3   Strengthening the DRDO-Industry-Academia and Startup Ecosystem

    Speaking about this initiative, Palki Sharma, Editor, Firstpost said “We, at Firstpost, are proud to present the first-of-its-kind Defence Summit, which will catalyze driving conversations on security, technology and strategic choices. We are delighted to take this first step in providing a platform for defence officials, policymakers & world leaders to discuss and share insights on the future of defence.”

    Network18 chief executive officer (Digital) & president of corporate strategy Puneet Singhvi, highlighted how the summit will play a crucial role in the nation’s pursuit of becoming a key defence exporter. He said, “As the global geopolitical stage evolves, India marches forward in its transformation. In this unwavering drive towards defence modernization, Network18 takes great pride in initiating the first-ever platform that drives conversations on the future of defence. The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 is the beacon illuminating crucial arenas such as aerospace, AI, UAVs, cyber warfare & naval security. The summit is poised to redefine India’s role as a leading defence exporter on the global stage. By amplifying voices and ideas, we feel proud to pave the way for a future where India’s prowess in defence technologies and capabilities shines brightly, fostering prosperity & security for all.”

    The summit will feature keynote addresses and sessions by stalwarts like Shri Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence of India; General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff in India; Ehud Olmert, the Former PM of Israel; Djoomart Otorbaev, the Former Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan; Dr. Samir V Kamat, the Chairperson of DRDO; Mariya Ahmed Didi, the Former Defence Minister of Maldives; Dr Nidhi Bansal, the Director of Technology Development Fund at the Ministry of Defence and Vivek Lall, the Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, among others.

    The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 promises to be a landmark event, setting the stage for collaborative efforts towards building a robust and resilient Aerospace and Defence ecosystem in India. 

  • Budweiser at VH1 Supersonic: A festival highlight

    Budweiser at VH1 Supersonic: A festival highlight

    Mumbai: Budweiser amped up the beats at Vh1 Supersonic’24 with a celebration of music, art and culture – elevating the music scene in India. The brand curated high-octane acts from electrifying performances at the BUDX Spectrum Stage to immersive experiences at the Brew District, complemented by lip-smacking gourmet burgers.

    This edition of India’s biggest homegrown festival witnessed some of the best artists from around the world owning the BUDX Spectrum stage, including Adam Beyer, Yotto, Ben Sims, Denis Horvat, Patrice Baumel, Victor Ruiz, Undercatt, Kohra, Arjun Vagale, Ankytrixx, and Browncoat.

    The BUDX Spectrum stage also played host to three exceptional BUDX Uncovered Acts – building on Budweiser’s aim to spotlight and provide a platform to breakout artists from across the country. The stage featured the distinctive sounds of Bangalore-based music producer and DJ Weird Sounding Dude, the mastery of New-Delhi-based producer Zequenx, and captivating beats from Bangalore-based DJ and producer Tasnneem – crafting unforgettable moments that lingered in the air long after the music faded.

    BUDX Uncovered Acts

    Beyond music, the brand also curated immersive experiences for festival attendees to re-energize them in between sets. Budweiser’s ‘Brew District’ treated festivalgoers to a playground of fun activities with its tattoo and hairstyling stations. Indelible spaces were especially curated for festival goers to savour exceptional brews and immerse themselves in the pulsating beats of the festival – showcased across four signature bars – Beats Bar, Magnum Cocktail Bar, Magnum Beer Bar and Spectrum Stage Bar. The Magnum Cocktail Bar emerged as the standout favourite, courtesy its ingenious crossover cocktails. The bar’s experimental concoctions including Mermalade by Bhavya Ramesh, Tribemama’s Vintage Goddess and kickstarter by Vijay Singh infused an extra layer of taste. Budweiser Magnum Double Barrel Whiskey took center stage, captivating audiences with an exclusive VIP lounge that offered a peerless view of the BUDX Spectrum Stage.

    Pairing beer with its perfect companion, Budweiser’s marquee property ‘Bud and Burgers’ emerged as a culinary showdown. Budweiser rolled out the ultimate snacking station in collaboration with esteemed chefs – culinary instructor Chef Delzad and Goa’s favorite Chef Geoff. The chefs battled it out to curate a selection of burger/s to perfectly complement the smoothness of Budweiser beer. Indulging in the ultimate ‘Burger Wars’, attendees cast their votes and declared chef Geoff’s burgers as the ‘King of Burgers’.

  • Former Times Group chairman Ashok Jain among 17 honoured as ‘Heroes of Mumbai’ by Maharashtra govt

    Former Times Group chairman Ashok Jain among 17 honoured as ‘Heroes of Mumbai’ by Maharashtra govt

    Mumbai: Seventeen distinguished figures instrumental in Mumbai’s advancement were celebrated as their busts were revealed at Kilachand Garden in Girgaon, with BJP national president J P Nadda and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in attendance.

    The late Bennett, Coleman and Company Ltd former chairman Ashok Kumar Jain (The Times Group), was among the esteemed honorees. Times Group Managing Director Vineet Jain lauded the initiative aimed at celebrating icons who have shaped the financial and cultural capital of India. “It gives me immense pride to be standing here in the presence of such luminaries to acknowledge the recognition to my late father, Shri Ashok Jain. As Chairman of The Times of India Group, he had a great affinity and affection for Mumbai,” said Vineet Jain.

    The 17 ‘heroes of Mumbai’ include Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Lata Mangeshkar, Dadasaheb Phalke, Homi Bhabha, JRD Tata, Dhirubhai Ambani, Sachin Tendulkar, and VD Savarkar among others.

    Recalling the rise and rise of The Times Group with its roots in Mumbai, Vineet Jain said: “The Times Group was not only headquartered here, but also initiated all its expansions—launching new newspapers and magazines—from here itself during his lifetime. And thus, Mumbai was at the heart of so much of what he did and worked towards, while establishing one of Asia’s largest media companies.”

    The idea was conceived by state cabinet minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. “This initiative aims to honour influential figures by unveiling their busts and acknowledging their contributions to Mumbai’s progress in various facets, such as economic prosperity, safety, and cultural enrichment. The programme seeks to serve as an enduring source of inspiration for Mumbaikars,” said Lodha explaining the inspiration behind ‘heroes of Mumbai’ project.

    “On behalf of our entire family and the larger Times Group, I would like to thank the efforts of Mr. Lodha and the entire Maharashtra government for this singular honour to our late father,” said MD of The Times Group.

  • Radio City gets U.P. groovin’, hitting the Agra Metro tracks

    Radio City gets U.P. groovin’, hitting the Agra Metro tracks

    Mumbai: Radio City, India’s leading radio network, proudly announces its latest collaboration with Agra Metro Rail, solidifying its position as a key player in enhancing the urban commute experience. The official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony is imminent, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in Agra’s metro travel. Radio City’s commitment to delivering unparalleled entertainment will ensure a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for commuters throughout their journeys.

    With this expansion, Radio City aims to strengthen its promise of delivering top-notch entertainment to Agra Metro commuters as well. The exclusive content feed, set to go live in March, will encompass a diverse range of programs, music, and engaging segments tailored to cater to the unique preferences of Agra’s vivacious audience. Radio City’s footprint in metro hubs now expands to Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Noida Metro, showcasing its commitment to enhancing the daily commute experience for millions of commuters across the country.

    With this initiative, Radio City anticipates broadening its mission to bringing joy and entertainment to every corner of the nation. Radio City CEO Ashit Kukian also commented, “Since our inception, Radio City has been the go-to Indian music destination, building deep connections with millions of our listeners through premier partnerships and providing unique content. We’re excited again to disclose our collaboration with the Agra Metro, extending the joy of entertainment to more commuters. Recognizing the metro as a prime avenue to connect, we see this as a strategic branding move to captivate a broader audience and stand strong in the market. Envisioning exceptional experiences for Agra Metro passengers, this alliance seeks to maintain Radio City’s strong market position by creatively delivering content.”

  • PM Narendra Modi to deliver keynote address at News9 Global Summit 2024

    PM Narendra Modi to deliver keynote address at News9 Global Summit 2024

    Mumbai: News9 Global Summit, part of TV9 What India Thinks Today (WITT), is set to take place between 25 and 26 February 2024. An unequalled gathering of visionaries, policymakers, and influencers from around the globe, the summit takes on a grand theme ‘India: Poised for the Next Big Leap’. The Hon. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi will deliver the summit keynote address.

    Among the dignitaries who will be speaking at the 2024 edition of News9 Global Summit are stalwarts such as former prime minister of Australia, Tony Abbott; Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Smriti Irani, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Anurag Thakur; American sociologist Salvatore Babones, Indian film actresses Kangana Ranaut and Raveena Tandon , Grammy-award winner Ricky Kej and author Vivek Sampath, among others.
    The two-day summit has distinct focus areas for each day.

    On 25 February, the summit kicks off with The Inaugural, setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions on India’s soft power in cinema and sports to burnish Brand India, and will witness interesting fireside chats and panel discussions with top Union ministers and celebrities, including the likes of Anurag Thakur, India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Grammy Award winners V Selvaganesh and Rakesh Chaurasia, and Sinclair Broadcast Group CEO Christopher Ripley.

    The Inaugural will also feature TV9 Network’s Nakshatra Samman Awards, bestowed upon the brightest stars of India’s sports and entertainment landscape.

    On 26 February, the summit transitions into its flagship event: the Global Summit, which will serve as a melting pot of ideas and perspectives on pressing geopolitical and geo-economic issues. While the Inaugural sets the stage, the Global Summit will witness the arrival of distinguished guests from around the world, including political leaders, industry experts, and renowned intellectuals.

    Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Smriti Irani, and Ashwini Vaishnaw; Vivek Lall (Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation), Jodi McKay (former Leader of Opposition, Australia), R. C. Bhargava (Chairman, Maruti Suzuki), Anish Shah (President-FICCI), American Sociologist Salvatore Babones and author-politician Salman Khurshid are among the dignitaries that will be speaking on a variety of topics. The highlight of the Global Summit will be the eagerly anticipated Summit Keynote Address, delivered by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

    “We are thrilled to launch the second edition of TV9 What India Thinks Today Global Summit 2024 and to have thought leaders from around the world join us for two days of inspiring discussions and collaborative initiatives,” said TV9 Network managing director and CEO Barun Das. “TV9 WITT is a manifestation of our belief in the power of ideas to drive positive change, and we are confident that this year’s event will serve as a catalyst for fuelling the narrative that the new India wishes to create in the decade to come. Hence, the bold theme: “India: Poised for the Next Big Leap”.

  • CarLelo unveils new brand identity at Women Premier League 2024

    CarLelo unveils new brand identity at Women Premier League 2024

    Mumbai: CarLelo (A Capri Loans Venture), a digital new car-buying platform, has announced the launch of its revamped brand identity at the onset of the Women Premier League 2024. The company’s fresh logo, accompanied by the tagline “Nayi Car? Hum Hain Na, Yaar,” echoes CarLelo’s core proposition and strongly resonates with the changing nature of the online new car buying industry. This solidifies the company’s commitment to consumer-centric values and empowers the aspirations of an evolving audience in the changing landscape of India.

    In a strategic move to align with the dynamic automotive landscape and meet heightened consumer expectations, CarLelo has also taken a significant step to sponsor the UP Warriorz in the upcoming WPL 2024. This collaboration presents an opportunity for the company to launch nationwide with a mega sport like cricket. Positioned on the lead arm of the players, CarLelo is featured as a principle partner for the team. As part of this sponsorship, CarLelo logo will be prominently visible on the Jersey of the UP Warriorz  during the WPL 2024 matches.

    CarLelo’s tagline encapsulates its role as one of the first only new car-buying platforms in India, a comprehensive solution for all aspects of new car purchase, and the preferred online platform for new car buyers looking for convenience and transparency. The new logo, with its forward-looking, and sharp look, is designed to appeal to a customer seeking a one-stop destination, where they can seamlessly browse and compare cars, connect with multiple dealers, get easy test drives and make informed decisions.

    CarLelo (a Capri Loans Venture) CEO & founder Gaurav Aggarwal expressed, “We embarked on this transformation journey to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. This brand refresh is a deeper expression that strengthens the connection with customers, providing them with the confidence to chart their path to a successful new car purchase. We believe that the partnership with UP Warriorz in WPL offers a great opportunity to connect with audiences across India and drive significant awareness and preference for our brand. We intend to leverage the association by highlighting our key offerings & services via a fresh approach for the category.”

    With this new brand identity and strategic partnership with the UP Warriorz Team, the company reaffirms its position as a trailblazer in the automotive industry, driving positive change and inclusivity to provide a seamless and convenient new car buying experience. 

  • Creators United 2024 welcomes Kartik Aaryan as the ultimate headliner

    Creators United 2024 welcomes Kartik Aaryan as the ultimate headliner

    Mumbai: Creators United 2024, the most anticipated creator festival of the year, is thrilled to announce that Bollywood sensation Kartik Aaryan will be the ultimate headliner at this year’s event.

    Known for his charismatic on-screen presence and massive fan following, Kartik Aaryan’s participation is set to make Creators United 2024 even more spectacular. As the ultimate headliner of CU 2024, Kartik will bring his star power to the stage, captivating audiences with his charm and energy.

    “The creator economy in India is flourishing like never before, transforming the way we consume entertainment and media. This boom is not just about the numbers; it’s about the diverse stories being told and the innovative ideas coming to life. “It’s an exciting time to be a creator in India, and this vibrant ecosystem has my full support,” said Kartik Aaryan.

    As a prominent figure in Bollywood, Kartik Aaryan understands the significance of creators and their impact on shaping modern entertainment. His endorsement underscores the growing relevance of the creator economy, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the digital landscape. Kartik’s involvement not only amplifies the excitement surrounding CU 2024 but also reaffirms his commitment to empowering creators and fostering innovation in the industry.

    CU 2.0, organised by Mad Influence in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, is set to take place on 15 March at NESCO, Mumbai. This exclusive event will convene 1000 plus influencers, in addition to brands, agencies, and industry experts. Attendees can anticipate a diverse lineup of interactive sessions, workshops, and live performances, fostering collaboration, innovation, and celebration.

    “We are thrilled to have Kartik Aaryan join us as the showstopper at Creators United 2024,” said Mad Influence CEO & founder Gautam Madhavan. “His presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, and we can’t wait for attendees to experience the magic he brings to the stage.”

    Creators United: https://thecreatorsunited.com/fest

  • VALORANT Champions 2024 heads to seoul

    VALORANT Champions 2024 heads to seoul

    Mumbai: The 2024 VALORANT Champions tour season has begun! This season boasts 44 of the best teams in the VALORANT competitive ecosystem across four International Leagues – VCT Americas, VCT CN, VCT EMEA, and VCT Pacific. As the season progresses, we’ll follow the journey of these teams through the Kickoff Tournament, two International League Stages, and two Masters events – with all roads leading to Champions in Seoul, Korea.

    The Road to Champions

    Kickoff Tournament

    Dates: Feb 16 – March 3

    The Kickoff Tournament will be the first look into the teams within each International League. The results from the tournament will determine the top 8 teams who we’ll see at Masters Madrid. For more information on the Kickoff format, check out this article.

    Masters Madrid

    Dates: March 14 – 24

    Masters Madrid is the first global event of the 2024 VALORANT Champions Tour. In Madrid, we’ll see how the top 8 teams from the Kickoff Tournaments stack up against one another and determine front runners in the season. Masters will commence with a Swiss Stage, followed by a four-team double-elimination bracket.

    International Leagues Stage 1

    Dates: April 3 – May 12

    Following Masters Madrid, we’ll return to International League competition with Stage 1. These competitions will run from April to early May, determining the top 3 teams from each league to qualify for the next global event, Masters Shanghai.

    Masters Shanghai

    Dates: May 23 – June 9

    Twelve teams who have qualified from the Stage 1 competition will face off in Shanghai for the second Masters event of the season. Teams will compete through an intense two weeks, with one team establishing themselves as the current number one in the world.

    International Leagues Stage 2

    Dates: June 15 – July 21

    Stage 2 will begin immediately after Masters Shanghai and serve as the last stretch until Champions! Stage 2 competition will qualify the top 3 teams from each IL to VALORANT Champions. Additionally, each IL will qualify a 4th team based on Championship points accumulated throughout the year.

    Champions Seoul

    Dates: Aug 1 – 25

    All roads lead to Champions. After multiple events throughout the year, we’ll see the best 16 teams come together in Seoul for the final event of the 2024 VCT season. Champions will take place over three weeks, pitting the best teams from around the world against each other to determine the 2024 VCT World Champion!

    With an expanded roster of teams and competitive talent around the world, this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in VCT history.

    For the latest updates and comprehensive coverage of the VALORANT 2024 season, stay connected with us at VALORANTEsports.com and follow us @VALORANTEsports.