Category: eNews

Mumbai: The Singapore-headquartered publishing platform Connected to India has brought on board Sanchita Guha as editor of ConnectedtoIndia.com (CtoI). Based in India, the editor will report to founder and CEO Himanshu Verma and will drive content strategy to broaden and deepen the reach of the news platform among the Indian diaspora across the world.

Commenting on the appointment, Himanshu Verma said, “Our vision is to become the definitive platform for Indian diaspora worldwide. We have taken solid strides in this direction over the past few years. With Sachita helming the editorial team, I am confident of consolidating our presence both in terms of traffic and quality of content. Sanchita is a highly respected journalist with a varied and long experience in the media industry and I am very excited about working with her.”

Sanchita Guha began her career as a journalist in New Delhi, and has worked all over India since then with several of the leading media houses. She said of her new role, “I hope to do full justice to the range of current affairs pertaining to Indians and impacting Indians — both non-resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Indian origin (PIOs) — across the world. The CtoI team will strive to always put the spotlight on the great achievements of Indians, NRIs and PIOs, who are now making headlines on a daily basis.”

She added, “The specificity of the website means that in every category of news, be it politics, entertainment, or lifestyle, the Indian voice will be heard, rising above the information noise. We shall be the platform that the Government of India or the private sector comes to first when they want to address the Indian diaspora, and vice versa.”

The Internet generation would naturally be one of the most important readership segments for CtoI, said Sanchita. “Apart from the vast Indian diaspora already present in our key target markets, India itself has one of the largest youth (under-26) populations in the world. This is a segment that is very open to studying overseas, settling abroad, integrating extremely well wherever they are, and yet remaining closely linked to the country of origin, taking a keen interest in Indian politics, culture, development — and this segment consumes news largely through the digital medium. We want to tap into this huge consumer base, taking the connection to the next level, where we become an indispensable part of these readers’ lives.”

Connected to India aspires to build one of the largest communities of Indians living out of India, consisting of NRIs and PIOs. The two groups combine to form a large population of approximately 31.7 million, making Indians the largest diaspora group across nationalities. With remittances (money sent to India from foreign countries) of approximately $107 billion in FY 2022-23, Indians are also the leading diaspora group when it comes to transfers to home countries.

As government of India’s minister of external affairs Dr S Jaishankar had pointed out in an exclusive interview with Connected to India, “Our diaspora is very different. They maintain their ties back home…since we are very family-oriented.”

embed link: https://youtu.be/wBr_CyGDIUY

With offices in Singapore and New Delhi, and contributors across the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, Connected to India publishes content on its website and its YouTube channel. It covers a wide spectrum of issues that engage NRIs and PIOs and also impact them at the personal level, such as changes in the regulatory landscape with regards to investing in India; PAN and Aadhaar rules for NRIs; voting rights for NRIs; personal finance rules related to NRI savings in India, and more. Connected to India stays abreast of the developments and streamlines the information for the target groups.

Mumbai: In a move to address the rapid shift from traditional broadcast contribution and distribution technologies to IP and the Cloud, MediaKind and Net Insight, both global media technology solutions, have entered into a partnership to build an end-to-end cloud-first IP video distribution system for broadcasters and video distributors.

The partnership further strengthens MediaKind’s video processing, packaging, and delivery products by integrating Net Insight’s Nimbra Edge, offering users an end-to-end distribution capability to ingest efficiently, route, process, and distribute live content in high quality with low latency and in various formats. The combined solution provides stream protection with end-to-end encryption and state-of-the-art authentication, authorization, and auditing capabilities.

Nimbra Edge is a cloud-native platform for IP media workflows with a solid foundation on reliability and resilience while providing seamless usability and an open solution in terms of cloud deployments, transport protocols, and third-party integrations.

The joint solution integrates MediaKind’s RX1 professional receiver-decoder and CE1 cloud-ready contribution encoder with the Aquila Live cloud-based processing and delivery head-end, supplying a reliable method for broadcasters and event producers to transmit video from live event venues to the cloud. MediaKind’s RX1 and CE1 devices, combined with the processing power of the Aquila Live head-end and the operational ease of use of Net Insight’s Nimbra Edge, exemplify both companies’ leadership in the broadcast and live video distribution markets.

MediaKind Aquila Live guarantees the highest quality of live video, supporting MPEG-2, H.264, HEVC formats, and all standard streaming and broadcast protocols. The platform is compatible with various ingest formats, including SMPTE 2022 and SMPTE ST 2110, providing flexibility for broadcasters and live event producers. Aquila Live is available as software, hardware-accelerated appliance, or public and private cloud instance to accommodate diverse deployment scenarios.

MediaKind chief product officer Boris Felts commented, “We are excited to announce our partnership which combines Net Insight’s Nimbra Edge with MediaKind’s Emmy award-winning Aquila Live head-end and RX1 and CE1 edge processing platforms. Together, we are accelerating the migration to cloud video processing and all IP video distribution.”

“Our two companies aim to enhance and simplify customers’ live video workflows and content delivery, leveraging cloud-native technologies and our combined expertise,” said Net Insight Group CTO Per Lindgren. “This partnership will further strengthen the market position for both MediaKind and Net Insight.”

Mumbai: Post Office, the immersive content studio of Kulfi Collective, has partnered with Gully Gang Records to create India’s first music video using Unreal Engine’s MetaHumans framework for their new song Spaceship. The groundbreaking piece showcases the incredible potential of this new technology, the exciting possibilities it presents for creatives, and the Post Office’s focus to combine cutting-edge tech with diverse creative talent to reimagine storytelling.

Spaceship brings together three emerging stars of the Indian hip-hop scene Sammohit, Ikka and Shah Rule in one epic song as they rap about their ambitions and passions in their career, comparing these to travelling in outer space. An association with Gully Gang (a hip hop music collective that unearths and manages desi hip-hop talent).

Creating the video involved a multi-step process, beginning with photo scans of the artists’ faces from multiple angles to generate their digital likenesses. Post Office used a process called photogrammetry, which includes creating a 3D model of a face using photographs. High-quality photos were taken from different angles and processed using MetaHumans to create an accurate 3D model. The resulting 3D model was then refined and edited to create a digital twin that closely resembles the original face. The rest of the body type, hairstyle, and other features were also adjusted to create characters that closely resembled their real-life counterparts. 

By using this technology, Post Office was able to capture the facial expressions of the artists to match their real human expressions and add additional details such as wrinkles and creases. 

The team also explored hacks by using an iPad and UE Live Link Face (an app that uses the front-facing camera and IR sensors from the face ID cluster of an iPad to capture facial movements in real-time and stream the data to a computer running Unreal Engine) to capture realistic facial expressions without the need for expensive camera tracking equipment or facilities. The resulting digital characters were able to convey a range of emotions and movements, making it an effective tool for their project. To ensure accurate lip syncs that matched the facial expressions, they recorded various voiceovers of the artists for the software. Finally, the team created various digital worlds for the characters to inhabit, enabling them to scout for interesting camera angles in a virtual environment. 

The video was directed by Vaibhav Negi from Post Office, and creatively led by Aadhav Ravi, Arnab Bose, Ajeeta Srivastava, Akshat Gupt, Aditya Tawde and Harsh Sharma. The production was handled by Catherine Nazareth and Ankur Chakravarty. The final result is a stunning visual masterpiece that combines cutting-edge technology with excellent storytelling. 

Negi said, “Real-time CGI film production is a fascinating medium that seamlessly merges the dynamic energy and collaborative spirit of live-action production with the boundless creative freedom and flexibility of digital animation. It offers a veritable playground of creative potential for all those involved, a place where imaginations can run wild and ideas can be brought to life in vivid, spectacular detail. Working with the team at Gully Gang on this space adventure was an absolute joy, and we’re thrilled to continue exploring the limitless possibilities of this thrilling medium as we embark on a journey to tell all sorts of captivating stories.” 

“At the Post Office, creativity and innovation are at the forefront of our work as we seek new ways to bring stories to life. By embracing innovation, we continue to create unique and compelling content that fascinates our audience and sets us apart from the rest. New technologies like Unreal, MetaHumans and Mixamo Preset are revolutionising animation production by providing stunningly realistic 3D models and environments in real-time. They offer more creative freedom and accessibility, empowering us to bring ideas to life in truly immersive and mind-blowing ways. They are slowly but surely transforming the industry, and we’re excited to explore the possibilities they bring” added Tawde. 

Gully Gang A&R and marketing associate Anmol Singh Dhand said, “Spaceship is a marquee project for us as it has three star rappers coming together to create something that’s really out-of-this-world. This collaboration with Post Office to create the ‘meta humans’ video is something that’s never been done before in the Indian music scene, a truly extra terrestrial video which transports the viewer to space!”

This innovative project is sure to captivate hip hop music fans and animation enthusiasts from across the world. It is a testament to the Post Office’s mission to reimagine storytelling and push the limits of imagination and creativity. 

 

Mumbai: Sony Music Entertainment India (SME) has announced the appointment of Vinit Thakkar as managing director of the company. Thakkar will oversee the company’s operations in one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic music markets in the world, collaborating closely with regional and global teams to strengthen SME India’s strategic partnerships and identify new growth opportunities for its artists. Reporting directly to Sony Music Entertainment Asia and the Middle East president, corporate strategy and market development Shridhar Subramaniam will assume the managing director role from Rajat Kakar, who is scheduled to leave at the end of this month.

“We are thrilled to have Vinit at Sony Music Entertainment India,” said Subramaniam. “His expertise, wide breadth of experience, steadfast belief in supporting artists and focus on placing creativity at the center, all while driving strategic and commercial growth, makes him ideal for our company. I am confident that he will achieve our aspirations for this important market. I would also like to thank Rajat who has done an excellent job elevating our business and we wish him all the best for the future.” 

“India is a remarkable country for musical talent and creativity, transcending cultural and geographical divides. I look forward to driving greater success for our artists and creators through new partnerships and introducing them to new and exciting ways to connect with their fans. Rajat has done a commendable job steering the company and I feel privileged to be working with this stellar team to drive our business forward,” said Vinit Thakkar.

“I started my music career with this incredible team over 25 years ago and I leave with a huge sense of satisfaction. I am confident that the company will have continued success in the years ahead under Vinit’s stewardship,” added Rajat Kakar.

Prior to joining SME India, Thakkar held the position of COO for Universal Music in India and South Asia, after having previously worked in banking and consumer products. Thakkar has played a key role in major label signings with leading artists and is also widely credited for the creation and launch of artist-centred platforms. This has cemented Thakkar’s wide-ranging impact on India’s pop music industry and the wider music ecosystem through the promotion and creation of culturally significant and commercially successful non-film music in India.

 

Mumbai: As per a LinkedIn post put up by Charanjeet Singh Arora, he has taken up the role of vice president – sales & partnership at Viu. This announcement comes in soon post his moving on from Moving Walls Indonesia.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/charanjeetarora_partnerships-sales-activity-7030870367543988224-GPwG?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

At Moving Walls Indonesia, Arora served as director of business development (ASEAN). Prior to his role there, he held the designation of CEO at Kinetic India for almost three years.

Arora, a media maven with over 25 years of experience, has worked with Dentsu Aegis Network India, Interpublic Group, Reliance Entertainment, Star Group, Sahara Media, Lintas Media Group and BCCL in his career.

Productivity is key when trying to reach success in any field, especially when your personal career is concerned. While hard work and dedication are important components of success, productivity plays the lead role.

By becoming more productive, you can easily prioritize your tasks better, which will help you make the most out of the time you have available for work-related tasks, thus helping you get more work done in a shorter amount of time.

This way, you’ll be able to ensure that all of your efforts are directed towards achieving your desired goals.

Additionally, productivity will also help boost your morale and confidence as it allows you to see tangible results from your efforts. Seeing what you accomplished will make things easier for you. Productivity is an essential part of any successful career path — so make sure that it’s something that’s always at the forefront of your mind.

Here are some tips on how to be more productive.

Focus on only one task at a time

Many people use products that improve focus and concentration to boost their performance and those products usually do a pretty good job. However, there are also some other ways you can achieve the same results.

For instance, the next time you are faced with a big workload, try focusing on completing a single task at a time. That way you’ll be able to focus all of your attention on finishing what you’ve started instead of dividing your attention to multiple tasks, and thus risking making mistakes, missing deadlines or becoming too overwhelmed.

Moreover, when focusing on a single task at a time, you’ll be able to break down the project into smaller, more easily manageable tasks. This will allow you to stay organized and motivated as you work through each step of the project.

Finally, by focusing on only one task at a time, you can avoid distractions from other tasks or activities that may be vying for your attention. This will help keep your mind clear so that you can remain focused and productive throughout the day.

Set smaller goals

Setting smaller goals can be a great way to increase your productivity. When you break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, it becomes easier to focus on the task at hand and complete it in a timely manner. Additionally, setting smaller goals allows you to track your progress more easily and stay motivated throughout the process. For example, if you have a large project that needs to be completed by the end of the week, break it down into daily or even hourly goals so that you can keep track of how much work has been done and how much is left. This will help ensure that all tasks are completed on time and with quality results. Furthermore, when you set smaller goals for yourself, it’s easier to celebrate each milestone along the way which can help boost morale and keep motivation levels high. Setting small achievable goals is an effective way to stay productive and get things done in a timely manner.

Take regular breaks

Taking regular breaks from work can be a great way to boost productivity. When we take a break, it gives our minds and bodies the chance to rest and recharge. This helps us stay focused on the task at hand and prevents us from feeling overwhelmed or burned out.

Taking short breaks throughout the day also allows us to come back to our work with fresh eyes, which can help us spot mistakes or areas of improvement that we may have missed before. Additionally, taking regular breaks can help reduce stress levels, as it gives us an opportunity to step away from our desks and do something else for a few minutes. This could be anything from going for a walk outside or having a cup of tea – whatever helps you relax and clear your head. Finally, taking regular breaks is important for maintaining good physical health too – sitting in one position all day isn’t good for anyone! So make sure you get up every now and then, stretch your legs, move around and give yourself some time away from your desk.

Eliminate distractions

Working from home can be a great way to stay productive and get things done, but it can also be quite challenging due to the many distractions that come with it. To help you stay focused on your tasks, here are some tips on how to eliminate distractions when working:

1. Create a designated workspace – Having a dedicated space for work will help you focus better and keep distractions at bay. Make sure that this area is free of clutter and other items that could potentially distract you.

2. Set boundaries – Let your family members know when you’re working so they don’t disturb you during those times. If possible, try to establish specific hours for work and let everyone know about them in advance.

3. Turn off notifications – Notifications from social media or emails can easily take away your focus from the task at hand, so make sure to turn them off while working if possible.

4. Take regular breaks – Taking short breaks throughout the day will help keep your mind fresh and alert, allowing you to stay focused on the task at hand for longer periods of time without getting distracted.

5. Use noise-canceling headphones – Listening to music or white noise through noise-canceling headphones can help block out any external noises that may distract you while working from home.