ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Niladri Kumar wins Sangeet Natak Academi Puraskar 2023

    Niladri Kumar wins Sangeet Natak Academi Puraskar 2023

    Mumbai: Indian music icon and sitar maestro Niladri Kumar has been named among winners of Sangeet Natak Academi Puraskar for the year 2023, by the Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar. This is the highest national recognition given to stalwarts in the field of performing arts. Niladri Kumar had earlier won Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Academi in 2007.

    “I am very grateful to Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Akademi for honouring my journey in music, and I sincerely seek blessings for the path I yet have to travel. My greatest reward is to witness my music touch the hearts of listeners from all over the world, across all these years,” said Niladri Kumar.

    Born to sitar maestro, Kartick Kumar, a disciple of Ravi Shankar and Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar winner, Niladri Kumar first performed on Doordarshan at the tender age of seven. He has since been breaking barriers and setting trends in Indian music. Taking forward his father’s legacy, the maverick musician has been well recognised at national as well as global forums.

    An artist, who believes in walking with the times alongside staying true to his Indian roots, Niladri Kumar has featured in jazz-guitar legend John McLaughlin’s album Floating Point. He has also toured and played with giants of world music, including tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and jazz-rock bass virtuoso Jonas Hellborg. He has also composed music for hit Bollywood numbers such as Chup Ke from Bunty Aur Babli, Crazy Kiya Re from Dhoom 2 and Bheeegi Bheegi from Gangster. A great aspiration, Niladri Kumar is truly India’s pride.

  • Reliance and Disney announce strategic joint venture

    Reliance and Disney announce strategic joint venture

    Mumbai: Reliance Industries Ltd (“RIL”), Viacom 18 Media Private Ltd (“Viacom18”) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) (“Disney”) today announced the signing of binding definitive agreements to form a joint venture (“JV”) that will combine the businesses of Viacom18 and Star India. As part of the transaction, the media undertaking of Viacom18 will be merged into Star India Private Limited (“SIPL”) through a court-approved scheme of arrangement.

    In addition, RIL has agreed to invest at closing Rs 11,500 crore (~US$ 1.4 billion) into the JV for its growth strategy.

    The transaction values the JV at Rs 70,352 crore (~US$ 8.5 billion) on a post-money basis, excluding synergies. Post completion of the above steps, the JV will be controlled by RIL and owned 16.34 per cent  by RIL, 46.82bper cent  by Viacom18 and 36.84 per cent  by Disney.

    Disney may also contribute certain additional media assets to the JV, subject to regulatory and third-party approvals.

    Nita M. Ambani will be the chairperson of the JV, with Uday Shankar as vice chairperson providing strategic guidance to the JV.

    The JV will be one of the leading TV and digital streaming platforms for entertainment and sports content in India, bringing together iconic media assets across entertainment (e.g. Colors, StarPlus, StarGOLD) and sports (e.g. Star Sports and Sports18) including access to highly anticipated events across television and digital platforms through JioCinema and Hotstar. The JV will have over 750 million viewers across India and will also cater to the Indian diaspora across the world.

    The JV will seek to lead the digital transformation of the media and entertainment industry in India and offer consumers high-quality and comprehensive content offerings anytime and anywhere. The combination of the media expertise, cutting-edge technology and diverse content libraries of Viacom18 and Star India will allow the JV to offer more appealing domestic and global entertainment content and sports livestreaming services, while delivering an innovative and convenient digital entertainment experience at affordable prices. With the addition of Disney’s acclaimed films and shows to Viacom18’s renowned productions and sports offerings, the JV will offer a compelling, accessible and novel digital-focused entertainment experience to people in India and the Indian diaspora globally.

    The JV will also be granted exclusive rights to distribute Disney films and productions in India, with a license to more than 30,000 Disney content assets, providing a full suite of entertainment options for the Indian consumer.

    Speaking about the JV,  Reliance Industries , chairman & managing director Mukesh D Ambani said, “This is a landmark agreement that heralds a new era in the Indian entertainment industry. We have always respected Disney as the best media group globally and are very excited at forming this strategic joint venture that will help us pool our extensive resources, creative prowess, and market insights to deliver unparalleled content at affordable prices to audiences across the nation. We welcome Disney as a key partner of Reliance group.”

    The Walt Disney CompanynCEO Bob Iger said, “India is the world’s most populous market, and we are excited for the opportunities that this joint venture will provide to create long-term value for the company.

    Reliance has a deep understanding of the Indian market and consumer, and together we will create one of the country’s leading media companies, allowing us to better serve consumers with a broad portfolio of digital services and entertainment and sports content.”

    Bodhi Tree Systems , co-founder Uday Shankar said, “We are privileged to be enhancing our relationship with Reliance to now also include Disney, a global leader in media & entertainment. All of us are committed to delivering exceptional value to our audiences, advertisers, and partners. This joint venture is poised to shape the future of entertainment in India and accelerate the Prime Minister’s vision of making Digital India a global exemplar.”

    The transaction is subject to regulatory, shareholder and other customary approvals and is expected to be completed in the last quarter of Calendar Year 2024 or first quarter of Calendar Year 2025.

    Goldman Sachs is acting as financial and valuation advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Khaitan & Co and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co are acting as legal counsels to RIL and Viacom18 on the transaction. Ernst & Young has provided an independent valuation to RIL and Viacom18, while HSBC India acting as financial advisor has provided a Fairness Opinion to Viacom18.

    The Raine Group is acting as lead financial advisor to Disney on the transaction. Citi is acting as a financial advisor to Disney. Cleary Gottlieb served as lead outside counsel to Disney and Covington & Burling and AZB served as legal counsels to Disney on the transaction. BDO has provided an independent valuation to SIPL.

  • National Science Day: Rakesh Sharma talks space exploration on Khul Ke app

    National Science Day: Rakesh Sharma talks space exploration on Khul Ke app

    Mumbai: In celebration of National Science Day, watch iconic Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma engaged in a captivating discussion on the Khul Ke app, an innovative homegrown Indian social networking platform dedicated to catering meaningful conversations.

    The thought-provoking Khul Ke’s RoundTable interaction centered around exploring the significance of space exploration, India’s space program advancements, and the potential of science and technology to foster global unity. As the first Indian in space, Sharma’s unforgettable words “Saare Jahan Se Acha” continue to inspire the nation, symbolizing unity and aspiration. Reflecting on Chandrayaan-3’s success, he expressed enthusiasm for India’s renewed drive towards becoming a developed nation.

    Throughout the discussion on Khul Ke’s RoundTable, Sharma emphasized the importance of utilising space for peace, underscoring the absence of national borders from the perspective of space. He plans to present visionary ideas on how prime minister Narendra Modi can promote “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World Is One Family) on a global scale, encompassing even outer space, during the upcoming Gandhi Jayanti celebrations.

    As India’s sole astronaut, Sharma holds an unparalleled place in its history. He made history in 1984 by becoming the first Indian to fly on a Soviet mission, earning the esteemed title of “Bharat’s first Antriksh Yogi” (India’s first space yogi) for practicing yoga in space. His contributions extend beyond space exploration, playing a key role in the development of the Tejas fighter aircraft.

    Currently, Sharma serves as a consultant for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), offering invaluable expertise for the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s ambitious human spaceflight program.

    The Khul Ke RoundTable with Rakesh Sharma provided a unique opportunity for users to engage with a national space pioneer and gain insights into the future of space exploration and international collaboration. Khul Ke remains a dynamic platform fostering meaningful conversations and inspiring ideas for positive change.

    Khul Ke has wide range of knowledgeable content on science & technology such as Bharat Tech D2M Summit, RoundTable with Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru director professor Annapuri Subramaniam,

    and QL space Pvt Ltd, Perth, Australia head Sathvik S Shetty and more. So, this Science day dive into the era of science and technology content on Khul Ke app with your family.

    https://www.khulke.com/roundtable?id=6513dad34969d38f162dc4a1

  • Crunchyroll Anime Awards break records with 34 mn fan votes

    Crunchyroll Anime Awards break records with 34 mn fan votes

    Mumbai: The Crunchyroll Anime Awards is the leading yearly awards program celebrating fan-favorite anime series, characters, and creators across streaming, film, and music. Global anime fans cast more than 34 million votes this year (up from 18 million votes last year). Tune in to see a star-studded slate of global celebrity presenters along with exclusive performances celebrating fan-favorite and beloved anime series.

    Pre-show and live ceremony presenters (in alphabetical order):

    1    Aquaria – American fashion model, drag entertainer, and international DJ who was crowned the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and a long-time anime enthusiast
    2    Che Lingo – British rapper and artist who regularly mixes genres within his music 
    3    Chiaki Kuriyama – Actress, singer, and model
    4    DeMarcus Lawrence – NFL Football player from the Dallas Cowboys
    5    Emiru – Professional streamer, variety player, cosplayer, and co-host of Steak & Eggs
    6    Iman Vellani – Award-winning actress (MS. MARVEL and THE MARVELS)
    7    Joaquim Dos Santos – Director, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
    8    Labrinth – GRAMMY-nominated Songwriter, Producer, and Recording Artist
    9    Lena Lemon – Content creator focused on anime, cosplay, and gaming
    10    LiSA – Japanese singer-songwriter who has performed hit anime theme songs
    11    Liza Soberano – Actress, advocate, and entrepreneur
    12    Megan Thee Stallion – Three-time GRAMMY-winning recording artist, philanthropist and entrepreneur
    13    Mercedes Varnado – WWE World Champion, actress, and entrepreneur
    14    Nava Rose – Fashion Creator
    15    Phil Lord & Chris Miller – Academy Award-winning duo behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
    16    Porter Robinson – GRAMMY-nominated musician 
    17    Rashmika Mandanna – Indian film actor
    18    Roland – Japanese night club host, entrepreneur, and TV personality
    19    So Takei – Japanese TV personality, comedian, actor, and former Japanese decathlon champion
    20    Vinnie Hacker – Model, pro gamer, actor, and digital creator
    21    Yaeji – Artist, producer, vocalist, and DJ whose introspective, dance floor-ready tracks have made her a global icon
    22    Ylona Garcia – Singer born in the Philippines, raised in Australia

    Musical Performances by:

    1    Hiroyuki SAWANO (Attack on Titan; Solo Leveling) & KOHTA YAMAMOTO (Attack on Titan; The Seven Deadly Sins), performing the first-of-its-kind Anime Awards Theme Song in full for the first time

    2    Shing02, OMA, and SPIN MASTER A-1, performing Samurai Champloo’s opening song “battlecry” in commemoration of the show’s 20th anniversary – exclusive to livestream viewers

    3    Japanese pop duo YOASOBI, performing ahead of their set at Coachella

    4    Live orchestra, performing a unique live piece bringing together iconic songs from various series celebrating milestones

    Categories:

    1    Anime of the Year – This is the show that sets the standard for anime over the last year. Its compelling story, beautiful artistic execution, and unforgettable characters all combine in a unique way to create a masterpiece that deserves singular recognition. Whether the show was an unexpected hit, or delivered on fans’ high expectations, Anime of the Year embodies excellence.

    2    Best Action – This category rewards a show with action at its core. Featuring awe-inspiring scenes of heroes battling villains, life-threatening situations, or overcoming incredible odds, these anime get the pulse racing.

    3    Best Animation – Here we recognize anime that are visually stunning in the ways they bring their stories to life. No matter the style of animation, these shows put on a visual spectacle for viewers to enjoy, immersing audiences into previously unimaginable worlds.

    4    Best Anime Song – This category celebrates a song played during any part of an anime series, including the opening and ending sequences. Whether they make you move or move you, these are the songs that stay with you.

    5    Best Art Direction (New) – Art direction involves all things visual to create the look and feel of an anime. Color, design, and animation style are only some of the considerations, as the tiniest of details must be kept in mind so that a show feels like a cohesive and distinct work of art.

    6    Best Character Design – This category celebrates artists who have either created iconic anime characters or breathed life into one from other sources. A designer who comprehends the essence of character design weaves narratives through the strokes of their drawings.

    7    Best Cinematography (New) – Cinematography focuses on the composition of individual scenes, paying particular attention to the use of light and shadow, camera angles, depth of field, and scene transitions. When combined together, these elements convey an anime’s narrative without saying a word.

    8    Best Comedy – Whether it’s a surprising fresh perspective, or the witty exchanges could’ve come from a comedy mastermind, the humor in these shows make you laugh out loud and have your side hurting by the end.

    9    Best Continuing Series – Sustaining excellence is no small feat, particularly when it comes to anime. This category celebrates the shows that hook audiences with their absorbing storylines, compelling characters, and attention-grabbing artwork.

    10    Best Director – Here we celebrate how a great anime and a great director are almost inseparable. Of central importance, directors work behind the scenes, conveying their vision to animators, making critical decisions, and managing the creative aspects of production. The result? An approach that is uniquely theirs.

    11    Best Drama – These anime convey something essential about the human experience. Their mastery of building and relieving tension sets fans on the edge of their seats, feeling all their feelings, and compelling them to invest deeply in the characters and their stories.

    12    Best Ending Sequence – Similar to the opening, an unforgettable ending sequence pairs design and music to delight and surprise. Often a place where the art style can be taken in entirely new directions, a great ending sequence lets viewers catch their breath and enjoy small moments with a character.

    13    Best Fantasy – Best Fantasy is all about imagination, creativity, and a bit of magic. These shows don’t  just take us to other worlds, they craft deep, original universes full of mythical creatures where even the smallest detail is fueled by ideas that previously were unthought of.

    14    Best Film – A great film effortlessly captivates spectators from beginning to end. Here we celebrate non-episodic anime with runtimes longer than a standard episode, whether they were released in theaters, on DVD, or online.  

    15    Best Main Character – Whether hero, anti-hero, or villain, a main character is the face of their series. But it’s not just their personalities or characteristics that make them beloved, it’s their well-developed stories and the journeys they take us on that make them worthy.

    16    Best New Series – While countless new anime are created each year, this category honors the series and spin-offs that stand out. These instant classics possess something unique that keeps viewers transfixed and passionately awaiting season two.

    17    Best Opening Sequence – Through striking visuals and irresistible music, a great opening sequence sets the tone for what’s to come. Whether it’s creating a quirky mood for an offbeat rom-com, or striking a dark and serious tone for suspense, a memorable opening has as much creativity and passion as the show it introduces.

    18    Best Original Anime – An original anime is not adapted from source material like manga or light novels; it is a new creation. These original works of art mesmerize audiences with the quality of their stories.

    19    Best Romance – A great romance can thaw the heart of the coldest cynic. These captivating stories draw us in and remind us of the best part of being alive. With their hopeful messages, these shows find a way to make you believe in the power of love.

    20    Best Score – A vital part of an unforgettable anime is the original music composed for it. A well-crafted score adds another dimension of depth and emotion to any scene, with compositions that are not only tightly associated with an anime, but can also stand alone as masterpieces of music.

    21    Best Slice of Life (New) – While these anime focus on everyday events, the best are anything but ordinary. Capturing quiet moments in breathtaking ways, these nominees provide relief from the frantic pace of the world, placing relationships—with all their emotion, humor, and heartbreak—front and center.

    22    Best Supporting Character – This category celebrates a supporting character like they were number one. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the best among them can shine as brightly as their main character counterparts when called upon.

    23    Best Voice Actor Performance – Renowned voice artists breathe additional life into a character, adding depth and realism or re-envisioning what they sound like in a different language . Through their command of tone and the emotions their voices elicit, these talented artists help transform anime characters into anime icons. This award will be honored to voice actors across Arabic, Castilian, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Latin Spanish.

    24    “Must Protect At All Cost” Character –  These are the characters that make the world feel like a kinder, more special place. Whether they’re an earnest protagonist who always gets back up or a pure-hearted cinnamon roll who holds a group together, these characters remind us that there are some things in life worth protecting.

    When: Saturday, 2 March 2024 at 6 pm JST

    Where: Crunchyroll channels on YouTube and Twitch

  • Anand Raaj Anand drops heartbreaking track “Tu Juda Ho Gaya” by Adnan Ahmad

    Anand Raaj Anand drops heartbreaking track “Tu Juda Ho Gaya” by Adnan Ahmad

    Mumbai: Heartbreaks end our happiness, or restart our life! Separation either kills or creates will. Rising star Adnan Ahmad and the iconic Anand Raaj Anand bring us a song that talks about moving on and making something of ourselves after a heartbreak. II Music’s ‘Tu Juda Ho Gaya’ is the perfect track to rebuild after the painful end of a relationship.

    ‘Tu Juda Ho Gaya’ begins with the sorrow of separation, and slowly transitions to a powerful theme of seeking inspiration from your pains. With lyrics like ‘Harr sitam tera mujhpe karam ho gaya’, the song conveys that not all love stories have happy endings, but one should not get trapped in a web of sadness because of an unpleasant end.

    Beautifully penned by Anand Raaj Anand and Ssamudra and sung with nuance by Adnan Ahmad, ‘Tu Juda Ho Gaya’ is a must hear. What makes the song special is its message of healing from the pain rather than obsessing over a breakup.

    A singer, composer, lyricist and multiple award winning music maestro, Anand Raaj Anand has an eclectic collection of chartbusting songs to his name. The multi-talented maverick has composed memorable tunes for films like Kaante, Musafir, Shootout at Lokhandwala and many such superhits.

    A promising name in the Indian music circuit, Adnan Ahmad is the proud recipient of Young Achievers Award and Radio City Super Singer 2018. The vibrant singer has garnered an ardent fan base over the years, and is famous for his rousing voice that is powerful yet unique.

    ‘Tu Juda Ho Gaya’ also boasts of a bittersweet music video. Featuring actors Wafi Taraky and Bipasha Biswas, the video depicts the pain a lover goes through before dusting old memories off and stepping up in life. He yearned for support, for a reciprocal love. He yearned for a love that was unconditional and unwavering, one that would stand the test of time and weather any storm. But with each unreturned gesture, his love becomes a painful burden, a constant reminder of his sacrificed happiness. Shot and directed by Kuber & Sujeet Mahto, the music video acts as a searing reflection of the song.

    Talking about the song, Anand Raaj Anand said, “Tu Juda Ho Gaya is a tune that many of us will relate to. May it be today’s youth or a more seasoned generation, everyone has gone through heartbreaks that tested our resilience. It’s a universal anthem for anyone who has loved and lost, for those who have poured their soul into a connection that ultimately left them empty. It’s a song of anger, of acceptance, and ultimately, of finding the strength to walk away, leaving the shattered pieces behind.

    Sharing his thoughts on the tune, Adnan Ahmad said, “Tu Juda Ho Gaya is not just a song, but a soulful message about moving on from heartbreak at the right time. I had the time of my life working on this track. The opportunity to collaborate with Anand Raaj Anand sir on a platform as big as II Music was the cherry on top”.

    Talking about their latest release, II Music founder Rohit Sobti said, “II Music provides a platform to all kinds of talents to connect, collaborate and create. Tu Juda Ho Gaya brings together a stalwart like Anand Raaj Anand with a rising star like Adnan. The feel of this song is unlike any other heartbreak track out there. May it be the vocals or the lyrics, it has massive appeal on all fronts”.

    II Music has always backed music of all themes and genres. Their latest release looks like the ‘go to’ track for all broken hearted souls! If you are in the mood for a heartbreak song with a difference, dive into the magic of Tu Juda Ho Gaya.

    The song ‘Tu Juda Ho Gaya’ is available on all leading music platforms. The music video is now live on YouTube.

  • Board of ZEE constitutes an ‘Independent Investigation Committee’

    Board of ZEE constitutes an ‘Independent Investigation Committee’

    Mumbai: The board of directors of ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), in its meeting held today, decided to further expand and strengthen the role of the ‘Independent Advisory Committee’  constituted on  23 February 2024, and renamed it as an ‘Independent Investigation Committee’.  After a detailed consultation with the Audit Committee and seeking inputs from Justice Satish Chandra (Chairman of the Independent Investigation Committee – ref. Annexure for detailed profile), the Board of ZEEL led by R Gopalan, approved the Independent  Investigation Committee and has advised it to thoroughly review the allegations levelled by regulators and other parties against the company. The committee will take the necessary measures to delve into the facts of the allegations, with the sole interest to protect the rights of the company’s shareholders and other stakeholders. As a result, the board has approved the following steps to be implemented by the  Committee with immediate effect:

    • The investigation committee shall fact-check/review/examine all allegations raised by the regulatory agencies against the company, its promoters and KMPs through a deep dive exercise.  

    • This would be done in order to safeguard the interest of the shareholders and other stakeholders of the company. After completing the abovementioned exercise, the committee will submit its report to the board with its recommendations and suggest actions required to be undertaken by the Board.  

    • The committee can also appoint/hire any other independent outside agency to assist the Committee to fulfill its charter.

    ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chairman R Gopalan said,  “It is pertinent for the board to take concerted action in order  to get to the truth of the matter in the allegations made against the Company and secure the interests of all its shareholders and other stakeholders. The  Independent Investigation Committee chaired by Justice Satish Chandra, will further guide and empower us to take necessary actions in a timely manner, that are in the best interests of the Company’s future and all its shareholders and other stakeholders.  Based on the recommendations of the audit committee and after seeking inputs from Justice  Chandra, an independent assessment and fact-checking of all allegations will be ensured. The Board will also  suggest  the measures  to  be  implemented in  the  interest  of  the  Company,  once  the  detailed report is presented by the Committee.”

    The Independent Investigation Committee will be chaired by Justice Satish Chandra and comprise of ZEE’s independent directors, Uttam Prakash Agarwal and P.V.R Murthy. The Committee will review all Company records and information to prepare and present a detailed report to the Board, advising on the future course of action, in the best interest of all the shareholders and other stakeholders of the company.

    Annexure:

    Justice Satish Chandra has served as the chairman of The State Bank of India’s external screening committee & has also served as a judge in the High Court of Allahabad. Justice Chandra has over 16 years of expertise in Constitutional Law, International Law & Taxation Law. During his career, Justice Chandra has served the Law Commission of India as director (additional law officer) and was also a judicial member in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal for more than a decade. He has also authored 15 books and 35 research papers/articles on various aspects of law.

  • Edstead’s docu-series ‘The Indian EdTech Story’ spotlights TimesPro’s inspiring journey

    Edstead’s docu-series ‘The Indian EdTech Story’ spotlights TimesPro’s inspiring journey

    Mumbai: TimesPro, a leading Higher EdTech platform, has been prominently featured in the documentary series, ‘The Indian EdTech Story,’ produced by Edstead. The series, now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, highlights the significant impact and outcomes of TimesPro in transforming the educational landscape for millions of learners across India. The series reflects its remarkable journey towards becoming one of the most sustainable EdTech players in the industry.

    The documentary underscores TimesPro’s commitment to bridging the gap between the industry and academia as it showcases its profound influence on the learning experiences of countless individuals. The series focuses on the positive contributions that the EdTech sector has made, while also exploring the challenges it faces along the way. By doing so, it demonstrates how the sector continues to play a pivotal role in creating a lasting impact.

    ‘The Indian EdTech Story’ further dwells on TimesPro’s significant role in Higher Education in boosting employability opportunities and integrating new-age skills through its upskilling solutions to realise its ambition of creating a highly skilled workforce for India. With learner-centricity at its core and focussing on providing learning solutions across the learner lifecycle, TimesPro shares its transformative journey to democratise education and create opportunities for all.

    Speaking on being featured in ‘The Indian EdTech Story’, TimesPro CEO Anish Srikrishna said, “TimesPro is not just about providing learning solutions, but it is also a catalyst for change. Our commitment to driving innovation, accessibility, and affordability in education is unwavering. We believe in harnessing the power of technology, fostering collaboration between industry and academia, and prioritising learner-centricity to shape a brighter future for generations to come. This documentary serves as a testament to our mission to democratise education and drive positive change in the Indian EdTech ecosystem.”

    Commenting on the release, Edstead founder Shekhar Bhattacharjee expressed, “The entire objective behind producing this series was to illuminate the transformation of education into an affordable and accessible realm for millions. The series not only captures the highs and lows of the EdTech sector but also underscores its ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact.”

    TimesPro’s journey in the documentary showcases its resolve to empowering learners, fostering industry-academic collaborations, and driving positive change in the Indian education landscape by providing accessible and affordable learning and upskilling opportunities for learners across the country.

  • Moloco & Viacom18 forge multi-year partnership for ad serving on JioCinema

    Moloco & Viacom18 forge multi-year partnership for ad serving on JioCinema

    Mumbai: Moloco, a leader in operational machine learning (ML) and advertising technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Viacom18 and JioCinema in India. As part of this multi-year partnership, Moloco is using its advanced machine learning and ad serving capabilities to build a powerful monetization solution for Viacom18/JioCinema, and it began with the Tata IPL last year. The Tata Indian Premier League, featuring 74 matches, providing the ultimate opportunity for streaming media monetization, with advertisers reaching massive global audiences of engaged sports fans. Last year, 449 million cricket viewers watched Tata IPL on JioCinema from March to May 2023. Supported by the Moloco ad-serving technology, JioCinema served targeted ads to a peak concurrent viewership of 32M users.

    Moloco streaming monetisation is an enterprise software solution that empowers streaming services to transform how they monetize content and media in order to unlock profitable growth. Moloco works with streaming platforms to maximize the value of each ad impression from price-driven decisioning to outcome optimization. The rise of streaming video globally coupled with the complexity of serving ads at live events makes this partnership an exciting opportunity to innovate, by delivering engaging ads and profitable advertiser ROI.

    “As the streaming media industry continues to focus on monetization, we’re excited to partner with leading players such as JioCinema to develop their performance advertising engine,” said Moloco’s chief business officer Sunil Rayan. “We have leveraged Moloco’s deep experience in advertising technology over the last decade to build an ad serving solution for JioCinema that ensures stability at scale and improves user experience during peak times. Looking ahead to Tata IPL 2024, we anticipate an even bigger opportunity to engage millions of viewers while also creating measurable value for advertisers,” he added.

    JioCinema CPTO Akash Saxena stated, “By using Moloco’s advanced algorithms and highly optimised ad serving infrastructure, we were able to deliver ads to 32M viewers concurrently during Tata IPL 2023 and offer new monetization opportunities to our advertisers.”

    Speaking on the announcement, Moloco’s general manager for India Siddharth Jhawar said, “India’s 700 million digital population has shown a growing preference for consuming video content online. As streaming platforms scale and look for more monetization opportunities, Moloco Streaming Monetization can help them grow profitably.”

  • Top five highlights you can’t miss at the College Rivals LAN finale

    Top five highlights you can’t miss at the College Rivals LAN finale

    Mumbai: With a stellar lineup boasting prominent esports and music personalities, College Rivals, India’s largest esports talent hunt, will culminate in an electrifying fashion at Nesco, Mumbai on 3 March. For months, the pioneering intellectual property of Ampverse, Asia’s largest ecosystem of gaming communities and IPs, in collaboration with DMI Finance, has offered college students across India the unprecedented opportunity to showcase their esports prowess.

    Now, the grand finale of the event promises a similarly groundbreaking experience for its attendees alongside food and beverages and chill lounges. Whether you are a hardcore gamer, a music enthusiast, or a cosplay aficionado, here are the top five exciting activities in store for everyone at the one-of-a-kind experiential LAN finale:

    Live music performances

    In what will be a first in Indian Esports, the country’s well-renowned music sensations will be performing live at a LAN event finale. Fans will get the unique opportunity to groove to the beats of notable music artists Seedhe Maut, composed of Siddhant Sharma and Abhijay Negi, alongside Gaurav Pal aka Muhfaad, and Garv Taneja aka Char Diwaari. Their live performances will add an extra layer of excitement to the event.

    Meet and greet with e-sports personalities

    Gaming enthusiasts will have an exciting opportunity to rub shoulders with renowned esports personalities such as Naman Mathur (Mortal), Payal Dhare (PayalGaming), Tanmay Singh (ScoutOP), Aniket Sood (Kinganbru), Prishita Nair (MintyGal), Paras Singh (ParasOfficial), Jimesh Parmar (Jimmy Gaming), and Neha Gupta (Naira Gaming). This will be their chance to create unforgettable memories by interacting with some of the biggest names in the Indian gaming community.

    LAN finals

    Hardcore esports fans will be witnessing the ultimate showdown as 28 finalists, selected from a competitive pool of 92,000 participants representing colleges across the country, will battle it out individually across five titles on three different platforms. Whether it is the intense action of BGMI, Road to Valor, Valorant, Tekken 7, or FIFA 23, the attendees can expect nothing short of top-notch gameplay and fierce competition.

    Arcade gaming zones

    Taking a break from the main event, attendees will be able to dive into the world of arcade gaming. From racing simulators to classic arcade games, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. By testing your skills, and challenging your friends, this will serve as the perfect medium to experience the nostalgia of retro gaming.

    Cosplay competition

    Whether you are an experienced cosplayer or making your debut, this will be your chance to shine by embracing your favorite characters and showcasing your creativity. Expect to see a diverse range of costumes inspired by beloved video game characters, anime icons, and pop culture references.

  • Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2 is not just a series

    Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2 is not just a series

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, is all set to celebrate the true essence of patriotism and valour with its much-awaited series, Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2. The patriotic series chronicles the story of real-life heroes Naib Subedar Sombir Singh of the Jat Regiment and DYSP Aman Kumar Thakur, who sacrificed themselves to safeguard the lives of innocent civilians in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Unfolding the gripping saga of the Kulgam Operation, Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2 pays homage to the courage, resilience, spirit, and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces, lauding their dedication to selflessly serve the nation in the face of life-threatening challenges.

    The talented ensemble cast of Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2 is led by Barun Sobti, who steps into the shoes of the late Naib Subedar Sombir Singh. His journey is one of profound sacrifice and loyalty to his nation. Whether facing enemy fire on the battlefield or navigating the complexities of military life, Junior Commissioned Officer Sombir Singh remains steadfast in his resolve to uphold the nation’s honour. Through Barun Sobti’s nuanced portrayal, viewers will be taken on a gripping and emotional ride, exploring the challenges and triumphs of an army officer. From intense battle scenes to emotionally vulnerable scenes, Barun’s performance brings depth and authenticity to the character, capturing the true essence of bravery.

    Talking about his character in the series, Barun Sobti shared, “Playing Naib Subedar Sombir Singh has been an enriching experience for me, as an actor. His story of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to duty is one that has touched me deeply. Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2 is not just a series, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the brave unsung heroes of our armed forces who selflessly defend our nation’s integrity. I am privileged to be a part of this project, and I hope that I have done justice in bringing his character to life on screen. I feel honoured to have received this opportunity to shed light on the sacrifices made by our real-life heroes through the series.”  

    Directed by Ajay Bhuyan and produced by Juggernaut Studios, Rakshak- India’s Braves: Chapter 2 features Barun Sobti, Surbhi Chandna and Vishwas Kini, among others, in pivotal roles. The series will be available to stream on Amazon miniTV from February 22nd, for free, within Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV, and on Play Store.