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Category: iWorld

  • TRAl extends last date to comments on Consultation Paper

    TRAl extends last date to comments on Consultation Paper

    Mumbai: In a recent notification release, The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had sought comments / counter-comments of stakeholders on the Consultation Paper on “Digital Transformation through 5G Ecosystem” dated 29th September 2023. The last date for receiving written comments and counter-comments from the stakeholders was initially fixed as 30 October 2023 and 13 November 2023 respectively, which have been extended twice.

    The last date for submission of written comments was 26 December 2023 and that for counter-comments is now 8 January, 2024. Meanwhile TRAI has received requests from Industry Associations for further extension of timeline for submission of comments citing various reasons like difficulty in collecting the inputs from their members due to Christmas and New Year.

    They have also mentioned that the Indian Parliament has passed the new Telecom Bill-2023 very recently, so the comments need to be updated accordingly. Keeping in view the requests of stakeholders, TRAI decided to extend the last date for submission of written comments up to 22 January 2024 and for counter-comments up to 5 February 2024.

    For more information visit TRAI website 

  • Indian Police Force’s trailer launch by installing 18 ft. mystery boxes

    Indian Police Force’s trailer launch by installing 18 ft. mystery boxes

    Mumbai: The highly anticipated Amazon Original series Indian Police Force, created by director RohitShetty, is all set to make its mark on the digital landscape. Renowned for his superhit cop franchises like Singham, Simmba, and Sooryavanshi, Shetty is now gearing up to introduce fans to the next chapter of his cop universe, a series that promises to redefine the very essence of action-packed storytelling. The dynamic duo of Sidharth Malhotra and Shilpa Shetty spearheads the cast of this upcoming series, ensuring a cinematic spectacle filled with high-octane action and nail-biting chases.

    In an interesting move, Prime Video takes the excitement around the Indian Police Force to a whole new level with ‘Amazon Delivers Action’. The series invites audiences to unlearn the ordinary and prepare for an experience that transcends expectations. To build anticipation around the trailer among fans, Prime Video installs 18 ft. larger than life Amazon delivery boxes across Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake, Udaipur’s City Palace, Indore’s Chappan Dukan, Delhi’s Select City walk & INA Dilli Haat, Lucknow’s Lulu Mall and Mumbai’s Juhu beach amongst other states and cities including Gujarat, Kerala, Jaisalmer, Coorg, Hyderabad and Jammu & Kashmir (Gulmarg) . These gigantic structures aren’t just installations; they’re hints at something truly monumental. What lies within adds an extra layer of excitement to the lead up to the trailer launch.  

    Indian Police Force marks Rohit Shetty’s digital directorial debut in a spectacle that is headlined by Siddharth Malhotra in a refreshing cop avatar. The talented star cast of the series also features Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Vivek Oberoi, Shweta Tiwari, Nikitin Dheer, Rituraj Singh, Mukesh Rishi, Lalit Parimoo in pivotal roles. The cop action drama is slated to premiere on 19 January 2024, exclusively on Prime Video, in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

     

     

  • Amazon miniTV to celebrate bond between siblings in series ‘Mera Bhai’

    Amazon miniTV to celebrate bond between siblings in series ‘Mera Bhai’

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, is all set to bring viewers a heartwarming story of sibling love with its upcoming comedy-drama series, Mera Bhai. The streaming service announced the series by unveiling its trailer, filled with a gamut of emotions. Exploring new dimensions of love and highlighting the power of a brotherly bond, it will take the audience on an emotionally charged journey, with two polar opposite brothers who find strength in each other. Starring Badri Chavan and Chinmay Chandraunshuh in the lead roles, the 5-episode series is produced by The Screen Patti and will stream exclusively from 5 January on Amazon miniTV for free.

    Mera Bhai chronicles the story of two brothers, Bittu and Sittu, capturing the dynamics of their relationship and their journey amid the daily hustles faced by their family. The trailer gives a sneak peek into their love-hate relationship, which evolves with each incident. Highlighting the unbreakable bond of siblings, the series depicts the free-spiritedness of the younger brother, Sittu, along with the simplicity and maturity of the elder brother, Bittu. As the brother-duo navigates life facing different challenges, they understand the depth of their bond and their value in each other’s life.

    Badri Chavan who plays the role of the responsible elder brother shared his thoughts about being a part of the show, he said, “Growing up, having a sibling is like a blessing. Mera Bhai explores the journey of two siblings as they tackle the ups and downs of life in a relatable manner. While they constantly make fun of each other, indulge in ribbing, fights, and disagreements, they are always there for each other when in need. Over the course of 5 episodes, the viewers will see the evolution of these two brothers as well as their bond with each other”

    Expressing his delight about being a part of the series, Chinmay Chandraunshuh shared, “Siblings are one’s biggest supporters and best friends, who love and tolerate each other at the same time. Mera Bhai is one such relatable story, which perfectly highlights how two polar opposite siblings bring balance to each other’s lives. I play the role of the younger brother, Sittu, in the series. He is carefree, outgoing, mischievous, and in the curiosity-filled stage of teenage, stark opposite from his mature and disciplined brother, Bittu. I hope that viewers will love the bond of Bittu and Sittu. It will surely make them reminisce about the golden days of living together with their siblings.”

    Mera Bhai will be available to stream exclusively on Amazon miniTV from 5 January for free. You can download the Amazon miniTV App on Playstore or watch it within the Amazon Shopping App or the Fire TV App.

  • Disney+ Hotstar brings the 2023 recap – your wholesome journey awaits. Replay now

    Disney+ Hotstar brings the 2023 recap – your wholesome journey awaits. Replay now

    Mumbai: Step into the new year with Disney+ Hotstar’s personalised recap feature, offering a delightful journey down memory lane. Now, with just a click on the app, you can relive your wholesome entertainment experience by accessing a tailor-made replay of your favourite titles and cherished moments from the past year.

    This innovative feature allows you to revisit the magic of shows and movies that captured your heart, providing a unique and personalised overview of your streaming history. Immerse yourself in the joy of nostalgia as you explore your version of the replay, curated specifically for you.

    Disney+ Hotstar brings the joy of reminiscing and celebrating your entertainment journey, making the start of 2024 even more special for every user. Head to the app now and rediscover the magic that made your year unforgettable.

     

     

  • Josh Talks and Meta wrap up a successful election awareness initiative

    Josh Talks and Meta wrap up a successful election awareness initiative

    Mumbai: In a transformative initiative to inspire and empower the youth, Josh Talks, in partnership with Meta, concluded a successful series of Citizens’ Townhalls across Bhopal, Jaipur, and Hyderabad. With a reach of approximately 1.3 million across social media platforms such as Facebook, and Instagram, the events successfully engaged citizens across five states, fostering civic awareness and encouraging active participation in the democratic process.

    The Citizens’ Townhall aims to educate and empower youth on the importance of exercising their vote and the power and responsibility that comes upon each citizen, as part of being a democracy. It seeks to heighten voter awareness among diverse communities, particularly focusing on engaging first-time voters.

    The series commenced in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and continued to Jaipur, Rajasthan, culminating in Hyderabad, Telangana. The events featured esteemed bureaucrats, including Rituraj (IAS, 2015), CEO of Zilla Panchayat, Bhopal; Dr Snigdha Sharma, Principal of Government College, Jaipur; and Sarfaraz Ahmad (IAS, 2009), joint CEO of the office of chief electoral officer, Telangana.

    The Citizens’ Townhall series not only provided a platform for open dialogue but also facilitated engaging interactions between students and prominent policymakers. The impactful sessions inspired students to exercise their right to vote, leading to interactive Q&A sessions that enriched the democratic discourse.

    In conjunction with the Citizens’ Townhall series, a comprehensive social campaign spanning five states — Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana — was executed with the primary goal of encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote. As part of this initiative, unique stories of citizens emerged, shining a spotlight on individuals actively working to empower citizens and ensure their exercise of fundamental rights. The social campaign, through its strategic outreach, aimed to instil a sense of civic responsibility and educate citizens about the significance of their participation in shaping the collective future.

    The series emphasised the symbiotic relationship between informed citizens and a robust democracy, demonstrating the power of engagement and dialogue in shaping the perspectives of the younger generation. As Josh Talks and Meta continue their mission of building an informed electorate, the success of the Citizens’ Townhall series stands as a milestone in their collective commitment to fostering active participants in the democratic process.

    Josh Talks CEO Supriya Paul expressed her delight at the success of the Citizens’ Townhall series saying, “Engaging nearly 900 students and reaching 1.3 million citizens across 5 states is a testament to the impact of our initiative. This success reinforces Josh Talks’ unwavering commitment to creating a lasting impact on society by developing responsible citizens and empowering youth to make a difference—the core values of Josh Talks.”

    As part of the initiative, Josh Talks has also identified unique stories of citizens who are working to empower other marginalised groups to exercise their fundamental rights.

     

  • Best games to learn about sports

    Best games to learn about sports

    Mumbai: Sports games have revolutionised both the gaming and sports industries, enabling enthusiasts to engage in their favourite sporting activities anytime, anywhere, without the need for elaborate sporting gear and equipment. Beyond immersive gameplay, these games serve as valuable tools for beginners, providing insights into the nuances of the respective sports they play.

    Below is the list of the top-rated games across different platforms that offer an unparalleled experience of stepping onto the field and learning the ropes of various sports.

    ●      EA Sports FC 24 (football):

    EA Sports FC 24 not only allows players to experience the excitement of football but also provides a platform to understand strategic gameplay. Users can learn about positioning, passing techniques, and effective strategies to outmanoeuvre opponents. The game’s realistic graphics and physics contribute to a genuine football learning experience.

    ●      Hitwicket Superstars Cricket (cricket):

    Hitwicket Superstars Cricket offers an immersive cricket experience, allowing users to become the owner, coach and player of a virtual cricket team. The game helps learn cricketing strategies, player roles, and the dynamics of the sport. Users can don the captain’s hat, make strategic decisions, and experience the thrill of cricketing action. The game’s engaging gameplay and strategic depth offer valuable insights into the world of cricket.

    ●      NBA 2K24 (basketball):

    NBA 2K24 provides a realistic basketball simulation where users can grasp the fundamentals of the game. From dribbling techniques to offensive and defensive strategies, players can learn the nuances of basketball. The game’s detailed animations and strategic AI contribute to a comprehensive learning experience.

    ●      Top Spin 4 (tennis):

    Top Spin 4 offers an authentic tennis experience, allowing users to learn about different strokes, court positioning, and strategic shot selection. Players can understand the importance of timing and precision in tennis, making it an effective tool for both beginners and tennis enthusiasts.

    ●      Madden NFL 24 (American football):

    Madden NFL 24 serves as an educational tool for American football enthusiasts. Users can learn about offensive and defensive plays, player roles, and strategic decision-making. The game’s realistic simulations and strategic depth offer an engaging way to understand the complexities of American football.

    ●      Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 (skateboarding):

    Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 provides a platform for users to learn skateboarding tricks, stances, and navigate through various skate parks. Players can understand the physics of skateboarding and practise different moves, making it an engaging game for those looking to learn the basics of the sport.

    ●      8 Ball Pool (billiards):

    8 Ball Pool is a virtual billiards game where users can learn about the rules, techniques, and strategies of playing pool. With realistic gameplay, players can practise different shots, understand spin control, and improve their overall skills in the game of pool. The multiplayer mode adds a competitive edge, making it an enjoyable learning experience for billiards enthusiasts.

    ●      OK Golf (golf):

    OK Golf provides a serene and realistic golfing experience where players can learn about swing techniques, club selection, and course strategy. With stunning visuals and intuitive gameplay, users can immerse themselves in the world of golf and understand the finer points of the sport.

    ●      Table Tennis Touch (table tennis):

    Table Tennis Touch offers a stunning virtual table tennis experience, allowing users to learn about spin, precision shots, and strategic gameplay. The game’s responsive controls and realistic ball physics provide an engaging way to understand the nuances of table tennis.

    ●      FIE Swordplay (fencing):

    FIE Swordplay provides a unique opportunity to learn about the sport of fencing. Players can understand the techniques of parrying, attacking, and footwork involved in fencing. With realistic swordplay simulations, the game provides an immersive learning experience for those interested in the art of fencing.

  • Enigma Gaming dominates Pova Cup Season 4 BGMI

    Enigma Gaming dominates Pova Cup Season 4 BGMI

    Mumbai:  Enigma Gaming has been crowned the champions of the Pova Cup Season 4 BGMI, marking a thrilling end to the 2023 season. The team’s victory was a spectacular one as they made their way through the Open Qualifiers, facing off against more than 6,000 players from across the country, to qualify for the Semifinals and eventually lift the trophy.

    Enigma Gaming fielded a newly formed roster in the Pova Cup Season 4 as a prelude to the 2024 season. They were dominant throughout the tournament, cruising their way through the Open Qualifiers and the Semifinals. In the Grand Finals, they continued their momentum, bagging three chicken dinners and 51 finish points.

    It was their consistency, though, that earned them the victory. With 92 placement points, the most by any team in the Grand Finals, they finished at the top of the points table with 143 points, just three ahead of the second-placed Big Brothers Esports.

    Commenting on the victory, Enigma Gaming founder and CEO Aryaman Wasan said, “As we step into 2024, we have formed a completely new roster through our extensive scouting process. The performance in their first tournament together, as they made their way to victory through the open qualifiers, is a huge boost ahead of the new year. Events like the Pova Cup Season 4 by Skyesports serve as a vital platform, nurturing raw talent from the grassroots level and fostering a fertile ground for emerging players.”

    Additionally, with the victory, Enigma Gaming has secured its slot at the Skyesports League, a city-based esports tournament for BGMI, set to happen as a LAN event in early 2024. Stay tuned to Skyesports’ Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter handles for more information.

    The overall standings for the Pova Cup Season 4 is as follows:

    1.    Enigma Gaming: 143 points
    2.    Big Brothers Esports: 140 points
    3.    Aerobotz Esports: 122 points
    4.    Anonymous Esports: 113 points
    5.    Entity Gaming: 112 points
    6.    Team Tamilas: 111 points
    7.    Marcos Gaming: 98 points
    8.    Hyderabad Hydras: 79 points
    9.    Team Empire: 77 points
    10.    Medal Esports: 75 points
    11.    Team Manya: 74 points
    12.    Orangutan Gaming: 70 points
    13.    Team Numen: 67 points
    14.    Reckoning Esports: 52 points
    15.    Hidden Ones: 48 points
    16.    Team Omega: 31 points

     

  • #ZEE5Rewind: 2023 in a flashback!

    #ZEE5Rewind: 2023 in a flashback!

    Mumbai: ZEE5, India and Bharat’s largest home-grown video streaming platform, and the OTT arm of ZEEL, releases #ZEE5Rewind 2023, highlighting a year filled with groundbreaking content across languages. With a paying subscriber in each leading city of the country, the platform experienced an extraordinary surge in streaming hours, across SVOD, AVOD and TVOD offerings. ZEE5’s biggest hits of the year, spanning heartwarming dramas, family entertainers, to adrenaline-pumping thrillers, is a testament to its commitment to build a platform that caters to every audience with entertainment of their choice.

    Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bangla, Marathi, Punjabi, and Kannada emerged as the top languages. The West and the South markets led the race for SVOD, closely followed by the East and the North. Titles across Direct-to-Digitals and originals which were undisputed chart-toppers were ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain’, ‘Mrs. Undercover’, ‘Taj’ in Hindi, ‘Ayali’, ‘Sengalam’, ‘Oru Kodai Murder Mystery’ in Tamil, ‘Vyavastha’, ‘Puli Meka’, ‘Maya Bazaar For Sale’ in Telugu, and ‘Abar Proloy’, ‘Swetkali’, ‘Roktokorobi’ in Bangla. In an industry-first development, ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain’ went for a theatrical release following its digital launch owing to massive audience support. It is now a part of IMDB’s coveted Top 250 titles list and a recipient of multiple awards.

    Coming to post-theatricals, the movies which enjoyed significant audience favour were ‘Unchaai’, ‘Gadar 2’ in Hindi, ‘Vidhuthalai – Part I’, ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’ in Tamil, ‘Writer Padmabhushan’, ‘Karthikeya 2’ in Telugu, ‘Vedha’ in Kannada, ‘Babe Bhangra Paunde Ne’, ‘Maurh’ in Punjabi, ‘Pranaya Vilasam’ in Malayalam, ‘Vaalvi’, ‘Ghar Banduk Biryani’ in Marathi, and ‘Projapoti’, ‘Shabash Feluda” in Bangla. ZEE5 also became a leading name in showcasing socially relevant stories and narratives featuring real-life personas. Titles like ‘Lost’, ‘Tarla’, ‘Ayali’, ‘Abar Proloy’, ‘Chhatriwali’, ‘Haddi’, ‘Koose Munisamy Veerappan’ and several others received positive audience reactions, further cementing ZEE5’s position as the country’s OTT platform of choice.

    Top five streaming titles of 2023:

    ZEE5’s AVOD content triumphed in 2023, captivating audiences and bolstering the platform’s commitment to providing accessible and engaging entertainment for all. West and South dominated here too, closely followed by the North and East markets. The ad-supported roster featured an extensive line-up of movies and web shows in Hindi and regional languages, along with Korean drama series dubbed in local languages. Exclusive films like ‘Country Mafia with Ravi Kishan, ‘Am I Next’ with Anushka Sen, Anshuman Jha’s ‘Lakadbaggha’, and Priyamani’s ‘Sarvam Shakti Mayam’ enjoyed strong audience reception, alongside rising popularity for devotional content, and cricket and e-sports streaming. The past year has also solidified ZEE5’s dedication to innovation, with a continued focus on pushing boundaries, making a meaningful impact, and delivering compelling content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

    Establishing a stronger connect with the diverse audience base, ZEE5 introduced socially relevant and creative campaigns for content promotions in line with the vision of #ZEE5GameChangers. For instance, for the film ‘Tarla’, ZEE5 expressed appreciation for the dabbawalla community in Mumbai with a surprise lunch, accompanied by a meet and greet with actors Huma Qureshi and Sharib Hashmi. On the occasions of National Girl Child Day and International Education Day, ZEE5 organized screenings of ‘Ayali’ across Tamil Nadu, reinforcing its commitment to meaningful engagement. For the launch of ‘Duranga’ S2, ZEE5 organised a dialogue between the cast and the female police force at the New Delhi Headquarters. The discussion shed light on the challenges and triumphs of women in law enforcement, contributing to a broader societal dialogue. Additionally, leading up to the launch of ZEE5’s popular Bangla series, ‘Shabash Feluda,’ a vibrant two-day Feluda-themed event was organized in Kolkata. Drawing inspiration from the iconic characters in the novels, the Feluda Fair led to much fanfare and excitement among audiences in the city. Further to acknowledge the love from our viewers, a content wrap-up chart featuring individual consumption highlights is shared with top ZEE5 bingers at year-end.

    Going forward, 2024 promises to be an exhilarating year for ZEE5 with multiple power-packed releases, like Guneet Monga’s highly anticipated ‘Gyarah Gyarah’, the Telugu spy-thriller series ‘Mission Tashafi’, and return of popular titles like ‘Sunflower S2’ and ‘Broken News S2’.

  • FirstCry parent company Brainbees files IPO application

    FirstCry parent company Brainbees files IPO application

    Mumbai: According to SEBI (Security Exchange Board of India) filings, Brainbees solutions parent company of Omni channel FirstCry submitted an application for an IPO (Initial Public Offer) on 28 December 2023.

    Launched in 2010 headquartered in Pune, It is an e-commerce company focused on a niche sector of baby products. In 2020 FirstCry raised Rs 1000 crores for series E funding. As per media reports in fiscal year 2023- 2024 the company reported revenue of Rs 1406.9 crores. The IPO fund can utilise procurement, employees benefit expenses, advertising expenses. The startup currently owns more than 300 stores and around 615 franchise based stores across Pan India.

    According to Moneycontrol reported, FirstCry is looking to raise funds of Rs 4200 Crores through IPO, rest 60 per cent fund will garner through OFS (Offer For sale). The company is looking further for expansion and growth.

    Company spent Rs 159.2 crores on Employees Benefit Expenses (EBE) before the IPO. In the fiscal year 22-23 the company suffered losses. According to DRHP filed before the regulator renowned names of institutions like M & M, SoftBank, Apricot, Investments, Valiant, Mauritius, TIMF, Think India will sell its stakes from FirstCry.

    The OFS consists of 5.4 crore of equity shares. In 2021, the company raised funds from equity funding.
     

  • Google laid off 30000 employees with AI-functioning

    Google laid off 30000 employees with AI-functioning

    Mumbai: In a Shocking development, Google decided to lay off 30000 people while restructuring ad sales platforms by Artificial Intelligence (AI) upgrade.

    As reported by The Information, AI surge will replace scalable excessive human resources in ad sales units. The news was internally shared by the president of the Americas and global partners, Google last week.

    As per media reports, Google earlier laid off 12000 employees initially this year.

    Google ensures effective use of AI in operations, probably it can be cost-cutting measures taken by Google. Google introduced AI-powered Ads to foster ad sales.

    The AI-powered campaign planner Performance Max was launched in 2021.