Category: iWorld

  • Walmart picks Flipkart stakes from Binny Bansal

    Walmart picks Flipkart stakes from Binny Bansal

    Mumbai: Binny Bansal, co-founder of Flipkart, along with Accel, one of the company’s earliest investors, and US-based Tiger Global Management have all fully exited the e-commerce giant by selling their stakes to Walmart, according to media reports.

    Accel, both India and US together held more than 20 per cent in Flipkart initially when they backed the company in 2008, but gradually reduced their stake to about six per cent before Walmart acquired a majority share in Flipkart in 2018, according to Tracxn, a private markets data provider.

    However, Accel retained a small 1.1 per cent stake more recently after the acquisition, only to fully exit the company in 2023, generating cumulative returns of around $1.5-2 billion, generating a whopping 25-30X return on its total investment of about $60-80 million over the years.

    In 2018, everyone took notice as Walmart decided to acquire a majority stake in Flipkart for a staggering $16 billion, underscoring the immense potential of India’s startup ecosystem. Despite the acquisition, Bansal chose to retain a small percentage of his stake in Flipkart, demonstrating his belief in the company’s vision and future prospects.

  • “We take great pride in fostering the growth and success of talented individuals in the creator economy”: Animeta’s CEO Devdatta Potnis

    “We take great pride in fostering the growth and success of talented individuals in the creator economy”: Animeta’s CEO Devdatta Potnis

    Mumbai: As the digital economy continues to grow and thrive, an increasing number of people are launching their own businesses and exploring the opportunities to make and sell their own products. Creators can be found in almost every industry, from fashion and beauty to gaming, art, video, music, design, even food. Companies realise that creators & influencers are the future and they help them to reach their target audience.

    One such industry is Animeta, a Singapore-based creator tech company, which focuses on creating & nurturing digital creators by helping them grow their communities & maximize their earnings across multiple social media platforms & customized brand solutions through the proprietary Animeta AI-based Self-Service Creator Tech platform. The company offers Financial Investment, Data Analytics & Business Intelligence, Content Strategy & Creative Supervision, Brand, PR & Social Media Expertise in addition to data-driven, result-oriented & authentic brand campaigns to content creators. 

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Animeta CEO Devdatta Potnis to know more about how the company helps the digital creators in achieving their goals…

    Edited excerpts

    On the vision behind creating Animeta 

    Animeta is a creator first company. Creators are at the center and our vision is centered around introducing the studio model to the creator economy. We aim at introducing in the burgeoning creator economy products and solutions like BRANDSTAR and our AI buddy, creator app ANI. BRANDSTAR, our AI-enabled influencer marketing platform, ensures high return on investment by enabling brands to discover and execute campaigns with the most relevant creators through advanced data-driven techniques. Another notable product is ANI is a creator content app that provides valuable recommendations, video ideas, trending content insights, channel growth strategies, and overall optimization guidance to creators.

    What makes our journey truly rewarding goes beyond the fact that we are building a business in one of the rapidly growing or in better words sunrise sectors. It is the fact that we are actively involved in an enabling and empowering business, which forms the core of our company. We take great pride in fostering the growth and success of talented individuals in the creator economy. This vision has been the driving force behind Animeta from its very inception. It all started with this thought.

    On Animeta catering to the increasing diversity of content creators in today’s landscape

    Digital and social media is a democratized landscape. Content and creators are not bound by any genres or formats. That being said, creators specialize in certain forms of content and certain formats perform well. Here Animeta comes into the picture. We actively focus on 16 genres including food, fashion, science, technology, comedy amongst others.  To ensure the success and growth of content within these genres, we have assembled a team of domain experts. These experts possess specialized knowledge and expertise in their respective fields, allowing them to provide valuable insights and guidance to creators. While technical infrastructure, such as upload frequency, thumbnail quality, SEO etc. forms the foundation of our approach, we also emphasize the importance of the “X factor” – the art of storytelling. This is where our domain experts contribute their unique perspectives. By finding the perfect balance between science and art, we can effectively shape and present content in a compelling manner, adding diversity to the genres. For example, they might suggest incorporating comedy into a fashion piece. 

    On specific tools or features does the platform offer to assist creators in realising their creative goals

    One of the crucial observations we have made is that creators often encounter obstacles when it comes to content planning and production. It can be a time-consuming and challenging process, requiring hours or even days of preparation for a mere 30-second content piece. Animeta eases the work flow of the content creators using tech to give ideas, helping in quick execution methodologies and overall helping them in creating efficient processes and enabling them to overcome any hurdles they may face. We ensure that their ideas are not bound by any execution issues. As we discussed earlier, we have products like BRANDSTAR and ANI which are huge enabling factors in creator journeys. We create creator centric products which help creators achieve their creative goals with original ideas, and create a sustained revenue pipeline and sources. This ensures longevity of their career and enables them pursue a creative career. 

    On Animeta providing opportunities for creators from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, helping overcome geographical barriers and enabling these creators to access a global audience

    The democratized creator economy holds immense beauty in its ability to transcend geographical limitations. However, language can still pose a significant obstacle for creators. We actively address these challenges through localization efforts, ensuring that content can be adapted appropriately across languages without losing its essence. By doing so, we empower creators to expand their reach and connect with audiences. In our approach, we strive to bring a certain degree of semantics to the storytelling style and structure, making it universally relatable across different geographies. We draw inspiration from global streaming platforms that have successfully eliminated language barriers by focusing on the fundamental grammar of storytelling. By assisting creators in mastering this grammar, we place them on a level playing field. There is not much difference in creators from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, other than the fact that these creators are hungrier, have a higher entrepreneurial spirit that we enable them to harness. For Animeta, the geographical location of the creators does not really matter.

    On Animeta ensuring AI technology applied ethically in a way that genuinely benefits creators

    This can go on to be a lengthy answer for which this interview space will fall short. To summarize, ensuring right SOP’s being followed across all processes and loops is the only way to use AI efficiently. Ethics is something that needs to be followed at every stage, process and operating day, which is what we at Animeta believe. It is also important to note that the only way one can harness AI for the better is by following ethics and SOPS. That is how you avoid getting affected by AI’s potential perils.

  • Commando reports on duty on 11 August 2023 only on Disney+ Hotstar

    Commando reports on duty on 11 August 2023 only on Disney+ Hotstar

    Mumbai: Never leave a brother behind, bringing this feeling of patriotism alive is our new commando – Prem along with a fantastic team as Disney+ Hotstar drops the trailer of its high-octane, power-packed series, ‘Commando’. Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Sunshine Pictures Pvt Ltd and directed and created by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The series is set to release on 11 August 2023, on Disney+ Hotstar. Torn between a nefarious plan and a bio-war, Commando Prem devises an extraction mission to protect his nation and his brother Commando. Will he be able to succeed?

    Starring the dynamic and immensely talented Prem in and as Commando, the action-thriller will also see Adah Sharma, and Vaibhav Tatwawadi in pivotal roles, alongside Shreya Singh Chaudhry, Amit Sial, Mukesh Chhabra and Ishteyak Khan.

    Producer, director and created Vipul Amrutlal Shah said, “Commandos are the real heroes of our country and it’s always been a great honour and pleasure to bring their heroism on screen. Introducing Prem has been an amazing journey. The hunger that he has to do his best keeps us all on our toes. He is not only great in action but also in romance and emotions.  His teaming up with Bhavna Reddy ( Adah Sharma) is fun to watch. Adah has proven her acting talent in The Kerala Story and her action avatar in Commando,  so Prem and Adah are a great team. Also, we have the most amazing actors in Amit Sial, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Shreya Chaudhary, Manini Chaddha and many others. The most difficult thing for Commando is to design action. Prem brings his unique new style of action and that’s made the show a real high-octane action thriller. I hope the audience will love this new upgraded web series version of one of the best action franchises of Indian cinema”.

    Prem said, “In the journey of bringing life to the character of Commando Virat, I had the extraordinary opportunity to work under the guidance of the esteemed director Vipul sir for my debut project. It’s like a dream turned into reality for me. Since I was just 11 years old, I harboured the passion to become an actor, and Commando has been a monumental milestone in every sense. Earning the trust and confidence of Vipul sir was an achievement in itself. Though portraying the role of Commando Virat seemed like a daunting challenge, with the support of the incredible team and my trainers Akshay sir and Raakesh sir, it became an attainable feat. Getting to debut as the Commando alongside such a phenomenal cast, including Adah Sharma, Vaibhav Tatwawadi, and an amazing crew, not to mention having it released on a globally prestigious platform like Disney+ Hotstar is actually the stuff of dreams. Commando truly embodies the essence of excellent teamwork. I sincerely hope the audience resonates with my portrayal and embraces me as their new commando”.

    Adah Sharma said, “I’ve played Bhavana Reddy in Commando 2 and 3. Wherever there is a Commando being made in the world Bhavana Reddy will be there even if it’s for a few seconds but she will make sure she’s there! Bhavana is the connecting factor between the OTT commando and the film. Vipul sir is really cool to work with. He works on the acting as much as he does on the action. Prem and Vaibhav are awesome guys who are super enthusiastic. I shot for just six days for Commando but it was the best six days ever with Andy Long and his stunt team and the super efficient team of Disney+ Hotstar”.

    Vaibhav Tatwawadi said, “I am excited to bring a unique blend of action, stunts, and the powerful theme of friendship and brotherhood to the screen. I have always been fortunate enough in the kind of roles I play and the people I get to work with. Working with Vipul sir was one of the best experiences. He is a great director and an equally amazing human being. Adah and Prem were great co-stars to have. Since it’s Disney+ Hotstar, I am sure it will reach a very wide audience. Overall a truly gratifying experience. Looking forward to the audience’s reactions”.

    Witness this power-packed action series, Commando, stream from 11 August onwards, only on Disney+ Hotstar!

     

  • S8UL Gaming Fest wows Bangalore with thrilling gamers and fans on day one

    S8UL Gaming Fest wows Bangalore with thrilling gamers and fans on day one

    Mumbai: India’s vibrant gaming community united for an electrifying start to the highly anticipated S8UL Gaming Fest at the Manpho Convention Centre in Bangalore. The two-day fest which is organised by S8UL, the nation’s foremost Esports organisation in partnership with the Esports Club, attracted an impressive number of fans who got the opportunity to not only meet their beloved gaming idols but also participate in exciting activities on Saturday.

    The gaming enthusiasts were treated to an unforgettable experience, giveaways, meet and greet opportunities with the country’s leading gamers, cosplay competitions with bumper prizes, and exclusive merchandise to lay their hands on. Featuring a plethora of activities, the S8UL Gaming Fest also headlined a highly competitive Valorant tournament.

    The tournament witnessed the prominent gamers of S8UL including SnaxGaming, PayalGaming, Regaltos, 8Bit Mamba, 8Bit Sid, and KrutikaPlays entertaining fans with a breath-taking display of gaming action. Following the Valorant matchups, the gamers witnessed a live faceoff between notable names Mortal and Scout who took the excitement to the next level, in an enthralling battle of FIFA amongst themselves.

    Notably, the gaming fest which had free entry for all, enabled fans to immerse in the world of premium gaming experiences with VR and racing simulators as well as chances to try their hands on the latest high-end gaming devices from Lenovo and Intel.

    The gaming extravaganza will continue on Sunday too, promising even more fascinating activities for the gaming enthusiasts along with an insightful panel discussion on Esports and Youtube to educate the fans regarding the gaming content creators’ ecosystem and provide them with valuable insights.

    In addition to the panel discussions, exclusive tournaments of FIFA, Mortal Kombat, and Valorant will also take place for the fans to relish throughout the day. While the FIFA and Mortal Kombat tournaments were also organised on the first day offering a prize pool of Rs 50,000, the Valorant tournament will boast a lucrative prize pool of Rs 2 lakhs.

     

     
     
     

     
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     
     

     
     

    A post shared by S8UL (@s8ul.esports)

     

     

  • EPIC ON forays into originals, announces a robust slate of series

    EPIC ON forays into originals, announces a robust slate of series

    Mumbai: EPIC ON, the OTT platform from IN10 Media Network, has captivated audiences with its diverse content, including movies, shows, documentaries, podcasts, and games. Now, the platform is excited to announce its next growth phase with a robust slate of original series.

    The originals promise to take viewers on an impressive journey through compelling narratives, unforgettable characters, and high-quality production values.

    Emphasising IN10 Media Network’s vision to build an influential content studio and invest in content that reflects the network’s vigour for staying ahead of the curve, IN10 Media Network managing director Aditya Pittie said, “EPIC ON originals mark a significant milestone for the platform as we aim to strategically build new partnerships and engage diverse audiences, adapting to their evolving preferences. The IPs strengthen our long-term commitment to developing content, which is demographic and platform agnostic, to cater to different markets. The team is excited to produce a plethora of binge-worthy content catering to viewers’ varied palette.”

    By creating compelling original shows, the platform aims to expand its horizon and connect with a broader spectrum of viewers. “We are delighted to unveil our first six original series to the world,” said EPIC ON COO Sourjya Mohanty and added, “We have diligently assembled a remarkable ensemble of actors, creators, and writers who share our dedication to the art of storytelling.”

    Mohanty highlighted the team has endeavoured to capture the pulse of the viewers – from metros to hinterlands – and wants to deliver content that offers unparalleled entertainment at affordable prices.

    EPIC ON’s original shows will span various genres. From gripping dramas to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, the content lineup promises to captivate and entertain viewers of all ages.

    Some highlights from EPIC ON’s upcoming original shows include:

    .    Tatlubaaz: A pulp-fiction show, produced by 9pm Films, is set in Varanasi and follows the story of a notorious con man. The show stars Dheeraj Dhoopar, Nargis Fakhri, and Divya Agarwal.

       Video Cam Scam: A thriller, produced by Blue Drop Films, is a story about sextortion. It showcases a chase between two worlds – scammers and a cop. The show stars Rajniesh Duggall and Amruta Khanvilkar.

       Plot 1/2: A dramedy, produced by Rusk Media, is a light-hearted story of five young & quirky but bickering cousins living in old Delhi. They all come together to save their home. Nishant Malkhani and Ankit Bhatia play important characters in the show.

       #Blue Tick (aur trolls): A drama, produced by Folklore Film Studios, is a story of an influencer – her rise and fall. The show stars Parul Gulati and Siddharth Nigam.

       Maya Deluxe: A noir thriller, produced by Lockdown Shorts Studio, is a story of a dysfunctional suburban middle-class couple living in Mumbai, but their lives are shattered when a mysterious murder takes place in their hotel and what follows.

    .    Chill: A slice-of-life drama, produced by Mukesh Chhabra Films, is a modern-day drama of corporate reinvention, the protagonists’ coming-of-age compels them to embrace love as their most powerful asset.

    With a steadfast dedication to quality and a focus on delivering content that resonates with viewers, EPIC ON aims to redefine the digital entertainment experience. The shows will be available on the EPIC ON app and aggregator platforms like Tata Play, Airtel X-Stream, DishTV Watcho, Jio Fibre, BSNL and many others of which the super-app is part of.

    The platform promises to launch numerous series in various genres in the coming months.

     

  • ‘About My Father’ to make digital premiere on Lionsgate Play on 25 August

    ‘About My Father’ to make digital premiere on Lionsgate Play on 25 August

    Mumbai: Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. After winning hearts at the box-office, ‘About My Father’ is set to make its digital premiere in India exclusively on Lionsgate Play on 25 August. This Robert De Niro comedy is a classic ‘meet-the-parents’ trope with an Italian twist. A chaotic blend of cultures, the film is based on the real life story of Sebastian Maniscalco and his father. Following a 4 July weekend that goes south when Sebastian’s overprotective father hops along to meet his fiance’s uptight parents, About My Father is sure to leave viewers rumbling with laughter. Helmed by Laura Teruso, the movie also stars Kim Cattrall, Leslie Bibb, Anders Holm and Brett Dier in titular roles.

    Talking about the film’s storyline, Robert De Niro said, “I guess you could say it’s about a father-son relationship; the father has criticism for the son, the son has criticism for the father. They have a relationship that’s not in huge dramatic ways; it’s a family comedy. It’s the kinda classic thing where Salvo, the father, is not crazy about the prospective in-laws. They are a bunch of stiffs and they’re not too sure about him either – the prospective son-in-law. But they (in-laws) do pretty well, they’re actually pretty nice about it and Salvo – they tolerate Salvo, I guess. There are a couple of scenes where he says ‘what are you doing’ in this whole situation which is another classic one. I’m sure many families go through that, especially when it’s a whole cultural clash.”

  • Formula E and SABIC’s GENBETA Car sets Guinness World Record title

    Formula E and SABIC’s GENBETA Car sets Guinness World Record title

    Mumbai: SABIC, a global leader in diversified chemicals, formally highlighted the use of its materials in applications on the GENBETA car, the new holder of the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the fastest speed achieved by a vehicle indoors revealed and is now on display at the 2023 Hankook London E-Prix from today.

    The GENBETA car was pushed to the limit by ABB FIA Formula E World championship drivers Jake Hughes (NEOM McLaren Formula E Team) and Lucas di Grassi (Mahindra Racing) in the Duals format used to qualify for Formula E races.

    Jake Hughes hit a top speed of 218.71KPH, setting a new world record. The vehicle is part of the GENBETA live development and innovation project, which aims at exploring new materials and technologies for future EV race and road cars.

    Leveraging application development expertise and material science, SABIC supported the design and development of innovative parts of the GENBETA car, which is based on the GEN3 car, helping and enabling the creation of the fastest, lightest, and most powerful and efficient electric car, reinforcing the company’s ambition to accelerating the world’s shift to electrification and carbon neutrality.

    SABIC’s role in the GENBETA program and integration in the car forms part of the company’s collaborative innovation partnership with the world’s first all-electric FIA World Championship.

    The materials from SABIC integrated into applications of the GENBETA car are highly engineered thermoplastics that enable design freedom through their inherent processing moldability compared to most other materials. Such thermoplastics can help enhance the car’s aerodynamics, contributing to its acceleration and speed performance.

    The relevant applications include:

    Front wing endplates – These elements, formed using an additive manufacturing or 3D printing process known as fused deposition modelling, are mounted on the outboard extremities of the vehicle’s front wing. They are integral to a redirection of airflow around the front wheels to help reduce drag while contributing to the car’s downforce and stability.

    Wheel fins – These components are manufactured through injection moulding with SABIC’s sustainable mechanically-recycled thermoplastics from the portfolio of TRUCIRCLETM circular materials. These parts are mounted onto the wheel rims in a radial, spoke-like pattern, and are intended to help optimize airflow and reduce aerodynamic drag for higher acceleration and speed performance. As an additional benefit, the fins can increase the car’s overall efficiency and aid in cooling the brakes to improve stopping power.

    Wind deflector – This transparent part is a coated thermoplastic sheet product, manufactured through an extrusion process using a bio-renewable, low-carbon material from the TRUCIRCLE portfolio. The component is attached to the front of the cockpit, ahead of the driver, and supports optimization of airflow for decreased drag – again, contributing to improved speed performance.

    As SABIC collaborates with Formula E and its partners, it is drawing on a still-expanding portfolio of thermoplastics developed under dedicated solution platforms for electrification (BLUEHERO), and the circular economy (TRUCIRCLE).

    First announced as the electric racing series Principal and Innovation Partner in 2022, SABIC intends to continue to work closely with Formula E to develop cutting-edge solutions that will help drive further innovation in electric vehicle technologies and progress in sustainable practices across the sport’s wider ecosystem and operations.

    As part of its presence at the London E-Prix, SABIC participated in Formula E’s sustainable innovations summit – Change. Accelerated. Live. – where they discussed in ‘The Power of Prototypes’ panel discussion the advantages that development projects like the GENBETA bring to the EV industry and the world.

  • Gyanendra Tripathi praises “Half CA” series for well-written scenes

    Gyanendra Tripathi praises “Half CA” series for well-written scenes

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTVs young adult drama, Half CA captures the joys, sorrows and struggles of CA aspirants, focusing on their dreams and ambitions in a unique and masterfully crafted story. The emotionally gripping series takes the viewers on a riveting journey of Archie and Niraj, who teach us the art of perseverance. Gyanendra Tripathi, is seen essaying the character of Niraj Grover aka Half CA, alongside his co-stars Ahsaas Channa, Rohit Tiwari, Niraj Sood, Manu Bisht, Prit Kamani, and Rohan Joshi.

    While talking about what made him say yes to Half CA, Gyanendra Tripathi reveals he fell in love with the audition scenes and director Pratish’s creative approach and vision. “I loved the audition scenes that were sent to me.  Scenes were so well written that any actor would be tempted to attempt them. Few apprehensions that I had got cleared in the very first meeting with Pratish, I absolutely fell in love with his approach and vision as a director”, he said.

    The actor further mentioned about his journey with TVF and Amazon miniTV and said, “Like any other actor in Mumbai I too have been a huge fan of TVF’s work. I remember auditioning for Aspirants and feel a little disappointed when I didn’t get the part. So this time when this opportunity came my way I wanted to give my 100%. What I loved about the work culture in TVF is that they don’t just say we are a team and everyone is important, they actually implement it. Amazon miniTV has been absolutely exceptional in mounting and promoting the show. Overall it’s been an extremely satisfying journey so far.”

    Along with Gyanendra Tripathi, Ahasaas Channa, Rohit Tiwari, Niraj Sood, Manu Bisht, Prit Kamani, and Rohan Joshi play pivotal roles in Half CA. Created by The Viral Fever (TVF), the series is currently available on Amazon miniTV within the Amazon Shopping App and on Fire TV for absolutely free.

  • Creators and performers demand creative rights in AI proliferation globally

    Creators and performers demand creative rights in AI proliferation globally

    Mumbai: Leading global organisations representing artists, creators and performers have issued a powerful and united call for global solutions that compel Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies to responsibly compensate creators for their works that “are exploited”. This resounding demand aims to regulate generative AI technologies and protect the copyrights of musicians worldwide against unauthorised use by AI systems.

    The cultural sector and international creative community will be among those most impacted by unbridled development and the open use of generative AI models. Policymakers around the world have heard from creators and performers whose works and performances are being used to train AI without their authorisation, remuneration, or even recognition, often under the guise of “research”. There is furthermore a general, societal sense of unease around AI-generated works and the deception of passing off AI works as works of human creativity.

    In an open letter addressed to governments and policymakers, prominent bodies such as the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), Latin American Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ALCAM), Asia-Pacific Music Creators Alliance AEPO-ARTIS (APMA), African Music Academy (AMA) and the International Council of Music Creators (CIAM) among other organisations representing over six million artists, creators, performers and publishers globally, have outlined seven essential principles to ensure the ethical implementation of artificial intelligence, especially generative AI. The key principles highlighted in the letter are as follows:

    1. Creators’ and performers’ rights must be upheld and protected when exploited by AI systems

    AI systems analyse, scrape and exploit vast amounts of data, typically without authorisation. These datasets consist of musical, literary, visual and audiovisual works and performances protected by copyright. Those copyrighted works and datasets have value, and creators and performers should be in a position to authorise or prohibit the exploitation of their works and performances and be compensated for such uses.

    2. Licensing should be enabled and supported

    Licensing solutions should be available for all potential exploitation of copyright works, performances and data by AI systems. This would encourage open exchanges between innovators who require the data, and creators and performers who wish to understand how and to what extent their works will be used.

    3. Exceptions for text and data mining which do not provide for effective opt-out by rightsholders should be avoided

    The introduction of exceptions, including for text and data mining (TDM), that permit AI systems to exploit copyright works and performances without authorisation or remuneration must be avoided. Some existing exceptions should be clarified, in order to provide legal certainty for creators of the underlying data and performers, as well as for AI systems wishing to benefit from such data.

    4. Credit should be given

    Creators and performers must be entitled to obtain recognition and credit when their works and performances have been exploited by AI systems.

    5. Transparency obligations should apply to ensure fairer AI practices

    Legal obligations relating to disclosure of information should apply. These should cover (i) disclosure of information on the use of creative works and performances by AI systems, in a sufficient manner to allow traceability and licensing (ii) identification of works and performances generated by AI systems, as such. This will ensure a fair approach towards creators, performers and consumers of creative content.

    6. Legal responsibility for AI operators

    There should be legal requirements for AI companies to keep relevant records. There should also be effective accountability for AI operators for activities and outputs that infringe the rights of creators, performers and rightsholders.

    7. AI is only an instrument in the service of human creativity, and international legal understandings should reinforce this

    AI models should be considered as simply an instrument at the service of human creativity. While there is a spectrum of possible levels of interactions between humans and AI to consider when defining the protectability of works and performances, policymakers should make clear that fully autonomous AI-generated works cannot benefit from the same level of protection as human-created works. This topic should be an urgent priority and global discussions should be initiated rapidly.

    The cultural sector and international creative community acknowledge the valuable purposes for which AI is currently being applied. However, in the case of generative AI, it is vital for policymakers worldwide to act, adapt and enhance existing regulatory regimes. Crucially, the cultural sector and international creative community must have a seat at the table during those policy discussions to ensure their interests are duly incorporated, and AI systems are transparent, ethical, fair and lawful.

  • Bingeworthy audio & web series for your Friendship Day party!

    Bingeworthy audio & web series for your Friendship Day party!

    Mumbai: There are countless national holidays, but this is undoubtedly one of our favorites! Aditi from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was damn right when she said, “kuch logon ke saath sirf waqt bitaane se hi sab theek ho jata hai.” So, here’s to celebrating and spending quality time with our best friends, and what better way to do it than by lapping up some interesting audio shows, and web series together? From ‘Desi Down Under’ to ‘Mismatched,’ this thoughtfully curated collection of titles caters to everyone, having something for everyone to enjoy!

    Desi Down Under

    Platform: Audible

    Set on the shores of Sydney, Desi Down Under is a coming-of-age story that follows three hopeful 20-somethings from Mangalore who cross the ocean to learn surf-lifesaving skills at the stunning Coogee Beach in Australia. The plot revolves around best friends Deven, Meenu, and Rahul and their trip of a lifetime. Listen to this funny and uplifting comedy about friendship, dream fulfillment, culture clash, and humanity, in English and Hindi, on Audible. 

    Adulting: It’s a Jungle Out There

    Platform: Audible

    ‘Adulting: It’s a Jungle Out There,’ is a coming-of-age series that chronicles the lives of two young women, Ray and Nikhat, as they navigate the complexities of independent adulthood in the vibrant city of Mumbai. Join them on their journey through the rollercoaster of being twenty-somethings, where friendship plays a crucial role in their unique approaches to tackling the challenges of adulthood. Get ready for an immersive experience as you witness their adventures and triumphs in the jungle of life, on Audible.

    Best of Friends

    Platform: Audible

    Follow the incredible journey and friendship of two fourteen-year-old girls from Karachi from 1988 to present-day London in this audiobook. As Pakistan’s political scene undergoes a dramatic transformation, with a dictator toppling and a powerful woman taking charge, the world brims with newfound possibilities, strengthening its unbreakable bond. Brace yourselves to be captivated as their story unfolds, exploring themes of friendship, politics, and the complexities of power.

    Hostel Daze

    Platform: Amazon Prime

    As they struggle to get through the first semester at a hostel, four young and vulnerable roommates develop a strong friendship through the series. Amazon Prime’s ‘Hostel Daze’ is filled to the brim with the craziness, conflicts, and even disasters that are a part of hostel life, demonstrating the challenges that every student who lives in a hostel must overcome. With a unique sense of humour that makes it a highly engaging binge, this series is a must-watch, leaving you wanting for more!

    Four More Shots Please!

    Platform: Amazon Prime

    Experience the complex world of ‘Four More Shots Please!’ on Amazon Prime, where the unbreakable bond of four women takes center stage. Set against the backdrop of vibrant Mumbai, these women celebrate their friendship while toasting tequila shots. Fearlessly embracing their imperfections, they navigate the intricacies of complex relationships, learn from their mistakes, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. The series serves as an unflinchingly honest portrayal of strong female friendships and women who dare to stand up for themselves!

    Mismatched

    Platform: Netflix

    ‘Mismatched’ is a Netflix original series about a young woman named Dimple Ahuja who dreams of finding the perfect wife and a young man named Rishi Singh who dreams of finding the perfect wife. In the course of this series, the duo discovers more about themselves. It is an entertaining watch that explores traditional cultural practices like arranged marriages play out in the modern world. With a young cast, starring Rohit Saraf, Vihaan Samat, Taaruk Raina, and Sanjana Sarathy among others, this show focuses not only on voicing certain issues that the youth face but also on the charm of friendship that helps endure the trials and ordeals of life. ‘Mismatched’ captures the essence of strong bonds and leaves viewers yearning for more of Rishi, Dimple, and their wonderful circle of friends!

    Kota Factory

    Platform: Netflix

    Embark on a thrilling adventure filled with friendship and laughter in the city of Kota, Rajasthan. Join Vaibhav, a spirited 16-year-old, as he bids farewell to his hometown and dives headfirst into the exciting chaos of Kota’s educational hub. This series brings to life the ups and downs of student life, as Vaibhav and his gang navigate the cutthroat world of coaching centres in their quest to conquer the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) entrance exam. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of hilarious moments, heartwarming friendships, and unforgettable experiences that define the true spirit of campus life.