ITV

Category: iWorld

  • US hails Indian progress in Internet, cyber security

    US hails Indian progress in Internet, cyber security

    NEW DELHI: India and the United States are setting up sub working groups on priority areas to provide a mechanism for continued engagement in the areas of Internet of Things, Standards and Electronics and Internet governance.

    They also resolved to hold digital video conferences to discuss Government procurement practices of ICT goods and services, policy issues for unmanned aerial vehicles, and e-commerce.

    These decisions were taken at the meeting of the United States-India Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Working Group which promotes development of the ICT sector here on 27 September 2016. The participants decided to hold the next ICT Working Group in 2017 in Washington, D.C.

    The United States congratulated India on its tremendous progress in becoming the world’s second largest population of Internet users and the world’s fastest growing Internet user base.

    The participants noted that the Working Group aims to strengthen collaboration between the governments and private sector of the two countries in the field of ICT.

    Marking the occasion, the sides reviewed the deepening strategic partnership between India and the United States and their commitment to empowering citizens of both nations through increased access to the Internet and a thriving digital economy.

    Both sides discussed the accomplishments of the Digital India Programme in transforming India into a digitally empowered society and a key stakeholder in the knowledge economy.

    The two sides also discussed the Global Connect Initiative, launched by the US Department of State, to connect the next 1.5 billion people to the Internet by 2020. Participants resolved to continue collaboration with an aim to advance the goals of the Digital India Programme and the Global Connect Initiative.

    Separately on 28 September, the two sides held discussions on cyber security, where the aim is to affirm the common objectives in international cyber fora, especially the application of international law to state behaviour in cyberspace, the affirmation of norms of responsible state behaviour, and the development of practical confidence-building measures. The two countries decided to hold the next round of the Cyber Dialogue in Washington in 2017.

    The Cyber Dialogue is a forum for implementing the framework for the India–US cyber relationship.

    The whole-of-government Cyber Dialogue, fifth in the series, was led by the US National Security Council Senior Director for Cyber Policy Samir Jain (in the pix) and India’s External Affairs Ministry Joint Secretary for Policy Planning and Global Cyber Issues Santosh Jha. The Department of State Coordinator for Cyber Issues Christopher Painter and the National Security Council Secretariat Joint Secretary Abhimanyu Ghosh co-hosted the Dialogue.

    Some other American and Indian government organisations too participated in the discussions.

  • US hails Indian progress in Internet, cyber security

    US hails Indian progress in Internet, cyber security

    NEW DELHI: India and the United States are setting up sub working groups on priority areas to provide a mechanism for continued engagement in the areas of Internet of Things, Standards and Electronics and Internet governance.

    They also resolved to hold digital video conferences to discuss Government procurement practices of ICT goods and services, policy issues for unmanned aerial vehicles, and e-commerce.

    These decisions were taken at the meeting of the United States-India Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Working Group which promotes development of the ICT sector here on 27 September 2016. The participants decided to hold the next ICT Working Group in 2017 in Washington, D.C.

    The United States congratulated India on its tremendous progress in becoming the world’s second largest population of Internet users and the world’s fastest growing Internet user base.

    The participants noted that the Working Group aims to strengthen collaboration between the governments and private sector of the two countries in the field of ICT.

    Marking the occasion, the sides reviewed the deepening strategic partnership between India and the United States and their commitment to empowering citizens of both nations through increased access to the Internet and a thriving digital economy.

    Both sides discussed the accomplishments of the Digital India Programme in transforming India into a digitally empowered society and a key stakeholder in the knowledge economy.

    The two sides also discussed the Global Connect Initiative, launched by the US Department of State, to connect the next 1.5 billion people to the Internet by 2020. Participants resolved to continue collaboration with an aim to advance the goals of the Digital India Programme and the Global Connect Initiative.

    Separately on 28 September, the two sides held discussions on cyber security, where the aim is to affirm the common objectives in international cyber fora, especially the application of international law to state behaviour in cyberspace, the affirmation of norms of responsible state behaviour, and the development of practical confidence-building measures. The two countries decided to hold the next round of the Cyber Dialogue in Washington in 2017.

    The Cyber Dialogue is a forum for implementing the framework for the India–US cyber relationship.

    The whole-of-government Cyber Dialogue, fifth in the series, was led by the US National Security Council Senior Director for Cyber Policy Samir Jain (in the pix) and India’s External Affairs Ministry Joint Secretary for Policy Planning and Global Cyber Issues Santosh Jha. The Department of State Coordinator for Cyber Issues Christopher Painter and the National Security Council Secretariat Joint Secretary Abhimanyu Ghosh co-hosted the Dialogue.

    Some other American and Indian government organisations too participated in the discussions.

  • Arré to reach larger audiences through SonyLiv platform

    Arré to reach larger audiences through SonyLiv platform

    NEW DELHI: Leading multi-media, multi-format digital media brand Arré today announced its partnership with digital entertainment platform SonyLIV from Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) to enable users to watch Arré’s latest web series on its web and mobile platforms.

    This partnership will also see Arré’s entire video content library available as a part of SonyLIV’s extensive catalogue in due course.

    Arré will benefit from SonyLIV’s massive reach to digital viewers across India. SonyLIV users, on the other hand, will be able to sample all the rich and entertaining current and future content developed by Arré.

    Launched earlier this month, Arré’s latest offering titled ‘Official Chukyagiri’ is a five-part slice-of-life fiction dramedy. It is targeted towards the ‘attitudinally millennial’ audience which shows life in the corporate world through h the eyes of an intern, Spandan Chukya. Apart from this series, SonyLIV users can also view shows such as ‘A.I.SHA My Virtual Girlfriend (A.I.SHA)’, ‘I Don’t Watch TV’ and ‘Arré Ho Ja Re-Gender’.

    Other content from Arré’s stable, which will be made available under the partnership includes a new comic satire titled ‘Abbas Mastan’ about two movie buffs, as well as non-fiction video originals such as‘Death by Breath’, a documentary on pollution in Delhi (in partnership with the Indian Express Group), and ‘Kashmir’s Lost Children’, a documentary about the violence that children in the Kashmir Valley face. These shows will add on to the already established library of original web-series made by SonyLIV.

    SPE Executive Vice-President and Head – Digital Business Uday Sodhi said: “SonyLIV has endeavoured to provide the best and most relevant entertainment options to our viewers, as is being aptly demonstrated by our push for more and more original, user-centric entertainment content. We have been investing a lot on creating original web-series and this partnership with Arré is another step in that direction. We are confident that SonyLIV’s massive viewership in the country will enjoy the diversity of entertaining contentwhich this association heralds. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the digital audience and relevant original quality content creators.”

    Arré Co-Founder and CEO Ajay Chacko added: “We are delighted to partner with SonyLIV for ‘Official Chukyagiri’ to begin with, and look forward to hosting other shows from the Arré stable on the platform. Our model is to create highly engaging original content that can be distributed over a wide range of linear and non-linear platforms. SonyLIV’s wide and highly engaged premium audience base is a great fit to provide the reach, distribution and exposure for our shows.”

  • Arré to reach larger audiences through SonyLiv platform

    Arré to reach larger audiences through SonyLiv platform

    NEW DELHI: Leading multi-media, multi-format digital media brand Arré today announced its partnership with digital entertainment platform SonyLIV from Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) to enable users to watch Arré’s latest web series on its web and mobile platforms.

    This partnership will also see Arré’s entire video content library available as a part of SonyLIV’s extensive catalogue in due course.

    Arré will benefit from SonyLIV’s massive reach to digital viewers across India. SonyLIV users, on the other hand, will be able to sample all the rich and entertaining current and future content developed by Arré.

    Launched earlier this month, Arré’s latest offering titled ‘Official Chukyagiri’ is a five-part slice-of-life fiction dramedy. It is targeted towards the ‘attitudinally millennial’ audience which shows life in the corporate world through h the eyes of an intern, Spandan Chukya. Apart from this series, SonyLIV users can also view shows such as ‘A.I.SHA My Virtual Girlfriend (A.I.SHA)’, ‘I Don’t Watch TV’ and ‘Arré Ho Ja Re-Gender’.

    Other content from Arré’s stable, which will be made available under the partnership includes a new comic satire titled ‘Abbas Mastan’ about two movie buffs, as well as non-fiction video originals such as‘Death by Breath’, a documentary on pollution in Delhi (in partnership with the Indian Express Group), and ‘Kashmir’s Lost Children’, a documentary about the violence that children in the Kashmir Valley face. These shows will add on to the already established library of original web-series made by SonyLIV.

    SPE Executive Vice-President and Head – Digital Business Uday Sodhi said: “SonyLIV has endeavoured to provide the best and most relevant entertainment options to our viewers, as is being aptly demonstrated by our push for more and more original, user-centric entertainment content. We have been investing a lot on creating original web-series and this partnership with Arré is another step in that direction. We are confident that SonyLIV’s massive viewership in the country will enjoy the diversity of entertaining contentwhich this association heralds. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the digital audience and relevant original quality content creators.”

    Arré Co-Founder and CEO Ajay Chacko added: “We are delighted to partner with SonyLIV for ‘Official Chukyagiri’ to begin with, and look forward to hosting other shows from the Arré stable on the platform. Our model is to create highly engaging original content that can be distributed over a wide range of linear and non-linear platforms. SonyLIV’s wide and highly engaged premium audience base is a great fit to provide the reach, distribution and exposure for our shows.”

  • Vibrant Indian policy-making will ensure non-discrimination: Netflix APAC MD

    Vibrant Indian policy-making will ensure non-discrimination: Netflix APAC MD

    NEW DELHI: Netflix is not only upbeat on the Indian market, but feels the vibrancy in policy-making process here will ensure non-discriminatory access to the Internet for all.

    Pointing out that India is a place where many innovations are being witnessed, Netflix APAC managing director Yu-Chuang Kuek said that regulatory organisations (like TRAI) should take a wholistic view on issues like net neutrality and nuance the policies in such a way so as “not to stifle innovations.”

    Speaking as a panellist at a session on `The Future of Entertainment’ at ORF-organised `CyFy 2016: Digital Asia Scripting the New Governance Order’ here on Thursday, Kuek suggested Indian policy-makers should flesh out a policy after looking at all issues.

    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the broadcast and telecoms regulator, is in the process of coming out with a set of guidelines for OTT services and net neutrality issue after lengthy debates with stakeholders. A section of the entertainment and telecoms industry in India has been lobbying hard to regulate mushrooming OTT services that have been claiming a growing subscriber base despite challenges of inadequate bandwidth and high cost of data.

    As to whether challenges of possible over-regulation (by TRAI), slow internet speed and high cost of data could pose a problem for the growth of OTT services like Netflix in India, Kuek emphasised that he’s much “heartened” by the ongoing “vibrant discussion” on net neutrality.

    He, along with another panellists, went on to clarify that regulations need to be “principled and technology-based” without “overreaching” as restrictive regulations were not good for the industry as a whole.

    Holding forth on Asian and global trends, the Singapore-based Kuek said that “entertainment and video consumption online is irreversible” and it becomes the “first point of contact for Internet adoption.” He added: “There has been an annual growth of 22 per cent in data consumption in Asia.”

    According to another panellist, Santa Clara University Associate Professor of Communication Rohit Chopra, the lines between entertainment and news have blurred (in the US) and the second wave of Internet has caused India to “jumpstart” to this trend.

  • Vibrant Indian policy-making will ensure non-discrimination: Netflix APAC MD

    Vibrant Indian policy-making will ensure non-discrimination: Netflix APAC MD

    NEW DELHI: Netflix is not only upbeat on the Indian market, but feels the vibrancy in policy-making process here will ensure non-discriminatory access to the Internet for all.

    Pointing out that India is a place where many innovations are being witnessed, Netflix APAC managing director Yu-Chuang Kuek said that regulatory organisations (like TRAI) should take a wholistic view on issues like net neutrality and nuance the policies in such a way so as “not to stifle innovations.”

    Speaking as a panellist at a session on `The Future of Entertainment’ at ORF-organised `CyFy 2016: Digital Asia Scripting the New Governance Order’ here on Thursday, Kuek suggested Indian policy-makers should flesh out a policy after looking at all issues.

    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the broadcast and telecoms regulator, is in the process of coming out with a set of guidelines for OTT services and net neutrality issue after lengthy debates with stakeholders. A section of the entertainment and telecoms industry in India has been lobbying hard to regulate mushrooming OTT services that have been claiming a growing subscriber base despite challenges of inadequate bandwidth and high cost of data.

    As to whether challenges of possible over-regulation (by TRAI), slow internet speed and high cost of data could pose a problem for the growth of OTT services like Netflix in India, Kuek emphasised that he’s much “heartened” by the ongoing “vibrant discussion” on net neutrality.

    He, along with another panellists, went on to clarify that regulations need to be “principled and technology-based” without “overreaching” as restrictive regulations were not good for the industry as a whole.

    Holding forth on Asian and global trends, the Singapore-based Kuek said that “entertainment and video consumption online is irreversible” and it becomes the “first point of contact for Internet adoption.” He added: “There has been an annual growth of 22 per cent in data consumption in Asia.”

    According to another panellist, Santa Clara University Associate Professor of Communication Rohit Chopra, the lines between entertainment and news have blurred (in the US) and the second wave of Internet has caused India to “jumpstart” to this trend.

  • Amazon Prime to premier T-Series new films

    Amazon Prime to premier T-Series new films

    MUMBAI: Amazon’s intent is very clear: amass content, which gives it an unassailable advantage for its OTT service Amazon Prime Video India. With a war chest of $5 billion, it can well afford to. Cricket and movies is what it is focusing on.

    Earlier this week, it announced that it had been licensed to stream the entire upcoming Dharma Productions film roster on its Prime Video service. And, adding to its content, catalogue Amazon has announced that it has sealed a deal with leading music label and film studio the Bhushan Kumar-owned T-Series.

    Under this, Amazon will be the exclusive subscription streaming home for T-Series’ upcoming 17 film strong slate.  On it, feature films like the Anubhav Sinha-directed Tum Bin 2, the Sonakshi Sinha-starrer Noor, Chef, starring Saif Ali Khan, Raabta starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, the Hansal Mehta directed, Simran, starring Kangana Ranaut, the Saket Chaudhary directed Hindi Medium, starring Irrfan Khan and Pakistani beauty, Saba Qamar, the Vishal Pandya directed, Wajah Tum Ho, Yaariyan 2, Hate Story 4 and other  future big budget features with top-of-the-line actors and top directors like Abhinay Deo and Luv Ranjan.

    A release states that the films will be seen first on Prime Video even before the TV premier.

     “T-Series is one of the leaders in the Indian entertainment industry.  As a result of this partnership, Amazon Prime members will soon enjoy a wide variety of some of the best Bollywood movies in the country, all within a few weeks of their theatrical release,” said Amazon Video India director & country head Nitesh Kripalani. “We are committed to adding value for Prime members and are excited to give them exclusive access to premium entertainment they will love.  We will continue to add more content in the coming months.”  

    Added T-Series chairman & managing director Bhushan Kumar: “T-Series has always strives to be ahead of the curve in the digital content distribution space, and this exclusive alliance for our future under-production films with Amazon is another step in that direction. Subscription services are being well-received by the consumers and hold tremendous potential in India. We hope to see higher traction and growth in this mode of content distribution. This alliance will bring in greater synergies for both, Amazon and  T-Series, and we wish great success to Amazon Prime Video.”

    ALSO READ:

    Amazon Prime, Dharma enter licensing deal

  • Amazon Prime to premier T-Series new films

    Amazon Prime to premier T-Series new films

    MUMBAI: Amazon’s intent is very clear: amass content, which gives it an unassailable advantage for its OTT service Amazon Prime Video India. With a war chest of $5 billion, it can well afford to. Cricket and movies is what it is focusing on.

    Earlier this week, it announced that it had been licensed to stream the entire upcoming Dharma Productions film roster on its Prime Video service. And, adding to its content, catalogue Amazon has announced that it has sealed a deal with leading music label and film studio the Bhushan Kumar-owned T-Series.

    Under this, Amazon will be the exclusive subscription streaming home for T-Series’ upcoming 17 film strong slate.  On it, feature films like the Anubhav Sinha-directed Tum Bin 2, the Sonakshi Sinha-starrer Noor, Chef, starring Saif Ali Khan, Raabta starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, the Hansal Mehta directed, Simran, starring Kangana Ranaut, the Saket Chaudhary directed Hindi Medium, starring Irrfan Khan and Pakistani beauty, Saba Qamar, the Vishal Pandya directed, Wajah Tum Ho, Yaariyan 2, Hate Story 4 and other  future big budget features with top-of-the-line actors and top directors like Abhinay Deo and Luv Ranjan.

    A release states that the films will be seen first on Prime Video even before the TV premier.

     “T-Series is one of the leaders in the Indian entertainment industry.  As a result of this partnership, Amazon Prime members will soon enjoy a wide variety of some of the best Bollywood movies in the country, all within a few weeks of their theatrical release,” said Amazon Video India director & country head Nitesh Kripalani. “We are committed to adding value for Prime members and are excited to give them exclusive access to premium entertainment they will love.  We will continue to add more content in the coming months.”  

    Added T-Series chairman & managing director Bhushan Kumar: “T-Series has always strives to be ahead of the curve in the digital content distribution space, and this exclusive alliance for our future under-production films with Amazon is another step in that direction. Subscription services are being well-received by the consumers and hold tremendous potential in India. We hope to see higher traction and growth in this mode of content distribution. This alliance will bring in greater synergies for both, Amazon and  T-Series, and we wish great success to Amazon Prime Video.”

    ALSO READ:

    Amazon Prime, Dharma enter licensing deal

  • International roaming incoming calls on Airtel to be free

    International roaming incoming calls on Airtel to be free

    MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecommunications services provider, today announced the launch of its new international roaming (IR) packs that redefine the value proposition for customers traveling abroad, a communique to the BSE stated.

    With the new IR packs, customers will have the convenience of carrying their India mobile number wherever they go and stay connected 24×7 without having to worry about high call and data charges. The packs will be available to both postpaid and prepaid customers.

    Airtel’s new IR packs offer free incoming calls, free texts to India and ample data benefits along with free India calling minutes across all popular destinations. Charges for calls to India and local in-country calls have been reduced to as low as Rs. 3/min across popular destinations. Airtel also announced that post the exhaustion of pack data benefits, international roaming data will now be charged at just Rs. 3/MB, a reduction of 99% from Rs. 650/MB.

    The IR packs, available for all popular global destinations, come with validity of one day and 30 days, giving customers greater flexibility to plan their communication budgets when traveling overseas.

    The one day pack is designed for short/quick international trips and for appx. $10. This pack is particularly useful for business travelers who may be traveling to multiple destinations for very short duration. The 30 days pack offers connectivity through long duration trips for appx. $75. With the holiday season around the corner, Airtel plans to launch a $45 medium duration pack with 10 days validity by middle of October 2016.

    Bharti Airtel director – operations (India & south Asia) said, “The new IR packs ensure that customers get no bill shocks and have the convenience of always keeping their phones switched on, wherever they are.”

  • International roaming incoming calls on Airtel to be free

    International roaming incoming calls on Airtel to be free

    MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecommunications services provider, today announced the launch of its new international roaming (IR) packs that redefine the value proposition for customers traveling abroad, a communique to the BSE stated.

    With the new IR packs, customers will have the convenience of carrying their India mobile number wherever they go and stay connected 24×7 without having to worry about high call and data charges. The packs will be available to both postpaid and prepaid customers.

    Airtel’s new IR packs offer free incoming calls, free texts to India and ample data benefits along with free India calling minutes across all popular destinations. Charges for calls to India and local in-country calls have been reduced to as low as Rs. 3/min across popular destinations. Airtel also announced that post the exhaustion of pack data benefits, international roaming data will now be charged at just Rs. 3/MB, a reduction of 99% from Rs. 650/MB.

    The IR packs, available for all popular global destinations, come with validity of one day and 30 days, giving customers greater flexibility to plan their communication budgets when traveling overseas.

    The one day pack is designed for short/quick international trips and for appx. $10. This pack is particularly useful for business travelers who may be traveling to multiple destinations for very short duration. The 30 days pack offers connectivity through long duration trips for appx. $75. With the holiday season around the corner, Airtel plans to launch a $45 medium duration pack with 10 days validity by middle of October 2016.

    Bharti Airtel director – operations (India & south Asia) said, “The new IR packs ensure that customers get no bill shocks and have the convenience of always keeping their phones switched on, wherever they are.”