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Category: iWorld

  • Why India and New Zealand Have Strengthened Bilateral Relationships with Exports

    Why India and New Zealand Have Strengthened Bilateral Relationships with Exports

    How India and New Zealand have strengthened bilateral relationships with Exports

    India and New Zealand have diplomatic links that date as far back as 1950, but they have recently made efforts to strengthen their bilateral relationship with exports.

    With India being one of the largest and fastest-growing economiesin the world, it makes sense that New Zealand is making its relationship with them a priority.

    New Zealand’s Growing Exports to India

    A trade relationship has developed between New Zealand and India for agriculture, food products, and other in-demand goods and services such as tech, supporting everything from AI and industrial machinery to online casino gaming. It really is a broad spectrum of industries.

    India’s target market for New Zealand includes wool, protein products, and apples. Right now, agricultural exports account for roughly NZ$520 million of New Zealand’s annual exports to India.

    With this increase in trade, they’re hoping to enhance New Zealand’s economy and satisfy the growing need for high-quality agricultural imports. Top-level contacts and exchanges, along with the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) economic forums, are some of the ways they are trying to strengthen trade relations.

    Collaborative Opportunities in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

    The partnership between India and New Zealand under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is working well and improving their trade relations.

    IPEF’s specific purpose is to promote regional economic integration through global supply chains, trade, investment, and other core areas of interest. Both countries’ involvement with IPEF is strengthening science and technology cooperation related to climate technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and economic development.

    Initiatives like the Clean Economy Agreement see New Zealand supporting India’s environmental and climate-related objectives, while India matches New Zealand with a big market for its climate-related technological advancements.

    Education and Cultural Exchange Creating Economic Growth

    On top of the goods and services trades, education has become the third pillar of relations between India and New Zealand.

    The Indian diaspora in New Zealand is rapidly expanding thanks to the nation’s reputable courses geared toward business, technology, and engineering. They’re having a positive economic impact by creating job opportunities with payments of school fees and creating deep bonds in both nations.   
    Cultural exchange is equally important in promoting these bonds.

    It’s also worth mentioning the excitement the Indian community in New Zealand has for their culture, bringing to life festivals like Diwali and uniting Indians in New Zealand with locals.

    Addressing Trade Barriers and Exploring New Agreements

    Trade barriers like tariffs and specific non-tariff barriers (NTBs), along with sanitary and phytosanitary regulations that apply to agricultural products, are just a few of the trade impediments faced by India and New Zealand.

    In negotiations and discussions at high levels, both countries have been looking to remove these hurdles and make bilateral trade easier. One of the notable developments was the Mutual Recognition Agreement for organic products, which will facilitate trade by easing procedures on certifications.

    India and New Zealand have also undertaken measures to overcome the logistical and quality control problems that are often present with exports such as kiwifruit, cow’s milk, dairy products and cut flowers. These measures will improve trade between the countries and create a better business environment for firms on both sides.

    The growing trade relationship between India and New Zealand will positively impact both countries. It signals an increased level of shared economic aspirations and appreciation of each other’s economic capabilities. Now that they are better positioned to deal with trade barriers and invest in developing contacts, there is a great opportunity for India and New Zealand to grow their collaboration even more in a changing world economy.  

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  • Tips Music & Sterling Reserve reimagine Indian classics with Tips Take 2

    Tips Music & Sterling Reserve reimagine Indian classics with Tips Take 2

    Mumbai: Tips Music and Sterling Reserve Music Project are coming together  for a project labelled  Tips Take 2. As per the press release issued by the two,  the collaboration aims to reimagine Bollywood’s iconic classics, delivering a fresh and captivating experience for music enthusiasts.

    Tips Music Ltd CEO Hari Nair said, “We are delighted to partner with Sterling Reserve to launch our first music IP Tips Take 2, which reimagines iconic nineties hits and creates a new take on our catalogue. The recently launched brand and partnerships division has ideated and worked on this exclusive IP. They also work with brands for bespoke content, in-film placements, music video brand integrations, and licensing our musical hits for their advertisement campaigns. We look forward to collaborating with brands, to redefine audience engagement through innovative, tailored entertainment solutions across both music and films. Tips Take 2 is just the beginning of our journey into branded IPs, with many more exciting projects on the horizon.”

    The project launched with the first song, Sambhala Hai Maine, on 9  December which is available on most music platforms. At the heart of this musical reinvention is Dev Negi the powerhouse voice behind the chart-topping hit  Heart Throb from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, takes centre stage. Joining him, on screen, are the stunning Heli Daruwala and the charismatic Parth Samthaan, who bring some serious heat with their electrifying chemistry. Together, they put a bold, modern spin on the nineties  classic Sambhala Hai Maine – originally sung by Kumar Sanu.

    Allied Blenders & Distillers chief innovation &  strategy officer Bikram Basu shared, “Launched as a digital-first property with a mix of emerging and established artists, and now in its sixth year, the Sterling Reserve Music Project is collaborating with Tips Music to reimagine timeless Bollywood hits from the nineties in a new way. The Sterling Reserve Music Project Take 2 with Tips will have people cheering for sure.”

    The project stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian music, offering three carefully selected song recreations that promise to captivate audiences. 

  • ShareChat appoints Nitin Jain as CTO

    ShareChat appoints Nitin Jain as CTO

    MUMBAI: A leading social media platform ShareChat has appointed Nitin Jain as its new chief technology officer. In his role, Nitin will oversee technological development and innovation for both ShareChat and Moj platforms.

    Jain is a seasoned technology leader who has spearheaded transformative projects across advertising, e-commerce, fintech, and advanced data analytics, growing ideas from initial concepts into impactful platforms with global reach. He brings a wealth of leadership experience from renowned companies like Tokopedia, Gojek, and most recently, TikTok. Jain has built rapidly growing tech businesses from scratch by nurturing high-performing teams and strategically leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, blockchain, and modern DevOps practices.”

    ShareChat and Moj CEO & cofounder Ankush Sachdeva said, “Nitin is a global technology leader, with more than two decades of experience spanning multiple domains and geographies. As we embark on the next chapter of growth at ShareChat and Moj, Nitin’s proven track record in scaling technology-driven businesses, combined with his expertise in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and big data, will be a game-changer for our platform. I am incredibly thrilled to have him as a part of the team and lead the tech org from the front at ShareChat.”

     “I am extremely passionate about building customer-focused products that bring real value through innovative yet practical applications of technology. What excites me most about being at ShareChat is the chance to work with, learn from such a talented team and use my experience to deliver a highly personalised social experience to our growing community of users and creators”, said Jain.

    Outside of work, Jain is interested in philosophy, modern physics, genetics, and a growing passion for scuba diving. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi. 

  • Anuj Tandon joins venture capital firm Bitkraft Ventures as partner

    Anuj Tandon joins venture capital firm Bitkraft Ventures as partner

    MUMBAI: When Anuj Tandon announced his departure from the Rajan Navani-owned JetSynthesys  as CEO of its gaming division the question on every one’s mind was, where was he headed. Well, a short while ago he announced that he was back to doing what he does best: finding new studios and startups in gaming and interactive media by joining as a partner in one of the largest gaming and interactive media venture capital firms  globally, Bitkraft Ventures, leading its India initiatives. 

    Said he on Linkedin: “One of the biggest ecosystem gaps in emerging and new markets like India and Mena  in gaming and  interactive media is the lack of a peer network of founders and  mentors who push you to become better. Bitkraft  has  deep global expertise in this sector and 100-plus  portfolio companies and global mentor network and team –  I am pretty sure Indian entrepreneurs  will benefit immensely with Bitkraft India presence and localised strategy.”

    Each of Bitkraft’s investments, the company says, are contributing to the construction of the virtual worlds and economies of tomorrow.

     

  • Virgin Music & Hungama partner to expand global music distribution

    Virgin Music & Hungama partner to expand global music distribution

    Mumbai: The global independent music, Virgin Music Group has joined forces with Hungama Digital Media, South Asia’s digital entertainment giant, in a groundbreaking alliance. This strategic partnership will amplify Hungama’s diverse music catalogue, featuring SVF, Grassroute, OTV, and iconic film soundtracks, to a worldwide audience through Virgin Music Group’s unparalleled distribution network.

    As per the press release, Virgin Music Group will tap Hungama’s substantial user base and regional expertise, deepen its presence in India’s regional music scene, and offer both companies a unique opportunity to leverage their strengths and deliver exceptional experiences to music fans worldwide.

    Virgin Music Group country manager of India Amit Sharma said, “We are immensely proud to announce this important partnership with Hungama. This collaboration will expand our reach in India and enable their songs to reach new global audiences, supporting our commitment to artist empowerment and innovation. Through this venture, we aim to bring a diverse range of music to new audiences, while Hungama’s expansive network will enable us to unlock incredible new opportunities for our artists.”

    Hungama Digital Media Entertainment CEO Siddhartha Roy said, “Our partnership with Virgin Music Group marks a significant milestone in taking Indian regional music to global audiences. By tapping into Virgin’s extensive network, we’re providing our artists and labels with unparalleled exposure, helping them reach new markets and unlock fresh growth opportunities. It’s an exciting time for Indian music, and we’re proud to lead this global expansion.”

    The collaboration between Virgin Music Group and Hungama Digital Media brings forth opportunities which would showcase undiscovered music to global audiences as well as the expansion of the channels of distribution and enhance the way music is consumed while working towards creating impact for Indian music culture in the global music landscape.

  • Airtel’s AI solution flags eight billion spam calls in 2.5 months

    Airtel’s AI solution flags eight billion spam calls in 2.5 months

    MUMBAI: Remember the days when our phones buzzed incessantly with spam calls, and we wished for a magic wand to make them disappear? It felt like a far-off dream, especially during those pandemic days when AI was making life easier in ways we never imagined. Fast forward to today, and the digital universe is buzzing with AI tools for every conceivable purpose—yet the menace of spam calls persisted, poking its nose into our daily peace.

    But then, Airtel stepped in, promising us relief with its AI-driven spam-blocking innovation. The big question was: would it truly work, or would it just be another tech gimmick? Well, the results are in, and they’re nothing short of astonishing, albeit with a sprinkle of curiosity.

    In just 75 days, Airtel’s AI flagged a jaw-dropping eight billion spam calls and 800 million spam SMS messages. Impressive, right? But as we sift through the details, the big question looms: has Airtel really silenced the spam storm, or are there gaps to fill? Let’s dive into the numbers and see if this is the revolution we’ve been waiting for—or if we’re left wanting more.

    Airtel’s sophisticated AI algorithm has been instrumental in identifying approximately 1 million spammers daily, alerting 252 million unique customers to suspicious activities. This initiative has led to a 12 per cent reduction in the number of customers answering spam calls, marking a significant step toward user security.

    Key insights from Airtel’s spam report

    ●    Spam Sources: Over 35 per cent of spam calls originated from landlines, with Delhi leading as both the top spam call origin and recipient region. For SMS, Gujarat emerged as the top origin, targeting users in Mumbai, Chennai, and Gujarat.

    ●    Demographic Impact: Male customers accounted for 76 per cent of spam calls, with those aged 36–60 receiving 48 per cent of calls. Senior citizens were notably less targeted, at just 8 per cent.

    ●    Device Preferences: Phones priced between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 were the most frequent recipients, comprising 22 per cent of spam calls.

    ●    Peak Hours: Spam activity peaked between noon and 3 PM, with a notable 40 per cent drop in volume on Sundays.

    Airtel’s AI-driven system meticulously analyses diverse parameters to provide real-time detection, ensuring privacy and convenience for its users. This innovation solidifies Airtel’s position as India’s first network to deploy a comprehensive spam-blocking solution, delivering industry-leading security measures.

    “We are committed to safeguarding our customers from the growing menace of spam. Our advanced AI system reflects our dedication to delivering superior experiences while prioritising user privacy,” an Airtel spokesperson said.

    With this initiative, Airtel reaffirms its commitment to enhancing user trust and redefining industry standards. The solution not only curbs intrusive communications but also paves the way for a safer and more secure digital environment.

  • Nissan comes aboard as Bryan Adams tour’s driven by partner

    Nissan comes aboard as Bryan Adams tour’s driven by partner

    MUMBAI: Nissan Motor India wants to make it a night to remember for lovers of hot Canadian singer Bryan Adams  who choose to book the new Nissan Magnite before 11 December. 40 of those who go to the store and take the pains to fill out the booking forms stand a chance to win  a ticket each to the Bryan Adams concert.  That’s because EVA Live and SG Live – the companies behind the Bryan Adams  So  Happy It hurts concert tour – have signed on Nissan as an official  driven by sponsor.

    Winners will be selected through a lucky draw, adding excitement to the Magnite purchase experience. The campaign will go live across Nissan’s official social media platforms.

    This partnership highlights Nissan Motor India’s commitment to creating meaningful and engaging experiences for its customers. By blending the electrifying energy of Bryan Adams’ live performance with the brand’s passion for automotive excellence, Nissan offers a truly unique experience for its audience.

    Nissan will additionally showcase an exclusive Nissan Experience Zone at the Backyard Sports Club in Gurugram  where thei global Icon will perform. The fourth generation Nissan X-Trail, alongside the  New Nissan Magnite will be on display in the zone for car enthusiasts to get  a touch and feel of the two vehicles. .

    The event will feature:

    .  A spectacular display of the fourth gen Nissan X-Trail and the new Nissan Magnite, highlighting their exceptional design and advanced technology

    .  An exciting interactive experience for attendees, including opportunities to capture exclusive photos with the vehicles

    .  Engaging activities designed to create lasting memories of the event

    The event will take place at the Backyard Sports Club in Gurugram on 12 December 2024, starting at 7 PM. With over 17,000 tickets already sold, the concert promises an unforgettable experience for music aficionados.

  • From solitude to shared screens: How connected TVs Are changing SVOD in India

    From solitude to shared screens: How connected TVs Are changing SVOD in India

    MUMBAI: Picture this: you’re slouched on the couch, watching the season finale of your favorite show, but the room feels hollow. No one to laugh with, no one to argue about the plot twist. Feels a little dull, doesn’t it?

    You’re not alone—literally. A new wave of co-viewing, driven by Connected TVs, is revolutionising how India engages with subscription video on demand (SVOD) platforms.

    Ormax Media’s latest SVOD audience report 2024 reveals a seismic shift in urban India’s viewing habits. With insights from 3,000 subscribers, the report paints a vibrant picture of a market where language diversity, shared experiences, and tech-savvy innovation drive customer loyalty and growth. From couch-bound solo binging to interactive group viewing, the way Indians consume content is evolving faster than ever—and it’s bringing a mixed bag of emotions along for the ride.

    The question is: are you tuning in alone, or are you part of this co-watching revolution?

    The report highlights a stagnation in the SVOD audience base, which declined by two per cent to 150.6 million in 2024, compared to 153 million in 2023. This represents 28 per cent of India’s digital video audience, a group dominated by ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) viewers who account for 72 per cent of the market. The slowdown in SVOD growth underscores the competitive challenges platforms face in subscriber acquisition and retention.

    A major revelation of the report is the growing impact of Connected TVs, with 36 per cent of SVOD audiences in urban India regularly using such devices to stream content. This trend is expanding beyond metro cities into mini metros and smaller towns, altering how content is consumed.

    The report also sheds light on the phenomenon of co-viewing, where 66 per cent of Connected TV users watch streaming content with family members. This shift calls for OTT platforms to prioritise inclusive content catering to diverse age groups and preferences, ensuring a broader family appeal.

    Ormax Media, head of business development (streaming, TV & brands), Keerat Grewal underscored the importance of these insights in shaping OTT strategies.

    “In a cluttered marketplace where subscribers typically pay for just 2-3 apps, pay OTT platforms must align their pricing, content, and marketing strategies with audience preferences,” Grewal said.

    She added, “While platforms have data on their own subscribers, Ormax Media has consistently built industry-wide insights for the Indian OTT sector. Our latest report equips platforms to craft compelling value propositions, grounded in macro-level audience behaviours and tastes.”

    Contrary to perceptions that Connected TVs are limited to metro audiences, the report reveals growing traction in smaller towns and mini metros. Grewal highlighted the potential for this shift to fundamentally reshape the type and style of content consumed on OTT platforms in India.

    The Ormax SVOD Audience Report: 2024 is now available for subscription and provides valuable data for streaming platforms, brands, and content producers. Covering viewing behaviour, language preferences, genre trends, content sampling triggers, and media habits, the report is a comprehensive resource for industry stakeholders aiming to stay ahead in a dynamic market.

  • Adhishree Murdia promoted to VP-SVOD marketing at Zee5

    Adhishree Murdia promoted to VP-SVOD marketing at Zee5

    MUMBAI: She began as a marketing executive at Zee Entertainment Enterprises working on Zee MGM, Zee English and ZCafe shows in 2004 after completing her MBA in marketing from Welingkar Institute of Management in Mumbai.  20 years later Adhishree Murdia sits atop as vice-president SVoD marketing- India & global at Zee’s prized streaming product Zee5.

    It has been some growth for Murdia. But along the way she had to put in the hard yards. She worked in different marketing roles at  Turner International, BCCL, UTV Bindass before heading back to Zee in 2012 as assistant vice-president, after which she was handed the responsibility of handling marketing and the brand Living Foodz and an independent digital channel LFOriginals.

    Her success over there saw her getting to handle the brands as vice-president marketing under the Zee Marathi movie cluster of channels – Zee Talkies, Zee Yuva and Zee Chitramandir  -woking directly with the business head.

    Her nine year continuous stint and knowledge of digital at Zee resulted in her getting moved to Zee5 Global in 2022 as vice-president brand & content marketing, a post she held before being promoted this month to oversee the international domestic marketing of Zee5’s  subscription product.

    She has confessed in the past that she is a life-long learner. “Looking forward to this new opportunity,” she said on linkedin. “Embracing it with gratitude.”

    With that kind of  positive attitude, there is only direction that Zee5’s subscription revenue can head: northwards and upwards.

  • Vi Business unveils Easy+ to streamline corporate and personal life seamlessly

    Vi Business unveils Easy+ to streamline corporate and personal life seamlessly

    MUMBAI: Dodging your boss’s relentless calls?

    Scrambling for excuses when your phone mysteriously ‘runs out of data’?

    Vanished on a work trip because international roaming decided to abandon you mid-flight?

    Sounds familiar?

    Say goodbye to corporate chaos and hello to seamless connectivity! Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea, is rewriting the rulebook for corporate postpaid users with its groundbreaking Easy+ service. Now, whether it’s topping up your roaming pack, binging OTT shows, or avoiding awkward ‘unreachable’ moments, you can do it all—right from the Vi App, on your existing corporate plan. No drama. No hassle. Just effortless convenience.

    This game-changing feature simplifies how employees access value-added services, empowering them to personalise their mobile plans without the hassle of seeking approvals or managing separate numbers.

    Vi Business, executive vice president, enterprise mobility business & marketing, Roerich Kaushal emphasised the significance of the launch. “With Easy+, Vi Business is leading the way in transforming the corporate postpaid experience. Employees now have the flexibility to select and purchase services like international roaming, OTT subscriptions, and data packs for personal needs. In today’s connected world, they deserve an effortless solution that aligns with modern workforce expectations,” said Kaushal.

    He added, “With the upcoming holiday season, Easy+ provides a convenient way for employees to purchase international roaming packs, ensuring seamless connectivity and entertainment on the go.”

    Key Features of Easy+:

    ●    International Roaming Packs: Available across 29 countries with flexible durations – 24 hours, 10 days, or 14 days – priced between Rs 749 and Rs 4,999.

    ●    OTT Subscriptions: Users can subscribe to services like Sony LIV and Zee5, delivering their favourite entertainment directly to their devices.

    ●    Gifting Feature: Corporate users can gift OTT subscription packs to others, making it easier to share entertainment options.

    Corporate postpaid users can avail of Easy+ through the Vi App, which offers a user-friendly interface for purchasing these add-ons. The service reflects Vi Business’s commitment to blending convenience with innovation, making it a valuable tool for professionals on corporate plans.

    https://vi.app.link/viappisnt.