ITV

Category: Social Media

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • “Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela” music album by Sachin-Jigar now streaming on all music platforms

    “Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela” music album by Sachin-Jigar now streaming on all music platforms

    MUMBAI: The enchanting songs of ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’, which gracefully brought Shri Krishna’s timeless leelas to life in the mega-musical, is now available on all music streaming platforms worldwide. Conceptualised by visionary Dhanraj Nathwani, the soundtracks of the theatrical have been composed by renowned composer duo Sachin-Jigar, and the lyrics have been penned by celebrated lyricist Padma Shri Awardee Prasoon Joshi.

    20 original melodic tracks, which illuminated the auditorium with their captivating lyrics and lively scores, are now available for streaming, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the magic of the grand musical. The songs elegantly capture the unconditional love between a mother and son, the enchanting love story of Radha and Krishna, and the mischievousness of Balgopal, evoking a wide range of emotions.

    Dhanraj Nathwani said, “Music stirs a rich blend of emotions and leaves a lasting impact on individuals. And Rajadhiraaj’s songs have resonated deeply with the audience across generations, Shri Krishna’s leelas have reached them through music. The enthusiasm we witnessed among the spectators here in Delhi and Mumbai led us to release these soul-stirring songs on the streaming platforms, ensuring they reach a wider audience. Of the 20 tracks, we are releasing 11 right now. We are hopeful that everyone will love them as much as we loved creating them.”

    The composition is a blend of Western symphonic elements from Budapest and Indian classical music, highlighting multiple musical genres such as haveli sangeet, Rajasthani and Gujarati folk, Sapakra, Raas Garba, and Hindustani semi-classical music. To capture the flavours of various regions of India, the musical duo also incorporated local instrumentalists, including tabla, dholak, shehnai, and others. The songs have been sung by renowned singers like Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal, Kailash Kher, Sachin Sanghvi, Parthiv Gohil, Keerthi Sagathia and Jonita Gandhi.

    Revealing the idea behind the creation of the lively composition, music composer Sachin-Jigar said, “It was an interesting as well as quite challenging project for us and we thrive on such experiences. We have grown up hearing the songs and stories of Shri Krishna from our grandparents and this musical was an opportunity to bring the Krishna we know to the audience. To add depth, we blended Western and Indian classical music, while also experimenting with different local instruments to create unique and dynamic melodies. Each song is different from the other, and each one is close to our hearts.”

    After a stellar run at Mumbai’s Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ — the world’s first mega-musical on Shri Krishna’s life graced Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Auditorium in the last week of November. Executive Producer Bhoomi Nathwani presents the musical masterpiece, which seamlessly blends rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and soul-stirring live music. The show received an enthralling response from the audience in both cities, uniting generations under one roof to celebrate the rich tapestry of art, culture, and tradition. The musical is set to premiere in Dubai in 2025.

    To tune into the songs, click on the below-mentioned links:

    JioSaavn: https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/rajadhiraaj-love.life.leela/995QMoAPKDA_

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4L9N1MAhACgO6WdAl2stxM?si=whHtEZiGTzOIeH1zOrVQZw&nd=1&dlsi=89628b3ce0684067

    Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/rajadhiraaj-love-life-leela/1783979815

    YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ngd7O4bJYbdp47QOeaahe4QrvcoMOyVIk&si=J50UDp2UEFQilnP1

  • Digital content creators and their reliance on fictional facts

    Digital content creators and their reliance on fictional facts

    MUMBAI: We have known it for a long time. And many have cautioned us about it as well. 

    Now here’s some data to support the fact that digital content influencers and creators are pretty inventive about the so-called information that they tout as facts.

    A Unesco backed  Behind the Scenes survey  has revealed that 62 per cent of influencers do not carry out rigorous and systematic fact-checking of information prior to sharing it.  However,  73 per cent expressed the desire to be trained to do so. 

    The survey is the first global analysis of digital content creators’ motivations and practices, and of the challenges they face. It involved 500 influencers in 45 countries, with the expertise of a dedicated research team at US-based Bowling Green State University.

    The survey found that content creators have difficulty determining the best criteria for assessing the credibility of information they find online. 42 per cent of respondents said they used “the number of ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ a post had received” on social media as the main indicator. 21 per cent were happy to share content with their audiences if it had been shared with them “by friends they trusted,” and 19 per cent said they relied “on the reputation” of the original author or publisher of content. 

    Here’s more: mainstream news media is only the third most common source (36.9 per cent) for content creators, after their own experience and their own research and interviews.

    Clearly, a lot needs to be done to train digital content creators as well as followers who swallow any drivel  that’s dished out to them as a fact. Unesco has launched an online course to address this and educate them. More than 9,000 participants from 160 countries already registered to participate. 

    They will learn how to:
    * source information using a diverse range of sources
    * assess and verify the quality of information
    * be transparent about the sources which inspire their content
    * identify, debunk and report misinformation, disinformation and hate speech
    * collaborate with journalists and traditional media to amplify fact-based information.

    Can some more educational initiatives in India be instituted by educational institutes to educate the digital and social media crowd?

  • Australia passes bill banning social media for kids; India’s Vaishnaw calls for stricter regulation

    Australia passes bill banning social media for kids; India’s Vaishnaw calls for stricter regulation

    MUMBAI: No social media for kids. The Aussie house of representatives passed a bill yesterday imposing a ban against Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, SnapChat, X,  Reddit from allowing kids under 16 from accessing these networking platforms. The onus has been put on social media to ensure that kids don’t use them;  fines up to $33 million will be imposed on them if a kid’s profile is found active. The bill will now require senate approval which it most likely will get and social media  will have  a year to clean up their acts. 

    That was Down Under. 

    In India too, the government would like to bring  social media under tight regulation. 

    While addressing a parliament question during the ongoing session of the Lok Sabha today, union minister of information & broadcasting, railways, and electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw,  once again highlighted the urgent need to strengthen existing laws governing social media and OTT platforms.

    “We are living in the era of social media and OTT platforms. However, the democratic institutions and traditional forms of the press that once relied on editorial checks to ensure accountability and correctness of content, have seen these checks diminish over time,” he said. 

    He noted that due to the absence of such editorial oversight, social media has become a platform for freedom of press on one hand, but on the other hand, it has also become a space for uncontrolled expression, which often includes vulgar content. 

    Acknowledging the distinct cultural differences between India and the geographies where these platforms originated, Vaishnaw emphasised. “The cultural sensitivities of India vastly differ from those of the regions where these platforms were created,” he said.  

    This makes it imperative for India to make existing laws more stricter and he urged everyone to come to a consensus on this matter.

    The minister also urged the parliamentary standing committee to take up this important matter issue as a priority. “There should be societal consensus on it, along with stricter laws to address this challenge” he said.

    Will Indian society agree? 

  • Relaxo Footwear recruits Vishal Pathania as head of digital marketing

    Relaxo Footwear recruits Vishal Pathania as head of digital marketing

    MUMBAI: Relaxo Footwear has roped in Vishal Pathania as assistant general manager – head of digital marketing & performance. He will lead digital marketing initiatives for iconic brands like Sparx, Bahamas, and Flite.

    With an experience of more than a decade. Pathania last worked for Hindware Home Innovation as senior  manager (lead)- digital/social/D2C & performance.  Prior to that he worked as lead manager – digital/PR/D2C & performance marketing at Timex group. He also has had a stint with Micromax Informatics.

    Pathania is excited about his new posting at Relaxo Footwear. “In today’s dynamic digital landscape, I aim to craft impactful campaigns and contribute to these brands’ continued growth and success,” he said on Linkedin.

     

  • Gukesh vs Ding: World Chess championship battle begins 25 November

    Gukesh vs Ding: World Chess championship battle begins 25 November

    MUMBAI:  Hardcore chess fans and players will be glued to their phones, TVs and computers come 2:30 pm 25 November 2025.  The Fide World Chess Championship, which is being  held at the Equarius Hotel in Resorts World Sentosa, between China’s Ding Liren and 18 year old Indian chess wiz Gukesh Dommaraju,  is slated to be streamed live on Fide’s official chess channels, including YouTube and Twitch. Additionally, it can also be viewed on  Chess24 India and ChessBase India You Tube channels.

    Gukesh is bidding to become one of the youngest ever World Chess champions as he takes on Ding in a best of 14 games match. Gukesh and Ding will earn a point for each win and 0.5 each for a draw, with a score of 7.5 enough to win the championship. If the score is equal after 14 games, tiebreakers with faster time controls will be used to determine the winner. At stake is a total prize money of $2.5 million, with $200,000 being awarded for every game won. 

    For Indian fans, they are going to be able to follow the match on YouTube with commentary from international master Tania Sachdev, the voice of Indian chess content and founder of Chessbase India, international master Sagar Shah, and one of the biggest comedians and a prominent chess personality himself, Samay Raina.

    Sagar shah Tania Sachdev Samay Raina

    “It’s a huge moment for India. Will Gukesh, at 18, become the youngest-ever World Champion? Will he be the one to take forward Vishy Anand’s legacy by once again bringing the title back to India, or will Ding, the reigning World Champion, prevail?” said Chess.com commentator Tania Sachdev. “As a player, a commentator, and foremost a fan of the game, I am thrilled to be a part of this very special broadcast team. We hope to bring everyone as close as possible to the minds and emotions of two brilliant players playing for ultimate glory.”

    Set at the venue Habitat, this will be a one-of-a-kind collaboration between three of the most influential voices in chess. Together, they will provide insightful commentary and analysis for audiences of all levels. Viewers can look forward to special appearances by celebrities, comedians, and chess players, adding a new twist to each day’s broadcast.

    “Gukesh has achieved something that is unprecedented. The fight for the World Championship title at the age of 18 is nothing short of a celebration! A huge moment for Indian chess,” said ChessBase India  founder Sagar Shah. “Through these 14 days, we are going to follow each and every moment of action closely and enjoy this amazing event.”

    The three-week event will include a live audience, bringing the excitement of the championship directly to fans in Mumbai. The show will also be streamed simultaneously on ChessBase India and Chess24 India, ensuring fans nationwide can join in the excitement.

    With India on the cusp of its biggest chess moment in a generation, this broadcast will cover the passion and energy surrounding Gukesh’s historic journey. Fans are invited to join live in Mumbai or tune in online to witness every move, every moment, and every memory.

  • The ParentZ announces ‘Misha’

    The ParentZ announces ‘Misha’

    New Delhi: The ParentZ,a comprehensive parenting app designed to support and guide parents in their everyday journey, today announced the launch of Misha, An AI parenting assistant designed to support parents with personalized guidance and practical advice at every step of their parenting journey. Misha aims to be a trusted partner in parenting, customized to meet the unique needs of each family.

    The tool offers 24/7 support, quick recommendations, and a library of helpful resources which helps to adapt each parent’s unique style, making it easier to support your child’s growth and development every step of the way.  

    “Our goal is to empower parents by providing them with a reliable co-parenting partner that reduces the need to sift through endless books or online forums. With Misha, we’re making parenting support smarter, simpler, and more accessible,” said ParentsNKids Network (TheParentZ.com and SchoolMyKids.com) co-founder & head of content Kiran Meena.

    “The ParentZ App is designed to make life simpler for parents, especially when emotions are high or schedules are busy,” said The ParentZ co-founder Arun Meena. “With its intuitive interface, AI-powered capabilities, and customizable features, The ParentZ App stands as the ultimate digital partner for modern families.”

    Misha also leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence to offer personalised advice, reminders, and educational resources, helping parents navigate the complexities of child-rearing with greater ease and confidence. From answering parenting questions in real-time to offering tailored activity suggestions, Misha is designed to be a reliable, supportive companion for today’s busy parents.

    Misha’s key features include:

    1.  Personalised guidance: Misha offers customized advice based on the unique needs of each parent and child, ensuring support that truly aligns with each family’s goals.

    2.  24/7 real-time support: Parents can access Misha any time, receiving instant responses and tailored recommendations to their questions and concerns.

    3.  A Resource-Rich Platform: Misha eliminates the hassle of searching through various parenting resources by providing comprehensive, reliable information directly to parents.

    The beta version of Misha is now available for parents to try, bringing them a step closer to a more guided, supported, and informed parenting experience. The ParentZ invites parents to explore this innovative AI-driven tool and discover how Misha can enhance their daily lives. 

  • happn introduces ‘Daily’

    happn introduces ‘Daily’

    Mumbai: happn has introduced its latest feature, “Daily”, designed to end dating fatigue and ease the search for love. As many singles navigate the challenges of modern dating, including overwhelming options and superficial interactions, Daily leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence to end dating fatigue and enhance the quality of connections.

    Every morning, every Indian happners will receive a handpicked selection of up to ten profiles, chosen by happn’s technology that considers shared interests, favourite Spots, and Hobbies. This targeted approach highlights profiles that resonate with each user’s lifestyle and enhances the quality of potential connections. Whether it’s a mutual love for local cafés or a shared passion for outdoor activities, Daily brings a sense of relevance and authenticity to the dating process.

    Addressing dating fatigue offers a more manageable selection of profiles, increasing the likelihood of authentic connections. The intelligent curation of the daily algorithm, which utilises comprehensive profile data—such as favorite spots, hobbies, and personality teasers—ensures a higher level of personalisation.

    happn CEO & president Karima Ben Abdelmalek sheds light on the origin of happn, “At happn, we’re focused on creating deeper, more meaningful connections, and our new Daily feature is a step in that direction. In fact, 42 per cent of our users believe that receiving daily suggestions can significantly reduce dating fatigue, and 54 per cent of Indian singles feel AI integration in dating apps enhances their experience. With Daily, we’re helping users build a dating routine that fits seamlessly into their lifestyles. It’s about making dating enjoyable again—no more endless scrolling, just genuine connections delivered fresh every morning”.

    As we look to the future of dating, Daily is set to transform dating routines into a daily ritual, improving app retention and user satisfaction. By reimagining what dating apps can do, happn aims to give singles the freedom to discover new profiles without the stress and fatigue associated with digital dating. This is a significant step forward in making dating easier, more personalised, and a lot more fun.

    Daily will be available globally and completely free of charge, starting with iOS users, ensuring that every single user has the opportunity to enjoy a more personalised, engaging, and authentic dating experience. 

  • Paakashala launches ‘Paakashala Diaries’

    Paakashala launches ‘Paakashala Diaries’

    Bangalore – Paakashala launched Paakashala Diaries, a first-of-its-kind video initiative that dives deep into the vibrant world of food and the individuals who shape it. This project aims to showcase a multi-cuisine approach that reflects the diverse culinary landscape of India. Hosted by Chandru, a celebrated figure in South Indian cinema known for his role in Ganeshana Maduve, the 1st season promises an engaging exploration of Bangalore’s culinary heritage and beyond.

    Unlike traditional cooking shows, Paakashala Diaries is a multi-series video project, each focusing on different aspects of the food industry. This format aims to showcase various culinary contributors and their untold stories. Beyond the surface level of cooking, it delves into the very essence of food culture, exposing the inventiveness, passion, and devotion that characterise India’s illustrious culinary history.

    “As a multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant brand, Paakashala has always been about bringing diverse flavours together. Through Paakashala Diaries, we aim to pull back the curtain on the culinary world, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the dedication and passion that drive Karnataka’s food scene,” said Paakashala director of marketing and associate VP of operations, Vyjayanti Adiga. “By sharing the stories of those behind the food, we hope to educate and inspire, shedding light on the many layers that make the food industry so dynamic.”

    The six episode series consists of:

    The first season of Paakashala Diaries consists of six episodes, each focusing on a unique aspect of Bangalore’s food scene.

    1.    Bangalore Female Food Bloggers

    This episode dives into local female food bloggers’ journeys, challenges, and insights, offering inspiration for aspiring content creators and food enthusiasts alike.

    2.    Food Delivery Partners: Challenges, Experiences & Customer Interactions

    This episode sheds light on the often-overlooked delivery partners. It explores their challenges, daily experiences, and the critical role they play in ensuring customers get their meals on time.

    3.    Bangalore Street Food Vendors

    A behind-the-scenes look at the entrepreneurial spirit of Bangalore’s street food vendors, showcasing authentic local flavours and the dedication that goes into each dish.

    4.    Legendary Restaurant Owners from Bangalore

    It features iconic restaurateurs such as P Chandrashekhar Rao, founder of Rao Ideal Solution, who is known for his restaurant industry leadership. Gopady Srinivasa Rao – Owner of several popular eateries including Eshanya Street Food Café, Taaza Thindi, Mayura, Cane-O-La, Nammoora Hotel, and Arogya Ahaara. B Chandrashekhar Hebbar – President of Karnataka State Hotel Association, former President of Bruhath Bangalore Hotel Association, and owner of Anna Kuteera. Vasudeva Adiga – Founder of Paakashala and Nandi Upachar, shares his journey of creating beloved dining spaces. Arun Adiga – Owner of the iconic Vidyarthi Bhavan, a restaurant synonymous with traditional South Indian cuisine, this episode highlights the innovation and perseverance required to build successful restaurants.

    5.    Bangalore Male Food Bloggers

    This episode features male food bloggers sharing their journeys, challenges, and unique perspectives on the food blogging world. 
    Premieres on: 25/10/2024

    6.    Paakashala Staff Journeys

    This episode focuses on the dedicated Paakashala staff, sharing personal stories of their work, support during challenging times like COVID-19, and the community spirit that drives Paakashala.

    Premieres on: 08/11/2024