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Category: Press Release

  • News18 Network gets exclusive Interview of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

    News18 Network gets exclusive Interview of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

    MUMBAI: September 2019 marks the halfway mark of Yogi Adityanath’s term as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Reminiscing over his government’s tenure till now, BJP’s firebrand leader will speak exclusively to News18 Network. In a freewheeling conversation with Rahul Joshi, Group Editor-in-Chief of Network18, the Chief Minister will talk about a range of important issues that matter to the most populous state of India.

    The interview will be set in the Gorakhnath Mandir in Gorakhpur and will feature CM Yogi Adityanath, in his most candid discussion till date. The interview will not only take stock of key policies, economic and political developments in the state, and the evolving social-cultural dynamics of Uttar Pradesh amongst others but also dwell upon personal facets of the Chief Minister.

    The interview will be aired in a special episode of the Network’s popular interview series – ‘Rajneeti’ on 19th September, 2019. The interview can be watched on News18 India, News18 Madhya Pradesh- Chattisgarh, News18 Rajasthan, News18 Uttar Pradesh- Uttarakhand, News18 Bihar- Jharkhand, News18 Punjab- Haryana-Himachal and CNBC Awaaz at 8 pm and on CNN-News18 at 10 pm.

  • Zee Telugu’s Muddha Mandaram celebrates completion of 1500 episodes

    Zee Telugu’s Muddha Mandaram celebrates completion of 1500 episodes

    Zee Telugu’s longest running soap opera Muddha Mandaram is one of the most loved and watched serials in the Telugu television industry. The first episode premiered 6 years ago, followed the life of Parvathi, played by Thanuja, Deva played by Pawan Sai, and Akhilandeshwari played by Haritha. Muddha Mandaram is the story of a strong-willed and stubborn woman, Akhilandeshwari, her elder son Deva, and his love story with Parvati, their help. This popular show has created a bench mark by completing 1500 episodes and has been remade into various languages like Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. The show is being telecasted every Monday – Saturday at 6:00 PM on Zee Telugu and Zee Telugu HD.

    Produced by Annapurna Studios, the drama series currently features on the reincarnation of Parvathi and Deva as Soundarya and Abhinandan. Over the years of providing successful entertainment, Muddha Mandaram has garnered a huge fan following base and the audience absolutely love the on-screen chemistry between the lead characters Parvathi and Deva. Most mothers, from the audience pool, draw a strong connect with Akhilandeshwari’s character due to excessive love towards her son.

    To mark the milestone of completing 1500 episodes, the Muddha Mandaram team celebrated the feat with a spectacular bash. As a part of the celebration, the team enjoyed a special ‘Muddha Mandaram 1500’ cake along with a lunch party.

  • Global Operators Collaborate with industry partners to Facilitate O-RAN Testing and Integration

    Global Operators Collaborate with industry partners to Facilitate O-RAN Testing and Integration

    The Open Test and Integration Center (OTIC) initiative was launched today led by a group of global operators, vendors and integrators. China Mobile and Reliance Jio along with participation from China Telecom, China Unicom, Intel, Radisys, Samsung Electronics, Airspan, Baicells, CertusNet, Mavenir, Lenovo, Ruijie Network, Inspur, Sylincom, WindRiver, ArrayComm, and Chengdu NTS are collaborating on multi-vendor interoperability and validation activities for realizing O-RAN compliant disaggregated 5G access infrastructure that leverages open software and hardware hardened for commercial deployments.

    The OTIC initiative is an operator-led collaboration with the aim to facilitate OEM and other open source products and solutions to be functionally compliant to the specifications of the O-RAN Alliance, through verification, integration and testing of disaggregated RAN components and to deliver the desired architecture that supports a plug-n-play model.

    “O-RAN Alliance is driving RAN innovation to address operational efficiencies, mobile broadband traffic growth, and vertical industry requirements with the necessary MUMBAI: flexibility and agility. Its disaggregated architecture focuses on open interfaces, open source software, open hardware reference design, and embedded AI/ML and data analytics. CMCC will initiate an OTIC in Beijing, China, which should provide the common platform for solutions to be operationally ready to enable end-to-end interoperability and deployment in scale; as well as to be hardened for reliability, performance, scalability, and security that operator networks require,” said Dr. Li Zhengmao, EVP of China Mobile.

    “Jio has been able to fundamentally disrupt the telecom space, however we realize that disruption and innovation is a continuous process. We are fast-tracking our efforts in 5G and Open technologies by developing and working with OTIC to accelerate the adoption of industry standard, interoperable O-RAN based deployments. Delivering ubiquitous and high-performance solutions to everyone is at the core of everything we do. Working together, O-RAN, SOC providers, Operators, OEMs and solution providers are all important partners in the creation of the Open Wireless Network as a Platform. The OTIC is an important step toward enabling the commercialization of the Open RAN Platform and the new model for wireless networks,” said Mathew Oommen, President, Reliance Jio.

    “Intel supports enabling open architectures and a robust ecosystem that will drive innovation at the edge and radio access network. Our support of the OTIC labs will enable development, integration and testing of the O-RAN specifications and accelerate the development of commercial solutions for 5G network deployments,” said Dan McNamara, Senior Vice President Data Center Group, Intel.

    “Lenovo strongly supports the O-RAN Alliance and is excited to see the launch of the OTIC initiative. The OTIC Labs provide a truly open environment that enables members to interoperate, integrate, and test O-RAN components and solutions. Lenovo looks forward to working closely with industry partners to jointly promote openness and innovation for 5G and beyond," said Jason Wei, VP & GM, Converged Network BU, Lenovo.

    “Samsung strongly supports open architecture that will take 5G networks to new heights, allowing the industry to continue driving innovation further. I am confident that OTIC will play a key role in accelerating the O-RAN based open platform development by empowering rapid creation of the robust ecosystem,” said Jaeho Jeon, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.

    “As a leading provider of disruptive global 4G/5G solutions, Baicells is honored to be part of the OTIC initiative with the shared vision of new levels of openness, efficiency and flexibility with all members. By leveraging our solid abilities in O-RAN development and system integration experience, Baicells could provide a wide range of innovative solutions including pRRU, rHub, acceleration card to our ecosystem and help accelerate the maturity of O-RAN eco-system ASAP,” said Lixin Sun, CEO of Baicells.

    “The Linux Foundation is a strong supporter of Open Source, Open Architectures, and Open Interfaces across networks.  LF has enjoyed working with these operators in Open Source initiatives and appreciate their contributions to projects such as the O-RAN Software Community, ONAP, OPNFV, and others.  We are excited to see the commitment to open platforms and the initiative to drive interoperability and validation of open RAN architectures and solutions through the OTICs along with Open Source Community O-RAN-SC. This initiative will be a catalyst for a new paradigm to wireless networks,” said Arpit Joshipura, General Manager, Networking, Edge & IOT, The Linux Foundation.

    The OTIC initiative aims to expedite how the industry develops open RAN technologies and products that are hardened and supported for real-world deployments. The initial focus is to ensure RAN components from multiple vendors support standard and open interfaces and can interoperate in accordance with O-RAN test specifications.  Additional partners are invited to join to advance the creation of ready-to-implement blueprints for RAN solutions conforming to the O-RAN specifications in order to realize open and disaggregated 5G networks.

  • Team BigBasket scores a last minute winner to clinch the title of the inaugural ‘LinkedIn ESPN Office Sports Quiz’

    Team BigBasket scores a last minute winner to clinch the title of the inaugural ‘LinkedIn ESPN Office Sports Quiz’

    MUMBAI: LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network in association with ESPN, the one-stop destination for all things sports, concluded the first season of LinkedIn ESPN Office Sports Quiz with team BigBasket winning the finale. The contest witnessed tough competition between corporates, with BigBasket surging ahead at the last question to list the trophy. The first season of the LinkedIn ESPN Office Sports Quiz witnessed participation from 2246 working professionals from 1123 teams from different quarters. All the episodes of the quiz are available on ESPN India, ESPNcricinfo, social media platforms – ESPN.in Facebook, ESPN.in Instagram, ESPNcricinfo Facebook, ESPNcricinfo Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn Network.

    Gaurav Kapur, a renowned television presenter, and the quizmaster for the three semi-finals and final, said, “I used to think I knew my sports thoroughly until I anchored the LinkedIn ESPN Office Sports Quiz. During the quiz, I thanked my stars for being on the other side of the table as this is one of the toughest contest I have been a part of and can safely say that this show has helped me enhance my knowledge of sporting trivia. My best wishes to the BigBasket boys, for stealing the trophy from team GyaanSpace on the finals straight.”

    Team BigBasket participants Rohit Suresh and Shriram Sundararajan are now set to travel to England in October to watch an English Football League match live from the stadium. Both Rohit Suresh & Shriram Sundararajan expressed great enthusiasm at winning the quiz. Avid sports fans and athletes themselves, the duo claimed that their preparation for the quiz primarily comprised of watching sports on television and following ESPN and ESPNcricinfo regularly.

    Akshaya Kolhe, Head of Sales, ESPN, said, “At ESPN we strive to constantly tap into the whole spectrum of our sports fan base through concerted efforts to diversify our engagement and content, using different channels and formats. This partnership with LinkedIn has been a fruitful one for us as we were both able to harness our reach and scale to provide true sport fans with a platform to test their knowledge and demonstrate their passion for sports.”

    LinkedIn ESPN Office Sports Quiz is an effort to unite sports enthusiasts from different walks of life and in different stages of their careers through their passion for sports. Participants of all age groups representing reputed organizations spanning Information & technology, Banking, e-tailing, Edutainment and other sectors from across Indian cities were united through their passion for sports during this quiz. The participants were put through rigorous online qualifying rounds, semi-finals and final across three weeks, that culminated with team BigBasket taking home the coveted trophy.

  • This Festive Season, ‘Add More Love’ with Samsung’s Never Before Offers on QLED TVs, Appliances, Get Upto 25% Instant Discount, 15% Cashback

    This Festive Season, ‘Add More Love’ with Samsung’s Never Before Offers on QLED TVs, Appliances, Get Upto 25% Instant Discount, 15% Cashback

    MUMBAI: Elevating the festive spirit this season, Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics and smartphone brand, has launched its ‘Add More Love’ festival campaign offering exclusive deals and assured gifts for  consumers across India. Consumers purchasing select Samsung products such as QLED TVs, 4K UHD TVs, Refrigerators, Microwave Ovens, Digital Inverter Air Conditioners, Eco Bubble and Top Load Washing Machines, among others, will get up to 25% instant discount. They can also avail up to 15% additional cashback with Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, RBL Bank and ICICI Bank debit and credit cards.

    During the offer period, valid till October 30, 2019, consumers purchasing select models of Samsung QLED TVs will get assured gifts such as Galaxy S10 smartphone worth INR 61,900 and Galaxy A50 worth INR 21,490. With the purchase of select 4K UHD TVs, consumers will get complimentary gifts such as Galaxy M30 worth INR 17,990 and Google Home Mini worth INR 4,999. With select Samsung AddWash Washing Machine models, customers will get a 23 liter Microwave Oven free.

    Consumers purchasing Samsung Convection Microwave Ovens will get a 2-piece Borosil set. Samsung is also offering free installations on Digital Inverter Air Conditioners, 12-year Warranty on Digital Invertor Motor of select Washing Machines and unique finance offers on select Refrigerators.

    Additionally, Samsung will also offer attractive zero down payment EMIs for as low as INR 1,078 per month for Smart TVs, one down payment of INR 11,111 and 24 EMIs of INR 11,111 for Samsung Family Hub Refrigerators and waiver of one EMI if the customer chooses to pay in 20 installments for select Refrigerators and many more.

    “This festive season, Samsung wishes to bring families and friends together with its innovative products and consumer offers. It is an opportunity for us to enhance the festivities through our special offers combined with best prices across Samsung’s diverse product range. We are committed to bring unparalleled technology to our consumers and these offers are a testament to that commitment. We believe that these offers will further enhance our market leadership and add more joy to this festive season,” said Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President, Consumer Electronics Business, Samsung India.

    “To offer world class customer service, we have built a network of over 3,000 service points and 535 service vans. These vans provide service in every corner of the country, making Samsung’s service network the largest in this industry in India,” Pullan added.  

    The festive offers will be applicable on purchase of select products from Samsung Exclusive stores, select multi brand retail stores, and leading electronics stores across India except for Kerala

  • United Colors of Benetton opens milan fashion week with a poolside fashion show – the color wave

    United Colors of Benetton opens milan fashion week with a poolside fashion show – the color wave

    MUMBAI: Color Wave is the second fashion show by the historic Treviso brand. United Colors of Benetton, under the artistic direction of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, offers a Spring/Summer 2020 fashion show inspired entirely by the sea. The location is the historic Piscina Cozzi swimming pool, a masterpiece of ’30s architecture, the perfect setting for conveying the French designer’s message: “Dive into fashion week with Benetton and enjoy the final days of summer, à la piscine”.

    The sea, water, and sailing are the timeless themes of the United Colors of Benetton style, interpreted here as a metaphor for a voyage among the most beautiful and characteristic ports of the Mediterranean, from St. Tropez to Hydra. A palette of pastel hues, pink, lilac and pale blue – “Bajac pastels”, as JCDC calls them – is the leitmotif used to create a wardrobe of cult items. A fine marinière, a waxed peacoat, a perfect pullover, a chic, dynamic office look, a mix ‘n’ match unlined men’s suit for an easy bon ton style are the key items Benetton offers for a cosmopolitan global public of any age and gender.

    In addition to the poudre hues of the company’s historic colour palette, we find every possible shade of blue, from marine blue to fine cobalt and the many délavé blues created with natural mineral dyes – all in a homage to The season’s must-haves are white sweatshirts and maxi T-shirts printed with images from Oliviero Toscani’s advertising campaigns. “I wanted to create an exhibition in motion, to show even the younger crowd the revolutionary nature of Oliviero’s work, which is part of the brand’s heritage”, explains JCDC.

    Popeye the Sailor Man also makes an appearance in the collection, serving as a “green” ambassador, putting his famous strength to work to protect the oceans. His image appears on T-shirts, dresses and sweatshirts in a variety of digital prints: sustainability is a very important issue for Benetton, whose research laboratories have developed natural, non-toxic dyes and innovative products made of ecological materials, such as a trench coat made of paper and recycled fibres.

    In a world of short-lived trends, UCB offers a unique vision of well-made fashions designed for everyone. Drop anchor in a port of health and beauty, dive into a world of zest and dynamism, find a safe haven in timeless style: let’s all go for a dip in Benetton’s Color Wave pool before the autumn begins and our sailor's tan begins to fade!

  • Evolving Sustainably, Together – Birla Carbon releases its Seventh Sustainability Report

    Evolving Sustainably, Together – Birla Carbon releases its Seventh Sustainability Report

    MUMBAI: Birla Carbon, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of carbon black, today released its seventh annual sustainability report titled – Evolving Sustainably, Together. The 2019 report focuses on sustainable operational excellence, product and process innovation, customer engagement, sustainable supply chain enhancement, and community outreach efforts.  It is aligned with international standards set by the GRI and CDP and highlights efforts initiated by Birla Carbon in collaboration with leading sustainability, environment and risk agencies to achieve its objectives in alignment with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

    The online report is available at – http://sustainability.birlacarbon.com/. To download a copy of the report, click here.

    Sharing his thoughts on the release of the 2019 report, Dr. Santrupt B Misra, Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “The relevance and value of sustainability for our organizations and our industry has been accentuated in the context of today’s volatile global economic environment. As a global leader we continue to leverage our ‘Sustainable Operational Excellence’ as a key differentiator”. He further added, “We hope to remain a preferred sustainable partner to our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders by virtue of our Purpose-driven culture, strong commitments to our values, ability to collaborate and continuous investment in Innovation”. (read Dr Misra’s entire message here)

    Joe Gaynor, Chief Legal, Sustainability and Risk Officer, Birla Carbon, shares his views on the release of the report saying, "At Birla Carbon, sustainability is a continuous initiative across all levels of the organization. For our employees, it is about maintaining the highest safety and environmental standards. For customers, it is about being a best in class innovative partner. For our suppliers, it is about ensuring a reliable and ethical supply chain.” He further adds, “The seventh sustainability report captures the essence of our business strategy focusing on bringing our Purpose to life through innovation across Birla Carbon." (read Joe Gaynor’s entire message here)

    Highlights:

    100% of suppliers screened for compliance through NAVEX Global’s RiskRate® system
    3.5% profit reinvested in R&D
    75% of our facilities are energy positive with 11 plants making energy related investments in FY 2019
    55 Net Promoter Score® demonstrating our customers’ high satisfaction
    70% of our sites completed the year without a recordable injury
    100% of facilities participate in community engagement

    Prioritizing sustainability in day-to-day operations, Birla Carbon endeavors to be the clear leader in the industry, respected by the customers, communities and competitors. But more than simply being respected, innovative and dynamic, Birla Carbon aims to grow along with all its industry associates building and nurturing a better tomorrow.

    Read the report at http://sustainability.birlacarbon.com/. For any questions, clarifications and feedback, write to us at birlacarbon.sustainability@adityabirla.com

    A Download section on the Sustainability report website provides links for all certificates, policies, statements and guides pertaining to Birla Carbon and its operations globally.

  • Steering innovation through collaboration: Tata Motors launches TACNet 2.0

    Steering innovation through collaboration: Tata Motors launches TACNet 2.0

    MUMBAI: With the aim to steer innovation through collaboration, Tata Motors today formally announced the launch of Tata Motors AutoMobility Collaboration Network 2.0 (TACNet 2.0), a platform that will help develop a centre of AutoMobility innovation through partnerships for new technologies and/or business models. It will also allow Tata Motors to engage with start-ups and technology companies to easily connect with them, spark innovative solutions in the automotive technologies and mobility ecosystem and explore synergies.

    According to Mr. Shailesh Chandra, President – Electric Mobility Business & Corporate Strategy, Tata Motors Ltd., “The automotive industry is undergoing a rigorous transformation phase with new and advanced technologies in manufacturing, digitization solutions to optimize the operations and supply-chain, innovative and advanced product technologies and disruptive business/service models for engaging the customer and other related stakeholders. Today, almost every segment of the automotive value-chain is required to drive its own innovation story. As a leading Indian automotive brand, we need to constantly keep innovating for better serving the market, our customers and the categories we cater to. In the current age of uncertainty and speed of change, the above effort of sourcing solutions will need to be driven both through in-house initiatives as well as collaborating with external partners. TACNet will enable the outside world in connecting with us for such innovation and collaboration opportunities. We are looking forward to unlocking the potential of India’s finest startups and technology and solution based companies.”

    TACNet, is a platform for connecting aspiring mature start-ups with Tata Motors to solve existing and anticipated challenges in the cargo and people mobility. The themes for TACNet 2.0 are centered on areas that are of immediate interest to Tata Motors. The company is looking for directly applicable solutions for block chain in automotive, parking marketplace, NLP native chatbot, demand prediction algorithm, real time monitoring of fuel quality (BSVI) and authenticating genuine spare parts. Interested applicants can apply by filling out the application form on the company’s web page – tacnet.tatamotors.com. Last date for entries will be September 29, 2019. This program will commence from inviting participations from aspiring start-ups, to pitching of their business and then culminating into a potential for a strategic partnership with an opportunity to even pilot a project.

  • “Just Human Things” & Qyuki launch ‘Minus One’; A quirky story that humanizes your ex

    “Just Human Things” & Qyuki launch ‘Minus One’; A quirky story that humanizes your ex

    MUMBAI: ‘Minus One’ is a quirky web series co-produced by Writeous Studios & Qyuki Digital, powered by POPxo, featuring Ayush Mehra and Aisha Ahmed. The story revolves around Riya (Aisha) and Varun (Ayush) who live-in together after a break-up and create a life that is perfect for them but difficult for the world to accept. Directed by Shubham Yogi along with creator Sidhanta Mathur and writer Aakash Bhojwani, Minus One aims to capture the hearts of everyone.

    The six-episode series that is approximately 15 minutes each is unique in its treatment while encapsulating the emotions involved with relationships between exes and how it affects people in their circle. The series premiered on the Just Human Things, a YouTube channel that presents content as a showcase of optimism at its finest and promulgates the belief that life isn’t so bad after all!

    Talking about the experience Ayush Mehra Shares, “Minus one was to date the best experience of my life! I absolutely loved working with the director Shubham Yogi and producer Sidhanta Mathur who went out of their way to make each moment feel special. My co-star Aisha is a gem to work with and I could not have asked for a better opportunity to showcase my talent. Thanks to Just Human Things and Qyuki, I feel like I have a found a tribe that I will be associated with, for life”

    Speaking about the series Aisha Ahmed Shares, “Minus one has been the warmest set experience, to come together and create something with love and happiness. I hope that everyone will love it as much as we do!”

    Talking about creating this quirky web series Sidhanta Mathur  Creator & Producer of Minus One says, “To tell a story about exes who live together was never the point, their friendship was. And that’s the optimism of it and this is the kind of story we want to tell on Just Human Things with a fresh and unique take. Being my first under my company’s banner, putting it all together was one of the most exciting but nerve-wracking experiences. Qyuki came on board as a co-producer and from there, things kicked off amazingly. We got a brilliant cast and crew who all came together because they really loved the idea of the show!  We truly worked together as a family to make sure we create a series that stands out and we are thrilled that our viewers have given it so much love”.

    Speaking about his directorial experience Shubham Yogi Creator & Director of Minus One says, “Minus Ones is what my friends called me and my ex-girlfriend turned flatmate. Although we never saw ourselves as revolutionaries, everyone who met us during those years definitely thought us odd. Sometimes people judged us, and sometimes they reflected on their relationships with their exes. Out of these experiences came the idea for Minus One. And Sid was one of the first people to hear it. From that short discussion 3 years, Sid and I always knew that we would try and bring this story to life someday. Aisha & Ayush took to the characters with ease, and soon into the shooting schedule, I found them improvising to better our vision. From Sid's belief in the idea to the entire production crew coming together and giving it life, this has been a blessed journey.”

  • Believe acquires Entco, expanding reach into india’s live music market

    Believe acquires Entco, expanding reach into india’s live music market

    MUMBAI: Believe, the leading technology and artist services company, announced today that it has acquired Entco, an Indian live music production company. The Paris-based company will now offer its roster of artists more comprehensive services and revenue opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing music and entertainment markets. Entco is a brand experiential company with a focus on immersive music experiences. 

    It was founded by Subramanian Iyer, Managing Director, and Warren de Sylva, Creative Director, who will both continue to run operations under Believe. Entco will be rebranded as Believe Entertainment, to be based in Mumbai, where it will closely align live music experiences for brands and consumers with Believe’s growing music distribution, label services and artist services operations in the market. Believe Entertainment will build on Entco’s position as an established player in the industry, with a legacy of award-winning live experiences, music festivals and concerts, led by experts in the field of live music entertainment and branded content, the company has offered a platform of services that include digital content, live performances and sync opportunities.

    “Subramanian and Warren have uniquely brought live music experiences that bring artists, brands and consumers together,” said Denis Ladegaillerie, CEO, Believe. “We have been growing quickly to a leadership position in the Indian market, and with Entco’s expertise, Believe will have unparalleled ability to help creators in India build audiences, careers and revenue opportunities.”

    “Warren and I created a business we are proud of and the acquisition is a testament to the amazing work of our team,” said Subramanian Iyer, Co-founder and Managing Director, Entco. “This strategic move will bring our artists and brands unprecedented access to the expertise and scale of Believe’s 44 global offices and more than 1,000 professionals.”

    “Our vision is to inspire audiences through extraordinary live music experiences and this new step is the perfect opportunity for us to scale up and expand our offering,” said Warren De Sylva Co-founder and Creative Director, Entco. “Believe will amplify what we’re able to provide through the power of one of the true global leaders bringing together technology and services to connect audiences with music.”