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  • Introducing “Ramayana: The Journey of Sita and Rama”, an animated series for kids

    Introducing “Ramayana: The Journey of Sita and Rama”, an animated series for kids

    Mumbai: Jumbaya, a visionary in educational entertainment, is thrilled to announce the launch of an extraordinary over 70-part read-along animated series titled “Ramayana: The Journey of Sita and Rama.” This groundbreaking series aims to bring the timeless tale of Valmiki’s Ramayana to life in an engaging and captivating manner, catering specifically to children aged 6-14 years.

    In a world where children are increasingly absorbed by digital content and the allure of constant scrolling, “Ramayana: The Journey of Sita and Rama” stands out as a beacon of educational value and cultural enrichment. As a premier children’s storyteller, Jumbaya curates narratives rich in lessons, cultures, emotions, and values, aimed at nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. With a deep understanding of the modern educational landscape and a keen awareness of the drawbacks of highly stimulating animated content and superficial engagement, this series has been thoughtfully crafted to redirect young minds toward a more purposeful experience that nurtures empathy, loyalty, friendship, forgiveness, and much more.  

    At the heart of this remarkable endeavour are subject matter experts (SMEs) who collaborate with Jumbaya to craft enchanting narratives of revered epics such as Ramayana. Drawing on extensive eight months of research, the series ensures an authentic portrayal of Valmiki’s Ramayana while tailoring it to captivate the young minds of today. Presented as an animated read-along read-aloud storybook, this innovative approach offers children an immersive experience—simultaneously watching and reading the epic story. Jumbaya enhances this experience by incorporating same language subtitling (SLS), displaying spoken words as text on the screen. This helps children recognise the correlation between sounds and letters, further enhancing vocabulary and fostering a sense of autonomy in reading abilities. Each 6-10 minute episode is thoughtfully designed to sustain engagement, promote comprehension, and accommodate the shrinking attention span of children.

    “We are thrilled to unveil ‘Ramayana: The journey of Sita and Rama,’ a series that reimagines how children experience and connect with our culture, history and ancient stories,” said Jumbaya CEO & founder Shailesh Prithani. “Our mission is to ignite young imaginations and foster a lifelong appreciation for our rich cultural heritage. Guided by rigorous research, we harness the power of technology to immerse children in the cultural treasures of our past. This is just the beginning of our journey; we are committed to unveiling a tapestry of awe-inspiring series in near future. Together, we are igniting the flames of curiosity and cultivating a lifelong love for learning, one captivating story at a time.”

    As society embraces cultural diversity, parents are increasingly seeking ways to introduce their children to the rich heritage and traditions of the world. “Ramayana: The Journey of Sita and Rama” provides a powerful avenue for parents to impart the values and stories of their culture to their children and transport them to a world of heroic adventures, profound teachings, and vibrant characters. This series serves as a bridge between generations, enabling parents to share the timeless wisdom of epics and mythologies in a format that resonates with today’s tech-savvy youth.

    “Ramayana: The journey of Sita and Rama,” an animated series that merges the magic of storytelling with the wonders of technology to create an unforgettable educational experience for young audiences, is now available for young minds to explore and enjoy.

  • Top marketers speak on working with Titus Upputuru and TTUC on its first anniversary

    Top marketers speak on working with Titus Upputuru and TTUC on its first anniversary

    Mumbai: The Titus Upputuru Company (TTUC), which was set up as a ‘pro-agency’ last year, finished a successful year, with several highly memorable campaigns.

    Some of the more notable work that the company has produced over the year includes ‘Gutli’ for Greenlam Industries, Catch Masala’s heart rending Mothers Day’s film, PVR INOX’s humorous ‘Fresh Dekho, Bada Dekho’ campaign, Fenesta Windows’ ‘Bees Saal, Tumhara Khayal’ anniversary film,  PVR’s horror-filled The Insidious Dare and DS Group’s powerful belief statement ‘Jo bhi karo dil se karo’.

    As a testimony to the successful year, top marketers of the country have expressed their thoughts of working with the Ccompany. Excerpts below:

    DS Group senior vice president – corporate marketing Rajeev Jain:

    “In the crucible of entrepreneurship, a year becomes the forge for dreams to take shape and passions to ignite. As The Titus Upputuru Company celebrates this remarkable milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for being our extraordinary partner. Titus’s unwavering commitment and boundless passion is deeply appreciated. His innate ability to comprehend our essence and deliver precisely what’s required has been nothing short of commendable. His zeal to add value has transformed challenges into opportunities, propelling us towards greater heights. As the company ventures into another year of limitless possibilities, we wish Titus all the success and fulfilment that his exceptional journey deserves. Onwards, together!”

    Former SpiceJet chief operating officer, Vistara chief strategy and commercial officer, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts president, Jet Airways CEO-designate Sanjiv Kapoor:

    “I have worked with Titus since my SpiceJet days almost a decade ago, when he was the brain behind the much-loved “With All Our Heart” campaign that went a long way in reviving the brand’s image at the time. I have seen Titus’ work stand out over the years, and have always sought him out in various ad campaigns and pitches. Titus also worked with me on certain airline livery concepts more recently, and his work stood out as classy and understated.  The same class and understatement was powerful demonstrated in the “The Joy Is Back” campaign Titus masterminded for Jet Airways for the team working on its revival.  Congratulations Titus on the first anniversary of your new outfit, and here’s to many more campaigns together!

    DC Sriram Group chief marketing officer – Fenesta Windows Susmita Nag:

    “I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible experience of working with Titus on Fenesta’s 20-year brand film. His passion and enthusiasm and attention to detail…. from script to launch was quite a pleasant experience especially since its very rare these days. I am confident he will keep up the good work and wish him all the best for all his future projects!”

    PVR INOX Limited co-CEO Gautam Dutta:

    “Taking this moment to thank and appreciate Titus Upputuru Company for their contributions towards PVR INOX’s “Fresh Dekho Bada Dekho” campaign, where the Company played a key role in crafting the two films. What stands out is Titus’s way of making messages feel real and relatable. This helps bring the brands closer to people’s hearts. With 25 years of experience, Titus’s expertise shines through. On this milestone, we want to express our gratitude and look forward to more great collaborations with Titus Upputuru Company. Cheers to his creativity and dedication! Happy 1st year anniversary, The Titus Upputuru Company!”

    Speaking on the occasion, The Titus Upputuru Company founder and chief creative officer Titus Upputuru said, “It’s been a good year and I am really grateful to God! Video is something that we are passionate about and I am glad we got several opportunities to do varied forms of storytelling, from highly emotional to humour to horror. We hope we have added value to the brands and the companies we have partnered! I am thankful to everyone who cheered us along and worked tirelessly to produce some memorable work. A special note of thanks also to all the partners in companies and agencies who have trusted us with the briefs and the scripts. In one year, you barely learn to walk. But we have seen that if we have the faith, we can actually begin to fly!”

  • Weekend Unwind with: ReachIvy founder & chief education officer Vibha Kagzi

    Weekend Unwind with: ReachIvy founder & chief education officer Vibha Kagzi

    Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind – a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.

    In this week’s session, we have ReachIvy founder & chief education officer Vibha Kagzi.

    ReachIvy.com is a premium online education and careers advisory for students founded by Vibha Kagzi who holds MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

    She founded ReachIvy.com with the objective of providing intensive guidance on study abroad and careers from experts who have first-hand knowledge of what it means to earn a degree from a top school and lead initiatives at prestigious companies/organisations.

    So, without further ado, here it goes…

    Your mantra for life

    “Empower Your Path: Break Barriers, Ignite Dreams”

    So, picture this: my life in a nutshell, all wrapped up in this little phrase. It’s like a reminder to tackle challenges head-on, grab those chances with both hands and nurture those big dreams like they’re precious little seedlings. My own story of rocking the education and career game? Yep, that’s my pep talk right there. And you know what’s the real juice? Guiding and pumping up the youth with a glimmer of hopes and dreams in their eyes – it’s like my life’s mission in a nutshell. So go on, let’s keep hustling, learning, and dreaming big.

    A book you are currently reading or plan to read

    I plan on reading “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle, a popular self-help and spiritual book that focuses on the concept of mindfulness and present-moment awareness, and “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg is a book that addresses issues related to women in the workplace, leadership, and gender equality.

    Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic

    When the pandemic hit, I rolled with the punches and crafted a fitness routine that jived with my values and crazy schedule. Tough times, huh? But my motto was my guiding light: “Adapt, Strengthen, Thrive: Nurturing Body and Mind.”

    And you know what that’s all about? Embracing the curveballs, shaking hands with change, and giving my body and mind some much-needed TLC. It’s like a harmony of sweat sessions and zen vibes that kept me rocking even in the stormiest of times.

    Your comfort food

    My comfort food leans towards the flavours of South Indian cuisine. Absolutely delicious!

    A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down

    “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

    This quote reflects the idea that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of any journey, and what truly matters is the determination to persevere in the face of adversity. It aligns with my proactive and resilient approach to my career and life’s pursuits.

    Your guilty pleasure

    Indulging in my hobbies is my delightful guilty pleasure. I am all for deep-sea diving too!

    The last time you tried something new

    Every day, I embrace the thrill of experimenting with fresh approaches to everyday tasks.

    A life lesson you learned the hard way

    In my playbook, tough times? They’re like the universe serving up a challenge and me saying, “Challenge accepted!” I’m all about turning adversity into a launchpad for growth. Yup, you heard that right. Every bump in the road? It’s my golden ticket to upping my game, both personally and professionally.

    And you know what? It jives with my education mission and helping students tackle obstacles like champs on their way to nailing those goals. It might sound like a motivational poster, but it’s real stuff. Challenges? Meet my stepping stones to success.

    What gets you excited about life

    Life’s my playground of excitement, powered by my passion for education and career guidance. Seeing students shine and evolve, shaping their tomorrows? That’s my buzz. Committees, boards, and events? They fire me up for sharing knowledge and lighting up young minds. And then there’s my yoga, diving, and wanderlust for new cultures – pure zest! Growth? It’s my life’s fuel, keeping everything vibrant and alive.

    What’s on top of your bucket list

    Central to my aspirations is a profound goal: to expand the boundaries of primary education, extend my company’s footprint to new nations and uplift young minds. It’s a vision that resonates with empowering the next generation and cultivating positive transformation on a global canvas.

    If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be

    Hey, there Vibha! Don’t think, don’t worry too much about the future, just embrace the journey as every challenge is a chance to grow, and anything you enjoy doing, do it with passion and will be fruitful. You got this!

    One thing you would most like to change about the world

    One aspect I’d earnestly consider refining in our world is ensuring universal access to top-tier education, irrespective of background or circumstances. The concept echoes my deep-rooted commitment to mentoring students and propelling them toward their aspirations. The symphony of these ideals harmonises perfectly with my fervent desire to leave a meaningful imprint on the tapestry of young minds.

    An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times

    Jumping into a mentorship or getting up on that speaking stage – those are my jams! I get to dish out my knowledge, light up some inspiration, and who knows, maybe sprinkle some positive vibes into people’s lives (fingers crossed, and a bit of a hopeful chuckle). Guiding and supporting others through the tough stuff? That’s my secret sauce for a turbocharged sense of purpose and the oomph to tackle anything head-on.

    What lifts your spirits when life gets you down

     When life decides to throw me a curveball, I find my spirits soaring by connecting with awesome students and seeing their triumphs. And hey, a change of scenery does wonders too – exploring new places, soaking in different cultures – it’s like a soul recharge! Oh, and yoga, my trusty sidekick, helps me find my zen when things get crazy. Life’s a ride, and I’m here for the adventure!

    Your go-to stress buster

    When stress starts knocking, my trusty sidekick is yoga. Yep, I’m a certified yoga trainer, and hitting the mat is like pressing the reset button for me. It’s my go-to for shaking off the craziness and finding that inner zen. Life’s too short to stress, right?

  • Havas Group India companies are now Great Place To Work certified

    Havas Group India companies are now Great Place To Work certified

    Mumbai: Havas Group India companies (creative group, media group and health) have been Great Place To Work Certified in India from November 2022 to November 2023.

    Havas Group India, the country’s fastest-growing advertising conglomerate, has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last few years. Despite expanding in the breadth of its specialized offerings through acquisitions and joint-ventures, and in turn, the volume of new employees who now fall under the Havas Group India umbrella, the network has remained consistent in its primary focus – its people.

    In an industry so dynamic that one of its hallmarks is the constant flurry of new faces flowing in and out of organisations, Havas Group India has institutionalized concrete measures to ensure talent retention and development across the various stages of one’s professional journey, which has borne a complete cultural transformation for the better.

    With a holistic yet customized approach in mind, Havas Bolt aims to mould high-potential talent into the leaders of tomorrow. Simultaneously, the network has a vested interest in pumping fresh perspectives and ideas into the industry by way of their flagship internship program, Havas Spark, the second edition of which was concluded successfully in October this year. Havas Group India hosts the ‘Meaningful Difference Awards’ to appreciate the long service and celebrate the contributions of employees.

    At an industry-level, Havas Group India is a founding member of the India chapter of UN Women’s #Unstereotype Alliance which addresses gender-based stereotyping in advertising content. It is also a signatory of the national chapter of UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, and has recently been awarded 1st runner-up in the Transparency & Reporting category of the UN WEPs Awards 2022. Driving the ethos of equality and diversity within the network is the 12-member Women Who Inspire committee. Some other initiatives include ‘Flex Your Lexi’ workshops, the ‘Bounce Back’ program for women returning to work after maternity leave, ‘A Day in Life Of’ video series aimed at capturing the stories of female managers and leaders across the network, among others. These sustained efforts have resulted in improving the gender ratio from 19 per cent to 35 per cent, with strong visibility of female leaders in the C-suite.

    The network actively promotes a learning mindset, widening the horizons for its employees by running programs like Havas Talks, where industry experts and pioneers speak to employees and share their success stories and unique insights. In seeking opportunities to make a meaningful difference, Havas Group India has a strong association with the Akshara Foundation of Arts & Learning (AFAL) where the organization sponsors the school fees of underprivileged children studying in the ICSE board and volunteers conduct workshops and career counselling sessions.

    Transparency is pivotal in building and sustaining a healthy work environment, and Havas Group India has dedicated channels like HavaSAY engagement surveys and Havas Voice email systems to ensure their employees not only feel heard but also supported. These anonymous and confidential channels provide a safe way to raise genuine concerns, without the fear of reprisals, and helps inform what works well and where the organization can improve. Whether it is prioritising mental and physical wellbeing under the ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’ initiative which sees enthusiastic employee participation in activities like Yoga Day workshops, after-work Game Nights or Paint Your Pride, or conducting a specially curated Havas Ascend induction program monthly for new joinees, Havas Group India champions a people-first outlook. In line with the overarching ‘Better Together’ philosophy characteristic of the global Havas Group, the India operations is a definitive example of a positive workplace culture, as demonstrated by earning the Great Place To Work Certification.

    Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make strategic people decisions. The Institute serves businesses, non-profits and government agencies in more than 60 countries and has conducted pioneering research on the characteristics of great workplaces for over three decades.

    Havas Group India group CEO Rana Barua said, “Advertising networks are in the business of conjuring ideas, and ideas come from people. Hence, people are our biggest asset. Over the past three years, the entire leadership of Havas Group India has worked closely with me and our group CHRO Vandana Tilwani to cultivate a culture of equity, equality, inclusivity and transparency, and we are deeply invested in the growth and well-being of our people. This certification bears testament that we have taken actionable steps to ensure that what we are building is not just a place to work but a great place to work.”

    Tilwani said, “This is a momentous occasion for all of us at Havas Group India. Being Great Place To Work Certified holds up a mirror to how our employees truly feel about the culture and environment we have built together interpersonally as well as institutionally. It has been a sustained labour of care and conscious consideration to ensure our people are happy at Havas. We constantly strive to do better, and this Certification serves as a validation of our past efforts and encouragement for the wonderful things we have in store ahead.”

    In India, the institute partners with more than 1100 organizations annually across over 22 industries to help them build high-trust, high-performance cultures designed to deliver sustained business results. Hundreds of CEOs and CXOs from India Inc. are part of the great place community that is committed to the vision of making India a great place to work for all.

    The institute’s research shows that great workplaces are characterized by great leadership, consistent employee experience, and sustainable financial performance. These organizations can deliver a consistent experience to all their employees irrespective of their role, gender, tenure, or level. Their leaders believe in the vision of creating and sustaining a great place to work for all and role models being for all leaders.

  • MediaCom to look after Zound Industries’ integrated media mandate in India

    MediaCom to look after Zound Industries’ integrated media mandate in India

    Mumbai: GroupM’s MediaCom has won the integrated media mandate for Zound Industries International AB’s media operations in India. The account will be handled out of the agency’s Mumbai office.

    Founded in 2008, Zound Industries designs and develops speakers and headphones under the brand names adidas, Marshall, and Urbanears. With a strong focus on innovative technology and user-centred design, Zound has launched a wide range of iconic, award-winning products. The brand currently has around 270 employees, with offices in Stockholm, New York, London, Paris, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. 

    Zound Industries has come into an agreement with MediaCom recently this year, assigning them to be responsible for the media strategy, planning, buying and implementation in the India market. Using its core expertise and global network, MediaCom will aim to maximise Zound’s marketing efforts, catering to the brands’ target audiences.

    Commenting on the partnership, MediaCom South Asia CEO Navin Khemka said, “Zound Industries International AB has been doing some great work since their inception which makes this an interesting mandate. MediaCom understands the dynamics of cult niche brands like Marshall and Urbanears. Over the next few years, MediaCom will help Zound Industries build on its ambitious growth plans. This is going to be an exciting growth journey and we look forward to it.”

  • How to download favorite music to an iPhone?

    How to download favorite music to an iPhone?

    If you’ve ever wondered how to download music to your iPhone or how to download music to your iPhone for free, you’ve come to the right place. Due to the departure of many music labels and the suspension of some streaming services, this question has become more acute than ever. So how do you save your music collection accumulated over the years? How do you download music to your iPhone that is on your computer? Can I download music to my iPhone from the Internet directly into my phone? Now we’ll tell you about everything.

    We need downloaded music on our smartphones, not only for personal use. In many media and digital careers today, music is a necessary assistant for creating a better and more exciting product. It complements your promotional videos for social networks or vlogs and becomes a pleasant background for your presentation. So we decided to select the best resources with free music downloads for iPhone owners, so you can visit Bollywood to play, exercise, and do your chores with your favorite music!

     The difficulties of the iPhone in terms of downloading music

    It is believed that downloading music to the iPhone is a challenging process. Many users think they can’t download anything to their iPhone and can only buy music or pay for subscriptions. It has long been wrong. Apple has yet to allow you to download anything to your smartphone fully, but it has dramatically simplified the process. There are three main ways to download music to your iPhone.

    Download music from streaming services or buy

    This method suits those who still have a subscription to Apple Music or other music services. It can also be used if you’ve found an option to top up your Apple ID or if you’re paying via a mobile number from one of your mobile operators. Then you can download tracks from the streaming service app.

    When you download tracks from Apple Music, they are saved to your smartphone’s internal memory and become available for offline listening – without the Internet. But from time to time, the apps need a network connection to check your subscription status. Once they find that your subscription has expired or that you forgot to pay for it, you won’t be able to listen to your downloaded music anymore. Instead, it will be locked away in your phone until your subscription is renewed.

    If you want your music to stay with you forever, go to the iTunes Store app on your smartphone, find the artist you want, and buy your favorite song or album. Purchased tracks are automatically downloaded to your phone and stay with you forever. However, if you’re going to avoid buying music, read on Baccarat.

    How to download music to your iPhone via iTunes and Apple Music

    Suppose you’ve had a massive collection of music accumulated over the years on your computer hard drive, or you recently downloaded the complete discography of your favorite artist and want it to appear on your iPhone. First of all, in the settings of your smartphone in the “Music” section, you need to turn on the “Synchronize Media Library” checkbox. Then you do the same in the iTunes app on your Windows computer or in the Music app on macOS.

    Then all the tracks and albums you’ve downloaded to iTunes or music will go to your iPhone – wirelessly, via the cloud, to your Apple Music collection. Then you can download the tracks you want to your phone memory from the app.

    This method is suitable for anyone who wants to legalize their collection and plans to access it from any Apple device. If the metadata of your tracks matches with the Apple Music service, the missing tags will be added, and the correct album art will be loaded, and so on. The main disadvantage, in this case, is that the tracks remain tied to your Apple Music subscription, and you will not be able to listen to them if your subscription runs out. It’s also important to remember that not all file formats are supported by iTunes – apart from tracks in MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, and Apple Lossless (ALAC 16 bit/44.1 kHz and 24 bit/48 kHz), you can’t download anything. You will either have to convert the tracks to a suitable format (e.g., FLAC to ALAC) or search for appropriate arrangements online.

    What if you want to listen to music without being tethered to the cloud, like in the good old days? To download music directly to your iPhone without tethering to Apple Music, you first need to turn off the cloud media library on your smartphone (uncheck the “Synchronize Media Library” box in the Music settings) and do the same on your computer.

    Then you need to download all the music you want in the iTunes app for PC or Music for Mac, and then connect your iPhone by wire. Then you choose which songs and albums you want to download to your smartphone and click the “Sync” button. You can also click the “Autofill” button if you’re going to transfer your entire collection to your smartphone at once.

    The main disadvantage is losing access to your cloud-based Apple Music library. The main plus – is you’ll get access to all your music without the Internet.

     Downloading music in the Files app

    ● There’s another way that only a few people know about. The Files app appeared in iOS a few firmware versions ago. It is a piece of the closed file system of the iPhone, accessible to the user and combined with cloud storage iCloud Drive or Google Drive, which you can connect and use as additional or primary storage.

    ● The main secret is that in this application, you can store music in any format and quantity – including tracks in FLAC format and albums packed in ZIP archives.

    ● To download music directly to your phone from any site or file-sharing site, click “Download” the song, album, or archive where you found it. Then you need to go to the “Downloads” section of Safari browser and save the downloaded music to “Files” by selecting the storage location – cloud storage or iPhone memory. You can listen to any track without being connected to the online, cloud, Apple Music, or other services.
    ●    The main disadvantage is that you’ll have to play all the songs simultaneously. You won’t be able to listen to them one by one since “Files” doesn’t have a full-fledged player with support for queuing or shuffling files. The main plus is that you can download anything from anywhere and listen to it whenever possible.
    Now you know how to download a song to your iPhone, add pieces to the media library on your iPhone or save music to files on your iPhone – all three ways work, are tested, and are not complicated.

     

  • The Ad Club’s Twitter handle allegedly hacked

    The Ad Club’s Twitter handle allegedly hacked

    Mumbai: The Advertising Club’s Twitter handle has allegedly been hacked by an individual/agency/company impersonating as Ripple, one of the leading companies in crypto solutions for businesses. The latter has been tweeting from the former’s Twitter account for a while.

    Eros Media World Plc Group CEO Pradeep Dwivedi who holds the designation of vice president and area director for the International Advertising Association (IAA) APAC region for 2022-24, took to the social platform to warn Ripple to hand back the same, before legal action could be taken against them in India and the US. He also went on to tag Elon Musk in his post.

    In a statement to the media, Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd president – response and The Advertising Club president Partha Sinha said, “As many of you might have noticed, the Twitter account of the premier association of our country The Advertising Club  @TheAdClub_India was hacked on 22 November. Even after several attempts to reinstate the account by speaking with the officials at Twitter and their representatives, it has not yet been restored.”

    He added, “While we are evaluating the future course of action, we request all our members/followers to not click/engage with any content that comes from the handle @TheAdClub_India.”

  • Do you need antivirus software?

    Do you need antivirus software?

    Anti-malware programs are designed to protect against viruses, among other things. They are denoted by a more modern term that covers all types of malware, including viruses. Anti-malware programs can prevent viruses from entering a computer or removing infected files. At the same time, anti-malware software may not have the functionality to restore files modified or replaced by a virus. Antivirus and anti-malware are referred to by the more general term “cybersecurity tools.”

    Installing an antivirus on your computer does not guarantee 100% protection against any intruder’s intrusions, but it usually ensures protection against known forms of viruses and threats. Unfortunately, there is a constant struggle between virus creators and antivirus software developers. Moreover, you can download malware from a copy of a trusted site like the OCB website or similar content. Therefore, you have to be extremely careful.

    That is why regular updates and installation of newer antiviruses are prerequisites for complete protection against threats.

    It is worth noting that not all antivirus programs block spyware programs. Spyware programs are usually aimed at stealing information and do not cause visible damage to your computer in the form of various changes in a performance like viruses.

    Many of you are asking, “Do I need antivirus on Windows? Today we will try to understand what modern antiviruses are and under what conditions you can give them up.

    What is a computer virus?

    A computer virus is (usually) malicious software that has two characteristics:

    ● It takes the actions of an unsuspecting user to launch a virus. Opening an attachment in an unsecure E-Mail (spam mail) or starting an infected program may be enough. The virus then starts trying to infiltrate other devices connected to the network or listed in the user’s contact list.

    ● The virus must have the ability to copy itself. If a program object does not create copies of itself, it is not a virus. Self-copying can, for example, be done by modifying or completely replacing other files on the user’s system. Either way, the final file must exhibit the same behavior as the original virus file.

    Computer viruses have accompanied us for decades. The theoretical understanding of “self-replicating automata” (i.e., viruses) was formulated by John von Neumann in a paper published in the late 1940s. However, the earliest viruses began to appear in the 1970s on platforms that preceded the personal computer. At the same time, the history of modern viruses begins with the Elk Cloner program that struck Apple II systems in 1982. This virus, carried by infected floppy disks, did not harm. However, it penetrated all media plugged into the system and spread rapidly, which many computer security experts consider the first-ever large-scale computer virus epidemic.

    Antiviruses and scarecrows

    Pseudo-antiviruses account for the leading share of scareware sellers. They perform free “scans” (often online), supposedly find something, and then offer to remove it for money. Unfortunately, it is the scarecrows that ruin the reputation of real antiviruses. Real antiviruses, however, are less and less different from fake antiviruses.

    The intimidation of the user begins as early as during installation. Then the antivirus bugs you with notifications until you buy a paid version and allow it to do anything on your computer.
    Such aggressive promotion tactics undermine the credibility of all security software manufacturers, affecting even the market leaders.

    Antivirus and surveillance

    The scandal of banning Kaspersky Lab products in the US is still ongoing, but the charges against them can be brought against any antivirus vendor. It is because they all contain cloud scanning tools and send any files they deem suspicious to their servers.

    According to the manufacturers’ claims, everything happens automatically and is anonymized, and the technology is unsuitable for collecting information from specific computers. However, the opposite task (finding the source of the distribution of malware or establishing that a file belongs to a particular computer) can generally be solved.

    Antiviruses and vulnerabilities

    Another problem is that bugs in any popular software are often used to execute attacks, and antiviruses are one of the main targets here. For example, a vulnerability was found in Bitdefender Internet Security 2018 that allows remote execution of arbitrary code. Unfortunately, Avast, AVG, and many others are no better.

    Today’s antiviruses are deeply integrated into the system, sometimes creating more problems than it solves. They install their services (which may contain bugs) and intercept system calls (disturbing other programs); they have too many rights and are technically capable of doing anything without user knowledge.

    Another alarming thing is the antivirus modules like “secure payments.” You go to a bank’s site with an antivirus browser extension and enter data on its “keylogger-proof” on-screen keyboard. All this seems to be going over HTTPS, but the antivirus has to check the encrypted traffic, so it installed its certificate to decrypt it long ago.

    The antivirus company already has all the other identification data – you specified it yourself during registration. Therefore, in purely technical terms, nothing prevents them from manipulating your accounts and attributing everything to hackers’ tricks. Another thing is that a company’s reputation is worth more, which is unlikely to happen in reality. In any case, we are not aware of such facts.

    Do you need an antivirus?

    It is a complicated question and depends on your knowledge of computers or, better yet, information security. It will be extra with all the improvements, such as the Windows 10 protector and built-in protection against encryption. However, we still advise using some antivirus for people who do not understand computers.

    A properly configured firewall, checking downloaded files for viruses, and using virtual machines to test new and suspicious programs is enough for those in the know.

    To give up antivirus, you will have to follow these rules:

    ● Use modern operating systems and update them in time;
    ● Keep your software up to date;
    ● Download and install software only from official sites;
    ● Check the downloaded files at online file scanning services;
    ● Test downloaded software on a virtual machine;
    ● Do not use crack codes and keygen;
    ● Do not browse dubious sites;
    ● Do not launch executable files received by mail;
    ● Use a properly configured firewall;
    ● Disable auto-run flash drives, and don’t use strange flash drives.
    You’ll find additional tips and methods for fighting viruses in the article “Protection against viruses” and section “Safety.” The essential thing in the fight against viruses is a sober mind and straight hands.

     Paid or free antivirus?

    Free antivirus from a reputable company or the built-in Windows defender is enough. There is no need to use paid antivirus.

    As a rule, paid antivirus differs from its free counterparts with a few additional options, which are unlikely to help if the virus has been encrypted and has zero detection on online services check files for viruses.

     

  • 10 Best Websites for Online Classes

    10 Best Websites for Online Classes

    So you have decided to explore the world of online learning. Undoubtedly, switching to online learning platforms has become a new trend since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and doesn’t seem to slow down even today. Whatever skills you are looking for, whether related to K-12 education, various entrance exams, or in-demand digital skills for professionals, there is a dedicated course online that you can rely on. Online classes help you learn from the comfort of your home without disturbing your hectic routine.

    Before you pick any random course online, you should know about the most relevant online training platforms whose courses are worth your time and effort. This article makes you familiar with all of them. So, let’s get started.

    Simplilearn
    Simplilearn is a great training platform for fresh graduates and working professionals who want to develop job-ready skills in various fields. Some of the top categories in which Simplilearn offers world-class training include digital marketing, cloud computing, cyber security, project management, artificial intelligence, data science, and software development. You will also find many courses in partnership with top universities like Purdue, Wharton, Caltech CTME, and UMass Amherst.

    Linkedin Learning
    LinkedIn doesn’t need any introduction, but many are not aware of its dedicated learning platform named LinkedIn Learning. This platform also offers high-quality online courses, but unlike Simplilearn, its courses are short-term based and focus on a particular topic rather than the entire subject. Its instructors are usually working professionals with rich experience in their business domains.

    Coursera
    If taking an online course from a reputed university is your priority, then Coursera is the most suitable option for you. This platform is a marketplace that hosts online courses from over 275 leading universities and companies and has trained more than 113 million learners across the world. By becoming a learner on this platform, you can benefit from a top-notch curriculum, low tuition fee, flexible schedule, and even achieve a university degree.

    Udacity
    Udacity came into existence when Stanford instructors Peter Norvig and Sebastian Thrun wanted to offer their ‘Introduction to Artificial Intelligence’ course for free online. Since then, Udacity has worked together with businesses and highly driven people to create a customized talent transformation path made possible with its Digital Competency Platform. You can dive into various Nanodegree programs, usually 3 to 4 months long, and develop the skills you want.

    Codecademy
    If you are specifically looking for online classes related to the software development field, then Codecademy is the platform for you. Basic courses related to programming languages like JavaScript, Python, Java, HTML, SQL, and others are offered for free. You can also check out subjects like data science, web development, developer tools, machine learning, code foundations, and web design with its Pro membership.

    Springboard
    This platform specializes in basically five areas, namely data, design, coding, cybersecurity, and tech sales. Apart from the theoretical classes, the platform also hosts real-world projects that you can work on and showcase your practical knowledge during interviews. The main highlight of the platform is some of its JobGuarantee programs, where you have the option to pay the course fee only after you are hired.

    Udemy
    If you thought you could learn from only institutional instructors, you are wrong. Head over to the Udemy platform, where you will find common people hosting their online courses on a variety of subjects. Udemy instructors are real people who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with the world. It is specifically suitable for college students who are looking to learn new skills by enrolling in affordable courses rather than spending on premium university courses. The platform features around 204K courses, 54 million learners, 71K instructors, and over 12500 enterprise customers.

    edX
    Similar to Coursera, the edX platform also hosts courses designed by renowned universities and companies. By partnering with over 160 member universities, edX has become the platform of choice for professionals willing to learn from institutes like Harvard, MIT, UC Berkeley, Boston University, and Australian National University. There are over 3600 courses to select from, along with 15 thousand instructors and over 110 million enrollments.

    Cognitive Class
    Offered by the tech giant IBM, Cognitive Class.ai is a platform that you can rely on for courses related to artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain technology, cloud computing, IoT, and virtual reality. The platform is powered by IBM Skills Network, a community of highly talented content creators, educators, and authors who aim to help students learn emerging technologies one project at a time. The courses include internal hackathons, competitions, projects, and virtual meetings.

    SkillShare
    Unlike the platforms mentioned above, the Skillshare platform hosts online classes rather than months-long courses. Moreover, its classes are more focused on topics like design, illustration, photography, freelancing, video, and more rather than the technology sector. You can choose from hour-long classes to enhance your creative skills and further explore learning paths that involve a series of carefully designed tutorials that reinforce one another’s learning, broadening your skill set.
    We hope that you can now enter the eLearning community with better information at hand and choose a relevant course to upgrade your skills. Start learning today and take your career to new heights.

     

  • Social Panga joins LS Digital

    Social Panga joins LS Digital

    Mumbai: Social Panga joins LS Digital (erstwhile Logicserve Digital) to form India’s biggest Independent group for the global market. This move will enable the group to further strengthen its solution-driven digital marketing transformation offerings, unlocking value for marketers looking for creativity and operational efficiencies in their growth path.

    “Social Panga will give the group an extra edge to our robust digital marketing transformation services. We share a common vision of building this group for the globe with Indian roots. This further enhances our capabilities post Langoor Digital & F1Studioz joined the group last year. I extend a warm welcome to the Social Panga team and I am very excited about the next phase of growth with them,” said LS Digital CEO & founder Prasad Shejale.

    Speaking about the development, Social Panga co-founder Himanshu Arora said, “We are charged up for this partnership, as it’s the first time in Indian advertising industry juggernauts and experts in their specific areas have come together to rewrite the norms to form a lethal force not just for India but for the globe. Our vision of building an Indian group with all specialised offerings are coming to life, allowing us to serve our customers with the best of class, unified solutions.”

    Added by Social Panga co-founder Gaurav Arora said, “Built on creativity, our group empowers us. AI propels our innovative thinking, while the media magnifies it. For the first time in India, significant agencies are uniting, setting us apart. With experienced founders and specialized teams, we’re crafting India’s largest integrated marketing platform. From India to the World, our specialized approach tackles business challenges head-on. We stand strong, a specialized team, poised to be a force from India, one country at a time.”

    The integrated creative agency will become part of LS Digital’s 6-pillar framework, which comprises Media, UI/UX, Creative & Communication, CX (MarTech), Data & Insights, and Tech Innovations. It marks a significant step towards realising the goal of creating an end-to-end suite of services in India for the world.

    Social Panga has a presence in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, with 150+ clientele and a team of 350+ ‘marketing mafias’ providing a solution-driven approach. It also has an in-house video production wing ‘The Yellow Shutter’ that has shot over 100+ advertising films and onboarded 65+ brands in the last 12 months.

    LS Digital strives to empower its clients to be future-ready by constantly ‘Challenging the Now’ with innovation and disruptions in digital marketing and transformation. The company is a proud innovator, unafraid to break the mould to provide bespoke solutions to its customers who want to grow their business and provide a positive customer experience. The addition of Social Panga will enable LS Digital to achieve its goal in providing a complete bouquet of services needed for digital marketing transformation under one roof.