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Category: Event Coverage

  • BookMyShow Live introduces the VerTech stage system to elevate Indian entertainment globally

    BookMyShow Live introduces the VerTech stage system to elevate Indian entertainment globally

    Mumbai: In a landmark move set to transform the live entertainment industry, BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow, brings to India a never-seen-before, cutting-edge stage that promises an exemplary production value for an unmatchable consumer experience.

    Acquired from Star Live, global live event infrastructure leader, the VerTech Stage represents a significant engineering milestone and is the world’s first all-steel stage to feature on the Indian live entertainment landscape.

    The VerTech stage (derived from Versatile Technology), marks a departure from traditional aluminium structures, offering unprecedented performance capability, sustainability and resilience. Its galvanised steel composition ensures maximum durability, making it an ideal choice for India’s diverse and largely tropical climate, providing superior weather protection and performance against wind, rain and heat especially for the largest scales of production.

    BookMyShow Live will unveil this market-first mammoth stage at Lollapalooza India 2024, produced and promoted by the platform. Festival attendees will witness this historic moment of the stage unveil at the BUDX main stage of Lollapalooza India 2024 featuring headliner acts including Jonas Brothers and Sting. Brought to India by BookMyShow Live, the VerTech stage came to the shores of Mumbai from the UK in sixteen enormous 40-feet containers. The Mahalaxmi Race Course reverberated with cranes, yellow-hatted mechanics, engineers and technicians, meticulously assembling the stage, piece by piece to now proudly boast, a loading capacity of 50 tonnes, a massive increase from the conventional 15 tonnes that live event stages in India typically have a capacity for.

    A unique selling point of the VerTech stage is its seamless structure, integrating towers mechanically into the substructure and a self-sustaining ecosystem, unlike any other in India. This unified design results in a robust setup capable of withstanding greater wind speeds and ever more complex production demands, including elaborate video technology and screens. Star Live’s VerTech range provides ultimate flexibility for a temporary stage structure with over 100 different configurations executed flawlessly, with the component range also able to deliver class-leading ground support for indoor and outdoor applications.

    It is no secret that India has become a high-potential, high-demand market for live entertainment experiences. BookMyShow’s Best of 2023 – #EntertainmentOnASpree report revealed that Live Entertainment took centre stage with a footfall of 13.5 million entertainment-seeking audiences creating a ‘momentous year’ choosing to step out for live events throughout last year. In its journey to lead the pack for accessible, extravagant and globally acclaimed live entertainment productions and therefore experiences for the country, BookMyShow’s investment across significant areas to build this ecosystem has always been ahead of the curve. India’s leading entertainment destination’s visionary step in investing in the VerTech stage system signals a bright future for the music and live event industry in the country, aligning it with international safety and production standards and unlocking a world of opportunities for artists and fans alike. Internationally renowned and popular artists such as Taylor Swift, Madonna, Adele, The Rolling Stones, Justine Timberlake, Foo Fighters, Sir Elton John and more have performed on the VerTech stage that matched the gigantic production sets and scale requirements for their performances.

    BookMyShow chief of business – live events Owen Roncon said, “The Indian live entertainment industry is at the cusp of a revolution signalled by a strategically woven mix of innovation, evolution and technology upscaling. This is exactly the mantra we’re following at BookMyShow Live to pave the way for curated live entertainment experiences that are unparalleled, unmatched and unmissable. With each experience, our work is focussed towards creating a new benchmark in the industry. Consumers are always at the heart of everything we do at BookMyShow and we are concentrating all our efforts in readying India for artists and performances from across the globe, delivering world-class entertainment on our stage, for our audiences that actively seek quality experiences in their leisure time. Bringing the iconic VerTech stage from Star Live to India furthered these efforts of a world-class platform for world-class artists and has opened up a sea of possible opportunities while elevating the industry standard of technical prowess, production value and sustainability.”  

    “As we mark this milestone with Book My Show, Star Live is proud to be a part of revolutionising India’s music events landscape. This exclusive collaboration not only reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability but also showcases the immense potential of our global partnerships in enhancing the live entertainment experience” said, Star Live CEO Grahame Muir.

    In alignment with the #LollaForChange initiative, the VerTech stage comprises over 95 per cent reusability of materials from show to show, with sustainability at its core. The ingenious design incorporates custom-designed handling frames and crates for efficient transportation and rapid setup, reflecting Star Live’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, opening up a massive pool of opportunities for BookMyShow Live to bring widen its ability to bring bigger A-star international talent requiring a mammoth production set-up, to India. 

  • Art Meets Tech: IPRS unravels the dynamics of AI and creativity at Kala Ghoda Art Festival 2024

    Art Meets Tech: IPRS unravels the dynamics of AI and creativity at Kala Ghoda Art Festival 2024

    Mumbai: The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), the forefront organisation in safeguarding the rights of creators and publishers in music is hosting an insightful panel at Kala Ghoda Art Festival 2024 on 28 January at 11 AM. The panel will take place at The Blue Box by Antiquity Natural Mineral Water at YB Chavan Centre. The session promises an insightful discussion on the integration between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and creativity with a distinguished panel of speakers including leading creators and industry experts Shalmali Kholgade – Singer-Songwriter, Raghav Meatle: Singer-Songwriter and founder First.wav; Sherrin Varghese (Band of Boys) – Musician-Actor, Himanshu Bagai – Senior Advocate IP and Copyright. The session will be moderated by Chaitanya Chinchlikar educator in the Film, Media, and Creative Arts industry.

    The session will explore the significant impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Creators and Creativity, shedding light on its rapid integration into the creative industries. Drawing examples of AI applications in music, art, writing, and various creative fields the panel will showcase AI’s growing role and adaptation. The panel will emphasize AI’s potential to enhance the creative process for artists, emphasizing collaboration over replacement. Furthermore, the discussion will address concerns about job displacement and contemplate the ethical implications of integrating AI into the creative process. Deliberations will also extend to the adaptation of copyright laws to accommodate the distinctive features of AI-generated works.

    Speaking about the panel, Singer-songwriter Shalmali Kholgade expressed, “As an artist, I’m thrilled to be part of the upcoming panel discussion at Kala Ghoda Art Festival with IPRS, speaking about the fascinating realm of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on creativity. It’s an exciting opportunity to explore how AI is becoming an integral part of the creative industries, shaping the way we approach music, art, and writing. Looking forward to the engaging session that sparks new ideas and perspectives in the ever-evolving landscape of creativity and also to see the collaborative possibilities between human creativity and technology”.

    Commenting on the topic of the panel,  IPRS CEO Rakesh Nigam said, “This discussion is pivotal for addressing the dynamic landscape of music in the era of AI-generated content, navigating job concerns, and ensuring the protection of creators’ rights through appropriate IP laws. It’s time to delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, examining its impact on creators and their careers. IPRS eagerly hosts this dialogue to explore the synergy between AI and human creativity. We envision a future where technology and human ingenuity collaboratively produce extraordinary results.”

    Attendees can expect an exploration of potential AI innovations and advancements that hold the power to transform the way creators operate, paving the way for a dynamic and innovative future at the intersection of technology and artistic expression. Fostering an interactive and inclusive environment, the session will encourage a lively exchange of questions and insights from the audience. Join IPRS at the Kala Ghoda Art Festival 2024 for an insightful discussion on the evolving relationship between AI and creativity, and the boundless possibilities it presents.

    Event details:  

    Panel Discussion: AI and its impact on Creators and Creativity at the Kala Ghoda Art Festival 2024

    Speakers: Shalmali Kholgade: Singer-Songwriter; Raghav Meatle: Singer-Songwriter; Sherrin Varghese (Band of Boys): Musician-Actor; Himanshu Bagai: Senior Advocate IP and Copyright

    Moderator: Chaitanya Chinchlikar educator in the Film, Media, and Creative Arts industry

    Date: 28 January 2024

    Time: 11 AM IST

    Venue: The Blue Box by Antiquity Natural Mineral Water at YB Chavan Centre

  • IDCA awarded the BRICS-CCI annual recognition awards 2024 for community excellence

    IDCA awarded the BRICS-CCI annual recognition awards 2024 for community excellence

    Mumbai: The BRICs Chamber of Commerce hosted the BRICS-CCI annual Awards 2024 in New Delhi. The awards presented were for excellence, innovation, responsible business practices, community service & commitment to a sustainable future.

    IDCA was conferred the BRICS CCI Community Excellence Award in this glittering ceremony. The award was received by Patron, Reena Jain Malhotra, CEO, Roma Balwani, Committee Member, Jyoti Jain, Secretary, Ajay Kumar, and Indian Deaf Cricket Association.

    IDCA CEO Roma Balwani said, “It was an honour for IDCA to be given the prestigious B.A.R.A. award for Community Excellence. It underscores the importance of mainstreaming disability sport and IDCA’s endeavour is to provide a platform for talented hearing-impaired Indian cricketers, both men & women to showcase their prowess in the game of cricket. We recently concluded a successful maiden women’s T 10 tournament which was held in early January 2024 which celebrated & signalled the focus on diversity & inclusion.  ”

    Patron, Reena Jain Malhotra commented, “We are privileged to receive this maiden BRICs BARA award which recognised the effort and hard work of teams across India of young hearing-impaired students who have a passion for cricket. Today, I am delighted to receive this award in recognition of our hearing-impaired President, Sumit Jain & his team’s immense contribution to encourage, transform the lives of many of these specially abled Indian cricketers and give them the opportunity to play in national & international matches and be proud of their achievements.”

    Executive director, co-founder of BRICS-CCI and concept founder B.A.R.A, Dr. Sushi Singh emphasised B.A.R.A’s alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One), embodying a commitment to unleash the power of the expanding BRICS bloc. Under the theme “Invest in our Planet,” the awards presented during the event recognised outstanding achievements in Academia, Business, Community, Media, and policymaking from various BRICS nations.

    KJ Alphons, former union minister of state for tourism and Guest of honour, gave away the awards in the august presence of chief guest, Maharaja Dr. Karan Singh, former member of Rajya Sabha.

  • The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club announces Goafest 2024

    The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club announces Goafest 2024

    Mumbai: The 17 edition of Goafest, the advertising festival in South Asia, is set to captivate the industry from the 29 to the 31 of May 2024 at the Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, Goa. Co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2024 promises to be an exhilarating three-day extravaganza, showcasing the pinnacle of creativity, knowledge, and networking in the advertising, marketing, and media industry.

    Drawing over 2000 industry professionals annually, Goafest has established itself as the definitive festival for the advertising and marketing industry. Anticipating increased participation from advertisers, Goafest 2024 is committed to offering an unparalleled platform for learning, recognition, and celebration.

    The Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO of GroupM, South Asia president Prasanth Kumar said “Goafest has firmly established itself as the pinnacle of creative celebrations in South Asia, uniting the foremost talents in the creative and marketing realms. Our goal is to offer our industry peers an immersive experience over three days filled with learning, meaningful engagement, interactivity, and curiosity.”

    Havas India group CEO Rana Barua, South East, and North Asia, and President of The Advertising Club, underscored the pivotal role of industry celebration, expressing, “Every year, The ABBY One Show Awards at Goafest stand as a testament to the biggest and most prestigious awards in the Indian advertising industry, celebrating innovative and groundbreaking ideas. Once again, I invite the brilliant minds of Indian advertising to join the celebrations and embark on an exciting journey at Goafest 2024, where creativity takes the spotlight.”

    Goafest 2024 chairperson Jaideep Gandhi emphasised the continuous evolution and innovation of the festival, stating, “Persistently, Goafest has progressed and pioneered, solidifying its status as the foremost advertising festival in India. From insightful knowledge-sharing sessions to featuring distinguished speakers, we are confident in welcoming global guests who will significantly contribute to the industry, particularly benefitting younger professionals. I would also like to mention that Mohit Joshi, CEO of Havas Media has very kindly agreed to join me as Co-Chair and contribute immensely to take this event to greater heights.”

  • Ayodhya Mandir Mahotsav hosted by Jimmy Mistry at Della Adventure, Lonavala

    Ayodhya Mandir Mahotsav hosted by Jimmy Mistry at Della Adventure, Lonavala

    Mumbai:  After nearly 500 years, Lord Ram returns to his original seat in Ayodhya which marks a remarkable milestone in Indian history. To commemorate this consecration, Jimmy Mistry, chairman & founder of Della Group, has exuberantly announced a grand celebration ‘Pran Pratishtha Samaroh’ at Della Adventure & Resorts, Lonavala on 22 January 2024 that will attract 3000 attendees rejoicing on this joyous occasion.

    Preparations are in full swing with divine activities planned namely Ram Ratha Yatra that will witness the locals of Khandala, Lonavala, Pune and nearby villages on the route from Lonavala, Bhangarwadi via Kunegaon with the final destination as Della Resorts. With vibrant flags and bellowing voices chanting ‘Jay Shree Ram’, the streets leading to Della Resorts will be a sight to behold. To further set a sacred tone for the Pratah Samaroh, a Maha Yagna with 21 Brahmans will be performed from 11 am to 12 noon. A LIVE telecast of the Pran Pratishtha from Ayodhya (12 pm to 12.30 pm) will thereby heighten the spirits followed by Bhajans & Kirtans. All devotees will receive blessings of the deity via an exclusively curated Maha Prasad offered at 1.30 pm.

    The spiritual journey will continue into the evening session, Sandhya Samaroh (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM), where the atmosphere will be aglow with the Sahastra Deep Prajwalan – a ceremony that will bejewel the skies with fireworks and light up the soil with an exhibit of 3000 Lamps in the shape of ‘Jai Shree Ram’. On this auspicious occasion, young children from Della ZP School will present an inaugural performance in the form of Ganesh Vandana followed by a patriotic musical showcase by the military band, ‘Bombay Sappers’. This occasion marks a landmark in the life of Founder, Jimmy Mistry, a patriotic Indian who will speak about the Indian values deeply embedded in his entrepreneurial journey and the impact of Lord Ram. The evening will culminate with insights from distinguished speakers, including Dr Mickey Mehta, celebrated TV panellist, Anand Neelakantan, noted author of Ramayana TV Series as featured on Sony Television, and E.S.P. Guru Deepak Rao, offering a holistic experience for all attendees.

    Founder Jimmy Mistry invites one and all to partake in this historic event, an embodiment of spiritual fervour, cultural richness, and communal harmony.

     

  • Welingkar Institute and indiantelevision.com partner on career guidance seminar

    Welingkar Institute and indiantelevision.com partner on career guidance seminar

    Mumbai: There’s a tremendous opportunity for new entrants in the media and entertainment sector, despite the transformation it is undergoing and the pressure of revenues it has been facing. That was the conclusion of senior industry leaders who were part of a half-day conclave We Communique that Mumbai-based MBA institute  We School  – aka Welingkar Institute of Management – organised in partnership with Indiantelevision.com  on 17 January for postgraduate students of the media and entertainment course.

    Among the leaders who took part in panel discussions and a fireside chat included:  Cosmos Maya India CEO Megha Tata, Enterr10 director Akshat Singhal, Shemaroo broadcast business head Sandeep Gupta, Elara Capital media analyst Karan Taurani, Friday FilmWorks CEO Devendra Deshpande, Madison Media Sigma COO Vanita Keswani,  Wavemaker general manager Sejal Lodaya, Lodestar UM IPG Associate vice-presidents Shrikant Shenoy and Bhavesh Shah,  Disney Star India’s Prashant Khanna and Carat India director integrated media planning  Swarali Halepati. Indiantelevision.com founder, CEO & editor in chief Anil Wanvari chaired all three sessions.

    The speakers were spread across two sessions  “Evolution of Media, Sports, and Entertainment Trends” and “Media and Marketing in 2024. ”

    Almost all the speakers agreed that students need not be demotivated by news reports of doom and gloom that the media and entertainment industry are facing. “Yes, 2024 is going to be a year of consolidation with mergers and acquisitions seeing the course of conclusion,” said Taurani.  “Jobs are evolving but you have to get the basics right,” said Shenoy in the marketing and media session. “Learn about viewership trends, GRPs, reach etc and continue keeping abreast of developments.”

    “There is no shortage of jobs in media,” said Shah. “We are always hiring in media,” added Lodaya.  According to Keswani, the media executive’s job is becoming more about numbers and this can be fun as well.  Both Lodaya and Halepati emphasised that longevity in an organisation works very well as far as an executive’s career progression is concerned. “You should not be hopping around every few years for that marginal increase in salary,” they opined. “As long as you are learning and growing stick to the job.”

    The television panel opined that even though there is a shrinkage in the broadcast sector on the advertising inventory front (read: ad revenues), the television industry has a lot of legs. “Free TV is growing,” said Singhal, “Though pay TV is  struggling..”

    “Yes, production budgets are also slimming down,” explained Deshpande. “As are OTT series budgets.”

    He added that producers have to thus work within these budgets, and extract profits without compromising on quality through efficient production pipelines.

    Gupta extolled the student and WeWork alumni audience to learn as many skills as they can, but they need to focus on only one.

    Most of the panellists concurred that animation, gaming, VFX, AI, and ML are the most promising verticals that students should keep an eye on. “VFX studios are popping up everywhere in India and they will need talented individuals to work with them,” highlighted Taurani.

    The conclave was extremely well received with students rating it high on the knowledge enrichment chart.

  • BNI Greater Surat welcomes over 70 cities to the epicentre of business excellence

    BNI Greater Surat welcomes over 70 cities to the epicentre of business excellence

    Mumbai: A flagship event of BNI Greater Surat event presented by Steam House India Ltd in association with Avimee Herbal Pvt Ltd and an event supported by Corporate Connections.

    This annual event stands as a foundation in the National business community by bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals for a dynamic Networking, exchange of ideas, collaboration and expansion opportunities.

    This Year’s edition promises to be larger than ever as there is participation from over 70 Cities from PAN India and over 250 business exhibitions of different business categories. The event also features Mega Textile, Mega Jewellery, Mega Travel Meet & Product Launches much more.

    There will be the participation of prominent keynote speakers Boman Irani – actor & motivational speaker, Govind Dholakia – founder chairman of SRK Diamonds, Sneh Desai – business coach and master trainer, Rahul Malodia – business coach & management consultant, KVT Ramesh – co-founder of Beej Network, Siddhanth Agarwal – co-founder, Avimee Herbal and Randhir Bhallah – Risk management consultant to share their insights and knowledge 10,000 esteem audience.

    The primary objective of the event is to uplift the economy and overall business landscape of Surat City and make a small contribution towards making Surat an emerging business capital of India.  With anticipation building, we are excited to witness the synergy and opportunities that will unfold during this premier event.

  • Grand Jury ready to mark new chapter for DNPA Conclave & Award 2024

    Grand Jury ready to mark new chapter for DNPA Conclave & Award 2024

    Mumbai: In the ever-evolving landscape of the media industry, the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) is set to host the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024, exploring the profound impacts of digital transformation. The conclave, scheduled for 6 February 2024 at Shangri-La, New Delhi, promises to be a ground-breaking event, with a Grand Jury meeting on 15 January 2024, laying the foundation for an insightful and impactful gathering.

    Storyboard18 is the “Knowledge Partner” for the “DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024”.

    Jury Powerhouses: Steering the Course of Digital Transformation

    Distinguished leaders from across industries will be a part of the jury meet.

    The jury will be chaired by senior politician, and former senior parliamentarian of India, Suresh Prabhu.

    The Grand Jury includes Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder and executive vice chairman, Info Edge; Ajay Prakash Sawhney, former secretary, MEITY, Government of India, Shashi Sekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati; Dr Aruna Sharma, former secretary, MEITY, Government of India and Practitioner Development Economist, Arvind Gupta, co-founder, Digital India Foundation; Robert Ravi, chief technology officer, Government of Tamil Nadu; Prasoon Joshi, chairman, McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO at McCann Worldgroup India; N.S. Nappinai, Supreme Court advocate and founder of Cyber Saathi Foundation; Vinit Goenka, author and former BJP spokesperson; and Vivan Sharan, founder and partner, of Koan Advisory Group.

    Their collective expertise will significantly enrich the deliberations of the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024.

    The Grand Jury will focus on outstanding contributions in navigating India’s digital transformation and fostering innovation. The DNPA Awards serve as a platform to honour cutting-edge digital initiatives that have had a profound contribution to the nation’s progress. The awards recognise the extraordinary innovations made in various sectors including health, education, finance, and media, alongside pivotal areas like women empowerment, environmental protection, governance, and administrative reforms, acknowledging those who have been instrumental in India’s digital journey and inspiring continued innovation and excellence, while setting global standards.

    As the credibility, transparency, and excellence custodians, DNPA is committed to ensuring that the awards bestowed reflect a thorough and meticulous selection process.

    “DNPA Conclave and Awards bring together the best minds in India to select the country’s cutting-edge digital initiatives that are transforming the lives of millions of people and taking India to greater heights. It gives me immense pride to share that some of India’s most credible names are part of this year’s grand jury. I am certain that DNPA Conclave and Awards 2024 Jury Meet will be a great success” commented Tanmay Maheshwari, Chairman, DNPA.

    “As we gear up for the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 Grand Jury meet, there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air. It’s not just a meeting; it’s a deep dive into digital impact. With industry leaders coming together, these awards are all about celebrating excellence and fostering innovation as we navigate a brave new world driven by human intelligence and technology,” commented Sujata Gupta, Secretary General, DNPA, emphasizing on the importance of the Grand Jury meeting and awards.

    The DNPA Conclave Agenda: Navigating Digital Transformation in the Media Industry

    The conclave scheduled in February, will delve into critical facets of the ongoing revolution in media. Dialogues and discussions will dissect the role of online intermediaries in shaping public trust, the impact of misinformation on a diverse society like India, and the readiness of the Indian media industry to embrace technological disruptions. Equitable monetization models, advancements in generative AI, and the future of job prospects in the media and entertainment sector will be central to the discussions.

    It promises to be a day of engaging discussions and insightful keynotes by the most notable leaders from corporate and media spheres, and policymakers, culminating in the DNPA Digital Impact Awards (DDIA) ceremony. Tanmay Maheshwari, Chairman of DNPA and managing director of Amar Ujala, will set the stage for the awards’ proceedings, where the winners will be honoured, signifying their endorsement of outstanding contributions.

    The DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 promises to be a landmark event, bringing together the brightest minds and visionaries to navigate the digital transformation of the media industry which is foundational to India’s progress, and set the tone for a dynamic and innovative future.

     

  • India should become first country to industrialize without carbonizing; create unique model of development: Amitabh Kant

    India should become first country to industrialize without carbonizing; create unique model of development: Amitabh Kant

    Mumbai: G-20 Sherpa, Government of India, Amitabh Kant, has said that transition to a circular economy can bring significant benefits to India, ranging from environmental conservation to economic growth and job creation. It’s emphasis on reducing waste generation, promoting local production and resource optimization, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions aligns with India’s commitments to sustainable development and climate change mitigation. “When countries like India begin the long march towards growth and development, it must create a unique model of development where we become the first country in the world to industrialize without carbonizing,” he added.

    Addressing the ‘FICCI Circular Economy Symposium’, Kant further stated that it is imperative for India to grow rapidly from the current rate of 7.5 per cent and accelerate the pace of growth to 9-10 per cent per annum in the years to come. The model of development for India has to be very different and to be able to do that we need to focus on bringing renewable energy in India including producing renewable energy and green hydrogen. “India is climatically blessed to produce green hydrogen. Currently the cost of production of green hydrogen is $4.5 per kg and India’s objective is to bring is down to $1 per kg by 2030,” he added.

    Kant highlighted that the world is going through massive disruption and soon the focus will be on electric mobility especially for two, three and four-wheelers. There is also the need to bring in huge energy efficiency along with huge focus on circular economy. He also emphasized that India must give thrust on the process of recycling. Circular economy is an economic system where means of production are organized around recycling, reusing the inputs so that they can be used to reduce environmental emission and facilitate a sustainable mode of production.

    “We need to achieve the circularity of inputs. India is currently not circular, and the economic model is linear. There is a radical need to transit to circular economy as it opens huge possibility of innovation, disruption, help reduce greenhouse emissions,” he added.

    The transition to circular economy can bring significant benefits to India and we need to become the global champions to accelerate this transition process including investing in infrastructure and encouraging innovations, noted Kant.

    Counsellor, head of section – delegation of the European Union to India Dr Michael Bucki, said that there is a huge potential in circular economy between India and the EU and there is a lot of room for mutual learning between the two.

    SABIC VP,  regional head- South Asia & Australia, Janardhanan Ramanujalu, said that rapid urbanization, deforestation, and exponential population are some of the challenges of carbon dioxide imbalance in the atmosphere and all stakeholders need to find a solution to these. “We need to focus on the concept of circular carbon economy. Carbon capture and utilization, recycling carbon-based products, becoming energy efficient and innovation in materials are few steps to achieve circular carbon economy,” he added.

    National CE Committee chair and Mahindra LifeSpace Developers Ltd MD & CEO Amit Shah said that embracing the circular economy will also be an important contribution to societies effort to handle urgent climate change challenges.

    FICCI National CE Committee co-chair and Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd chief sustainability officer Naresh Tyagi said innovation and collaboration are the way for the industry to move towards a circular economy.

    During the event ‘4th FICCI Circular Economy Awards’ were announced along with the release of ‘National Unified Circularity Measurement Framework’.

  • Anime Fusion: A spectacular celebration of anime culture at Anime Times event

    Anime Fusion: A spectacular celebration of anime culture at Anime Times event

    Anime enthusiasts and aficionados gathered at two iconic venues, FTII in Pune on 13 December and ITM IDM in Mumbai on 15 December, for a vibrant celebration of Japanese anime at the captivating Anime Fusion event. This thrilling event, presented by AnimationXpress.com and powered by Anime Times, brought together the mesmerising world of anime with a fusion of creativity, passion, and sheer entertainment.

    The event commenced with an enthusiastic welcome from the emcee, setting the stage for a day filled with excitement. AnimationXpress director Mishaal Wanvari shared insightful perspectives about AnimationXpress and anime, igniting the crowd’s anticipation for the exhilarating journey into the world of anime.

    From left to right: Mishaal Wanvari, Anil Wanvari (founder, chairman and editor-in-chief of AnimationXpress), Haruka Kikuchi, Yumi Takimoto, Neha Singhal Mehta (COO of AnimationXpress)

    The spotlight of the event was on Anime Times, a newly introduced channel on Amazon Prime Video. Accompanied by Anime Times general manager Haruka Kikuchi and Yumi Takimoto, the stage lit up with an exclusive presentation unveiling the richness and diversity of anime content available on Anime Times. The audience was invited to delve into the world of Japanese anime, captivating their imaginations and interests.

    The Anime Fusion event witnessed a dazzling array of cosplayers, each meticulously embodying beloved characters from the expansive world of anime. From the enigmatic Enderman and the formidable Chainsaw Man to the charismatic Lelouch and the iconic Jotaro Kujo, the venue came alive with the dedication and artistry displayed by these passionate individuals. Attendees were treated to a visual feast as cosplayers transformed into Megumin, Griffith, Batman Ninja, among others, bringing these characters to life with remarkable attention to detail. The event celebrated the diversity of anime through the creative expressions of these talented cosplayers, making it a vibrant showcase of fandom and dedication to the anime culture.

    Cosplayers at Mumbai edition of Anime Fusion

    Among these passionate participants, the winner of the cosplay competition at each venue received a grand cash prize of Rs 10,000, while the second place was awarded Rs 5,000. Additionally, the remaining four winners were presented with exciting goodies, adding to the spirit of enthusiasm and camaraderie among the cosplaying community.

    In the spirit of engagement, a riveting quiz session tested the audience’s knowledge of anime, with lucky winners receiving official anime merchandises like notebooks, keychains, stickers and much more adding a touch of excitement and fun to the event.

    The highlight of the day was a special screening of ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead. The series, centered around Akira Tendo, a corporate worker finding renewed vigour amidst a zombie apocalypse. The show’s blend of humour, action, and a poignant exploration of life’s meaning amidst adversity left attendees spellbound, making it a standout feature of the Anime Fusion event.

    Cosplayers at Pune edition of Anime Fusion

    As the event drew to a close, Mishaal Wanvari, alongside Haruka Kikuchi and Yumi Takimoto, shared reflections on the day’s incredible journey through Anime Fusion, emphasising the significance of anime culture and its vibrant community.

    The success of Anime Fusion resonated with the collaborative efforts of Anime Times, AnimationXpress, and the enthusiastic attendees, promising the continuation of such immersive events celebrating the magic of anime. As the curtains drew to a close, the spirit of anime remained alive, leaving attendees eagerly awaiting the next spectacular event.