Mumbai: Zee 24 TAAS is poised to redefine Marathi journalism with its state-of-the-art AI anchor, Zeenia set to present the AI Survey, conducted. As per the press release the first Marathi news channel to deploy such advanced technology, Zee 24 TAAS is on a mission to deliver an insightful survey that reflects the true sentiments of Maharashtra’s diverse population.
As per the press release this AI survey, to be presented by Zeenia, the AI anchor, covers a wide spectrum of crucial topics including politics, religion, economics, and social issues, all in the lead-up to the Maharashtra elections. Airing on Friday 16 August 2024, at 6 pm, this remarkable initiative of the channel’s commitment to innovation and accuracy is highlighting a clear and impactful understanding of the electoral landscape.
Zee 24 TAAS officiating editor Kamlesh Sutar emphasised the importance of this milestone: “Zee 24 TAAS is always pioneering in bringing cutting-edge technology to Marathi news. With Zeenia leading Maharashtra’s first AI-driven survey, we are proving our dedication to delivering accurate and relevant content that resonates with our viewers. This survey captures the diverse sentiments across the state and is setting a new standard for news reporting in the region.”
Zee Media Coro Ltd (ZMCL) CEO Karan Abhishek Singh highlighted the broader impact, stating, “By launching Maharashtra’s First Major AI Survey with our AI anchor Zeenia, the channel network has demonstrated relentless drive for innovation. We are setting a new standard in journalism that is not only redefining the way news is delivered but also ensuring that we are at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.”
As Zee 24 TAAS continues to lead the way in innovative journalism, the results of this AI survey serve as a vital tool for understanding the pulse of Maharashtra. The channel is inviting viewers to stay tuned for ongoing coverage and analysis, further exploring the impact of this historic initiative.
Mumbai: As the nation celebrates another memorable year of Independence, one of its beloved festive and sporting activities is set to take centre stage on 18 August. The Pro Govinda League, a celebration of the traditional sporting and cultural activity of Dahi Handi, will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network.
Now in its second season, the Pro Govinda League is organised by passionate leaders, including MLA Pratap Sarnaik, chairman & founder of the Pro Govinda League, Purvesh Parisha Pratap Sarnaik, league president, Mohomed Morani, league director, Mazhar Nadiadwala, league director, and Vihang Sarnaik, league director, with the backing of the Maharashtra Government.
The grand finale of Season 2 of the Pro Govinda League will be held on 18 August at the Dome SVP Stadium and will be broadcast on Star Sports First 4 PM onwards. The league will feature commentary in Hindi, with English and Marathi as language options.
Sixteen teams from across Maharashtra will battle it out for the top prize in one of the state’s most prestigious competitions. Each team will showcase their athletic prowess and strong teamwork in forming human pyramids to perform the salami, a pre-qualification round that emphasises skill and precision. The competition will follow an exciting league format this season.
Purvesh Parisha Pratap Sarnaik, league president said, “Pro Govinda showcases our dedication to promoting athletic excellence while preserving our traditions and culture, fostering both cultural harmony and sporting spirit. Our vision is to inspire thousands of Govindas (players) from across the region, and we are thrilled to partner with Star Sports to elevate this league to a broader audience. We wish all the teams and their owners the very best for the competition.”
Vihang Sarnaik league director added, “Pro Govinda League 2024 is close to the hearts of everyone in Maharashtra, and we eagerly await the final day of the league. This year, we are expanding beyond Maharashtra, with Star Sports as our broadcast partner, helping us reach a larger audience. We wish all the teams and their owners the very best.”
Mohomed Morani league director said, “Pro Govinda League 2024 is a proud moment for everyone in Maharashtra, and we are honoured to be part of this special journey. The involvement of Star Sports, one of the country’s leading channels, underscores the cultural significance and love for the Pro Govinda League. We look forward to entertaining viewers on 18 August.”
Mazhar Nadiadwala league director stated, “Pro Govinda 2024 is a celebration of Maharashtra’s cultural vibrancy and sporting prowess, and we are ecstatic that it will be broadcast on television screens nationwide via Star Sports. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the state’s rich culture and heritage to the nation, and we are confident of a great response from fans.”
Mumbai: Raksha Bandhan is about more than just tying a Rakhi and exchanging gifts—it’s a day to honor the bond you share with your sibling. You’d go to great lengths for them, but sharing the last slice of pizza is a different story. Whether you’re always bickering or the fun begins as soon as the grown-ups leave, there’s a show perfect for your sibling dynamic. From the antics of Oggy and the Cockroaches to the adventures of Shin chan, Sony YAY! has a show that captures your unique connection. This Raksha Bandhan, explore the world of toons that fits you and your partner-in-crime.
Oggy and The Cockroaches: For the sibling showdowns
Do you and your sibling have a knack for driving each other up the wall, only to forget and patch things up five minutes later? Then Oggy and the Cockroaches is your ideal match because Oggy just wants to enjoy a quiet and peaceful day, but those cockroaches just won’t let him. Sounds familiar? From hilarious chases to clever pranks, this show mirrors your daily sibling brawls and brings you together with laughter. Grab some snacks, warm up on the couch, and watch Oggy and the Cockroaches turn every conflict into a comedy of errors.
Honey Bunny: For the mischief-makers
Do you and your sibling know how to stir up fun the moment your parents are out? Then Honey Bunny’s antics are the perfect match for you and your other half. These OG Jholers are inseparable, always up to clever schemes. Whether you’re sneaking snacks or plotting your next big prank, Honey and Bunny capture that connection between siblings who just understand each other. You know you can count on your partner-in-crime to cover for your mother’s broken flower pot.
Naruto: Shippuden: For the sibling duo with a strong bond
Sometimes, your relationship with your sibling isn’t just about fun or jokes; it can be deep and complex. The connection between Naruto and Sasuke is a mix of rivalry and moments of absolute brotherhood. Despite their differences, Naruto and Sasuke always find a way to support each other and fight for a common cause. Celebrate this Raksha Bandhan by watching Naruto’s journey of friendship, loyalty, and teamwork because in the end, your sibling will always have your back.
Shin chan: For the laugh-out-loud bond
If you and your sibling can turn even the dullest everyday moment into a circus show, then Shin chan is the toon that hits home. Shin chan and his cute little sister Himawari are a bundle of chaotic energy, always finding a way to turn their whole house upside down. From watching Action Kamen together to drawing on their father’s face with a marker while he sleeps, this pair knows how to keep life exciting.
This Rakshabandhan, tune into Sony YAY! and celebrate your sibling bond with toons just like you two.
Mumbai: In keeping with its mantra of consumer-centricity, ZEE has embraced an innovative marketing approach that has begun to yield rich dividends in terms of viewer engagement and consumer love. This unique strategy that ZEE calls ‘Winning Moments’ aims to retain and acquire new audiences by embedding culturally relevant sentiments into the network’s content, fostering a sense of community and fuelling meaningful conversations across both TV and digital platforms. Taking this approach a step further, ZEE recently collaborated with its creative partner Curativity to actively create and deploy curated content moments into the daily soaps across the network’s general entertainment channels that resonate deeply with viewers, enhancing relatability, engagement and topical relevance.
ZEE’s robust social media community enjoys a staggering 191 million followers and subscribers, fuelling 18.4 mn organic interactions and 3.5 bn organic monthly video views, amplifying the reach of these conversations led by the network’s key protagonists who hold significant influence and credibility in the minds of the audience.
Here’s a look at some of the winning moments ZEE crafted across its shows in partnership with Curativity. Zee Tamil’s Sandhya Ragam reimagined the traditional Seervarisai custom, where instead of the ubiquitous display of jewellery, gold, and other valuables that are offered by the bride’s side of the family to the groom’s family, the protagonist’s family chose to showcase her medals, certificates, and trophies. This powerful gesture emphasised valuing daughters for their true potential and accomplishments, rather than material possessions. Watch the moment at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/njWvVfjSPJGb9BQi/ The impact of this moment was profound, with its reach on Facebook being 15 times the average performance.
Similarly, the evocative #MaaKaVote campaign , launched on Mother’s Day and timed with the election season in India, encouraged moms to vote for themselves and learn to prioritize their own aspirations amidst their ceaseless duties, promoting the idea of self-care. The campaign resonated deeply, achieving 12 million in organic reach and 0.5 million engagements for the #MaaKaVote film. Zee Marathi landed an important message on the occasion of the Vat Savitri festival where married women tie a thread around a tree trunk as a marker of new beginnings. As a part of an interesting conversation #JuneyBandhNaveBandh , the protagonist of Punha Kartavya Aahe was encouraged to untie the old threads of her previous marriage as a metaphor to letting go of the past before embarking on the journey of her second. Meanwhile, the #PalakChuka initiative by the same show acknowledged that even parents are navigating their roles as father or mother for the very first time and are bound to make mistakes. The campaign promotes the idea that, just as children are forgiven for their mistakes, parents too should recognize their imperfections without self-reproach, fostering a healthier, more forgiving approach to parenting.
ZEE CMO – content SBU Kartik Mahadev said, “At ZEE, we believe in the power of everyday innovation in storytelling that compounds to positively impact society, nurture relationships and inspire change. Today, our characters are more than just fictional personas. They reflect the evolving aspirations of our viewers, taking on vocations such as bankers, bakers, entrepreneurs, and teachers, embracing life 2.0 with vigour and resilience. They are the original influencers, deeply engaging with audiences across multiple regions and languages, connecting with millions on TV and social media daily. Our collaboration with Curativity has enabled us to craft moments in our content that align perfectly with this vision, helping us not only engage but also connect deeply with our viewers on relatable themes. By fostering a sense of community among viewers deeply invested in our content and characters, we open up meaningful conversations and enable deeper connections with the audiences.”
Curativity co-founder Amer Jaleel said, “Curating creative and cultural solutions for Zee TV has been one of the most enriching journeys for Curativity. Our platform has independent regional talent that can think in the ethnic nuances needed for original language content. This vertical is being developed by Curativity for both content brands as well as consumer brands and happens to be one of the pillars of our platform. With the team at Zee, the curated independents of Curativity Rupesh, Ketan, Niranjana and their teams are actively feeding in-content ideas that the Zee creative teams are incorporating into the show and building on social media. It’s an extremely interesting exercise for us and we’re thankful that the platform is being leveraged for innovative forays as this!”
Mumbai: NDTV to broadcast its program, Jai Jawan, this Independence Day 2024, with Bollywood actor John Abraham and the Indian Army. In this patriotic tribute to the Nation’s Defenders, John spends a day with the brave soldiers of the Indian Army stationed in the rugged terrain of Ladakh.
This Independence Day special NDTV was shot in one of the most demanding battlegrounds in the world, where the low oxygen levels make breathing difficult. The show highlights the relentless efforts of troops that are stationed at 15,000 feet, vigilantly defending the country’s borders.
John, known for his love of fitness and patriotic roles, shares a special moment with Subedars, Hawaldars, and Agniveers and breaks the ice by dancing to his famous songs, while the Men-in-Uniform match up to his energy with some slick dance moves of their own. John engages them in light-hearted conversations, asking them about their lives back home and enquires about their families, a topic that brings a smile to their faces.
NDTV this Independence Day and catch John Abraham in a candid conversation with soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces.
Mumbai: Hari Om, an Indian mythology OTT platform, has added two senior leaders to its team: Sanjeev Agrawal as business head and Reitu Shharma as script head. These appointments aim to strengthen the leadership team and expand the platform’s offerings. Sanjeev Agrawal will lead business strategy, planning, and development, while Reitu Shharma will oversee concept development and research on religious texts to ensure content authenticity and quality.
Sanjeev Agrawal brings over 15 years of experience across media, telecom, retail, and financial sectors. His previous roles include managing revenue and client relationships at Amagi Media, establishing geo-targeting for Zee TV and Zee Cinema, and founding ‘The Wise Monkey,’ a financial services company.
Reitu Shharma has over a decade of experience in content development, research, and writing. Her work includes projects like Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman, Veer Shalibhdra, Swaraj, and feature film Sarabjit. Her extensive research on over 200 temples and deep understanding of India’s cultural heritage enhance her new role.
Speaking on the new appointments SVP group Nivedita Basu shared, “We are thrilled to welcome Sanjeev Agrawal and Reitu Shharma to our team. Their extensive experience and unique insights will be invaluable as we continue to expand our platform and offer high-quality content that celebrates India’s heritage and spirituality.”
Sanjeev Agrawal shared his enthusiasm about the new role, stating, “I am excited to join Hari Om and look forward to contributing to the growth and success of this unique platform. With my experience in business strategy and development, I am eager to help Hari Om reach new heights.”
Reitu Shharma added, “I am thrilled to work with such a distinguished team at Hari Om. The opportunity to create content that resonates with audiences and preserves our rich cultural heritage is a dream come true. I am committed to bringing my best and contributing to the platform’s success.”
Head of content Angira Vats said, “With Sanjeev Agrawal’s strategic expertise and Reitu Shharma ‘s profound knowledge of Indian mythology, we are building a powerhouse team that will be pivotal in delivering content that not only entertains but also enlightens our audience with the richness of India’s cultural heritage.”
Hari Om remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate and preserve Indian heritage and spirituality. With Angira Vats leading the content team, the platform is poised to continue its journey of innovation and excellence, offering viewers a rich tapestry of Indian mythology and religious content.
Mumbai: Little Singham, a young supercop, will celebrate his seventh birthday on 15 August. Produced by Rohit Shetty Picturez in collaboration with POGO and Reliance Animation, this action-comedy series continues to captivate young viewers nationwide. To mark the occasion, POGO, India’s kids’ entertainment channel, will host a weeklong event featuring new episodes and movies where Little Singham and his team—Hawaldar Karate, Inspector Kavya, and Chiki—use their skills to protect Mirchi Nagar from dangerous villains and supernatural threats.
As part of the celebration, POGO will release a new birthday song, inviting fans to join in with Little Singham and his gang. New episodes started airing on 11 August, every day at 3:30 pm, with the excitement culminating in a special Big Picture episode, “Little Singham: Narkasur & Kans – Andhera aur Dhwansh,” airing every Sunday at 12:15 pm. In this storyline, Little Singham must confront Narkasur and Kans, who aim to bring chaos and darkness to Singham City.
Speaking about the show’s success and popularity, Warner Bros Discovery South Asia head of kids cluster, Uttam Pal Singh said, “Little Singham is a character and universe that instantly climbed the popularity charts on POGO with fans engaging and reciprocating the love and joy of bravery and determination. As we mark this special occasion with exciting new episodes, movies and Big Pictures throughout the week and on Independence Day, POGO remains committed to continue innovating and building the much-loved Little Singham universe that resonates with kids and families.”
Reliance Animation CEO Tejonidhi Bhandare said, “We are thrilled to continue our journey with POGO, bringing to life the beloved crime-fighting team of Little Singham in various engaging formats in exciting storylines. The success of Little Singham reflects the deep connection audiences feel with the character and its adventures filled with action and comedy. As we celebrate another milestone, we’re reminded of the love and enthusiasm that has fueled this journey, and we’re excited to keep sharing new stories that captivate and inspire our young fans.”
Little Singham’s birthday celebration will continue with a Sunday lineup of action-packed movies. Viewers experienced the themes of bravery, friendship, and justice in the 2D movie Tanashah se Takkar on 11 August at 1:15 pm. Additionally, fans can watch the 3D telefeature Naagsingham aur Sarpkaaal ka Vaar on 18 August at 1:15 pm, featuring another adventure.
Mumbai: The Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2024 presented valuable insights and strategic discussions, attracting industry giants, visionary entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from across the country. Held at ITC Gardenia in Bengaluru, the conclave, themed “Persist | Reset | Rebuild,” captured the essence of resilience and innovation needed to navigate today’s challenging startup landscape.
The event was organised to spotlight the transformative growth of India’s startup ecosystem. As innovation and entrepreneurship reach new heights, the conclave provided a crucial platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and the formation of strategic partnerships, the event played a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of startups in India, underscoring the nation’s role as a global hub for entrepreneurial excellence.
To give a boost on the rise of the startup eco-system in Bengaluru, minister of electronics, IT & BT and rural development & panchayat raj, government of Karnataka – Priyank Kharge highlighted the state’s role in supporting the startup ecosystem, stating, “Karnataka continues to be at the forefront of innovation, and our government is committed to supporting startups with progressive policies and world-class infrastructure.”
India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant underscored the importance of startups in driving economic growth. “The future of India’s economy lies in the success of our startups. Their innovation and job creation capabilities are key to our nation’s progress,” Kant emphasised.
The day featured dynamic panel discussions with prominent entrepreneurs such as Zepto co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha; Swiggy co-founder and group CEO Sriharsha Majety; Sorin Investments founder and chairman Sanjay Nayar; Delhivery co-founder and CEO Sahil Barua; PhonePe co-founder and CEO Sameer Nigam; Curefoods founder and CEO Ankit Nagori; Groww co-founder and CEO Lalit Keshre; Ixigo co-founder and group CEO Aloke Bajpai and SoftBank Investment Advisers managing partner Sumer Juneja. Topics ranged from quick commerce and workspace evolution to fintech innovations and the future of AI in startups. These sessions provided a wealth of knowledge, highlighting the achievements of industry leaders and offering a glimpse into the future of business in India.
Narayana Health founder and chairman Dr. Devi Shetty discussed the pivotal role of startups in healthcare. “Startups are revolutionizing healthcare, making it more accessible and affordable. Their contributions in the next decade will be groundbreaking,” Shetty observed.
SoftBank Investment Advisers managing partner Sumer Juneja highlighted the significant impact of their investments in India. “India has been an exceptional market for us, both in terms of investments and exits. Our focus now is on identifying the next wave of visionary leaders who can drive the future of innovation.”
Swiggy co-founder and group CEO Sriharsha Majety emphasised the unique dynamics of quick commerce in India, stating, “As the sector grows, we expect a significant reconfiguration in the supply chain, likely impacting traditional retail. A substantial portion of our revenue now comes from D2C brands, and as we prepare for our IPO, our focus remains on clear communication and long-term growth.”
The Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2024 successfully created a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. The event witnessed several in-person attendees, with many others joining via livestream.
Moneycontrol expresses its gratitude to all the distinguished speakers, esteemed guests, and partners, including IDFC FIRST Bank – Always You First (banking partner), DTDC (exclusive logistics partner), Peak XV (VC partner), IndiQube (workplace partner), and associate partners Games24x7, Share.Market, Adobe, Tally, Reliance India Ltd, KITS (state partner), Da Milano Italia (Luxury Partner), and Townhall (event technology partner). The participation of these partners and media personnel contributed significantly to the success of the Startup Conclave 2024. The event stands as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and determination of the Indian startup community.
Mumbai: News18 Lokmat organised a vibrant Mangalagaur competition that witnessed enthusiastic participation of women throughout Mumbai. The event was a grand celebration of Maharashtra’s traditional culture, offering women a platform to showcase their devotion and talent.
A distinguished panel including popular actress Mansi Naik, and renowned choreographers Subhash Nakase and Sonia Parchure, served as judges for the competition. Their expertise added great value to the event, ensuring that the performances were evaluated with appreciation and fairness.
The News18 Mangalagaur competition will be broadcast in a four-episode series on News18 Lokmat, providing viewers with insights into the different facets of the competition. The event was co-presented by Orange Cookware and Appliances, and co-powered by 99Villa, a brand by Zaminwale along with cosmetic partner Meena Elements.
Mumbai: The 19th National Speed & Figure Skating Championships, India’s most anticipated ice-skating event, will commence on 14 August 2024, at ISKATE by Roseate, located in the Ambience Mall of the Millennium City. Hosted under the aegis of the Ice-Skating Association of India (ISAI), the 19th edition of the championship, will bring together top-tier athletes from across the country for a mesmerising showdown on ice.
This year’s championship will see participation from 12 states and union territories, including Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Ladakh UT, and J&K UT.
Besides notable skaters like Priyam Tated, Harshita Rawtani, Jatin Sherawat and Tara Prasad, Indian-American figure skating legend Ami Parekh, will add international flair to the event.
The 19th edition of the National Speed & Figure Skating Championships will follow a well-structured format that includes both speed skating and figure skating categories across multiple age groups. Athletes will compete in the following categories:
. Figure skating: Under eight, under 11, under 13, under 15, under 17, under 19, above 19.
. Speed skating: six to eight years, 8-11 years, 11-13 years
Prior to the championship, a National Speed & Figure Skating camp was held from 8 to 13 August 2024, aimed at fine-tuning the athletes’ skills and ensuring they are in peak condition for the competition. The championship itself will take place on 4, 16 and 17 August 12024. The competition will be overseen by six judges from the International Skating Union (ISU).
The finals are slated for 17 August 2024, and will be graced by Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian freestyle wrestler and 2012 Summer Olympics Bronze medalist. Also present will be Harmanpreet Singh, captain of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and twice Olympic bronze medalist.
All participants will receive certificates, with gold, silver, and bronze medals for the winner, first runners-up, and the second-runners-up respectively.
The 18th National Speed & Figure Skating Championships saw remarkable performances, with Tara Prasad (Tamil Nadu) and Vyshnav Nair (Telangana) excelling in Figure Skating, and Sumit Tapkir and Swarali Ashutosh Deo (both from Maharashtra) dominating in Short Track Speed Skating. Haryana led in overall awards, followed by Telangana.
As the 19th National Speed & Figure Skating Championships draws near, excitement builds for what promises to be a convergence of both emerging and established Indian ice-skating talent.
