Category: TV Channels

News18 Gujarati all set to host ‘Rising Gujarat’

Mumbai: News18 Gujarati is all set to host the marquee event ‘Rising Gujarat’ with the theme ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ this year. The event aims to commemorate the 20-year journey of Gujarat’s transformation with vibrant Gujarat and discuss its future potential. The event will feature in-depth discussions and insights from top ministers of the state, highlighting their respective sectors’ achievements over the past two decades and their future plans for Gujarat.

Mentioned below are key speakers and their topics for discussion:

Minister of tourism, forest, and environment Mulu Bera will discuss the impressive advancements achieved in the fields of tourism and environmental conservation. He will also provide valuable insights into the sector’s recent developments. Subsequently, Harsh Sanghavi, the minister responsible for addressing issues related to drugs, disaster management, and border security, will talk through the significant strides made in these areas over the past two decades. Additionally, he will provide insights into future plans for youth engagement, cultural activities, and the prospect of organizing the Olympics in Ahmedabad. He will also share developments and thoughts on how Ahmedabad is prepping for the upcoming Olympics.

Minister of health, family welfare, higher & technical education Rushikesh Patel, will be sharing valuable insights on the progress made in the health and education sector. He will aid us gain a deeper understanding on the two vital facets of human well-being. Cabinet minister of industries, civil aviation, rural development, labour and employment Balvantsingh Rajput will share insights into the development of airports in Gujarat over the last 20 years, highlighting the MOUs signed and the government policies that have fueled this growth. Furthermore, he will provide a glimpse of the state’s ambitious plans for airport development in the next 20 years.

The event will be graced by the esteemed chief minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, who will deliver a speech to set the tone for the discussions at ‘Rising Gujarat.’ News18 Gujarati has invited all stakeholders, industry experts, and the general public to join this momentous event. It is an opportunity to gain valuable insights into Gujarat’s progress and the road ahead. The event will be broadcasted live on News18 Gujarati for those who cannot attend in person.

Join the grand event on 3 November 2023 in Ahmedabad and celebrate Gujarat’s incredible journey over the past two decades and look ahead to an even more vibrant future at News18 Gujarati’s ‘Rising Gujarat.’

November 1, 2023
Sony YAY! expands cross-platform ecosystem with new IP, “Oh My Lallan”

Mumbai: The leading kids’ entertainment channel – Sony YAY! has unveiled a new addition to its extensive toonverse, which boasts over 100 beloved toon characters. This latest offering from their homegrown portfolio is “Oh My Lallan,” a captivating chase comedy that airs on its linear channel Sony YAY! . The channel further intends to extend the show’s presence beyond linear screens, encompassing various platforms such as gaming, digital media, licensing, and merchandising.

The narrative of “Oh My Lallan” revolves around Lallan, an adventurous stray dog embarking on a mission to secure life’s fundamental necessities, such as food, water, and shelter. The channel’s strategic approach places a strong emphasis on entertainment, exploration, and delivering an enriching experience to its audiences. “Oh My Lallan” enhances and complements this approach, providing a multifaceted engagement and crafting a captivating experience for its young audience that extends beyond television screens.

Sony Pictures Networks India, business head kids’ genre Leena Lele Dutta, “We recognize that humour and comedy hold a unique place in the hearts of kids. With ‘Oh My Lallan,’ we are dedicated to keep this promise and endeavour to perpetuate the joy of laughter. Our aim is to celebrate a world where kids can engage with their favourite characters in the multi-platform offerings that the channel will continue to provide.”

Tune in to Sony YAY! for all-new episodes of “Oh My Lallan,” Monday to Friday, 11 am.

November 1, 2023
Season five of Tennis Premier League to air on Sony Sports Network

Mumbai: After the immense success and closely fought battles in the first four seasons of the Tennis Premier League (TPL), India’s Premier tennis tournament is set for a fifth season, which is slated to begin on 12 December, with a grand finale scheduled for 17 December 2023. The fifth season of the Tennis Premier League, powered by Clear, is determined to cater to a larger audience on Sony Sports Network, the broadcast destination for the league.

The following for tennis in India has been growing steadily, and fans have another chance to witness their favourite tennis stars at the fifth edition of the TPL, live in action on Sony Sports Ten 2 channels.

Pune Jaguars, Mumbai Leon Army, Delhi Binny’s Brigade, Gujarat Panthers, Punjab Tigers, Bengal Wizards, Hyderabad Strikers and Bengaluru Spartans are the teams in the fray, with prominent personalities such as Taapsee Pannu, Sonu Sood, Sonali Bendre, Rakul Preet Singh, Leander Paes and Sania Mirza associated with them.

Top Indian tennis talents such as Sumit Nagal, will play for the Gujarat Panthers after the current AITA number one was made the most expensive player at the auction by the franchise. Alongside Nagal, Hangzhou Asian Games silver medal-winning duo Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni will also feature in season five of TPL, as they will play for Bengaluru SG Mavericks and Hyderabad Strikers respectively. While Asian Games 2023 Gold Medallist, Rutuja Bhosale will don the colours of Pune Jaguars in season five of the TPL.

Along with them, foreign tennis athletes like former World No. 10 Ernests Gulbis and former World No. 26 Lukas Rosol, will feature for Mumbai Leon Army and Pune Jaguars respectively in the upcoming season. Additionally, current World No. 125 Maria Timofeeva was snapped up by Leander Paes-backed Bengal Wizards at the auction and the highest-ranked Austrian Tennis player in the world Dennis Novak will lead the charge for Delhi Binny’s Brigade in season five of the league.

Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul said, “The Tennis Premier League has engaged audiences over the last four seasons with its fast-paced format. For tennis fans, the addition of India No. 1 Sumit Nagal, and 2023 Asian Games medallists Ramkumar Ramanathan, Saketh Myneni, and Rutuja Bhosale will be another reason to attract audiences for the fifth season of the league.”

“The fifth season of the TPL is being graced by some very entertaining tennis stars, who have walked the talk consistently at the highest level. The likes of Sumit Nagal, Ernests Gulbis, Ramkumar Ramanathan, and Karman Kaur Thandi will definitely be a big attraction for the fans, and we are confident that the trend of high-octane clashes will not be disturbed,” said TPL co-founder Kunal Thakkur.

“Over the past few years, the TPL with its healthy mix of high-quality sport and entertainment, has become one of the most awaited tournaments in India. And the fact that the tournament will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network, the home of the Australian Open and US Open, makes it even more special for us. May the best team win,” said TPL co-founder, Mrunal Jain.

All the franchises will play a total of match matches to qualify for the semi-finals as the league’s revolutionary format captures the imagination of tennis fans. All matches between the two franchises will comprise Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Mixed Doubles and Men’s Doubles. There will be 80 points at stake in each tie between two franchises, where each category would be worth 20 points. Each team will play a total of 400 points (80 points x 5 matches) at the league stage. All games of the TPL will be played in the Balewadi Stadium in Pune.

November 1, 2023
Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation holds 24 AGM in Delhi

Mumbai: 24 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) was held in Delhi on 31 Oct 2023.

The following directors were re-elected to the board during the AGM:

1. K. Madhavan

2. Punit Misra

3. I. Venkat

4. Rajat Sharma

The other directors on the Board of Directors of IBDF are:

1. Rahul Joshi

2. Aroon Purie

3. N. P. Singh

4. Nitin Nadkarni

5. Punit Goenka

6. R. Mahesh Kumar

7. Gaurav Banerjee

The Office Bearers of the Foundation are:

1. K. Madhavan, President-IBDF

2. Rajat Sharma, Vice President, IBDF (News & Current Affairs)

3. Rahul Joshi, Vice President, IBDF (Govt. & Regulatory Affairs)

4. Punit Misra, Treasurer, IBDF

In the IBDF Board of Directors meeting that followed the AGM, John Brittas and Kevin Vaz were Co-opted to the Board.

IBDF also hosted a lunch in honour of Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Minister for Information & Broadcasting. Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Shri Vikram Sahay, Joint Secretary (P&A), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting also joined the IBDF members on the said occasion.

Addressing the members during the AGM, IBDF president, K. Madhavan said, “despite the ongoing geo-political issues like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas war and accompanying economic volatility, the Indian economy in general and the Media & Entertainment industry, in particular, have shown extreme resilience”.

He added that “India has firmly embarked on a digital transformation journey with 868 mn broadband users in India, and within a year of launch, 5G services have been rolled out across 97 per cent of Indian cities resulting in internet speeds going up by three times. Connected TV continues to grow with 90 per cent of TV sets sold in India being smart TVs. 2023 will be a defining year for the Indian M&E industry with digital ad revenue expected to surpass ad revenue on traditional media”.

Madhavan also spoke about the Linear TV penetration in the country and said “With 900 channels, Linear television continues to enjoy an unparalleled reach of 900 million viewers and is the largest media platform in India. Unlike in other developed markets, there is significant growth potential for Linear TV as one-third of households in India do not have access to television. It will require the collective might of the IBDF members to connect the left out 100mn households to our fold.”

October 31, 2023
Viacom18 and PUMA light up ELCLÁSICO experience at the official LALIGA Watch Party in Delhi

Mumbai: The much-awaited clash between FC Barcelona & Real Madrid – one of the biggest sporting rivalries in world football – experienced unparalleled enthusiasm as it returned to the national capital on Saturday for the ‘The Official LALIGA Watch Party’. In collaboration with LALIGA’s media partner in the region, Viacom18 & global partner PUMA, the event witnessed massive participation. With Real Madrid securing a 2-1 win against the hosts, courtesy a Jude Bellingham brace, fans across Mumbai, Delhi, and Kerala were immersed in the LALIGA experience through similar screening activations in collaboration with LALIGA, Viacom18, and select fan clubs.

Emceed by football-centric content creator, Drogbaba, the excitement at the event was even captured by the Talk Football HD team across their social media handles while fans across different parts of the country viewed the free livestream on JioCinema and broadcast on Sports 18-1 HD. Alongside an array of exciting interactions and refreshments, fans also had the opportunity to participate in a half-time quiz activation by PUMA, on all things LALIGA & ELCLÁSICO. The grand prize was presented to a lucky fan at the end of the event through a raffle; An official LALIGA football signed by Indian cricket captain & LALIGA brand ambassador Rohit Sharma.

With regards to the success of the event, LaLiga Global Network Delegate India Aakriti Vohra said, “The passion and fervour displayed by football fans is a testament to the global appeal of LALIGA and the pull of the ELCLÁSICO. We are thrilled with the success of this event and are delighted to play a role in fan screening activations across Delhi, Mumbai & Kerala with support from Viacom18. Along with our global and Indian partners, we are committed to continuing our support for the beautiful game through this vibrant and passionate football community in India.”

October 31, 2023
Virgin Music Group unveils a new global leadership team and global reorganisation

Mumbai: Virgin Music Group, the world’s leading partner to independent music companies and entrepreneurs, announces a significant milestone in its journey by naming a newly appointed global leadership team.

As part of a global reorganization, Virgin Music Group integrates Ingrooves’ industry-leading global platform and patented marketing with Virgin Music, one of the world’s most iconic independent music brands, to offer independent artists and labels a full suite of global services, providing expertise that is unparalleled in the music industry. The company has already begun to integrate operations among the teams in 32 countries around the world, a process that will proceed over the coming months.

As the global independent music division of UMG, Virgin Music Group is expanding as a stand-alone organization, now under common Virgin branding, working within a proprietary global system that includes a unified infrastructure, platform, product suite, and team.

Here are the key points of this announcement:

Global Reorganisation: Virgin Music Group will now be organized into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and Emerging Markets. Each region will have dedicated leaders responsible for driving our presence and influence in their respective areas. Our centralized global leadership team will focus on maximizing the impact of marketing, commercial, and operational initiatives worldwide.

Brand Transition: Virgin Music (Label & Artist Services) and Ingrooves will now be known as Virgin Music Group, aligning our global branding and services. This transition will take place over the coming months.

Operational Integration: The company has already begun the process of integrating some operations, a transformation that will continue over the coming months.

Web and Social Transition: Our websites and social media accounts, including VirginMusic.com and Ingrooves.com, will evolve into Virgin Music Group branding. As a first step, both websites will temporarily redirect to VirginMusic.com.

Enhanced Global Solutions: The reorganization of Virgin Music Group provides independent labels and artists with broader, more flexible, and improved global solutions.

This reorganization builds on Universal Music Group’s (UMG) investment in creating successful long-term relationships with leading independent labels and artists worldwide.

VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TEAM:

1 Jacqueline Saturn is President of Virgin Music Group North America and EVP of Global Artist Relations.

2 Thomas Lorain and Nick Roden, co-presidents of Virgin Music Group Europe

3 Victor Gonzales, President of Virgin Music Group Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula

4 Nathan McLay, Managing Director of Virgin Music Group Australia & New Zealand

5 Michael Roe, Managing Director of Virgin Music Group Africa, Middle East, and Asia (AMEA),

6 Jay Blomquist, Chief Technology Officer

7 Jeremy Kramer, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing

8 Joy Larocca, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

9 Liz Morentin, Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Brand Strategy

10 Matt Sawin, Head of Global Product Strategy and Operations

11 Nina Rabe-Cairns, Head of Global Growth Strategy

12 Zack Gershen, Executive Vice President of Global Commercial and Digital Strategy

All members of the global leadership team will report directly to Virgin Music Group Co-CEOs JT Myers and Nat Pastor.

This exciting development signifies Virgin Music Group’s commitment to delivering enhanced music services on a global scale. We look forward to an even more dynamic and successful future, standing strong as a dedicated partner to independent music companies and artists worldwide.

October 31, 2023
From Wickets to Wallets: Brands score big in ICC World Cup 2023

Mumbai: In the midst of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, brands and advertising agencies have embarked on a strategic journey to secure a robust return on investment (ROI). This edition of the World Cup bears particular significance, as it comes after an extended hiatus of eleven years since the previous tournament. This prolonged interval has necessitated a reevaluation of marketing approaches, prompting brands to innovate and adapt their strategies to the evolving landscape of sports marketing. Through targeted campaigns, partnerships, and innovative activations, these entities aim to not only capture the attention of fervent cricket enthusiasts but also leave an indelible mark on the global stage. In this pursuit, their efforts are punctuated by insightful quotes and declarations that shed light on the underlying principles guiding their endeavours.

Here are some notable insights from brands and agencies at the heart of the ICC World Cup 2023.

Booking.com country manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia Santosh Kumar

Mega sporting events, such as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 an incredible sporting and cultural events, and an amazing opportunity to engage with our consumers. Since 2019, Booking.com has been the official accommodations partner for all ICC events including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 currently taking place in India. At Booking.com we have always believed it is essential to share our brand, deliver campaigns and forge partnerships that speak to our mission and values in highly relevant and timely ways with consumers. With more than 28 million reported listings in over 171,000 destinations worldwide, including destinations where ICC matches are taking place in India, Booking.com is committed to empowering travellers and cricket fans to book incredible places to stay throughout the tournament. Fans can make the most of their cricket-inspired travels, wherever that may take them – including rental cars, flights, great things to do and of course, unique places to stay of all kinds.

Booking.com has also launched a global campaign called ‘Howzat for your perfect stay’ featuring Rohit Sharma (India), Jos Buttler (England) and Glenn Maxwell (Australia).

1. This campaign showcases Booking.com’s commitment to making travel accessible, enjoyable, and full of surprises, aligning with the spontaneous and exciting nature of both sports and travel. It highlights the end-to-end ease and incredible choice of accommodations that Booking.com offers.

2. The TVC description for the Howzat for your Perfect Stay campaign which is being aired during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is taking viewers through the journey of a family dreaming of their perfect holiday for their dream cricket stay. With surprise appearances by Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler and Glenn Maxwell, it looks to show the fun and excitement of booking with Booking.com. It will also bring awareness to the Booking.com end-to-end ease of use and an incredible choice of accommodations.

3. The campaign would be showcased in-stadium, on the ground and social and digital channels, including TV, Disney+ Hotstar, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and more.

Booking.com additionally is doing a social media campaign ‘Booking race to the final’ to build excitement online. The campaign will challenge two influencer teams to a race to the final. The teams will race against time, and each other, to make it across India, to the final in Ahmedabad. They will use the Booking.com app to help them plan their journey (taxis, accommodations) and give away special prizes to viewers along their race to the final. We also have 1 big giveaway – Experience to the final going live this week (which consists of tickets to the final, accommodation, all expenses paid)

DRIM Global head of Asia Yulia Aslamova

Notably, several brands came up with various offers and discounts centred around the ICC World Cup to tap into the cricket-crazy nation’s passion for the game. The agencies also observed a significant increase in the number of orders delivered to brands on the CPA model of influencer marketing.

The brands focused on long-term partnerships with teams and players to build lasting associations, ensuring brand visibility beyond the tournament. Utilising digital platforms, they engaged fans through exclusive content, contests, and real-time updates. Sponsors also leveraged social issues and charitable initiatives to connect with audiences emotionally.

Additionally, creative advertising campaigns were designed to capture the excitement and passion associated with cricket. This multifaceted approach helped brands maintain brand recall and fan engagement over the extended interval, ultimately enhancing their ROI.

While the specific brands and their strategies can vary from tournament to tournament, some prominent examples include- Mobile App brands like ESPNcricinfo and Hotstar have developed popular cricket-themed apps that offer live scores, video highlights, and analysis, enhancing fan engagement. Similarly, online Streaming Platforms like Disney+ Hotstar have secured digital rights for broadcasting the tournament, providing subscription-based access and discounts to live matches.

Ideas Farm, head of client servicing Pooja Shah

I think almost every brand wants to associate with the World Cup in a small or big manner due to the sheer eyeballs that the cricket game garners. From signing cricketers and Bollywood celebrities as brand ambassadors to harnessing the pure emotion of the game via storytelling or a song anthem, brands deploy various strategies that work seamlessly for them.

Brands especially try and narrow down their engagement with audiences during an India match, which is when you have the attention of a much larger crowd that is ‘Indian’. A great example is the India-Pakistan match that happened over the weekend. We saw brands leveraging 2 core feelings – sportsmanship and the innate feeling of patriotism. Popular consumer brands like Swiggy and Zomato were seen with tongue-in-cheek comments on X and Instagram. The Make My Trip ad has polarised the netizens as coming across as a poor display of sportsmanship and it has elicited a response from its competitor brand. At the end of the World Cup, the strategy that has the best combination of heart and sportsmanship like the Star Sports 2015 ‘Mauka Mauka’ ad will stick and stand out.

October 31, 2023
Industry celebrates Punit Goenka’s achievements over the years

Mumbai: Punit Goenka has held the position of MD & CEO at ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. since 2010 and has achieved numerous notable successes during his tenure. His extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills have set him apart as a prominent figure in the media and entertainment sector. He is widely recognized for his pivotal role in establishing ZEE as a global entertainment brand, reaching audiences not only in India but also in 190 countries worldwide. With the support and confidence of India Inc., shareholders, employees, advertisers, and content creators, Goenka, at the age of just 48, possesses the necessary business acumen to guide the envisioned merger of ZEE and Sony towards a promising future.

Goenka, boasts more than two decades of experience in the media and entertainment industry, stands as one of the most accomplished business leaders in the sector, characterized by his acute business acumen. Over a span of three decades, he has steered ZEE successfully, identifying trends and transforming it into a media and entertainment powerhouse.

Distinguished as one of the youngest and most prolific leaders, he has an impressive list of achievements to his credit. His profound understanding of audience preferences has been instrumental in driving ZEE’s expansion into regional markets, revitalizing the studio business, launching India’s second-largest music label, and more.

His active involvement in shaping the future of the entertainment landscape spans diverse capacities. Currently, he serves as a board director for the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF). In the past, he held the position of Chairman of the TV measurement body BARC India, playing a crucial role in its founding team. He has also served as Chairman of IBDF, leading important discussions with policymakers. Additionally, as the President of the International Advertising Association’s (IAA) India Chapter, he addressed crucial industry-level interests and introduced several intellectual properties tailored to the advertising and marketing community. In many of these roles, he was re-elected for a second term by unanimous member consensus.

Goenka’s success in elevating ZEE’s performance over the years stems from his ability to identify opportune moments for scaling and constructing a diversified portfolio. His forward-looking vision has propelled the company to global recognition, with ZEE establishing an international presence in over 190 countries and reaching more than 1.3 billion viewers. In his capacity as the leader of India’s largest publicly-listed Media and Entertainment Company, Goenka demonstrates a profound understanding of the overall legal and regulatory environment. He remains unwavering in his commitment to creating value for all the company’s shareholders.

Leading an impressive portfolio that encompasses 50 domestic channels, 36 international channels, an OTT platform, a movie studio, and a music label, his experience in consistently managing profitability and surpassing industry margins quarter after quarter positions him well to replicate the success of ZEE within the anticipated merged entity, which is poised to become a formidable force in the Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector.

Goenka’s unwavering and optimistic approach equips him to navigate challenging circumstances, as exemplified when TRAI introduced the New Tariff Order, creating uncertainty for businesses. In response, he actively engaged with partners and key stakeholders to facilitate solutions that fostered the growth of the pay-tv ecosystem. His profound understanding of both technology and content, two crucial elements in today’s evolving entertainment landscape, underscores his competence. Notably, Goenka enjoys robust support from ZEE’s shareholders and investors, and he has cultivated substantial industry relationships. His ability to prioritize the interests of all stakeholders in his decision-making process is a hallmark of his leadership.

Hailing from an entrepreneurial background, he has instilled strong values and an entrepreneurial spirit within ZEE, fostering an environment where talent can flourish under his guidance. ZEE is recognized today as an Academy of Talent, nurturing numerous industry luminaries to their pinnacle of success.

Continuing to attract top-tier talent to the company, not only from the M&E industry but also from sectors such as FMCG and Banking, is a testament to Goenka’s ability. In an M&E industry facing a shortage of high-quality talent, particularly for an organization of ZEE’s scale, his talent acquisition strategy is pivotal for ensuring stability and growth. He has demonstrated his readiness to make tough decisions when they are necessary for the company’s profitability and the collective interests of all stakeholders. This includes the strategic exit from sports broadcasting when it wasn’t financially prudent, followed by a robust re-entry into the sports business, capitalizing on improved monetization opportunities in the segment.

@punitgoenka – having been one of the torch bearers of Media & Entertainment in India – more power to you to lead innovation and disruption in the next decade

— Ronnie Screwvala (@RonnieScrewvala) October 30, 2023

This order is paving way for consolidated Zee-Sony to take birth and emerge as a force under the leadership of Punit Goenka.

It has been 2+ years since merger was announced.

Time for shareholders to reap benefits soon of a listed media MNC in India.https://t.co/MxDQN6JKFE

— Shriram Subramanian (@reachShriram) October 30, 2023

October 30, 2023

CNBC-AWAAZ successfully hosts the North Zone edition of the 14th Real Estate Awards & Conclave

Mumbai: CNBC AWAAZ successfully concludes the North Zone of the 14th CNBC-AWAAZ Real Estate Awards & Conclave, presented by RR Kabel. The North Zone edition of the event took place in Delhi on 25 October 2023. At the conclave, notable industry leaders, real estate developers, policymakers, experts, and influential individuals convened to deliberate on the most recent trends influencing the future of the real estate sector and to explore strategies for accelerating its advancement in the upcoming years.

The event commenced with a welcome address by CNBC-AWAAZ & CNBC BAJAR editor Anuj Singhal. He said “These awards have been a trailblazer in recognizing achievements in the real estate sector for the past 16-17 years. The real estate industry holds significant importance for our country. Not more than a decade ago, the real estate sector was marred by a less favourable reputation. However, over the past 15 years, there has been a significant transformation in the perception of the real estate industry. The individuals gathered here today have been instrumental in this shift and have contributed to the sector’s evolution into a more organised and respected domain.”

The welcome address was followed by a special address by RR Kabel MD Shreegopal Kabra. He commented, “Last year, we established the Electrical Short Circuit Association, recognizing the prevailing trend in construction where buildings are designed for aesthetics but may lack a strong focus on safety and structural integrity, which are of paramount importance for our nation. Hence our emphasis is on both commercial and residential structures, including warehouses, whether they have a lifespan of 100 years or more with a sturdy building structure. There is a concerning prevalence of improper practices in the country driven by profit motives ignoring the safety of the project, and I believe that corporate governance should encompass the safety of each project. Real estate companies are achieving global recognition through marketing and advertisements, yet ensuring that we meet the lofty expectations set by these promotions remains a significant challenge, given the high standards set for our country.”

The event also featured panel discussions comprising esteemed industry personalities. The first discussion, titled Role of North India in Towering India’s Trillion-Dollar Real Estate Sector brought together industry thought leaders including Sanjay Khatri, Additional CEO, NOIDA; Munish Sharma, Additional CEO, GMDA (Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority); Namita Mehrotra, Director Finance, NCRCT; Vipul Roongta, Managing Director & CEO, HDFC Capital Advisors Ltd.; Pradeep Kumar Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd.; and Shreegopal Kabra, Managing Director, RR Kabel.

The concluding panel for the evening was on Preventing Electrical Fires: Innovations in Fire Detection and Suppression. The panel featured Atul Garg, Director, Delhi Fire Service, Govt of N.C.T of Delhi; Ashish Rakheja, managing partner, AEON Consultants and Shreegopal Kabra, managing director, RR Kabel.

Preceding the award ceremony, the chief guest of the evening Anuj Singhal engaged in a fireside chat with Nitin Gadkari – Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India. Gadkariji said, “Our Prime Minister’s vision is to transform our country into a 5 trillion-dollar economy, and one sector with the potential to drive this growth is the real estate industry. I recommend that this sector shift its focus towards affordable and low-cost housing, as it has the potential to significantly enhance their revenue.”

The evening ended on a high note with the award ceremony, where Nitin Gadkari – Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, Anuj Singhal, Shreegopal Kabra, and other esteemed guests felicitated the real estate projects from the North Zone of India. This event was presented by RR Kabel, Associate Partner – RR Parkon, Knowledge Partner – Knight Frank India and Powered by News18 India. The next phase shall see the felicitation of winners from the East and South Zones culminating into a final National Awards ceremony in January 2024.

Find the full winners list of the North Zone below:

CATEGORY	SEGMENT	WINNER	CITY
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – AFFORDABLE	Panchsheel Greens II – Panchsheel Buildtech	Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – MASS HOUSING	Habitat Residences- Conscient Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd	Gurugram, Haryana
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – MASS HOUSING	Ghar Aangan -Arihant Enterprises	Jaipur, Rajasthan
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – MASS HOUSING	Pt. Deen Dayal Residential Scheme, – Urban Improvement Trust Bikaner	Bikaner, Rajasthan
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – MID	Joyville Gurugam Phase VI – Shapoorji Pallonji	Gurugram, Haryana
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – MID	Express One – Express Builders	Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – MID	Signature Global Park II – Signature Global Homes Ltd	Sohna, Haryana
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – LUXURY	Gulshan Dynasty- Gulshan group	Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – LUXURY	County 107 -County Group	Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – ULTRA LUXURY	The Camellias- DLF Ltd	Gurugram, Haryana
Best Residential Project	SEGMENT – ULTRA LUXURY	Godrej Connaught One-Godrej Properties	Connaught Place , Delhi
BEST RETAIL PROJECT		Phoenix Citadel- Mall -The Phoenix Mills Ltd	Indore, Madhya Pradesh
BEST COMMERCIAL PROJECT		Max Square -Max Estates	Noida, Uttar Pradesh
BEST COMMERCIAL PROJECT		Eldeco Centre-Eldeco Group	New Delhi

October 30, 2023

Kaumudi Mahajan exits from Meta

Mumbai: Kaumudi Mahajan has announced the position of head of content strategy at Viacom18’s Colors. Mahajan shared the news of her move through a post on LinkedIn.

In the post she said, “My passion lies in the world of entertainment and so even after spending 15 years in it, it has kept me excited, curious and involved. I am grateful to work on brands that I truly admire. When I first started working, I was in awe of the impact Colors had by talking about social realities and now as I experience this brand, I am truly wowed. Looking forward to an incredible journey and can’t wait to learn and unlearn everything I know.”

In her previous role at Meta, Mahajan served as the head of Entertainment Partnerships. During her tenure, she collaborated with diverse teams to unlock substantial value for partners. She also harnessed the power of pop culture to create engaging opportunities on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

October 30, 2023