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Tag: Abhishek Singh

  • India pitches homegrown large language model as AI summit pre-events kick off

    India pitches homegrown large language model as AI summit pre-events kick off

    NEW DELHI: India is making a play for AI self-reliance. At pre-summit events for the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, held during the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi, the government announced plans to launch an Indian large language model by year-end, aiming to cut dependence on foreign systems.

    The IndiaAI Mission, approved last year, is already delivering results: 38,000 graphics processing units are now available at Rs 65 per hour, whilst 12 companies are developing foundation models. “We envision to launch an Indian Large Language Model by year-end, reducing dependence on foreign systems,” says ministry of electronics and information technology additional secretary,  chief executive of IndiaAI and director general of the National Informatics Centre Abhishek Singh. 

    The pre-summit events drew leaders from government, industry and academia to explore how AI can drive inclusive growth across telecom and digital infrastructure. Four panels tackled AI’s role in telecom impact, trustworthy deployment, workforce development and social empowerment. Representatives from Reliance Jio, Tata Consultancy Services, Google, Airtel, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft joined government officials for the discussions.

    MeitY secretary S Krishnan framed India’s approach as both innovative and frugal. “We have adopted innovative means by learning from the experiences of others to build viable projects and products that will truly make a difference for us,” he says. “A number of international agencies have also found our approach very appealing, to build a model which can be used for the rest of the global South.”

    IndiaAI Mission chief operating officer and scientist G at MeitY Kavita Bhatia highlighted AI’s potential in telecom—from spectrum management to fraud detection. “AI in telecom holds immense potential. It can ensure reliable connectivity in rural areas, enhance resilience against network disruptions, and power new services across various sectors.”

    The main India–AI Impact Summit 2026 is scheduled for 19-20 February at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Organised around three “sutras”—people, planet and progress—and seven thematic “chakras”, the summit will position India as a global convener on responsible AI deployment.

    Whether India can deliver a competitive LLM by December—or merely another government deadline—will test its ambitions. For now, the rhetoric is running ahead of the code.

  • Zee 24 Taas makes noise with Ganpati coverage that wins viewer devotion

    Zee 24 Taas makes noise with Ganpati coverage that wins viewer devotion

    MUMBAI: When Maharashtra welcomed its favourite elephant-headed god this year, Zee 24 Taas ensured no modak went unshared and no mandap went unseen. The channel rolled out wall-to-wall coverage of Ganesh Utsav 2025, blending ritual, revelry and reportage into a festival broadcast that stretched from the narrowest lanes of Pune to the furthest corners of the world.

    The scale was nothing short of spectacular. With live, on-ground reporting from major mandals across urban centres and rural outposts, Zee 24 Taas captured the devotion, colour and cultural vibrancy of the state’s most celebrated festival. Viewers not only saw the grandeur of Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja and Pune’s Dagdusheth Halwai mandal but also felt the pulse of smaller towns, where local communities brought their own flair to the festivities.

    And it wasn’t just Maharashtra tuning in. Through robust digital-first initiatives, including live streaming, interactive updates, mobile feeds and social media engagement, the coverage reached audiences across six continents, making it a truly global Ganesh Utsav. Diaspora viewers joined in real time, watching rituals, immersions and mandal visits unfold alongside political developments and community stories.

    Zee 24 Taas also went beyond just visuals, curating special programming that delved into the history, traditions and evolving practices of Ganesh Chaturthi. From exploring how eco-friendly celebrations are reshaping idol-making to telling stories from rural Maharashtra, the shows added depth, giving the festival both cultural context and contemporary relevance. Citizen voices, community stories and ground-level experiences further enriched the mix, ensuring the coverage felt participatory rather than just observational.

    Brands, too, took note. Leading advertisers partnered with the channel to tap into millions of festive viewers, leveraging Zee 24 Taas’ reputation as Maharashtra’s most trusted news destination. Even amid major political events dominating headlines, the channel balanced hard news with devotional fervour keeping audiences informed without diluting the festival spirit.

    The channel’s leadership called it a defining moment. managing editor Kamlesh Sutar described Ganesh Utsav as “a reflection of Maharashtra’s culture, traditions and collective spirit” and praised the team for capturing both the energy of the celebrations and the news pulse of the state. Meanwhile ZMCL CEO Karan Abhishek Singh pointed out how the coverage underscored the network’s commitment to immersive, accurate and engaging journalism extending from television to mobile screens.

    By uniting festival storytelling with timely reportage and global digital integration, Zee 24 Taas has set a new benchmark for what festival journalism can look like. This year’s Ganpati wasn’t just covered, it was celebrated, streamed and shared across the globe. And in the process, Zee 24 Taas showed why, in Maharashtra, it remains the channel where devotion meets credible journalism.

  • Asci AdNext Report: Indian Advertising Industry Embraces AI

    Asci AdNext Report: Indian Advertising Industry Embraces AI

    MUMBAI: At a glitzy Mumbai summit today, India’s advertising watchdog unveiled its latest deep dive into how AI is revolutionising the way brands seduce consumers. The Advertising Standards Council of India (Asci) dropped its AdNext: The AI Edition  report during the ICAS Global Dialogues Summit, delivering a sweeping analysis of artificial intelligence’s growing footprint in the advertising landscape.

    The report—crafted by design tech outfit Parallel HQ with backing from Google and Games 24X7—stitches together insights from over 27 industry heavyweights, including brand gurus, agency wizards, legal eagles and tech innovators.

    “AI presents an unprecedented opportunity for the advertising industry to connect with consumers in more meaningful ways,” said ASCI chief executive and secretary general  Manisha Kapoor.”However, this power must be wielded responsibly.”

    The findings paint a picture of an industry caught in a whirlwind romance with AI.  They highlight the optimistic outlook surrounding AI integration in advertising, with experts recognising its potential to drive efficiency and personalisation. A significant finding is the understanding that AI’s true strength lies in augmenting, not replacing, human creativity, enabling advertisers to craft compelling and nuanced narratives.

    Digital-native businesses are embracing the technology with open arms, while traditional players are finding clever workarounds to join the party. Perhaps most tellingly, the report suggests Indian consumers are surprisingly game for AI-powered advertising tricks—making the subcontinent a potential playground for experimental approaches. Recognising the need for guardrails in this rapidly evolving landscape, the report advocates for responsible AI frameworks and principles to guide the development and deployment of AI in advertising.

    ParalleL founder and chief executive Robin Dhanwani noted that “AI is reshaping industries rapidly, and advertising is no exception.” The report highlights how generative AI is democratising the playing field for small businesses that previously couldn’t afford Madison Avenue magic.

    Following the reveal, industry bigwigs locked horns in a spirited panel discussion exploring the tightrope walk between pushing AI’s boundaries and maintaining responsible practices. The chinwag featured perspectives from legal minds, tech giants and regulatory bodies on everything from data privacy to creativity concerns.

    In a separate fireside chat, additional secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Abhishek Singh, waxed lyrical about AI’s transformative impact on personalised content and audience targeting.

    The report concludes with a call for ongoing dialogue among stakeholders to develop frameworks for responsible AI use—ensuring the technology serves both corporate coffers and consumer interests equitably.

  • Ad Standards take centre stage as India hosts Global Summit

    Ad Standards take centre stage as India hosts Global Summit

    MUMBAI: India is set to become the epicentre of global advertising conversations as the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) gears up to host the ICAS Global Summit ICAS Global Dialogues 2025 from 17 to 19 March 2025, in Mumbai. This marks a historic first, with the prestigious event being held outside Europe and the US, signalling India’s increasing influence in shaping global advertising self-regulation.

    The by-invite-only summit will convene self-regulatory leaders from 16 countries, alongside global advertising associations, regulators, and top Indian industry players. With AI and emerging technologies rapidly reshaping the industry, the summit aims to foster discussions on ethical, progressive, and consumer-first advertising practices.

    The summit will feature a series of thought-provoking sessions addressing key industry shifts. It will kick off with the ICAS Global Self-Regulation Awards (March 17), celebrating the most innovative and impactful advertising self-regulation initiatives worldwide. This will be followed by the ICAS Think Tank & Panel Discussion, where ASCI, alongside Hindustan Unilever, Marico, Cipla Health, and Kenvue, will shape the future of global advertising standards. On March 18, the session ‘Tomorrow’s Regulation Today’ will explore emerging consumer vulnerabilities and the evolving role of advertising regulations in tackling them. The final day, March 19, will see ASCI Academy’s Global Adda, unveiling two major research studies, ‘Manifest: Masculinities Beyond the Mask’, a deep dive into male representation in media, and ‘AdNext: The AI Edition’, which explores AI’s transformative impact on advertising.  

    With over 250 attendees expected, including industry leaders, regulators, and marketing professionals, the event promises insightful discussions, knowledge-sharing, and future-focused advertising strategies.

    ASCI CEO & secretary general Manisha Kapoor said, “Hosting the ICAS Global Summit in India is a proud milestone for ASCI and the Indian advertising industry. We look forward to collaborating with global experts and gaining insights that will help us navigate new complexities while strengthening consumer trust.”

    ASCI chairman Partha Sinha added, “The timing of this summit is crucial as AI and other technologies rapidly reshape advertising. Bringing global perspectives together will help us collectively design forward-looking approaches that balance innovation with responsibility.”

    The summit will host a star-studded lineup of speakers, bringing together influential voices from across industries. Key speakers include Abhishek Singh, additional secretary, MeitY; Devdutt Pattanaik, renowned mythologist and author; Michael Todd, global director at Google, and Guy Parker, president of ICAS. Adding to the distinguished roster are Mary K Engle, EVP-policy at BBB National Programs, USA; Mohan Jayaraman, partner at Bain & Company; Ruchira Jaitly, CMO of Diageo India and Paromita Vohra, acclaimed filmmaker and writer. Their collective expertise promises to drive meaningful discussions on the future of advertising and self-regulation.  

    Supported by Diageo India, Hindustan Unilever, Google, United Breweries, Makemytrip, Games24x7, Khaitan & Co., and Lexplosion, the ICAS Global Summit 2025 is poised to drive progressive, ethical, and future-ready advertising practices with India leading the charge.

  • India triumphs in historic Bilateral International Deaf Cricket Series against England

    India triumphs in historic Bilateral International Deaf Cricket Series against England

    Mumbai: In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Indian Deaf Cricket Team emerged victorious at the County Ground, Leicester in the bilateral series against England, showcasing their prowess and resilience on the international stage. Indian team was invited & hosted by England & South Wales Cricket Board.

    ECB played the perfect host and the team was delighted to get this unique opportunity to play in five cricket grounds & prove their mettle each time.  The Indian Deaf Cricket Team’s success in the bilateral series against England is a moment of celebration for the entire nation, as it marks another milestone in the journey of Indian cricket. As they continue to inspire and uplift through their achievements, they undoubtedly pave the way for future generations of deaf cricketers to dream big and aim high.

    The series witnessed an intense battle between India and England, with both teams demonstrating exceptional cricketing talent. However, it was the Indian team that dominated throughout, securing a commendable series win by defeating the hosts by six wickets in the seventh and final match of the series.

    Match details:

    Abhishek Singh was awarded the title of ‘Man of the Match’ while Sai Akash was referred to as ‘Man of the Series’. Captain Virender Singh took the maximum wickets.

    Speaking on this monumental achievement for India, IDCA president Sumit Jain said, “The victory in this bilateral series against England is not just a win on the field but a testament to the perseverance and skill of our hearing impaired players. It marks a significant milestone for deaf cricket in India, showcasing our capability to compete and succeed at the highest levels of the sport. We are thrilled to see our team’s hard work and determination pay off, and we look forward to continuing our journey of excellence in deaf cricket.”

    He credited the hard work and dedication of every team member, as well as the unwavering support from fans and stakeholders.

    This series win not only reaffirms India’s dominance in deaf cricket but also underscores the growing talent and potential within the deaf cricketing community. It serves as a testament to the inclusivity and diversity of sports in India, showcasing how determination and skill can overcome any challenge.

    IDCA CEO Roma Balwani said, “I am delighted by India’s historic triumph against England in the bilateral series. This victory underscores our team’s resilience and commitment to excellence in cricket. It gives me immense pride in highlighting the power of sports to unite and inspire, showcasing the immense talent within our country. We are proud of our players and their dedication, and this win is remarkable as the team played in a new environment & succeeded with immense guidance from their coaches & skipper Virender Singh. The team was delighted to be hosted by ECB in England.

    Grateful to our support partners – Serum Institute of India, KFC India, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., APL Apollo Tubes Ltd, Shiv Naresh Sports Pvt Ltd, Impact Measurement and Kaizzen.

  • Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18’s AI alliance comes to the National Capital Region on 17 May

    Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18’s AI alliance comes to the National Capital Region on 17 May

    Mumbai: Following the resounding success of its Bengaluru and Pune edition, Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18’s AI Alliance is set to host its next chapter, themed ‘AI: Shaping the Future of NCR’ on 17 May 2024, at The Oberoi, Gurgaon. The summit promises to highlight the transformative potential of AI across various industries and its pivotal role in shaping the future of the National Capital Region (NCR).

    Known for its diverse array of IT/BPM firms, multinational corporations, and a thriving startup ecosystem, NCR has been a key contributor to India’s prominence in the technology sector. With its inherent advantages, tech talent and potential in AI innovation, NCR was a natural choice for the AI alliance.

    The AI Alliance in NCR will serve as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, fostering collaboration and charting a path for NCR’s AI-driven future.

    The event will be graced by distinguished speakers such as S Krishnan (Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), Abhishek Singh (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), Rajan Anandan (Managing Director, Peak XV Partners) Kunal Bahl (Co-Founder, Snapdeal and Titan Capital), Rafee Tarafdar (CTO, Infosys), Prateek Maheshwari (co-founder PhysicsWallah) Varun Alagh (co-founder and CEO, Honasa Consumer) Mayank Kumar (Co-founder & MD, upGrad), Pratham Mittal (Founder, Masters’ Union) and Ruchi Kalra (Co-Founder, OfBusiness and Oxyzo).

    The event will also have top executives from Nandan Nilekani’s people+ai to take the audience through why India can emerge as the AI use case capital of the world.

    Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights as the discussions touch upon themes ranging from India’s AI mission, AI regulation and policy, impact of AI on the IT sector, building population scale AI, its implications on education, to the essentials of building a thriving AI startup ecosystem in the region. The audience will also get a chance to interact with founders, policymakers, and thought leaders, and explore networking opportunities and potential collaborations.

    Moneycontrol deputy executive editor Chandra R Srikanth said, “With the NCR city chapter of AI Alliance, we are deepening our commitment towards fostering and building an AI community in India and shining a light on its impact across sectors. Just as our Pune edition highlighted the city’s vibrant auto, Saas and deep tech ecosystem, this event will delve into NCR’s tech DNA and the opportunities it can leverage in the AI era. It will serve as a platform to boost collaboration and innovation.”

  • News18 India’s flagship summit Chaupal to happen in Delhi on 5 February

    News18 India’s flagship summit Chaupal to happen in Delhi on 5 February

    Mumbai: News18 India, Hindi news channel, is all set to host the next edition of its flagship summit, News18 India Chaupal, on 5 February 2024, in New Delhi. This year’s Chaupal will mark a new chapter in the property’s history with a completely overhauled visual identity. Chaupal will continue to focus on the real issues of Bharat but from a futuristic lens – looking at strategies for driving inclusive and transformative growth that will fuel India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047, a goal that PM Modi has set out for the country.

    Hindi News, Network18 CEO Karan Abhishek Singh, articulating his vision for News18 India Chaupal said, “At this crucial juncture in India’s growth journey, this year’s Chaupal will serve as a catalyst, driving discussion on strategies for impactful change that can contribute significantly to the nation’s progress. We are proud to be at the forefront of shaping this narrative and fostering positive development for the future.”

    News18 India and Hindi digital editor Jyoti Kamal expressed his excitement for the upcoming summit and remarked, “News18 India Chaupal enables us to not only discuss but actively contribute to shaping India’s future. I am thrilled about the diverse lineup we have curated for Chaupal and am confident that our viewers will find the discussions both compelling and insightful.”

    Top political leaders such as national BJP president J P Nadda, union minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari, union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal, union minister of education, skill development and entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan, union minister of women & child development and minority affairs Smriti Irani, union minister of information & broadcasting and youth affairs & sports Anurag Thakur, union minister of railways, communications and electronics & information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, union minister of earth sciences Kiren Rijiju, former union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Rajya Sabha MP Digvijay Singh, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, cricketers Mohammed Shami & Shikhar Dhawan, and Bollywood actors Ayushmann Khurrana, Taapsee Pannu, Ashutosh Rana, and many others will speak at the summit.

    News18 India Chaupal will be aired live on News18 India on 5 February 2024,10 AM onwards.

  • News18 lines up non-stop programming ahead of Ram Temple inauguration

    News18 lines up non-stop programming ahead of Ram Temple inauguration

    Mumbai : News18 India, the country’s number one Hindi news channel, is set to host a mega-celebration of the inauguration of Ram Temple with its special programming, titled ‘Shree Ram Mahaparv’.

    In the run up to the inauguration on 22 January, the channel has significantly enhanced its programming. News18 India’s popular show, ‘Bhaiyaji Kahin,’ will embark on a journey to Ayodhya, engaging with locals to capture the ground sentiment. A special 1 hour documentary, ‘Ramlala Virajman,’ will be aired on the channel, featuring stories related to Lord Ram from various places in Ayodhya.

    It will include insights from spiritual leaders such as Jagadguru Shri Ram Bhadracharya, Sadhvi Ritambhara, Jagadguru Mithilesh Nandini Sharan, Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, ShriDharacharya, among others.

    The channel is also creating a setup on the banks of Sarayu River in Ayodhya, referred to as ‘Ram ki Paidi,’ as well as other significant locations in Ayodhya, to deliver unmatched live programming starting January 18 on both TV and its digital platforms.

    Moreover, the channel will debut the News18 Ram Lalla Song, titled ‘Pranam Siya Ram,’ on this momentous occasion. Written by the renowned author of ‘The Hidden Hindu’ trilogy, Akshat Gupta, and performed by Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan, the song serves as a melodious celebration of the inauguration of the Shree Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

    Several top leaders and politicians are also going to be on News18 India exclusively during this period. Through its ‘Ayodhya Yatra’ segment, News18 India will capture the on-going development and transformation of the city of Ayodhya. Additionally, the channel will mark the occasion with a distinctive assembly of renowned poets, through a ‘Kavi Sammelan’ that will give expression to the faith of millions in poetic verse making for truly compelling viewing.
    Besides the special shows, the inauguration coverage will feature the channel’s top anchors, who will host live shows from Ayodhya, along with multi-city coverage to capture sentiments from across the country.

    News18’s HSM channels will also participate in this extensive coverage led by News18 Uttar Pradesh / Uttarakhand, which will bring non-stop reports starting from Friday, January 19.

    Speaking on the special programming,  Network18 CEO – Hindi news Abhishek Singh said, “There is immense curiosity regarding each aspect of the temple and its construction; people genuinely want to know every intricate detail. And as India’s number one Hindi news channel, we are leading the charge to deliver comprehensive coverage from Ayodhya, ensuring an unparalleled viewer experience through our diverse programming line-up. Given the significant interest in the event, we anticipate a notable surge in viewership. Consequently, advertisers are expected to capitalize on the increased viewership and plan their marketing investments to leverage the surge in eyeballs for the channel.”

  • Hirect strengthens its leadership team with two new appointments

    Hirect strengthens its leadership team with two new appointments

    Mumbai: Hirect, a chat-based direct hiring app designed specifically for high-growth startups, has announced two new appointments to strengthen its leadership team. As part of this strategic hiring process, the company has appointed Ramani Ganesh and Abhishek Singh for the position of head of HR and head of marketing, respectively. 

    “Hirect has grown immensely, gaining massive traction in a very short span. To take the company to new heights, we need industry leaders with significant potential and talent. The strategic hiring move has been taken in sync with this vision,” said Hirect global co-founder and India CEO Raj Das. “We are sure that Ramani and Abhishek, with their experience and excellence in their respective domains, will be a huge driver for Hirect, further accelerating its growth journey and positioning its stance as a leader in the ever-evolving business landscape.”

    At the company’s helm, Ganesh will be responsible for driving business strategy and people agenda. She has over fifteen years of experience in the HR domain across IT, import/export, and manufacturing. “I am delighted to be a part of a growing company like Hirect. The brand has done great work so far in the hiring sector by automating the manual processes. I am sure I will be able to contribute to the company’s growth and development,” Ganesh said on her new role.

    On the other hand, Singh will be accountable for handling overall marketing strategies, brand positioning along with sustainable growth and advanced marketing innovations. He has done his MBA in marketing specialisation from Bangalore University and comes with the experience of over 14 years. “All of us understand the business world around us is changing dramatically. And hiring the right talent is getting very critical for the success of any company and more important for startups. My idea is to help the brand position itself as the most preferred destination for startups for ramping up their teams in a smart and effective way,” Singh said.

  • News18 network announces second edition of BYJU’S ‘Young Genius’

    News18 network announces second edition of BYJU’S ‘Young Genius’

    Mumbai: Building on the success of the first edition of BYJU’S “Young Genius – Umar Choti, Kaam Bade” which aired between January and March 2021, news network News18 has announced the launch of the second edition of the show with a new promo. The registrations for the second edition beginning January 2022 are open now.

    Hosted by senior Network18 editor and anchor Anand Narasimhan, “Young Genius” comprises 11 episodes, honouring around 20 young geniuses in the age group of six to fifteen. The show features and recognises the inspiring journeys and achievements of child prodigies with exceptional talent in academics, arts, science, sports, music and other creative fields. The kids will be joined by some of India’s most celebrated personalities who will be seen sharing their experiences with them, said the broadcast network in a statement.

    “The success of BYJU’S Young Genius demonstrates the acceptability of inspiring and entertaining stories and refreshing show formats on Indian television,” said News18 Network CEO – Hindi news, Karan Abhishek Singh. “The first edition received massive viewership, 98.4 per cent positive sentiment on social platforms and consistent demand for new episodes week-on-week from viewers across the country. The phenomenal response has led us to announce the second season of BYJU’S Young Genius which promises an even more enthralling line-up of stories of child prodigies.”

    “The first season of Young Genius felicitated and featured extraordinary talent across the country and we are back again with the second season to feature India’s young geniuses. Our country is filled with exceptional talent, and a platform like this aims to recognise and celebrate such hidden gems,” added BYJU’s marketing head, Atit Mehta.  

    In order to cater to a diverse audience base, the show will be aired on 18 network channels including News18 India, CNN-News18, History TV18, History TV18 HD, News18 Rajasthan, News18 Bihar/Jharkhand, News18 Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh, News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand, News18 Bangla, News18 Lokmat, News18 Urdu, News18 Kannada, News18 Gujarati, News18 Odia, News18/Punjab/Haryana/Himachal, News18 Kerala, News18 Tamil Nadu and News18 Assam/Northeast.

    Children intending to participate can register on https://www.news18.com/younggenius/ or download the BYJU’S app and register under the BYJU’S Young Genius section.