ITV

Tag: covid-19

  • MTV India mobilizes youth to aid India’s fight against Covid

    MTV India mobilizes youth to aid India’s fight against Covid

    New Delhi: As the country continues to reel under the impact of the second Covid wave, the need for communities to come together towards helping each other has never been more imperative. As part of its latest MTV Cancel Covid initiative, youth entertainment brand, MTV on Tuesday launched a celebrity closet fundraiser in association with e-commerce platform SaltScout that supports fundraising for social causes.

    The proceeds from – ‘MTV No Fever Sale’ conducted through Dolce Vee, a platform that conducts charity sales of preloved fashion, will be donated to Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), a non-profit organization that specializes in building community resilience against disasters.

    The MTV No Fever Sale will let fans shop from the closets of some of the renowned actors, singers and influencers from the entertainment industry such as Rannvijay Singha, Taapsee Pannu, Shilpa Shetty, Sunny Leone, Raftaar, Terence Lewis, Varun Sood, and many more. These celebrities have come forward to donate clothes, accessories and memorable items owned by them for their fans to get a chance to shop for a cause.

    The initiative is an endeavor to mobilise the youth of the country and utilize their love for shopping for the greater good – “Shop for a Cause”, said the channel on Tuesday.

    SaltScout founder Komal Hiranandani said the initiative has brought together the country’s top talent with its fan base to make giving back more engaging and to raise awareness about the many ways in which each of us can contribute. “We are incredibly grateful to them, the panel of celebrity participants – the likes of which have never before been assembled, and the fans, who have been sincere in their efforts to help those in need every step of the way,” added Hiranandani.

    SEEDS co-founder Dr. Manu Gupta said, “Our association with MTV for a bold initiative like MTV No Fever Sale has hugely boosted our confidence of doing even more for fellow citizens.  The unique celebrity closet fundraiser is an endeavor to mobilize youth of the country, with whom we hope to ultimately reach out to most marginalised communities in the country who have limited means and access to timely health care and vaccination,” he added.

    Ranging from Taapsee Pannu’s fashionable black jacket and a white shirt she wore for the promotion of her new film to Raftaar’s swanky cap and shoes and Rannvijay’s trendy sneakers, the sale will give fans a chance to own their favourite celebrity’s belongings and extend help to those in need, said the brand. The initiative also brings to light the ever-evolving phenomenon of pre-loved sustainable shopping, which addresses the impact of carbon footprint on the planet and the need for a cleaner environment.

    “The pandemic shook the nation in ways none of us would have ever imagined and it breaks my heart to see people suffering. Amidst all the chaos, it is imperative that all of us come forward to help each other in the best possible way, and I’m happy to do my bit for a humbling initiative like this one which endeavors to mobilize the youth of the country to bring about a change,” said actress Shilpa Shetty.

    The sale is live at www.mtvnofeversale.com.

  • Domestic travel picks pace amid vaccine roll-out, easing of rules shows survey

    Domestic travel picks pace amid vaccine roll-out, easing of rules shows survey

    MUMBAI: More than a year into the pandemic, restrictions on movement continue across various countries. However, the global appetite for travel remains intact, with an inclination towards domestic travel (51 per cent) exceeding international (18 per cent). A significant fact is that the resumption of travel will start closer to home.

    According to YouGov’s ‘International Travel & Tourism Report 2021: The road back to normality‘ , post-pandemic international travel will begin with familiar destinations, while business travel recovery may take longer. It also showed that 77 per cent of global consumers plan to travel in the next 12 months with 57 per cent planning over two trips. Majority of the travel demand will be led by millennials and Gen X, according to the survey.

    The survey conducted in 25 global markets including India among 1.8 lakh respondents found that there is a gradual fall in the number of people concerned over health risks across the globe since January 2021, in line with the approvals of vaccines and their widespread rollout.

    As the pandemic begins to subside globally and extensive vaccinations buoy up spirits in most parts of the world, what does the road back to normality look like for the travel & tourism sector? Encouragingly for travel companies, the intent to travel domestically for leisure rose sharply at the start of 2021. The recovery of international travel depends on softening of restrictions, found the study which shows that international travel intent in 2020 remained low due to strict restrictions. But as more herd immunity is reached in various parts of the world, it’s reasonable to expect declining health concerns, even if they don’t disappear completely.

    With the European Union all set to roll out its ‘Green Pass’ or Digital Covid certificate to facilitate free movement during these challenging times, there’s a glimmer of hope for the travel industry in 2021. And now with news coming in that European countries, including Switzerland and Germany, are ready to extend the pass to Indians vaccinated by Covishield, there is some respite in store for those pent-up wanderlust emotions lying suppressed for over a year now.

    The road back to normality for the travel industry, however, is going to be a bumpy one. Only one in five consumers globally plan to travel internationally in the next 12 months. The report analyses consumer travel preferences and identifies the emerging opportunities that will prove most lucrative for industry players. As travel attitudes and restrictions shift rapidly, so do travelers’ interests in particular destinations.

    The changes we see in travelers’ consideration of different destinations appear linked to both the seasonal relevancy of the destination, as well as the restrictions that are currently in place to travel to or from the locale.

    Health risks remain the biggest barrier to travel (48 per cent) for global survey respondents, followed by safety (37 per cent) and travel restrictions (35 per cent)- Although, the proportion of those concerned about health risks from travelling has gradually decreased since January, when it stood at 56 per cent, in line with the rollout of the vaccine.

    A clear appetite for travel globally is indicated with more than 77 per cent of the respondents planning trips during the next 12 months and with more than half of this group planning two or more journeys (57 per cent).

    Millennials and Gen X have the confidence and the means

    The youngest generation, Gen Z, has been the hardest hit economically. While they have less concern over health risks, a lack of disposable income is holding them back in terms of their ability to travel freely, the study shows. The oldest generation is on the other side of the coin – with savings due to having spent less in the last year, but more concerns around travel safety. Somewhere in the middle is the audience travel companies are looking for. Millennials and Gen X on average have the combination of confidence to travel, lack of immediate health risks, and the finances to fund trips in the coming months and years.

    The survey indicates that around a third of people globally feel restrictions are preventing them from traveling. Travel restrictions and risks of quarantine have proven to be a more constant dampener than concerns about the virus. Uncertainty over local and national lockdowns as well as international travel will continue to put downward pressure on a fragile recovery.

  • National Doctors’ Day: CNN-News18 salutes medics with its social campaign

    National Doctors’ Day: CNN-News18 salutes medics with its social campaign

    New Delhi: In the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, doctors and the entire medical fraternity have worked selflessly and relentlessly to not only treat patients but also help raise awareness to keep people safe. To salute their undying spirit and pay tribute to the brave doctors, CNN-News18 has launched the #ExtraordinaryAmongUs campaign starting from 1 July.

    Commemorating National Doctor’s Day, the news channel has announced a week-long programming line-up exemplifying the relentless drive of our doctors. The line-up will comprise special shows such as Warrior’s Talk that will capture the stories of doctors, their experiences of treating the patients, and ensuring their mental and emotional well-being.

    The campaign will also bring an exclusive segment called Survivor’s Note which will showcase the heartening stories of the survivors of COVID-19. Viewers will witness hitherto unheard stories of tender care given by the doctors helping people fight and survive through COVID-1

    Speaking on the campaign, Network18’s CEO -business news cluster, Smriti Mehra said, “As a responsible news channel, we, at CNN-News18, have always believed in driving impact through engaging conversations. With this campaign, we recognize the unwavering spirit and commitment of our doctors and the entire medical fraternity in these unprecedented times. #ExtraordinaryAmongUs aims to highlight the stories of bravery, and selfless service provided by the doctors.”

    The campaign will conclude with Doctors’ Corner, a virtual conclave that will host some of the notable personalities from the Indian medical fraternity as they share their experiences from the COVID-19 wards. The channel’s formidable team of editorial experts led by veteran anchors and journalists will also pay their tribute to the incredible service offered by the doctors to humanity. 

  • News18 HSM Network brings special programing on National Doctors’ Day

    New Delhi: The difficult times faced by all amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the contributions and sacrifices made by doctors and healthcare staff around the globe on a daily basis.

    To honor these selfless heroes, News18 HSM Network has planned special shows on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day. These special shows will be dedicated to all medical professionals who have put the welfare of others above all else even at the risk of their own lives, said the network.

    The programming will feature eminent personalities from the medical field as well as political leaders in a discussion which will focus not only on the healthcare challenges that the country has been facing, but also the steps need to be taken to avoid and handle any health emergencies in the future.

    “The special Doctors’ Day celebration on News18 HSM channels is an attempt on our part to express our gratitude to these “angels in white” and highlight their importance in our lives,” said the network in a statement.

    The special programming on July 1 will begin on News18 Rajasthan at 2:00 pm, News18 Bihar/JHH at 6:30 pm, News18 UP/UK at 4:30 pm, News18 MP/CG at 3:30 pp and News18 PHH at 8:30 pm.

  • Nissan’s latest campaign with Kapil Dev promotes Covid awareness

    New Delhi: As the country gradually unlocks, Nissan India has launched an integrated general awareness and safety campaign with cricketer Kapil Dev that aims to educate & empower India against COVID-19 through Cricket.

    The campaign draws parallels between preparing for a match and preparing to fight COVID-19, to amplify the message of safety by urging Indians to come together as the country faces one of its toughest matches yet on health and safety. The seven-video series campaign is available on all digital-led platforms, with a new video going live every third day.

    Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, the cricketer said, ”I am pleased to be a part of an impactful campaign that impels each one of us to do our bit to win over COVID-19 as a nation. As part of Team India, I have won many battles on the field but this battle with COVID-19 has been the toughest. It is a plea from us to the people of India on what we can all do to move to safety to make India win over COVID-19.”

    Nissan Motor India MD Rakesh Srivastava said, “The auto industry has led from the front in making strong contributions towards combating the challenges of COVID-19. As the challenge continues, Nissan India has chosen cricket as a medium of choice to amplify the message on safety through precautions to win the battle over COVID-19 that we’re fighting as a nation. Towards this, who better than one of the most admirable icons in Indian cricket history that brought home the 1983 World Cup to lead to spread the message.” 

  • India Inc and Republic TV join hands to present IGF-London ’21

    Mumbai: India Inc and Republic Media Network have come together to broadcast the coveted India Global Forum’s (IGF) flagship event from 29 June to 1 July. IGF, organised from London as a hybrid event, will bring together the premier political and business leaders to set the vision and ambition for the post-pandemic world. It will highlight the theme of ‘Future Now – Radical Actions for the Post-Pandemic Ara’.

    The event will host 200-plus high-profile speakers and participants from over 50 countries across the globe.

    A high-powered lineup of eminent speakers includes senior Indian cabinet ministers Dr S Jaishankar (External Affairs), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), and Piyush Goyal (Commerce), Nitin Gadkari (Transport), and Smriti Irani (Women, Textiles). Senior ministers and former leaders from the UK have also endorsed their participation – UK chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak, UK first secretary of state and secretary of state for foreign, commonwealth and development affairs Dominic Raab, UK home secretary Priti Patel, Institute for Global Change ED & former UK PM, Tony Blair have also signed on the roster. 

     

    Michael Bloomberg (Entrepreneur; climate change activist and New York’s ex-mayor), World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and General David H. Petraeus (KKR Global Institute ex-CIA Director), and Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru are also part of the star-studded line-up.
     

    In keeping with the #FutureNow central theme, the sessions of the forum have been broadly divided across the sessions including climate action, digital future, global business, economic recovery, health & health-tech, securing supply chains, and global leadership.

    A series of power-packed sessions will cover every aspect of India’s ubiquitous role in ensuring the ‘build back better’ goals of the world’s leading economies are in harmony with India’s growth ambitions.
     

    London headquartered India Inc Group, founder and CEO, Manoj Ladwa said, “This year’s India Global Forum brings with it a sense of urgency and impatience about the radical actions needed now to shape a post-pandemic World. It is where the big global issues of climate change, economic recovery, and opportunity, digital transformation, and tackling new age imperialist and fundamentalist threats get debated.”

    “This is the biggest and most impactful gathering on India’s globalisation anywhere in the World. It is where the enterprise of a business leader meets the power of a politician; the curiosity of a scientist meets the ingenuity of an engineer; the wisdom of experience meets the impatience of ambition. It is quite simply where India meets the world, and the world meets India. We are therefore thrilled by this partnership with Republic TV in India that will take the ideas and ambitions of the Forum to the widest possible audience,” he said.

    “At Republic, we see great potential in the coming together of two great democracies: the UK and India. We believe that with an exchange of ideas and collaboration of minds, this transformative relationship has a game-changing future,” MD and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami said, whose Republic TV is the exclusive broadcast partner for IGF in India. “The purpose is to come together to ideate at this global forum on common geo-strategic, geo-political and economic interests. The level of discourse, the profile of the panels, and the global outlook of this forum is going to make it a remarkable event.”

  • Kabaddi Adda unveils new mental health campaign ‘Mann Ki Jeet’

    Kolkata: In wake of recent events propelled by the Covid-19 pandemic, Kabaddi Adda has launched its new mental health campaign to build a greater support system for the player community at the grassroots.

    The campaign ‘Mann Ki Jeet’, has been supported by the biggest names in kabaddi including, the Indian Kabaddi Team former captain Ajay Thakur, along with the award-winning national players like BC Ramesh, Ashok Shinde, Rishank Devadiga, current Indian captain Deepak Niwas Hooda, veteran Dharmaraj Cheralathan and Dronacharya Awardee coach Rambir Singh Khokhar, alongside the CEOs of the Pro Kabaddi League.

    NIMHANS Bangalore, former dean and senior professor of Psychiatry, Dr. Santosh Kumar Chaturvedi, and other prominent doctors will also be on board.

    The campaign, which has three closed-door sessions, will be accessible to everyone and primarily be hosted in Hindi and is aimed at the Kabaddi players.

    As part of this initiative, special invites have also been extended to players and coaches from 90+ academies (800+ players) who qualified to participate in the upcoming K7 Kabaddi tournament.

    Attendees will also get a chance to ask questions while gaining valuable insights and suggestions from the experts and professional Kabaddi players that share their learnings and experiences.

    “I too have been suffering from anxiety and depression since the pandemic,” shares the ace kabaddi player and one of the leading voices of the initiative, Ajay Thakur. “I would now like to help young players participating in the K7 tournament realise their mental health issues and work around the same. This has been a hard time for all of us and I’m truly hoping that the upcoming events will rescue us from this dry run.”

    He also adds, “I’m so glad to see so many kabaddi community leaders coming together and joining forces to take up the cause to help the Kabaddi players’ ecosystem.”

    The sessions will be available on Kabaddi Adda as episodic pieces for subscribers of the platform. Edited excerpts of these conversations will also be available on its official social platforms.

  • Chingari’s World Music Day concert raises funds for Covid relief

    Mumbai: Homegrown short-video sharing platform, Chingari has been at the forefront of out-of-the-box fun engagements for its users. Recently, the ‘Chingari World Music Day Concert’ under #MusicForACause successfully achieved musical fun while supporting the country in its fight against the pandemic. The event was aimed at offering aid for pandemic relief by donating its entire share of profits.

    Chingari App’s co-founder & CEO Sumit Ghosh said, “Chingari does not believe in being just a run-of-the-mill short-video sharing platform. ‘Chingari World Music Day Concert’ under #MusicForACause was our way to connect with the ever-growing user base and keep them engaged in a manner that they enjoy as well as feel included. The event gave users an opportunity to come together for a good cause. It was all about staying entertained while being safe, being useful, and having a great time under a single roof.”

    Chingari App’s co-founder & COO Deepak Salvi said, “We, at Chingari, are aware of the brutal scars that the pandemic has etched in our hearts permanently. But that shouldn’t stop us from enjoying and being there for each other in such times. People’s tremendous response is proof that they want to enjoy and prefer doing it through music. The huge profit donated to the pandemic relief support has left us smiling and reveals that the Chingari family wears its heart on its sleeve. We look forward to rolling out more such activities in the coming times.”

    The concert saw an exciting line-up of celeb performers – from Salim Merchant, Ved Sharma, Sahil Sharma to Indian Idol Season one finalist Harish Moyal, Abhijit Sawant, and Paroma Dasgupta.

  • Times Network launches 2nd edition of Living Room Conclave – India Health Mission

    Mumbai: Times Network has announced the second edition of Living Room Conclave – India Health Mission, a conclave series that will focus on combating the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    As India moves ahead while battling the cruel second wave, it is pertinent to continue following the safety protocols and avert the threat of a possible third wave. Addressing these imminent challenges through a course of discussions with eminent figures, who are at the epicentre of the pandemic management, India Health Mission will air from 19 June, every Saturday at 6.30 pm on TIMES NOW & TIMES NOW WORLD and at 7:30 pm on ET NOW. 

    The five-part series will feature key stakeholders from healthcare and health ministry including Cipla MD & CEO Umang Vohra, The Calcutta Medical Research Institute director & HOD, Pulmonology Dr. Raja Dhar, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation director & chief Dr. V Mohan, Gleneagles Global Hospital – Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Chennai director Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan, amongst others.  

    The launch episode will witness a special panel discussion on India’s Vaccine Roll Out with B Medical Deputy CEO Jesal Doshi, Nephron Clinic Chairman Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Bagai and Neuberg CMD Dr. GSK Velu. 

    Times Network MD & CEO MK Anand said, “The catastrophic COVID-19 second wave has led to a dramatic loss of human lives and presented immense challenges to a strained medical infrastructure. As the country stabilizes with measures including accelerated nationwide vaccination drive and gradual unlocking of States, it is critical to stay focused and brace ourselves to combat possible new waves. Focusing on Covid-19 pandemic preparedness, India Health Mission, is an initiative to empower citizens with critical health and safety advisories through discussions with key stakeholders from the healthcare sector and the health ministry.” 

    Led by Times Network’s leading news anchors, India Health Mission will cover all the critical questions related to COVID-19 and offer important updates to the viewers including steps required to preventing the virus from spreading, vaccination drives, unlock phase across cities, key measures undertaken by the government to combat the situation and how we can prevent the third wave.

  • Second Covid wave weakens consumer sentiments, anxiety at an all-time high

    Mumbai: Consumer anxiety is at its highest level since the coronavirus outbreak hit India last year, shows the latest round of consumer sentiment survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

    The second wave of covid-19, which saw a huge spike in the country’s caseload and casualties numbers, has further weakened consumer sentiment as households cut their expenditure, says the report. At least 58 per cent of consumers think their income in the next six months will be lower than pre-COVID levels, as against 44 per cent in July last year. Similarly, the sentiment about spending has been impacted, with 51 per cent of consumers expecting their spending over the next six months to be lower, as compared to 40 per cent in July 2020.

    According to the survey, this fall in sentiment is steepest among the less affluent income groups or those with annual household income less than Rs five lakh. The study carried out between 23 May and 28 May covers 4000 consumers across all socio-economic groups in urban and rural India and is the sixth conducted by the group during the pandemic, since March last year.  

    Unlike last year, sentiments were impacted more uniformly across large towns, small towns, and rural areas in 2021 with 55-60 per cent of consumers across all feeling that the worst of the coronavirus is still ahead, BCG said in its report.

    Even amongst those in the Rs 10 lakh and above annual income bracket — termed as “affluent” households by the survey — expect their incomes to shrink in the next six months.

    The survey demonstrates uncertainty for more discretionary categories such as apparel, personal care, cosmetics, travel, and out-of-home entertainment in particular. “Travel, out of home entertainment continues to show negative sentiment with expected cutbacks reaching all-time highs,” as per the survey’s findings.

    The report sheds light on consumer anxiety, which is at its ‘highest levels’ since the pandemic hit India, with concerns around economic outlook, health, and lifestyle being accentuated.

    An overwhelming 86 per cent of those surveyed cited concerns over an economic recession due to the pandemic. Over 80 per cent reported feeling some sense of uncertainty toward their jobs and income—the highest ever recorded by the consulting firm.

    However, the forecast is not all bleak- there are certain positive themes too. Some categories like essentials, health, in-home entertainment, etc continued to show a stable, positive sentiment.

    “There is an impending sense of uncertainty however we have observed certain positive messages too. The spending sentiment has not been impacted similarly across categories. Essentials, health, in-home entertainment continue to be winners. Some of the discretionary categories, however, have been negatively impacted.” said BCG India MD & partner Nimisha Jain.

    There were also indicators that the shape of the new normal for consumer behaviour is beginning to emerge, now that we have been in the crisis for over a year.

    “Many of the newly adopted behaviours ranging from social commerce, online shopping, digital content/ payments – have continued to stick, even when the lockdowns were no longer in place. However, others like ‘do it yourself’ regimes, online doctor consultations have shown high sensitivity to the pandemic situation.” said BCG India Centre for Customer Insight lead Kanika Sanghi.

    A positive trend has also emerged, which shows a significant increase in the willingness to take vaccines after the lethal second Covid wave – especially in small towns and rural areas, which had shown high levels of hesitancy/ indifference earlier. At least 78 per cent of the eligible consumers in large towns said that they were very willing to take the vaccine now – compared to 62 per cent earlier. For rural, it stands at 63 per cent now as compared to 41 per cent earlier.

    BCG’s COVID-19 consumer sentiment research is based on a global survey that currently covered both developed and emerging markets. It is fielded in waves to provide a longitudinal view of consumer sentiments about the coronavirus pandemic, and changes in consumer consumption behaviour.